I'm Aiken This Christmas

This year’s Christmas gifts were courtesy of nature and friends. Seven of us, minus Snow White, hiked the Aiken Canyon Loop Trail. We went about 3.84 miles and only saw two other hikers. I guess it was eight of us if you count Mickey.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/aiken-canyon-loop-trail?fbclid=IwAR3lCyvIzfqGCiuZvCfwhjWiJqyrnMB8p8Nd2ezOGFu6iYP0b2PhY1dwKhQ

Plaza de la Familia

Hey, Mom and Pop. I was so lucky to be able to go to Disney's California Adventure two years in a row to remember you. Well, I remember you daily, but this tribute is extra special for us. I love and miss you so much!

https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-california-adventure/coco-plaza-familia/

You Can't Eat These Pancakes

Despite the cold weather, I donned the hiking boots again. Today we went to Pancake Rocks and Horsethief Falls Trail. A couple of us did go a little further than the 6.7 miles due to a slight lapse in navigation. And while this was a moderately difficult trail (many parts were more difficult for me since this is new to me), the views were spectacular. You can see why this area is called Pancake Rocks. Thanks to Peter and DeLane for making sure my tired old backside made it up and down the trail.

Click here to read more about Pancake Rocks and Horsethief Park Trail:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/pancake-rocks-and-horsethief-falls-trail?fbclid=IwAR099L_-B0RGNP0tx0ORIOmNRAz4Lg1oxg-ze5SYQD0JYlHbuuYCW-fQ7N8

These Springs Are Hot!

After an afternoon of hiking, my friend, John, took us to a place called Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. It was the perfect ending of a perfect day! We did the day spa pass and started out in a pool. Then we wound up in the hot spa, and ended our time in the creek. I had a blast!

I just love this picture!

To learn more about Mount Princeton, click here:

 https://mtprinceton.com/?fbclid=IwAR3uKXp5LrWZwfzxvT11JdKQgcAyNFL9SOcyDJgud-t5d7joLIbLkqWwZZQ

Avalanche Trail

We were going to hike a different trail today, but due to a road closure, we wound up at Avalanche Trail near Buena Vista (not the Disney one). What an adventure! The trail went almost straight up, and we climbed the elevation of 9,500 feet+. I felt like the Von Trapps and Shelly Winters in the Poseidon Adventure at the same time! But the views were amazing. Allow me to add a few artsy-fartys pictures.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=12634

Time to Get Fit

After my health scare and stay in the hospital, I joined a hiking group and today we hiked the Platte River Trail. It was over 5.52 miles at an elevation of +7,054 feet, and took us about 4 hours including lunch. It was a complete blast, but I totally need to crank up the incline when I workout on the treadmill.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/platte-river-trail

Not The Way I Wanted to Spend the 13th

I'm not really superstitions. However, I am stupid. For some personal reasons, I quit taking my medications. The result? A few seizures, scaring family and friends, and winning a trip to the hospital. Sorry, no pictures with this post, but I will tell you this: take your medications. That is all.

May The 4th Be With You

It's the day every Star Wars geek loves to celebrate!

I even had a special friend stop by to help celebrate.

New State, New Adventures

After driving through ice, snow, rain, and the bitter cold overnight for 13 hours (because I took quick naps at rest stops) with all my earthly possessions in tow, I made it to Colorado! Mom and Dad were with me on the dashboard, as well as their Disney Spirits. And speaking of spirits, Obi-Wan was there, too. You should be able to see the Colorful Colorado sign that welcomed me to my new state.

Tell Everybody I'm On My Way

"On My Way" by Phil Collins from Disney's 'Brother Bear'

 

      Tell everybody I'm on my way
      New friends and new places to see
      With blue skies ahead yes
      I'm on my way
      And there's nowhere else
     that I'd rather be

 

After 24 years of living in Minnesota, it's time to say good-bye. I'm on my way to a new life and new future in Colorado. I don't know what's in store for me, but I'm looking forward to adding new chapters to my life and new experiences. It's scary and exciting at the same time.