Solo Time, a Dirt Moustache and Filthy Ankles

SO, I have this thing. This thing where I CRAVE alone time. I need it, I have to have it. The past 6 months have been wonderful – to be home with my boys. However, I am a true introvert through and through. People suck the life out of me. I don’t mean that in a bad way, but talking ALL day and night, wears the hell out of me. I can feel my nerves fraying, and patience flying out the door.

Besides, I just need a minute to not make my bed, spread my 50,000 toiletries all over the bathroom, watch whatever I want on Netflix and blast Adele in the car, guilt free.

With all these self-absorbed ideas in mind, I hopped on the computer and started researching…trying to stay in line with as much social distancing as possible and avoid I-70. I found this random little town called Lake George, Colorado – about 40 miles West of Colorado Springs. There are 4 things in Lake George: A general store, fly fishing shop, a hairdresser of all things, and a coffee shop. Oh, and a church. The other thing they have are ‘luxury’ cabins. If you blink, you may just drive right through town.

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The inside of the cabins are really sweet – rustic chic – the owners did a really nice job of upgrading them – I’d say a heated toilet seat is a luxury item in a town the size of Lake George. The only downside is that they are on a busy road….so, here I sit on a super cute paved patio drafting a blog post, with the roar of big trucks in the background. That’s ok, sitting on the grounds of the hotel is not the objective, I’m here to get out and get my ankles dirty.

This morning, I peeled myself out of bed and took a 4 wheel drive road, to where I wasn’t sure. The road got so bumpy, I hopped on my mountain bike and started exploring. Next thing I knew, I was on a smooth dirt road heading up into 11 Mile Canyon with the South Platte river leading the way. Apparently this place is a mecca for fly-fishing – it was GORGEOUS.

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Fishermen and women were all over the place (perfectly spaced), but it felt remote and peaceful. I still felt like I was doing something special and adventurous. Sure, there were big pickup trucks passing me by, kicking up dust, but I didn’t care. It was just me doing what I love best – exploring places never seen before. What is it about being close to water too? Water and mountains bring the stress levels down to nearly nothing.

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After a few hours of riding and on my way back to the Subie (my car), some 30 somethings stopped me to ask where the river was. Moments later, I wiped my slick upper lip with the neck of my t-shirt and off came a thick layer of dirt. Bugs and dirt were probably lodged in a few teeth too.

I say we should all strive for a dirt moustache and filthy ankles when exploring outdoors. Mission accomplished! (I went on a long hike too).

Tomorrow, I may find a place to paddleboard, or not, maybe I will stop at one of my all-time favorite hotels and get a facial.

All I know is this little adventure is what I needed to re-juice, re-set and feel human again.

…i choose this…

Pam