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I’m just your normal every day girl who happens to love the mountains.  But like most of you, I work.  So I don’t get to spend every waking hour where my heart would love to be! But the free time that I do have I love to spend in the mountains.  I can’t wait every year when I take off a week and spend the entire time exploring the amazing mountains. This normal every day girl loves to be outside.  Yes I have grit.  Yes I have strength and endurance. But I’m also not a mountain warrior who goes from 14’er to 14’er.  I’m still working on hiking my first 14’er.  It will happen but it’s been a process. Last summer-it was an ankle tendon injury.  This summer it was the forest fire smoke and my asthma flaring that has prevented me. However, one thing this normal every day girl refuses to do-GIVE UP! BACK DOWN!  There is no challenge I won’t stare down. Because guess what? Normal people can wander into amazing adventures!!! 

So this summer when my husband and I were on our week long vacation we decided to do a hike that was rated-HARD! We decided this while eating pizza!  The hike in its entirety would be around 8 miles. Our reasoning-why not at least try?! And so we planned  to attempt this hike of 8 miles up to an alpine lake and challenge ourselves to do something harder than we had ever attempted. 

It was a beautiful day. We took our time. We got lost at one point and went half a mile out of the way, so it ended up being around 9 miles for us.  And can I be honest?  On this particular day, I wanted to quit so many times.  It was steep, it was long, my feet hurt, and mentally my body was screaming-you can’t do this.  And when I say it was steep-I literally mean it was steep all the way up!!!! The final part being the hardest.  At one point, I stopped sat on a log and wanted to quit.  My husband sat down beside me and said-Are you ready to go again?! You didn’t come all this way to quit did you?  I sighed and with all the energy I could muster continued on.  And guess what?  One foot in front of the other-we got to the top! It was a triumph moment.  My feet hurt so bad I put them in the ice cold alpine water just to numb them up.   But my heart was so happy. I had triumphed.  This normal every day girl did it.  That day I triumphed and became more of a mountain warrior! 

I share this story with you to encourage you.  Yes you!!!!  You can do anything you set your mind to.  You might feel normal, but inside of you lies a warrior.  And I encourage you to adventure on and experience triumph moments!!!! 

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Wildflowers are like the icing on the cake. They take something that is good and make it absolutely amazing!  So I guess you could say, wildflowers are the icing on the cake for the mountains.

On a beautiful day at the beginning of August, I’m already amazed by how beautiful the mountains are. Then as we round the corner we see the most amazing view.  (see picture) In our view are the San Juan mountain peaks that look as though they have been beautifully cut out. However, front and center, and stealing the attention, are these beautiful purple wildflowers.  Let me introduce you to this particular wildflower known as Fireweed. Fitting name, since it stands out even amongst some of the most beautiful mountains peaks. It thrives in the mountains in meadows, beside roads, and by creeks! It absolutely always demands your attention with its radiant color and the height of the flower.

Now this is just a highlight of one wildflower out out of many, but this one is my favorite. So I had to lead with my favorite leading lady of mountain wildflowers-Fireweed. I hope that each of you will have the opportunity to experience a view like this. Growing systems for wildflowers will be different depending on the mountain range, elevation, state, drought, and seasons.  But whenever wildflower season comes around wherever you are at, I challenge you get out and experience wildflowers-the icing on the cake for the mountains. 

I figured that it was time to share a funny mountain adventure with you. They happen often to me and I just go with it. Ethel Barrymore said, “You grow up the day you have your first real laugh-at yourself.”  That being said-lets laugh together! It’s my hope this finds you on a day when you need a good laugh. It’s a story involving me and a marmot. You might wonder-WHAT IS A MARMOT!? I’m glad you asked.  In case you are not familiar with a marmot, a picture above shows you what they look like.  They are found in the mountains usually in rocky areas-and thrive in high alpine rocky conditions above tree line. They are usually lazy and like to just lounge around but can get territorial if they feel you are trying to mess with their home. 

This adventure finds myself and my husband driving in a jeep on Stony Pass. It’s a 4×4 road only. True to the name, Stony Pass was very rocky and bumpy. On the way up, I drank a lot of water due to high altitude and nerves! I just kept chugging it. It really was a bumpy narrow road! Soon I discovered that I had to pee-REALLY BAD! You know that moment when you have to go so bad its really all you can focus on?  And as a girl it’s not as easy for us in these moments when we are in nature! Usually you manage to find a tree to hide behind and do your business. However, the road up is a dead drop off.  There are no places to squat behind a tree-as the trees are all off the edge of the road!!!! As we travel higher, it gets worse because we hit tree line and drive out of the trees. Did I mention this road continues to get even bumpier!?! This is not helping things!  We finally arrive at the top! YAY! We take pictures and begin the decent. 

We round this corner and I see the perfect place to pee!  It was an outcropping of boulders that I could hide behind.  And at this point, I was quite desperate! All around us is just high alpine tundra in clear view. I could not be happier to see the boulders. My relief was in site!  No sooner have we pulled off the road, my hand is on the jeep handle to get out, when this marmot pops up on the top of the rock.  He has the meanest look on his face and was showing his teeth and everything. Just google Marmot teeth and you will get the picture!  As if he knew what I was going to do and was saying-NOT TODAY SISTER!  You are not going to pee on my home! You know that look your mom gave you when you were caught trying to steal a cookie? It was like that, but meaner with more teeth. At first, I thought I was imagining the mean face. I mean seriously its just an animal.  Then my husband looks at me and says-I don’t think that marmot wants you to pee here.  It’s true!  THE MARMOT WOULD NOT HAVE IT!   Marmot-1, Me-0

The drive down was ROUGH.  And finally at the bottom I found a spot!  And thankfully-as luck would have it-there was not a marmot there! 

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The journey to finding the perfect hiking shoe is not easy. Last summer I needed to find a new pair of hiking shoes. I had completely worn out my current pair and they were no longer effective as the tread was worn down.  Trying to find the right hiking shoe was an overwhelming experience. There are so many options to choose from.  The reviews on each shoe vary from someone loving the shoe to someone hating it and only left me more confused. What would I choose?  And what if I chose the wrong shoe?   

I went to several shoe stores that specialize in outdoor shoes.  I didn’t feel that I got any closer to the answers I needed. I searched reviews online and had a general idea of the leading brands to choose from.

I decided to go to REI.  Unlike, other stores I had been to, I was approached right away by an employee who seemed very excited to help me find the right hiking shoe. Turns out, he was very knowledgeable as well. He asked me what I was going to use the shoe for. I told him my goal was to hike a 14’er and wanted a shoe that had good grip that I won’t slip in.  He smiled and told me that for steep hiking, you want a shoe that is a half size bigger than you normally wear to give room so you don’t get blisters while hiking down the incline.  He showed me my options on shoes, but then thoughtfully steered me in the direction of a brand I had never heard of called Oboz.  It’s a brand made in Bozeman, MT.  For every pair of shoes bought they plant a tree. How amazing! I love a brand that is environmentally sensitive. After trying on Oboz shoes and then other shoes to compare, I fell in love instantly with the Oboz shoes. It provided ankle support, was light, and had an awesome tread.  

I have now used these shoes for two summers and they work amazing. Even after hiking long distances my feet don’t hurt bad. They have tremendous support and grip on steep areas. Also, they hug my ankles which is a huge relief after having a bad ankle injury last summer. The ankle support provides me with peace of mind. 

Next time you need a new hiking shoe I highly suggest checking out the Oboz brand.  They may not be for you, but they are definitely worth taking a look at as their price comes in at quite a big cheaper than other leading brand options.  However, quality wise, I feel they are just as good if not better!   

Happy Trails. Keep hiking. Keep adventuring. And good luck finding the perfect hiking shoe for you!

There are moments in time that just line up and are perfect.These moments could not be better! 

The photo I share in this blog post was taken on a day that was as imperfect as they come.  We were back woods camping by Ten Mile Reservoir.  Our campsite was about a mile hike from our car. We decided instead of trying to get everything in one trip, we would take a few trips and fish as we went. On the first trip back to the car, I fell and I twisted my ankle. I knew it was not a shake it off injury. It hurt worse than anything I had ever experienced. I could not put any weight on my ankle-period. Thankfully I was still really close to the campsite and my husband was able to get me back there. It was a bad situation because I needed medical care but there was no way I could hike out of there to get it. It was a very rocky steep area.  And we were not prepared. The first aid kit that we had bought specifically for the back woods failed to have a brace or an emergency ice pack.  Like I said-it was a very imperfect day.  We decided that we needed to wait overnight and see if my ankle got any better before attempting to hike out. 

My day was spent at the campsite basically not being able to go and do anything, which was the worst.  This area was so beautiful and I wanted to go explore, but because of how bad my injury was I simply could not do anything.  I sat and looked forward to a fire and s’mores.  But I told you the day was imperfect right?  We discovered as we were preparing to make s’mores that we forgot the chocolate in the car!!! 

As this imperfect day was ending, Kevin was fishing the shore. And out of nowhere came the most perfect moment.  The sunset was one of the best I’ve ever witnessed in my life. The beautiful colors reflected off the lake. It was the perfect moment on a very imperfect day. 

Imperfect adventures will happen.  But so will those perfect moments!  

Let’s go find those perfect moments on an imperfect day! 

Recently I got to cross off a bucket list item.  The item was to rent a jeep and take it off roading. I was a little nervous to say the least, but I just knew that this bucket list item would not disappoint.  So this year, on my birthday, we rented a Jeep Rubicon! 

We had two goals in mind. First, stay safe.  We followed the advice that the guide at the rental company gave us and stuck to the roads he recommended. Secondly, we had fun. We just allowed ourselves to have a great time, even when we were nervous!!!

The first road the guide gave us was not so bad. It was a nice warm up. It really didn’t get too narrow. It was pretty rocky but nothing crazy.  It went through a canyon and then came out on a pass. However, the second road the guide gave us was way harder. It went through an old ghost town and then took us up Cinnamon Pass. The road was amazing. It literally went up the side of the mountain.  As we climbed, we came out on top and it was beautiful alpine terrain where you could literally see all around you.  Honestly the pictures don’t do it justice. It’s one of the moments you never forget because the beauty of the moment will forever be impressed in your mind. While on the top of the pass, it even began to snow some at the end of June.

So here is my synopsis of renting a jeep. It was very affordable and you definitely get your moneys worth. It was only a few hundred dollars to rent for the day.  It got great gas mileage.  We drove it all day and it only cost 17.00 to fill the tank back up. 

 I would recommend it to anyone willing to go on an adventure and get out of your comfort zone.  If its your first time, like it was mine, you will have those moments of discomfort.  But the awe moments totally make up for it. 

Maybe your next bucket list item  this summer should be renting a jeep and taking if off roading! 

Lets keep wandering into new adventures my friends!

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High altitude mountain terrain is one of my favorites to experience. Every time I venture there, something different stands out and leaves me in awe.

This summer we took an adventure on Cinnamon Pass. The weather changed rapidly.  It was snowing at 12,640 feet at the end of June and was chilly to say the least.  The snow fields were beyond beautiful.  As we reached the top of the pass I spotted, in the middle of this rugged hard terrain, these beautiful flowers.  It was a simple reminder that in the hardest conditions and circumstances you can thrive. 

Keep adventuring. Keep Wandering.  And even when the conditions are hardest and the circumstances aren’t easy, keep thriving! 

There are certain trails that you won’t forget.  These trails are beyond spectacular! They become the stories you share years later. They become the trails you seek to go back to and experience. They become the trails you want to share with others because you know their life will be better for hiking them!   

For me, The Ptarmigan Trail is one of these unforgettable trails.

I had some skepticism of this trail at first. You basically park almost in town and start the hike on a path that winds through houses and private property.  However, within 1/4 of a mile, the incline gets very steep and remains steep for the first mile.  It became very challenging but also very satisfying once you conquer the initial incline. Then it levels out and you begin to walk through aspen groves and see spectacular views of the mountains. Then you begin to go into the pine forest and once again you will have an incline.   

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I took so many pictures on this trail as the views just keep getting better and better!  At 2. 5 miles you reach the top of the trail where there is a log to sit. The view is larger than the life.  It extends all around you.  I have never been on a trail with a better view than this one. You can see all the surrounding valley and the mountain peaks.  

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Of course, we had to find a hammocking spot at the top and spend an hour taking in the view.  

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In total the hike is 5 miles.  You can take it as fast or as slow as you want. However, I would definitely leave yourself time to take in the views. Its also a very popular trail, so I would recommend staring it in the early morning.  I would also bring plenty of water and protein bars.  This hike will challenge you, but it is beyond worth it. 

Keep hiking. Keep exploring. Keep adventuring! 

There are two adventures that I want to share with you!  1. The adventure of hiking a new trail. 2. The adventure of finding a new hammock spot on that trail. 

I will be forever grateful to the friends that introduced me to an ENO hammock on a weekend camping trip. I absolutely loved it, even though I didn’t think I would. However the minute I got in-I knew I had to have my own. It was relaxing and just perfect! I bought one the next week. My hammock has now become an essential backpack item for every hike. 

There is this excitement that comes when you start out on a new trail. You have no idea what you will find around the next bend or what will be ahead after the next 500 foot incline.  It’s an excitement that is hard to explain until you have wandered up a new trail in the mountains. 

Let me tell you about the day I found my favorite hammocking spot.  We decided to hike a trail called The Burning Bear Trail on Guanella Pass by Grant, Co. It’s a pretty tame trail at first and then gets steeper the further you hike in. Its dense ponderosa pine until you round this corner about 3 miles in.  Then it opens into this beautiful valley full of Aspen by a creek with a view of the high mountain peaks. I got giddy! This is what a favorite hammocking spot looks like! And we have hammocked in a lot of spots! There was something special about this spot because it was so unexpected and larger than life.  As we hung our hammocks and stayed for awhile, a calm, joy, and peace just overcame us.  

I had to share this experience with you. First to inspire you to hike more trails.  Second to take a hammock with you.  Also, a plus it that when you find the perfect hammock spot, it gives your legs rest and prepares you for the hike down.  Yes indeed, hiking and hammocking are the perfect combination! 

See you on the trails soon! 

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The weekend we planned to go camping in July finally arrived! The weather was perfect. We left Denver, CO around 5:30pm after work, deciding to eat at the campsite.  Then we encountered I-70 traffic. We finally arrived in Dillon at 7:30 hungry and cranky. Did I mention we had not reserved a campsite?  Don’t you just pick one at random that’s available? NOT SO!  Unfortunately, a major bike race was scheduled for that weekend.  We drove to nearby campgrounds and all sites were taken.   Now really hungry and cranky at 9, we admitted defeat ending up at Arby’s deciding we would just go home majorly bummed.  Honestly, we were frustrated with ourselves for being unprepared.  We should never have left this camping trip up to fate! 

Heading home, fully fed, we decided to not give up. My phone GPS indicated a campground on the way to Winter Park 25 minutes away. Driving halfway up the pass, instead of a campground, was a steep drop off the side of the mountain!  It is dark and late and we turn around feeling very defeated. 

However, other idea  surfaced. We were near Jones Pass-a well known dispersed camping area.  But at 10pm and darkness, how in the world would be ever find a spot? Thats when we decide we are already invested so let’s try.   We start driving up a 4 wheel drive road. Did I mention this road is rough and probably not the best idea to drive in the dark? It looks as if all spots are taken, until by some lucky chance I think I located a spot with the headlights of our car.  We head for the spot and unfortunately high center the car. Site open or not, we are stuck there for the night! Now we are praying the site is vacant!!!  At 10:45, we set up our tent in the pitch black with use of our headlamps.  At this point, we start laughing because this whole night has been such a mess! 

Thankfully for us it somehow worked out and we found that spot. But honestly we were so lucky. Lucky or not, it was beyond stressful and not the weekend we had planned.  I share this story as a reminder-Don’t leave your campsite up to fate!  

Let me suggest a few tips.

1. Reserve your campground site in advance on recreation.gov or state campground sites
2. When planning a dispersed camping trip, plan to arrive early before dark in order to find a site
3. PREPARE! PREPARE! PREPARE!