The Burnt Bridge Trail

We woke up bright and early Saturday morning to a beautiful day. We had it all planned. We put on our walking shoes, packed a few snacks and filled our water bottles. We wanted to take our camera, but the battery was dead. Oh, how I wish we had the camera.

It was the day we were doing a 20 miler with Josh for scouts. He only needed this one last thing to get his hiking merit badge and there were no plans to do it with his troop. Richard researched it out and chose the Burnt Bridge Trail....8 miles across Vancouver one way and 8 miles back....then continuing on the last 4 miles to home.



Like I said....it was a beautiful day. I chose to walk the first leg with Josh. Winding through Vancouver amidst the fall foilage and evergreens, the water from the creek splashing along side us as we walked....eventually leading us to Vancouver Lake. It was a day to recognize the beauty of the earth. There was a chill in the air and the sun shone intermittently through the trees. Richard met us at various stops along the way, cheering us on. We were going to switch off, but I wanted to see all of it and not miss a thing. In the span of the walk we went under a highway and over Interstate 5. The mountains were visible in the distance. As we walked I recalled memories of the places we passed...Leverich Park where we played with Grandma and Grandpa Drew as little girls and Kiggins Bowl, where I atttended many of my high school football games. Josh talked of the future....finishing high school, college and his mission. We passed many people...joggers, bikers, people walking their dogs. We listened to music which helped us keep up the pace.

When all was said and done We each walked 10 miles with Josh.....we encouraged him along the way. Not exactly what a 16 year old would prefer to do on a Saturday, but his eye was on the goal. Walking from one end of Vancouver to the other, I felt like a pioneer....exploring the beauty and nature that Heavenly Father meant for us to enjoy.