Thanksgiving Day – first time all alone since 1998 when I traveled to Copenhagen (while working as an ex-pat in Russia).  Seriously – what a crazy, fun life journey I’ve experienced.  Super blessed guy!

Was recovering from a 24-hour flu bug & started my morning completing home ‘to-do’s’ until overcome by…ugh – I’m by myself on Thanksgiving.  Oh no.

Sunshine and mountains – exactly what the doctor ordered.  Backpacked up and headed into Boulder for a local hike – Bear Peak, 2nd highest peak on the Boulder skyline.  Of course Ro was up the challenge.  With all of the amazing Colorado hikes I’ve experienced this year, I had forgotten how very beautiful the peaks are in my own backyard.  WOW – completely re-fell in love with Boulder 🙂

Parked and trailheaded from NCAR (National Center of Atmospheric Research) to Mesa Trail. From Mesa Trail, hiked to Bear Canyon — pines, cool temps and quiet solitude.  Nice.  Happy hiking endorphins kicked in, putting the smile back on my face.  Hoo-ray!

Followed signs to Bear Peak Trail where I entered a panorama reminiscent of Mordor (Lord of the Rings).  Welcomed by charred trees and a barren landscape (void of vegetation) resulting from this past summer’s Flagstaff fires.  Wow – what destruction!

Two or three miles further I paused amongst the burnt forest, inhaled and took in the view – highlighted by snow-covered Long’s Peak. Absolutely AMAZING!  What a lucky guy I am.  LOVE LOVE LOVE my Colorado backyard!

Another half mile up and SUMMIT SUCCESS!  FAAAANNNTASTIC view, FAAAANNNTASTIC day!

To my Friends & Family: Happy Thanksgiving 2012 from high in the Rockies — exactly where I was meant to be 🙂