Flying home from Fargo, arrived in Denver to near white-out conditions.  SNOW.

Woke Sunday – everything blanketed white, temps in the upper 30’s & SUNSHINE.  Happy Mother’s Day 2015 🙂

Spring snow – especially precip received in mid-May – never hangs around long.  Enjoyed a long walk with the dogs around Waneka, best way to start a day.  Sno’ Ro couldn’t have been happier, burying his face multiple times, coming up bearded white.   Amazing skyline – night’s storm cleared all sky clutter – local Flatirons spired majestically through the low hanging clouds.  SPECTACULAR!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Arch, Boulder (6,915ft) – Sunday May 10th

Generally I laze around after marathoning but with fresh snow wanted to get out & get my hike on. The Rockies have gotten socked with heavy Spring snow for the past two weeks (high avalanche danger), so settled on a local day hike in Boulder – one of my faves, Royal Arch.  Gloves, boots, snow pants & a tee – typical Spring hiking attire in Colorado.

[Things can change fast in the mountains – although I hike light, always pack a jacket.]

NCAR to Chautauqua, Chautauqua UP to Royal Arch.  Good to get some altitude.  Hiked Royal Arch in 2012 &  2013.  Missed last year – trail closed due to Flood Damage.  No better way to celebrate 7 weekends marathoning.

“In God’s wildness lies the hope of the world – the great fresh unblighted, unredeemed wilderness. The galling harness of civilization drops off, and wounds heal ere we are aware.”  – John Muir

 

 

 

 

 

Bear Peak, Boulder (8,461ft) – Sunday May 17th 

Week ago I arrived in North Dakota, mentally dragging – travel fatigued, burnt-out.  4-mile hike to Royal Arch, got some altitude & started the process of healing. Bouncing back, finding balance.  In the gym Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.

Whenever not marathoning, I’ll be in the mountains – hiking, climbing, trail running, backpacking.  Mind’s more alert, no ‘zone out’ option or risk injury falling over rocks/exposed roots.  My quads ache, steadily climbing/pushing UP.  The unevenness of bouldering & trail running is the antithesis of repetitious road running.  Good for the soul.

Finished front porch Spring planting yesterday – first step in re-imagining my home after Ash & Tom’s move next month.  Change.

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” – John Muir

Drove to Boulder to hike Devils Thumb with my friend Cliff.  Departed Shanahan Trailhead in South Boulder, hiked Mesa Trail to Shadow Canyon, then UP UP UP more than 2,000ft vertical.  Popped up on the saddle between South Boulder & Bear Peaks.  15 minutes north thru charred forest (Flagstaff fire 2013), short boulder incline & a rock scramble, summitted Bear Peak – first time since Thanksgiving 2012.

Downed half a turkey-cheese sub & took in the scenery, Longs Peak shrouded heavy white.  Crazy beautiful.  Caught some rain AND some sunshine on the hike return – just short of 10 miles total, 2,900ft+ vertical 🙂

Hot shower & Chinese take-out (broccoli/garlic sauce).  Good day.  LOVE LOVE my Colorado life!