Week 2 - From Colorado’s Peaks to Concert Beats: Embracing the Unpredictable on the Road
From the dizzying heights of Colorado's mountain trails to the familial warmth of Denver and the spine-tingling melodies at Red Rocks, Week 2 was as much about exploration as it was about connection. As we head towards the majestic landscapes of Glacier National Park, join us in reflecting on the journey so far in this latest blog post.
High Spirits, High Mountains, and High Notes: A Rollercoaster Ride of Experiences and Emotions
The vast expanse of the Roosevelt National Forest greeted us on our second week. We challenged ourselves to scale the trails of Taylor Mountain and Big John Mountain, two paths filled with hidden wonders and demanding inclines. The trails were not perfectly marked, whispering hints of wildness and untouched beauty. From the lush undergrowth to breathtaking panoramas, every step felt like a discovery. Zooey, our faithful companion, made some four-legged friends along the way.
Just shy of the Big John Mountain summit, we were compelled to retreat - a testament to the swift and unpredictable temperament of the highlands weather. The clouds, heavy with anticipation, quickly spilled over into a storm. We escaped to Fort Collins and sought shelter at the familiar New Belgium Brewing, a spot Lauren and I had visited in the summer of 2014. As we relished our post-hike beers, we watched the rain cleanse the city from the comfort of the patio.
After the storm, the skies unfurled in an ethereal dance of pinks and purples. It was a spectacle that stained everything with a surreal, intense hue. It was as if the world was donning a soft filter, reminding us of the transcendent beauty that lies at the end of a storm.
On Monday, we embraced a slower pace, savoring our morning coffee with the last views of the ridge line. It was a much-needed pause, a gentle interlude in our otherwise packed journey.
Our next destination was Denver, a haven for rest, recovery, and most importantly, family. Lauren's sister, her husband, and their adorable son have been residents of Denver for over a decade. It felt comforting to step into their world, replete with familial warmth and laughter. The days spent together gave us a refreshing break from our travel routine, and time to relish the simple joys. Cooking together, exchanging stories, and watching the dogs tire each other out.
Denver was the stage for a momentous event we had been eagerly anticipating - seeing Lord Huron perform live at Red Rocks. Our first dance as a married couple was to their tune, 'End of the Earth.' It was a deeply moving experience, standing under the spotty sky, intermittently punctuated by raindrops and harmonious notes. The concert was a celebration of creativity and passion, a reminder of the contagious energy of artists who are in love with their craft.
Despite the allure of Denver and the warmth of family, our journey beckoned. With our hearts filled with fresh memories and anticipation, we packed up and set our sights north. Our destination? Glacier National Park. We were excited, knowing that the road, our home, our playground, awaited us with the promise of more unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas.
Stay tuned for more tales from the road in the next chapter of our Viewfinder Diaries!
Week 1: Kicking Off Our Road Trip Adventure - From Minneapolis to Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest
Embark on an extraordinary journey with us as we set off from Minneapolis, traversing through mesmerizing landscapes and iconic locations. From serene nights at Lakefield, MN to breathtaking views at Custer State Park and ending the week at the stunning Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado. Experience the joys, challenges, and unique moments of our first week living a nomadic lifestyle, travelling with our Aliner Travel Trailer and capturing beautiful memories through the lens of adventure lifestyle photography. Join us on this unforgettable journey
A-liner Evolution and "Babe" our 4Runner SR5 tucked away in the mountains of Northern Colorado.
Hello, world! It's been a whirlwind of a week since we left the comforting familiarity of Minneapolis, MN, embarking on a journey that will change our lives forever. From our small, quaint beginnings of our home in Minneapolis to finally getting a taste of living on the road, we have already learned a lot!
Lauren overlooking a beautiful lake in Custer State Park with a hazy sky from the Canadian Wildfires.
We set off from home on the 20th of May, our hearts filled with both excitement and nervousness. As we packed the last of our belongings, hugged our friends and family goodbye, there was an undeniable sense of embarking on something extraordinary. Our first stop was the Sandy Point County Park in Lakefield, MN, a peaceful little sanctuary nestled by South Heron Lake. The quiet and serene atmosphere was a perfect start for our journey.
A seemingly endless gravel road through nomads land in Nebraska by the Oglala National Grassland.
After a restful first night, we made the ambitious trek to South Dakota's iconic Custer State Park. Driving our trusty 4runner SR5, lovingly named "Babe," with the Aliner Travel Trailer in tow was a challenge. However, a quick pit stop in Chamberlain, SD, allowed us to stretch our legs at Roam Free Park and fuel ourselves with a delicious lunch.
Arriving at Custer State Park felt surreal. A slight haze hung in the air from distant wildfires, yet it didn't deter the charm of our temporary home. We camped at the Stockade South campground, a stone's throw away from the mesmerizing lake. One of our standout moments from Custer was undoubtedly the Lover's Leap hike. The wildfire haze was starting to lift, revealing breathtaking views that made for fantastic photography. As an adventure lifestyle photographer, I relished the opportunity to capture such landscapes. Another highlight? My day spent fly fishing on French Creek, followed by a delectable dinner of fire-roasted salmon and vegetables.
The View from the top of Lover's Leap trail in Custer State Park. Tall pines off in the distance during golden hour with the slight haze of the Canadian Wildfire smoke.
The road beckoned again, and we found ourselves heading towards Cheyenne, WY. A scenic work stopover at J.H. Keith Cascade Falls Picnic Area in Hot Springs, SD, provided Lauren the peace to finish her workday amidst curious onlookers amused by our off-the-grid setup. Following a longer than anticipated drive through the unknown, we arrived at the Last Chance Camp in Cheyenne. Our stay was punctuated by an exhilarating hike at Curt Gowdy State Park, chased by storm clouds and hail. And of course, we couldn’t forget those mouthwatering tacos from Best Tacos y Burritos la Paz - easily some of the best I've ever had!
Our last leg for the week brought us to the stunning Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado. Perched atop a ridgeline, our campsite offered awe-inspiring views of the valley and distant mountain ranges. Despite sporadic afternoon storms, our spirits remained undeterred. With Denver on the horizon, we’re excited to visit family, catch a Lord Huron concert, and keep embracing the unknown.
Lauren and Zooey standing on the overlook while admiring the view of our campsite in the Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest up in the Colorado Rockies.
Stay tuned to follow us as we continue our journey, living out of our Aliner Travel Trailer, capturing breathtaking landscapes, and creating unforgettable memories. If you're intrigued by a nomadic lifestyle, photography, or just love a good old adventure, this blog is for you! Join us on our journey, from Minnesota and beyond. Until next time!
Our A-liner Evolution and “Babe” 4Runner SR5 tucked away in the woods in the Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest up in the Colorado Rockies.