Trails on Trailridge

As I have mentioned before, one of the greatest things about life out west is the accessibility to the outdoors. Boulder's backyard is home to the Rockies and only naturally Rocky Mountain National Park. A few weekends ago, I was fortunate enough to spend some time up Trail Ridge Road where, nature is only visible to those who are up for an adventurous drive.

Trails off the road exist where one can see what life above tree line is like. However, make sure you know where the "non-touristy" spots are in order to get some good wild life viewing...

Yet another reason to love life out west.

Western Charm

The Stanley Hotel, best known for its role in the Stephen King novel, "The Shinning," epitomizes old world charm and historical architecture at its finest. Freeland Stanley and his famous steamer, journeyed west in 1903. Settling in Estes Colorado, Stanley made the decision to construct the hotel, sharing the beauty and wonderment he found in Estes with others.

This Saturday, I was able to experience the hotel first hand. After touring downtown Estes, a refreshing beverage to quench our thirst and rest our feet sounded ideal. We watched the weather role in over the Rocky's, while comfortably sitting on the front porch, as if it were our own. Laughing and talking as if we had been in this moment before...life is good.

"Dance, Dance, Dance, All Night Long"

A summer in Colorado would not be complete without experiencing Red Rocks. A open-air amphitheatre with spectacular views that reach Denver, Red Rocks is a can't miss. Combining nature with music, the gigantic red rocks encompass the theater, allowing performers and concertgoers alike to become a part of something truly unique.

This past Thursday, I attended Steve Miller Band with family in tow. I had a most enjoyable evening catered by my favorite market, Whole Foods, while sipping on refreshing white wine. As we heard the music begin to play, we quickly gathered our things and headed for our seats (although, I think not one of us sat the entire time).

For the evening, we felt as though we were all celebrating our youth as we "danced, danced, danced, all night long."

A Rainbow of Thoughts

Rain provides a certain sense of relaxation in the summer months and sometimes in its wake, one can bare witness to one of the most fascinating natural phenomenons...a rainbow. Staring in awe as if I were a child, a smile suddenly crossed my face. I looked to the right and saw beautiful natural light beaming up from the flatirons while, to my left primary colors painted the early evening sky. If I had any doubts, today I remembered why I journeyed west...

East meets West.

Ideals and fascinations in response to the Rocky Mountain West are common. Some people are looking for ranch property, others for a secluded sanctuary, and still others a ski-in-ski-out chalet. I came because I needed to explore, to do something new, to greet the unknown.

My decision to travel westward was not a long thought out one. Simply stated, I woke up one morning and decided I was going to move. I thought to myself I am young, uncommitted, and wanted to be able to physically connect to nature. I was about to make a huge change in my life for reasons that were personally daring. I did not take into account others thoughts or opinions, nor did I move in the hopes of salvaging personal relationships. For the first time in my life , I was doing something for myself.

So that was it, I kissed my roommate goodbye and left one of the most intellectual stimulating environments I had ever been part of for a new natural environment...

What do I want? What do I need? Who do I want to spend my time with? Finding yourself and seeking out your own personal journey is important. We all want inner peace and value in love. We all want to share this with someone but, more importantly with who?

Enjoy your moments...

A summer evening in Boulder, Colorado wouldn't be complete without spending time in Chautauqua Park. Watching the sun set over the flatirons while enjoying good food, friends, and live music, the summer in Boulder is just beginning.

Last night, the Indigo Girls performed for a very enthusiastic crowd in Chautauqua Park . I couldn't have asked for a more perfect end to a most enjoyable weekend. A few of us decided to go early plant our feet in the grass and enjoy a few laughs, a few drinks, and of course always delicious food.

Fans since our adolescent years, Megan and I were so excited to see the Indigo Girls live! We only hoped that we would be able to get close enough to the outdoor stadium in order to hear and see the music. For a few hours before the concert, we enjoyed a lovely picnic filled with nothing but laughter and of course wonderful company.

As we began to hear cheers from the stadium, Megan and I knew we were "moments" away from hearing some of the music that shaped our growing years. We left our picnic gathered our drinks and headed towards the outside stadium for a closer view. Megan and I quickly became engulfed by the music and shortly after were signing and dancing as if no one else was there.

As the evening wore on, Megan and I wondered how the boys were doing witnessing this whole experience. After all, they were a minority this evening. We turned around only to find the boys behind us looking on with someone elses binoculars. They were already making new friends at the Indigo Girls concert. I swear by the end of the night, both Peter and Danny were signing along...

I am sure more "enjoyable moments" will be created this summer...

There's Gold In Them Hills!

Last weekend, I took a most incredible journey to Gold Hill, Colorado just a short ride from downtown Boulder. A quiet isolated haven, with no paved streets, but easily accessed by dirt roads, Gold Hill is true historical landmark. Originally a mining camp, it was the sight of the first major discovery of gold during the California Gold Rush in 1859. A population residing of 210 people Gold Hill's historic wooden structures are a sight to be seen.

I was in great company with another Connecticut native turned westerner. We sat at the "Gold Hill Inn," where our Sunday was all about the mountain air, whiskey, and hearty fare. Listening to the live jazz band in the backround provided a fair amount of entertainment while, we made new friends as if they were already old ones.

I recommend strapping on your boots and heading up the Hill. Who knows maybe you'll find some gold.....