When we moved to Colorado, we had no clue about how to camp in the mountains.  Here is what we did that I advise you never do.  We bought a tent off Craigslist that was way to big for the two of us-a 6 person tent to be exact. We decided to buy a queen size blow up mattress and battery pump with sheets and blankets to put on the air mattress and two 50 degree sleeping bags that we had acquired years before. We assumed we had the perfect camping set up.  We found out quick that we didn’t!!! 

Our first camping trip was dispersed camping at about 9,300 feet.  It was July 4th weekend, but the highs were in the 40’s and the lows in the 20’s. The first night we froze.  We didn’t have the right gear, and when the temperature dropped into the twenties, we were in trouble. Our lovely air mattress kept losing air and we had to fill it up every hour during the night.  We fought over the blankets that we had.  Neither of us got any sleep. We prayed every minute of that night for the sun to come up. 

I share this story with you so you won’t have the same experience. You are worth it.  Invest in the appropriate gear for what you doing.  Your gear will differ based on where you are located. But it is very important that if you are going to camp, you go prepared. 

Here is our set up now.  Hopefully it will help guide you on how you can prepare to have an amazing camping trip. 

We have a North Face 4 person tent. Even though it’s just the two of us, we like the 4 person tent as it provides extra space for our gear and also our cots.  Next, we have sleeping pads that we put on top of our cots. We use lightweight cots because we found the ground to be unforgiving and if you are car camping-why not! We invested in 15 degree mummy bags.  We also have Therm-a-rest pillows. These pillows stay warm overnight and keep your head toasty. This set up, although pretty basic, has provided us with amazing comfort and warmth on some very cold nights camping. 

A few Tips: 

1. If you buy an affordable tent, just make sure to buy one that has a rain fly. There is nothing worse than a leaky tent. 
2. Temperature degrees matter on sleeping bags.  Get the appropriate temperature for where you live. 
3. Cots are an extra, but sleeping pads are a must.  Ditch the air mattress if you are going to high altitudes where it gets cold at night. It will deflate every time. 
4. Camping pillows are essential.  You don’t want to bring your regular pillow and have it smell like smoke for weeks. 

Hopefully these tips help. Please feel free to share in the comments what you favorite camp set up is. And as always, happy adventurous wanderings. 

When we first started camping, I literally had no idea what to bring food wise.  We fell into the trap of always buying cheesy hot dogs, burgers, and chips, every single time. After one summer of camping, I had enough hotdogs and burgers to last me for a very long time.  I really didn’t know where to start, but I just knew I had to get creative. I found a treasure of camping food ideas on Pinterest.  I made a board and decided to start trying some of those ideas out the following summer.  It was exciting breaking out of the hotdog rut when camping! 

 I encourage you to do the same.  Be willing to get creative and try new things. I want you to allow yourself grace in the process, because there will be times things just don’t turn out. I can tell you that there have been some foods that just did not taste great, foods that were burnt to a crisp, and foods that just didn’t turn out. There were times we forgot the salt and pepper. (Kind of important)  But along the process, just like we did, you too will find some amazing campfire/camp stove foods. Today I want to share my favorites with you that I have discovered so far.

1. Appetizer-Campfire Nachos. These are super easy. You just need a disposable aluminum pan to put them in.  The basics you will need are tortilla chips and shredded cheese. Beyond that, you can bring whatever toppings you would like.  I used diced bell peppers and some bacon bits. Then we brought some sour cream to dip them in. We put all the toppings on, then covered it with foil and placed it on the grate over the fire.  We checked them every couple of minutes. They took about 10 minutes and tasted amazing with the wood smoked flavor. 
2. Breakfast-Bacon Cheese Hash.  Buy some potatoes O’Brien.  Then you can add shredded cheese and whatever meat you like.  We used bacon, but you could also use canadian bacon, or sausage or add egg to it for your protein.  You can make this over the campfire or over a camp stove. Whatever option you choose, this makes a delicious and easy breakfast that everyone can enjoy. 
3. Lunch-Sandwiches. We usually bring lunch meat and cheese and just do sandwiches.  The reason-we don’t want to have to start a campfire mid-day or have to take out the camp stove.
4. Dinner-Campfire Quesadillas.  For these, the basics are tortillas, shredded cheese, and chicken or whatever meat you would like.  We just shredded up a rotisserie chicken for ours the first time we did these. Another time we used fajita meat and bell peppers for the inside.  If you choose the fajitas option, you just have to cook the fajita meat and peppers first.  Then I just wrap the quesadillas in foil and put on the grate. Once they get melty-take the foil off and put them directly on the fire grate. This will crisp the outside up. They will have a delicious wood fired taste.
5. Dessert-Kebleer Cookie S’Mores.  For these the basics are your favorite Keebler cookies and marshmallows.  We chose the fudge strips and thin mints. Then you roast your marshmallow and stick it between two cookies. They are absolutely delicious. 

Now that you previewed a few of our favorites, I can’t wait for all the delicious foods and meals you will prepare camping. Keep getting creative and try new things.  And of course, if you have a delicious campfire meal, please share in the comments. Happy campfire cooking.  Happy adventurous wanderings! 

Mountain air is truly lovely.  It allows you to take the deepest breath imaginable of crisp, clear, clean fresh air.  Air that smells of pine. Air that in so many ways helps a person both mentally and physically. 

Growing up in the Colorado and then the Montana mountains, I never knew how spoiled I was. I would take a deep breath of fresh air whenever I wanted to.  I ended up going to college in the midwest.  Living there with the humidity, it never felt like you could take a deep breath of fresh air.  This is why I always loved coming home. The first thing I would do when I got there would be to take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. 

Even after living in Colorado now again for almost 4 years, my thankfulness for the ability to get out in the mountains and breath fresh air never goes away. 

Last fall, we had been getting smoke from not only the historic forest fires in our state but all over the western states.  It really settled into the air on the front range in the Denver area for almost three months. Along with the smoke and smog we already have, my body had not been doing well with it.  I went to the emergency room so many times, nebulized more than anyone ever should, and had 10 rounds of prednisone.  

However, in the midst of this, I would find times where I found refuge in the mountain air where there was not a fire happening. There was one weekend in particular when we went up to the mountains and the air was clear.  I laid in a hammock by this beautiful mountain lake and just breathed in deep breaths. Those deep cleansing breaths. Ones that were not full of wheezing from yucky air. I felt stronger that day than I had in a long while.  The mountain air was good for me that day both mentally and physically. 

You might wonder what I mean about the air helping me both physically and mentally.  Let me explain.  Physically, the air is usually clean and pure.  You can take a deep breath and feel it oxygenating you in a way that is free of pollutants.  Especially during a hard hike when you are breathing a lot, you know in that moment that your lungs are getting stronger. It feels at times like the air wakes up your brain.  Which leads me to the mental aspect. There is so much going on in life.  A lot of things can weigh you down mentally.  When you get outside, whether it be hiking or camping or really whatever, it feels like the mental junk is able to dissipate and you can think clearly.  

I share these experiences with you today to encourage you get out.  Got sit on a ridge as the sun is setting and just breath. (Picture above)  Get outside in the mountain air. Enjoy the clean, fresh mountain air.  Happy Adventures Wanderings! 

We all want to put our best selves out there when it comes to social media. I am guilty of it and at times you might be too. I have found that trying to always look a certain way robs me of the amazing moments that come from journeying through the outdoors. 

I posted two photos today.  The first one is what I wanted people to see. The one where we were at the highest point on the trail with the epic view in the background.  The second picture  is when Kevin and I were exhausted and literally just sat down in the middle of the trail. 

In this blog post I would like to share a little about my husband Kevin and I. I hope this inspires you  to journey with us into wandering into the outdoors.

Kevin and I are not the normal face of outdoor lovers. We both work full time jobs, but we love spending our weekends and time off in the mountains. We enjoy hiking, camping, hammocking, and really anything that allows us space to be in the mountains. We are not extremely in shape, although we are working on it! It’s been a journey for us. We lived in Missouri for a long time where physical fitness was placed on the back burner and unhealthy lifestyles were encouraged. 

We moved to Colorado in 2016 and the mountains actually led us to the realization that we needed a change. We have found the outdoors to be a cheerleader toward setting goals to become stronger both mentally and physically.  

When we first started hiking in Colorado, we found ourselves feeling insecure many times.  Other hikers would pass us by conquering extremely steep inclines as though it was a walk in the park.  There were times we felt we could not take another step up the trail.  We had to take lots of breaks.  We brought a ton of protein bars and drank tons of water. However, we refused to give up our spot on that mountain. We kept challenging ourselves to go farther. We pushed each other past the point of wanting to quit refusing to give up our love to wander into the outdoors.

Almost 5 years later, we are still working to get stronger. We are always setting goals that go beyond the limits of what we have done before.

I write this blog to inspire you to get out and wander into the outdoors. It doesn’t matter what level you are at-beginner or expert.  You don’t have to have it all together.  You just need a starting point.  Don’t worry about being your best, but rather just enjoy where the trail leads you. Happy outdoor adventures. 

There are a lot of viewpoints to be found when it comes to the great outdoors. The view from your car window while driving to your desired destination. The view when you hike up a trail and come to a clearing with a view that a picture will never do justice of.  The view you get while sitting around the campfire at night after a long day exploring.  The views you see at sunrise and sunset. Don’t get me wrong. These viewpoints are amazing! However, there is one viewpoint I love above all the others.  This is the tent viewpoint.   The moment of when you open the window or door to your tent and find the beauty of nature captured all around you is unique from the other viewpoints.   It’s become the view I desire to find and capture. 

Can I share with you my favorite ever tent view?

It was my birthday two years ago.  We had found this amazing campsite the night before. The views were panoramic all around it. We didn’t go to bed until it was completely dark because it was just so beautiful. I had decided I was going to get up at sunrise to take in the views. Getting up early in the morning is not my favorite, but it did not disappoint.  It was more than my mind could of imagined.   Looking out the camp doors the view I saw took my breath away. The lake was glass that perfectly reflected the snow capped mountains. I had never felt so alive and awake so early in the morning. It was a tent view I will never forget.  

I challenge you to not just relive this moment with me.  I hope it rather inspires you to get out and camp this summer.  As you go on camping adventures, I can’t wait for you to find your favorite tent view.  

Happy Camping Adventures! 

Last summer, I decided that it was time to upgrade my current hiking daypack.  I quickly found a one in colors I love, purple and black, in a brand I absolutely adore. I thought it was so cool how it was set up with pockets and a  stuff section in the front. When I saw it, before I had even tried it on, I had pretty much made up my mind that this daypack was coming home with me. While trying it on, I remember thinking it was a little on the heavy side without my gear in it and somewhat uncomfortable how the straps dug into my arms. However, without a second thought, I moved past the warning signs that day and bought that cute daypack. 

The daypack has since become the terribly “cool” daypack. I learned that looks aren’t the only thing that matters. I learned during many hikes in the past year the daypack was in fact very heavy and caused unnecessary back strain.  The minor strap issue turned into a much larger issue causing my arms to hurt during the hike as those straps dug in. Obviously, I no longer use the terribly “cool”  daypack. It has been replaced. I learned my lesson the hard way by ignoring the warning signs. Let’s keep you from making these same mistakes when choosing a daypack.

Tips to avoid buying the terribly “cool” daypack:

1. Pay attention to feel. 

It is important how the daypack feels on your body. You are going to be wearing this often and for several hours at a time.  If something is uncomfortable or doesn’t feel right, don’t make excuses. Be willing to walk away from it, no matter how cool it looks or what brand it might be. 

2. Be Picky

Don’t sacrifice your back.  You have a right to choose something that will work best for you.  Don’t choose  based on what others have or what is top rated in an article for 2021. Reviews are helpful, but remember you are what matters most here.  How does the daypack fit you? Try different options before choosing the one that is best for you.

3. Don’t be frugal at the expense of your back.

There are some things you really just have to spend money on to get something that won’t kill your back.  The structure of the daypack itself is important. You want to buy a daypack that has been made well, with comfort and your back support in mind. It’s okay to spend more on a daypack that you will use for years and years to come versus buying one every year because it didn’t hold up. 

Good luck finding your next daypack.  Happy hiking.  Let’s wander onto the trail this week with a great daypack and find new adventures. 

We always seem to focus our energy and conversations about the hike itself.  We like to talk about the moment we came over the ridge and saw the most beautiful view.  We like to talk  about conquering the steepest part of the trail.  We like to talk about pushing ourselves past our limits.  We like to talk about how silly it was when we tripped on the smallest root and almost fell. But what about AFTER THE HIKE?  Let me tell you about a few of my favorite after the hike moments.

After the hike, its the best feeling to take off my hiking shoes when I get to the car.  That moment is just sweet relief. I did it!  It’s like I take off the shoes I conquered the mountain with and it’s a nod to saying I get to rest now.  

After the hike, its great to sit down in my car, give my feet a break, and drink an entire bottle of water.  Even though my feet and legs scream at me,  I always want to start planning for the next hike. 

After the hike, its the best feeling in the world to go and eat a ton of calories without feeling an ounce of guilt because I just burned so many on the trail. Personally, during a challenging hike I tend to like to think about what delicious food will be consumed after the hike.  I mean lets be honest, protein bars are great for energy, but never something I can’t wait to eat! 

After the hike, it’s the best feeling in the world to sit by the campfire at night, drink an orange creme Tommy Knockers with just your socks on, and talk with everyone about the adventures we found on the trail that day.  It’s not complete without sharing pictures and videos of the day and laughing at the moments you had along the way.  

Let’s think about our after the hike moments.  Aren’t they just the best? After the hike moments motivate new hiking adventures and challenge us to push ourselves beyond previous limits.  Enjoy those moments. Enjoy kicking off your hiking shoes. Don’t  lose the joy of the accomplishments of today in the pursuit of the accomplishments of tomorrow. Let’s bask in the after the hike moments.  Happy Trails! 

FIRE IS POWERFUL & DEMANDS RESPECT.  I grew up with my Dad fighting forest fires. He still does to this day, even though he retired from full time forestry work. Growing up, my Dad taught me  a proper respect for the forest, the rules set in place to protect it, and the importance of being responsible with campfires. 

This year has been a historic year for forest fires.  A few were caused by natural means, but sadly a great majority were human caused.  Where I live in the great state of Colorado,  we have had record breaking fires and smoke.   The interesting fact in regards to this is that we had record snow last year which had wiped out our drought. However, the spring and summer brought us very little rain. It was basically non-existent. This resulted in drought coming back worse than ever. 

The goal of this blog post  is to go over a few ways we can respect the forest and do our part to keep forest fires from starting in the first place. 

1. Follow Campfire Guidelines

If you are going to have a campfire, as long as they are not banned, you need to responsible for that campfire. 

• Before you start it, rake around the campfire and rid the area of any brush, pine cones, etc that can easily catch fire from an ember and spread. 
• If a fire grate is not provided, make sure your campfire area has rocks stacked around it high as to not give the fire opportunity to jump from your campfire to the area around it. 
• Never leave the fire unattended. Keep a close eye on the fire. Once you start the campfire, you are responsible for it. 
• If embers jump out of the campfire, stomp them out. 
• Finally, drown the fire.  This is the only way to get it out.  Don’t assume putting dirt on top of the fire puts it out. That just provides a warm bed for the fire to burn underneath. Drown the fire and stir it and make sure that all the hots spots are out before leaving the campsite. 

2. Respect the Rules

The rules have been put in place for a reason. If there is a fire ban in place, it is just as much to protect you as it is to protect the forest.  If you disregard the rules, cause a fire, and they link it back to you, you will be held responsible.  Also remember your actions affect more than just you, they affect the forest, as well as people’s homes within the forest. You need to trust the experts and respect the bans. The fire bans are put in place because the forestry experts have decided that the risks of allowing campfires is too great due to drought conditions. There are levels to fire bans depending on the level of drought.  This year a huge part of it as well was due to limited resources during this global pandemic.

3. Be a part of the solution not the problem. 

As Smoky Bear Says-“ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FOREST FIRES.”  Yes there are fires that are caused by natural means like lightening.  But most fires are man caused.  And we have a responsibility to protect the forest.  As my Dad always said, “FIRE IS POWERFUL AND DEMANDS RESPECT.” Yes we can break the rules.   But should we?  Is that S’more really worth it? NEVER! We can camp without campfires when fire bans are in place.  We can choose to follow the rules. 

If there is one thing this year has taught us is that the intensity and destruction fo forest fires is on the increase. Let’s do our part to prevent them.  As we wander into adventures, choose to be responsible as you recreate. 

I remember this road trip when I was a girl with my family and my Grandpa Red and my step Grandma. It was 6 of us all piled into a Chevy Lumina.  Back in the day, the Lumina’s had a seat that went all the way across in the front seat. That means that three people could sit up front-very CLOSLY.  I remember Grandpa drove. Did I mention my Grandpa did not believe in deodorant?  I loved my Grandpa, but sometimes the aroma was not so sweet if you know what I mean.  Thankfully he kept the windows open the whole time. A result of that was that I was  going through this phase where I hated my hair getting messed up.  This meant I would comb it out every hour. It drove my Grandpa crazy on that trip as he asked me who I was trying to impress.  As I tell you this story, picture 6 people in a family car and a 10 hour road trip with almost no stops.

Even though this road trip lasted 10 hours, and even though we were all crammed in that car,  it was one of my favorite memories from my childhood with my Grandpa.  We drove through the beautiful San Juan mountains into Lake City, over Slumgullion Pass, and down into Telluride.  I remember thinking the San Jan Mountains were the most beautiful mountains I had ever seen. On top of Slumgullion Pass we found this incredible waterfall that comes off the Rio Grande River called North Clear Creek Falls. I remember thinking it was the most beautiful place I had ever been and as a young girl I thought that some day I’ll have to bring the man I marry back here. On this road trip, I remember my Grandpa being so happy the whole time. It was seriously one memory I will forever cherish with my Grandpa.

This last summer,  my husband Kevin and I decide to do this road trip. Honestly, I had been telling him for years about this amazing drive that goes past the most incredible waterfall that you have ever seen and through the San Juan mountains. In honor of my Grandpa who has  passed, we plan to recreate this memory together.  I seriously talk this road trip up. I’m so excited leading up to it. 

As we are driving a really long ways, thankfully in a roomy SUV,  I realize that it wasn’t quite what I remembered.  First of all, Slumgullion Pass was struck by pine beetle.  On the top of the pass-all the trees are dead now. Which is so sad, because when I was younger before the pine beetle hit Colorado it was seriously incredible. After driving 6 hours, we arrive at the waterfall. The waterfall was pretty and beautiful, and did admire it,  but it has become a serious tourist trap. It was clustered with RVS and van fulls of people.  And then the drive after the waterfall and into Durango seriously took another 4 hours.  We drove through country where there is nothing, not even a McDonalds!  We start getting super bored and stir crazy.  Thank goodness for Podcasts.  Thankfully we were able to find a few gas stations. 

We finally arrive in Durango and eat at the most incredible BBQ place their called Serious Texas BBQ. Seriously though-if you find yourself in Durango, this is a place you must eat if you love BBQ!  After we feast, we have a good laugh. Kevin says, “Well that was something.”  I call my Mom and tell her about the long road trip and how it wasn’t quite like I remembered.  She said, “You know Grandpa is saying from his grave, ‘Now why did you do that!’” 

But seriously, it was a tribute to my Grandpa. I don’t regret it.  There were pretty moments, but I don’t think we will be doing that road trip again, hopefully never.  However, moments like these make the best stories and memories.  And we got a picture by the waterfall together in honor of Grandpa. Kevin never got to meet my Grandpa, but through this trip, I feel he got to meet him in a way. 

So Grandpa Red-this blog post is for you. You will forever live on in my heart. Yes you are gone but you will forever be missed, loved, and remembered.  

Lately the air has been full of forest fire smoke like we have never seen before.  This historic smoke has led to odd orange skies, it feeling dark in the middle of the day, and ash falling like snow.  It’s been an interesting late summer headed into fall.  I was thinking about how it has barely rained this summer.  Last summer was completely different here in Colorado. It rained a lot.  I remember getting frustrated by the rain falling every afternoon.  Now all we can hope for is rain with the historically big forest fires and smoke they are producing. 

I think we could all use a break from the smoke.  And we may not get it in real life for now. So let’s take a mental break  for just a moment and talk rain. Remember rain?  Those drops that fall from the sky. YES-WE LOVE RAIN!

Last summer, Kevin and I decided to take a camping trip in late July. There was a chance of rain every day.  I think they said 25%.  However, typical July in Colorado, that turned into it raining 70% of the time we were camping. We actually enjoyed it sheltering in our hammocks under rain flies reading and talking or hanging out in the tent. Our only regret was mostly bringing food that required prepping and cooking. But we made due with what we had and enjoyed the sound of the rain and time together.

One of the most amazing awe inspiring moments that you will experience in the mountains I call: AFTER THE RAIN.  When the rain stops the air is so clear. Everything is covered in the dew of the rain. On this particular day,  I took a picture of the rain drops on the pine tree.  I just could not take it how beautiful it was.  

We need rain.  We love rain.  And hopefully soon we will get rain. 

Until then let’s dream some more of rain storms, fresh air, and the adventures that will come once the air clears!