Feeling Like Part of The Family

Workout: 12M at Shady Rest Park

          I rode the trolley 1M, then ran 2M to the park. Then, I ran on the trails 3M with Mo and 5M alone (Mo did speed work with Coach riding a bike beside him, holding out a water bottle). Then, I ran back to the house 2M and rode the trolley 1M. I saw a deer that paused in the middle of the trail then pranced up the hill when he saw me coming. Riding the trolley was fun and the drivers were friendly.

          In the afternoon, I tagged along with the couple that I am staying with, and the man who built their house and his family who will be staying with us for the weekend. We went to the top of Mammoth Mountain on a gondola (now my second time there). I enjoy learning the names of the lakes and mountains, the history of the 35 volcanic vents, and about national monuments such as Devil’s Postpile. Mark Twain, who spent time in Mammoth, wrote “Mono Lakes lies in a lifeless, treeless, hideous desert, eight thousand feet above the level of the sea, and is guarded by mountains two thousand feet higher, whose summits are always clothed in clouds. It is one of the strangest freaks of nature to be found in any land”.

Eagle's Landing Restaurant

            Then, we traveled to June Lake and ate lunch at Eagle’s Landing, a cabin-style restaurant that seemed to be entirely wood furnished with paintings of wolves and bears on the walls, and windows that give a magnificent view of the trees and mountains. The waiter came by and refilled my water, then took our orders and asked "Is there anything else I can do?" I quietly asked "May I have some more water, please?" Everyone at the table was amazed that I gulped down my second glass and they all laughed. The waiter came back with a large pitcher of water and placed it in front of me. I always drink lots of water, and being at high altitude, I drink even more. Afterwards, we walked along a path beside a gently rolling stream that led to a pond with fish. We fed the fish, chatted and laughed about silly stories, and shared free fresh-baked cookies from the hotel. I actually felt like a part of the family. I believe that God has surrounded me with the most kind-hearted people, is watching over me, and is leading me along this trajectory that seems to lead toward something great for my life.

 

Feeding the fish

Cute little pond