One favorite pair of shoes, for a woman, can never have just one favorite pair, has been my old grey hiking boots. They have taken me on quite a few adventures while traveling around the countryside. I have been to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site and Bent’s Old Fort in Southeastern Colorado. I have walked along dusty horse trails around my home with my pups.
I walked along the land of my grandpa’s old ranch, knowing all the while my steps covered the ground that he once walked. I stepped alongside the old train tracks and wondered how many times my mama had taken the old coal buckets and picked up the black chunks that had fallen off the train cars at the bend in the track.
I slipped on my shoes before sliding into old Ruby and heading for the mountains and trekking along trails that seemed to reach into the sky. I have strolled along quiet main streets, peering into shops or buying a cup of Joe to take on the road. I have walked along quiet streets of old ghost towns and marveled at old hotels and churches.
I have worn them while visiting grandbabies and viewing the newest members of the farm. I held little hands and walked to pens to witness the arrival of baby goats or laugh as I watched Princess Laya scurry towards an open kitchen door, hoping to steal food from the dog’s bowl. I wore them the day I saw Ember for the first time. The soft grey mare warmed my heart as I watched the wild Mustang scout her new home.
My old boots have carried me to many places as I enjoyed all that Colorado has to offer. And as the weather begins to warm, I can’t wait to pull them out, lace them up once again, and discover new places to explore.
Tales of a Family 