Take a Hike
Four years ago I went to Colorado. It was the summer between when I was supposed to graduate and student teaching. I felt so scattered and had little desire to stay in the same small town I grew up in. While there, I lived with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins who welcomed me with open arms. I nannied for a family and loved every second of that summer.
When Eric and I met, our first conversation was sparked when I mentioned about my time living in Colorado. We talked all about the beautiful state, how much I loved it, and his unfulfilled desire to visit. While engaged, we added it to our travel bucket list and set it aside. This February rolled around and we took a look at our finances, summer plans, and our bucket list. Everything seemed to line up so I called my Aunt, we looked at flights, and with one simple click we were going to Colorado!
We arrived in the Centennial State late on Wednesday night and expected the time difference to force us to get more sleep. But, as if it were Christmas morning, Eric woke up bright and early looking out the window with excitement. I was reliving a million memories of how much has changed since the last time I was here. Relationships, jobs, and living situations were completely different since four years ago. I counted my blessings that morning that I was next to someone with this much excitement for a place I once called home.
We hopped out of bed and took in the early morning views excited to venture out. We quickly made breakfast and decided to hike nearby Mederas Mountain. We were thankful the altitude didn’t hold us back and climbed to the top, took a ton of pictures and openly welcomed our vacation. We were so glad to be together in a place that we talked about at the beginning of our relationship. After our hike, we headed to the neighboring town of Glenwood Springs where I spent my summer four years ago. I was so eager to show Eric the ins and outs of the town and my favorite coffee shop, Sacred Grounds. We ate lunch, drank coffee, and took in the view. We talked about life and how blessed we were to be able to travel here for a vacation.
Our last stop of the day was a bike ride along the Rio Grande Trail with amazing views of white water rivers and snow capped mountains. Tried and parched from the heat and altitude, we stopped for a drink at Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. As the storm clouds rolled in, we headed back to the house with full hearts. Even on the first day, I already knew this trip was going to be one for the books.
Owen Davis
June 16, 2016 @ 8:50 am
Sooo much fun and those views are breathtaking!!!
Stephanie Spring
June 16, 2016 @ 11:36 am
All of the scenery was gorgeous! Hope you’re having a great Thursday! 🙂
Kelsey
June 16, 2016 @ 9:32 am
Beautiful views!! I bet that was a gorgeous hike.
Stephanie Spring
June 16, 2016 @ 11:36 am
I’m just thankful the altitude didn’t hold us back!
emily @ a little bit of emily
June 16, 2016 @ 11:49 am
What a great start to your trip. Those pictures are awesome!
Stephanie Spring
June 21, 2016 @ 7:41 am
Thanks Emily! It definitely was! 🙂
Sophie
June 17, 2016 @ 3:47 pm
My husband and I just spend a couple of nights in Glenwood Springs (he grew up in Denver and was reliving old memories) – beautiful town!! We drove up to Marble and hiked – such gorgeous mountains!
Stephanie Spring
June 21, 2016 @ 7:41 am
I love Glenwood SO much! So fun that you were able to visit!
Kaitlyn
June 21, 2016 @ 5:03 pm
Awe! Love the mountains!! So pretty. I can relate to going back to a place you once called home, but with another person. I think showing that person that place you used to call home, shows them another side of you, another piece of you. I lived in Kansas for three years, now I’m living back in Georgia where I’m originally from, but taking my boyfriend to that area where I used to live, is definitely surreal and trippy, like wow- my life has changed significantly since that time!
Sarah
June 24, 2016 @ 12:39 pm
I LOVE seeing all your Colorado recaps! I’m also so glad you didn’t experience any altitude sickness! My husband proposed to me in Colorado and honestly what I remember most vividly is thinking “How can he be proposing when my head is pounding?” So glad your body adjusted well to the altitude and you were able to enjoy all the beauty Colorado offers!