Avalanches Part 2

We fell for this tiny lake in the bottom of a bowl on a dead end road a few years back.  At the time, we had the place too ourselves.  And because of uncleared avalanche damage we again had the place to ourselves.

We parked the Jeep, put Hope's coat on and hiked our way up several different avalanche obstructions until we reached our lake.  It is nameless on the map, but it is special to us.

"There's a marmot down there"

Spending time there was one of the best days of our trip a few years back, and I can honestly say that even though the damage made us sad, it was again one of the best days of our trip this year.  (Click here to see the lake with less snow pack and no avalanche damage circa 2017.)

Hope had a blast running through the snow and being so fortunate to have solitude in this area again is magic.  Silverton's trails are notoriously packed, but loads of travelers are lazy if they can't drive to something.

As a reward, we stopped and got a pizza from the Golden Block Brewery (amazing, must try), downloaded more episodes of Lavagabonde and made our way to camp.

After horsing down our pizza, we put as much camp gear away as possible, showered, and tucked inside to avoid the mosquitos.

Day 5: Lazy Lake Day

We broke our adventure friends.  They opted out of trails for the day.  And to be honest, we weren't up for serious trails, but we saw a few small ones on the map near the functioning mine that called to us.

We decided to explore the other side of Lime Creek Road before heading out.

We headed towards the functioning mine and up 52.

We found ourselves at a lake.  And after 10 minutes, it was all ours until we left.

Snow, water and amazing scenery filled the next hour or so.

Rommel was in heaven, two of his favorite things.  Elly just loves everything about being outside and exploring.

It was so peaceful we had our lunch and didn't head back to the Jeep until the approaching monsoon rattled itself around the peaks.

Not long after leaving, the rain began.  We poked about a little more, before meandering back to camp for the evening.

It's days like this that fill the soul to brim.

2016: Where Did the Year Go?

Social media is full of posts exclaiming excitement to be rid of 2016.  I don't quite understand the prevailing sentiment behind hating an entire year.  Yes, my house has experience personal loss of a friend and beloved coworker.  Yes, my house has seen its share of medical issues and surgeries (both human and canine).  Yes, the election cycle was horrendous and the state of society seems to be crumbling.  But to hate an entire year?  No.

A Moment Frozen - Candid Photo by Mandy

I've always considered myself a pessimist but I refuse to hate all of 2016.  Wonderful things still happened this year.  Good days outnumbered the bad.  Triumphs came along with failures.  And, most importantly, adventures of all kind were had.

We had our annual camping trip.  As always, Colorado and Utah didn't disappoint.

Left to Right: Colorado, Silverton, CO & Sedona, AZ

We had a few short camping trips, small adventures at home, canoeing with friends, hiking with the dogs. 

Camping at Reynolds Creek (we hope its still there after fire season)

Controlled Chaos

Bartlett Lake, AZ

Home <3

I started a fitness journey and began running consistently for the first time in 9 years.  And recently, thanks to an early Christmas present from my parents, I have taken up biking again. 

We took a small step back from off road adventures so Mike could start racing his Chevelle in the local SCCA autocross series. He has done quite well and impressed many people with how quick the giant blue beast is.  (He owes me a considerable amount of off road travel for the last 5 months....)

Good Guys Duel in the Desert, Scottsdale, AZ

At the end of this year, we're celebrating health and happiness at home.  I am looking forward to 2017 and embracing the things in this world that I can change while not expending too much energy on those that I can not.

Life can be amazing, if you only take the time to live it as fully as you can.

LOVE

Silverton, CO

May 2017 bring you peace, happiness and many adventures.

-The Adventure Wife