Four Calling Birds

 On the fourth day of Christmas, we decided we needed a getaway.

We've been in Colorado for six full months, but we've seen precious little of the landscape. We've been to Denver and Springs, and to a couple of parks in Pueblo, but we haven't wandered. And in the six years we spent in southwestern Virginia, we did very little exploring. I think I have a fear of the car breaking down in the middle of nowhere. But this fear meant a smaller world in Virginia, and I'm determined to make the most of our time in Colorado. We need to live more.

So we made the one hour trip south to Lathrop State Park, to find another landscape.

I love this accidental shot from the car. We entered anyway.

One of the two lakes at the park

 I was reluctant for so many reasons to go on this hike. I'd been tired since Christmas. It's been a long while since our kids took a long walk, and it seemed certain they'd whine and drag their feet the whole way. And the weather, while not terribly cold, was brutally windy.

All my worries disappeared within minutes of starting to walk. The wind died down, and we were like deer on the heights. It's a treat to walk in such new landscapes, in the dry, invigorating desert air. We saw snow on cacti and yucca, and mesas, lakes and snow-capped mountains formed an improbably and gorgeous background.

The main attraction: The Spanish Peaks

Greenhorn Mountain

I look old, but feel young

Jon took this through his binoculars!

 We did a 2.6 mile loop, plus a short dash up a second hill to get the view again. This is not a rigorous hike for adults, but my short-legged five year old was struggling a bit toward the end. Nevertheless, there was zero whining and no request to be carried, from anyone (even me).

 Exhilarating views, exercise, and sunshine. Exactly what we all needed.

Blooming in the winter. I can relate.

 We're going to remember this as a really special holiday. Did I mention it's the first Christmas for which we haven't travelled? at all? We're just enjoying each other and our home this year, and it's been precious.

We're rejuvenated. And I think I've settled on my OneWord for 2017, which cannot come soon enough! Am I right? George Michael, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds.. Who dies tomorrow??

We rest and we party and in 2017, we get to work.