Until Next Time, CO...

My final week in Colorado was stressful to say the least. Moving is anything but simple. Nevertheless, I carved out time to visit my favorite people and places--including Cheesman Park, the Botanic Gardens, and Red Rocks.

I was touched on my last day of work when my boss surprised me with a vegan cake. That weekend, Bri met me for brunch at Sputnik on South Broadway. She has played a significant role as both mentor and friend.

The vegan crew rendezvoused for the weekly buffet at Tsao Tsing, happy hour at Avanti, and finally a party at Jake's house (who happens to be embarking on an adventure of his own). My life in Denver has changed this year because of the sense of community that I have found in Jake, Sarah, Lexi, Anna, Jennifer, Jordan, and Steven.

My Colorado brewery list officially rests at #79 after hitting Oskar Blues Brewery downtown, Sanitas Brewing Co. in Boulder, and Wibby Brewing in Longmont--which hosted the first vegan food truck rally to support Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary.

After one too many heart-wrenching goodbyes, I managed to pack up Little Red (yes, my entire life fits in a Kia Rio) and bid farewell to my 300 square-foot shoebox apartment on Corona Street. It was finally time to trade in my memorable time in the mountains for new adventures in the Pacific Northwest.

Moving to Denver after pharmacy school was the best decision that I could have made. Initially, I thought that it would be a brief stepping stone to the next chapter (i.e., military). Life threw a curveball, however, which then shifted my trajectory and extended my stay. Two and a half years later, Denver has served as the arena where I developed passions for plant-based nutrition and meditation; where I learned to adapt to unforeseen changes and to persevere; where I gained an appreciation for service and community. Every bone in my body will miss running up 14,000' peaks in my free time--hiking mountains is what I did this summer. But above all, I dread the thought of no longer being a bike ride away from my sister.

With a million reasons to stay, this would clearly be the easier (and safer) decision. The only other time that I've felt such sadness to leave a place was during my semester in Granada, Spain. However, if I hadn't left Granada, I would not have discovered Denver. With this notion in mind, paired with a deep yearning for change, I want to move on now before I get too comfortable. While I would be lucky to plant roots in Colorado someday, I am itching to intimately connect with more places and seek out new adventures while I still can. The only thing more difficult than leaving is staying. 

I will close with a sincere expression of gratitude for the many good graces that were sent my way in Colorado. I feel truly grateful for the experience, and for the privilege to move cities by my own accord. Though I may be a wanderer, I take pride in remembering where I come from. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family for their unconditional love and support during this challenging transition. Family is everything.

...stay tuned for my new blog as I chronicle the next chapter in Oregon!

Mt. Belford

My last 14er of the season (#15 total) was Mt. Belford in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. The Northwest Ridge approach is a Class 2 hike that gains 4,500' over 8 miles.

I left Denver at 2am last Tuesday, making the well-traveled 2.5 hour drive west, 20 miles south of Leadville. This was my second time to the Missouri Gulch trailhead, the first being my climb to Missouri Mountain a few weeks earlier.

From the parking area (9,650' with temps in the high 30s), I started down the Missouri Gulch Trail at 5am. The first part of the trail through steep forest was all too familiar (even in the dark) up until the trail junction at 11,600'. The path to Missouri continues to the right while the Mt. Belford Trail turns left. Looking up at Belford, the amount of work ahead is obvious: 2,300' gain up to the ridge.

Fortunately, the trail is solid all the way to the summit. Switchbacks ease the steep incline.

From a flat spot near 13,900', the summit is not far away though not yet visible.

The final steep section eventually eases towards the summit.

A rugged, yellow rock forms the summit block of Mt. Belford at 14,197'. The spectacular vistas of the Sawatch Range include neighbor 14ers, Missouri Mountain and Mt. Oxford.

Mt. Oxford, would have been a relatively easy addition to my hike (extra 3 miles over 1,300'). However, I ultimately decided against it due to weather. With 10-15 mph winds and storms in the forecast--and having been caught in a brief but strong rainfall at treeline--I could not justify the risk. I was also the only person on the summit at the time. So I snapped my photos, bid a "catch ya next time" to Mt. Oxford, and headed back down the mountain.

The temperature had warmed to the low 50s, but the fast-moving clouds remained ominous. Nevertheless, I passed a few hikers on their ascent as I retreated to the safety of treeline. To my surprise, the aspen trees had already begun (though just barely) their annual transformation to gold.









I arrived back at the trailhead at 11am, for a speedy 6-hour round trip. My heart sank on the drive home as I considered the very real possibility that this would be my final drive home through my beloved mountains...

Mt. Massive

At last, my fourteenth 14er! The victim? Mt. Massive. Located in the Sawatch Range just south of Leadville, the second highest mountain in Colorado is just 12' shorter than its neighbor, Mt. Elbert. While the East Slopes approach is more common, I opted for the shorter (and steeper) route via the Southwest Slopes. This Class 2 hike covers 3950' over 7.25 miles. Unfortunately, Little Red couldn't make it all the way to the N. Halfmoon Creek trailhead on the 4WD road, which added an extra 2.5 miles each way.

Jake and I left Denver at 2am on Wednesday, taking the familiar I-70 Corridor 2.5 hours west. We layered up and set off at 5am (temps in the high 30s). After the unexpected 2.5-mile walk along the road, we arrived at the trailhead at last. Up next was another mile of easy trail through the forest. We switched off our headlamps as we entered a meadow.

Turing right at the trail junction (11,200'), we began the ascent, climbing first through a large boulder field. Afterwards, the terrain becomes more difficult. The rocky trail zigzags toward the ridge at a steep incline.

Above 14,000', the endless switchbacks get closer together.



Atop the ridge and past the junction with the East Slopes trail, the final push weaves up through the rocks to reach easier terrain on the ridge crest. One false summit and a short drop to a saddle later, and the true summit lies ahead at 14,421'.

The uncrowded summit offers stellar alpine views of Mt. Elbert and La Plata Peak (both of which I've completed!). Slightly hazy from the fires, the panoramas were nevertheless breathtaking.


























With comfortable temperatures in the low 50s and mild wind, I could hardly complain about the weather. A mix of clouds also added an extra dimension to the scenery.

Jake and I treaded carefully on the steep descent, finally reaching the car at 2pm--over 12 miles in 9 hours. Needless to say, our dogs were barking. Taking into account the extra mileage (and the fact that this was Jake's first 14er), the route is usually doable in about 6 hours. I would be curious to try the alternate routes to the summit, but for now, mission accomplished!







On August 10th, I lost a very special friend from high school. Sam, just 26 years old, was in his third year of medical school with a promising future ahead. Aside from his many talents, I was always drawn to his kind heart, humility, and sense of humor. I would like to take this moment to honor his memory and wish healing upon his family. Rest easy, Sam.