View from a Hill

People often ask us why we left the convenience of the city and the stability of a steady paycheck for life in the country. Believe me, there are times when this is a question we ask ourselves! In our more sane moments, though, we are reminded of the rewards of our simple life here. Enjoying fruit canned at its peak freshness and flavor, roasting a chicken raised organically in our backyard, knowing (and liking!) neighbors who would give you the shirt off their backs (and vice versa), sitting carefree in the backyard watching shooting stars after a hard day's work - these are comforts that cannot be measured in monetary value but are ultimately rich nonetheless.

Now that we feel we have made a little progress on the house and farm, Jordan and I are purposing to take the time to enjoy the beauty of the northwest. Recently, we made a trek to the top of Mt. Dominion, seen here from the north side of the house:


Despite a temporary roadblock (a not uncommon occurrence out here)...


...we pushed on and made it to the top in record time. We even managed to see some wildlife along the way. Here are some elk in a neighboring field:

At the top, we were rewarded with some amazing views of the north side of town and the Canadian Rockies beyond.


We even caught a glimpse of our house (circled at the bottom of the photo below). Seeing the size of our home in relation to the environment around us reminded me that our problems and issues are tiny in comparison to life beyond our four walls.


Actually, I think that the trip above accurately summarizes our decision to live as we do. Yes, we do hit some roadblocks, endure "hardships," and travel some unsteady roads on the proverbial mountains that we climb. Determining to make the trek and delighting in the sights along the way, however, make the satisfaction of arriving at the peak at each summit that much sweeter.