Birthdays

My birthday isn't for another 2 days but I've been telling people my new age almost a month now. It seems my mind thinks it turned 25 as soon as the Forth of July has passed. Or maybe its just that July is my birthday month and therefore I turn 25 as soon as we enter into its paradisical haven every year. After all, native americans and whomever else who didn't have advanced Astronomy throughout history labeled themselved by seasons. So I could say I'm 25 winters old (or summers since I like them better). Afterall, what do a couple dozen days really account for, right?

Finding an apartment is turning out to be a nightmare. I'll be adopting George this year--an old roommates dog-- in order to prevent him from disappearing in a pound. So the challenge lies in trying to find a place that welcomes both of us. The idea of being homeless in a little over 2 weeks is not a pleasant thought. It adds incentive.

NOTE: 285 days until graduation...

lions and tigers and BEARS...

I hiked Red Mountain yesterday which is the mountain right behind my house. When I got to the top a couple things happened. I found a bunch of people jumping off the mountain... with parachutes of course. I stood around wishing I had lots of money but of course I don't so I had to walk down the mountain on my own two feet.

But before I did, I decided to explore the nearby road and see where it would lead. As I was walking I came across a cell phone tower, so I decided it would be a good time to call my dad and check in and see how the 'fam' was doing. After I had walked and talked for about a half mile I turned a corner and there on the side of the road was a mother bear and her two cubs not 150 ft in front of me!!!! I was stunned and blurted out to my dad, "Oh my gosh! There's a bear!" Thankfully, as soon as she saw me and I saw her she turned ran the other way with her cute little bear cubs hopping after her. I suddenly decided that it was the perfect time to turn around. Now the kicker... I had been carrying my camera in my hand the whole way up. But when I decided to call my dad, I put it in my pack. Therefore, I have no pictures to share with you. I'm bummed, but I'm still really happy that I saw them. :)



I also had family visit me on their way from Blanding to Colorado Springs. My brother-in-law Kelly, his parents, his niece and my two little nephews stopped by. It was fun to see them.

Yesterday's adventure

I went up to Hanging Lake yesterday. It is one of the steepest mile hikes I've ever done. It was well worth it though. It was quite gorgeous. I never knew there was crystal green water in Colorado. I thought that it existed only on tropical beaches. But sure enough, you can see every pebble and fish in the lake -- pond. The lake (or surrounding area) produces travertine. I guess its made when calcite deposits from limestone formations dissolve in water. Its a common building material. You can learn more about it on Wikipedia.

While I was there, a few crazy people who cliff dove off the waterfalls. I would've done it myself but the thought of walking back in wet clothes deterred me. If anyone ever feels like coming to visit, this would be a great morning activity.

Here are some pictures of the hike...

As promised...

Hello All!

In this post I have included pictures from my trips through Glenwood Canyon, my rafting trip and my quick trip to Aspen. Read on for more!

Behold! Pics from the rafting trip I went on my first weekend here in Glenwood Springs. It can't really be called rafting because it was really a morning of floating down a river with maybe one or two decent rapids. However, the trip was totally fun because the wildlife was incredible! We had a bald eagle and a blue swallow and so deer and elk all showing off for us. The pictures didn't turn out due to there being water on the lens but I've included some good ones.

The first pic is of Mt. Sopris that stands at 12,965 ft. Although, its not a "Fourteener" it has its own
claim to fame. It rises 6,000 ft in under 3 miles making it one of the most impressive vertical climbs in the country. It is also a double peak where each summit is at exactly the same elevation. Also, although unconfirmed, it is the most dense mountain in Colorado.

The second picture is a group photo of the crew, I can't remember all of their names anymore, however, my co-worker is the second one on the right. Her husband is behind the camera.










This pic is of the minor rapids we went through. One thing I will say is that the water was FREEZING!!!!! Straight from snow and/or glaciers it was at about 38 degrees Fahrenheit.










The last photo is a shot f the bald eagle that showed off for us. 'nough said.













Here I have included pictures from my bike "trip" through Glenwood Canyon. Unfortunately, they closed the bike path half way through the canyon (at Shoshone) because the Colorado River was running too high. I was really bummed cause I had been looking forward to it all week and I also had gotten up early on a Saturday morning to beat the heat. Oh well, as you can see the 9 miles I got in (round trip) were worth it. Most of these pics are just pretty and no explanation is needed

This pic is of the entrance to the canyon. However, by this point I as all ready a good 3-5 miles out of Glenwood Springs.




















































I also decided last Tuesday to take a trip down to Aspen to attend the Double Bass Master Class at the Aspen Music festival. It brought out this incredible desire to play my bass. Unfortunately, I left my Henri at my sister's house for safe-keeping during the summer since I had no idea what my living situation would be... and I had no room in my car.

Half way through the class I was completely surprised to see Edgar Meyer walk into the room. I looked around to see if anyone else had noticed, but everyone was taking it as an everyday occurance. So, not wanting to stick out, I covered my shock. Turns out he teaches there. Once I got past the initial shock I remembered hearing somewhere that he spent his summers in Aspen... It makes sense. Anyway, here is a pic of him (candidly taken, I might add) . He's the one closest to the door. For those of you who done know he is, he's the world's greatest (at least most famous) bass player.

These other pics I just took of some of the students who played. I liked the "uniqueness" of this guy's bass. But it sounded too much like a cello for my taste.










This guy was incredible. I wish I could play like him...












I'd like to go more often (they have a class every Tuesday) but the hour drive both ways kinda makes me hesitant. Plus, it'll just make me miss my bass all that much more.

Thanks for reading!