New Spot #1 Hell's Hole

The dilemma Jo and I face when we're planning to get away for a few days is this:

Tried & True vs. New, Unknown Adventure

We have our favorite spots for backpacking, camping or biking, but there are so many trails yet unseen. So many new places to explore! What to do? Well, this summer we visited a few new places.

The first new place we tried out was called 'Hell's Hole' and was a 4 mile hike straight uphill to arrive at the camping spot. It lived up to its name, for sure. After going through a beautiful section of aspens, it was just steady, slow-going under the hot sun. 

Finally seeing the tree line! Phew. So tired!

At this point, we had almost arrived, and we were exhausted. The dogs were, too. We felt so badly for them, we picked them up and carried them for sections of the hike. Poor little wiener dogs!

And we have arrived! Yay!

I need a picture with it, too! :)

Waiting for Daddy to find a campsite

So hungry!

Tent up, food cooking. We're happy. :)

Yay for food and time together!!

Time to go 'na-night'! So tired...

This one really knows how to sleep.

Early morning beauty

Beautiful area, but would we do it again? I don't know. It was a hard hike and there wasn't much water available near possible campsites. Overall, I think we're glad we did it, but I'm not sure we'd make the trek again... Especially when there are so many other trails we'd like to check out!

Lovin' Me Some Fun Valley...

I know it's a little late (okay, a lot, rather), but I wanted to post a few pictures from the fun times that Jody and I had this past summer.

The best times to get in the mountains for camping, backpacking and hiking are usually mid-May/early June - September, but unfortunately time away - especially on the weekends - is so difficult for us because of our ministry schedules. And since our time in Colorado is forever marked with the uncertainty of how long we will be here, I have learned to treasure each and every time we are able to get up in the mountains - whether it's for a day or for a more extended backpacking trip. In fact, I have come to value it is indispensable for me in staying sane with the constant pulls of ministry.

Thankfully, this summer we had the chance to get away from Denver a few times and recharge. It has made all the difference in the world!

In July, Jo and I packed ourselves and the pups and headed southeast to spend time with Jody's parents at Fun Valley. And as I've blogged about our adventures there before here and here. Needless to say, it was so much fun to get away - even for a few days - and connect with Pam and Alan in a place that is so relaxing and so far away from the hustle and bustle of life just south of Denver.

This time around, we stayed in a "hotel-like" room, which was really nice for a change. It had much more room than the trailers we usually rent - with two queen-sized beds, a full shower and even a kitchen table and futon. What a blessing!

It was also fun to experiment with our new camera - with its super zoom lens. Here are a few snapshots from our time there. Enjoy!

No fishing for keeps in the river....

Yay for the camera's super zoom!

Love this place :)

I think it's time for ice cream o'clock!

Our view from our 'hotel room'

It's amazing no kids died on those swings & teeter-totter

And then we had a hailstorm, which was pretty awesome. And scary, too. Thankfully, our cars suffered no damage. Yay for Colorado flash weather!

Love this. Reminds me of what life could have been like.

Relaxing inside

Yay for ice cream!

If you're looking for a great chance to relax, Fun Valley is the BEST place to go! So thankful for the memories made here...