Dad passes

I'm sad to report that my dad, Bill Youngs, succumbed to cancer October 25 at about 5:00 p.m. We were fortunate to all be with him when he passed; our mom, Nell Youngs, my brothers Gary & Tim, and our wives Carolyn, Sheila and Cheryl. I think this photo nicely captures his spirit and is one of the ways we will remember him most. He had an awesome sense of humor. In keeping with that we published a quote on the front of a handout for his memorial service, "On a hot day you can't beat a root beer float...except for buttermilk!" We will pay tribute to him Wednesday, October 29, 11:00a.m. at his church, Littleton Church of Christ and he will be buried in Chapel Hills Cemetary, just behind the church, with one of the best views of the Rocky Mountains anywhere in Colorado. RIP dad!

Ride to the top of the world

Last week Carolyn's siblings, Bill & Judi, and Judi's husband Steadman, came to Colorado ostensibly to sort through mom's old photographs. We managed to party a little too and do some sightseeing. Highlight of their trip was a venture to the top of Pikes Peak, 14,110 feet above sea level. On one of those picture-perfect Colorado Fall days, we boarded the famous cog railway operated by the Colorado Springs & Manitou Springs Railroad. At the base of the mountain the weather was predicted to hit 85 degrees, but at the top of the mountain, we found 40 degrees and very little air. It was a beautiful trip both ways and the clear view from the top was spectacular in every direction. Steadman delighted in making cellphone calls to his family from the top of the world. The scenery on the way up was colorful as the Aspen trees had just about reached their peak Fall colors.

After the trip up the mountain we drove through quaint Manitou Springs at the base of the mountain and stopped for a light, late lunch.

It was a great Colorado day.