Mike and I headed out to Garden of the Gods to go snowshoeing. We attempted to snowshoe near Spruce Mountain Open Space the day before, but the wind was so strong that we had to bail on that adventure. The weather was perfect, and the sun was shining which made for a more pleasant experience. We took the outer trail loop from the Kissing Camels parking lot and did a short 2.5-mile loop. We had intended on going longer but the elevation change was pretty difficult on the narrow trail with snowshoes on. Eventually Mike took off his snowshoes since most of the trail was pretty packed, which was shocking as it snowed a ton during the previous blizzard. One thing is for sure, people love to get on the trail even during blizzardy weather.
The day after Mike got back from his reserve duty training in DC, we decided to head out on the snowshoes to one of our favorite places. We love snowshoeing and hiking at Spruce Mountain Open Space. There aren’t usually a ton of people there which is nice. The first part of our hike was filled with some sections that were a little barer than others. As we approached the top of the plateau, the view was amazing, and the snow was plentiful. Our hike was serene and peaceful! Along the way we saw a few different groups of people. We saw a few hikers, a couple of people on fat tire bikes and a group cross country skiing. Even with the occasional sighting of people, it still felt very private and quiet. We decided to not trek it all the way to the end but went out 2 miles and then turned around. We were both so happy that we didn’t try and push it too much since we were pretty spent by the time we got back to the car. Snowshoeing with Mike in the winter is one of my favorite things to do.
Christmas is over. The hustle and bustle of getting things done is over for now. Truly, I’m exhausted from the last several months of mission and holiday preparations and kid’s activities and events. But I wouldn’t change that for quiet all the time. I love my busy life. It is a good, fun, and fulfilling life. I have thought a lot about what my goals would be for this next year…physical and spiritual goals are written down. Today’s snowshoe run was exhilarating but also tough. It taught me that despite the rough conditions, if I just took it a little at a time, I could get through it. That is exactly how life was for me in 2022. It was definitely rocky at times. I do hope that this next year is a little kinder to me in some ways. And if not, I will just take it one day at a time, applying the things I learned last year to make this next year a little better than the last! So, here’s to an amazing 2023!
After quite the epic snowstorm dumped a ton of snow on the ground, I knew that running and biking would be off the table, so I dusted off my snowshoes and went for a jaunt in the open space behind my neighborhood. It was really the first time I had explored the trails back there and it was quiet and peaceful. I quickly remembered why I loved snowshoeing so much. After one big lap I headed home to grab some of the kids. They weren't interested except Madeline, so I headed back out with Mike and Madeline. We attached the sled to Mike's pack and just pulled Madeline along since none of the snowshoes were small enough for her. She loved sticking her hands out of the sled to brush the snow. She had a great time being pulled in the sled. I was able to do a few pick-ups of running and we even saw some gazelle jumping in the fields with a beautiful view of Pikes Peak in the background. It was a perfect little snowy morning! When we got back to the house Madeline just wanted to play in the snow and Peter and Abby did their swimsuit snow challenge where they dove into the snow in their swimsuits. Many of the other swimmers in their club also did it. All I can say is my kids are completely nuts to jump in the snow with their bare skin. Brrrrr!!!
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