Worked on Bell Mountain

Hiked up to Bell Mtn yesterday to help Bruce Bell to use his new smartphone and to help him move dirt to fill in pot holes on his jeep trail.

We filled in the worse holes which had sustained damage from the constant rains this past month. Then we worked on his new phone after which we hiked up to his terraced garden. We then hiked up to the summit where Bruce showed me a pile of scattered white quartz chips the Utes and Arapaho used to make arrowheads and knives.

Bruce fixed a simple lunch and spoke of how he is coping with his wife's recent passing. Bruce has a great attitude of gratitude in that he is so grateful God gave Chee Chee to him for 63 years.

At 5:45 pm we went to Thursday night service at Clear Creek Neighborhood Church.

Really enjoyed the day especially getting together with Mr Bell. The 4 mile hike along the banks of Clear Creek to get to his ranch was very satisfying. Love watching Clear Creek rising due to rain runoff and snow melt.

Unfortunately, a 47 year old lady died last Friday while rafting on the Creek right along where I hiked. Clear Creek is treacherous to say the least.

Last Tuesday while Bonnie and I were perusing the Visitors Center we heard a conversation between a young man and the ladies running the Center. Apparently, the young man was on a bicycling tour and needed a place to bivouac that night. When I heard the ladies informing him there were no campgrounds around here I interjected and offered the use of the lawn at the Lucas house where I am staying. Young Zack agreed quickly so we all went back to the house where he set up camp.

Zack is 20 years old and a college student majoring in Construction Management at U of C in Fort Collins, CO. He is touring around the state and had just rode up from Breckenridge.

We invited Zack to attend Celebrate Recovery that night at First Baptist which he graciously accepted. We all had supper consisting of Chicken soup and bread. Zack contributed much to our discussion that night. After the meeting Pastor Dawit invited Zack to spend the night at his home where he could offer him a warm bed and a hot shower.

Then at 630am the next morning Zack came over to my place and we cooked him scrambled eggs for breakfast and off he went headed to Nederland 50 miles north. He was to meet up with his dad at Estes Park.

Zack texted me that day Wednesday to let me know he made it to Nederland.

Tomorrow Bonnie and I are planning to hike the 12 miles to Georgetown and camp overnight then hike back home Sunday.

Monday we are planning to hike to Bill Lee's ranch to discuss the burro situation.

Alrighty, talk to you folks later! Bless all of you mightily!

BR Schoenbein
May 29, 2015 - Friday