Sleep struggle, labored morning runs, work deadlines & pre-wedding [family] squabbles — been a tough first week home from New Zealand.  Wednesday, Ash asked if I could scope out potential wedding pic locations for her Silverthorne wedding in May.  Full day in the mountains…absolutely, sign me up!  Crisp thin air, snow surrounded – PERFECT!

Early a.m. start – 4 mile run (‘cause every day’s a run day), followed by a 2-hour drive in the Rockies.  Half day scouted photo locations, half day hiked HIGH altitude.

Bridge near Ash’s Silverthorne venue – easy, done.  8 miles toward Breck on Swan Mountain Road checked-out Sapphire Point in Dillon.  Ample parking, short packed-path, mountain overlook – wedding money shot.  Exactly what the bride-to-be ordered: snow-capped Colorado peaks [without the pre-wedding hike].  No wildlife stains on Ash’s pricey East Coast wedding gown GUARANTEED.

Completed the loop in nearby Frisco.  While ALL are counting on sunshine for Ash’s big day – just in case, scoped out an alternate venue (May in Colorado/could be snow). Covered pavilion (backed against mountains), historic rustic cabins & the town’s first jail (log cabin, circa 1881).  Nabbed a large handful of county maps at the Frisco Hotel.  Route-marked today’s 10-mile loop in bold Sharpie.  Task complete 🙂

 

Silverthorne Pavilion (wedding venue)

Sapphire Point (Dillon CO)

Frisco Museum, covered Pavilion & Historic Jail

 

Saturday Part II – retraced steps to Idaho Springs, I-70 exit 240.  30 minute drive, just past Echo Lake…my annual spring pilgrimage up Mount Evans.  Off loaded Sno’ Ro – couldn’t have been more excited.  Leashed for a mile while we passed lodgepole pine, packed with squirrel & chipmunk (makes my pup crazy uncontrollable).  2 miles UP, path now contained by 10-15ft snow drifts, I let Ro run & run & run.  Up-n-back: exploring ahead, returning for hand treats.

3-mile marker, passed a stretch of wind-stunted pine.  Visually stunning.  Wind started to blow, cold stung my face 🙂

Matched my website photo inlay 4 ½ miles UP.  5 years ago, Ro tethered to my leg, snapped that shot & broke for lunch.  Soaked in the moment today.  Open armed, took in thin air.  LOVE LOVE these mountains!

9 miles roundtrip.  Sandwich shared with Ro on the hike return.  Pup’s eyes rolled 10 minutes into our drive home.  Good day.  Mentally back, ready for Bighorn.  Training hard April & May – 52 miles, bring it!

 

Mt Evans spring pilgrimage