Rainbow Season

It's monsoon season in Telluride and the rain seems to come every afternoon like clockwork. I don't mind the rain so much because it means on my days off I have an excuse to lay around in bed, drinking coffee, and reading. There is nothing better than looking out our kitchen window and watching the sun paint a huge rainbow (or sometimes a double rainbow!) over the box canyon. My favorite rainbow of the season came as the sun was in the west and the alpenglow was on the mountains. There couldn't be a more stunning combination.

I could See Forever.

As summer in Telluride comes to an end, I have made a list of activities I'm trying to fit in. One of which was to hike the See Forever trail. This trail is originally a ski run known for its gorgeous views of mountains. You can see all the way into Utah! Since I was in awe of the view in the winter, I made a promise to myself that I would see it in the summer. It was a steep hike but well worth it. After I made it to the top I decided since I had hiked up the worst part I would continue on and do the See Forever/Bear Creek loop. It was a wonderful 8 mile hike filled with tons of wildflowers, gorgeous views, and some wildlife. The loop was my first long solo hike and I'm damn proud that I did it!

^Top of See Forever Trail^

Wasatch Connection Loop - You just follow ^that^ tiny winding trail

^Abandoned Mine^

Gold King Basin

Around 8pm last Sunday, Luke, Alec, and I decided it was a good idea to hop in the car and go camping. Truth be told, I was actually dragged along because, instead of camping, I really I wanted a decent night sleep and to cook the steak I just seasoned. However, after some convincing, (and a promise that we could cook the steak at the campsite) we drove up to Gold King Basin just as the sun set. It was a wet, windy night, but it was well worth the view I woke up to. This little overnight was a nice reminder that spontaneity can reap beautiful rewards.

Family Adventures in Telluride

My family has visited Telluride many times before, but this was their first visit since I moved here. It made their time here all the more special to me because I could finally show them my favorite parts of Telluride. We hiked, adventured to lakes and swimming holes, and did a whole lot of relaxing. Not only was their presence comforting, but having them here helped me fall in love with Telluride all over again. It was the most heartwarming feeling to walk into a restaurant and be sent a few appetizers and drinks as a welcoming gift to my family. After witnessing these small acts (and more), I felt a sense of reassurance that all I have sacrificed to live here has been totally worth it. That the countless hours I have spent working has allowed me to create a bond with such caring, delightful people. Well, it's either that or I  really enjoyed the fact that my parents thought I was cool enough to get food compliments of the chef ;) 

Moab, UT

On a whim, a few friends and I decided to spend a short 36 hours in Moab, UT. We drove late at night to a campsite and we woke up to the beautiful view you see above. It was an extremely hot weekend (all 105 degrees of it), so we spent a great deal of our time at an awesome watering hole. Afterwards, we ate delicious burgers and peach milkshakes at Milt's Stop & Eat and went rock climbing on Wall Street. It was a great introduction to Moab and I can't wait to explore the area more once the weather cools down. 

41st Annual Bluegrass Festival

Telluride Bluegrass Festival was flipping awesome. I got to hear fantastic music, visit with old friends, and ring in my 23rd birthday! I celebrated by boogieing down with some girlfriends and an unexpected skunk (see below). It was a birthday to remember!

^^My favorite photo of Luke and I cheesin' and our secret spot to listen to the music^^

I can't help but add a little style pic in front of an old hippie van...