Summer road trips can’t be beat. Heading in a certain direction with nothing but a loose agenda and open mind. Truck packed with all the details in mind. A flat bed, storage, backpacking essentials, bikes, boards, cameras, audio books, infinite playlists and our black haired billy goat of a dog peacefully resting in the back seat. It’s been some time since either Jen and I have seen a Colorado summer, so we decided to take some different paths, experience new moments for both of us. We found this not hard to do, since these places carry more than a person could witness in a lifetime.
Some memorable takeaways for myself.
Experienced my first wild moose sighting. Witnessing wildlife is one of my draws to hiking and backpacking. Seeing nature in a pure state; one we are so disconnected from in our daily lives. Along with the moose we saw some goats exploring the cliff faces and ridge tops, a buck standing stoic centered in a meandering creek, and many small critters zipping in and out of the brush.
Laid within the protection of our tent, front and center to the symphony of thunder growling around us, bouncing from ridge to ridge with force; bolts of light showering down around us. The evening alpenglow that follows glows off the saturated clouds as they roll away.
Spent time fighting for a breath as we dabbled in the belly of steep concrete bowls. Skateparks in Colorado are on their own level; one that takes me out of my comfort zone (in a good way).
Took advantage of lift access with the big bikes towards the top of Vail Mtn. It wasn’t all easy though, as we continued to climb another 1250’ in almost 5 miles to the highest point, only to race downhill over rocks and streams, around hairpin turns, through aspen groves back to the bottom.
Explored some 40 acres of private land for some rarely witnessed views. A person, or persons getting back to the land is virtuous, and watching it at those beginning stages is inspiring for any who seek that connection and self reliance.
From the moment we drove out of Portland, to the time our tires came to a stop back at the house there were many ups and downs, trials of patience and perseverance, moments of awe and laughter, exhaustion and triumph. No matter how trivial they all make up those one of a kind adventures we look back on for years to come.
