Watchful Eyes

Sometimes it is during the most precious times in our lives that we forget to remember.  Now, that might sound strange right off the bat, but think about it.  Its almost as if when those precious moments come along we are so caught up in them that we don't think about remembering them for future reference.  Wouldn't it be nice if we could just take a snapshot with our eyes of those moments?  I mean, sure, memories are great, and sometimes we remember what's really important during those times.  But other times the memories are blurred and not everything is always captured as it really happened.  Those are the times when I wish I brought a camera with me and secretly shot a picture without ruining the moment.   If only our eyes could take mental pictures and make them as lasting and memorable as a photograph.  Wouldn't it be interesting and beautiful to flip through the memories like a slideshow of your life?

Best Summer on Record: Glen Eyrie and Boxcar Coffee Roasters

Apart from hiking with my boyfriend, we also took a trip down to Glen Eyrie to visit the Glen Eyrie Castle.  The whole idea of going came from my boyfriend's love of all things medieval and castle related. I had been to the castle once for a wedding shower earlier this year and absolutely fell in love with the place, so I also wanted to return anyway.  Nestled in a more distant part of the town where tall sandstone rocks loom over head, a river rushes by, and eagles nest, it really is quite beautiful.  But not only is the outside beautiful, but the inside is stunning as well.

Nearly all the walls in the castle are intricately made of wood, and the ceilings are sculpted.  As well as a tea room, there was a great room on the top floor, an old carriage house, special rooms for the man's children, a den for himself, and so much more.  The technology that he implemented in the building was truly amazing and far before his time.  For instance he had fire hoses built into the walls, vacuum connections for cleaning the castle, and a heated table to keep his food warm while he was hunting.  

After we went to the castle, we visited Boxcar Coffee Roasters in Boulder and tried two of their coffees!  While very expensive, the coffee was definitely very good.  Anyway, it was a very beautiful day all day, even when it down poured at the coffee house (because rain is beautiful and exciting).  I absolutely loved touring the castle more in depth this time, and the coffee house was really neat.  I hope my boyfriend had as much fun as I did on this adventure! :) 

Best Summer on Record: Fern Falls Hike

One of my favorite adventures this summer was most definitely the hike my boyfriend and I took to Fern Falls.  After doing some research I found the hike and decided it would be super beautiful, so we went for it.  The drive up there was really pretty, but when we arrived we realized there was literally no parking anywhere in multiple lots.  After driving around looking for a spot like vultures, we decided to park along the road about 3/4 of a mile from the trail head.  We grumbled a bit about having to walk so far, but even the walk to the trail was beautiful, with aspens lining the road in places.  

Once the hike began it was even more beautiful than I had anticipated.  Not far along the trail we were greeted by several little creeks and streams which we had to cross, plus an excellent view of the rushing river.  And even though the end half of the trail got pretty steep, it was beautiful all the way there.  There were awesome rock formations, bridges, flowers, the water formations, and so much more.  Once we reached the top it was like a total change in atmosphere!  We went from being super hot to basically being air-conditioned by the spray from the falls. Overall it was spectacular and I loved every minute that I got to spend my favorite person on this gorgeous hike! :) 

Best Summer on Record: The Beginning

To all my friends and faithful followers, I am truly sorry I have not kept up with my posts most of the summer.  Everything has been so busy, but also quite amazing!  I shall now share with you the details of my adventures.  WARNING: the retelling of events may become: exciting, adorable, and/or long winded.  I am not liable for any damages. 

Before graduation I started catching up with a friend who had graduated the year before.  Then one Thursday afternoon we went out for coffee and we found that we had quite a lot in common.  Long story short, we have been dating all summer, and many of my favorite adventures have been made with him. 

To begin my adventures, this summer has been one filled with lots of hiking.  My best friend and I went on several great hikes together and took many pictures.  I, for one, collected many rocks as well.  Our first hike was to Coyote Ridge.  Though it was a hot hike, it was worth the view we got at the top and in the green valley beyond the ridge.  

Our next hike was first to Round Mountain and then a much more difficult hike to Sheep Mountain. On Round Mountain we saw a beautiful little lookout and we made a smiley cairn to leave our mark.  Though we didn't make it to the top of Sheep Mountain because we ran out of time, we made it a little further than halfway. Our excitement when we saw that 2 mile marker was through the roof.   Maybe next year we can push all the way to the top!  

It is at this point that I am realizing how long this post is becoming.  I'm going to have to split it up into short series of adventures.  This is only the beginning of this fabulous summer! :)