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.

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...

the best sunday

Sunday was a great day. I got off work early. Luke got an awesome job as a sandwich maker at one of my favorite spots in Telluride. I skied for the first time in my life (it was awesome!). After skiing I had the apartment to myself and decided to set up Christmas decorations, listen to holiday music, and eat mint M&Ms. The best Sunday.

View from our bedroom one snowy morning ^^

Weekend Trip: Kettle Moraine

Well, as you can see in the video, mine and Luke's weekend started off on a bad foot. I typed Kettle Moraine into my iPhone thinking it would lead us to our destination. Turns out there are two Kettle Moraine's - South and North - and they are about 2 hours away from each other. We wanted North and I took us South. I mean really it was Siri that took us South, right?! Luckily the Southern area still had campsites, so we booked one and got back on track! We spent the weekend reading, fishing, and mountain biking. It was my first time mountain biking and although it was a bit of a challenge it was really rewarding! I ended up doing the easy trail twice and the moderate trail once. I may have walked a few hills on the moderate trail, but we can keep that a secret ;)

Memphis, TN

Dear Memphis,

You take good care of me :) You remind me how cheap and delicious food should be. You take me back to my partying roots. You surround me with friends and family I love so dearly. But, mainly, you are and always will be my first home. So Memphis, I will love you forever - even if you sucked the life out of my camera's battery the first day I was there. So even though this post is a compilation of iPhone photos, the pictures are still wonderful since there is some Memphis love in them.

I ended up staying a few days longer than expected and my long weekend trip turned into a week long trip! I spent my time helping my sister move into her new apartment downtown, hanging out with loved ones, and eating all of my favorite Memphis food - including Pho Binh's lunch buffet three times...yes 3/6 days I was there I ate Pho Binh (their lemongrass tofu is addictive). 

This trip made me feel as if I never left Memphis to begin with. It was hard saying goodbye since I don't know the next time I will be back. Safe to say I didn't want to leave my wonderful friends and pretty city :) Yet, as my train pulled away, I was satisfied knowing that the next time I visit I will be greeted by open, loving arms! I can't wait!

^^Annie's new patio with views of the river

^^Best chicken in the world - Gus's

^^Mango lemonade and a nerve racking game of Jenga at lunchbox eats!

 Dog picnic at the river - which included dog selfies and long walks