August Adventures

We had some pretty sweet adventures in August, and generally speaking, August really brings the best, warmest, and driest weather to Colorado.  Just perfect for exploring the outdoors! We decided to do things a little differently one Sunday after church, and instead of cooking a big Sunday dinner like I usually do, we headed up to Mt. Evans to drive the pass to the top before it closes for the season. Lucy has a National Parks pass so we got in free, and we packed a super yummy picnic to enjoy along the way.

A big summer thunderstorm had blown in, and we weren't sure if they'd allow us to drive up to the top since it's much colder with the elevation and very well could be snow, but they park ranger told us it was actually sunny and warm up above the thunderclouds.

And there you can see exactly what he meant, as we gained a little elevation and you could see all those thunderclouds looming over the valley. At the top the sun was indeed out! 

It's a 14 mile drive from Idaho Springs up to Mt. Evans and it is hairpin turns and treacherous drop-offs the entire way. The kids have a love-hate relationship with it because it's scary, but also so awe-inspiring. I'm just glad Jon drives!

We made it! Lizzie topped her first 14-er. Last time we came I was actually pregnant with her, and I remember feeling like I couldn't catch my breath because of the high elevation and lack of oxygen! Glad she was out for this visit.

Lucy and Zach visiting the ruins that were once a restaurant and gift shop back in the 1940's.

Jonathan taking a few minutes to peacefully reflect on the view.

I can't describe it any other way but to say it literally feels like you're on top of the world. There's nothing else around but the elements of sky and sun and wind. It's amazing.

Happy Sunday and happy sunshine! What a beautiful Sunday drive and how blessed are we that we live right by these gorgeous Rocky mountains?

We saw several herds of mountain goats and a few marmots here and there. It's so fun to see all this cool wildlife right out your car window.

Heading back down the mountain and into those thunderclouds and rainstorms once more. We all loved our Sunday drive so much we decided to make it a tradition every month or so, and do a picnic and head for the hills!  

The following week found us at St. Mary's Glacier Lake near Evergreen, CO. We'd done this hike last winter, when it was snowy and the lake was frozen over, but there had been too much snow on the other side and you needed snow shoes to get the view of the front range like we wanted to. I knew we needed to go back!

The alpine lake itself is gorgeous and pristine. Lucy loved putting her hot hiking feet into it, while Zach with his sketch book liked drawing it.

Lucy and I hiked out to the big rock to get a view from the middle of the lake and even managed to keep our feet dry.

We hiked up around the backside which was quite a ways, on top of the mile pretty much straight up we'd already done just to get to the lake. 

But, we got this gorgeous view for our troubles. Not bad!

My little hiking buddies! We have to mostly carry Lizzie (although she insists on hiking some of it), but the rest do it all by themselves.

Miss Lizzie was pretty proud of herself for hiking with the big kids! Colorful Colorado on display.

Even though it was mid-August there was still some snow left on the "glacier" that never melts, as it's deeper than it looks. We even saw people skiing and snow boarding down that ridge in the background. Zach was ready to sled down it if only we'd brought one with us.

Zach is our animal whisperer and befriended several little chipmunks, much to Lizzie and Leah's amusement. He seems to find them, or maybe they find him, no matter where we go. 

Of course we'd worked up a huge appetite with all that hiking around, so we stopped for some amazing, authentic fish n' chips in downtown Denver at GB Fish N' Chips on our way home. Oh man, that deep fried goodness sure hit the spot!

Yum! We ordered the family size and had tons of fish and chips and even coleslaw-- enough that these four starving kids actually went home full, too. We love adventuring in Colorado and can't wait until our next run in with the Rockies!