Adventure for Four: Running About in Colorful Colorado: Adventure #2: "Can we do this all the time?"

Date: Sunday, July 13th 2014
Location: Brainard Lake

Sunday started out with breakfast down in Denver to see Drea's sister, Lauren, who was in town to visit. This meant that our trip to the lake would start a little later in the day and that we'd be heading down to Denver with the kayak on the roof. Upon pulling out of the driveway Logan asked "what are we doing today", we responded "going on an adventure", Logan "really?", us "yes", Logan in the simplest and sweetest voice ever "Can we do this all the time?" Yes son, yes we can :)

This was the first trip on the highway and my racking job did just fine, although I reminded Krystal that I shouldn't get dressed until after the yak is on the roof otherwise my shirt is covered in sweat. The kayak is nearly 14 feet long and 70+ lbs, it's no small boat. I must say driving down the highway, sunglasses on, windows down, kayak on roof felt like one of those "I love this place" moments.

We made it to Brainard Lake around 1:30 in the afternoon. The lake was at 10,300 feet with snow covered 14er mountains as the backdrop. Again it was another "I love this place" moment, we seem to be racking those up lately. The weather appeared ominous but just like Colorado it never actually turned into anything. After surverying our surroundings, Krystal and Logan hopped into the kayak while Fiona and I strolled along the paved trail to find a suitable location to setup camp (which was nothing more than a couple towels and cooler). We packed chairs but didn't get them from the truck, but I have a feeling we'll become more familiar with the packing list as time goes on. Krystal and Logan paddled (well Logan sat and Krystal paddled, no way we are handing a 4 yr old a paddle) and we met at the water's edge. We spent the day alternating turns taking the yak out solo and also with Logan, while someone stayed at the beach and kept Fiona company. We even made it out once with all three of us, while Mike was a warm body while Fiona slept. Speaking of Mike, he's an awesome adventure buddy and is always up for whatever even with the kiddos in tow. Logan and I did some exploring and found the snow run-off creek that filled the lake. We had fun attempting to paddle up stream but didn't really make any progress. That didn't stop Logan from requesting we try over and over again, it was really fun. We scoped out the dam that helps to form the lake, hoping to see some fish but even though the water was crystal clear we had no such luck. There were people fly fishing all over the lake so you'd assume someone had luck that day. Krystal enjoyed the open water paddling about with no particular place to go, and we both found that the kayak was a perfect fit, well balanced, easily propelled alone and tracked nice and straight. It was a leisurely day and the scenery was stunning. It pretty much fully encompasses all that we love about Colorado. Minus the mosquitoes, note to self, pack insect repellent next time :)

I can't wait to find more remote lakes and explore the creeks that form them. Those special remote places where you load everyone in, paddle to a small beach area and setup home for the day away from everyone and enjoy time spent together. From the beginning and in the end, that's the whole point to explore this great state of ours and make lasting memories that bring us closer as a family. Looking forward to next summer when Fiona can join us in the kayak and we can experience everything together as a family of four.

The best part of the trip was during the 1.5 hr drive home when the kids were fast asleep in the backseat and memories of me as a child came flooding back. After a long day on the lake, we'd crash in the back and my Dad would be driving us home. We'd fake sleep after realizing we arrived home with the goal of avoiding all the clean-up, unpacking and boat washing. And guess what this time, I drove us home...unpacked the car...and rinsed off the boat :)