Day Trip to Estes

Jeremy and I recently took a day trip to Estes Park, CO. We drove up to Rocky Mountain National Park to head up to Bear Lake to do some snowshoeing.

 

We were greeted by the friendly ranger where we purchased our park pass for the season. I have always felt it is just a great donation even if you go to the park just once. I am hoping with our son coming home soon we will head up there more often and plan camping trips with friends.  Our goal was to hike toward Emerald Lake. Since there was seriously hardly any snow it was a quick and totally painless trip.

 After this easy trek we headed to one of the best Nepalese/Indian restaurants in Northern Colorado! Nepals in Estes Park, CO. This place is fantastic!

Then finish your day driving down beautiful Big Thompson Canyon! It is a perfect day trip!

I am back!

Sorry it has been awhile I was absent for the past week and a half. I was on vacation in beautiful Southern Minnesota. I seriously LOVE southern Minnesota. Picture it...rolling green hills, country side seasoned with red barns, silos and beautiful old farm houses, cows roaming freely around the pasture fading into the skyline,... I could go on and on... I love everything about it! I apologize I have no pictures to show you but I just couldn't take my eyes off the scenery...it is literally my peace and it only took me 35 years to find it!

Especially my in-laws farm, Timber Creek farm. Being out there on the farm made me feel so relaxed and at peace. I battle inside with what I would want to do...live in a small city or live in the country. All I could do was dream!!!!  Continuing to raise llamas like my in-laws, raising sheep to make cheese, pigs, chickens and a HUGE garden!!!!  Loving every bit of it.  Here is a glimpse of the beauty I got to see every morning waking up at the farm.  Marg and Jim...I love your place!!!  Here are a few pictures of heaven.

Now for the scary part....mice, bugs, spiders, mosquito's, etc...  Being a country girl with all the things that scare me, however my mother-in-law tells me you get use to it.  Such big dreams and big eyes I can only dream at this time. As for now I am continuing to live the dream in Fort Collins.  Jeremy and I will push away at our house and become an urban farm and someday who knows what might happen.

Travel Tip: If you are interested in going to Minnesota I highly recommend Southern Minnesota. 

Until next time!

Healthy Road Trip Snacks - Homeward Bound!

Jeremy and I are off on our yearly family visit.  What works out pretty nice is that my family is in Omaha, NE and his in Chatfield, MN we are able to kill two birds with one stone because they are pretty much on the same path. When I was younger I would BEG my parents to stop at a McDonald's or Burger King.  In fact, I clearly remember as we would drive by saying their names as we passed by each one with hopes my eight year old brainwashing would have worked.  Sometimes it did and sometimes it didn't.  If you don't believe me ask my sister Jill. We laugh about it now!

These days I do everything in my power to NOT stop at those places. First, it is completely unhealthy and second completely processed.  Today for our road trip here are the healthy snacks I have packed.

1. Fried egg sandwich (good cold too plus the eggs are from our chickens)
2. Tomatoes with olive oil and salt and pepper
3. Steamed fresh green beans, they are also pretty good raw
4. Sweet cantaloupe for dessert!

Now you might ask, Sarah don't these get messy! I thought the same thing until someone told me to BRING TOOTHPICKS! Bloody brilliant I tell you! No messy hands! Just make sure you cut them enough to hold the toothpick utensil.

These will hopefully get us through our eight hour drive across Nebraska.  Along with some heated political discussion, trivial pursuit cards (such a fun way to pass time) and good old fashioned music.  I think more then anything I am excited for Jeremy and I to spend some quality time together.