Long's Peak Hike - Sunday, July 24th

After a nearly sleepless night, I picked up my friend Chad (happy 30th birthday!) at 4 a.m.. We headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park, taking in two falling stars on the drive, and signed in at the Long's Peak trailhead at 5:30 a.m.. Temps in the 50's had me pulling on my running jacket, but before the first mile we were both sweating and back to our t-shirts. Chad set a brisk pace (being a youngster and all), and I felt so out-of-breath initially that I feared being unable to keep up! Finally I confessed that I needed to stop to eat and drink and we set off again. By the time we reached the first waterfall, the sun was out and my lungs were working properly again.

The first 2 miles traverse a wooded area, rich with the scent of evergreens and the sound of streams and waterfalls.

The next few miles wind through rock-studded hillsides, adorned with an array of wildflowers.

As we gained elevation, marmots and picas made frequent appearances along the trail. The marmots antics caused us to laugh aloud several times - one was even occupying a privy I needed to use!

An elk herd rested in the early morning sunshine; these two spotted calves stood just begging to be photographed.

Around 8 a.m. we reached the edge of Boulder Field. The name says all you need to know. I was thankful for snowmelt-streams and scattered, persistent wildflowers that lent a sense of life to this desolate stretch.

At the far end of Boulder Field, the climb to the Keyhole began. (See those specks along the ridge of the Keyhole? Those are people.)

Lovely, wind-blown self-portrait in the Keyhole, 13,150 ft. Thankful for my jacket again!

Looking east from the Keyhole, back across Boulder Field.

View looking west from the Keyhole. Truly spectacular.

Chad standing on "the ledges" that lead to the final stretch to the summit of Long's Peak. (See the bulls-eye near his head? Those mark the route.) My fear of heights kept me from proceeding; the Keyhole was my personal summit on this trip, and was well worth it!

Elevation at trailhead: 9390 ft.

Elevation at Keyhole: 13,150 ft.

Elevation gain: 3,760 ft.

Distance (round-trip): 15 miles

Daycation

Balanced Rock

High places...

and small spaces.

A beautiful day...

away from it all.

Nymph Lake Hike

Darin and I have finally figured it out. (We are slow learners.) For happily-hiking-children, bring along more snacks than you possibly think your children will want to eat. Do not ration said snacks. (You brought plenty, remember?) Hand them out with unsurpassed liberality.

Of Summer and School (but not together!)

I. Am. Loving. Summer.

For quite possibly the first time ever.

In years past, summer has boded oppressive heat and bored children. This year, summer means NO STUDYING! (Living in Colorado has helped in the oppressive heat category, no doubt, but I "sweated" my first year of nursing school way more than those hot Texas summers.)

Each morning finds Keeper at my bedside offering me a choice: "What is it today? An early morning walk? Or you and me on the back deck? Shoes or coffee?"

I am savoring running, bike-riding, dog-walking, fiction-book-reading, hiking, Wii-gaming, pool-lounging, popsicle-eating... even car-and-dog-washing days.

This has also been a much-needed time of reflection. School (ok, life!) threw alot of stress my way last fall, and anxiety was quick to follow. It may not ever be possible to achieve perfect balance, but...

perhaps a little less time here:

and more time here:

perhaps recognizing my running-addiction:

has to be balanced with a wee bit-o' Keeper-wisdom:

You get the picture.