Ready for hiking season

After a phenomenal ski season with over 30 feet of snow, the trails and mountain tops are finally drying and everything is blooming. The rivers are still pretty high (and scary at some points) but according to many we have hit peak run-off meaning that the waters will be clearing soon.

Over the weekend my friend, Amanda; dog, Tia; and I went for a quick hike up Cougar Ridge trail from the Minturn trailhead just behind the house. We made it up to Lionshead rock in a little over an hour. For such a quick hike it really boasts some great views of the valley. Tia thought she was pretty tough stuff, standing out on the edge of the rock. That is Notch Mountain (left)- a 13er- a Mount of the Holy Cross- a 14er- in the distance behind her.

Mountain Bike Camp

This past weekend I attended a mountain bike camp here in Vail. It was an all ladies camp which made for a lot of fun. Going into it I was a total chicken mountain biker- anything narrower than a Jeep road made me cringe. I signed up for the camp to hopefully learn some skills and improve my confidence.

After two days on my bike and um-teen number of falls (I have the bruises and scabs to prove it) I think I am on my way. Single track isn't as intimidating, nor are rocky crossings and loose gravel, however switchbacks continue to plague me. Why can't I commit to the turn? In any case, it was a great experience and one that I would recommend to anyone who felt the same way I did when I started.

Snow in June?

It snowed today. After 10+ days of beautiful warm summer skies, the clouds and precip rolled in and it snowed. I have to admit that I wasn't stoked to see it, but to be honest, it's Colorado...there is always a chance that it may snow regardless of month or weather two days previous. And for the record- I'll take an occassional snow shower in June or July over 90+ degrees with humidity and mosquitos.

P.S. I have yet to get a mosquito bite in Colorado. Lovely!

Dogs love skiing

I took my year old golden retriever, Tia, camping for the first time this weekend. We drove out hwy 9 going south out of Breckenridge over Hoosier Pass. About 3 miles south of Alma, CO we turned west on a dirt road and headed up to the back side of Mt. Sherman. The minute she jumped out of the car she was amped...checking out every bush, tree, and stick. Much to my surprise she was very respectful of the campfire (despite her innate need to chew on sticks) and took well to the tent.

The next morning we got up and hit the trailhead to ski a line off the backside (east side) of Mt Sherman around 6am. Always the snow lover, she loved the hike. Unfortunately, things warmed a little quicker than expected and we had to start our ski descent before reaching the summit. On top of that, we kind of lost the trail on the way back and did our fair share of bushwacking. All and all it was a good trip and I think Tia has found her niche in the Rocky Mountains.