November 6, 2014

I've taken a long hiatus from a blog. In part, it was a question of upkeep. In part, it was a question of design and ease of relation to this website.

The questions aren't completely answered, but it's time to try again. Forgive me as I navigate this!

To kick things off, I want to post about a recent trip to Colorado.

My mom is an alumna of CU, and was recently invited back to the campus. She was a member of the first Title IX women's cross country ski team, and all female varsity skiiers were to be honored during the homecoming game against ASU. (Who knew my mom was so cool?!)

I met my mother and two sisters (sadly, Dad was left at home) at the Denver Airport, and off we went. It was the first time in Colorado for both me and my younger siblings. We were in for a treat!

Garden of the Gods, CO. 

We started in Colorado Springs, with the Garden of the Gods. I am constantly amazed by how diverse the topography of the U.S. is, and the Garden of the Gods did not disappoint in this regard. I had never seen such incredible rock formations! As you might imagine, there was a lot of camera clicking.

Garden of the Gods, CO.

We spent a lot of time in the car – but we've become pros at car photographing (and pulling over on the side of the road when I feel particularly inspired). It was great to spend extra time with the family!

Garden of the Gods, CO.

Our next stop: Boulder, for the "Ski Ball" (a gala and silent auction for CU skiiers) and the homecoming game. Boulder was beautiful!

Boulder, CO.

But most importantly: Ralphie.

Boulder, CO. 

After a solid CU victory, our last stop was Rocky Mountain National Park.

Growing up in Northern Virginia, I didn't grow up around real mountains. The Virginian landscape is stunningly beautiful, with gentle rolling hills. But these hills are not mountains. 

I got my first taste of mountains in the Alps, and then in Kazakhstan and later Kyrgyzstan. Mountains never cease to fascinate and inspire me, and climbing to the top of one in the park did not disappoint. (Even if I had to drive because my mother rediscovered her fear of heights!)

Rocky Mountain National Park, CO.

Despite some very early wake up times to make flights, it was an incredible trip!

You can browse these photos (and more!) here.

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(And just for extra measure, here are some quick shots of me, my mom, and one of my sisters.)