Rocky Mountain High- Colorado

Colorado- home of the Rockies, Bighorn Sheep, Square-Dancing, White/ Lavender Columbine and the Blue Spruce. This state has two songs, the most popular was written by Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. Who? He was also known as John Denver. He changed his name early in his career, using the capitol of the state he loved so much. "Nothing Without Deity," is this state's motto and after visiting it, I understand why. Everything has been perfectly painted. From it's majestic lakes and rivers, to it's Rocky Mountain peaks, Colorado is nothing short of breath-taking.

So on July 12th, I packed some clothes, a canteen, hiking boots, a good book, trail-mix, my boyfriend and headed for the airport. We arrived in Denver with a full day ahead of us so we hit the road and began the climb toward Estes Park.

As you can see we ran into some Elk- "Frickin amazing!" I'm not going to waste time trying to make the perfect sentence for that experience, "Frickin Amazing" pretty much sums it up.

Onward bound, our next three day Coloradan adventure took place at Sylvan Lake, where we stayed in a humble little cabin on top of the world. I loved that cabin as well as the area. We were presented with an abundance of activities. You name it, we did it: white water rafting- class 5 rapids, kayaking, hiking, swimming and when we weren't doing all of that we gave into the urge of simply sitting, staring, and sipping . . . a beer.

We ran into these guys on one of our hikes, when I accidently crushed their little wooden abode. They let us off with a warning, which was nice but you can plainly see they were ripe and red with anger.

Next stop, Crested Butte. We saved the best for last. I was overwhelmed with the inspiration this itsy-bitsy mountain-top town packed. It was filled with vibrant color, soft music, and charming people. There were realtors on every corner since everyone, upon seeing it, then decides to move there. Joe and I even toyed with the idea but I don't think he could survive being away from the surf for too long. However, for him to even consider it . . . huge.

Crested Butte was a little town of huge.

Well every journey has it's end and we were sad to see this one go but we can always revisit, maybe in the winter, with some snowboards . . . Yeah we'll be back.

Thank you Colorado for the beauty you unearthed during our amazing seven days.

Thank you Mary for loving us enough to share your wild-flowers.

And thank you Joe for always being the perfect travel companion.

and remember . . .

you're never to old to play in the mud.

"I've seen it raining fire in the sky,

The shadows from the starlight are softer than a lullabye,

You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply,

Friends around the camp fire and everybody's high . . .

It's the Colorado Rocky Mountain High,

Rocky Mountain High."

-John Denver