Colorado Trip Part 2

On the second day of our trip, I woke and then went downstairs and poured myself a cup of coffee. With mug in hand, I walked outside enjoying the cool air. Sitting on the deck, I enjoyed a spectacular sunrise. After a light continental breakfast, I hiked to the bottom of the mountain, feeling very energetic. Our Colorado Trip Part 2.

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Colorado Trip Part 2

When I made it back to the B&B, I wanted to continue enjoying the cool Colorado temperatures of late summer. I sat at the table on the deck and marveled at how silent it was. The silence was only broken by a car passing by now and then. I looked around at all the aspen trees, which have small leaves that shimmer in the breeze.

Shortly thereafter, 5 or 6 hummingbirds arrived and began flittering about. I then heard something run behind me, and I didn’t know what it was. We were told there were all kinds of wildlife on the mountain, including bears and mountain lions. Therefore, I was a little concerned but not enough to go inside.

Idaho Springs, Colorado

After Sofia finished some work, we proceeded downstairs to begin our day. We told Wilhelmina that we were going to hike to St. Mary’s glacier. She told us how to take a scenic drive to the town of Idaho Springs instead of taking the highway. Without her advice, I would’ve just followed the GPS and probably taken the highway. That would’ve been a huge mistake because the drive was gorgeous.

We started in a valley and then drove up into the mountains with the most incredible views. Arriving in Idaho Springs, we found a parking spot on the street. Idaho Springs is a small gold mining town with a lot of character. I fell in love with this town. Wilhelmina had suggested we eat it at Tommyknocker Brewery.

Great Beer

The main street in Idaho Springs is blocked off for pedestrians only. We were seated and our server brought out samples of their homebrew. Every sample I tried was tasty. I don’t drink beer anymore since I went through chemo. It tends to taste metallic. Nonetheless, I chose a Chocolate Porter that hit the spot. Sofia had a Blood Orange IPA I also found very tasty.

After a beer and burger lunch, we walked around the town and down to the creek. There was a beautiful waterfall and a large wooden waterwheel in front of it. Across the creek, I could see the entrance to old gold mining tunnels.

St. Mary’s Glacier

We then drove to St. Mary’s glacier, which was about 10 miles higher into the mountain. After parking and dropping off the parking fee, we headed up the trail. The hike is steep and full of large rocks. They didn’t smooth out the trail but left the rocks and boulders right where the glacier deposited them many years ago.

It was hard on my arthritic knees, but I trudged on. Wilhelmina had given us sea-level people a tip before we left. She said to stop and fill our lungs with air every so often. At sea level, we only use half of our lungs. I didn’t know that, and I’m still learning at my age.

Finding Inspiration

I found a lot of inspiration hiking up this trail. There were all different types of people despite the ruggedness of the trail. I saw very fit people and some that were overweight. There were young and old. I was most impressed by seeing the children that were hiking up the steep, rocky trail. Every time I thought we were at the top, the trail turned and continued up.

We finally reached the top and were greeted by a beautiful lake and the remains of St. Mary’s glacier on the mountainside. After some photos and rest, we headed back down the trail. It is a lot harder going down thing going up. Eventually, I made it, sore knees and all.

An Evening With Old And New Friends

We drove back to the B&B to shower and change. That evening we were invited to the rehearsal dinner/welcome party at our friend’s house. I always enjoy watching Sofia conversing with her friends. She has known them since she was five years old. I can see the joy on her face when they get together.

Meeting new friends and getting to know them is something I always enjoy. The party shut down early because they had a long day getting ready for the wedding the next day. It was good for me because I was getting tired, and the hike had taken a toll on this old body. It felt good to crawl into bed. I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow. To be continued.