After our first backpacking trip was cancelled due to flash floods in Georgia, and our second was called off due to my broken shoulder, we were determined that we were going to get out in the woods while we were in Colorado this summer. And so, after a year of planning, it actually happened!

Even better, we got to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world with some of our dear friends. Colorado is our happy place (after our garden, of course) and I don’t think we could have picked a more incredible backdrop to introduce the girls to backpacking. Day-hiking is fun as well, and we did lots of smaller hikes, including a revisit to Devil’s Thumb. But there is just something about strapping everything you need to survive for a few days on your back that makes me love backpacking more.

And I’m happy to report that the girls enjoyed it as well. I’m sure their legs and back were as sore as mine were, but for their first trip, they were troopers. Given that we are all used to the air at our Florida elevation, breathing at 9000 feet was a little harder than we were all used to.

We found a campsite not far from a picturesque creek and enjoyed an evening staring at the mountains and tracking a mule deer that was grazing around the area. We made lots of great memories, ate jellybeans, spilled dinner, mis-measured dessert and had to call our trip a little early due to thunderstorms coming in the next day, but we did it. We went backpacking. And along with those memories, I hope the girls are armed with a renewed sense of confidence and sense of accomplishment. They can hike into the woods, carrying the gear they need, and make it back out again. We’re already planning our next trip.

Don’t forget to RSVP for the upcoming Plants and Pets event. We’re excited to see you and your furry friends for a morning to learn all about how plants and pets can work together. There will also be cold treats for sale, a free photo booth, and gift card raffles. Can’t wait to see you.