Upon arrival in the Pacific Northwest there has been an abundance of natural beauty to explore even with the limited financial means of intermittent employment. Today was spent on the mountainside with a backpack that has followed up rivers, through thickets and across the globe to over 25 countries primarily through European travel. While a backpack is limited in significance it holds value in consistency and the timelessness of a product that has been a favorite. 100 years ago those same travels would come at the cost of fortune or the life of a mogul and the backpack would likely not be a product but rather a garment of sort. With the new year there are goals being set and outlooks being filled there is a value in appreciating the gift of life and the blessing of industrialized civilization – and the grace of loving God.