After “buttercup” and his driving companion survived Rabbit Ears Pass, they joyfully arrived at Tabernest, the home of good friends Tracy Dunning (Greg met Tracy in 1978) and Eric Sondermann. What a delight to spend two days with Tracy and Eric in the Rocky Mountains near the base of Winter Park Ski Resort and the Devil’s Thumb cross country ski trails.

We had not seen each other in over two years, but it felt like only two weeks and we had a great time catching up and sharing. Melinda and Tracy are kindred spirits and while Judy is my biological sister, Tracy, like Julia King Tamang, Kathy Brady and Gretchen Baker-Smith, is my sister by heart. As Bill Withers wrote…

Lean on me
When you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on…

The visit included a few mud walks (Otto required an outside bath after walking the Devil’s Thumb ski trails), some amazing meals cooked by Tracy, a visit to a local brew pub, and a sizzling game of Bowl of Nouns won by the boys even though the girls shifted the rules and argued that 400 was two words!

We have had such a memorable time visiting family and friends on our trip. We are thankful for their love and friendship and we hope Stargazer will have future opportunities to land in their driveways.