For many years, when the boys were younger, we would take an annual camping trip to Colorado. Before our first trip, I had "visions" of what it might be like . . . breathtaking mountain views, panoramic scenery, star filled clear nights . . . everything on a pristine, perfect and grandious scale. My first trip to Colorado certainly proved my expectations right, but I came away with an even better appreciation for the wonder that is known as the "high country." But I will always remember the first trip we made to Colorado, the summer of our “detour.” It was what “hooked” us on the state, and drew us back year after year.

It was the morning of our first full day in Colorado, and we were camped along beautiful, clear Taylor Lake, not far from Crested Butte. After a long drive the day before, we were ready to see a little bit of the local small town life and stock up with groceries. The boys would much rather stay at the campsite to fish and hike, but it was only a short trip and we would be back in a few hours. We left the campsite about 9:00 in the morning and headed east about 16 miles to Buena Vista, but had to cross Cottonwood Pass to get there.

After exploring the small but interesting town, we headed back to Taylor Lake, taking the southern route. It was a little further "milewise," but we could avoid having to re-cross the time-consuming mountain pass this way. Just a few miles out of town we discovered what the second season in Colorado was: first, there is “winter”, followed by 7 months of “road under construction.” It was a detour. It was a detour that would take us on a majestic loop through central Colorado and a close-up look at God’s handiwork at its best.

We didn’t really know where we were going; we had a map, but we soon learned maps aren’t of much real use in Colorado! But we kept driving the way we thought would take us back. Our destination was only about 20 miles from us as the eagle flies, but it was 9:00 PM before we found our way back to the campsite. Including Cottonwood Pass, we crossed 5 mountain passes that day! Each one provided an even more breathtaking view of mountains and valleys than the one before. One of the passes was tundra at its peak, and our boys were able to play around in the snow. What a wonderful surprise for 2 little Texas boys in the middle of August! As our “detour” took us north and then west, we drove through skiing country and the artists’ haven of Aspen. We had never seen such a vibrant small little town, filled to over-flowing with vacationers and artisans.

As we continued on our “detour” we finally saw what we thought was the “straightest shot home”, maybe 30 miles due east to Crested Butte, and then on to Taylor Lake. A piece of cake, and very much needed as it was already approaching 7 PM. Then we continued east on this last leg of our journey, and the road changed from a nice 2 lane highway, to a less comfortable 2 lane farm to market road, then an unpaved road, and finally to nothing more than 2 ruts through what appeared to be some farmer’s pasture.

As we drove further and further off the beaten path, and as the last sunlight filtered through the trees onto the ground below, we were witness to the most spectatular display of natural beauty I have ever experienced. The ground among the thick stand of tall trees was amass with ferns, colorful foliage and outcroppings of dense columbines. We stopped the pick-up, and for the remaining few moments of daylight we walked among the stand of trees and listened to bird sounds and the otherwise quiet beauty God had unexpectedly spread out before us like a banquet feast. It was a spectacular few moments that still refreshes me whenever I close my eyes and revisit the memory. It was a moment my boys, now men themselves, still recall with a smile.

As we plan out our lives, what directions we will take, how far we will go here, do this/not do that, we have to remain open to the unexpected detours that we will encounter along the way. If we see them only as unwanted delays and distractions from our appointed plan, we stand to miss out on incredible experiences, some even bearing the hand of God. I will never forget our first trip to Colorado, and the special surprises God had planned for us!

~~ Maggie ~~
© 1998






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