Within Creation

Alright I'm ending that "posted by katie" stuff since I'm the only one who ever posts on here anyway! :) Backpacking! Thanks so much, Mr Einerson, for making this happen! Six of the Cochrans and three of the Einersons had the pleasure of camping in God's beautiful creation a couple months ago. We backpacked 2-3 miles into and up Ken Caryl Valley, spent the night up there, and came down the next morning after some exploring. Anyhow, enjoy!

Before the trek begins, we take a photo. L-R Ellie, Amy E, Eric E, Robert, Katie, Mr E, Dad, Mary.
The very beginning of the trail was really the only flat part. I instructed them to jump and then my dad got in the way of the picture! Ah well--at least you can still see the feet.
Look at all the STUFF on all those BACKS! I wonder why it's not called "backstuffing," rather than "backpacking."
I was sort of in the middle of the group, as you can see (good photographer that I am).
Now we're getting a bit high. Check out that road we were just on! Looks like something out of Lord of the Rings... A Hobbit path, mayhap?
Behold the glories of Almighty God.
Silhouttes of the kids as they move out of range.
There's Red Rocks!
Ken Caryl Valley spread out beneath our shoes...
City in the distance.
That road keeps getting farther and farther away!
Amy, Dad and Mr E
A nice little side trail. So green!
Father and Daughter Einerson.
Father and Daughter Cochran.
"The Road leads Ever Onward..." -Bilbo Baggins
The Heavens display His handywork--indeed they do!
The sun is beginning to set--are we there yet?
Yes! We have arrived in a cute little clearing up on the side of the foothill (almost called it a mountain, but the mountains were still in the distance).
Grinning Robert sets up the girls' tent.
Done!
The twins sharing a moment.
In which the sun is officially setting into the west.
The landscape below.
Darker and darker it becomes.
Not sure whose silhouette this is--a Trishie shot.
The sun has gone to sleep and we are still partying! Sang songs around the, um, table until about 10 PM (no campfires allowed because of fires *sad*). And Eric has on shades because the flash was unearthly bright in the dark.
At least Ellie smiled!
Trishie doing her cute smile.
Joy!
Sweet Mary.

The most natural bench I've ever seen.
Mr E doing some sort of break dance... *joking* He was telling a story :)
Mary and I.
Tired, guys? *nods* yes!

Soon after this we prayed in dark, watching the flickering lights of Denver, and then headed to bed. Actually slept really well!

The next morning.. was SUNNY!

Nice, Trish.
The tops of the trees reaching towards the sun....
Morning drowsiness?
A cute little sign with cute names.
More sun!
Makes you feel so small...
Silly guys.
Trish had to take some flower shots.


Ellie and Amy packing up.
Robert was so good about packing up all the tents!

Art
Hi there!
M and P in front of their own baby tent.
Lady campers!
Getting ready to move out.
Mr E has a Fred Astaire moment, I try to.
No comment.
What's with this thumbs up thing?
More of P's art!






A cute little prairie dog we saw on our way down.
Cochrans in green.
We did a little exploring up a mountain.
Mr E said that pine trees smelled like either chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla--and he was right! Just peel a bit of bark away, take a sniff, and enjoy!
I love how Robert took a good hold before sniffing :)
Headed back down the trail. It had been fun.
Denver in the distance.
A bit closer.

Well that's all! A lot of pics--I hope you enjoyed them. Backpacking and camping was a lot of fun and I'd love to go again sometime! It was good to be outside in God's creation for 24 whole hours... God bless.

PS I will post the pictures of the twins' tea soon!