For me that time has come a few times and I have been reminded of what I need to do to put myself on the right course. Now I just need to stay on the course and realize my dreams.

“Climb every mountain! Ford Every Stream, follow every rainbow until you find your dreams.”

Throughout my life I have found myself on the top. Not the top of the corporate business ladder but at the top of mountains. Mt. Whitney, Aark Dome, Haleakala, Freels Peak, Lowe Peak, Mt. Ogden, and Lone Peak — to name a few. Only to find the adventure over and a need to search for another to fill the void.

However, on my last adventure to the top of Lone Peak I found some real direction that would change my life forever.  Something lasting and very fulfilling.

As I sat at the base of last ascent to the top of the most amazing cliff formation to the top of Lone Peak, I received a spiritual communication and confirmation that made the ascent to the top meaningless. I had no desire to make the last short distance to the top. I now had something more important to do.

The communication was this, “Paul, THERE ARE OTHER MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB. GO AND CLIMB THAT MOUNTAIN. LIVE YOUR DREAMS!” It was a very profound directive. At first, I did not know what that other mountain was that I needed to climb. However, as Dan Hadley, his nephew, and I descended the mountain, it became very clear to me what I was to do. The mountain I was to climb was to build my wife and I the house on the property we had in Malad City, Idaho. It was very clear what I needed to do.

And then the real profound statement came to me so clearly. “FOR IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!” “FOR IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!” FOR IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME!” It was an exciting trip down the mountain. I was excited to get home and relate this experience with my wife

What were we to do next? We contacted our local bank in Malad to look for funding and they told us just to get started and do what we could this year and they could help us in the coming building year of 2021. We did. We put what money we had together and proceeded with excitement of what was to come. However, little did we know what all was to come.

In the fall of 2020, we were able to get the foundation in and the initial grading and backfilling of the foundation done. In the spring we would do final grading and get the gravel spread for the driveway prior to the delivery of the building products.

The real test would then begin. Were we up to building this two-story home? Could we do it?

Spring came. I had had a lot of experience with a skid steer tractor and was able to get the final grading done and spread the gravel over the driveway and parking areas and was ready for the delivery of the building materials.

In order to get the home built to the point of having the roof on, windows and doors in, with Tyvek wrap on the outside to dry things in for the winter would be a real test for just our crew composed of family and a few friends.  We had until the first of November and so off we went as of the first of June 2021. 4 months to see the miracle.

It would be a challenge for me as I still needed to work the jobs back in Salt Lake City to obtain the money to pay for the materials and keep things going. Cris had a little money in savings and I knew I could work and earn as much money as I could. That however would not be enough. We needed funding and went looking for funding.

We contacted a bank in Idaho Falls and after the process of getting them all they asked for they turned us down on the fact that the house was not new construction any more. We then went to our bank in Malad and applied with the people that told us to get started and then they could help us. Turns out they couldn’t help us either and were turned down. We then went to a mortgage company in Salt Lake City referred to us by my brother and they said they could help us. After a couple of months dealing with them and their inexperience in dealing with a loan for a home in process, we were told they could not help us. They referred us to another lending company who said they could help us and that everything looked good. Again, after a couple of months we were told they could not help us. Things became a little discouraging. We were now into April of 2022 and close to wanting to get started on the finishing of our home.

During the 2021 summer, there were several miracles as we endeavored to build our home.

Our health remained strong and day after day we would get up, greet the day, and go forward in faith and the best of health and amazing strength.

1. One day on the way back to Salt Lake City, Cris and I were talking about the progress and the money we needed. I mentioned to her it would be nice to have an additional $15,000 at this time to take some of the pressure of.  When we got home on that Saturday evening, I saw a letter from the IRS addressed to me. My heart sank. What now from the IRS. Do they want more money? Didn’t I pay enough taxes? I didn’t open the letter until the next day after church. Then I took it and found a quiet place and opened it. The letter read, “Dear Mr. Giles, our records show that in 2007 you overpaid your taxes in the amount of $28,900.00 and we will be sending you a refund. When I got the check a few days later it was for $29,800.00. They had made a typo. I notified my ex-wife as she was entitled to half of it. The amount we received was just $100 short of $15,000.00.
2. People kept calling me for more shed jobs, basement finishes, and a job with Craftsman Kitchens, a company owned by a man I built a shed for and finished his basement.
3. On a sad note, but as well as a great blessing… My dad was always close to me. He was my hero. He was my dad. Well, he passed away on 10-2-21. In his passing we got our share of his inheritance. The miracle was that it was in the amount we needed to pay for all the expenses we had incurred in order to dry things in and get it ready for winter. He will always be there and a part of our happiness.
4. But now it is spring and we are ready to finish our home. But there still is now financing and without that there will be no work done. On the day we got the call from the last mortgage company telling us no, we get a call from Lindsey, the daughter of Cris’s sister whom she was very close to and had passed away, telling us that her mother told her to call us to tell us we needed to talk to Kathy a friend of hers and she would help us. We arranged a conference call with her. She told us of her success with a man by the name of Anthony at Mountain America Credit Union and we should contact him for help. Why haven’t we done this before?  We both have banked with them for over 20 years.  Long story short, we were approved for a loan to finish our home on June 8, 2022. We will now be able to finish.

“For If You Build It They Will Come”

In getting the home built to the point it is, we needed to get the electrical and plumbing work done. The best person to do all this would be my son Dan. However, we had a falling out in 2017 and 2018 and haven’t spoken to each other and the feelings are strained. We decided to go ahead and let him know of the need. He accepted the invitation and we have since had the most awesome relationship with him and the family. This has mended fences and healed bad feelings. “For If Ye Build It They Will Come!

We have also seen my daughter Kimarie and her family come and visit with us for a day at the property where we let the kids ride the horses.

This past Memorial Day we had 39 of Cris’s family come and visit to see the progress.  All had either not seen any of the building or not seen it for a while. They were all amazed and so excited to see it.  Plans are being made for Thanksgiving and Christmas with family

This is going to be a place for all to come and feel the warmth and love of family.  It will be a special place where all can come and feel the love of Heavenly Father and our Savior. It will be the realization of a dream. A dream for both Cris and I.
So, at the close of this most special experience, I again ask you to ponder this….

“Within each of us there are limitations. However, within those limitations there are mountains to climb and goals to reach. Go and climb your mountains and achieve your goals.  Live your dream.”

“Climb Every Mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, til you find your dreams”

Always remember Him. That through Him, ALL things are possible. Never give up.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – New House Adventure page.

On that fateful day of August 7, 2015 my life was dramatically changed forever. I was left with a broken leg and ankle and a need to heal. When I went in for surgery the doctor told me that I would heal according to how good my diet and eating habits were. I was glad to hear that because that was all I did was to eat right. I wanted to beat the odds. At 7 weeks I was told to put some weight on the leg. Then at 8.5 weeks I was told I could walk without the protective boot or crutches and I was good to get back to a more normal life. Wonderful!

That next weekend was our boy scout troop’s 50-mile bike ride for their merit badge and I didn’t want to miss it.

As I set my final plans in place there was that fear. That thought of when it will happen again. The more you put yourself out there the greater the chances of being hit again. Fortunately for this ride we had a lead car and a follow up car with caution all over to warn approaching traffic so I felt this would be a good opportunity to get back into it.

The drive out into the Nevada Black Rock Desert was beautiful. The sunset was spectacular. The evening was cool and invited a restful sleep.

We camped next to a hot spring and the boys and other leaders found their way into the pool of murky hot water and a relaxing time together. As for me my leg was quite swollen and a hot soak did not feel good to me. Later that evening we had a great fireside and I was able to share my stories of miracles of my accident and how I could be with them for this ride.

Sleep finally came and was very restful with morning following with great anticipation for a great ride from Gerlach Nevada to Pyramid Lake. 50 long miles with a dozen boy scouts. The weather was cloudy and cool with a slight drizzle of rain for most of the ride. The boys had some good fun putting coins on the railroad tracks running by the camp. It was all just a lot of good boy fun.

Most of the boys completed the entire ride but all met at the lake for a good swim and some good food. The ride for me was a test. It was a test I had to pass. I had to make sure I was back on the horse. This was a group ride but a personal test for me. Many times, I felt like giving up. What would it hurt for me to quit? After all I had just broken my leg and really should not have done this. But no, it did matter. It mattered to me and who I was. I was the You Can Do It Guy where Can’t has no place. I was living the challenge. “Within each of us there are limitations. However, within those limitations there are mountains to climb and goals to reach. Reach and climb your mountains, achieve your goals, live your dreams. YOU CAN DO IT!”

I met the challenge and passed the test.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Boy Scout Troop 50-Mile Bike Ride page.

In life, I believe all of our experiences are as building blocks in our character and given to prepare us for future opportunities to serve those around us.

The long-awaited day had finally come. It was my day to ride the open road through Lassen Volcanic National Park. I had made this an annual event and the day was full of excitement to get on the road and enjoy something few people get to experience.

The ride to the summit from the south was smooth and steady. I was amazed at the energy I had and how quickly I came to the sign at the summit. It was now that most enjoyable downhill and on to the north entrance at Manzanita. Down I went and the closer I came to my destination at Manzanita I could feel the energy and excitement of the ride. I stopped along the road in the shade of a tree to refresh myself and get some water. As I was about get back on my back and be on my way everything in my life changed. What had just happened? I would never be the same.

What was that freaky noise? I turned around to look only to see the sunlight on the empty road behind. As I turned back around, I started to pass out. I noticed a car pull over in front of me. Then the pain hit me. On a scale of 1-10 this was a perfect 100. I then remember the words, “I have been hit by a car!”

What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. As I passed out, I felt as if my body was floating or being carried. It all became black and my mind was caught up as if it were a vision. I saw the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane kneeling in prayer, suffering for our sins and affliction, and praying to the Father. I felt a portion of his pain. My soul was caught up in great joy and then humbled as I felt the true sorrow for all my sins. I knew that He had paid the price and I was truly forgiven. Never had I felt such joy and was humbled by what had just happened. That joy and peace were comforting.

I did not suffer any further injury one would expect from being tumbled to the ground. It was peaceful and gentile. I was hit, passed out and felt as if I were being carried as it were.

Following this period of unconsciousness, I came back into a state of semi-consciousness and felt my body being gently laid down on what I learned was the road adjacent to me on the left. When I came to, I was lying straight on my back with my feet toward the side of the road and my head towards the center line with my arms and hands crossed on my chest. Other than the massive black bruise on my backside from the impact there were no other cuts, scrapes, or injuries to my body you would expect. Why?

10 days after the accident and then surgery to repair the broken bones in my leg I was at home in bed with my leg in the air. My assistant scoutmaster had come over to visit and was listening as I told the story of the accident. When I got to the point where I felt myself floating as I was being carried, I stopped speaking and heard a voice come strongly in my head. “It was me! It was me! It was your mom!” What I just heard humbled me and made perfect sense of what happened that day.

When I was hit by that car and before my body could be hurled into the ditch and further injury, my mother caught me and carried me as any mother would carry her child, and gently laid me down to the left in the road with my arms crossed over my chest and made it easier for people to get to me and administer the aid I needed. Yes, a loving mother was permitted to be there to care for her child. All of my life, in her passing from mortality, and even now I have always been close to my mother. She truly is my guardian angel. All through the rehabilitation period and to this day I feel her presence and strength as I have been asked to endure many things. Our mothers may pass from mortality and we can miss them but they never really leave us. Moms are always near. “I LOVE YOU MOM!”

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Lassen Trip – Broken Leg page.

It was a most beautiful Friday morning and I was in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Lassen Volcanic National Park, ready for another Dark Sky Festival held each year to promote dark ski in national parks for star gazing and other astronomy presentations. This Friday was a free day for me and I longed for the open road and a most rewarding bicycle ride from the south end of the park up over Lassen Peak to the north end of the park and back again. It was a trip of about 60 miles over approximately 6000 ft. of elevation gain.

The day started out as expected with an early rise, some breakfast, and then the usual preparation for the annual ride I enjoy. At about 10:00 a.m. I said goodbye and headed out up the road, climbing higher and higher up and over the summit of 8500 ft. a climb of a little over 2500 ft. As I reached the summit I looked up at the peak of Mt. Lassen and exclaimed, “You Are Mine Tomorrow”. I have never climbed the peak in all the years I have been coming here. It has always been closed for some sort of trail maintenance. Now it would be mine after this ride.

The best part of riding your bike up a long climb to a summit is the long downhill from the top. I was excited to start down and head to the north end of the park and the reward of a good lunch. Little did I know this would prove to be the worst part of the ride. Approximately 2-3 miles from the north entrance I stopped along the side of the road for a drink of water. Standing there at the edge of the pavement straddling my bike and facing with the traffic I took my drink and prepared to take off again.

The Nightmare Begins

Ow! What was that? The noise was so freaky. The pain so severe. What had just happened? Who am I? Where was I? Am I alive? Who are these people? The reality of it all came crashing down on me. I had just been hit by a Ford Explorer going approximately 35-40 miles per hour. The road I would now travel would change my life forever.

A Point Near Death

At the point of impact, I did not feel the pain at first. I was not knocked down or off to the side as one would expect. Why? I remember turning to the right to see what the noise was and could see the sunlit road behind me. As I turned back around, the pain coursed my body. On a scale of 1-10 it was a perfect 100. It began to get dark and I felt as if I was about to pass out. I then saw the car that hit be pull over in front of me and stop. I remember the words either spoken or thought, “I have been hit by a car.

What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. As I passed out, I felt as if my body was floating or being carried. It all became black and my mind was caught up as if it were a vision. I saw the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane kneeling in prayer, suffering for our sins and affliction, and praying to the Father. I felt a portion of his pain. My soul was caught up in great joy and then humbled as I felt the true sorrow for all my sins. I knew that He had paid the price and I was truly forgiven. Never had I felt such joy and was humbled by what had just happened. That joy and peace were comforting.

I did not suffer any further injury one would expect from being tumbled to the ground. It was peaceful and gentile. I was hit, passed out and felt as if I were being carried as it were. Following this period of unconsciousness, I came back into a state of semi-consciousness and felt my body being gently laid down on what I learned was the road adjacent to me on the left. When I came to, I was lying straight on my back with my feet toward the side of the road and my head towards the center line with my arms and hands crossed on my chest. Other than the massive black bruise on my backside from the impact there were no other cuts, scrapes, or injuries to my body you would expect. Why? (See the “Why?” in my other account of this in the version called ‘ From a Heavenly Perspective, The Blessings of Family Home Evening‘.)

The Nightmare

This was no nightmare. This was real. What had happened had happened. As I lay there on my back looking up, realizing I was still alive, I could see faces of people giving me comfort and trying to determine the extent of my injuries. A real outpouring of love, care, and concern. I then saw the man who was the driver of the car. I have never seen such remorse, sorrow, and anguish on anyone as I saw on him. My heart ached for him as he tried to tell me how sorry he was. “I am sorry, I am sorry. It was an accident,” he said.

The Healing

What happened next changed the lives of everyone there and set a different mood for everyone in the Park for the rest of the weekend. “Savior, May I Love My Brother” “I would Learn The Healer’s Art.”

As I looked up and saw this man and what he must have been feeling, I could only think of one thing to say and that was, “It is ok. Don’t worry, I will be fine. It was just an accident as you said and the adversity or negative is done. What we have to look forward to now is the limitless blessings that come from adversity. Everything we endure in life comes with the seed of an equivalent blessing or benefit. I do not want what has happened take away from your enjoyment of this beautiful park. Do not let this ruin your vacation. I will not let it ruin mine. I am now looking forward to those limitless blessings and benefits coming to me.”

A spirit of love and forgiveness permeated the air and there was happiness instead of unhappiness and hatred one for another. The healing had already begun.

Shortly thereafter the rangers arrived on the scene and took over and did all the good things they do. One of which was to call for the ambulance that would take me to the nearest hospital for x-rays and care. It would be at least 45 minutes for them to arrive. During this period waiting I kept going back to the thought that the impact of the car did not knock be down and could not explain why I was laying in the road as I was, rather than in the ditch to the right all bruised and scraped up as one would expect.

In the time before the arrival of the ambulance there was more conversation of the good things of life and how things like this just end up blessing the lives of those involved. I wanted this to be a good thing. I wanted the man and his two boys to go away from this knowing everything would be fine. I asked the man if his two boys were OK. He indicated they were a little shaken about it all. I asked him to bring them to me. When they came over, I told them their father was a good man and that he did nothing wrong. I told them there would be blessings for us all to come from what happened and that I did not want any of this to take away from, but instead add to their vacation. I told them we would be good friends someday and I wanted to keep in touch with them. With the help of others, I was able to stand and we took a picture together. I am so glad the effort was made. I am very happy to have that picture. It was a happy time and I knew it was all going to turn out for the best.

The ambulance came and I was taken to The Mercy Trauma Center in Redding California where it was confirmed that I had a broken left leg and ankle. It would be weeks of trial and recovery. They splinted me and I was able to remain in the park to complete other responsibilities in the park for the Dark Sky Festival. I then drove myself home on Monday for an operation to put my leg back together and 9 long weeks of recovery to walk again.

I sometimes think what I could have done to have avoided this but no matter the amount of thinking it will never take away what has happened. I think more of what I have been praying for and asking my Heavenly Father. As a result of this accident I have seen miracles unfold before me and limitless blessings given. Many of which have been answers to prayers.

I have suffered more pain than I have ever felt before in my life, have overcome, and now rejoice in my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to the next adventure when I will witness His hand, and will again bless me and the lives of countless others.

I pray that,
“Savior may I learn to love my brother.
Savior may I pause to lift another.
Savior may I learn the healer’s art.
Savior, I would follow Thee.”

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Lassen Trip – Broken Leg page.

This is an email I sent to my family after I attended church for the first time after the accident in Lassen.

Hi,

I am here in beautiful Reno Nevada alive and well! I was at church today. After what has happened to me, I saw Church a little different today. It was all so much more meaningful to me. Each hymn sung had real applicable meaning in its words. The sacrament was extra special.

After I felt the pain when hit, I thought of the Savior and the pain he suffered in the Garden. I cannot imagine what that must have been like. What I felt almost made me want to die. Then, to see all the members of the church who have poured out so much love for us with the dinners each night, the visits, and the staying with me for 36 hours during and after surgery. We talk of a ward family and that is about it. Well, the ward family to me is just as important as a personal blood family. I have a very deep love for them all. It has all been such a perfect wonderful day.

Now for a Story. This story is the most special story of all the stories told of this experience with being run over by a car.

At the point of impact I heard a noise that was the most freaky noise, then the pain came, then the thought of death. I had just been hit by a car going 35-40 miles an hour. The impact of the car should have hurled me to the side of the road, messed up my bike, and tumbled me on the ground only to suffer more injury from asphalt scraping my flesh, gravel embedding itself into my skin, bumping, bruising, cutting, puncturing, and every other manner to inflict damage to my body. That did not happen, and for 10 days I have pondered on that and what actually happened.

After I had the thought of death and could see myself blacking out and everything started to turn gray, I felt my body being supported and carried. I was then laid on my back on the road. It started to get light again and I could see people standing over me and others offering aid to comfort and to try and determine the extent of the injury. Fortunately the pain dropped from a perfect 100 in the scale of 1-10. It leveled out in the 4-6 range.

On the 10th day of pondering, I was relating this story to a friend who had just brought dinner to us. At the point where I related the feeling of being carried, I just stopped talking and listened to the words coming into my mind as if someone were talking to me. The words I heard were “It was me. It was me, It was your mom”. Believe it or not, but that is what I heard and I believe that mom was there as well as others of our family to take care of me. This was a near death experience where I felt the presence of guardian angels and was blessed by them. Yes, I believe this. Yes, I believe that Mom is our guardian angel. I was not knocked to the ground to suffer more, nor did I fall to the ground. I do not have and cuts, scrapes, abrasions, scratches, nor was any of my clothes torn or soiled from what should have done it all.

Miracles happen each day. I see them all around me. Yesterday, after being told not to, I drove myself to a CE Class I needed to take and then stopped at Home Depot to check on something. I was then to go to another stop down in Carson City to check on something. I stopped at home first and when I got out of my truck I shut the door and it automatically locked itself. Something that does not happen, but it did then. Both my keys were locked inside. I now could not go anyplace. I was not to go and my condition required me to stay home and get the swelling down. Who knows, I may have met another bad accident.

I love each of you. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Paul

When you get up in the morning, put your pants on, brush your hair and tie your shoes and head out the door you would not expect to walk into Heaven. But, then again why not.

On June 21, 2016 I was fortunate enough to walk into Heaven. Not only on that day but on each of two days following. I will just say at this time that Heaven is beautiful. The rest of the story will follow.

The story really began in May of 2014 when I was given the freedom of the open road and a long list of adventures that would shape my life and prepare me for what happened between June 20th and 24th 2016. Who would think that buying a bicycle would put you on the road to be able to Walk Into Heaven? Through fate and the blessing of a loving Heavenly Father I was given a fresh start in life along with a bit of freedom to pursue a dream of going road cycling. The day I picked up my new bike I met a friend Brian Wilson for my first ride. After a brief consultation it was decided to ride to the top of Geiger Grade, a challenge and a climb of over 2000 feet with an exhilarating downhill.

Well I loved it and that opened the door to many other mountain passes and longer rides. By Labor Day I was doing multiple passes and 100-mile rides all in a day. On my ride of Labor Day, doing Geiger Grade, Spooner Summit, and Mt. Rose Summit and home, I found myself on the top of Spooner Summit looking south over mountains and horizons with a yearning to ride even further. I resolved at that time to set my sites on a longer ride from Reno south to Yosemite Valley and back in a week.

Through much planning and preparation this goal was accomplished on June 15-22, 2015. For one week, 24-7, I was in the presence of God and his creation. Miracles were about me every day. The experiences of that week prepared me for the next mountain and experience.

Click here to read the story of the Reno to Yosemite trip.

On August 7, 2015 I was in Lassen Volcanic National Park at their Annual Dark Sky Festival. We were there in 2014 as well and during that time I biked over the summit and to the north end of the park and back. It was a trip of a little over 60 miles and an elevation gain of 6000 ft. An awesome ride. I was all excited to do it again and prepared everything for that day and off I went. Little did I know I was in for an experience of a lifetime. A real-life changing experience. A couple miles before I reached the north entrance and a break for lunch, I was taking a short stop to get a drink of water and rest a little. As I was standing on the side of the road and straddling my bike, I heard a loud noise. I turned to see what had happened and as I turned back around, I felt a pain course my body on a scale of 1-10, a perfect 100 and started to pass out. I also saw a car pull over and realized I had been hit by a car. With every bit of adversity there are seeds of equivalent benefits. The adversity and ordeal that had happened would prove to be miraculous and open the Windows of Heaven for more of Heavenly Father’s blessing.

After the trauma of being hit by a car while cycling can be life changing. I wondered if I would ever get on a bike again and ride for any distance. On October 17 2015 just two months and a week after the accident I went with our boy scouts out near Pyramid Lake and climbed back on my bike for a 50-mile bike ride. We camped overnight in the desert, and then hit the road the next morning. I was a little reluctant with the distance and just being given the OK to walk on my leg without crutches. I gave it a try. Well at the end of 50 miles I was wiped out but ready for more.

Yes, I was ready for more. More of what was to come. In the spring of 2016, I was asked by the local Stakes Young Men’s Leadership to lead the 14-18-year-old boys during the LDS scout camp week on a high adventure experience in Lassen Volcanic National Park. I was to take a different group of boys each day. On the first day I was to teach them that God is Real. The second day that Jesus Christ Lives and of the atonement. The third day that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and the Book of Mormon is true.

I wanted to give them a high adventure they would always remember. I only had about 7 hours each day for each group to accomplish that. After much prayer and thought it came to me that I was to take the boys to the top of Brokeoff Mountain each day and experience what was put there for us. I planned on this and set a date to go to Lassen Park and check out the hike and the snow conditions on the trail and mountain the week before the event. When I did, I found that the trail and the summit was doable. However, there were many challenges and there would be snow. The realization of the physical ordeal it would put me through each day gave me to worry. Could I do it. I anguished for five days prior to the first day. How could I do this each day for three days? What was I doing? It has only been 10 months since my cycling accident and broken leg and ankle. What if I cannot do the three days? I could not disappoint the boys. I cried and cried out to Heavenly Father for help and understanding. If I was to do this, I needed his help. The answers and help did not come right away. I was left to myself to work this out and do all that I could on my own. As each day passed, the reality of what I was to accomplished weighed heavy on my mind.

Monday June 20, 2016 was finally here. I had planned well and now needed to get my things in the truck and get myself to Lassen Park. Never in my life had I felt so much doubt and anguish over something I needed to do. The process of getting all loaded up and ready seemed to be never ending. Finally, I found myself in the truck heading out when I suddenly stopped and cried out and commanded the adversary to depart and leave me alone and that I was going to do all that I had been asked. A sweet calm came over me and I was off for what was to be “A Walk Into Heaven” and one of the most memorable and life changing experiences of my life.

As I got closer to my destination, I felt a surge of energy come over me along with a strong determination to do what I had to do and be ready in the morning for the first group and give them everything they were expecting and then some. Camp was set up and I had all the comforts of home. A good bed, good food, and hot water. I put my 8×8 easy up over a picnic table. I then put my airbed on the picnic table off the ground and slept well. I then set up my camp stove and boiled water for my mountain house dinners and sponge baths. What more could you want?

As I settled in the night came. With the darkness also came doubt, a little anguish, and the sick feeling that accompanies such feelings. I again questioned what I was about to do. What had I gotten myself into? Was I equal to the challenge? Again, I got on my knees and cried out to Heavenly Father and ask him to remove these thoughts and give me the assurance and strength to do what I had come to do. Tomorrow was the day. I felt his presence and the negative feelings were gone and I slept well.

With eager anticipation I was up early and prepared a hearty breakfast and put my things together for the day. The appointed time had finally come for me to meet the group at the trailhead.

More surprises. In my preparations I had given specific instruction for the type of foot ware to have, along with a hiking pole, and a backpack with adequate food and water for the day. I first noticed that many did not have what I thought was adequate foot ware, few had a hiking pole, and some without what I thought was adequate food and water. How could I get all these boys and leaders to the top of this mountain and back down safely in 7 hours. Some of these boys and leaders are not going to make it. Oh, Ye Of Little Faith! I did not have the faith.

One of my favorite books I had been reading every day is “A Future as Bright as Your Faith” by President Thomas S. Monson. Each day he gives a special thought for the day. On this day, June 21, 2017, he wrote something that was so applicable for the day and for what we were about to do. I took a moment to welcome everyone and share with them the following thought from President Monson.

“As we pursue our quest for eternal life, we will come to many forks and turnings in the road. We cannot venture into the uncertainties of the future without reference to the certainties of the past. Your challenge is to join the forces of the old and the new—experience and experiment, history and destiny, the world of man and the world of science—but always in accordance with the never-changing word of God. In Short, He becomes your pilot on this eternal journey. He knows the way. His counsel can keep us from the pitfalls threatening to engulf us and lead us rather to the way of life eternal.” In others words, “Today we have a mountain to climb, experiences to experience, and goals to reach so let’s use all that we have been given and make it happen.

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! And up the trail we go. What stories would we tell at the end of the day?

More to come!!!!!!!!!

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Yosemite Trip page.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Lassen Trip – Broken Leg page.

The first day of this epic journey started just like I planned. All preparations had been well calculated and I was off shortly after 5:00 a.m. The morning was cool and I only wished it would be cool all day but knew it would not. The ride started as usual with nothing out of the ordinary, Pleasant Valley, Washoe Valley, Carson City and Carson Valley, Hope Valley and beyond. Before I knew it, there it was. The climb I knew would come started into the Sierras. I arrived in Markleeville about an hour later than I planned. I wanted to get there in time for a good carb breakfast of pancakes and eggs before I began my climb over Ebbets Pass. With all that effort to get there I was stopped for road work two minutes from the restaurant for an additional 15 minutes. I had a good time talking with the road guard, Dina, and the people waiting with me. I found out there is a fresh new road to the top of Ebbets pass.

After a good breakfast and a relaxing hour, it was time to start up towards the pass. Everything takes a little longer than planned. I didn’t get started until about 2:00 p.m. I had planned to get over the pass and down through Hermit Valley and over the west side and get set up for the night. At 5:30 p.m. I was only at the campground before the steep switch back road to the top. I was there at a good campground. Do I stay the night there and proceed in the morning or go on? If I stayed, I would not have enough water. If I went on, I might be caught in an area without good camping. I said a prayer and was impressed to go on. I started up the steep winding switchbacks and was made very much aware of what it is like to peddle a 100-lb load up those grades. It is hard enough without it. I found myself walking the turns and riding the rest. I made it to the top at 7:30 and had about an hour and a half of daylight left and so pushed on toward Hermit Valley and the last so-called hill out of Hermit Valley.

I got to the valley in good time. However, three things were against me. The weight of my load, I was tired, and the biggest mosquitoes in creation. There were hundreds of them all after me. I pushed on up the hill and then finally realized it would be dark in about 30 minutes and I was being eaten alive by mosquitoes and had no real place to stay and could not camp where I was. My best efforts were not good enough to get me to the safe area I was working toward. I had hit the wall. I was so close but yet so far.

I had a prayer and asked for help. It was now about 9:00 p.m. Within 5 minutes a man drove up in a Jeep Cherokee. What are the chances of anyone driving over Ebbets Pass at 9:00 p.m.?

He stopped and asked if I needed help. I told him I had hit my wall and needed to get to the top of the hill so I could coast down to my next stop at Alpine Lakes. He helped me get my bike and things into his car and off we went. He drove fast and I was a little nervous but ever so thankful for the “Angel”. As we got to the summit, he said he would just drop me at Alpine Lakes.

During our short ride together, I asked him where he was coming from and where he was going. He told me he had been staying in Tahoe and was on his way to Mammoth. Why was this guy traveling over a less traveled Sierra Mountain pass this late at night heading away from the direction he wanted to go? He should be on HWY 395 south. He was an angel sent to me at that most desperate time.

When I got to Alpine Lakes it was very late and things were pretty much closed up except for a light in a window. I knocked and found a person in charge and explained my situation. They were so gracious to get me a cabin. I soon found myself inside the cabin staring at a very nice soft bed, a most welcome site after an 18-hour day and close to 100 miles on my bike. I will sleep well tonight!!

This day has been a real challenge of strength, stamina, and a will to succeed. Even with all my efforts I came up short. I am thankful for a very loving and protecting Father in Heaven. He was there when I needed him. Together we will succeed on this epic journey. There must be a purpose in what is going to be done. Only time and the future will define this purpose.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Yosemite Trip page.

Boy did I ever sleep well. I slept and slept until I was done. I got up and had a breakfast of oatmeal, cranberries and some smoothie protein powder. Yum! By the time I had everything cleaned up and packed it was 9:00 a.m. Off I went and to my surprise there was a hill right around the first bend in the road. From my memory I thought it was pretty much all downhill. Much of it was but there were also a good number of hills to keep me humble.

The further I got down the hill to Angels Camp on Hwy 49 it was getting warmer and warmer. It ended up to be just shy of 100 degrees. When I got to Angels Camp, I wanted to find a good ice cream store and cool off. After asking around I came up with nothing. My next big stop was Jamestown. Hopefully there would be some there.

On my way it was and up and a down, very narrow and winding road but it was a very nice ride. When the road opened up and I could see a big reservoir that had dropped to the point of perhaps drying up. I stopped to take a picture of Malone Reservoir. When I got back on my bike my front tire suddenly turned to the right, hit some gravel and threw me forward over the front. Now I know what your knees and other flesh feel like rubbing across the gravel and asphalt. When it was over and after a quick inventory, I found I was pretty banged up. I had two good size bruises on my left ankle and above the left knee. My skin was rubbed off on the right side of the right knee. The underside of my right forearm was scraped and bloody. The top of my right forearm had a small cut and bled out under the skin in a circle about 3 inches in diameter. The cut also opened up and soaked my solar sleeve with blood. My right shoulder also had the skin scraped off under my bike and undershirt. The clothes were not torn. Both knees were badly bruised. I had a bad bruise on my left lower shin with a big bump. I had bruises on my lower right leg and the back of the upper right thigh. Last but not least my head hit the pavement and was saved by my helmet but somehow, I got some fine sand embedded in my skin above my right eye. I did enjoy picking the sand out of my flesh. I also sprained a couple fingers on my left hand along with scraping the flesh off the knuckles.

Within a minute a man stopped in a small pickup and asked if I was O.K. I told him that I thought so and he started to leave. I was impressed to stop him and ask for a ride to Jamestown so I could get checked out. It was only a couple miles. He was reluctant as he was in a company truck that did not allow riders. I persuaded him that it would be O.K. as he was rescuing someone who had been hurt. He would be somewhat like a Good Samaritan. He took me just outside of town and dropped me so he wouldn’t be seen with a rider. I thanked him and off he went.

The first thing I saw was a “Frosty Freeze”. I went there and got my ice cream. First things first. While there I asked where I could find some first aid. This couple sent me down to a store on Main Street next to the National Hotel. When I rode past the store looking for it and turned around the owner of the National Hotel was walking out of the store. He came to me and said, “You need some help.” Go in the store and get what you need and then come to my hotel and use my restroom to wash up and take care of things. When I had done that, they gave me a great deal on a room and dinner. It is an old hotel of the 1800 era. One of the features is a large soaking tub on feet for guest to use. I used it and I am now ready for bed, very relaxed, and ready for sleep. Today I felt like the fallen traveler along the way when a Good Samaritan came to rescue and took me to the innkeeper to bind up my wounds.

Given my injuries and the discomfort they could cause, I had to ask myself if I should go on or be defeated. My prayers were meaningful as I pleaded with Heavenly Father to bless me with the strength I needed to fulfill His purposes for this ride.

Tomorrow I should be in Yosemite Valley. I have the faith that this is right and there is a purpose for me to complete this ride. I knew I had prepared ever so careful. Everything was right and now this injury. Could I overcome this possible defeat? The answer was YES! I had my mountains to climb, my goals to reach, and my dreams to be lived. I knew I could do it. That still small voice came again and again as it has in the past, “YOU CAN DO IT!”

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Yosemite Trip page.

I slept straight through ‘til morning, which allowed me needed rest. When I surveyed the damages from yesterday’s fall, the real concern were fingers on my left hand. I could not bend them. Could I do the braking necessary in the high country with all the hills and steep downgrades over Tioga Pass? The middle finger worked fine other than some skin rubbed off. My shoulder was a little raw but with the first aid cream and a band aid it would be fine. The cut on my upper forearm just looked bad but was fine. The scrape on the bottom side of my forearm was a little deeper and needed first aid cream and a band aid. My knee needed to be covered with a dressing. The legs were alright other than several pretty good bruises.

Before I left Jamestown, I visited a medical clinic to get some assistance with my wounds. They denied me any help based on some ridiculous rule. So off I went. Amazingly enough I had no pain. I felt infused with the power fueled by real purpose.

After three long days of riding over mountains, down mountains, and then back up mountains I finally would arrive at my destination of Yosemite Valley.

The day started with a carb filled breakfast of pancakes and eggs. After the meal I packed up and prepared for the journey. Destination: Yosemite Valley. I knew I had a long day ahead. The first handful of miles was not too bad. I had a 55 mile ride up hill to the Yosemite park entrance. I had driven it and knew what to expect. After the first phase of the ride from Jamestown to China Camp I planned take on enough water to get up Priests Grade. When I got to China Camp, I found it had been closed up since I was there a couple weeks before. No water. I only had enough to get me to the bottom of Priest Grade. When I got to the bottom of the grade, I looked for water to no avail. It was time to summon another angel. A nice lady came along and was the first Angel for the day and offered to take me to the top of the first grade and a gas station where I could get water.

After filling my water containers, I proceeded on to Groveland. It had been my plan to stay there last night. As I entered the town to my relief and excitement, I saw a big sign over a store called Groveland Pharmacy. I could finally get the right size of band aids and other items I needed to care for the injuries. The people there were so nice.

From this point it was all uphill to the park entrance with only one more water stop at Yosemite Lakes store. I ate lunch in Groveland and filled up with water and took extra for the long grinding uphill trek.

While eating lunch I became really nauseated and a real down feeling came over me. I prayed for help to get through it. I rested an hour there and felt better. Then was off. When I was miles up the road sitting on a guardrail for a short rest, a little water and more sunscreen a feeling of real joy came over me. Others were speeding by in their cars and I was there with my bike watching the hawk soar above me. I could feel the breeze on my face, and smell the fragrance of the pines. That was a little bit of heaven.

However there were lots of miles and thousands of strokes on the peddles before I could get to bed.

Some miles up the road at The Rim of the World. I was able to see where I was and where I needed to go. I took off from there and in a couple of miles was able to ride downhill into a valley, a welcome break. At the bottom of the downhill I looked up what seemed to be the last straw. I could see the grade of the upcoming road that seemed to be endless, as though it went right into heaven. My first thought was, “how in the world would I ever be able to make it up this climb. It made Mt. Rose, Geiger Grade, Spooner Summit, and YES, Ebbets Pass look like rolling hills. Time was ticking away and I needed to get to Yosemite Lakes Store for water. At 4:00 p.m. I started up the grade and to my surprise I found myself at the top by 5:30 p.m. I made it to the store. After a quick stop for water I took off and found it to be 6.5 miles and the same if not worse than the previous road. Perhaps because I was tired. When I got to the entrance at Yosemite National Park, I had my picture taken at the sign and went to the entrance gate to pay my fee. When I paid my fee and inquired of the campground there, I was told it was full and I could only camp in a designated campground and the next one was 10 miles up the road and 4000 ft in elevation gain up the road.

It was time for plan B. I rode up the road out of site, waited for a little bit and prayed for another angel. After 5 minutes along came a very large Ford Sport Van all decked out with Thule carriers, bike rack and a Mercedes following. I motioned to them and they pulled into the parking area across the road and a man got out and asked if he could help. I told him what I was doing and would appreciate a ride a couple miles to Crane Flat. It was my plan to coast from there into Yosemite Valley and find a place to stay. I gave up on getting anything to eat. It would be too late and things would be closed.

He loaded me into his van and the bike went on the back rack and off we went to Crane Flat. At Crane Flat we unloaded and packed up my bike again. I thanked them and off I went. It was all downhill from here. It was now getting dark and I turned on my headlight and down I went. What a ride. On the way down I noticed my derailleur on my lower gears would only give me the two lowest gears. This meant I could not get much speed when I reached the flat and level road of the valley. I had also lost all my gears on my left side which were all the high gears in the accident the day before. It would only get me there later and later. I had two options, search through a campground in the dark and hope someone did not show up and set up a tent or go to Curry Village and try to get a tent cabin and a hot shower. I chose Curry Village. Word everywhere was that everything was full. I walked in the office and was greeted by Michelle. She was doubtful of an available cabin. To our surprise there was one. At that point I was starting to shut down. The endorphins were used up and my muscles were getting tight. I was hungry and could hardly keep my eyes open. I thanked her, got the key and drug myself off to the cabin on the far side of the complex and stumbled in. Too tired to fix anything I relied on my stash of Tahoe Trail Bars. Two bars and relief for my hunger and screaming body. I was so tired but the hot shower won out. I soon found myself standing under the most refreshing hot shower ever experienced by man. I was operating on only two cylinders by this time. When I got back to the cabin I unpacked, and made the bed. Before my head hit the pillow, I was asleep and slept rock solid. Good night to a most eventful day.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Yosemite Trip page.

Thursday, June 18th, I used the day to chill. My body was shouting at me. I needed rest and time to rejuvenate.

At 4:30 a.m. I was awakened from a sound sleep by the noise created by the noisy departure of my neighbors. I was able to fade back in and out of sleep dreaming of the pancakes and eggs I was going to have for breakfast. Finally, at 7:30 I got up and got ready for breakfast. I rode over to the village food court. I was so hungry. I had not eaten anything other than power bars since lunch the day before. For breakfast I ended up eating two orders of Pancakes and eggs. The strength had returned. I spent the day in the Village relaxing.

I did notice my right knee was quite swollen and decided to try and get it looked at by the doctors at the Village Clinic. I needed to be assured it is just swelling and nothing serious. My knee was fine. Just a tissue injury; tender to the touch in places, and some swelling. I was given clearance to continue on my journey. After the clinic, I had lunch in the Deli with the best Turkey Sandwich. I had one but could have eaten two.

After lunch the nurse at the clinic suggested I go down to the river by Housekeeping Camp and the beach and stand in the river and let the cold water cut down the swelling. As I stood there, I observed the beautiful valley, the people on the beach, in the water, and rafting on the river. Everyone was having the time of their life. Where I was standing, I was shaded by the trees so it was cool. I felt a little bit of heaven. This was “me” time. I appreciated it so much.

It was now time to get connected and post these reports for all to read. I went back to the cabin and got my things and headed to the library and dinner.

When I got to dinner at the dining hall, I saw they had trout & ordered it. As I got to the end of the line, I saw they had spaghetti pasta with Alfredo sauce and ordered that too. I have never felt so hungry. I had no problem eating everything.

At 10:00 p.m. the day was over and it is time for bed.

I am looking forward to biking through the high country of Yosemite the next day. I was going to experience it like I had never experienced it before.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Yosemite Trip page.

The overall creation of our beautiful planet took God 6 days to create. The 7th day He rested. I believe he must have rested in Yosemite. Every time I am in Yosemite I go away with a thought, “Yosemite is one of the most beautiful places on the Earth. A bit of Heaven on Earth.” Today it will be mine, seen and enjoyed like very few have or will see or enjoy it.

After a great breakfast with lots of carbs and protein I carefully packed up everything and headed out. This morning I felt great. Even with the injuries I had suffered Tuesday I was eager to get started. I had my picture taken in front of the Curry Village sign showing my bruised knees and eager spirit. I mounted my bike and settled the toosh into the cush of the saddle and again felt the comforts of being home in an easy chair. It is a blessing to never feel a tired and sore bottom. Because I was able to get half the gears on my bike working again, I could speed through the flat areas of the valley.

Out and down the Valley I went, past El Cap, The Three Brothers, and Bridal Veil Falls. On the grade up through the tunnels I was impressed to not ride that section as it is very narrow, and has lots of curves, and lots of cars. There are no shoulders or bike lanes. I got there around 11 a.m. and it took me a couple hours to get a ride. Finally, a couple of nice guys who were fishing the Merced River came up to their SUV and started talking to me and decided to give me a ride.

At the top of the grade at Crane Flat I made some adjustments on my bike and checked the air in the tires and got ready to go. I sat on a bench outside the Crane Flat store eating my sandwich with a bag of ice on a swollen and badly bruised knee. It wasn’t a picture of someone ready to tackle the high country of Yosemite. After I finished my lunch, I looked for someone who needed some ice, gave it to them and was off.

From Crane Flat to White Wolf they were finishing up asphalt work on the road. This was from. 12 miles of smooth road was great. As I arrived at the traffic control points, I would ride up past all the cars and wait to go. I enjoyed talking to people in route and then visiting with the traffic control people. They were excited for me and gave me thumbs up. The first two stops like this but at the third one I was stopped and asked to wait for a supervisor. The supervisor said she would be escorting me the rest of the way. When she drove up in her truck she asked if I would be able to give it all I got for a couple miles. I asked her how the road was. The reply was the one word I didn’t want to hear, “UP.” I told her I could give her between 5 and 7 miles an hour and that would be about it. I said a prayer and we were off. I was amazed at what I was able to do. The strength I had was incredible. I only had to stop for a short breather a couple of times. After two miles of no traffic or reason for this two-mile sprint, we stopped. I waited for final clearance from her before I could go. I couldn’t believe how fast I peddled up that road.

Now I was free to enjoy some great up and downhill sections with beautiful vistas, the smell of the forest, the magnificent trees, the fresh air, and the wild flowers. When I got to Yosemite Falls Creek, I took a break and soaked my leg in the cold water which felt marvelous.

Up and down I went and as the sun crossed the sky the colors and shadows on the majestic granite formations would change. Around every turn and over every hill there was something new and exciting. I had just crested over the hill at Olmstead Point. Wow! It was breath taking. It was as if I had never seen it before. It was about 7:00 p.m. and the Sun’s illumination was perfect. I spent time there taking pictures and witnessing the changes in the landscape.

My destination for the night was Tuolumne Meadows Campground. I didn’t have reservations but knew I could find a small plot of ground to lay my head.

I rode on past Tenaya Lake, Pywiack Dome, Polly Dome, Mendicott Dome, Fairview Dome and on into Tuolumne Meadows. By now it was 8:30 p.m. and was quite dark. I pulled into the campground and spotted several vacant campsites and picked my spot. The young couple in the site next to where I was, invited me to put my tent within their area just in case someone showed up late to that site. I shared a few stories with them, fixed a dinner of Mountain House freeze dried Chicken Teriyaki and Rice, cleaned up and went to bed. As I lay there looking into the brilliant night sky, I gave thanks for a very special day.

Good night. No injuries to report. Just lots of blessings.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Yosemite Trip page.

The night spent in the meadows of Tuolumne was so peaceful. My sleep was restful and I was eager to get on with the journey. My sleep in my personal little Ritz Carleton of Tuolumne was awesome. I cooked my own breakfast of oatmeal, banana, dried cranberries, and protein shake powder again.

I was able to get on the road early and headed up the road for more climbing to the north east entrance of the park. I had 7 miles to go to get to the entrance and the highest point. Then the long downhill to the east side of the Sierras, Lee Vining and on to Hwy 395 for the ride north towards home. I went through some very beautiful country and along the side of the Tuolumne River. I finally reached the entrance and knew that there was 25 miles downhill before I would arrive at the grade leaving the Mono Lake area. Then there would be another long downhill to Bridgeport.

The Tioga pass grade was very steep. I had to grip my brakes and pump them all the way to the bottom to keep from going over 30 miles an hour. It made me nervous but going downhill was welcomed. From the park entrance it was 139 miles to home and close to 100 miles of that would be downhill or flat. When I got to Lee Vining, I stopped at the gas station and store at the bottom of the grade and had lunch. A big green salad was my choice with lots of other tasty items. I have been so hungry on this trip. People asked me where I was going and what I was doing. I gave them my card and encouraged them to climb their own mountains and achieve their goals. It was fun to share my story and give people my card and promote the “You Can Do It!” attitude and idea. It is time for people to live their dreams.

I enjoyed my lunch and was off. During the morning I had felt a little bit of an upset stomach. This bothered me all the way to Bridgeport. Fortunately, it was a good ride and I really appreciated going downhill. I stopped in Bridgeport and had a refreshing frosty ice cream and watered up for the next climb into the Walker River area.

The ride up the gradual hill was wonderful and so beautiful. The energy I felt and the power in my legs was amazing. It was more than just my own strength. I was on my way home. After reaching the summit it was a nice downhill into Walker and Topaz Lake area. When I got to Walker where I was to stay and eat, I was too late for dinner. After traveling another 15 miles to Topaz, I found accommodations and a good meal and went to bed to rest up for the last day. In the area of Ebbets Pass and Monitor Pass I saw large clouds of smoke coming over the top of the mountain and knew it was fire. I had just come through that area a few days before and now it was on fire. That is a sight that I never like to see.

After a good meal and a hot shower, I hit the bed.

No problems today. Just great blessings and lots of energy.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Yosemite Trip page.

My final day. Was it really my final day? Had I traveled the many miles through the most beautiful place on earth? Was it real or all just a dream? It was now time to go home. It was Father’s Day and I had dinner waiting for me. I had about 60 miles left to go. The road was good. It was a bit of an uphill out of Topaz over a short summit and it was all downhill from there to Gardnerville and the Minden area.

I reached Minden at 10:30 and watered up. When I noticed the time, I realized I could go to church in Minden. It was a good time to give thanks for all or the blessings of this amazing trip.

I left Minden close to noon and headed home. It was an amazing part of the ride. I could not believe the strength in my legs. I propelled myself forward at speeds not usually ridden. Down the long stretch of road and then up the hill into Carson City. I zipped through Carson City and then the grade out of Carson City into Washoe (Inspiration Valley). Down into the valley and over Washoe Hill into Pleasant Valley. A quick trip through Pleasant Valley and then on to Reno.

For the past five days, I have been riding a bike that had been compromised in the fall I took on Tuesday and I felt it fitting to take my faithful companion straight to the bike shop for a much-needed rest and some good doctoring. I had just traveled 43 miles in 3.5 hours from Minden to Reno and it was finished. At High Sierra Cycling, I got off the bike, declared it finished and sat down.

I had been given amazing strength to get through this trip from my Father In Heaven. Now that it was finished, I felt the strength drain from my body. It was just me again. I thanked My Heavenly Father for all of the blessings during this amazing event in my life. Something that changed me forever. As I sat there, I tried to think about where I had been, what I had done, and it all seemed like I just woke from a dream and it was all just a dream. No, it was real. I will never forget the incredible experiences and things I have learned about myself and direction I have been given for the rest of my life.

“Me Time” That truly is the best Medicine.

Epilogue

It is now three years later and I can look back on this epic adventure and see how divinely inspired it was. It truly was the beginning of the rest of my life’s mission. This experience, the experience of being hit by a car, breaking a leg and ankle while cycling, the quick recovery and getting back on my bike for 50 miles with my boy scouts, the hikes into the wilderness after such a short recovery from a broken leg and other inspirational events have inspired many. The rest of my life is now devoted to serving others. I am dedicated to Reaching out, to Lift, Motivate, and Inspire others.

View photos from this adventure in my Gallery – Yosemite Trip page.