Jessica and I were working and living inside Grand Canyon National Park.  A place that became more of a home to us than I had ever felt since leaving my parents’ roof.  For years Arizona and its Mountains had deeply spoken to me… A way that many other mountain ranges and states could not.  It became evident that God was using this place in my life.  From having some of my favorite adventures here to meeting the love of my life, Jessica on my first day back to the Grand Canyon after working in several other parks.  The same day I would reunite with a friend who at the time was the pastor of the Grand Canyon Community Church.  As well as meet Jim Huber and his wife Patty Huber.  Two pivotal individuals in the story of Jess and me.  Now these two have not only become mentors to what a strong and successful Christian Marriage looks like, but also stand witness to our elopement and will be going on a little day adventure with Jess and me.

It was a cold day in Northern Arizona as Jess and I packed our Mazda with day hiking gear and camera gear and headed out of the Grand Canyon Village and to Valle Arizona.  We met Jim and Patty at the Chevron off of Interstate 64 and piled into his truck.  We made our way down Interstate 40 to Ash Fork and then towards Yarnell and our trail for the day.  After  a cozy ride we arrived at Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park off of 89.  By this time the sun was shining and the cold desert land was warming up.

We began our walk together and made jokes and spoke of life.  Also having the moments of silence that we know and love from time on trail. We spoke of and imagined how such a sad event such as the Yarnell Fire occurred.

Before we knew it, the group of us straddled a ridge, and looked down, we could see the resting place for the Wildland Fire Fighters who lost their lives here

Afterwards we had a snack and walked back slowly to the Trailhead.  It was going to get dark soon and it was time for the best Pizza in Prescott Arizona.  Rosa’s Pizzeria is always a treat and what one it was upon that friendly occasion. 

-Sky