rocky mountain high

While this past weekend’s trip to Denver was short, it was oh. so sweet. On Saturday, my friend Camille and I made the 1.5 hour trip from Denver to Estes Park, Colorado to spend some time in the mountains. Funnily enough, I grew up going to Estes Park with my family during the summers leading up to high school! It was so fun seeing the little town I’d made lots of memories in once again.

We filled up with a yummy breakfast at Claire’s (I had the fried rainbow trout, believe it or not) before heading to horseback ride at Sombrero Ranch. We had a lovely, 2 hour ride through some beautiful, peaceful scenery. Want to know what wasn’t peaceful? At one point Camille’s horse literally stopped and decided to sit down… with her on his back! Needless to say, lots of laughs were provided at her expense. Thanks, Camille! (And your horse, Brains!)

We had a couple hours to kill before our second activity of the day, so we spent some time wandering through the precious main street in town. There were lots of quirky t-shirt shops, an old time candy store and a yummy local coffee place we grabbed some hot chocolate at. Much to my surprise and immense happiness, it even began to snow a little!

The time finally came for our second activity… a wildlife tour through Rocky Mountain National Park. This was absolutely my favorite part of the day. We loaded into what looked like a window-lined Humvee, which provided nearly 360 degree views all around! For the next 3 hours, our friendly Australian guide toured us through some of the prettiest stops in the national park. We saw everything from wide open planes to snowy slopes… and had the best time running around like 7 year olds at each, simply enjoying being outside.

One of my favorite memories from this tour was as we began to head back down the mountain after reaching the highest point on our tour. With the beautiful scenery all around us, our tour guide played “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver and since I absolutely adore anything cheesy, I thought this touch was utterly magical. You know those moments when you feel perfectly, completely, entirely happy? That was one.

While no picture could ever do justice to the incredible creation we saw this weekend, we captured a few nonetheless! I thought I’d share them with y’all today. They’re not the posed, “put together” photos you’re used to seeing here – rather, a few snapshots of our fun-filled time in the mountains. (Which honestly, I prefer to the posed.) See if you can spot the elk! And if you scroll to the end, you’ll find a bit of video I managed to catch from the moment I described just above.

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This time in the Lord’s incredible creation did my heart good, y’all. I’m feeling refreshed, thankful, and dying to get back to Colorado soon! While I was there, soaking in the views, this verse became real to me in a new way… thought I’d share!

“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

It was surreal to look up at the huge mountains all around me, and realize that they’ll leave before God’s love for you or I does. That is a big, huge, strong love, y’all. Bigger and stronger than you’ll find from anyone or anything else on this earth. What joy!

Love from Texas,

Kate

P.S. Speaking of horseback riding, something exciting is happening today! I grew up spending nearly every Saturday at the barn, and after a few years of not riding due to being away at college, I’m finally starting back up again. I have missed this favorite hobby of mine so, so incredibly much, and couldn’t be more excited to literally get back in the saddle again. If you live in Dallas and see a girl waddling around tomorrow afternoon, it’s definitely not me…

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18 Comments

  1. You look so happy Kate! xo

    http://www.aimeroseblog.com

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  2. Paula said:

    This is adorable. You had so many fun things planned for your trip. I would love to do the tour through the park. I am so glad you had fun with your friend and rainbow trout sounds delicious.

    Paula- http://www.livingpaula.com

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  3. These pictures are absolutely stunning! Colorado is such a fun and beautiful place to visit. I’m glad you had such a great tim! Thanks for sharing:)

    xo
    http://www.charltonlee.com

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  4. Meredith said:

    Oh this looks like an amazing trip! Would be worth the trip out from NC! We had a connecting flight at Denver and talked about actually coming back to visit!

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  5. Aubrey said:

    I love horseback riding! Have fun :)

    xx. The Coastal Confidence
    http://the-coastalconfidence.com/

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  6. Sara Kate said:

    You guys are adorable!! What an amazing trip. Thank you so much for sharing!

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  7. This looks like so much fun!! I had been considering taking a short trip out to Denver since plane tickets there are CRAZY cheap right now, maybe I’ll finally do it!!

    http://www.lonestarlauren.com

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  8. Brandye said:

    You are a treasure. My daughter, a Baylor Kappa, suggested I follow you on Instagram about a year ago. Then I decided to check your blog from time to time. I pray wonderful things continue for you.

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  9. It really looks like fun! Beautiful!

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  10. Kathryn said:

    This looks like such a beautiful backdrop! Your trip sounds amazing.

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.chicandshimmer.com

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  11. I hope you had a great time.
    http://dressmecasual.blogspot.com.eg/?m=1

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  12. Sarah said:

    How beautiful! I love the pictures you took of the trip, Kate. It makes me wanna visit, too!

    Cheers, Sarah | http://www.thebellainsider.com

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  13. You look so happy! Estes Park is one of my favorite places on earth. I worked at the YMCA of the Rockies there a few summers back when I was in school! Hope you make it back soon!

    Love from Florida, Olivia

    Published 2.23.16 · Reply
  14. Yay for starting up horseback riding again Kate!! Horses are such a joy and riding is so freeing! Love those shots you took of God’s amazing creation, so beautiful! I went with my dad up to Estes Park last year and it’s gorgeous up there.

    Thanks for sharing!
    xo
    Hannah Kate

    Published 2.24.16 · Reply
  15. nadin said:

    love Denver!
    killthemwithchic.com

    Published 2.25.16 · Reply
  16. had fun.

    Published 2.25.16 · Reply
  17. Katie said:

    Wow! Looks so gorgeous and like y’all had a great time!

    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

    Published 2.25.16 · Reply