Time to break out the Snowshoes!

   One of our favorite winter ‘getaways’ is Montecito-Sequoia Lodge high in the Sequoia National Forest. Since the price was right and our calendar was open, Al and I decided to reserve a room there for two nights during the last week in January. We were rewarded with one which had a spectacular view of the snow covered peaks of the Sierras.

   Many memorable adventures and outings with family and friends have been experienced at Montecito. The winter after Al and I were married in 1982, we made our first trek there in a snowstorm. He didn’t like putting chains on the tires and was hoping that we could get there without needing them. We were about three-quarters of the way up the long driveway to the resort when the tires of the car began spinning on the icy pavement. Reluctantly, he had to face the elements to put on the metal chains, not an easy task with frozen fingers, while I waited in the warm car wondering how I could help.

   On that same trip just as we were starting out on a group cross-country ski tour, an older woman whom we had befriended turned to me and said, “You are going to have a hard time keeping up with that man!” She pointed to Al who was in the front of the line, right behind the leader, practically running on his skis. How did she know?

    Well, that was over thirty years ago. We’ve made a dozen or more visits since then, exploring the mountains during the winter on cross-country skis, soaking in the beauty of frozen trees, the sparkly white landscape and dagger-like icicles hanging from the roof of the lodge and then experiencing it in the summer time as well, which was quite a contrast.

    Oh and there was the romance of the place too. On one occasion a man spending a little vacation at Montecito with his family wanted to know why we were so happy and asked our advice on what made for a good marriage, confiding that he and his wife were struggling. He had observed us enjoying each others' company without our even being aware of it!

    About three years had passed since we were last there due to health issues and also to the long drought which caused a lack of snow in the mountains. After several surgeries on his feet and ankles, Al was finally ready for the challenge of walking on snowshoes.

     The scenery, wonderful food, friendly staff and special atmosphere had not changed. Two classes of seventh graders from a private school down in the LA area happened to be there that week, entertaining us with their antics. We were even invited to sit with a sweet young family from Clovis at dinner time and felt right at home.

     As for snowshoeing, the rubber straps on my snowshoes had become stiff over the years and snapped when I tried to fasten them. We ended up hiking on the trails where the snow had been packed down, still a good workout and a fun adventure!

    It was another memorable time at Montecito, especially since two of our prayers had been answered! The first was Al’s ability to walk without any pain or difficulty. The second was that for the first time in a couple of years there was plenty of snow in the mountains!

    Thank you, dear Father, for the rain this winter, for a good snow pack in the high country and for your touch of healing upon Al. Please help us approach your throne of grace with confidence, believing that you hear and answer every one of our prayers in your own way, at just the right time!  In Jesus’ name, Amen

  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NIV