Search Results for: hiking – Page 2

Upgraded Cowboy Cookies: My Ultimate High Country Companion

September 26, 2020 1 Comment

Cowboy cookies are very nostalgic for me. The chewy, soft texture and marriage of oatmeal, chocolate, and salty crunch make up the perfect cookie. They take me back to the days of wrangling and ranching as a crew girl at Deer Valley Ranch. I mean, I had the coolest summer job during college. I wish I could go back to those days! I got to spend the summer months in beautiful Buena Vista, Colorado on a DUDE RANCH. People have crazy ideas about what a dude ranch is (Thanks, movies). In reality, I describe it best as a weeklong summer camp for families. We had a program that ran Saturday to Saturday; families would show up for scheduled activities like hiking, horseback riding, and fly fishing. All meals were on a set schedule and nightly entertainment included Monday Square Dance, Wednesday Night Hayrides, and Thursday Western Show. Being on staff was a whole new perspective. Summer staff was around 30 college-aged boys and girls–many of whom are still my close friends today. Us crew girls would cook, clean, babysit, and wait tables. Wranglers would manage the stables, horses, and lead guest rides. It was hard work, and a lot of play. One of the most anticipated activities of the week was Wednesday’s Lunch Cookout. We’d pack up and head out to an aspen-lined meadow where we’d grill out and play a *competitive* family softball game. On the menu: Burgers, Beans, Watermelon, and COWBOY COOKIES! Did I mention these cookies were the size of your face? It always amazed me that they stayed so soft and chewy; and even though they were the size of frisbees, they didn’t break! These are cookies of legend. We so looked forward to Wednesdays for the promise of a cowboy cookie. I later learned a ranch secret. If you take a hike on Thursday, the kitchen girls pack a leftover cowboy cookie in your lunch! I can’t describe how good these cookies taste at the mid-point of a high elevation trek. WOW. Here’s what happened: now I crave a cowboy cookie EVERY TIME I go on a high country hike with my packed lunch. Hiking and cowboy cookies just go together. My family is coming to visit for a fall getaway! We’ve got a spectacular hike planned to Grizzly Lake (hint: my favorite spot in all of Colorado). You know what that means… I needed a batch of cowboy cookies! Here’s the original DVR Recipe for Cowboy Cookies. In the years since Deer Valley, I’ve become more conscious of ingredients and inflammatory foods. The traditional recipe doesn’t make me feel my best (and that’s something I do want while hiking). I made a few tweaks to decrease the sugar, swapped out the flour, and upgraded the mix-ins. Aha! I still get my cookie fix in the high country and know that I’m fueling myself with a better-for-me treat. Here are my changes (Shhhhh! Don’t tell Sue!): In place of white sugar, I used unrefined coconut sugar. In place of brown sugar, I used golden monk fruit. I decreased the amount of both sugars and added a bit of unsweetened coconut flakes (which give natural sweetness). Instead of white flour, I used Cup4Cup Gluten Free flour. It’s my favorite mix for baking because you truly can replace white flour 1-1 in recipes (and no one will notice!) I kept the oatmeal, but instead of Quick Oats, I used Whole Grain Toasted Oats. Lastly, I toasted the pecans before adding to the mix (worth the extra step) and I used my favorite stevia-sweetened dark chocolate chips. I’m eager to have my family test out this recipe and see if they notice my sneaky upgrades. Heh-heh. SHOP THIS RECIPE:

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CO Hike Series: Oh Be Joyful!

September 19, 2020 No Comments

Lovely hike through Crested Butte’s wildflower-rich valley Summer hiking is my absolute favorite. This season has been challenging. The trails are crowded. Coloradans are out enjoying our home state since there has been a significant halt on travel. I’m all for getting outside and exploring everything this state has to offer; but, man, the crowds are frustrating! My solution has been to escape to lesser-known gems and small mountain towns, like Crested Butte. I most often visit CB in the “shoulder seasons”– the spring and fall outside of peak tourism months. The spring is still *quite* chilly, and many trails are under snow. But the Fall….. The fall is magical. I love the cooler mornings and warm sunny mid-day. The leaves are beginning to change and the animals are more active. I found this hike while browsing my All Trails app and considering a quick getaway to Crested Butte. I wanted a little less elevation gain (not in the mood for a big mountain climb), but I was still seeking some high-mountain views. The Oh-Be-Joyful trail took me through a long gradual meadow, ending in a high basin. It was lovely! The trailhead is about 7 miles from the town of Crested Butte, off CO374 (Slate River Road). The road turns to dirt about a mile from the parking area, but it is accessible by most passenger cars with decent clearance. There was plenty of parking, I arrived just about 9am on a Saturday. Note that the Oh Be Joyful campground is a BLM-managed campground that takes reservations for tent spots and RVs. If I were staying overnight, I would certainly consider staying here! The trail begins across a footbridge over the river. Follow well-marked signs to enter the forest on the south side. The climb is very gradual. You’ll wind through cottonwoods, pines, and aspen groves before opening up to a large meadow. The majority of the mileage is accrued in this meadow that follows the stream. Expect lots of sunshine! You’ll come to an old cattle fence. By my estimate, this fence is about halfway to the top of the basin. Taking a breather about halfway up. As you leave the meadow, you’ll begin to climb a bit higher until you reach treeline. There is a trail split here. Left will take you into _ basin, while continuing straight goes up to Oh-Be-Joyful Pass and . I went left and pushed a bit higher before finding flat ground again as I wound through willows. Even in September, there was snow on the peaks surrounding the basin. Looking back, I could see Mount Crested Butte and a few of the ski runs of the resort. It took me about 2-2.5 hours to make it up to the basin. I took a quick break and photo op before heading back down. The walk out really showed me the distance I had gone! This full hike was about 13 miles roundtrip. However, if you’re not feeling the full effort the out-and-back makes it simple to modify. Simply walk how far you want, then turn around. You’ll still be rewarded with magnificent views! Post-Hike I set up my hammock by the creek and enjoyed a nap in the shade. I later made my way into the town of Crested Butte where it was busy with tourists! I had some amazing tacos at BONEZ. *Highly recommend* My roundtrip hike distance was around 12 miles and time was about 4 hours; a decent effort for a fall jaunt. Have you been to Crested Butte? Tell me your favorite hiking spots and mountain town restaurants!

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CO Hike Series: Grizzly Lake

August 16, 2018 2 Comments

My Number One Hike in Colorado Hiking has been a great passion of mine since I was young. I can remember tagging along with my Dad in the Blue Ridge Mountains, recreating memories at the Peaks of Otter and Humpback Rocks. Hiking got a lot less fun when I was “too heavy” to be carried up the mountain on his shoulders anymore. Luckily, I learned to love the experience of being outdoors and achieving a feat of tackling a peak or reaching a lookout. Colorado really reignited the wonder of hiking for me. There is just so much to see and experience- and the Rocky Mountain vistas just never get old. I feel so at peace on a trail. I am free to think and be myself (often I’m by myself), it has become my moving meditation. I get to kick-off this series with my favorite hike in Colorado. For real. My top place. Grizzly Lake is special to me. It is found in the Chalk Creek Valley where I spent my college summers on a ranch. I would most often hike up to Grizzly when my family was visiting, and have spent hours sitting on the rocks watching my brothers and dad fly fish. I sat down to consider it and I realized I’ve been on this trail every summer (at least once) for the past 10 years. Often, it is at the beginning or end of a season and I’ve reflected on the changes in myself. I learn something every time I am here- whether its a problem I’m stewing in my mind, getting to know someone new, or teaching a friend about why Colorado truly has my heart. Grizzly Lake is truly stunning- but this hike is my favorite because deep down I’m just a sentimental sap who embraces connection. SO, About the hike. This is a totally do-able hike! It starts off just above the ghost town of Saint Elmo. {A post-hike pitstop in this old mining town is worth it. Grab an ice cream while you peruse the “antiques” and collectibles in the yard, then cross the street to feed the wild chipmunks right out of your hand! It is fun for young kids and grown-ups alike.}     The trail starts along a gnarly jeep trail. *Tested* and proven to be truly formidable… just ask my brothers. Walking is a much more reliable way to actually reach the lake. You’ll take a side jaunt to the left and see an old dumpster with “Grizzly” spray painted on it. That’s it, that’s the only trail marker you’ll find. Follow the path about a quarter mile and you’ll come upon Ghost House. This is a historic 1800s home, take notice of the tin can roof. Continue up the valley for another half of a mile. This section is where the most elevation gain occurs. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. You’ll be out of breath, but just know that it’ll ease up. Look out upon Aspen forest to the left and peek at the shoulder of Mount Antero. You may hear jeep and ATV noise from the 4X4 road in the valley below. The two trails will intersect on the way to the lake.     As promised, the trail eases for a quarter mile or more winding through Aspens on a simple single track. There is rockfall debris to the right. As the trees thin, you’ll come out to the Jeep Road. Take notice of this turn off and remember it on the way back down! Turn right and follow the rocky Jeep road further up into the valley. Continue to climb steadily past a few mining cabins, as the valley begins to open up ahead of you. Turn around and see great vistas of Mount Princeton and the Collegiate peaks. Grizzly Lake is about two miles up the Jeep Road from the trail turn off. You’ll cross a large rockfall area and dip back into the trees for the final approach. Climb up a small hill and the lake opens out before you. There are many game trails through the willows that will bring you down to the lake for fishing and pondering.   I love to take a minute and take it in right at the top of the knoll. I think about the changes I’ve been through since the last time I was at that spot, whether its been a couple weeks or a year. I am thankful to live in Colorado and reach a place like this just by driving a few hours and walking on up. THIS is why I choose to live how I do– I need this reminder when the homesickness hits. Grizzly Lake sits at an elevation of about 11, 200 feet. It is right at treeline. Bring your binoculars and look out for Elk, Mountain Goats, and Big horned sheep. Remember that the weather is unpredictable up in the high country. It will be sunny and beautiful when you start, and you may find yourself hiking down in a thunderstorm. Always be prepared with the right gear. There is no cell service on this hike {bless}- so keep that in mind if you choose to go at it solo. The hike will take about 1.5-2 hours up and about an hour down. Plan to spend a bit of time up top, so a 3-4 hour round trip excursion. The total distance is around 6 miles (3 miles each way). The drive through the Chalk Creek Valley is incredible. I recommend coming in the fall and experiencing the “High-Color” of changing Aspens. I will keep returning to Grizzly, and keep changing with the seasons. I love having this spot with so much meaning. You are truly a special friend if I take you up here! Wanna hike with me? Come visit and I’ll show you how wonderful this valley is.       What are your favorite hikes in Colorado?  Have you ever been up to Grizzly Lake?

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Why I Love CrossFit

July 10, 2018 No Comments

Since a young age, I have played team sports. The competition, community, and teamwork mindset has become an internal part of who I am. From youth t-ball to college field hockey, I have always had my team to motivate, inspire, and support me. After graduating and moving to Colorado, I turned to hiking and skiing and biking to fulfill my physical activity—but I felt a little out of place without the accountability of daily practices and the excitement of upcoming games. I lost my drive, and with it, my fitness. I no longer felt like an ATHLETE. In January 2017, I got over my fears (of the stereotypes, the injuries, the price) and enrolled in Intro to CrossFit at Project Move. I committed myself for one month to try it out….and I haven’t looked back since. From day one, I felt that sense of belonging that I had been missing. Not just belonging in a social sense, but the kind of belonging that you feel deep within; the set your soul on fire type of contentment. I was “drinking the kool-aid” and wanted to shout it out!     CrossFit has given me so much more than power shoulders and superior VO2 Max. It has shown me what a true community is. I have learned how to be more accepting of all people, how to minimize my judgements and really get to know people. There’s no bonding experience quite like a 5am WOD: covered in sweat, sprawled out feeling like you might die, and getting a fistbump from a badass 57 year old with a smile on his face having just gone through the same thing. I’ve gained lifelong friends by letting go of my attitude and “forging elite fitness” among some of the most unlikely of humans. As much as I thrive on competition—I have to admit my favorite part of Project Move isn’t that it stokes my competitive fire, it’s the extraordinary community I’ve found myself welcomed into. Over the past year and a half I have improved greatly both mentally and physically. I’ve had months of pushing myself and months of scaling back. I have shown up crying, I have shown up laughing. I’ve been welcomed and supported through it all. I’ve learned a balance of intensity and effort: and learned how to train for longevity—I want to do this when I’m old!     If you’ve thought about joining CrossFit I want to tell you to DO IT. Stop being afraid of “not being good enough” or being judged. NO ONE CARES if you scale every single workout for a year. Or two years. Here are my top reasons why I love CrossFit at Project Move: 1. I’m never bored. I love the CrossFit style workouts because they vary in intensity, duration, and skill from day-to-day. It’s not all meathead heavy lifting and its certainly not the boring cardio machine grind. The WOD (“workout of the day”) is programmed to work well from one day to the next, so I don’t get burnt out going 5-6 times per week. 2. I see measurable results. Results that go way beyond the scale. Lifting PRs, Performance measures, and greater ease of LIVING LIFE. I love knowing I am in shape to do ANYTHING I want to do, I never have to consider my fitness holding me back. 3. I’ve learned proper form and technique. CrossFit is a traditionally small group setting, so I’ve gotten very specialized training in complex movements. I am thankful for our skilled coaches who have spent a LOT of hours (and probably a bit of frustration) teaching me how to safely lift heavy weights. CrossFit has a stigma of injury, but it comes down to proper preparation, and personal responsibility. Injuries happen when the ego is too great. 4. I’m challenged and I’m empowered. I’ve accomplished things I didn’t think I would, I feel incredibly strong and confident in who I am beyond the limits of the gym. 5. I found a community like NO OTHER.     Yes, CrossFit is expensive. Yes, CrossFit is polarizing. Yes, CrossFit is difficult. IT IS ALL WORTH IT. I’m so thankful for my health, my friendships, the built-in support, and the lifestyle I’ve adopted. xx, Kate  

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