Note: This is a blog post I started back in October after my friends and I went to Crested Butte, Colorado for fall break. It took me a while to finish this post, simply because I just forgot about it. But I still want to share it so here it is.
Over time, I have realized that being in nature provides me comfort, clarity, and inspiration. Sometimes it is grounding effect of rays of sunshine that remind me of my family member, Chip. Sometimes it is walks along the river to help me release stress. Or even just laying on the Horseshoe, being present with friends.
I’ve been really overwhelmed recently with school, planning a parent’s weekend for my sorority, applying for careers and planning for my future after graduation. When I feel like I can’t do it anymore, nature has been healing.
Just when I needed a break and change of environment, my friends and I went to Crested Butte, Colorado for fall break.
Friday
On our first day, we drove along Kebler pass to find the hidden bright yellow forest that has yet to have it’s leaves turn. The five of us joined along with my friend from home, his two friends and their dogs. There was a lot of photography stops that doubled as an opportunity to catch our breath. There was dance parties, lots of laughter, puppy cuddles, and awe-inspiring views. We finished off the day with mouth watering mexican food and laid on the basement floor to comfort our full bellies.
Saturday
Saturday morning was a slow one. We gathered on the couch to talk about our dreams from the night before. Each person made a different part of breakfast whether it was the eggs, avocado toast, bacon or hash browns. We feasted to prepare ourselves for another day of adventure. Then, we bundled up and got set up on the electric bikes. We rode them through the neighborhood and around the mountain. The wind in my hair from going 25 MPH downhill was thrilling.
After exploring the area on our bikes, we returned to the house for lunch and naps. The sun and fuzzy blankets kept us warm as we relaxed on the back patio for the whole afternoon. During the evening, we watched Tennessee whoop Alabama, played card games, made hot cocoa and cookies, danced around the kitchen to Zac Bryan, and witnessed shooting stars dash across the bright sky. The stargazing was an important moment of reflection for me.
Sunday
On our last day, we hiked the painter boy trail on Crested Butte Mountain. You drive up the mountain to reach the trailhead, but we were a bit confused on where the hike actually started. We wandered a bit until we finally found the right path. The hike was downhill at first, and then had several short spurts of steep terrain as you loop around the mountain. All in all, the 4 mile hike was pretty easy and had stunning views.
We all napped in the afternoon then got cleaned up for our nice dinner at The Breadery. I got the squash ravioli with brown butter and pecans and it was to die for. After dinner we all cuddled into our beds to prepare for the early morning and long travel day.
Looking back months later, this was such an incredible weekend connecting with the outdoors and my closest friends. I was so anxious about everything in my life leading up to this trip but was finally able to get out of my own head. I truly felt such a reset that prepared me to handle the rest of the semester.
