A New Hiking Perspective

If you read the Last Getaway, you know that Elisa and I went on our Babymoon recently. The lessons were it was a step in Elisa and I finding Space in our relationship. 

This blog is not about that lesson. 

When I was in Estes on the Babymoon, I went on a hike to Cub Lake. It was a ridiculous morning. I got up early to head to the mountains. It snowed all night, and I was the first one in the Bear Lake parking lot. 

The day before, I had broken my own rules. I only got a spike at the rental place and not snowshoes. I always get snowshoes. I have even rented them in May in case they were needed!

I saw how deep the snow was in the parking lot and turned around. This was the first time hiking, my reason for avoiding risk was my wife and son. My desire was to get up to Locke that morning. It would have been a dangerous task. The snow was too high and easily could have been lost or hurt.

I drove down to the next parking lot. This time I saw some other hikers in their Subaru. This gave me a bit of confidence to go out there and give it a shot. I got to the trail and almost immediately started falling waste high in snow. I went on for half a mile. Once I got to Alberta Falls, it was merely going to be too sketchy. 

At one point in my life, I would have gone on. Accepting the stupidity and danger of my arbitrary desire. Turning back and falling a few more times resulted in me seeking a lower elevation trail. I turned to an old friend, Cub Lake. 

I pulled the Jeep to the Cub Lake trailhead. I got out, looked around, and I was the only one there. It was me. Standing in the middle of what makes me feel whole. Looking around and up to the peaks. These peaks require such respect. They require you to express nothing but gratitude as you make your way up to them. That is why I was happy to be standing in the cold wind alone. I was experiencing something greater than me. 

As I started the track, there were a few similar difficulties as the other trails. I kept going with some hesitation. Luckily, I was able to get on the right path after 50 yards. There were little snow and a lot of ice. I kept the spikes on most of the hike. That little crunch of metal and ice was my hiking partner. There wind going in strong now and then. 

The Cub Lake hike is a few different landscapes in a short amount of time. It starts in a valley that feels harsh because of the wind. As you go, big rocks are protecting you. Then we get to the trees. Beautiful pines mixed with snow. It is the dream of an adventurer. I carried on. Talking and thinking to myself. Hiking alone is a back and forth between self-examination and environment analyzation. I lookout for the rock in my path and then go back to thinking how my Ego is destroying me. It is such a beautiful process. 

This is what Space does to us as individuals. We start to see what is around us and inside us. I have the opportunity to see the details of the tree as I walk by. The smell and colors taking over. I also think about myself. I think about past interactions and moments. It is pointless to think you can keep your mind clear of struggles that you will keep facing after the hike. It is healthier to not try and think about the mountains when you are in the mountains. When you are in the mountains, you can finally believe clearly about yourself. You can see why you hurt. It is time to face the uncomfortable truth. 

Seeking Space is not about hiding from what your mind is going through. In a way, the real adventure is dealing with ourselves. Getting to the core of what we need. I wish it was possible to save myself from the stress of all those hikes I was getting frustrated with myself for thinking about work or personal struggles. You cannot just go away and feel perfect. You go out to see yourself clearly. 

The mountains give me physical and mental Space to face myself. Space is to step back so we can grow and heal. 

This hike did a lot for me. Cub Lake is beautiful. It was fun to be alone and explore in the winter. I appreciated the harsh wind, snow, and ice-making my day more difficult. The hot coffee in my cantine was sipped with more appreciation. For all of that, I am thankful. Thankful for the Space the mountains provide.

The Last Getaway

Taken with Elisa driving around Rocky Mountain National Park

Elisa and I went on our last trip together before our son Edison will be born. Elisa was kind enough to suggest one of my favorite places, Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. 

It is so crucial for Elisa and me to take trips like this. These are the moments that we find Space to be with each other. Away from the hustle of each day. Simply being together. Lack of distractions helps with the opening up or letting out that we wouldn't otherwise frequently share. 

This trip served as a reminder of how crucial creating Space will be going into the future. We cannot let life distract us from us. We flew in late on a Tuesday to Denver. It was a great beginning to the trip. We met with Alyssa and Conor for dinner. I wish we could see them more often. After that, we took the night drive to our room at the Estes Park Resort. No alarms for the next day, just rest. 

We began our first day apart from each other. I woke up earlier to drink coffee, read and get in a workout. Elisa slept a few extra hours. We went to the brunch at the hotel. It was us and one other couple. It makes for a relaxing atmosphere. Respect for the relaxation we are all attempting. 

I had an epic elk omelet, and Elisa had some delicious pancakes. All fueled up, we headed into Rocky Mountain National Park. It was windy and cold. Being 6 months pregnant, Elisa was not too pumped on the idea to hike, so we looked at the wonder that it is RMNP. I got some great pictures that drive, and it was fun taking the Jeep through the snow. 

Our next move was to go around town. It is slow in Estes Park during the winter. There are a lot of great shops around town. We got our future son a few things, including a little toy tree house with stuffed animals that I picked out. 

Looking back, it was as if we had the town to ourselves. It was the middle of the week and winter in Estes. The streets were empty. 

Elisa allowed me to do some of my regular Estes routines. The bookstore downtown is one of my favorite ever. I have come across a few book stores with as good of an American History selection. I ended up purchasing John Powell's memoir and a book about being alone. 

We made our way back to Estes Park Resort for an afternoon nap. We had dinner at the Stanley Hotel planned. I was a bit afraid. Not a big dan of places that might be potentially supernatural in nature. 

We got dressed up and headed to Stanley. I was surprised. The restaurant was fancy and fun. Elisa was happy to be in a place like that, with the added bonus of ghosts and spirits. I enjoyed an outstanding bourbon flight. Elisa had a virgin, fruity something-or-other. Looking at me with envy as my favorite drink gave me a buzz. 

We finally made it to our table. The evening was terrific. Nice warm meal sitting next to the chilly window. We headed back to recover our full stomachs in bed. I made coffee in the hotel but immediately fell asleep. 

Our last full day began a bit more adventurous for me. I woke up before sunrise to get out on the trail and was actually the first one on the mountain, according to tire tracks. There was fresh powder, and I only got spikes and not snowshoes because I don't learn lessons. I attempted the Mills Lake trail, but it would have taken me far too long to go the full hike. 

I turned back and continued a long drive to find a trail that I could actually hike. I settled on a long time favorite, Cub Lake. I knew time was not on my side. Regardless of the obstacles, I knew this short hike was Space for myself that needed to be taken advantage of. Alone in the cold mountains, this is the perfect place for my soul. It is too difficult to think about the anxieties of life when you are cold and moving. That is why the formula works.

This hike was also the first camera free in YEARS. It was not on purpose. I simply forgot the memory card. It did not bum me out. I welcomed the opportunity to do the hike without it. Another lesson for another time. 

I got back to Elisa, and we went to get some brunch. Our day was meant for pure relaxation. We got massages and napped. Eventually, we went to the (put in the name) distillery across the street. There was a company party, so it ended up being the most lively place where we went on the trip. I tried the bourbon and the rye. Elisa drank soda water. I wasn't feeling to well in the stomach to start, but it passed. 

We had a really great time. They had a miniature version of the game corn hole. We played that on the table while chatting. It was a fun and quiet moment. 

Our final meal in Estes was at my favorite Italian restaurant (put in the name). We both let loose and enjoyed the pasta, sauce, and bread. It was such an enjoyable meal. 

This was mostly the conclusion of the trip before we travel home and settle back into life. 

Why is it essential that Elisa and I continue to keep this Space going for ourselves?

Our son, Edison, will be joining us in a few weeks from when I am writing this. Our lives are likely going to be stressful in a way we really can't comprehend. I am okay with that. Going forward, Elisa and I cannot forget we need trips like these. We need this Space in the same way I need weekend getaways in the mountains. It isn't the same answer for everyone, and the same formula won't work for us each time. 

We may have to accept a weekend in a State Park thirty minutes away or a hotel a few hours away. That is fine. The point is to get out. Distance ourselves from stress and just be together.

I am thankful Elisa suggested a place close to my heart for our Babymoon. I am grateful she feels the same as me about creating Space for ourselves. 

Elisa, I love you.