Colorado: Day 3 & 4: Rafting the Colorado River & Rock Climbing

So unlike our first and second days in Colorado, I do not have any photos from our third day. At least not yet. On our third day, Mike and I went white water rafting down the Colorado River. Mike even jumped into the river - twice!  For the first time in many years, I carried a disposable camera (waterproof, obviously) and I'm excited to see the results, once I figure out where I can still have film developed!

On our fourth day, we went rock climbing along Independence Pass.  The weather was beautiful - sunny and crisp, warm near the top of the climbs, and a little chilly at the bottom.  Our guide taught us how to belay, a role he took back after my first turn - noting the panic that washed over me as I realized my future husband’s life was literally in my hands.  After Mike had returned safely to solid ground, our guide relinquished the rope from my shaking hands, freeing them to do things like take photos of Mike’s other climbs.

After we were sufficiently exhausted, we drove back to Aspen - and spotted a bear crossing the street!  We took the recommendation of our guide and ate at a local Thai restaurant for dinner. Afterwards, we stopped for ice cream and then enjoyed a very leisurely, relaxing walk back to our condo.  A little wine and reading and we were fast asleep by 10 PM.

Colorado: Day 2: Denver, Independence Pass, Aspen Mountain & Aspen Brewery

After taking Denver by storm in the first day of our vacation, we woke up on Sunday morning ready for a good cup of coffee.  We didn’t have to venture very far, just a few blocks from our hotel was The Market in Larimer Square, where we  indulged in big cups of coffee, flaky pastries, and a healthy serving of bacon and eggs.  We joined the locals reading their hefty papers and consumed our breakfast on the sidewalk at tiny cafe tables, watching people bike up the street and loving every dog patiently waiting for an accidentally dropped crumb of a croissant.  I want to remember just how perfect those moments felt, how relaxed and at ease we were.

After breakfast, we walked around the few streets we hadn’t yet explored in downtown Denver, then hopped in the car to drive to Aspen for the next part of our journey.  The drive was hilly, but beautiful.  Mike was especially infatuated with the runaway truck ramps placed after an especially steep grade.  We wound our way through Independence Pass, along sharp turns with no guard rails and through two-way roads barely wide enough for our full-size car.

We pulled off at the top of Independence Pass, at the Continental Divide, to stretch our legs and take in the view.  Just a few steps in, we were both gasping for air and trying to calm our racing hearts.  But the view was well worth the trying walk from our car.

Once we arrived in Aspen, checked into our condo, and found parking (no small feat) we walked to the Aspen Mountain gondola, as it was the last day of the summer we would be able to venture to the top.  Once inside our pod (I’m sure it has a more technical name, but that’s what I call it) with the doors shut, I looked over to a wide-eyed, white knuckled fiance.  

“What’s wrong?!” I asked.

“I really, really hate these things,” Mike responded quietly.

Months of planning this trip, talking about taking the gondola to the top of the mountain, and never once had he mentioned his fear of heights and gondola rides.

Once we arrived safely at the top, we picked-up a few frisbees to play the disc golf course.  The first nine holes were relatively easy, with only a few climbs that I thought I might never be able to catch my breath again.  The back nine were impossibly difficult - with cliffs and steep climbs.  We played to the point that I was certain I would not be able to climb back up the hill if required.  The day ended with a few pints at Aspen Brewing Company, one of our favorite spots of our time in Aspen.

Colorado: Day 1: Downtown Denver, Great Divide Brewery & Coors Field

We arrived in Denver, Colorado in desperate need of a vacation; there was no room for wedding planning, MBA applications, or job stressors in our luggage, so we left it all behind.  Once we had procured our rental car, we drove downtown to eat a big breakfast at Sams No. 3 and check into our hotel room a little early.  

Later, we explored the city on our leisurely walk to Great Divide Brewery.  It was over 90 degrees that afternoon, but the dryness of the air kept the sweat away.  The brewery was small and intimate; there was only standing room not long after they opened their doors for the afternoon.

That evening, we enjoyed a game at Coors Field.  We arrived at the stadium early to explore the ballpark, and breathlessly climbed to the mile high seats to see a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains.  Mike scored amazing seats, in the second row on the first base side.  A few innings into the game, he caught a foul ball tossed into the stands by the first base coach, and in one smooth motion, handed the ball to me.  Mike cheekily smiled at me and basked in the attention as our section let out a resounding "Aaawwwwhh!",especially since we both knew I would hand the ball right back to him.

Project Life 2012 | Week Thirty-Nine

Another busy week in the books - phew! Of particular note, our refrigerator died on Friday morning. Sigh. One of those moments when you just wish you didn't have to be an adult. But there were also delicious meals, pretty necklaces (to chose for my wedding day!), and a lovely card from my Mom. I still need to add a few items to complete the week: a photo of Mike and Tom in their Whalers hats at a golf tournament, a few photos from the CrossFit Metropolis Team Throwdown, and a sticker to denote the week and dates. I also included some pretty photos and signage from the Travel & Leisure Global Bazaar that I attended on Saturday afternoon.