Back in 1971, I was taking a military tech school class at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. On the weekends a buddy and I ran around seeing the sights. Mt. Evans had a road to the peak at, I think, the 14,800 foot point, but it was blocked for snow at 14,000 feet in early September. There was a parking spot there. I'll never forget looking out over the peaks and looking down at the lodge at the lake below at (only) 10,500 feet. One of those moments not to forget.

The Appalatians have their own kind of beauty. I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee, for six years and enjoyed it every day. I often took trips to the Smokies. But nothing compares to the Rockies. Lord, thank you for a beautiful world.