Here we are. It was my last day in Colorado which would be followed by 13 hour drive home on Sunday. I crashed at Jenna and Payson's apartment (two rad mountain bikers), made some tacos for everyone and left on my way before they were out of bed. I actually ran away because I used some old avocado that ruined the tacos and I was ashamed of my offering. I'm not joking. Later Jenna would let me know that she enjoyed them plenty and only had ONE questionable bite of two big tacos. So it ended up working out OK.
Off to begin my adventure I have one quest on my mind. Hike Ice Lake. From the trail description and pictures it seemed like the kind of place that would be a challenge to take a bad picture. I drove past Silverton and up toward the parking area to the trailhead. The weather seemed a bit questionable. I didn't start entirely early and left my self vulnerable to potentially early afternoon thunderstorms. Another couple, wary of the conditions, asked me if I knew the forecast. I didn't. Oh well, off I go! The trail was pleasant and steep with some long pretty waterfalls to view off the bat. I really enjoyed the view from the top of one of these main waterfalls but didn't spend too much time up there. Just enough time for a selfie of course.
Off to begin my adventure I have one quest on my mind. Hike Ice Lake. From the trail description and pictures it seemed like the kind of place that would be a challenge to take a bad picture. I drove past Silverton and up toward the parking area to the trailhead. The weather seemed a bit questionable. I didn't start entirely early and left my self vulnerable to potentially early afternoon thunderstorms. Another couple, wary of the conditions, asked me if I knew the forecast. I didn't. Oh well, off I go! The trail was pleasant and steep with some long pretty waterfalls to view off the bat. I really enjoyed the view from the top of one of these main waterfalls but didn't spend too much time up there. Just enough time for a selfie of course.
Oops! I'm already at the top! I passed so many people. A trail that slows people down is really my time to shine. I have my few moments of tiny steps, but I never stop moving. There is was final very steep climb that gives way to a crest and an immediate view of the beautiful Ice Lake. Can you believe the color of that water? I was under the impression that all of the lakes up there would be the same color but it was mainly this one specific lake called Ice Lake. I decided to do the final stretch to the higher lake called Fuller Lake where I'd have my lunch and debut the cheap flannel I bought at the Dollar General in Van Horn. Arriving at Fuller Lake you're greeted by a collapsed mine shack. It's baffling to think about the process of building a thing like that in such a remote place.
I recharged on OATMEGA (I'm not even getting paid to tell you this) and my satisfying tuna on cinnamon raisin bread sandwiches. Then I heard a sole thunderous boom and took my cue to leave. Even though some parts of the sky threatened storm, others opened up offered me excellent lighting to capture the beautiful alpine landscape. So I hope you enjoy this set.
After photographing Ice Lake as I made my way down I stopped few and far between for much else. I moved quick down that mountain, and to my astonishment so did Sara. A nice girl I eventually passed but barely pulled away from. I commended her on her pace before I passed her for good. I made it to the trailhead, used the restroom, and then guess who was parked right in front of me? I asked Sara to lunch but had no luck! Damn.
Despite my relatively brief descriptions of the hike, I was completely satisfied with my journey up to Ice Lake. It was a strenuous hike and I really enjoyed the scenery and moments for reflection. I pulled off the road a few times on my way back to Durango. I checked out the overlook at Molas Pass, the Pinkerton hot spring (for a moment I thought the water went through a bathub and I'd be able to wash up!), and a little park on the Animas River once I got into Durango. Jenna got off work and we met for pizza at Home Slice which was SO DELICIOUS. I've saved their menu on a google doc so I can reference it for topping ideas. Jenna and I had the Fa-Gouda-Boutit, breaded eggplant, smoked gouda, smoked bacon, and basil. So yum.
I had a really nice time catching up with Jenna, she told me about her 100 mile bike ride to from Durango to Silverton AND BACK! You go girl. And it's nice to know I have someone in the area to go and visit. Except not in the winter. The snow isn't my thing. Sorry.
I had a really nice time catching up with Jenna, she told me about her 100 mile bike ride to from Durango to Silverton AND BACK! You go girl. And it's nice to know I have someone in the area to go and visit. Except not in the winter. The snow isn't my thing. Sorry.
I said goodbye to Jenna and went back to Farmington to stay the last night with my cousin Victoria. I met her at their friends house and we played Monopoly. It was my first time to play as an adult. I always thought it was stupid but it turns out I enjoyed it! You could have probably wagered that we didn't actually complete the game, and we didn't, but it sounds like that's commonplace.
Sunday came around and with that came the end of my adventure. All that was left between me and my Sparrow was a thirteen hour drive. I split one five-hour energy drinks into thirds and it kept me fully alert the entire drive. The worst part was boredom but I managed well enough.
Another solo adventure in the books. My recent solo travels have been amazing and unforgettable experiences. A great start to my 26th year alive. I foresee more of this thing happening. I see myself growing, learning, and maturing. Realizing how short our time on Earth is and there isn't any time to waste. If you're reading this and wishing you could have an opportunity to travel, relax, and experience new things. Don't wait. Go y'all. Vitalize your life with adventure! Go somewhere you've never been. Somewhere you've always wanted to go. Even if it's brief. Even if it's not all encompassing. Everyone owes it to themselves. Ask yourself honestly if it's a reality or you're just making excuses. Then forget the excuses and GO!!
<3 Stephen
Sunday came around and with that came the end of my adventure. All that was left between me and my Sparrow was a thirteen hour drive. I split one five-hour energy drinks into thirds and it kept me fully alert the entire drive. The worst part was boredom but I managed well enough.
Another solo adventure in the books. My recent solo travels have been amazing and unforgettable experiences. A great start to my 26th year alive. I foresee more of this thing happening. I see myself growing, learning, and maturing. Realizing how short our time on Earth is and there isn't any time to waste. If you're reading this and wishing you could have an opportunity to travel, relax, and experience new things. Don't wait. Go y'all. Vitalize your life with adventure! Go somewhere you've never been. Somewhere you've always wanted to go. Even if it's brief. Even if it's not all encompassing. Everyone owes it to themselves. Ask yourself honestly if it's a reality or you're just making excuses. Then forget the excuses and GO!!
<3 Stephen