Anniversary Weekend

Since I was in Arizona for most of the summer last year, Michael and I have been trying to combine two summers into one.  We were excited to have it work out last weekend that I could work remotely from the mountains while Michael had an event, and then we could start our weekend early and already be in the mountains.

So we headed up to Eagle, CO, Thursday night.  Michael's even was Friday, so I hunkered down at a coffe shop to work while Michael held his show.

If you ever find yourself in Eagle, CO, and need coffee, go to Red Mountain Cafe.  Delicious coffee, tons of breakfast and sandwich items, really friendly service, and free wifi.  They are just a little hole in the wall place too, so look out.

Then we spent the afternoon after Michael's event biking.  We biked through Avon and Vail.  So pretty!

We camped up at the trailhead to Mount of the Holy Cross, a 14er by Minturn, CO. No one ever gets very good sleep while campling, so at 4:30am we said good morning to the day and began our hike. Mount of the Holy Cross is one of the harder 14ers, it is pretty long and has more elevation gain.  That is why you have to start so early.

It was definitely the prettiest 14er hike that I have done so far.

There was a pretty sketchy stream crossing, just a log with a couple rocks.

And gorgeous views!  That is Mount of the Holy Cross in the background.  It looks so far away but that is the summit.

Not the most flattering 3 year anniversary photo

Unfortunately, due to some circumstances, we never made it to the summit.  We did still hike around 8 miles or more.  Michael's knee was not doing well and I somehow had an energy gel that had kola nut extract in it so we turned around, just to make sure neither of us got hurt.

After the hike, we were pretty sore and tired.  But nothing will perk you back up like a jump in the Eagle River!  It was COLD!

We both look so comfortable, but we aren't, it was so cold, but invigorating.  The perfect thing for sore muscles.

Because the river is so beautiful and peaceful, we ended up there again in the afternoon.  We went to Vail for lunch and then had some ice cream down by the river.

It was a pretty epic trip.  We spent Saturday night in Silverthorne, CO (also in the mountains) and then biked Vail pass the next day.  It was quite the adventurous weekend.  In three days we biked over 55 miles and hiked probably 8.5 miles.  It actually feels good to sit at work today...