Luke visit Day 2

September 26, 2014 Day 2

With his body still being on Central Daylight time, Luke was first to rise and chose to announce his presence to me in a startling way, which brought him laughter, as I suddenly arose.  He was hungry so he made himself a bowl of cereal and I had a cup of coffee, as the “real” breakfast would come later.  The sun was not yet up, but the very top of the mountains to the west were in full sun.  I asked Luke if he wanted to go for a hike and he cheerfully agreed.  Up we went to a nearby favorite spot where we had full view of the valley, and both the mountains to the east and west.  We enjoyed the cool 50 degree mountain air as we watched the shadows disappear on the western mountain with the sun slowly showing itself as it crept up and over the eastern mountains.

Just Before Sunrise, Day 2

We have some time, so let's have try our 4x4 driving. With Grandpa on back, Luke takes control and practice driving the quickly derived course. Forward, reverse, cornering both left and right and at Grandpa's sudden announcement, quick stops, in a safe and controlled fashion. Driving test passed!

Driving Test Passed!

Ok, time to take Grandpa's favorite run-around vehicle for a spin. The "slightly" modified 1957 Willys Jeep complete with over-sized tires, 327 Chevy Engine, wicked sounding exhaust with spark arrestors, and a transmission with both high and low 4 and 2 wheel drive. This is the ultimate driving machine and will take one just about anywhere.

1957 Willys, yes really

Upon our return, and after a few chores fulfilled, it was time to have a great breakfast, Lukes favorite, pancakes, and eggs.  We decided we were going to take the truck up the mountain further to go to Bald Mountain Lookout.  Here, one can see for a hundred miles in most directions.  Luke, Mary and I took to the task of preparing for the day’s journey. Dishes needed to be done, lunches made, and needed checks of the gear we would take, so we were all busy.

Luke had come prepared for the wilderness.  As part of a school project/class he had participated in, he had a great emergency kit complete with compass, bandages, lights, magnifying glass, foil blanket, cooking tin, wire, rope, flashlight, knife and other assorted goodies.  He unpacked his kit to show me what he had and I did the same showing what I had.  We reviewed what we had and then repacked all in our respective backpacks. Mary got her pack and we finished the packing with some extra clothes, lunches and plenty of water.  The three of us put on our hats, grabbed our walking sticks, backpacks and loaded all into the pick-up.

Time to visit the Bald Mountain Lookout where there are spectacular views in all 360 degrees.  [Bald Mountain]

This will certainly be an SDS Day, well it already has been! What is SDS? [What is SDS?]