On Saturday, September 13th, 22 youth and volunteers joined us for a jaunt along Twin Lakes to the restored resort of Inter-Laken.  Our adventure began with a bus ride down the bumpy dirt road to the trailhead thanks to our heroine, Kay Blum, head of Salida Transportation.  (Kay later told us proudly that those driving their 4WD trucks down the road were astonished when they pulled into the parking lot and saw a school bus!) 

After a short snack outside the bus, we set off for Inter-Laken.  This resort from the late 1800’s (read more about it at this site) proved to be quite a treat, but not without the treasures of the walk out there.  The mountains were coated with a white from the storm the night before and the aspen leaves were displaying the first shades of yellow.  The sky was clear blue and the lake was shimmering in the sunlight . . . it was one of those perfect Colorado days. 

Andrew and Josh

I started in the back with Andrew Fahrney and his mentee, Josh.  We enjoyed a nice conversation, watched the ripples on the water,  and looked for fish in the lake (we saw a few).  During a stop I joined up with Steve Phillips and his mentee, Josh (a different Josh from Andrew’s mentee), where we spied an osprey on its nest.  Meanwhile, a nearby bird wouldn’t stop shouting its alarms.  Perhaps others could comment on this blog with other sightings and treasures of their walk to Inter-Laken. 

Randy, Ryan, Josh, & Steve

As Steve, Josh, and I started up again, Josh took off at a sprint and then stopped at the top of the hill for Steve.  Josh enjoyed regularly running ahead, each time stopping some distance ahead to wait for Steve.  It seemed we were at Inter-Laken in no time.  I was impressed by the structures.  Many of us enjoyed going to the highest level in the main building — for the view and the fun of going up and down those steep stairs.  We also played with the dogs of other hikers and played by the lake.  Somewhere in there, we ate lunch and hung out. 

Hiking Back to the Bus

We decided to return to the bus as a more cohesive group and offered different kids the opportunity to lead.  Those who took on the role did a great job; meanwhile others were put to task taking photos.  You’ll see some of those on this blog. 

Our time at Twin Lakes reminded me of the simplicity of mentoring.  You don’t need to spend any money.  Just go somewhere and experience it together.  Talk to each other.  Honor each other’s unique ways to experience a place without losing sight of the goal of spending time together  (like Steve and Josh).  Enjoy the journey and, if you get there, the destination.  Remember to try new things and new roles when you’re hanging out (like our hike back).  Photos are a great way to remember your time together, and cheap in this day of digital photography.  We have scrapbooks you can have if you want to make one together. 

Heather and I look forward to scheduling more time next year for hanging out at Inter-Laken, playing frisbee, and skipping rocks.  While we cover that side of the planning, perhaps one of you could schedule the perfect fall weather again for next year . . . thanks!  And thanks to all our volunteers and especially to our heroine, Kay Blum.

Thanks, Barbara & Bruce and all our volunteers!