Fall Madness

September proved to be a very busy month! Gramma Jan came to visit us from Portland, OR! Despite just recovering from bronchitis, the morning after her arrival she put on her adventure hat and joined us on a trek in search of fall foliage! At 9,000 feet of course. We hiked at Davis Creek, which is between Hartsel and Johnson Village, on your way to the Collegiate Peaks. The aspen leaves were just beginning to transform themselves into pendulous wafers of gold and small drops of rain occassionally reminded us why there was so much deciduous foliage here in the first place. After an hour or so, we stopped to enjoy a few snacks before heading back down to the trailhead. Waiting for us in the town of Buena Vista was not only a warm lunch, but a hot dip in the springs of Mount Princeton! Despite being a bit commercial, the Mount Princeton hot springs offer man made pools of varying temperatures (one is hot tub hot) and the chance to relax in the creek where the gravel and real rocks reached temperatures that melted our aches away! Emmett and Dad were brave enough to venture to the middle of the stream to cool down in the rushing mountain water. I don't think that much can make me that hot.



September was also the beginning of Landsharks, a running program for youth "where everyone is a winner". Hunter and Emmett both committed to training two nights a week doing practice runs, speed drills, and a few games of sharks and minnows. Toward the end of the program, three meets took place where other local groups met with ours for a little friendly competition. Emmett had to run the half mile and Hunter the mile, with medals awarded to all finishers. From the standpoint of a mom who runs because it makes her feel alive, I really appreciated the energy of the coaches. It gave Hunter the confidence necessary to complete much of the run hand in hand with her friend. True story. And of course, how would Emmett be able to pause for a cheesy camera shot right near the finish line if he were feeling the pressure to win. I say that any child that is willing to run at all gets a high five in my book. I didn't have the gumption to take on that seemingly arduous task until college, and I didn't truly enjoy it until Colorado became the backdrop of my adventures on foot. I actually had a we race of my own this past weekend that took me almost a mile through Fountain Creek. Fun in concept yes, but when you are winded and trying to avoid falling into holes created by currents and slippery rocks, well, it loses some of its charm. I'll likely do it again next year, though!

A Leisurely Day at Red Rocks

A couple of weeks ago the family headed over to Red Rocks, which is only a few miles from our house, both by car and running trail, for a little sandstone love. They call the rock the solar slab and it has a pretty gentle slope (the routes are between 5.6 and 5.7+). The trickiest part is that the technique used to climb this particular spot is called smearing, which means there are very few hand or footholds, you just have to trust your climbing shoes to stick to the rock. Easier said than done for some of us. While both Hunter and Emmett are competent climbers, their difference in style becomes obvious in this situation. Whereas Hunter carefully examines the options for her hands and feet, Emmett jets up as fast as he can, scurrying like a squirrel. His technique serves him well when there are no true hand and foot holds, but when you actually need to place your body strategically, Hunter's close attention to the rock's detail pays off. What fun it is to watch them grow! Hunter is working on trusting the gear and that Dad or I are keeping her safe, Emmett is learning to tone down his raw adrenaline and focus on each moment.