Dear Maia and Isaac,

Camping weekend has come and gone, again.  This weekend, I ALMOST did not go.  I had surgery last week, and have another one next week.  I have to be careful to stay healthy and not get an infection.  Work and other things in life were also crazy last week.  There was no way I could camp for two nights, but I still wanted to go because once September is gone . . . no more camping until 2019.

So, Saturday afternoon, the pups and I headed up to Cimarron.  You might remember driving through here when you came to visit.  It is a little tiny town just before you drop into Montrose.  It only took me about 20 minutes to get there.  I feared we wouldn’t find a campsite, but there was lots of room.  It was my first time camping here.  Funny how we don’t go see the places that are close to home 🙂

In its day, Cimarron was a booming railroad town.  They ran a narrow gauge train through there to transport ore from mines in Ouray, Telluride, and other mining towns in the region.  The narrow gage (narrower track) made it easier for the train to negotiate steep curves.  Once the mining industry died down some, the town was used to transport livestock. The train cars remind me of Isaac.

Once camp was set-up, we went to Morrow Point Dam, which is just down the road from the campgound.  The first time I hiked here was last year.  This time, we didn’t hike far because I need to take care of myself and I don’t think carrying Maizzy in a backpack is such a great idea.  I sat and listened to the Gunnison River for a long time.  I visualized my immune system bringing healing.  Rivers are so peaceful.

The Morrow Point Dam is tall and narrow with a double arch.  It was the first of its kind built in the US.  The Dam was built in the 60s and is used for hydroelectric power generation. It is part of the same system as the big Blue Mesa reservoir that you see while driving to Montrose.

We packed up and drove home this morning.  It was a short trip, but good to unplug in nature for a bit.  My job is so focused on computers and telephones . . . I like my time sitting by the river.

So, this week is Maia’s birthday!  I can’t believe how fast you are growing into a beautiful and talented young woman.  Your birthday was special right from the start.  I have a little something for you that I will mail this week.  For your birthday, I will think about you all day.  I hope you do the same for me on my birthday.  It is special to remember family on holidays – it is what makes families strong.  That, and time together.  I miss you bunches, but you are not forgotten.  I will try to blog on your birthday if I am up to it – about your present.  I want you to know the adventure behind what I picked for you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAIA! I Love You!

Grandma Hartt