Travel Diary: Arapaho National Forest | Grand Lake, Colorado
“Faeries, come take me out of this dull world, For I would ride with you upon the wind,
Run on the top of the dishevelled tide, And dance upon the mountains like a flame.”
September found a way of creeping up again. Last month was my birthday month, and I'll be honest, I'm having these moments of hyper awareness of time passing as I get a little older each year. The hyper awareness shows up the most during high anxiety times.
For me those occur a. when I'm on an airplane (for a girl who for travels for a living I know that's weird) and b. when I can't see what's on the figurative horizon.
The timing of getting moved into our new Nashville house, and travels and deadlines meant that I spent my actual birthday day - early in August - on an 8 hour solo drive. I actually love those. Being in the car, on the road is a great space for inner mind settling.
2 weeks post birthday landed me in Rocky Mountain National Park, a few days after Ben's Red Rock's show and something occurred to me:
As each birthday passes I'm finding my heart roots further in nature: fireside storytelling, brooding rainfall and misty mountain summits. I've always loved a wild child good time (ask my friend Lauren about the birthday party I had complete with a tattoo artist a few years ago), however equally lately, I love little moments of sanctuary style celebrations as much. These forest vagabond adventures are truly the best way to reset.
We took these photos on an afternoon hike, Ben and I, the crystal clear lake and something like a million trees towering over us in the Arapaho National Forest.
The Arapaho Forest is named for the tribe of Native Americans which inhabited the Colorado Eastern Plains. When traveling I like to research the history of a place. Seek out the off grid bohemians to gain a local perspective on the ancient traditions.
Keep close to nature's heart and break clear away once in a while ... wash your spirit clean. - John Muir
I find traveling the National Parks - this is our 8th one this year - has given me a renewed sense of connection that I didn't know I was missing. It's the 100 year anniversary of our park system and I highly recommend getting out there when you can. This week I'll be sharing additional views from our Colorado adventures and a few travel hacks I've learned along the way too.
I promise to get caught up on all the summer trips soon. My book is finally submitted (!!!) so it's time I share those stories with you.
My sweet Ben, my traveling and life soul partner.
Have a wonderful Sunday you guys. Thanks for coming by!
xoxo,
Andi
Sweater c/o GG Boutique, Tunic by Wildfox Couture, Bag c/o Hobo Original, Boots by Timberland