Monday after lunch, we took Austin to the Maroon Bells. He had been so patient, asking each day when we would go climb a mountain. He got an eyeful at the campfire of what climbing a mountain would actually take, but he still couldn’t wait to go to the Bells.
We arrived at the area around 2 in the afternoon. There were several people there, as there always is, and they were scattered in various groups. We walked in and let Austin go. 
We walked the area, and I felt the hope and joy, the everlasting strength these mountains have and give. The waters, although neither consumed nor walked in, refreshed my soul.
The eternal beauty found out here is a healing balm to many. 
Austin found great happiness in exploring the area, finding the beavers home 
we stopped up at the falls area on Maroon Creek, to enjoy the sounds of the rushing waters. 
and Austin couldn’t resist stepping in
As we sat waiting for his feet to dry, we had a visitor. 
It was at this point that this boy, who had heard his Nana speak of John Denver, and had heard her sing the songs, this boy who for the last four days had seen and heard so many songs and so many things, quoted “Sweet Surrender”. He sat there, beside the creek, watching the waters run by, seeing the little friend who perched near him for a look, and he said, very quietly “Like a fish in the water.” I asked him if he knew the next line, which he did, close enough. He looked at me and said “Like a bird in the skies.” I told him air, but almost couldn’t because of the tears in my eyes and the catch in my throat.
Once he had his socks and boots back on, we continued our hike. Imagine, as you look at these last photos, that you are this 10-year-old boy, and feel again, or for the first time, the excitement and the wonder of this special gift of nature.
