Rocky Mountain High
It’s Day 403, and we’re still in Colorado.
We parted from our friends in Keystone without any real plan. It was our 15th wedding anniversary, so we splurged on dinner out and a night in a bed and breakfast in Frisco. The B&B was quaint and old-fashioned, the breakfast was all homemade and wonderful, and we’d love to go back sometime without the kids. I did get their Belgian waffle recipe. We’ve eaten lots of hotel Belgian waffles this year, but these were something special.
From Frisco, we drove toward Aspen. We stopped at Maroon Bells and went for a short hike. A building rainstorm shortened the hike even more. The clouds and rain only made the Bells seem more magical. We camped for the night at a free campsite near Aspen.
The next day took us over Independence Pass, and across the Great Divide once more, perhaps for the last time. We spent some time looking for coffee and looking at old cars in Buena Vista, and then checked back into Room 8 at the Wilderness Expeditions Lodge. Then, we went out to the Ballard’s for dinner. It was so nice to be back in Salida.
Troy climbed Shavano and Tabaguache (12 miles, 5400 ft) before church the next morning. We girls all painted our toenails red, white, and blue. And we ordered pizza and ate it in the park, where later, we watched the fireworks.
The next day’s adventure was a ride to Princeton Hot Springs with the Ballard’s and their friends, Tommy and Kristi, and some of their friends. We all rode in Tommy and Kristi’s huge Winnebago. At the hot springs, we swam in the big pool, and then soaked in rock-lined pools down by the river.
Troy climbed another 14er (that’s a peak over 14,000 ft in elevation), Mt. Massive, with Shawn the next morning.
The next 4 days we went backpacking in the Horn Fork Basin. All four of us woke up early and set out to climb Mt. Harvard, the 3rd highest mountain in Colorado. We all made it to the top. We were completely exhausted when we got back to camp. We took afternoon naps while it rained on the tent, and after this rest, decided to attempt Columbia the next morning.
The trail up Columbia was messy, and we slipped and slided our way up. We were on all fours at times. The summit ridge was beautiful and flower covered and worth the trouble. Troy mentioned we could go for a 3rd 14er on our last day in the Horn Fork Basin, but we declined. We went back to Salida to spend our 4th Sunday in Colorado and a few more days hanging with the Ballards. I sort of thought we’d be heading home by now…
It’s a good thing we hadn’t, because if we had, we would’ve missed seeing some of our favorite friends from Nashville, the Carney’s! DeeAnna is a most talented caterer and organizer and cook and hostess. Her husband Russell is a careful and thorough general contractor who does beautiful and difficult work with a smile. The Ballards and Carneys and us had a picnic on the Arkansas River, indoor s’mores, went out for breakfast, and took a hike to a waterfall. It was a short day and a half with the Carneys, but we’ll see them in Nashville before too long.
I hear her voice; in the mornin’ hour she calls me.
The radio reminds me of my home far away,
And drivin’ down the road I get a feelin’
That I should’ve been home yesterday, yesterday.
Country roads, take me home to the place I belong
West Virgina, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads.
Katie,
Several things: first of all, you are in one of my favorite parts of the country and I sooo wish I was out there right now. Bill and I have done Trek twice and have spent several nights on the front and back end of our Trek adventures in Salida. I have been to Buena Vista even more times on trips to Young Life’s Frontier Ranch and Trail West. Bill and I spent the summer as head leaders at Frontier 9 years ago. We have climbed several mountains in that area and I’m moved to tears as I look at your pictures from here. Such incredible, soul-rich memories from that area of Colorado. And thanks for posting the John Denver lyrics–that is one of Luke’s favorite songs. Can’t wait to see you when you are home…the bunko girls miss you!
Kelly
After looking at the pictures, I think I’ve been to Princeton Springs–will have to check for sure but I attended a weekend wedding in that area several years ago. Looks like you all had a great time. And, I love the nail polish–very creative. Katie, thanks for including pictures of you.
That group picture is great, except for the fact that Shawn is growling at me!! Where we arguing that day or what??
We miss you guys! Emma wanted to call Troy yesterday and tell him that she made it to the top of the rock wall in Riverside Park.
Glad you are home and glad that your journey brought you through Salida multiple times. It was a huge unexpected blessing to have your family around so much.
Curious how home feels…
Love you all!! Christi