With only a handful of hikes to go in 2012, been putting a lot of thought to 2013 goals.
Being outdoors every weekend for an entire year has not only improved my health, but improved my overall mental stamina. AND I’ve almost done it – completed a New Year’s resolution. Wo-hoo!
Whereas 2012 was the year of K* the Hiker, 2013 most likely will be the year of K* the Runner. And what better way to figure this all out than running my maiden Colder Boulder around scenic CU campus.
Only a 5K but in addition to my weekly hike challenge, so that’s plenty for now – and actually my 3rd road race of 2012. AND lucky for me, Kimberly flew in for a Christmas party at her friend Annie’s home & joined me in the race.
Unseasonably warm December race day, slow finish time – but mighty proud of my official Colder Boulder beanie 🙂
START
racing bibs
FINISH
Crazy unusually dry November weather greeted my East Coaster guest Stephen. Unlike past visits where I’ve tested his ability to instantaneously acclimate to our high altitude, this time I selected a Northern Colorado trail just over 5,500 ft elevation.
The terrain on this week’s hike reminded me of the desert landscape near Pueblo (May hike). Fantastic rock formations jutted from the surrounding arid plains vista. Lotta folks on today’s hike – guess not everyone was out Christmas shopping 🙂
Picture stop at the Keyhole, then off to Hunters Loop. Only 3.2 miles roundtrip this day – but everyone went home with a smile on their face. No altitude sickness & beautiful canyon pics — FAAAAANNNTASTIC!
Happy hike #48 – always a ton more fun hiking with friends.
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 🙂
