Oh CB, How Happy You Make Me.

Can this summer just get any better??? I honestly don't think so. To say that this has been my best summer yet, would probably be an understatement! ((And although by now, this story might be old news, I'm gonna write about it anyway, just because this is mostly my own diary and online time capsule, and I might want to look back at it one day!))

It had been killing me that it had been so long since my last visit to my beloved Crested Butte. It would simply not do to go into yet another season with that little gem of a place going untouched by my feet. Now that my 3-day weekends have gone back to two, it's been a bit harder to make a getaway, but you bet that the first one that became available, it was no question as to what I would do...

One of my favorite roads on earth. HWY 285S. Onward to life & adventure.

Friday afternoon, ((Aug. 9)) I packed my bags and my friend Katherine, and we were off :) It's been SUCH a HOT summer, so I loved every minute of our cloud-covered drive into the hills. We rode with the moon-roof open and enjoyed feeling the air gradually become cooler and cooler as we gained elevation. I had to make my obligatory photo stop at the top of Cottonwood Pass. ((I don't know how it became a tradition, but every single time I go over cottonwood, I simply have to stop, gaze, and take a photo. Same place. Same view. Yet somehow, it's different every time.)) I think the drive to CB is almost as good as the destination itself. Exactly four hours later, we arrived just in time for dinner at The Ginger Cafe. We got settled in at a friend's house with full bellies and I drifted off into the perfect, deep sleep without a care in the world.

I see You and your Glory that surrounds me when I'm high in the mountains you have created.
{{Cottonwood Pass}}

Made it home.

Saturday morning, we went on a nice little run in CB South, before heading up the mountain. After getting loaded up with my precious Camp 4 Coffee, it was off to find adventures. I was surprised with myself that during the time I lived in Crested Butte, and the summers since, I've never been to the summit of Mount Crested Butte. So, of course, that was just what we did. It was a great hike to the top, where we took in the amazing 360* views. We had all intentions of making the 4mile hike back down the mountain, but we were starving and getting tired. So about half way down, we caught the Red Lady Lift and enjoyed the easy ride back down :) We had lunch in town and I took advantage of the rest of the afternoon to walk around the town and show Katherine all my favorite places!

Summit of Mt. Crested Butte with the town below us!

Sunday morning, we suffered through the hour long wait for breakfast at Izzy's. As always, it was worth it. We drove up to Meridian Lake, and make a quick little hike to Long Lake. We were with my friend, Michael, and we were planning on meeting up with his friends who were already there. When we reached the lake, we couldn't see them in sight....but we did find a dilapidated old canoe.... The three of us (and Porkchop, Michael's golden retriever) piled into the canoe and began rowing. Only after a few meters into the journey, Katherine noted we were taking on water! We tried to row faster to make it, but it was apparent that we were going to sink. We made it to shore to dump out the canoe for another attempt, but Katherine bailed and it was a wise decision. Michael and I kept at it as the boat kept taking on more water... and just mere meters before reaching our destination the inevitable happened. Well, maybe it didn't totally sink, but I jumped out before it had a chance. I severely underestimated the depth of the water thinking it couldn't be that deep. Oh no, I was wrong. I was laughing as I dragged my sopping wet self out of the lake. We sunbathed on the shore while the children of Michael's friends played.

Sky-gazing. Does my soul good.

After a while, we hiked back down, We stopped along the way to admire the glorious wildflowers and pick wild raspberries. When we got back into town, we stopped for ice cream cones. We went back home for for a little nap & shower action. We had dinner at my favorite pizza joint, The Secret Stash where we met up with one of my dearest best friends, Angela!! Oh ya! we had so much fun eating, drinking, and catching up in the place where we first became friends exactly 6 years ago. It was the perfect Sunday-Funday.

Monday morning, it was early to rise for Katherine and me. We left CB at 4:30 am with big plans to conquer Mt. Shavano. We began our ascent at 6am. It was a long and grueling 7.5 miles with some moderate bouldering to make it to summit. At 14,236 feet, we made it!! This was the most difficult 14'er I'd done, but the views and feeling of accomplishment were worth every ounce of discomfort. We had every intention of trekking over the saddle to Mt. Tabeguache, but the thunderheads were building and were looking quite threatening, so as always, safety first.  We drank in the final moments of exhilaration and made the descent back down. Just as we reached the trailhead, the rain and thunder came. It was perfect timing, and confirmation of a wise decision.  Our bodies were tired as we loaded the car for the remaining 2.5 hour drive home.

Good morning, world.

It's like you could just reach up and touch a cloud!

Just hangin out on top of the world.

Last look back at Mt. Shavano as we descend

Monday night back in Denver. Back to reality. But really, I'm a lucky gal that gets to live in this beautiful city, and vacation in this picturesque little town. Oh, how I love my little pocket of paradise that is but a four hour drive away :) It is truly my favorite place in the world, and every day spent there, is a good day indeed. Until next time, Crested Butte. Thanks for always being a good friend to me.