On our travels to different states, we’ve certainly found that people, foremost, make this country special. The interesting accents and points of view mark different places, but there’s a general openness and optimism that you encounter just about everywhere, especially among fellow travelers. (Granted, it’s a select, relaxed group!) We met people on the trails from different areas of the U.S., and other countries as well, and we stopped to talk a while with a family from Austin who had done the difficult climb to Hallett Peak. What drew them to these trails, like us, is the second thing that makes this country special, the astounding natural beauty that has been preserved for us. And that brings me to the respect Mark and I felt throughout for our national parks system. We couldn’t get over the incredible care given to the creating and maintaining of the breathtaking trails before us. We’re so grateful for these parks that are a huge part of American beauty. The photos here are of our hike to Alberta Falls and Mills Lake. The 5.5 mile hike brought us to 10,000 feet elevation, and we had to hurry on the return to beat the afternoon thunderstorms.
