--December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards) --
I live in Avon, CO in the rocky mountains high country with nature all around me. I wake up to the sights and smells of the mountains every day and I am here because it makes me feel alive, like I am living and breathing with mother nature. This summer Rob and I camped a lot and one weekend stands out in particular. On labor day weekend we took a chance and drove to our favorite camping spot late saturday morning to have a well needed weekend to ourselves. We were so excited and even though there was was such little chance that it would be available we set out on the adventure. It's about a 12 mile dirt road drive from the two lane highway and for 10 miles we were chatting and enjoying the drive. The last 2 miles we were on the edge of our seats, rounding the dirt road corners, knowing that if there wasn't a car parked on the side of the road where a small pathway takes you to a secret camping spot that we were golden. Wouldn't it be great, we thought, if we got there first, it's impossible to think, wouldn't it be amazing if we had this place to ourselves?!!!! The anticipation was completely exhilarating as I stretched my sight as far as I could with each turn as if it would make it come sooner, and as we rounded the last corner - there were no cars parked- it was ours!! We couldn't believe it. This place is magical and was the perfect place to celebrate 2 years of being together. Tall pine trees and cool, green foliage surround you as a you walk a small, winding dirt path for about 10 yards then rise over a huge boulder to look over a flat dirt area. A secret spot. There is a 10' rock wall to build a fire against, a river to the right that i love to dip my hot skin in and get all tingly. You walk further into the pine forest where there is flat ground, bedded with pine needles, and room for more tents. We've had 15 of our closest friends camping here at one time. You can hike or mountain bike to a gorgeous reservoir - and climb rocks to jump in the cold water with squeals of delight, which we did the weekend earlier with our friends. This weekend we gathered wood, built a gorgeous pine fire, talked late into the night, marveled at the black night sky and slept under a blanket of stars.
I live in Avon, CO in the rocky mountains high country with nature all around me. I wake up to the sights and smells of the mountains every day and I am here because it makes me feel alive, like I am living and breathing with mother nature. This summer Rob and I camped a lot and one weekend stands out in particular. On labor day weekend we took a chance and drove to our favorite camping spot late saturday morning to have a well needed weekend to ourselves. We were so excited and even though there was was such little chance that it would be available we set out on the adventure. It's about a 12 mile dirt road drive from the two lane highway and for 10 miles we were chatting and enjoying the drive. The last 2 miles we were on the edge of our seats, rounding the dirt road corners, knowing that if there wasn't a car parked on the side of the road where a small pathway takes you to a secret camping spot that we were golden. Wouldn't it be great, we thought, if we got there first, it's impossible to think, wouldn't it be amazing if we had this place to ourselves?!!!! The anticipation was completely exhilarating as I stretched my sight as far as I could with each turn as if it would make it come sooner, and as we rounded the last corner - there were no cars parked- it was ours!! We couldn't believe it. This place is magical and was the perfect place to celebrate 2 years of being together. Tall pine trees and cool, green foliage surround you as a you walk a small, winding dirt path for about 10 yards then rise over a huge boulder to look over a flat dirt area. A secret spot. There is a 10' rock wall to build a fire against, a river to the right that i love to dip my hot skin in and get all tingly. You walk further into the pine forest where there is flat ground, bedded with pine needles, and room for more tents. We've had 15 of our closest friends camping here at one time. You can hike or mountain bike to a gorgeous reservoir - and climb rocks to jump in the cold water with squeals of delight, which we did the weekend earlier with our friends. This weekend we gathered wood, built a gorgeous pine fire, talked late into the night, marveled at the black night sky and slept under a blanket of stars.