Scenic Hikes and Motor Bikes

There is a common saying around here that says that people come to Vail for the winter but stay because of the summers. Vail is well known for its spectacular skiing in the winter but few understand the beauty that awaits those who visit during the summer. Who wouldn't love blue skies, warm temps, and an endless array of trails for all your recreational purposes. This week has been all about exploring the great outdoors. Between Geocaching on Vail mountain, hiking trails near the top of Vail Pass, and exploring the trails leading from our neighborhood to Vail on a rented ATV and Andy's dirt bike, I feel as though I have come to appreciate summertime in the mountains.

After searching for quite a long time on the ground, I finally looked up and lo and behold the cache was staring me right in the face!

The cache was small...only room for some paper, a pencil, and a travel bug.

We began our hike at the rest area on top of Vail Pass. What a beautiful day for a hike!

Hobie loves snow and seems to have a radar for finding the cold white stuff. This little patch was off the path, through some trees, in a cute little clearing.

We made it!! Hooray!!

The "hill" in the distance we spent a couple of hours hiking toward.

It's amazing how far you can see from 11.000+ feet!

This puddle should have been a clue to how wet and muddy we would be by the end of our trip.

Cool biker dude in all of his protective gear!

There were so many beautiful fields of wildflowers along the trail.

Andy's new favorite spot :)

Our final destination. There is nothing like watching a beautiful sunset while standing perched high on a cliff overlooking the entire county and beyond. What a great ending to an unforgettable day!

Summer So Far (Part 1) -- Michigan Edition

On an early Monday morning in the middle of June, I joined my friend Elissa and her four kids for an exciting trip to Michigan. After a few cases of car sickness, a night in a hotel, and some crazy storms, we arrived safely on Tuesday night. I really enjoyed spending time with family and friends during my 2 1/2 weeks in Michigan. Between visits to camp, our friends' wedding, Kaitlin's open house, and family get-togethers, the time flew by way too quickly.

Waiting at the reception for the wedding party to arrive.

The beautiful bride and groom getting ready for a kiss!! Congratulations Ben and Jess!!

Who says you can't play baseball in your wedding dress?!?!

Emily and Evie hanging out at camp

The view from the porch of the new dining hall at camp.

Summer So Far (Part 2) -- Hanging on in the Mountains

After a nice, long, 19.5 hour drive from Michigan to Colorado we spent the first few days of our time together in Colorado exploring the town and visiting the famed Loveland Pass. When it was all said and done, we spent a portion of about 4 of the days in Vail Village. On the first day we just walked around town and took in the sights. On Sunday we walked through the weekly farmers market on Meadow Drive. In honor of Independence Day we were also treated to parts of the celebatory parade as well. On Monday we made our way down to Lionshead and went shopping. Both Mom and Laura found something to be excited about at a couple of different stores. The dogs were quite a hit as well. Everywhere we went people asked if they could pet the pups and told stories of the dogs they had left behind at home. On Monday night, Laura's friend Maddie came to visit for a few days. In honor of her visit we returned to Vail Village again on Tuesday so she too could visit the many shops the town has to offer. On Wednesday we drove over Loveland Pass for the fun of it. As we hoped, there was a bit of snow at the top of the pass for Hobie and Macy to play in. We shared lots of laughs this week and were amazed at how well the puppies got along with one another. They are so cute!!





Posing with the pups near the river.













A nice day for a stroll around the village.













Hobie may be getting bigger but he is not too big to hold!!












Would you care to dance??















Hobie loved pulling Macy around.












Tired puppies sleep in Andy's office after a long walk through town.













Hobie thought Macy would make a nice pillow in the car.











Laura, Mattie, and Macy at the top of Loveland Pass













Hiking around at the top of Loveland Pass.












Family Picture at 11,990 feet















Laura, Macy, and beautiful mountains













Playing in the snow at the top of the pass















Macy caught a snowball!!














Hiking back to the car.














Hooray for family!! I love you all!!

Summer so far (Part 3)--Booth Creek Falls Hike

On Thursday the 4 of us took the 2 dogs for a hike in East Vail. The hike is well known in the valley for its beauty and the challenge it offers to locals and visitors alike. Booth Creek Falls is located in East Vail and hikers experience an elevation gain of about 1800 feet over the 3.8 mile round trip. We began the hike around 9:30am beneath brilliant blue skies. The beginning of the hike is relatively steep but the trail flattens out a bit in the middle of the hike. Along the trail, hikers are continually treated to various magnificent views of the Gore Range, the Vail Valley, the Gore Creek, and fields of wildflowers. I really enjoyed this hike and someday look forward to trying it again. Maybe I will even attempt the longer trail that takes you past the falls to Booth Lake, at 10.3 mile round trip trek. I hear the lake is quite spectacular...






Beautiful sights at the beginning of the hike.

The Gore Range

Mom, Laura, and Macy taking a much deserved break

Hiking on a nice section through the trees

We were all a bit muddy...

Hmmm, what is that wonderful smell?

The views continued to amaze us as we continued our trip uphill.

Walking through the meadow

We made it!!

Mom perched high above the river.

Looking over the edge of the falls toward the Vail Valley

The falls!

Hanging out down by the river