Time has definitely gotten away from me these past few months! Ever since Mark and I finished up our hikes for the year, band rehearsals have started up again, along with our music lessons, almost daily trumpet (Mark) and drum (me) practices, band camp planning, daily exercise workouts, and lots of social activities with our friends. This has left us with little "free" time, but I'm not complaining! I love everything I'm doing! One thing is for sure...I'm never bored...life stays quite interesting!
We managed to fit in a trip to the East Coast to visit with Mom and Gene (PA), Julie, Alex, and Zachary (NJ), and Larry, Stephanie, Lucas, and Samantha (DE) during Thanksgiving. We just missed seeing Ray as the only place he could find "union" work was in Florida! After 7 1/2 weeks working down there, the "travellers" were laid off...again!
We are so glad we took the trip back East because it was so good seeing everyone again! Gene celebrated his 87th birthday while we were there. He's had a lot of health issues over the past year, so this was pretty special that we got to be there for his birthday get-together!
I'm also happy that we were able to fix (renovate) Mom and Gene's bathroom while we were out there. It was a disaster for over a year, but not anymore. Mark did a fantastic job and worked quite hard! It really looks nice now! It took a little pushing to get Mom moving on it, but we managed to get it done in a week.
Christmas is just 5 days away and we are really looking forward to having Sara, Zach, and Sophia stay with us a couple of nights. We are bummed, though, that Holly, Erich, Zoe and Ezra aren't able to join us, too for the holiday this year. :(
Mark and I are having West Coast grandchildren withdrawals so we've planned a trip to visit them in California the latter part of February. We'll be there to celebrate Ezra's 5th birthday with him!!! We plan to see Tommy and Mona in Merced for a couple of days, too. And, we also hope to take in a NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on our way back to Colorado.
Despite all the things planned on the horizon, I will try to be more timely with my blog entries...promise! ;)
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Another Great Hike
This past Monday, Mark and I hiked a 13'er, specifically Mount Chiquita (13,069') in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was about a 5 mile round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,400 feet in just 2.4 miles! Pretty tough, although the guidebooks don't rate it as difficult. (They need to have hiking ratings based on age--for these 59 year old legs and lungs, it was tough!)
Once again, it was a beautiful view at the summit! We did see some dark clouds forming in the distance so we ate our lunch and only spent 20 minutes on the mountain top. There were only a handful of people on this trail (which was kind of nice); we didn't have to keep moving over to let someone pass by us.
So, click on our self-portrait on the right to see a lot more pictures of the hike.
Once again, it was a beautiful view at the summit! We did see some dark clouds forming in the distance so we ate our lunch and only spent 20 minutes on the mountain top. There were only a handful of people on this trail (which was kind of nice); we didn't have to keep moving over to let someone pass by us.
So, click on our self-portrait on the right to see a lot more pictures of the hike.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Hiked Our First 14'er (A 14,270' Mountain)
Tuesday, August 21st was the culmination of all our training hikes this year (15 in total) as we successfully hiked to the summit of our first 14'er, Grays Peak making this our 16th hike of the year! (Check one off the bucket list!) The hike was a total of 8.5 miles round trip and had an elevation gain of 3,000'. This was by far, the most difficult hike yet but was the most rewarding when it comes to scenic beauty! It was probably the second most difficult thing I've ever done, second only to childbirth!
We were supposed to do the hike on Monday with our usual hiking group but the weather wasn't good, so it was postponed until late in the week (Friday). We checked the weather late in the afternoon on Monday for the upcoming week and saw that Tuesday was the best day for the rest of the week. So, in a spur of the moment decision, Mark and I decided that we needed to try to do the hike on Tuesday in the event next week's weather didn't cooperate either. Besides, our schedule changed for next week and it didn't look like we'd even have an opportunity to do it! And, after training all spring and summer for this hike, we didn't want to lose the chance to hike it before the snow starts falling!
We should have sent an email as a courtesy to tell our hiking group, but it just didn't cross my mind. I thought they would be happy if we accomplished it. Instead, there were hurt feelings that they weren't there, too. I'm sorry for that; it certainly wasn't our intention to slight them. Looking back on it, I think it was nice to have that special moment--that special accomplishment with just the two of us...makes it even more meaningful!
It took us 4.5 hours to get to the summit and 3.5 hours to descend and get back to the trailhead. I had no problem with my legs or anything going up, but, by the time we hit (I'm guessing) 13,500', I had difficulty getting big breaths of air into my lungs. So, I started taking smaller steps and stopped after about 100 feet to rest briefly and to breathe deeply. I did this the rest of the way to the summit. (I noticed almost all of the other hikers were doing the same!)
It was funny, when I walked onto the summit, I was so surprised we were there! It just came upon us suddenly! Boy, it was such a relief to make it and I found I had no problems breathing just standing on the summit! And, what amazing views!!! I wish everyone had the opportunity and ability to see what we've seen! What a special sight! I can see why John Denver wrote "Rocky Mountain High"...all the summits are so awesome! Looking out as far as you can see, mountain top after mountain top, mountain lakes and meadows...simply amazing!!! The beauty, the peacefulness...truly a gift from God!
Going down the mountain was very difficult, much harder than the ascent! It was so steep and rocky that by the time we had about a mile left to go, I couldn't stop walking because if I did, my quads shook uncontrollably!
Check out the link to the pictures on the right. It was such a rocky, steep trail that at times I could imagine that I was walking on the moon or Mars!
Immediately after completing the hike, I had thought that would be my first and last 14'er. But, I don't think so now. There is too much beauty out there to not do it again! We are planning on doing a 13'er (13,000+ feet) on Monday (and may do two in a row if we have the energy and weather continues to look good). Chiquita Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park is 13,069' and from there is a saddle to Ypsilon Mountain (13,514'). We'll see how it goes!
We were supposed to do the hike on Monday with our usual hiking group but the weather wasn't good, so it was postponed until late in the week (Friday). We checked the weather late in the afternoon on Monday for the upcoming week and saw that Tuesday was the best day for the rest of the week. So, in a spur of the moment decision, Mark and I decided that we needed to try to do the hike on Tuesday in the event next week's weather didn't cooperate either. Besides, our schedule changed for next week and it didn't look like we'd even have an opportunity to do it! And, after training all spring and summer for this hike, we didn't want to lose the chance to hike it before the snow starts falling!
We should have sent an email as a courtesy to tell our hiking group, but it just didn't cross my mind. I thought they would be happy if we accomplished it. Instead, there were hurt feelings that they weren't there, too. I'm sorry for that; it certainly wasn't our intention to slight them. Looking back on it, I think it was nice to have that special moment--that special accomplishment with just the two of us...makes it even more meaningful!
It took us 4.5 hours to get to the summit and 3.5 hours to descend and get back to the trailhead. I had no problem with my legs or anything going up, but, by the time we hit (I'm guessing) 13,500', I had difficulty getting big breaths of air into my lungs. So, I started taking smaller steps and stopped after about 100 feet to rest briefly and to breathe deeply. I did this the rest of the way to the summit. (I noticed almost all of the other hikers were doing the same!)
It was funny, when I walked onto the summit, I was so surprised we were there! It just came upon us suddenly! Boy, it was such a relief to make it and I found I had no problems breathing just standing on the summit! And, what amazing views!!! I wish everyone had the opportunity and ability to see what we've seen! What a special sight! I can see why John Denver wrote "Rocky Mountain High"...all the summits are so awesome! Looking out as far as you can see, mountain top after mountain top, mountain lakes and meadows...simply amazing!!! The beauty, the peacefulness...truly a gift from God!
Going down the mountain was very difficult, much harder than the ascent! It was so steep and rocky that by the time we had about a mile left to go, I couldn't stop walking because if I did, my quads shook uncontrollably!
Check out the link to the pictures on the right. It was such a rocky, steep trail that at times I could imagine that I was walking on the moon or Mars!
Immediately after completing the hike, I had thought that would be my first and last 14'er. But, I don't think so now. There is too much beauty out there to not do it again! We are planning on doing a 13'er (13,000+ feet) on Monday (and may do two in a row if we have the energy and weather continues to look good). Chiquita Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park is 13,069' and from there is a saddle to Ypsilon Mountain (13,514'). We'll see how it goes!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Where Did Summer Go?
It's been a very busy summer since my last post...two camping trips (Dowdy Lake up by Red Feather Lakes & Moraine Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park), two more big hikes (Lily Mountain and Finch Lake) and went to Red Rocks to see Chicago and the Doobie Brothers.
Holly, Zoe and Ezra visited with us for three weeks and during that time we went to the Denver Aquarium, played mini golf, went hiking at Lily Lake and Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park, camped with them, went to Martinez Farm, went swimming at the clubhouse pool and really enjoyed having them here! We also babysat Sophia at our house for 5 days so she would have an opportunity to be with her cousins! I'm so glad we did that, too!
The day after Holly and the kids returned to California, we made a quick trip to Minnesota for our niece, Carrie's bridal shower. Came home and had to do some more planning for next year's New Horizons Band band camp that our group is hosting.
In addition to leading the band camp planning effort, I'm starting to get articles together for the New Horizons International Music Association's fall newsletter. All of this in between working out 6 days a week and practicing drums most days...whew!
I sure don't see things slowing down anytime soon either! Band rehearsals start back up in a little over two weeks and Carrie and Dann's wedding is in a month. And, before I know it, it'll be Thanksgiving! We'll be traveling back East to visit with my family for that holiday and we are really looking forward to it!
So, my life is full and busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way right now! Keeps me challenged which is great for my brain!
Holly, Zoe and Ezra visited with us for three weeks and during that time we went to the Denver Aquarium, played mini golf, went hiking at Lily Lake and Moraine in Rocky Mountain National Park, camped with them, went to Martinez Farm, went swimming at the clubhouse pool and really enjoyed having them here! We also babysat Sophia at our house for 5 days so she would have an opportunity to be with her cousins! I'm so glad we did that, too!
The day after Holly and the kids returned to California, we made a quick trip to Minnesota for our niece, Carrie's bridal shower. Came home and had to do some more planning for next year's New Horizons Band band camp that our group is hosting.
In addition to leading the band camp planning effort, I'm starting to get articles together for the New Horizons International Music Association's fall newsletter. All of this in between working out 6 days a week and practicing drums most days...whew!
I sure don't see things slowing down anytime soon either! Band rehearsals start back up in a little over two weeks and Carrie and Dann's wedding is in a month. And, before I know it, it'll be Thanksgiving! We'll be traveling back East to visit with my family for that holiday and we are really looking forward to it!
So, my life is full and busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way right now! Keeps me challenged which is great for my brain!
Friday, July 6, 2012
First Hike for Just the Two of Us
After 12 hikes with different groups, the first of which was in March, Mark and I finally decided to venture out on our own and do a mountain hike. This past Thursday we hiked Twin Sisters. There are two peaks almost the same height (11,248') with a saddle in between. We went up the one and ate lunch at the summit of the first.
It took us 3 hours to hike the fairly steep 3.7 mile rocky trail with a 2,500' elevation gain. Once we broke out of the trees and got out on the tundra, it became even rockier but was manageable. We came across several big horn sheep and the big guy was staring straight at us. I was glad he didn't think we were a threat because we would be no match for those horns!
We spent about 20 minutes eating our lunch and I was contemplating doing the saddle and going up the other peak but it looked even rockier than the one we just hiked. Also, there was an ominous cloud forming right overhead so we decided to get our backpacks on and head back down the mountain. Within a few minutes, we heard the first rumble of thunder and I started going as quickly as possible to get off the tundra and to the tree line. I had no intention of becoming a lightning rod!
It took us 2 hours to get down the mountain which is the fastest I've ever done a descent! As a matter of fact, Mark could barely keep up with me! There was lightning near by and I was not enjoying that part of the hike!
I can tell I've gotten so much stronger with each hike and my recovery time following a hike is quicker, too. As a matter of fact, I did over an hour power walk this morning and my legs and knees weren't bothered a bit! I have my trainer, Mark Warburton to thank for helping me get physically ready to be able to do the long hikes, particularly the mountain hikes. He works with me on leg, core, and arm strength twice a week and it's working!
It took us 3 hours to hike the fairly steep 3.7 mile rocky trail with a 2,500' elevation gain. Once we broke out of the trees and got out on the tundra, it became even rockier but was manageable. We came across several big horn sheep and the big guy was staring straight at us. I was glad he didn't think we were a threat because we would be no match for those horns!
We spent about 20 minutes eating our lunch and I was contemplating doing the saddle and going up the other peak but it looked even rockier than the one we just hiked. Also, there was an ominous cloud forming right overhead so we decided to get our backpacks on and head back down the mountain. Within a few minutes, we heard the first rumble of thunder and I started going as quickly as possible to get off the tundra and to the tree line. I had no intention of becoming a lightning rod!
It took us 2 hours to get down the mountain which is the fastest I've ever done a descent! As a matter of fact, Mark could barely keep up with me! There was lightning near by and I was not enjoying that part of the hike!
I can tell I've gotten so much stronger with each hike and my recovery time following a hike is quicker, too. As a matter of fact, I did over an hour power walk this morning and my legs and knees weren't bothered a bit! I have my trainer, Mark Warburton to thank for helping me get physically ready to be able to do the long hikes, particularly the mountain hikes. He works with me on leg, core, and arm strength twice a week and it's working!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
This and That
Is it really July 1st today? Where did June go? I've been filling a lot into my days so I guess that's the reason the time is flying by...that and the fact that time really does go quickly the older you get!
Since we got back from our mini-vacation to Wyoming, we've done two big hikes...Mount Chapin (12,454') and up the Longs Peak trail to Chasm Junction (11,518'). Still training to hopefully hike a 14,000' mountain in mid-August. We're shooting for Greys and Torrey Mountains...it depends on the weather and everyone's schedule.
We had a wonderful visit with good friends from our Minot days...Kevin and Heidi Conrad! We met them up in Estes Park and spent the afternoon with them. We're looking forward to seeing them again in Estes Park in January, too! They may be Coloradans before too long, too!
We went to our first Colorado Rockies baseball game versus the Washington Nationals a few days ago and they managed to beat the Nationals in 11 innings, 11 to 10! We had a lot of fun with some of our friends and look forward to another game.
We've also seen Sara and Sophia a few times and really enjoying visiting with them!!! Sophia is such a little charmer, too! She has 8 teeth now and looks almost identical to Sara when she was that age! The only difference is Sophia has brown eyes and Sara has steely blue eyes!
And finally, I continue to workout 6 days a week to stay as fit as I can. I was hoping that by doing the cardio, I would boost my HDL and lower my LDL and total cholesterol and thus allow me to stay off my cholesterol medicine; but I don't think that is the case. After 3 months of being off of the medicine, I had my first re-check and the numbers weren't very good. I may see if they'll stabilize after 3 more months and then determine if I need to go back on the medicine. I have to admit, I was pretty discouraged when I saw the latest numbers...I now know that my cholesterol numbers are definitely a result of genetics and not due to bad diet or non-exercise. I've even dropped 26 pounds and that didn't make one bit of difference! Oh well...I feel better anyway and am enjoying a smaller clothing size so it's worth the effort!
So, with June behind me, we are now looking forward to a visit from Holly, Zoe, and Ezra in just 17 more days!!! We have lots of fun things planned and are so excited to see them again. (Wish Erich could be here, too, but he has to work.) Sophia is going to LOVE playing with her cousins, too!
Since we got back from our mini-vacation to Wyoming, we've done two big hikes...Mount Chapin (12,454') and up the Longs Peak trail to Chasm Junction (11,518'). Still training to hopefully hike a 14,000' mountain in mid-August. We're shooting for Greys and Torrey Mountains...it depends on the weather and everyone's schedule.
We had a wonderful visit with good friends from our Minot days...Kevin and Heidi Conrad! We met them up in Estes Park and spent the afternoon with them. We're looking forward to seeing them again in Estes Park in January, too! They may be Coloradans before too long, too!
We went to our first Colorado Rockies baseball game versus the Washington Nationals a few days ago and they managed to beat the Nationals in 11 innings, 11 to 10! We had a lot of fun with some of our friends and look forward to another game.
We've also seen Sara and Sophia a few times and really enjoying visiting with them!!! Sophia is such a little charmer, too! She has 8 teeth now and looks almost identical to Sara when she was that age! The only difference is Sophia has brown eyes and Sara has steely blue eyes!
And finally, I continue to workout 6 days a week to stay as fit as I can. I was hoping that by doing the cardio, I would boost my HDL and lower my LDL and total cholesterol and thus allow me to stay off my cholesterol medicine; but I don't think that is the case. After 3 months of being off of the medicine, I had my first re-check and the numbers weren't very good. I may see if they'll stabilize after 3 more months and then determine if I need to go back on the medicine. I have to admit, I was pretty discouraged when I saw the latest numbers...I now know that my cholesterol numbers are definitely a result of genetics and not due to bad diet or non-exercise. I've even dropped 26 pounds and that didn't make one bit of difference! Oh well...I feel better anyway and am enjoying a smaller clothing size so it's worth the effort!
So, with June behind me, we are now looking forward to a visit from Holly, Zoe, and Ezra in just 17 more days!!! We have lots of fun things planned and are so excited to see them again. (Wish Erich could be here, too, but he has to work.) Sophia is going to LOVE playing with her cousins, too!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
On Vacation From Our Everyday Vacation
Last Sunday, we decided to take a few days and travel to Jackson, Wyoming and Yellowstone. The drive was pleasant although we had a headwind most of the time which really cut down on our mpg. It was snowing a little when we arrived. We stayed at the Inn at Jackson...it was rated "3 stars" but should have been a "2 star". The room was clean but no view and no amenities. But, we were on the go the whole three days and spent little time there.
On Monday, we drove to Yellowstone National Park; it had been probably over 30 years since we were there last. I'd forgotten just how long the drive was and how long it took to get around the entire park. In 1988, there was a huge forest fire in the park and it was amazing to see how long it is taking to for the forest to come back.
We took in three of our favorite sites: Old Faithful, the mud pots, and the painted springs. Click on the picture on the right to see some of the photos we took.
We spent Tuesday walking around the town of Jackson and checking out the different shops. In the evening, we went to the Bar J Chuckwagon and ate a classic cowboy meal and then watched a performance by the Bar J Wranglers. They were awesome performing classic cowboy tunes like, "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and others! Great harmonies!
Our last day was fantastic! We did a 9.5 mile hike in the Grand Teton National Park and walked the Cascade Canyon Trail. We had the most beautiful setting for our lunch...at the base of the Grand Teton Mountain overlooking a small river lake. Absolutely gorgeous!
On Monday, we drove to Yellowstone National Park; it had been probably over 30 years since we were there last. I'd forgotten just how long the drive was and how long it took to get around the entire park. In 1988, there was a huge forest fire in the park and it was amazing to see how long it is taking to for the forest to come back.
We took in three of our favorite sites: Old Faithful, the mud pots, and the painted springs. Click on the picture on the right to see some of the photos we took.
We spent Tuesday walking around the town of Jackson and checking out the different shops. In the evening, we went to the Bar J Chuckwagon and ate a classic cowboy meal and then watched a performance by the Bar J Wranglers. They were awesome performing classic cowboy tunes like, "Ghost Riders in the Sky" and others! Great harmonies!
Our last day was fantastic! We did a 9.5 mile hike in the Grand Teton National Park and walked the Cascade Canyon Trail. We had the most beautiful setting for our lunch...at the base of the Grand Teton Mountain overlooking a small river lake. Absolutely gorgeous!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)