When I went to Boulder, Colorado for my first summer internship, my college roommate drove with me the 24 hrs. it took us to get there almost non-stop (except for the St. Louis Arch from where we got a great view at night time). It was a wild drive in a way but we made a pact to pull over if while driving we felt sleepy and the other one was asleep. It worked well and we made it safely to Boulder. We had dinner and downed almost a pitcher of beer each. Then we slept about 14 hrs. straight!
My roommate had family in Boulder and I got to meet them which was very nice. It turned out to be my introduction to hiking. My friend’s uncle invited me to go hike with him and his not-quite-a-teen son up to Pawnee Pass passing Long Lake and Isabelle Lake along the way to get to our destination at 12,550 ft in altitude, right at the Continental Divide. I had no training for hiking and had only spent a couple of weeks at Boulder altitude. This was going to be FUN.
The views along the way were like nothing I had seen before. While I had just driven around the Rocky Mountain National Park a couple of weeks before, these views were more pristine as this was a hiking trail, not for visiting drivers!
 
My hiking partners and I reach Pawnee Pass
I felt the altitude and the exertion but pushed myself through all that. Oh, to be 24 again! “Juventud, divino tesoro, te vas para no volver…” as the famous poet wrote mourning youth’s departure to never return…
Is that a stream coming out of the rock? Some stunning views. Hope this area isn’t closed due to shut down!?
Karl recently posted..1st Visit Borussia Park Mochengladbach Germany
Yes, that’s a stream. It is a beautiful place. Don’t worry, it will open up soon enough if it’s closed – and those folks will get paid for that time too!
Oh, actually that is snow, not rocks, Karl!
I saw that you are Cuban. Where is your family from??
La Habana and Matanzas!
Raul, you look like a baby! Maybe one day I’ll post a shot of me at 24. LOL
Beautiful place to go on your first hike. Now put on your hiking boots back on and get to the North GA mountains. They’re right outside our back door. 😉
Val in Real Life recently posted..Postcards from Camp Granola: Progress
I am still a baby, Val! Yes, you are 100% right about getting out into the N GA mountains! Hopefully once we drop lie 10 degrees – I like cooler day hikes!
I am a Colorado native and have never been able to leave this place. It really is one of the most beautiful and unique states in the U.S.
The only downfall now a days is that since the legalization of marijuana, the population has sky rocketed. Time to move to the hills! Haha. (which is the plan)
Thanks for your post, happy and safe travels!
With love and light,
Tasha <3
Great pictures! You can see the untouched nature, the gems, the hidden treasure. There is something humbling in it. These scenes are something you don’t see from your car. These are reserved only for those who are willing to venture off the beaten path.
I would like to visit Colorado next year!