This Rock has a Hole in it: Moab: Part 3

There was one spot that we had set on seeing no matter how long it took while on this excursion:

Maroon Bells. One of the most iconic scenes within the entire state of Colorado, with the famous photograph being of these three mountain tops as the backdrop to this beautiful reflective lake and trees that are changing colors right in the beginning of autumn.

We knew we wouldn’t have time to see them the next day seeing as we had to drive back from Utah and make it back to Colorado before dawn hit the following day. So we made it our mission to get to Maroon Bells and capture about 1,000 photos right before sunset. This meant leaving Vail at around 3:30pm, we could make it around 6:30-7 with sunset being around 7:45pm. Talk about cutting it close.

I continued the drive there and to make this story short, we made it there by 7:06pm. We were jumping for joy, freezing, screaming, and running as fast as possible to those picturesque mountains. I wasn’t as intrigued by them as Justin was, but the minute I saw them, I couldn’t even believe what I was seeing. It literally felt as if I stepped inside my computer screen wallpaper (which, in a sense, I did) The mountaintops were topped with dusts of snow, the lake acted as a mirror reflecting the mountains perfectly, and the trees were just ever so slightly changing from green to yellow and red. We couldn’t get out our cameras fast enough. We took as many photos as humanly possible until the sun disappeared behind the mountains.  

Thus ended the adventure to Aspen and onto Moab we went!

After 2 rest stops, we arrived at the entrance to Arches National Park around 12:45am. The best part about that was because it’s after 8pm, we got to just go in for free. But it was so dark out, we could barely see anything driving up the winding road. All we could recognize were dark shadows towering over us as we drove by. We knew, even being hidden in the darkness, that we were surrounded by beauty.

Since it was so dark out, we couldn’t read any sign regarding where to camp, so we pulled off to the side of the road and decided to sleep in the car. Exhausted? Yes. Miss an opportunity to take long exposure photographs? Absolutely not! After about 2 hours of laughing hysterically while taking insane pictures in the middle of the road, we headed to bead.

The next day, we decided to wake up at 6am and drive to the nearest arch we could find and run to catch the sunrise. Even with a lack of sleep, we were ready to go. The first arch we came across was huge. Admit it, you’re thinking, “Wow, arches, how exciting. Rocks with a hole in it.” (“This cake has a hole in it” You better get the reference) I know that’s what you’re thinking because that’s what I thought. But comparing yourself to the size of these formations was like putting a pea next to an elephant. They were ENORMOUS! Just smooth rock all the way up and around. It reminded me of building blocks I had when I was little. It made me smile.

After sunrise, we went to the famous Garden that had the double arch along with at least 4 others. Justin and I decided to do a “short” hike, which actually turned into a 4 hour hike. It was the best mistake we could’ve made. The hike was incredible. I felt like I was in The Land Before Time. Standing atop these rock formations, being practically blown all over the place by the wind, knowing that one wrong step and, to be blunt, you would die. The double arch was extraordinary, just one arch on top of another, with brave people standing all the way on top. There was an arch that you can tell, one day soon, it’s going to collapse. You have to wonder how they formed. Why in this one spot, all of these arches originated? Just goes to show that nature is an incredible gift that many people don’t appreciate as much as they should.

 

The sign said it was difficult but come on, it never really is. So we continued on to do the loop trail and it definitely became extremely difficult. We had to traverse across a smooth rock where if you slipped, you were going down. Then came this traverse around a small body of water but if you slipped you went into that water, which honestly, I didn’t want to happen since I had my camera on me. That last traverse took us over a half hour to cross and it was only 20 feet long. For once, my climbing abilities came in handy. For once. I’ll be honest, for a while, I thought I was going to be stuck out there. I have a huge fear of falling and having to climb these massive rocks with no protection didn’t help whatsoever. In the end though, when we finished, we gave one another a huge high five and could proudly say we did the entire loop that not many people will even attempt, giving us the opportunity to see the double arch and all its glory, a rock that looked just like the Titanic, and these rows upon rows of thin slivers of rock that went on for miles. The unfortunate part was we used up all of our time. We wanted to continue on to the Delicate Arch but we had no time, so we drove instead and took a few photos before heading home.

 

Our Moab trip was extremely short, but what we accomplished in about 30 hours still blows my mind to this day. Those arches…..they were just rocks. But in a way, they were masterpieces. They make you think, they make you smile, they make you appreciate life. I’ve never experienced such a beautiful scene. It’s as if they were trying to tell you a story.

And their story, is what created my story that you are reading Right. This. Second.

 

Cool, huh?

 

Vail: Yeah....pt. 2

When I hear the words, “long drive,” all I can think about was that horrific and traumatizing drive from New Jersey to Colorado with my dad over the course of 28 hours. It was the middle of May and once we hit Ohio, it was below freezing, and by the time we arrived in the beautiful and colorful state of Iowa (as you should all know, I’m fibbing….a lot), it was hailing and the road was filled with reckless drivers alongside people who hated the state as much as we did, trying to escape.

This drive, however, completely wipes out all former views I had on the description of a long drive.

I decided to take the wheel. I don’t know why, he even offered to drive, but I was ready to drive this route so I could actually be able to say, “Oh, Utah? Yeah, I once drove 7 hours from Colorado to Moab just to sleep there for one night. It was wild”

The drive was flying by, and mostly because having a driving companion (Justin) there to constantly be talking to, blasting Backstreet Boys with, and dancing to “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, makes time seem non-existent. And because of this random trip, we really had no set schedule or plans for the ride up but we didn’t care whether we made it to Arches National Park by sunset or the middle of the night. Around 2:30pm, the sun was shining bright at a whopping 88 degrees and we were in the process of trying to determine where our first stop would be. What we needed was a sign. And about 1 mile later, there was a sign for Vail. Seemed like a valid sign to us. So off to Vail we went!

I have to tell you, Vail is beautiful in the winter. There is so much to do, the slopes (or so I’ve heard) are unbelievable and it’s a must-see in the winter. In the summer/fall? Not so much. It’s beautiful and everything, but there is NOTHING to do and it’s pretty dead.

Picture this: Remember Shrek? Remember when Shrek and Donkey had to go through Duloc and there was nothing going on? It was like no one knew about it and then at the information kiosk there were those puppets that would pop out of the clock and sing. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, follow this link to be well acquainted with one of the best scenes that has ever come out of that movie.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFMEblf0uIY

Well, Vail was EXACTLY like that. Just without the puppets. Well, who knows, maybe they were at the south entrance and we missed them.

Although it was empty, it still had picturesque views. The rolling hills of greenery in front mountains covered in snow. It was like seeing two seasons at once. For the first hour we wandered the small but quaint town, trying to learn how to use my big girl camera and then decided to go find food. What surprised me the most was that Vail looked exactly like Germany. The architecture was similar to that I saw in Germany when I spent a few days in Munich. Very castle-esque with potted flowers hanging from the rooftops and balconies of the surrounding hotels and restaurants. There was not a bland site to be seen. The flowers were so perfectly placed that it was as if they bought the building with the flowers included.

 

 

 

After we wandered and marveled at the beauty that we were being engulfed by, we realized we needed to eat before we cried. (Seriously) So we ended up getting sushi and I’m not going to bore you with my food experience (although that is what my Instagram is for), but the sushi chef was incredibly generous and gave us a free roll of sashimi and Mochi for dessert and we talked to him about buying a new camera. It was a fun little surprise that was the perfect ending to Vail.

 

 

And the adventure continues….

30 Hours, 2 States, 1 Car, 0 Hospital Visits. Part 1

Who likes planned trips? But really. Who does? Who really enjoys making an itinerary? And if you read this and say, "I do," then close this tab because I don't like you and you're ruining the entire premise behind this blog post.

Now, for those that are still reading. (hey ma, hey dad), what makes a spontaneous trip that much better? I'll tell you what. The fact that nothing can go wrong. Whatever happens, happens. Nothing that occurs for the duration of that adventure was planned, so in theory, nothing can happen the way it should or shouldn't have happened. It gives you the opportunity to think on your feet.

For example, "Oh, we ran out of gas in the middle of the desert? Well, that's okay because we had no set plans. We will just hitchhike. Perfect. I'm so glad we didn't make a strict itinerary."

Now, I know what you're thinking. Who doesn't pick up gas before they go into the desert and who is that calm? Well, it's a good thing it's just an example. But you catch my drift.

Let's set the scene, shall we?

Wednesday Night: (Conversation between me and my friend Justin)

Me: Hey! What are you doing tonight through Friday! I don't work!
Justin: Hey! I have a job interview tomorrow at 9 :( But I'm free after!
Me: I was going to say lets go to Utah tonight but I understand! Lets plan to hike Mt. Lincoln (a 14er in CO for those who don't know) and do something else!
Justin: Perfect! I'm so down. Lets figure out all the details once you pick me up.

(Yes, there were that many exclamation marks were used. No exaggeration for the purpose of this post)

Thursday:
When I went to pick up Justin, the weather was dreadful. The overcast was pretty much saying, "Go home Emily. Go have some hot chocolate in that Snuggie that you never use and watch movies" But I proceeded to get him and when we met, we discussed the horrendous weather and decided to go to his apartment to figure out another plan of action. After 2 hours of discussing travel plans, listening to Florence and the Machine, and casually watching YouTube videos of Amy Winehouse performing "Valerie," we noticed that the weather was not supposed to clear up until a after the trip was going to be over. Which sucked. The only place that looked nice was southern Colorado and Utah. Both anywhere from 5-7 hours away. At this point it was already 11:30 on Thursday and I had to be home by Friday night around 9.

In comes conversation number 2. (in person)

Me: So, what's our plan now? Mt. Lincoln?
Justin: I don't know, the weather looks pretty bad.
Me: Yeah, Utah and Glenwood Springs look to have the best weather. But I thought we decided not to go to Utah?
Justin: I know haha, but should we just do it?
Me: Drive all the way to Utah to see the Arches!? In a day!?
Justin: Yeah....? Should we? Is that crazy?
Me: It is. But why not?
Justin: Lets shoot for trying to see Maroon Bells at sunset, maybe hike it in the morning and if it looks bad, we will just head to Utah?
Me: Lets just get in the car before we end up staying in Denver haha. Regardless, we have to go West. We will figure it out as we go, but for now, lets make Utah our ultimate destination.
Justin: Sounds good! I love that you're down for an adventure like this. We will be great friends.
Me: Me too! This is the beginning to a beautiful friendship.

Okay, so I don't really remember how that conversation ended, but we definitely said those words at some point during the trip. So it counts.

I remember exactly, my dashboard in my car said it was 12:12 (really 11:46am, my clock is REALLY fast),

Next thing you know, we are on Route 70 West.

Cue the adventure.

Escaping Reality for a New Adventure

….Close your eyes.                     

Take a deep breath.

Clear your mind.

Open your eyes again….

For a split second, the corners of your mouth start to rise without you even noticing. Your eyes are slightly squinting, and you feel like there is no weight on your shoulders. That’s how you know you’re at a peaceful state of mind.

Now, I like to think that there is something everyone can do that brings you back to that peaceful state time and time again. For some, it’s writing, others, it’s working out, cooking, reading, knitting, or even the simple act of petting your cat or dog. But me? I’ve been doing a lot of self-examining lately and trying to really comprehend what exactly it is that puts me in that state. That mindset of pure happiness and allowing myself to let go of everything that’s starting to become a burden on me.

And I’ve come across a couple of observations:

1.       If I’m in a room with another person and I have to be quiet, my breathing becomes heavy and rapid.

2.       I thoroughly enjoy conversations with anyone that does not live in this country.

3.       I love to write, in every form.

4.       Exploring is one of my favorite activities. It doesn’t have to be somewhere extravagant. And I usually prefer doing it alone or with someone who is truly interested.

5.       My love for cooking and blogging has slowly been deteriorating and I’m letting people’s opinions affect me and my life choices.

For once, I truly believe I have figure out where I need to be right now and five years from now. I started to think about when in life I was the most content; feeling blessed, captivated; like, I was flying high above the clouds. Almost surreal.

And then I remembered: Florence. When I lived in Italy for 5 months for school, it was pure magic. It was like living inside of a dream. Being able to wake up, explore he city, grab fresh pasta or a glass of wine, and talking to the locals. The multitude of opportunities to hop on a bus, train, boat, or plane and go explore another area of the country or even continent. It was such an experience that, to this day, doesn’t even seem like it happened at all. The fact that I rode ATVs all over Greece, that I drank beer at Oktoberfest with the locals, that I made chocolate with one of the most looked up to chocolatiers in Italy. Those opportunities are not given to everybody. They’re extremely rare and I got to be a part of every single one of them.

That’s when I knew.

Travel.

Anywhere.

Now.

Tomorrow.

Yesterday?

Write.

About everything.

Every experience.

Every moment.

That’s You.

Now Go.

 

I’ve figured it out. I’ve finally discovered what exactly it is I like to do. I love to write, about everything, but mainly travel. The thought that I am sucking somebody into my story as if bringing them there with me is just as good as actually being there. I get to share my story and experiences with those that don’t have the chance to do so themselves. I think that’s beautiful. The ability to share your life with people all around the world and bring them with you along for the journey. It’s as if you’re never alone.

Which is what brings me back to my list. Everything lines up exactly. I love to be alone. To do things the way I intended without anyone interrupting. But I also like to share those times with people after I’ve actually done them. I thoroughly enjoy talking to people from all over because they give me ideas for when I ever choose to travel. I love to write about anything and everything, especially when I was abroad because it was something different with an adventure every day. And that’s when everything finally clicked.

I need to travel. I need to somewhere. Anywhere. I can’t sit still. I’m a nomad. And that’s why I’m going on this trip. I finally decided to stop making excuses, stop listening to people that weren’t myself, and book a flight to Europe for 5 weeks. I know, that this is the beginning. To know that I’m upset over the fact I can only see 7 countries during this trip helps me even more realize that traveling is what I’m meant to do. I understand that traveling in itself isn’t really a profession, but you can make anything you are passionate about into a profession and that’s what I intend to do. It may mean me working in a restaurant or a cubicle for the next 10 years while I figure it out, but it’s going to happen, and I refuse to ever believe that my passion won’t become a reality.

So this is the beginning to another adventure, to my future, and the rest of my life.

Cheers.