hiking and camping

I had no idea when I began reading "Scraping Heaven" that it would be such an exciting story, so full of love and emotion. I have long been a fan of true adventure books and have read many, and the best. And "Scraping Heaven" is now included among those I will recommend to friends. I thought it was so brave of Cindy to include the issues of her heart- to question her parenting skills, to examine her marital relationship. Who among us hasn't done that at some point, but NOT for public scrunity! It took courage to be self-critical, and to be honest about what she wanted from her husband, her children, and her life. There were times when I laughed out loud, and times when I shed tears for her.
I was pleased to read in the epilogue that her sense of adventure has not waned, and that she continues to seek out exciting ways in which to relate to nature. Perhaps one day Cindy will write another book, dealing with how she is living life to its fullest.

Scraping Heaven is a beautifully written story. Cindy Ross describes the landscapes so vividly, you imagine yourself there. She talks about the family and social dynamics so openly, you feel like you are with them on their journey through the Continental Divide. As in life, it's not all about beautiful views and happy times. She doesn't leave out the hardships of bad weather, failing equipment, and strained family and friend relations. She also shares with you the joys of nature's rewards and the kindness of strangers. You experience life's lessons along with them.

My favorite parts are those involving their son Bryce. I'd often laugh out loud, even days later, just recalling stories of his antics. "It's only recently that Bryce's three year old brain has realized that the Oscar Meyer song he likes to sing is about one of his favorite foods. He is so taken by this discovery that he shouts to every hiker he sees on the widened, graded trail that leads to the parking lot: 'Do you know that an Oscar Meyer wiener is a hot dog?'"

It was thoughtful of her to have an Epilogue, updating you on her and her family's lives, because by the end of the book, you feel like you know them, and so would naturally be interested in how they are doing these days.

I would recommend this book to hikers and non-hikers alike. It keeps you interested and entertained from the inside cover until the last word.

In an age when children are being raised on Teen Nick, Disney World and Bart Simpson, Cindy offers an alternative. Expose your chilren to the rain in life so they'll appreciate the rainbows, whatever they may be. Gratitude is the natural result. And, isn't that what we all wish for with our own children? As for Todd...well you have your hands full. Well written, Really inspiring!