Spring in Colorado

We had arrived in Colorado around 5pm. Although we didn't get to our destination in Denver until about midnight- that's what happens when you stop to view every beautiful sight (and when you stop at a dispensary for some Colorado medicine). This beautiful state was the first real stop I enjoyed on my road trip West from Virginia. We had stopped in Kentucky and other states prior, but this is where the adventure began.

Late into the night we were trying to find a place to rest our head. It was starting to snow and Denver was expecting it to last, so we pulled into this random neighborhood and drove to a secluded spot where no one would bother us. We put the sheets up so no one could peak into the car, and just like that, we made ourselves comfortable and went to sleep. Mind you, for a cold Colorado night, I slept extremely well in my cramped little Ford Fiesta. When we awoke the next morning, there was an intense snowstorm outside. We drove blindly, and carefully- as I didn't have any chains for my car. We had to go up and over the mountain pass, leading West for Glenwood Springs, which was the wort part. Cars began to get stuck, and stop all together in the middle of the road. Feet of snow being too much for their sedans. There was no way I was going to stop, and I was trying to maneuver my little car between two stuck BMW's (YIKES) hoping I wouldn't lose control and crash into them... Once we hit Vail, the weather completely cleared up, as if it hadn't even snowed. 

Haha, not even kidding about this snow storm! I seriously don't know how my car made it through, and am so so happy we were able to get over the mountain without any problems. I'm not a happy camper when my travels are delayed! 

Look at this water! It was SO blue I absolutely had to stop and take a minute.

If you're ever on the road, take every single pit stop you want. See something beautiful, new, exciting- STOP and enjoy! Lose yourself in the moment. Take a few minutes to yourself.

The drive West and out of Colorado was probably the most beautiful, as Eastern Colorado is pretty flat, transitioning into a Kansas landscape. We did some random searching for a hike, and landed upon one called "Hanging Lake Trail"- the first real mountain hike I've ever done. It wasn't too crowded, and we were able to take our time going up, thanks to the sun coming out and warming our once cold bones. We went off the beaten path a few times to enjoy some hidden waterfalls, to take a moment for ourselves, sit in silence, and enjoy the views. 

Off the beaten path here, soaking up the sunshine. Cleansing some of my crystals with fresh river water since they had been stuck in storage for so long.

We got into the habit of making rock formations on all our hikes. Here's one we did.

On our way up the trail, we discovered a little cabin covered in carvings. From initials and dates, to quotes, and little messages of love and inspiration. It was the coziest little nook, and deemed it the perfect spot to take a little break, eat a snack, and medicate. 

And finally, the amazing Hanging Lake. I wish I had more pictures of this magical place, but sadly they were lost. The water was such a unique blend of aqua and lime green, creating the most beautiful shade. I had never experienced something so beautiful. It really left me in awe, and left a major impact on my heart. It started to snow after a while, so we headed back down to the car, and continued towards Utah.