This morning we left the comforting settings of our home, our friends, and the single degree Fahrenheit temperatures of a snowy Missoula winter to begin our great adventure to the Southern Hemisphere. With the Christmas Season, Maddy's Birthday, and the New Year, our last three weeks have consisted of a flurry of winter activities and celebrations. Particularly memorable was a weekend stay at a forest service cabin with my good friend Joe. Logan and Maddy each brought a friend. Our group of two Dads and four fifth graders spent the night at the foot of the Continental Divide in the Bitterroot drainage on the fringe of the Pintlar Wilderness Area. The warmth of a pot-belly wood stove, board games, and popcorn brought smiles and laughter to this raucous group. The next morning we were treated with a sunny day of skiing at Lost Trail Pass. This past Friday we were treated a farewell celebration at a local pub. How fortunate we are to have so many wonderful friends. What a charmed life we lead in these Rocky Mountains of North America.
The mood today is quite different. I see apprehension in the faces of my girls as they look ahead to what life will bestow upon them. The act of packing all of our life belongings for the next six months into 4 large duffel bags was a task of herculean proportions. What will the future hold for the three of us?
I've posted a photo taken during winter solstice from the back deck of our home. Snow Bowl Ski and the rugged peaks of the Rattlesnake Wilderness are common landmarks to us Missoulians. These are memories to take with us.
Peace and Good Health to all in 2013.
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