Hanging Lake Trail Hike

We left Utah this morning around 7am. Unfortunately we only got to drive through, no adventure- but thats okay because we are more than making up for it now in Colorado. A little after 10am we arrived at Hanging Lake trail. When I looked it up it said that the level was "difficult". Everyone said that for the 1.1mile incline, it feels like you are marching up a stairmaster every bit of the way. Well, they weren't lying. I was huffing and puffing and swearing to myself that I'm going to add some cardio to my life once I get home. The reviews were also spot on in saying that the hard hike is well worth the beautiful reward at the top. The crystal clear bright blue lake, the waterfalls, the view out on the mountains-- absolutely breathtaking, and absolutely worth every single (difficult) step. It took a little over an hour to get to the top and equal amount of time getting back down. When we got back to the car I felt physically and spiritually reinvigorated. All this time spent in the car, and then striking out in Utah, had me a bit down. If anyone passes through Colorado on route 70, this hike is a MUST. Most things that are difficult in life offer up the best rewards. namaste <3

Reward for a Hard Hike...

Well, I ALWAYS reward myself after doing some major physical activity-- and that reward usually involves food and beer!!! Luckily, not only am I in an outdoor adventureland, but I'm also in a town that is chock full of amazing restaurants that use local ingredients, heaps of creativity, and lots of love in their dishes. Yep, they even make their own beer. After consulting my URBANSPOON app I decided on The Pullman. Holy Christ, when I gazed at the menu I could barely speak I was so excited!! I got a local lager and the mussels in a lager broth with chorizo, fries, aoli, and amazing (SALTED) bread! Ugh. Obsessed. I made us a dinner reservation before we were even half way through our lunch. I've already decided on my appetizer, dinner and dessert that I'll be enjoying later!! Marny had a grilled cheese with pulled pork, housemade chips, the most spectacular apple cider vinegar coleslaw, and of course a homemade pickle. Hooray for good food after a great hike! And so...the reward continues. We went to Yampah Spa where Marn enjoyed a massage, and I enjoyed 2 hours in their natural vapor caves (115-125degrees fahr), for only $12. I'd do about 20minutes in the hot, natural steam (coming from the natural hot springs) in the dark cave, and then I'd lay outside in the sun and crisp breeze for 5 minutes. Recharge with water, a cold plunge, and then back down into the cave. Colorado, I love you.