backpacking trip #2

West side of Pawnee pass

East side of Pawnee pass

 Overgrown trail full of wildflowers

Pawnee Lake

Sharing a few pictures from our backpacking trip in Indian Peaks last month. Oh. My. Gosh. This place has my heart! Hence why we got married here. It was so funny to walk past our ceremony spot just a few weekends later in completely opposite attire. I used the same port-a-potty that I used in my wedding dress. Special moment.

Up until Isabelle lake, it was rather an enjoyable stroll but of course the real climbing was just about to begin. As I was huffing and puffing up the side of the mountain, so many runners were passing me with ease and I felt pretty shitty. Once we finally got up to the pass at 12,550 feet, I was so relieved and was re-energized by the new landscape. It was so amazing (and really windy) up there!

Once we got to the lake we did have plans to carry on to Crater Lake but I was completely exhausted and we decided to stay at camp and relax for a while. The boys left to do some exploring while I sat on a comfy rock next to Pawnee Lake and worked on some knitting. Some much needed me and lake time.

I just can't describe really how regenerative this trip was. Even one night away from the regular world feels so good. We watched the sunset and waited for the stars to come out. I fell asleep quickly from having such an exciting day and woke up with the sun and felt anew. I did a little yoga and then enjoyed a nice cup of coffee, packed up and our tiny vacation was over. Writing this makes me itch for another backpacking excursion before winter! I need to get planning!