It’s Christmas time at Base Camp! The tree is glittering with a hundred sparkling lights, and ornaments that we’ve collected over the years dangle from the branches. It’s been re-decorated, of course, by two kitties who love to tug on the gold garland and bat the ornaments around like toys. A few presents are wrapped under the tree. Niala loves to wiggle between them and curl up for a nap under the colorful lights. The smell of baking pies and cookies fills the house with a cozy aroma and a fire is crackling in the fireplace. I love the way a wood fire smells – it reminds me of the scent of flowing lava. Snuggled up in a fluffy blanket, I’m taking a moment to reflect on this year, and the holiday season at hand.
Last January, I told a friend of mine that it felt as if I were a stone being loaded into a slingshot and that 2019 would be a wild ride. What a year it has been! As with every year, there have been moments of joy and of heartbreak. We have worked hard to accomplish goals and overcome obstacles. I think of the countless hours I spent training to recover from my knee injury last year. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? I’m thankful for my coach who kept me on the ball and knew just what to do to get me back in shape. We’ve had the opportunity to explore several new volcanoes and celebrated the success of reaching Mount St. Helens’ summit in August. We have met new and incredible friends through our journeys this year.
I have enjoyed spending more time writing this year – sharing our adventures with you here on our blog and on our social media pages. Getting to chat with some of you and swap stories has been a wonderful experience. I am excited to see what 2020 brings. I am certain that it will be a year full of adventures, new volcanoes, and exciting changes. I look forward to sharing it all with you.
I wish a very happy Christmas to you and your families. I pray that wherever you find yourself this holiday season, that you will find joy and peace in your lives. May your New Year be full of happy surprises and wonderful adventures.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hopping,
Carol
