Remember how Melissa and I were at the airport on Thursday morning? Well, we were back on Friday night picking up my mom! She is a math teacher in New Hampshire and came to visit us on her February break. When I asked what she wanted to do while she was here, her response was simple. “I want to see all the views that you and Melissa have been sending us pictures of!!” she said. So Melissa and I put together a jam-packed hiking itinerary, including two days in Rocky Mountain National Park. We saw many amazing views.

Day 1

The first day she was here, we went grocery shopping and cooked all the food for the week. We also did a short hike in Mount Falcon Park. This trail has my favorite close views. We also watched the sunset at jackass hill park.

Day 2

The second morning we headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park. The plan was to do the Bear Lake to Emerald Lake hike. However, the parking lot was full so we diverted and found another trailhead. This trailhead had a short hike to Alberta Falls, which we decided to do instead. Unfortunately, the falls were a bit of a bust. The hike through the snowy woods was beautiful, but the falls were completely covered in snow. At that point, we decided to turn around and visit Bear Lake instead. After our hike and another meal, we visited two visitors centers. Melissa and I picked up scrabble, national park edition. We’ve seen this a couple of other times before and debated getting it every time. This time when it showed up, I could not ignore the sign. Our game collection gained another addition. Afterward, we checked into our inn, rested for a bit, and went out to eat.

Day 3

The next morning we went out for breakfast and headed back into the park. This time the Bear Lake trailhead was empty. We found a great spot to park and layered up for the hike. This hike is about three miles round trip, on which you can see four different lakes. Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Emerald Lake. Melissa and I did this hike on a visit to the park in October. I was excited to see how it would be different with all the snow.

At some points on the trail, we were walking on top of four feet of snow on this little path on the side of a cliff. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. The lakes were also all frozen. We were able to walk across them, instead of having to go them. My mom was so excited about this. She said it reminded her of our lake house in Canada, which I haven’t been able to visit since the pandemic started. I completely agreed with her and it was wonderful.

After the hike, we ate some lunch at a close park, then headed back home. We were having dinner with Saahil and Josie, as they wanted to meet my mom. Melissa made a mushroom stroganoff, and Josie brought down a salad. It was delicious.

Day 4

The next day was my mom’s last full day in Colorado. We drove into Golden, and up to Lookout Mountain. Afterward, we went into downtown Golden and did some shopping. We came back for lunch and walked to our local main street in the afternoon. My mom packed up her bags that night.

Day 5

On the last day of her visit, I showed her my long walk to a nearby park. Then we played games until it was time to take her to the airport. It was bittersweet saying goodbye. It was great to have her visit. The hardest thing about living in Colorado is how far away from family it is.

P.S. I think this selfie is one of my favorite pictures from the week!