I reached this point on the path and considered turning back. As I stopped and looked back at the pavement toward where the car was parked, I knew I had to make a decision. I was not even half-way up the climb yet. The thought of turning back was quite appealing. However, I really wanted to know what the view would be like if I reached the top. A few rest breaks along the way, and eventually I made it to the top. It was totally worth it.
This was the view in one direction.
This was the view in the other direction.
After leaving Horsetooth Reservoir, we made our way to Estes Park. We enjoyed eating lunch outside and watching a few elk calmly strolling through the parking lot and grazing along the roadway.
We then made our way to St. Malo. Although the retreat center burned down many years ago, the St. Catherine of Siena Chapel remains.
We then made our way to St. Malo. Although the retreat center burned down many years ago, the St. Catherine of Siena Chapel remains.
This photo hangs inside the chapel. Saint Pope John Paul II was at this place in 1993.
This statue is directly across the parking lot from the chapel.
We were not finished yet. There was still some more vacationing to cram into this day. At the top of the hill (that white speck) is a statue of the Sacred Heart at Mother Cabrini Shrine. There are 373 stairs to reach that point. My legs were tired from the climb at Horsetooth, and I am always cautious about not pushing my heart too much. I have survived cancer twice and open heart surgery. I don't want to drop over dead because I am not being smart in my choice of activities.
It had been 20 years since I had been to the shrine. I wanted to see the view. My climb up the 373 stairs was slow, but I made it. I also kept my heart rate to a reasonable level while doing so.
It had been 20 years since I had been to the shrine. I wanted to see the view. My climb up the 373 stairs was slow, but I made it. I also kept my heart rate to a reasonable level while doing so.
The stairs begin here.
The stairs end here.
This is the view of Denver from the shrine.
How much vacation can a person cram into one day? I did not get more than 100 miles away from home, but I crammed quite a bit into one day. It was a big boost mentally.
July 17 will mark 35 years since my first cancer diagnosis. There are times I struggle with focusing on all that has been lost in the course of the fight against cancer. Today, I reminded myself that I am still physically able to do quite a bit. For that, I am thankful.
The journey of life contains many twists and turns, hills and valleys. Wherever you are in life, I hope you can sense the presence of God in all that you do and all that you experience.
Blessings and peace to each of you reading these pages!
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