Hiking the Appalachian Trail

This week's envelope goes out to some great hiking pals.  Anthony Joseph, his son and I shared one of the most memorable experiences of my life.  We decided to plan a hike along the Appalachian Trail and during our hike, we stumbled across a "dropped" bear cub only a few days old.

  

We immediately were concerned about the dangers of encountering an angry mama bear but after a few hours watching from a distance, determined that mama was not likely coming back.  There was something clearly wrong with the poor cub and it could not get up and move around.  We debated for so long about what to do.  We knew a ranger station was near by, so after much debate and realizing that either way, the cub would likely die if we didn't take him to the ranger station. 

We wrapped him up and took him to the Rangers where we hope they were able to save him.  The rangers seemed positive that they could help the cub get healthy.   

I enjoyed this painting and like to remember the cute little cub in a healthy state like shown on my envelope.  We hope he made it.  

Daredevil

I remember watching Ryan backflip off a cliff - making it look easy and wishing I could do it.  Although I grew up on skis, I've never been that comfortable when the sticks are in the air.  Ryan was agile, athletic and graceful and it impressed me. 

Just like he is on skis, Ryan and his family run an impressive show in family life - making the most difficult parental maneuvers look effortless.  I did this envelope for one of my life-long friends while contemplated all the reasons I love, miss and admire him and his family.  

Ryan and I met 25 years ago in Russia while serving on our missions and have remained fast friends since then.  He continues to lead me in examples of adventurous and wholesome (and sometimes dangerous) living.