Family Visit E

Erin arrived Monday afternoon.  Her plane left DC at 6am and was delayed in Texas for an hour and fifteen minutes.  So after we had lunch when she arrived, I immediately took her to one of my new favorite places. Clear Creek.

We jumped off the rock a few times, then were chased away by thunder clouds.

She surprised me. I wasn't sure if she'd jump, but after I told her the main torture is the anticipation, she walked right up and jumped off the 10' rock into the fast moving river.

It actually requires a lot of energy, to do this routine.  After four times, I was completely beat. The storm chased us away, but I'm pretty sure I'd have been content to stay in for the evening anyway.

Tuesday was to be an early morning.  We headed into the high country because I wanted to show Erin Colorado's  most accessible 14er, Mt Evans.

We were unprepared for the weather. Down in the plains, Denver was a warm 68 degrees and climbing at 6am.  Mt Evans was 41 degrees and WINDY when we arrived at the summit.

We were above the clouds. It was unreal. And so very cold.

With the wind, cold, shortness of breath, and dizziness, we decided to descend to Summit Lake and see what hiking we could find there.

We found blue skies, sunshine, and snow covered trails.

DC, where Erin lives, has a peak elevation of less than 400 feet above sea level.  A short while into our hike and the altitude of around 12,000 ft was getting the best of her energy, so we discussed turning back.

I love these mountains.  I love Colorado.  It's doing something to me. I feel a peace and a freedom here that I didn't know I could find, like a part of myself that was laying dormant until the mountains stirred it up. The high country creates in me an insatiable desire to go higher and further into the sky, and I can here in Colorado. Lakewood, where I live now, is the perfect middle ground between the city of Denver, and the Rockies.  Three months is not nearly enough time here. Not in the long run. Not even if I hike more 14ers than the locals have. Three months in, and I can bet I'll only want more.

Once I got Erin down out of the sky a couple miles she had regained some energy and wanted to explore a little more, so I took her to the Red Rocks.

Only 12 in the afternoon and I had forced Erin out of bed at 5am, then immediately drained her of her energy in the mountain.  We returned to my apartment for lunch and recuperation.  While we were talking about going to the pool, a storm so strong and severe rolled in that we were afraid to even open the screen door to my porch.  Hail and literal snow balls were slamming onto the ground below, cooling the Earth and proving how vehement and dangerous the weather can be in the wild. Almost every day the forecast will say, "chance of afternoon thunderstorms". They don't seem to be verifiable until the clouds arrive directly above your proximity. Then that chance becomes absolute.

As quickly as this storm rolled in, it left, leaving behind the sun and a warm 80 something degrees.  We enjoyed this warmness by the pool, then went into the city for the evening.

We ate at Steuban's which is a delicious local joint I read about somewhere. We were given Zach Morris instead of a waiting number and table. Then enjoyed a great dinner. The drive out of the city toward Lakewood, only 15 or so minutes, provided an incredible view.

Today I had to work, but left Erin the car and a list of things she could do, both hiking and errands.  One of my patients today really tested me. I'm so worn I don't even want to think about it anymore. Needless to say, if I was going to have a day like this, I'm so grateful Erin was here and had dinner ready when I got home. Also, that we have two more wonderful days and adventures planned until we have to depart.