Josiah is our toughest hiker. He carries his own foam roll, clothes and food. Lots of food. He never seems to get tired even though he was only 6.

On the left, Sarah takes a breather.

The long hike home was very eventful. We made great time until a huge lightning storm struck the mountain. We were about a mile and a half from the car and marooned in one of the few clumps of trees. They say you are not supposed to stay under trees, but curling up in an open meadow did not seem much safer. Two college coeds decided they had waited long enough and made a dash down the trail. Instantly a huge bolt of lightning hit the mountain and we saw them dive under a bush. We waited till a lull and slogged through ankle-deep mud back to the car.

What do you do after a magical three days in the Rockies? Go to a motel with a hot shower, of course.

The Columbine is the state flower of Colorado and is almost as beautiful as our Becca. Actually, she says she hated this hike and would rather spend two weeks in a mall. But deep in her heart I think she enjoyed it, she just can't admit it to her dad.