It’s turning cool here in Colorado, so we need to squeeze in more hiking trips to the big mountains before the snow hits hard. Today we’re off to St. Mary’s Glacier, though there’s no longer any glacier to be found. It’s still plenty beautiful.

Jeff and Eileen are visiting from Tucson and staying at Aaron and Lindsey’s new home down in Lone Tree. Jeff is turning 79 in a couple of days and nothing could be better than seeing our family today. Jeff is a big fan of Coors, and the one that introduced me to a six-pack back in high school shipped direct from Colorado. Thanks for a great dinner and sharing family time with us. ...

Another great hike with Charlotte at one of her favorite spots in the mountains. Today we’re hiking the Coyote and Mule Deer trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Peak fall was probably last weekend, but there are still come great aspen stands showing off their colors.

Today I had a great hike in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. I started on the Horseshoe Trail up to Fraser Meadow. First I have to say - I love, love, love Fraser Meadow in the fall for the aspens, and the middle of winter for the snow beauty. Then I went to the Mule Deer Trail up to Black Bear Trail and back. I was lucky to see a bull moose first thing. He surprised me coming right down the trail, so I took a quick picture while I scrambled up off the trail to get away from his path. ...

Usually I get dropped off for a bike ride on the Eagle River Cutoff, but today I’m hiking with Charlotte. The Monk Trails take us along pretty paths that lead down the Jacob’s Creek gorge to the waterfalls and the Jampot. The Jampot is literally jammed with people, so no brandy-soaked treats for us. It’s back up the gorge and over to the ruins around the old Arnold mine. The monks left us lots of cute little benches to enjoy on our stroll through the woods. ...

Some of the best trails in the area are up in Hancock at Maasto Hihto & Churning Rapids. It’s getting to the end of our time in Bootjack, so I’m trying to get in a few more hikes with Charlotte before we leave. This area is pretty awesome for year round hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. It’s certainly making me think of bringing a gravel or mountain bike up next year. ...

I’ve ridden my bike up and down Bootjack Road so many times over the years. I have come to know every horrible bump, pothole, and crack along with the pain of struggling home after getting totally beat up and worn out. I’ve also come to know all the cottages and family names that have made this area their home across many generations. I love the tradition for many homes to hang a family name sign along the road. These signs have shown me the way home and given me support as I push through the pain to complete those last 10 miles or so. I know that a cozy cottage on the lake is waiting for me along with the family I’ve loved for so many years. ...

We get some pretty rip roaring storms up in Bootjack. Other times we just get some great winds and waves that make for fun watching. Every once in a while there’s a great mixture of sun and storm that gives us a spectacular full rainbow. I’m pretty sure there’s a pot of gold, or at least a nice school of walleyes at the ends of this baby.

Walking back after some quality dock stub (nub) time, Gordy asks if we’ve seen the butterflies. I did spot one near the lake, but we head to the garden in front of his house. The Ligularia flowers are fading, but the Monarch butterflies sure seem to love them. There are tons of flowers and they’re mostly covered by a ton of butterflies. I wonder how many are headed to our old home in Santa Cruz to nest in Natural Bridges for the winter after stopping here to refuel. ...

Today is an incredibly special day for Gabe, Laini, our families, and friends. This is the day that Gabriel Multer and Alaini Ritsch join their lives together. We are so excited to be a part of their happiness along with so many people we love. They are a very special couple, and I know so many great things lay ahead for them. It wouldn’t be Gabe if he didn’t have some crazy idea for something fun with his groomsmen. The swords were definitely a great touch. The bridesmaids are looking beautiful. ...