Tag Archives: #mountains

A Horseback Ride in Colorado

July 27, 2022 The Blue Widow Leave a comment

Horseback Ride? Heck YES!

While on my second visit to this wildly adventurous state, I took a horseback ride through the mountains. It’s been a minute since I took this trip to Colorado but I’ve been wanting to tell you about it. I’ll begin by saying I had no idea what I was in for which is usually how my best adventures start. I accompanied a group on this horseback ride which made the day even more exciting.

We used Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Stables in Nathrop. I can not say enough great things about this stable. I highly recommend booking a horseback ride with them if you are ever in the area. The horses are well cared for and the experience was stellar, both times. Check out this about me if you want to know more.

hot springs riding stables parking lot horseback ride

horses lined up to mount for horseback ride

A Horse Named Maverick

We booked the 3/4 day waterfall trail ride this day. In the beginning I was a little intimidated because first, I’ve never ridden a horse for that long. Second, this was my only my second time on a horse in over 20 years. Luckily, I had just went on a sunset ride a couple of months prior and requested the same horse. Which I got, thankfully. Maverick was his name and he was steady, and sure footed. Previously, on my first ride with him, the stables warned me he would take his own path and wow, they were correct.

The morning began as an overcast day. We all met at a trail head where we mounted up. As we rode up one mountain and around to the next, through water and rocky hills, the clouds began to burn off. By the time we arrived at the waterfall, the sun was shining and the day was perfect.

Maverick blazed his own trail and made this horseback ride extra adventurous for me. At one point, the trail narrowed. There was a boulder blocking half of it. After Maverick stopped and surveyed the path, he jumped up and onto the boulder. Then he leapt over it while the other horses went around. Typically the horses would just follow in the footsteps of the horse in front of them but not him. Maverick would carefully survey the trail and choose the best path he wanted to take.

Afterglow

Lastly, I’ll just drop some more photos a couple of videos here at the bottom. This whole day was a surreal experience and I’m grateful for it as it left an impression on my soul. I loved everything from the magnificent views, the endless excitement, and just absorbing being out in nature. I’ve discovered a passion for experiencing remote places where few have gone before. Also this ride rekindled my love of horses. Maverick has a special place in my heart. I hope I get to ride him again someday.

I’ll say it again, if you ever find yourself in or around Mt. Princeton, Buena Vista area of Colorado, be sure to add a horseback ride to your to-do list. So whether you have never been on a horse or you’re a seasoned rider, I promise you won’t regret it!

me next to the general and maverick horseback ride

Destinations, Uncategorized

Pendleton Oregon

May 27, 2022 The Blue Widow Leave a comment

Portland to Pendleton Oregon

I passed through Pendleton Oregon as I drove Interstate 84 out of The Dulles and the Columbia River Gorge traveling from Portland to Boise. I have driven this stretch of highway twice now and both times was in awe by this mountain that rises up in a distance. The climb is intimidating, and so much so that this stretch is actually called Deadman Pass. This particular stretch of road is about 52 miles long and you can read more about it here on Roads To Travel website.

The road is winding and steep but once up top, it undoubtedly ranks as one of the best rest stop views I have encountered thus far. At the top of the first mountain is a small pull off. The actual pull off is kind of hidden from the highway. There are no restrooms. There is no vending. Just a couple of trashcans, a small covered area, and lots of views.

I was excited planning this article as I wanted to write something about this little spot for a while now. My first time driving it, regretfully I did not stop or take any pictures. On my second time through Pendleton Oregon, I just had to. The sun was just beginning to set and there was electricity in the air. I don’t think my pictures do it any justice, but here’s what I have.

view on highway going towards pendleton oregon lookout

About Pendleton Oregon

Pendleton sits in Umatilla County at the base of the Blue Mountain Range which stretches from northeastern Oregon to southeastern Washington State. Pendleton Oregon was founded in the 1860’s. If you want to know more history, here is the Pendleton Website. The elevation is 1200 feet. I did not visit the town, although now it is on my to-do list for next time. It’s mainly agricultural and known for it’s textiles and rodeos.

The Lookout

As I said earlier, the lookout itself is hidden however there some views still visible in the rearview mirror. There are signs on the highway directing the turn off though. Elevation of the lookout is 3045 feet. Standing in front of my truck, with the wind blowing was almost magical. The view stretches for miles. If you ever find yourself along I84 or near Pendleton Oregon, I highly suggest a pit stop. It’s well worth the extra couple of minutes.

Thanks for reading! xxooC

Destinations, Uncategorized

Four Wheeling In Colorado

May 19, 2022 The Blue Widow Leave a comment

Labor Day in Colorado

I want to start off by saying I’ve never been four wheeling in the mountains. I don’t have any experience with four wheeling in general. It’s just not something I do however, who am I to say no to adventure? This day was just extra to an already incredible trip as I’m about to tell you.

I had the good fortune to be able to accompany a wonderful group to Colorado over Labor Day last year. This was not my first time to the Rockies. Without a doubt it was a memorable trip. Again, like so many other adventures, I had no idea what I was in for. The mountains are so beautiful but so much of them are inaccessible without a four wheel drive. It was strictly sight seeing.

Road Conditions

In my opinion, Colorado uses the word “road” loosely. I was kind of shocked what qualified as a road but I had no expectations. Driving was slow, about 3-5 miles per hour in some spots. Four wheeling up the mountains is definitely a thing and not just for jeeps. I saw other four wheel vehicles traversing the terrain which was very bumpy. To the point I had to hold on, tightly. I hit my head and my elbow at separate times. I’m laughing at describing it now. The whole experience was great but I should have known. I mean, looking at a mountain of that size, how else does one get up it?

Four Wheeling Mt. Antero

I can’t tell you the path we took. I do know the trip started up Mt. Antero. We came close to the summit, and then took another road over to Mt. Whitey. According to Dangerous Roads website Mt. Antero is one of the highest, unpaved roads in Colorado and the USA.

More tidbits of information about Mt. Antero can be found here on the Official USDA Website. I was surprised to learn it has the largest gem mines in the lower 48 and it’s everyone’s responsibility when on the mountain to know if you are on a staked claim. The signs are everywhere but aren’t always clear.

The views are just so breath taking once past the tree line. To stand up in the clouds at that altitude is life changing.

panorama from a resting spot on mt. antero

Four Wheeling Over To Mt. Whitey

The treachery of these trails for beginners can not be overly stressed enough. These trips are not for the faint of heart nor are they for anyone scared of heights but they are exciting! We drove very close to the summit of Mt. Whitey. So close I hiked to the summit. Here are a few photos.

I Thought I Saw A Lake

After Mt. Whitey, I spotted a lake amongst trees. It was off in the distance, in the valley. What looks small from a distance actually can be really big. The valley was a full on forest. The road down was long and bumpy. The trees hid the road so once we got into the forest we weren’t really sure where we were going. I didn’t make it to the lake. Ok, we got lost and the road became more than we were willing to risk. The road didn’t really look sketchy but it was and chancing it was too great. No phone reception would have made getting stuck or blowing a tire difficult to say the least.

The road and trip back was just as exciting. We met some new friends along the way. The sky was beautiful. The day seemed to last forever. The whole four wheeling trip took about 6 hours. It was well worth the time and bumps and bruises.

I could not keep my phone still!

Takaways

Besides being an amazingly memorable trip, yes I would absolutely do it again. I would also highly recommend it. List of things to bring would include plenty of water. Be prepared to get out and hike if you want to see more awesome views. Above the tree line was windy so dress accordingly. Be sure to bring snacks as the day can be long. Don’t forget your sunglasses. Oh, and one of the most important things would be a map. The roads are clearly marked but if you have no idea where you are, that could be a problem.

Take care and I hope you enjoyed reading about my four wheeling adventure up the Colorado mountains.

panorama from a resting point on mt. whitey

Thoughts and Notes, Uncategorized

Traveling Alone. A Personal Story.

May 10, 2022 The Blue Widow 18 Comments

Why I’m Traveling Alone

Hi there, I think it’s time we address this topic. Yes, I have been traveling alone for the past 2 years. I decided early on that I would never turn down an invitation. That means I am usually en-route to see friends or family. I believe getting there is half the adventure!

Me at Cascade Canyon Wye, Colorado. Traveling alone.

Yes…undoubtedly there are some of you I haven’t gotten to yet. My apologies and promise I will reach out to see you soon!!

I believe what few understand is the trauma surrounding grief. There is a lasting physical and mental trauma that no matter how much medication and therapy it never goes away.

I won’t mince words here. In June 2020 I was stricken with unbelievable panic disorder, PTSD, and complicated grief. The best one can hope for is to bury it, disguise it, learn to function throughout the day to appear normal on the surface. Subsequently I’m still working on all of that. I can’t say I’ve found the answers to anything. What I did know is I had to keep moving for my own sanity. Make no mistake, I mean moving not moving forward. Moving forward after loss is still a concept I haven’t made sense of nor pretend to understand.

Sanibel Island beach, florida. Traveling alone

Sunset in Venice, Florida. Traveling alone

The Beginning of My Journey

My first trip booked was to Sanibel, FL by way of Venice, FL. To quote my therapist “the only person stopping you is you.” The most profound words I have ever heard. I booked the trip and off I went. It was scary, it was liberating, it was self serving, it was eye opening.

Salt Flats outside Sale Lake City, Utah. Traveling alone in my truck.

Salt flats outside Salt Lake City, Utah. Traveling alone in my truck.

The next trip was out west. I thought well…”if I can do Florida, I can do the west coast.” And again, off I went. I journeyed to Redding, CA, then to San Bernardino, CA (which may turn into another post hopefully) and as a result, has led me to even greater adventures.

On the road in Colorado. Traveling alone.

How It’s Going- Traveling Alone

Now, for those of you wondering where and what I’ve been doing, here’s a little run down. From California in late summer 2021, I ventured up to Portland and Bend, Oregon. I made a mini road trip to Seattle, Washington. I’ve been to Buena Vista, Colorado Springs, and Denver, Colorado. I fit in a quick trip to Chicago, IL. I even went to visit my people in middle Illinois that summer too. Hey peeps I see you!! I’m absolutely positive I left some places out.

I used to hate driving but now I love it. It’s really all about time. Driving is annoying and counter productive when time is limited and valuable. Whenever time is no longer a factor, driving can surprisingly be the best way to get around. I can take whatever I want and stay as long or as little as I want.

Wintering in Florida

After the summer adventures out west, I traveled again to Florida in the fall. I was fortunate enough to see the keys for the first time in my life. It was in late 2021 and I kept thinking “why have I not been here sooner?” Key West and Key Largo were absolutely amazing and beautiful beyond words. I am grateful to be able and to have experienced these life changing spaces and moments. I wish this for everyone, I truly do. Go live your life, on your terms.

Me laying on the beach in Sanibel, Fl. Traveling Alone.

Traveling Alone in 2022

In January of this year I attended Groove Cruise out of Orlando, Florida. I drove down and met friends then traveled over to the coast. We cruised from Port Canaveral to Freeport, Bahamas and back. And that trip my friends is a WHOLE nother story!

In February and March I made another road trip back out west. California and Oregon again. All of this wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Kansas City, Missouri. It’s my jumping point to Colorado and the west. Additionally, I’ve fallen in love with the city and continue to go there.

The squad out for the night on Mariner of the Seas. Groove Cruise 2022

The squad in an elevator on Mariner of the Seas. Groove Cruise 2022

Shows and Festivals

I’ve done two full on, multi day festivals, Hard Summer 2021 (2 days) and Groove Cruise 2022 (4 days). Groove Cruise was on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. Hard Summer was in San Bernardino, California. I’ve seen a couple of small shows in Chico, California.

What’s Happening Next

In the near future, I’m visiting Forecastle Fest in Louisville, KY for one day only. There’s a trip planned to Las Vegas in the summer and then who knows, perhaps California again. Besides Forecastle, I’m looking at Hard Summer again in July although there is nothing definitive yet.

Later this year I also have Escape Psycho Circus in SoCal already on the books for Halloween. The first one since Eric left. It was his favorite festival above all others. After that, who knows. My schedule is filling up quickly.

Lastly, there has been talk of snowboarding in the fall and winter to prepare for an Alaskan heli/cat skiing trip in February 2023.

If there is anything you want to specifically see or to see me do, write me. Share me with your friends. Please give me feedback, I want to hear from you. Love you all! Xxoo C

Destinations, Uncategorized

A Day Riding Wolf Creek Ski Area

April 28, 2022 The Blue Widow Leave a comment

My (in)Experience Riding

Before I get I get into telling you about my day riding, let me talk about my experience so far with snowboarding. It has been smaller places like Perfect North Slopes and Paoli Peaks in the beginning. Afterward, I advanced to Snowshoe Mountain, WV and thought I was doing well. This was in the early 2000’s.

Turns out I have osteoporosis. I found this out after I broke my wrist in 2005, and then my foot in 2013. Yes, both breaks were while snowboarding. I thought my days on the slopes were over, that was until I talked with some friends out in California over the summer. They invited me out to go snowboarding, so I went. Unfortunately the weather had other plans and most of the snow on Mt. Shasta had melted by the time I got there. The warm weather over the next week did not help either.

Then came an invite to Mt. Hood in Oregon. This was bucket list. This I did. Happily. Being on a mountain again was good for my soul. It reenergized me and cleared my head. I rode Timberline Lodge and dare I say only after 4 runs, I felt great! You can find Timberline’s trail map HERE if you are interested in looking. I’ll tell you all about that experience later.

A day riding at Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood, Oregon — Getting ready for my first run down the trail at Timberline Lodge!

After I arrived back in Kentucky, my dear friend in Kansas City saw my social media pictures and asked to go to Colorado for the end of the snow season. I immediately screamed YES!! Of course I will go!! Getting a taste of the mountains again was something I had longed for.

Map of Wolf Creek Ski Area — Wolf Creek Ski Area Trail Map

Prepping For The Day Out

Not really knowing what to expect I was a bit intimidated. I forged on with the trip. Remember I haven’t REALLY rode for about 9 years. Wolf Creek Ski Area did not disappoint. We started out slow on Friday with about 5 runs to get acclimated to the altitude. Acclimating is something I’ve not had to do before although believe me when I say I felt it. All of it.

Walking onto the ski area at Wolf Creek in Colorado

Parking lot and lodge at Wolf Creek in Colorado

The Second Day Riding

The next day it was ON! We rode a total of 15 runs for the day. The longest run we took that day being a little over 1.6 miles. On The Snow.com will tell you lots more about this area. Wolf Creek is in southwest Colorado between Pagosa Springs and South Fork. Wolf Creek is also called a “small” area although it is large enough to stay occupied all day and never really hit the same slopes more than a couple of times if exploring is your thing. Which for me it is, until I find a run I really want to conquer. With speed. The trails higher up were not sloppy at all. Also being the end of the season weekend, this meant the trails weren’t crowded.

photo from a day riding at wolf creek ski area

another view from the trail at wolf creek ski area

Sorry so grainy but you get the point!! L)

Takeaways From A Day Riding

All things considered, this was a spectacular day. The sun was shining (which also led to a sunburnt face…always wear your sunscreen people!!) the wind was howling through the tree line towards the ridges of the mountains. I was able to get through the day with just a hoodie I picked up in the shop and a medium pair of snow pants. If you want to know more details of what I wore and the trails I rode, just ask! Thanks for reading!

A view from the Treasure Stoke Lift

Destinations, Uncategorized

Train Ride From Durango

April 28, 2022 The Blue Widow Leave a comment

About The Train and The Ride

When my good friend says “hey, I want to ride this train up in Durango so I booked us some seats” you say yes! I had no idea what it was or what I was getting into. Easter Sunday came and off we drove from Pagosa Springs to Durango.

Now let me tell you a little bit of what I learned about this train ride. Apparently it’s famous, and it’s one of the most scenic tours. This train, railroad, and the station are all national historic landmarks. A quick history search which can be found Here says the town of Durango was established by the Denver & Rio Grande Railway which arrived in Durango in the late summer of 1881. The train was used to haul passengers and freight. To visit the main page go to DurangoTrain.com

The main engines are coal fired steam and all of the rail cars are restored antiques, each with their own stories.

the durango train ride steam engine stopped at the cascade canyon wye

The page goes on to tell how it came to be what it is now. I also learned there is more than one train used for these excursions. There is also a museum and restoration/maintenance facility for the cars right on sight. Rail services include multiple types of rides with different destinations depending on your interests. Prices are reasonable. Seats are available in economy and first class. We took first class on the Alamosa car and it was truly a memorable ride.

where our train ride stopped and turned around. — Our trip went to the Cascade Canyon Wye and back, about half way to Silverton.

Train Ride Half Way Point

At the Cascade Wye we stopped for lunch. There was a scenic little picnic area to relax. This was also the place to take photos of the train, and go exploring for a bit. We found an old bridge.

river under bridge at cascade canyon wye, train ride

The views from the bridge were breathtaking. The whole trip was actually. The train tracks hug the canyon wall with a sheer drop off to one side of the train. This allowed spectacular views and lots of photo opportunities.

train tracks back into durango on train ride

The Way Back To The Station

On the way back to the station, I tagged along with another couple that wanted to walk the inside of the train cars. I’m so glad I did. We made it all the way up to the first car. Here are some photos I took along the way.

metal roof inside rail car — This was the roof of one of the cars. This was definitely a vibe.

glass roof inside rail car — This was the roof of one of the cars. This was definitely a vibe.

Surprisingly the cars moved around more on the tracks
up towards the engine.

Here are some shots from around Durango and the station. I stayed and had lunch at a little taco place that was a whole other story. I would definitely take another ride and I hope to do this again someday.

Thanks for reading!

On The Road

Kansas City, MO > Pagosa Springs, CO

April 26, 2022 The Blue Widow 2 Comments

What a drive! About half was done off the interstate. The rural areas in Colorado were just amazing. Lucy did great. Still trying to get traveling with a feline figured out but hey, she did awesome for being 20 and not having much experience in the car. As always, there were many times I wanted to pull over and take photos but I tried that already (in Wyoming last year on a trip out to California) and added over 2 hours to my trip.

So here are the good ones I was able to take. The sheer scale of driving into the mountains is just breathtaking. The camera never really seems to pick up what I’m seeing. I felt small and yet grateful to be able to experience this. You’ll hear me say that a lot. I am grateful to see the things I am able to see. I’ve dreamed for so long of just going, doing and being. When I stop and stand outside my vehicle with nothing but the sound of the wind and feeling of the air. It truly is a spiritual moment.

Well, snowboarding tomorrow at Wolf Creek Ski/Snowboard Area. See you there!!

Blue Widow Chronicles

Tag Archives: #mountains

A Horseback Ride in Colorado

Horseback Ride? Heck YES!

A Horse Named Maverick

Afterglow

Pendleton Oregon

Portland to Pendleton Oregon

About Pendleton Oregon

The Lookout

Four Wheeling In Colorado

Labor Day in Colorado

Road Conditions

Four Wheeling Mt. Antero

Four Wheeling Over To Mt. Whitey

I Thought I Saw A Lake

Takaways

Traveling Alone. A Personal Story.

Why I’m Traveling Alone

The Beginning of My Journey

How It’s Going- Traveling Alone

Wintering in Florida

Traveling Alone in 2022

Shows and Festivals

What’s Happening Next

A Day Riding Wolf Creek Ski Area

My (in)Experience Riding

Prepping For The Day Out

The Second Day Riding

Takeaways From A Day Riding

Train Ride From Durango

About The Train and The Ride

Train Ride Half Way Point

The Way Back To The Station

Kansas City, MO > Pagosa Springs, CO

From loss to living. This is my story.

Horseback Ride? Heck YES!

A Horse Named Maverick

Afterglow

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Portland to Pendleton Oregon

About Pendleton Oregon

The Lookout

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Labor Day in Colorado

Road Conditions

Four Wheeling Mt. Antero

Four Wheeling Over To Mt. Whitey

I Thought I Saw A Lake

Takaways

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Why I’m Traveling Alone

The Beginning of My Journey

How It’s Going- Traveling Alone

Wintering in Florida

Traveling Alone in 2022

Shows and Festivals

What’s Happening Next

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My (in)Experience Riding

Prepping For The Day Out

The Second Day Riding

Takeaways From A Day Riding

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About The Train and The Ride

Train Ride Half Way Point

The Way Back To The Station

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From loss to living. This is my story.