Colorado Weekend

We made our annual business trip to Dallas. Then found cheap tickets from Dallas to Denver and made a couples weekend out of it. First stop, Boulder, CO to a hike a trail I failed the 1st time on Josh's 40 birthday trip.

Made it to the top of the Flatirons 1 & 2! Only about 3m but a 1400ft elevation change when just landing a mile high.

Couples pic at the end of the hike. We were also celebrating 16 years of marriage.

Josh exploring. He must make it to the VERY top.

One more look on our way back down.

The hike ends back in the prairie. After a quick meal we headed to Estes Park, CO.

We stayed in this adorable little cabin for 2 nights at Glacier Lodge just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. Only $100/night!

Our back porch had a little river running by it.

Our 1st morning, we headed to Moraine Park to see the herd of elk. But my favorite picture was of this mule deer.

After breakfast, we hiked an easy 3m to Gem Lake.

The lake was not as impressive as the views. But I loved the hike!

One of the many epic scenes on a perfect sunny day.

We had a delicious lunch at the Mexican restaurant the Neville's took us to on our previous visit to Estes Park. Then we headed back to Moraine Park to go horseback riding!! Let the horses hike for us.

More beautiful scenery.

Rare horseback riding selfie! Ha.

From Josh's phone. My crazy horse kept stopping to eat. He eventually got in trouble and had to wear a brace on his face. Poor guy had to look but not eat the wildflower buffet.

Near the end of our 2hr ride it started to sprinkle. There were only 3 other people in the group. Yay to low season.

So fun!! 1st time riding since our honeymoon.

On the last day, we attempted the hike to Sky Pond in RMNP. Rated as hard, 8 miles with a 1700 ft elevation gain at around 10 thousand feet. The infamous aspen tree.

Couples shot on the trail, when I could still breathe. Ugh!

Josh at Alberta Falls, near the beginning of the hike.

The Loch, a gorgeous lake more than halfway up the trail.

By this point, I was done. Tired of hiking upward, out of breath, and cold. The higher up we climbed the windier it got. So sorry to disappoint but maybe next time.

Finally!!! On our drive back down the mountain we got to see a mother MOOSE and her baby.

And this big guy. His herd of ladies were following close behind in the woods. We watched them all cross the street.

So close!! We were fortunate to see so many elk on this trip and hear their bugle since it was rut season.

THANK YOU amazing Mimi for watching the kids. And sorry Neville's for not stopping by.