On Top of the World

On Top of the World
Rocky Mountain National Park

Yesterday Kim and I spent most of the day traversing through the winding roads of Rocky Mountain National Park.  As we climbed the roads in our vehicle we noticed the lack of guard rails. Our self preservation instincts kicked in as we navigated the winding roads. When we approached the summit, we knew the trip was worthwhile.

As we got out of the car, and looked over the expanse panorama, we felt as if we were on top of the world. There's no other experience like this. Its here that clouds form and rain succumbs to gravity. Lightning strikes here scare even the bravest. Nature reminds that it is greater than us.

The experience was a bit different this time than our previous trips to the park. Many of the beautiful pine trees throughout the park had been killed by the combined effects of global warming, a ten year drought, and the mountain pine beetle.  One whole side of the park has nothing but dried pine trees.  For those that remain skeptical about global warming like Gov. Rick Perry, I suggest they see first hand the damage to our forests. Fortunately, mother nature will try to replace the pines, first with aspens and then eventually in time new pine seedlings will tower over the aspens once again.  In the mean time, take a hard look at the pines because we are losing them quickly at our national park.

This past year both metaphorically and physically, I've been both on top of the world and the lowest point Death Valley. It seems that I learned from both. Both are a part of life and both have have wonderful views along the way. It's important to keep both your heart and your eyes wide open along the journey.