This Texan can’t get enough of Colorado; there’s always more to see and do. The Swede (aka my daughter-in-law:) has missed the biggest Swedish celebration of the year since moving to the US a decade ago. Just another wonderful surprise from the state of Colorado, Swedish folks playing out their favorite tradition. There were gnomes, flowered wreaths for the hair, accordion players, and best of all the maypole raising. According to the Swede it is actually mostly a celebration of fertility in what passes for summer in Sweden. Legend has it, after the maypole has been raised, the partiers head for the closest lake, strip down, and enjoy a chilly dip in the buff! Colorado cooperated with traditional temps in the 40’s and a bit of rain to make the nordic folks feel at home. It did make us feel grateful for every moment of sunshine.

Matt surprised us with a nice brick mountain weekend cabin, where even dachshunds are allowed. Of course we had to make full use of the amazing mountain trails of the Rockies. The first trail took us to the top of an old rock fort overlooking the city of Estes Park. The vantage point of Fort Collins was obvious, as you peered from the open air window you could easily imagine guarding the area from the British, Indians, Confederate soldiers, and maybe even useful as a great natural deer stand. Moose and elk were everywhere, which this Texan found amazing. The wildlife was the draw that encouraged this old beachcomber to clamber up the ever steeper mountain trails.

The Gem Lake Trail will never be forgotten for several reasons. It was a two-mile hike ascending over 1.000 feet to the top. This may not sound all that impressive if you’re the typical Colorado mountain goat, but it was a heart-stopper for this island-dweller. To make it more challenging, the temps were in the 40’s and the rain turned to hail on the descent. Being from Texas, of course I brought my hiking shorts and t-shirt for warm weather comfort. On the way down my upper legs turned beet red and I pretty much lost the feeling in them until they thawed out in the truck. Worth every minute in retrospect. Number one, I can say I did it:) Number two, my iWatch exercise ring closed twice; and number three I found out that my Swedish daughter-in-law laughs uncontrollably whenever things get a little hairy, just to keep our spirits up. I wouldn’t miss that for the world.