chataqua

after a massive amount of sleep, i went on a beautiful hike today.  i went up to chataqua, which is a mountain park in boulder that has some amazing views.  i went on the royal arch trail that ends up at a beautiful natural rock arch and goes up by the flatirons so you get to see lots of different rock formations.

it is a moderately strenuous hike that involves a fair amount of elevation gain in not a lot of distance so it is a really fabulous cardio workout.  i had a really good time, but my knee may not be too terribly happy tomorrow.  being in the mountains like that always makes me feel very calm and peaceful.  there is a scent from the pine trees and the crisp mountain air that cannot be matched and when combined with the high altitude it creates this lovely high that is part adrenaline part lack of oxygen in the brain.  i always find it fun to hike in places that have nice views and offer a good walk all at the same time.  

hiking on my own was a new experience and i found it rather enjoyable.  hiking is always very peaceful, but it is very nice as a solitary event.  i did a great amount of thinking and contemplating of the universe while i was hiking and it is nice to not have to talk to anyone if you don't want to.  the other hikers were very friendly and i had some fun random conversations with complete strangers as we were walking.  i even found myself following a guy with an illinois hat on, who gave a very enthusiastic response to the I-L-L that i yelled up the mountain.  

after my hike i had dinner with ron and becky and then went to see toy story 3.  if you haven't seen it yet, you should take your kleenex though it was a fun movie.  all in all, a lovely sunday with no complaints from me. 

check out some of the views i got to enjoy this afternoon.

if anyone wants to come visit and see for themselves how beautiful everything is here, let me know :)