Day 1: Grand Junction to Idaho Springs, CO.
/I was up at a dark 4:45 this morning and fought to fall back asleep off and on until my alarm went off at 6:30 and woke me out of a dream I'd just settled into. I had a bit of a groggy start to the day, but wasn't feeling the spinniness I'd felt when waking up at a quarter til 5:00, so I was relieved! I spend most of week pulling on packing tape, so there wasn't much left to do this morning. The trailer was fully loaded, locked and ready to be popped onto the hitch. The van was a picture of beauty - organization at it's best - yes, I'm tooting my own horn. I consider my trip prep a talent and even my father-in-law told me this morning I need to write a book or pamphlet or something about it. ha! This van was a challenge to work with as it's narrower than our Dodge and doesn't have the stow and go seats, so it lacks those handy under floor compartments that hold a LOT! The van was packed to the gills and we had only to get dressed and load our pillows and one suitcase into the back. A one random Birkenstock sandal of mine that I left. And Judah's watch that he had a panic attack about because he couldn't find. A Elijah's hulk lego toy that magically disappeared at the most inopportune time. And a few cases of protein shakes for Joel (that I ran to Walgreens to get after breakfast) because he could barely down his breakfast after complaining of a sore throat. Stinking strep. Good thing he's been on antibiotics for two days already for that cellulitis. I'm certain I already mentioned it - but we've NEVER had a child on antibiotics until this week. For reals.
We had a family breakfast with Rob and Lyn and Cara, after which the boys were eager to just sit in the van and wait for departure time. They are just so over the transition. I get it. Me too.
Pulling out was gut wrenching and such a strange cluster of emotions that I kind of felt emotional constipated. I knew I wanted to cry, but I couldn't bawl my eyes out like I had the urge to do because I was the one driving four little boys and a 2000 pound trailer through town and down the interstate. So a few streaks down my face had to do.
We said goodbye to the valley we love so much and slowly hiked our way into the mountains through Glenwood Canyon and over Vail pass and into Eisenhower tunnel and back down in low gear until we finally reached Idaho Springs, at 1:30pm. I tried to drink in as much scenery as I could while driving - this canyon, after all, my very favorite place to drive.
My head whirled for the first hour or so - how was it that I was doing this solo?! How was I going to manage this by myself?
Christ is sufficient and he is faithful. He provided and it was beautiful.