Colorado Day 4: June 22, 2013

I woke up feeling kind of sad knowing it was our last day in Colorado but happy that I'd be spending some quality time with my Aunt & cousin. We all drove to this little mountain town called Breckenridge which is 9600 feet above sea level, so yeah, my ears popped quite a few times on the drive up. We took the ski-lift up the mountain, this is something I've always wanted to do. We did  a lot of shopping at the boutiques, which was great. Kevin bought me the cutest carved wooden bear, which I've always wanted. We all went out to eat lunch at a Mexican restaurant and then had ice cream, yum. The day was great. I didn't want to go home so soon, and felt sad when I had to say goodbye to my Aunt Althea and cousin. Especially my Aunt, god it was great seeing her. I think she is one of the easiest people to talk to and well, she's just overall such a wonderful person. I can't wait to go back, I'm really looking forward to it. The plane ride home was interesting... of course, I felt in a rather cynical mood because I didn't want to return to New York. But, we met this really great guy who sat next to us, Yiannis. He's an artist who was born in Colorado, going to Long Island for a vacation. Super unique guy- had Kevin and I laughing throughout the trip. 

There were so many cute dogs in this town... wanted to kiss them all. (I controlled myself though)

Whoops... I missed... Kevin's nose was swollen like a pumpkin from the day before when he fell running up the stairs at Red Rocks... poor babe.... Still cute as ever though.

Love these two...

Seeing this dog made me miss my Petey, big time. But, what a sweetheart.

I bought some really great, all natural soap here... 

Love him for being him. But, so thankful he took the trip with me. Everything I did  during the week was more special with him being by my side. Best boyfriend, best best friend, best hiking buddy. 

It lightened as we were up in the sky... it was really cool to see. 

Colorado Day 4: June 21. 2013

The day of the summer solstice! One day in the Rocky Mountains wasn't enough! We drove back and through part the mountain range, the views were honestly breath-taking. We then were off to find our next hiking location, Shadow Mountain. We got lost, and ended up in this town that looked like an old mid-western town, which was pretty interesting. We finally made it and began hiking our 10 mile journey. Thank goodness we had the sun on our side since we didn't start hiking until about 4:45 P.M. The trail was beautiful. The beginning we walked all along a beautiful river and even passed a deer. At the peak, there was a fire tower which we were able to climb and see a 360 degree view of the entire range. I would suggest this hike to anybody who likes a good hike, and would gladly hike it again! We booked it on the way down and made it out just in time for the sun to set. We were both starving for something other than nuts and fruit but had a 2+ hour commute back to any town with a food establishment  still open. We had pizza, which  was delicious. Another great day, my only complaint was that time was going too fast. 

 Look close, he's waving to us! Go this guy! Driving his little car up in the Rocky Mountains!

 I love love love narrow trails.

 Everything about this picture is beautiful.

 A lot of the pine trees are devoured by those darn pine beetles.

 I love being in the woods as the sun sets. There's just nothing prettier.

 If you know me, you know that I started squealing a little bit when I saw these babes.

I've wondered so many times throughout this trip how he's as great as he is. 

Colorado Day 3: June 20, 2013

Well, we got a rather late start, but that was okay with me. A little extra sleep never killed anyone! We got terribly lost and couldn't quite find the trail we wanted to hike, so we ended up at the Heil Valley Ranch where we hiked the Lichen loop. This was more of a stroll than a hike but it was still fun! I enjoyed the meadows, the birds chirpin' and the bugs buzzin'. Later, I got to see my Aunt Mal, my yaiyai's sister, who I haven't seen in well... I don't even remember. It was great to see her, and dinner was delicious! Plus, I got to meet my cousin, Christina's boyfriend, Joe. Joe brought Kevin and I to Red Rocks Amphitheater, which was beautiful. 

 I really just wanted to stand up on this rock and take a picture for some reason.

 Cows just walking all over the place, very cute.

Colorado Day 2: June 19, 2013

I woke up to the sun blaring into the room Kevin and I were staying in and instantly felt excitement for the day to begin. My Aunt Althea suggested we drive up to the Rocky Mountains, so that's what we did. Although everyday we spent in Colorado was exciting and fun-filled, this day was probably my favorite. When I look back through these photos, happy tears well up in my eyes. This place is great.

Kevin drove the majority of the time, so thanks to him, I have all of these photos from when we were driving! 

There were so many trials to hike in the Rocky Mountains. I could have spent an entire week or two there. But, since our time was limited, we chose one of the first ones we came across, and it ended up being one of the best hikes I've ever taken.

I was in mountain wonderland. Everywhere you looked: mountains!

These little guys were so friendly. When the first one ran up to Kevin I nearly exploded from cuteness overload. 

We must have stayed at the peak for almost 2 hours, the view was gorgeous and it was just so peaceful up there.