Colorado | By Quiet Waters

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Travel

April 23, 2018 By Michelle

For several years, as I looked at the Colorado map and thought about where to go next, Steamboat Springs and Dinosaur National Park were high on my list. But from home we have to drive somewhat diagonally across the state for many hours. Well in early January when Builder and I were talking about Spring Break, and we decided to make plans to stay in Steamboat Springs and explore.

Ever since our fantastic Florida Keys vacation a few summers ago, we have sought to stay in houses or townhome. Through Retreatia we rented a great 2 bedroom 2 bathroom townhome. The house had a washer and dryer which was a bonus after our day at the hot springs pool.

Fish Creek Falls always shows up when I search pinterest for Colorado Waterfall Hikes. All of the trails were snow covered and I forgot my trekking poles, so we simply took the .5 mile overlook path to see the falls.

We also spent hours at the Old Town Hot Springs, which was a blast. Just imagine how fun it is to spend an afternoon in a hot springs pool with teenagers, laughing as the snow falls in nice big flakes, then an hour later enjoying the sunshine while relaxing in one of the smaller pools. It was fantastic!

A gem that we found was the Off the Beaten Path book store! Two floors of books and a coffee shop.

We spents a couple of happy hours here. I enjoyed a Mr Darcy cinnamon mocha and this good book.

We also found some of the other hot springs, and enjoyed a visit to an art museum.

None of us are skiers, so I can’t tell you about that action in Steamboat, but explorers and hikers we are. It is quite a drive to get to this area, but I sure look forward to another visit in the not to far off future!

Backpacking for the First Time

March 26, 2018 By Michelle

Last summer I headed out on my first backpacking trip with one of my daughters. To be honest, I had spent more time pinning hiking and backpacking articles to my pinterest board, than preparing for this venture.

Gear

But gear all gathered and packed in my new Osprey backpack, off we went. Our first trip was in the Wild Basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. This park is just about my favorite place on earth and I was pretty excited to experience it in a new way.

After picking up our back country permit we headed to the trailhead. With backpacks on, we got on the trail and began hiking. There is a lot to learn in any new endeavor and we quickly realized that we had the backpacks unequally loaded weight wise. But we pressed on.

About 2.25 miles in we found the sign we’d been looking forward, and much to my surprise, we turned off the trail and started heading DOWN. Way down. All I could think is, tomorrow we are going to have go climb back up. Crossing a stream at 2 different points, we suddenly came upon the campsite.

It was so exciting to be there. After finding where was best to hang our hammocks, my daughter got started on dinner. Our meals were quite simple, macaroni and cheese with freeze dried broccoli for dinner and oatmeal with freeze dried fruit for breakfast. We carried nuts, granola bars and apples to eat for lunch and along the trail as needed.

By the time we finished eating and setting up camp, it was beginning to get dark so we stashed our bear canister on the other side of our site, in the trees, and we climbed into our hammocks.

Right at the moment of wishing each other a good night…a coyote howl. Now we had heard all about how to be bear aware, but coyotes? After a few startled moment I decided to just enjoy the experience, pray that the animal was in fact miles away, and drift of to sleep in the swaying trees.

After a chilly night’s sleep we rose to make breakfast and coffee. I woke many times that night from the cold, so I’ve been thinking it through and I think I have a lightweight plan to stay warmer next time!

Knowing we were not prepared for the snow that was deeper into the wilderness area, we went the other direction to do some exploring of different sites.

This trip didn’t go quite how we planned, but it went perfectly. We learned a lot, and are better prepared for our next trip coming up soon.

Have you ever backpacked? Did you sleep in a tent or a hammock?

Starting that Hard Thing

July 6, 2017 By Michelle

McCullough Falls

Starting that hard thing.

Last fall my daughter was starting her senior year and sharing some dreams for the future with me. One of those dreams was to take hiking to the next level… backpacking. With me.

Well I let that idea percolate over the winter and decided to give it a try. My husband generously funded the purchase of our gear as a graduation gift to our daughter.

Gear

Backpacking is hard. Really hard. I’m a slower hiker as it is, but strap on a 25lb pack and my pace slows even more. During the second trip I began to get quick discouraged. That old taunting friend started shouting in my head and I had to do some quick thinking to shut her up.

Here is what I learned.

Yes, I am slow, painfully slow. But this summer I am doing something I never thought I would do, something I never wanted to do. I am not only hiking with my daughters, but strapping on a 25lb pack and going up steep hills and down equally steep hills, then, doing it again.

Wheeler Trail

It is very hard. And it is so good.

So let me encourage you! Go ahead and do that hard thing, even if you are not strong enough. Even if you are not fast enough. You will get stronger. You will get faster. And who knows what you will see, what you will hear, and what you will learn.

I bet it will be good, and that you’ll be so glad that you did.

Columbines

What is that hard thing you’ve been thinking about starting?

Estes Park

March 23, 2017 By Michelle

Estes Park is one of the gateways into Rocky Mountain National Park, and is one of my favorite places in Colorado. When our children were younger, my husband and I took them on yearly fall family retreats and Estes Park was one of our frequent destinations. Now that the kids are older, and no longer homeschooling, we don’t have the schedule flexibility to have the fall family retreats any more, but I have found spaces on our calendar to get back there at different times almost yearly, sometimes even more!

Of the places where we’ve stayed I would recommend Murphy’s Resort by the lake. One January I got away on a mother daughter trip with one of the girls, and stayed at this resort. The room was clean and comfortable, with easy access to the trail around the lake. The resort had a painting event the weekend we were there and there appears to always be something fun going on!

We have also stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies, in one of their cabins, and we have camped in Rocky Mountain National Park. It just depends on what we are wanting to do, there is something for everyone!

In the downtown area of Estes Park one can find all kinds of interesting and also touristy shops. We love the Donut Haus (Beware, they run out of donuts, sometimes by noon!) and the MacDonald Bookshop.

Mama Rose’s Italian Restaurant and Claire’s Restaurant are my two favorite places to eat in Estes Park. Such delicious food and wonderful, friendly service. But I can’t forget to tell you about Shakes Alive and A Sweet Slice of Life Pie Shop. Go ahead and have a slice of pie with a shake, the are next door to each other!

Other things to see in the downtown area of Estes Park include the Patterson Glassworks Studio and Gallery.

Glass Blowing Demonstration

I was fascinated by the glass blowing demonstration. So much so that I tried to watch each time we are in Estes Park!

The Original Taffy Shop is another great spot. Here you can watch original machines stretch, cut and wrap the taffy. And of course, sample and buy some as well!

Taffy Shop

So as you are making your spring break or summer plans, think about Estes Park, Colorado!

Exploring the Local Coffee Shops: The Coffee Exchange

March 20, 2017 By Michelle

Exploring the Local Coffee Shops: The Coffee Exchange

We are on a quest find the local cafes and coffee shops, tea rooms and diners, in search of delicious coffee, tea and local flare.

As I partner with my daughter, Maizy, we’ll each share our experiences and individual thoughts. This week, we’re talking about The Coffee Exchange, located at 526 S Tejon, in downtown Colorado Springs.

Overview:
The Coffee Exchange is located downtown at Cimarron and Tejon. There are a variety of tables and plenty of space for a energetic downtown atmosphere, while still being cozy. The walls were covered in local art, and there was good reading material on the coffee tables near the back of the shop. That is where we settled in for about an hour, on the sofas at the back of the cafe. That gave us a wonderful view of the entire shop. The Coffee Exchange hosts several types of community get together including open mic, game nights and Cuban night. If you are in the Colorado Springs area, CHECK them Out! The shop hours are:

Monday-Friday: 7am-7pm

Saturday: 7am-5pm

Sunday: 8am-7pm

The baristas are very friendly and helpful. During our first visit, Amy’s order was wrong and the barista was actually the first one to notice, as she passed our table. She took it, and quickly fixed a new drink. The coffee is Fair Trade certified. And, while you can get disposable cups if you aren’t planning to stay in the shop they serve drinks in reusable mugs if you want to stay and hang out or work while you enjoy your drink.

Coffee, Mom:
The White Zombie is delicious. I did change up the drink just a bit, as I truly dislike white chocolate. Milk chocolate was added instead. The drink was smooth and delicious. The white coffee has a full body, yet mild taste. The atmosphere of this shop is the best we’ve visited so far. While there is plenty of space for people to gather, it is easy to have a conversation and enjoy savoring a quiet cup of something delicious. Or grab a book and start reading!

Tea, Maizy:
During my two visits I tried the White Zombie (with white chocolate) and an English breakfast latte with a pump of lavender. White espresso might just be my new favorite thing because it doesn’t taste like coffee and has a ton of caffeine. I don’t depend on caffeine usually to help me stay awake but there are times when I appreciate the boost. While there is a good selection of teas, tea lattes (not including chai lattes) are not technically on the menu. They were happy to make the English breakfast latte for me though and it was delicious. When the drink originally came out it was just the tea without any milk but the barista who originally took my order noticed the mistake and fixed it right away. The lavender was faint but added a nice element to the overall flavor without being overpowering.

Starsmore Discovery Center

July 7, 2016 By Michelle

Starsmore Discovery Center

This center is at the entrance to Cheyenne Canyon. Starsmore Discovery Center is one of several nature centers in Colorado Springs. Each one offers fascinating opportunities for children and adults to experience and understand the natural world.

In the late spring and through the summer there are beautiful gardens full of native plants, butterflies and birds. Inside there are numerous displays, dioramas and hands on nature items as well as a bird watching area. There are areas for children to handle nature items, look at books or to color.

The center is open April to October, and hosts fantastic children’s events.

Outside you are likely to see squirrels, mule deer, various birds including Hummingbirds. There is access to the North Cheyenne Creek, where we have enjoyed picnics and a little splashing in the water.

Heading into the Canyon, from the Discovery Center, the road runs along the North Cheyenne Creek all the way up to Helen Hunt Falls. This road continues around to Gold Camp Road and more hiking trails. The Columbine Trail begins here, and just like the road leads up to the area around Helen Hunt Falls.

It is easy to see why this canyon is such a popular place for families. I hope you find a morning, afternoon or a whole day to explore the area.