Colorado Trip Day 8

Great group and a great view!

Taking in the views before heading back to the Midwest

We're on our way home from Hat Camp!

"I'll take the holy water, bless you."

Sweet tooth?

Thanks parents, for allowing me to be a tour guide this past week and offer outdoor experiences in one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. One way to preserve the beauty is to expose the next generation to hikes like Quandary and Chihuahua Gulch and develop lasting memories. An appreciation of the experience and the surroundings will hopefully shape their value for nature in a positive way and they can continue to be the ambassadors for the outdoors by "spreading the word." It also makes me smile that I snuck in 20 miles of hiking (half of that up hill) & 3.1 running, and it didn't even seem like exercise!
Melissa Dunbar continues to step up and help out. This was her third year with me and she's beginning to repeat some hikes and has a bittersweet spot in her heart for the Granby Gutbuster. It was special to have Amber Bryant along as well. She attended the 1st trip as a 6th grader in 1998 and her enthusiasm hasn't subsided since. Know that this trip would not exist without competent chaperones. They take care of all the "little things" behind the scenes that need to be done. Thanks again.
The most rewarding part of this week is getting to know these kids on a more personal level. Through their conversations, we can get a better understanding of what "makes them tick." I'm happy to be a part of their growth and look forward to continuing our friendships. Parenting is not an easy job, but it's evident that these students are on a path to becoming great contributors to our community. They're flexible, respectful, funny, naive, helpful, ambitious, talented, and did I mention funny?
The future of the Cool Runners status is "one year at a time." Based on this past week, I'll get some rest and begin planning for 2010-11. Consider the Wolf Lake Trail Run on Sunday, September 26. It's a 3.8 mile trail run at the Bong State Recreation Area. Thank you all again!

Keep moving,

Scott Hollmaier