I tempted five ranch kids with some cash for party supplies. Them, their truck and 50 feet of tow chain extricated our mired boat.

Every hardship is an adventure.

We celebrated with scones and coffee, served under a dramatic sky.

We talked about how possessions can be burdens. Even just owning a truck can be a ball and chain.

Well, its the only real possession of ours remaining and in a few weeks it will become a present to my brother Daniel. After that he'll drop me at the airport in Denver and I'll float away untethered. Blown by the prevailing winds towards the rising sun.

Around mid day we move up into the hills a bit. Tom manifests an amazing lunch.

Helene and I decide to go on a hike. Tom decides to stay behind because his back is feeling sore.

White and yellow lupins graced the lower slopes. Their color turned to purple as we gained altitude.

Helene relaxes in the shade of a Juniper tree. Notice the prayer ribbons that have been tied to the branches.

From the top of a nearby ridge, we could get a clearer view of the main peaks.