Part of the famous Alpine loop between Lake City and Silverton, Engineer Pass is one of Colorado’s highest and most dangerous mountain passes. At 12,800 feet it is accessible only in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and then not when snow-packed or extremely wet.

Which it was a few years ago when Charlotte and I tackled it from the difficult west side (narrow and steep with sheer ledges that drop 1,000 feet or more). Didn’t know it was that wet (had rained all night), that is until we were too near the summit to turn back.

We got through with hymns, praise songs (OK, some mild profanity on my part) and the grace of God.

An hour later, sitting in our favorite soda fountain in Lake City, I actually said it. “Fun, huh?”

Yep, I guess we’re a little bit adventure junkies (a little—I won’t attempt Engineer again in those conditions). But, as scary and difficult as jeeping can be, we love it.

I thought about the Colorado experience yesterday when we finally nailed down a destination for the first segment of our homeless adventure between the old and new house. With the help of generous (and mildly insane) friends and family, we have places to stay for most of the time.

And I’m guessing that this pilgrimage might foreshadow things to come in the greater retirement journey.

If so, it’ll be OK—because we’re a little bit adventure junkies. A little bit.