The weather has been fairly uncooperative over the past few weekends for any significant distant hiking. Unlike last weekend, the gales of November had subsided; however, it was still cool enough that a t-shirt alone wouldn't cut it. This day at Monarch Lake, we trekked our usual route. At one point, the wind had subsided … Continue reading Off to Monarch Lake
Stella and I had attempted to hike down to the Colorado River on Saturday with Aspen via the  Colorado River Trail. However, about a mile into the hike, trail was closed due to fall logging operations. Somewhat discouraged, we doubled back via the short loop near the parking lot. After the short hike, we headed … Continue reading Fall Hiking
Saturday morning we gathered Aspen and headed to Shadow Mountain Lake for her morning swim. What a difference a week makes. Last weekend, the kayak launch was bustling with activity and this weekend it was our own little oasis. After swimming Aspen for an extended period of time, we took her back to Base Camp … Continue reading A Lazy Weekend: Kayaking and Fishing Adventure
Sunday morning we headed to Monarch Lake to hike the loop with Aspen. We got off to an early start hoping to beat the crowds. From the trailhead, we trekked southeast along the northern shoreline. After arriving at Aspen’s first of several swimming holes, Buchanan Creek, she immediately took to the water and was not … Continue reading Stella’s Favorite Hike: Monarch Lake
Once finished with our breakfasts, we took off for our favorite hiking spot: Monarch Lake. Yes, we have hiked that trail a dozen times, but it never fails to impress. The terrain can be extremely rocky in some areas; however, there isn’t much of an elevation gain, making the hiking experience very relaxing. And to … Continue reading Monarch Lake Hike with Aspen
Within the Arapaho National Recreation Area, the Willow Creek Reservoir is located  about two miles west of Lake Granby where its outflow is pumped into the Colorado River. The reservoir sits in the Willow Creek basin and captures the run off from the surrounding mountains. The creek itself begins in Northwest Grand County deep into … Continue reading Kayaking Willow Creek Reservoir and a quick hike to Adams Falls
Every now and then you need to devote a weekend to your K9 companion and this was the weekend Aspen took charge, literally. Saturday was off to the usual start, except that it began a little later than the typical 6AM wake up call. Though Aspen is 12 years young, she has always been referred … Continue reading All about Aspen