Arriving in Salida

The second day of Trek we arrive in Salida, Colorado. I had never seen Salida's historic downtown even though we'd visited this town several times. We circled downtown avoiding the areas roped off for a bicycle race while a heated discussion coursed through the van: "It's an 'S'!".... "It's a '5'!"... I sided with the letter group while the number group proceeded to sulk till they got food. We spent a bit more time at the pizza place than necessary but everyone left full and ready to eat like squirrels for five days.

At 2:00, we showed up at the Riverside Lodge. This is when you meet your guides. These are the 'kids' in whose capable hands you place your entire well-being for the next week. We feel we drew the long straw in this deal. Our guides were great.

First, we got assigned Daniel Anderson. He was a 2008 graduate the same high school as a couple of the teens in our youth group. This was his first summer as a guide and really seemed to enjoy the work. His dad John came as well and spiced up the trip with countless humorous moments.

Our female guide was Hope Miller. A four year veteran of Trek, she was a natural at both the mountain side and the spiritual aspects. I seemed to be more impressed by her ancestry than her younger sister, Heidi. To be Jule Miller's granddaughter should be a badge of honor.