Steamboat Camping Continued

More hiking followed the rest of the week while we were in Steamboat, there were plenty of trails to choose from, and we wanted to do a longer hike mid-week. We decided on the hike to Long Lake, about 5 miles UP! We packed up a lunch and swimming suits to go for a CHILLY dip at the top. Here we are getting started...

There were lots of bridges and waterfalls up to the lake, so it was very scenic! About half-way was a larger waterfall with a nice area to sit and relax, so we took a quick break and had a snack. This is my tired, but still smiling face.

The trail was finally flattening out and we were in the homestretch, I am cruising along and Jason is right in front of me... we were both ready for some PB&J. We turn a corner and there is a big boulder in front of us to the left of the trail and the path curves around the boulder, I am in the zone just walking along. Jason stops, and I look up and see a BIG, fuzzy black head and ears poking up from behind the boulder, only about 20ft. in front of us! I was just about to high-tail it running, and then Jason grabs my walking stick and tells me to walk back slowly (instead of SPRINTING). He was much more calm then I was, I went into panic mode and probably would have frightened the bear making a ruckus running the other direction. Anyway, unfortunately we did not make it to the lake, there was a minor "road block." But, it was really cool to see a BEAR!


We also made some trips into town just to explore the area. Steamboat has a really great botanical garden, and while we were there a string trio was playing music. It was really nice and relaxing to just walk around and admire the beautiful flowers, listening to beautiful music.

Steamboat Camping

After a fast and furious weekend with family and friends in Colorado Springs, Jason and I really wanted to spend some quiet time together, so we took the week off to camp in Steamboat Springs. I had never been to Steamboat before, and Jason really loves it there, so it was fun to explore the area together!

We were lucky to get a camping spot, many of the forests in Colorado are being cleared and under maintenance due to the outbreak of the Mountain Pine Beetle, here is some additional information if you are interested: http://csfs.colostate.edu/ But, I think it helped that we were coming in on a Monday, when all the weekend campers were leaving. We spent our first day just unloading everything and setting up our campsite...

Day 2 (Tuesday) we decided to get up and take a hike on the trail that was right next to our camping area, it was very convenient and a nice way to start the week!

After the day was finished we made a nice fire and tried to stay toasty...

Pat and Candice get hitched!

Congratulations to our friends Patrick and Candice on thier marriage... We were very happy and honored to be part of their special day!

They look so happy cutting the cake, but things took a turn for the worst quickly after this picture was taken... Lots of cake smashing!

Last week of Summer!

Well, I thought I should try to get an update out to people before the Summer slips away... The next four months will be very busy for me, settling into the new routine of SCHOOL and work. Jason may have to pick up my blogging slack (hint, hint) but I am going to try and enjoy my last week and weekend of freedom.

We had a very busy summer filled with weddings and vacations, and time with family and friends. Jason is working diligently on finishing up his Masters thesis, he is hoping to defend this semester and take his Preliminary Exams in January. He will be busy playing soccer with the KSU club team this Fall, last year the team made it to Nationals, so wish them luck this season! I am taking two classes this semester, unfortunately they are not fun or interesting classes, just required courses. I am sure the Fall will be gone before my eyes, just like this summer, and I still need to fill everyone in on our Steamboat Camping trip... I can't believe that was a month ago! Well hopefully, I can get some pictures up today.

Wedding Festivities

Pretty much as soon as we drove into town on Friday, July 11th things were crazy busy! Jason had just enough time to scarf down lunch before he was off to pick up his tux for the wedding. I had a little more time to chat with my mom before I had to get ready for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. There really is never enough time to fit everything in!

I had a little helper around while I was getting ready, Skyler did make-up with me and just watched intently as I was getting ready. She is definitely a girly-girl! We bought her the shirt she is wearing for her birthday and brought it out with us to give to her. It is pink with Hannah Montana on the front, I think she wore it 3 days in a row.

The Rehearsal dinner was very nice and an excellent back drop for pictures of the Garden of the Gods.

Visiting the Family

All I can say is I can't believe it is August! The summer is almost over and I don't know where it went... But, at least it was jam-packed with events, family, and friends. Last month we headed back to Colorado for a wedding and worked out our schedules to squeeze in a vacation in Steamboat. To start the trip off we spent some time at my parent's house, hanging out with the kids and just catching up. I can't believe how big Kaleb and Skyler are and it was really fun to get in some quality time. Jason and I took the kids and the dogs hiking in Palmer Park...

Kaleb had a Camelbak that he carried for most of the hike, but by the end Aunt Dani was carrying the Camelbak and his hat.

I must say that I am very impressed with Kaleb's picture taking ability. He took both of the pictures below, and they came out great!