Adventure for Four: Running About in Colorful Colorado: September 2014

Date: Sunday, September 28th 2014
Location: Brainard Lake

An ode to summer...as the leaves change and the temperatures get cooler I am reminded how wonderful and fun the summer was. It was certainly the most fun filled summer of recent memory and I couldn't be more thankful for the adventures and family time.

On Sunday we set out for our last kayak trip of the year. Erick was gifted a kayak of his own from his Dad for his birthday, so we all agreed that even if it was going to be cold we (the fam, Erick and Mike) would take it out before winter storage. We left the house around noon and headed to the familiar Brainard Lake. It makes the adventure much easier when we know what we are getting into. Even though it was already later-ish in the day, and we knew it was going to be cold and perhaps raining we all had a positive outlook knowing it was the last time on the lake for the year. We only spent but a brief period on the water before the rain hit and the temperature dropped but we all soaked it up and it gave a chance for reflection on a summer well spent. It's so easy to become fully ingrained in the moment when the moment is so simple and pure. I am continually amazed how time in the mountains can totally reset me. Even if it's not doing much, just being present with my family is something I hold very dear to my heart. Part of me wishes I could have a life and career that was centered on the outdoors but perhaps then it would lose it's appeal and "magical" powers.

Even though the lake was cut short, we did happen upon beautiful fall colors. There were a ton of people on the road pulling over and taking photographs. It wasn't the trip's intent but catching the beauty of fall in the Rockies was a pleasant surprise. We pulled over several times and snapped some decent photos (unfortunately lacking sun) all while being rained on. Making the best of it in true adventure style.

During a portion of the drive, Logan started singing "Everything is Awesome!"...louder and louder...with more exuberance as every word came out. It was such the perfect exclamation point on the summer that I'll always associate that song with our first summer of adventures. We dropped into Fate in Boulder on the way home and enjoyed some good beer and good food while reminiscing on this past summer and planning for the next :) On the ride home, the radio was playing some solid rock band music to which we were all jamming out and being goofy. At some point, Logan realized how silly his parents were being and begged us to stop...I can't imagine that'll be the last time haha

We are both hoping for more fall hiking before winter settles in, and that should make for some more blog entries before winter really starts. Who knows given Colorado's spastic weather, we may even manage some winter adventures. I hope we ski at least once too, here's looking at you Dilley's :)

Fall colors

Of course Mike did this

Last trip out for the year

My precious baby girl

Pit stop while Krystal was out taking photos

Aspens in yellow

Date: Saturday, September 20 2014

Location: Fern Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

It's been a bit since our last adventure into the mountains. That's not to say we haven't had numerous adventures around town, seeing as we've had lots of visitors highlighted with Fiona being baptized. Lots of activities to keep us away from the mountain but all good fun and joy filled moments.

On Saturday we headed out bright and early for a hiking trip in Estes Park at RMNP. And by bright and early we were packed and in the truck leaving the house at 7AM and at the trailhead before 9AM. I think we were the only family in all of RMNP to have two children at the start of a trailhead that early. Everyone else was old people or singles haha. So let's just say the day started out great.

We had planned to hike to Cub Lake which is a trail that we just screwed up timing on last time and never made it to the lake. Well last minute we changed our minds and set our sights on a longer more difficult hike to Fern Lake. We had plenty of water and food, and plenty of the day remaining for what was a 7.6 mile hike. Some people would stop there and realize that 7+ miles with two kids is a long flipping hike. Well I'm not sure we even processed it enough or gave it much thought. I'll just say it now, the trail was also 1500 ft of elevation gain, ending at the lake at 9,500 ft. Like what were we thinking...haha

Our main goal was to enjoy the fall colors and the hike did not disappoint. The aspens were just starting to change colors and so while it wasn't full fledge fall colors, there was yellow aspens mixed in everywhere. The first stop was Fern Falls which was a beautiful waterfall surrounded by yellow and orange leaves. At this point we kinda realized that we basically had to climb the mountain in front of us before getting to the lake. It was also not nearly halfway. Very shortly thereafter, both Krystal and I then realized that we had a LONG day ahead of us. Logan weighs 37 lbs, plus water and food and the pack it's probably north of 42 lbs. Logan is an awesome little hiker and thoroughly enjoys hiking on his own, but he's just 4 yrs old and can only manage so far. I'd say I carried him for 4-5 of the miles. Krystal carried Fiona nearly the whole way and I think her shoulders are still screaming from it. At some point on the climb to the top, we all kinda started losing it and singing out loudly "Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide....." OKAY so maybe it was just me singing loudly and everyone else laughing along :) Closer to the top, I reminded Logan that he should ask the people heading the other way how much farther? This was mostly for me to know how far we had to go since I was getting pretty hungry for lunch and a needed rest. On the other hand I always encourage Logan to say hello and a pleasantry to hikers headed the opposite way. I feel that it's a very simple thing but helps him to be social and maintain a positive and happy outlook. I mean what's better than a cute little 4 yr old asking "how is your hike going?" :) As we crested the last hill, the lake came into view and how magnificent and fulfilling. We felt really proud of ourselves that we managed to get up there as a family. If these kiddos don't like the outdoors when they are older, something went really wrong haha

We spent about 45 mins up at the lake, eating lunch, taking pictures and exploring. Logan of course enjoyed throwing sticks into the lake, climbing across fallen trees over the water, and generally doing anything you think a young boy would do. The elevation was pretty high and both Krys and I could feel the effects when standing up too quick. Heading back down, we made faster progress and again stopped at the Falls for a short break. I sat with Logan underneath/next to the waterfall and had a sweet little moment with him. We sat on a large rock with our feet dangling over, feeling the slight splash of the water off the rocks. Before the hike, Krystal was talking about how at 4 yrs old children retain some of their first memories. So sitting by that waterfall, I squeezed Logan tight and told him to always remember this moment :) We'll see if it sticks :)

This is becoming a long post, well because it was a long day! While driving back into town, we realized that it is Elk rutting season (basically explosion of elk coming down into Estes Park) and people were lining up on the side of the road with lawn chairs waiting for the elk to come out of the mountains and into the valley for water and food. It was only 4PM at that time, so we parked as well and held out for the elk. Turns out it was a small group this time (only 20-30 or so) but that didn't stop the excitement waiting for them and trying to spot them. Logan and I sat on the roof of the 4Runner for a good view. I continue to relish these simple moments of nothing to do and nowhere to go that for some reason I only find in the mountains. Krystal managed some great photos of the elk and fall foliage before we headed into town.

We had dinner and ice cream in Estes and finally made it home at 8PM. That's a 13 hr day, and beside a momentary meltdown by Fiona before dinner our kiddos did fantastic! I love that they can spend all day in the mountains and be totally content and fulfilled. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree ;)