Thursday Sept 5

After 2,200 miles the first three days, we decided to take it easy yesterday. We enjoyed a restful day hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the amazing area around Joseph, Oregon and Wallowa Lake. All three of us wanted to visit the Wallowa Mountains. We had heard about them from friends all our lives, but never visited. WOW - so majestic. Maybe not as stunning as the Alps. Maybe not as massive as the Andes. Maybe not as rugged as the Canadian Rockies. But the Wallowa Mountains are well worth the effort to see them. As the Queen of Sheba told Solomon, "I did not believe these things until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half was told me. (I Kings 10:7)

I’ve never liked heights. But we took a tram-ride to the top of Howard Mountain and from there surveyed mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers in all directions. The two-hours of magnificent views made up for the 15-minutes of ‘gondola discomfort’! I can’t explain it but being immersed in God’s creation – especially the mountains – makes me feel both small and insignificant, and strong and noble. I need a taste of both from time to time.

Since childhood, Paul has had the gift of finding money. At football games, on the sidewalk, at the park, he just seems to see money laying around. Today he hit the mother lode. On Main Street in Joseph he found a 1901 Sliver Dollar! Worth about $50!

Hanging on the wall of the lodge where we are staying is a moose head! Oh, the memories of Mr. Moose. I tried to engage him in conversation but that was a moostake! Apparently, he was not a talking moose!