We got there at 6:30 which was an hour and a half before race time. Alyssa helped check people in and hand out bibs. I handed out t-shirts. It was so much fun being a part of the race in a small way!
The money raised through the race was going to a local organization called the Buddy Program which is similar to Big Brother/Big Sister programs. They help youth in the community who need an extra boost through a mentor buddy. The people involved spoke highly of the program! You can learn more at: http://www.buddyprogram.org
After the shirts were packed up, we headed to main street to watch the parade. We got there about an hour before it started; this was great for finding a seat, but made us very glad when the parade started and fire trucks sprayed us with water!
After the shirts were packed up, we headed to main street to watch the parade. We got there about an hour before it started; this was great for finding a seat, but made us very glad when the parade started and fire trucks sprayed us with water!
Another highlight of the parade was when they honored the various military personnel. Seeing men who had served in WWII was powerful, especially on the day that we celebrate independence. I will miss seeing this generation when they are no longer here with us. <3
Following the parade we returned the cottage we were staying at to take a much needed time of respite and sleep! We also enjoyed lunch with Alyssa's aunt and uncle who we were staying with. It was a great time for Alyssa to reconnect and for me to meet them
Despite our tiredness, we decided that no 4th of July would be complete without fireworks...so we headed back into town! They had a neat presentation of pictures from around the US before the show began. We were excited to see places we had been as well as anticipate places we will be going! The town of Aspen put on an incredible show of fireworks. The designs and colors were beautiful. A definite special memory for both of us!
For the two days following Independence Day, we took some time to relax in the Aspen area. It was a wonderful time of both exploration and respite.
On Sunday, we visited Crossroads Church. It was an amazing time of worship and a message that spoke deeply to our hearts. That very morning we had a conversation about fears that were difficult for us to let go. The sermon was about declarations of dependence that need to be made to God. Being dependent on God brings us true freedom. We will not find freedom through using our independence from God, but rather through depending on Him. Reflecting on this right after celebrating Independence Day was eye-opening and thought-provoking.
After church we walked around the surrounding neighborhood before heading back to the cabin to write cards, rest, visit with Alyssa's aunt and uncle, and watch some informative videos about animals. It was a much needed time of sabbath and recharging after a non-stop travel schedule.
Early Monday morning we drove to where everyone told us to go: the Maroon Bells. We were pleased to discover that our entrance cost was covered with our national parks pass! The views were beautiful, even with the clouds. :) The hike we chose was along the river/creek that flowed through the forest. It was quite an adventure with pushing our way through overgrown plants, crossing a flooded creek on a log, and navigating over uneven rocks. We enjoyed being able to exercise in such a gorgeous region of our country!
In the afternoon we were going to go hiking again, but ended up stopping at the ghost town of Independence farther up towards the pass. During a mining boom, the town was very full and active. However, after the production of precious metals died down, the town grew dramatically smaller. In 1899, the town was completely abandoned when the snow cut off the town's supplies. All of the residents skied down the mountain under the cover of a "race" until they reached Aspen where everyone permanently settled.
We drove a little farther up the pass to where we could say we had been on the Continental Divide on Independence pass!! It was starting to thunder by this point, so we made it a quick (COLD) trip!
Our time in Aspen was concluded with a wonderful dinner cooked by Alyssa's aunt. The food was incredible and the conversation was spectacular! What an amazing close to our weekend!!
On Sunday, we visited Crossroads Church. It was an amazing time of worship and a message that spoke deeply to our hearts. That very morning we had a conversation about fears that were difficult for us to let go. The sermon was about declarations of dependence that need to be made to God. Being dependent on God brings us true freedom. We will not find freedom through using our independence from God, but rather through depending on Him. Reflecting on this right after celebrating Independence Day was eye-opening and thought-provoking.
After church we walked around the surrounding neighborhood before heading back to the cabin to write cards, rest, visit with Alyssa's aunt and uncle, and watch some informative videos about animals. It was a much needed time of sabbath and recharging after a non-stop travel schedule.
Early Monday morning we drove to where everyone told us to go: the Maroon Bells. We were pleased to discover that our entrance cost was covered with our national parks pass! The views were beautiful, even with the clouds. :) The hike we chose was along the river/creek that flowed through the forest. It was quite an adventure with pushing our way through overgrown plants, crossing a flooded creek on a log, and navigating over uneven rocks. We enjoyed being able to exercise in such a gorgeous region of our country!
In the afternoon we were going to go hiking again, but ended up stopping at the ghost town of Independence farther up towards the pass. During a mining boom, the town was very full and active. However, after the production of precious metals died down, the town grew dramatically smaller. In 1899, the town was completely abandoned when the snow cut off the town's supplies. All of the residents skied down the mountain under the cover of a "race" until they reached Aspen where everyone permanently settled.
We drove a little farther up the pass to where we could say we had been on the Continental Divide on Independence pass!! It was starting to thunder by this point, so we made it a quick (COLD) trip!
Our time in Aspen was concluded with a wonderful dinner cooked by Alyssa's aunt. The food was incredible and the conversation was spectacular! What an amazing close to our weekend!!
No comments:
Post a Comment