My First Hut Trip

Wow, my very first hut trip.  There is a series of huts around Leadville called the 10th Mountain Division Huts that are each dedicated to a 10th Mountain Division Troop Member.  They are really neat and very remote.  You can hike to them in the Summer or ski to them in the Winter.  Grandma G and Grandpa Cool came out for a visit and we decided to hike on the Colorado Trail from Turquoise Lake (just outside of Leadville) to Uncle Bud's Hut.  What an adventure!

The hike was about 4 miles, so we decided to have lunch along side one of the lakes that we hiked by. . .it was beautiful. . .I've never seen reflections in water like this. . .it was like a mirror!  Speaking of reflections. . . this was a perfect time for Grandpa and I to sit and reflect on life. 

Life. . .Life is good!
Grandma G looks through her spy glasses. . .oh, she sees two otters!
Whew, all that hiking and reflecting. . .I'm HUNGRY!  More bananas please. . .
Are you sure there's not another banana. . .I could eat those all day!  
Well, let's be on our way then. . .to the HUT!
What a cool place. . .I can walk all day on all the benches in here . . .
This is going to be FUN!
Now Grandpa's looking through the spy glasses . . . I wonder what they're looking at? 
What a great sunset. . .
now, I'm curious Grandpa. . .what do you call this hairy chin patch?
A goat-y? Ha-ha,  I like that!
Me and my Grandpa Cool.
You are COOL, you know.
You what else is cool?  Socks on Mama's hands. . .ah, ah, ah, ah, ah.
Check it out. . .
Now. . .to the rock wall . . .
I see you. . .
Check this move out!
This is a great time guys!!  What a good day.  

The next morning we woke up and decided to hike to St. Kevin's Lake.  It is an alpine lake that sits just below the top of Galena Mountain.  Holy cow. . . another cool reflecting lake!

It's soooooo blue and soooooo clear. . . oh look, do you see the rainbow trout?
Grandma G and Grandpa Cool. . . what a true pair of adventurers.  
Our adventure was not over as we decided to hike to the top of the ridge, trek across the ridge, and find our way- off trail- back to the hut.   St. Kevin's Lake is getting smaller as we hike a little higher. . .
There are so many neat colors and shapes in nature. . .I particularly loved this bright green polka-dot. . .
But what I really love is a yummy snack break!

Great views, awesome sunshine, and a tasty cracker. . . what a life!  

(yes I am plastered in sunscreen people, don't worry about my high altitude sun exposure.)
Yummo! 
Another great day in paradise!

Thanks for the neat adventure Grandma G and Grandpa Cool!

I love you,

xoxoxo,

finn.

Camping in Crested Butte

Our friends Joh, Jon and little Wiley are moving to Canmore, Canada in a week so we decided to spend a night camping in Crested Butte where the Aspen trees are absolutely spectacular! Joining us is Libbey, Amanda and Amy.  We had such a good time. . .I dig this camping thing!

Mom, Amanda, Joh, and Amy geared up for a bike ride through the Aspen Groves. . .
While Libbey, Jon, little Wiley and I geared up for a hiking adventure. . .
Mom said the trees couldn't have been more beautiful on their bike ride. . .here are some action shots of each of them. . .  Mom. . .
Joh. . .
Amy. . .
and Amanda. . .how neat!
Until the thunderstorms came. . .they had to spread out in the woods and wait for the lightning to pass. . .which it did. . .we were lucky to be back at the campsite and had a lovely snack and play time under cover in the Element (mom's car)!
The next day Amanda got busy doing arm lifts off the truck . . . 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 good job!
I love Libbs! She takes good care of me!
Eating. . .my favorite pastime!
Then we went on a hike and discovered the HUGEST rock!  Amy's attempting to climb the rock, Amanda's got her spot. . .
Libb's is sessing up the situation.
What a good look'n group of ladies. . .(and little Wiley too).
Well, it's off to Canada for Jon, Joh, and Wiley.  We'll miss you guys but can't WAIT to visit you in the Canadian Rockies!  Safe Travels!
Keep it real people.  

Until next time,

xoxoxox,

finnley.

Happy 4th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad!

"Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!  I am talking into this microphone to announce what I think you should do for your anniversary    evening. . .  Joh and my buddy Wiley should come over and hang out while you guys go get massages and have dinner way up on the East side of town overlooking the Arkansas Valley while watching the sunset (and moonrise - It's full tonight) . . . now I can't cook, so Mom, you'll have to whip something up for you to take up there. . . I think Chicken Pot Pie sound delicious given that it's a bit chilly when the sun goes down. . . oh, and don't forget the bottle of wine. . . Che Romantico. . .Have FUN! I love you!"

Good call Finnley, a Perfect recommendation for dinner. . .  mmmmmmm.

Here's to many more years filled with fun filled love adventures . . . 

Colorful September!

What an amazing September!  The Aspen Trees changed early and seemingly overnight, but boy were they gorgeous!  Almost as quickly as they came. . . they were gone.  These pictures are from a hike we did on the new Wheeler's Way mountain bike trail that we helped build this summer.  

This is a crazy way to take a picture dad. . .I'm "seriously" trying to figure it out. . .

Wow! Greens, Golds, and Oranges - Oh My!
Daddy points out things of interest along the way. . .
It's almost like somebody turned on the lights extra bright walking through these trees. . .
What a view. . .what a place!
La, la, la-la-la-la, la, la-la la la. . . (that's the smurf tune)
Another great day in paradise!

xoxoxox,

finn.