Some thoughts and discussions from me.
Saturday Morning with Isabel
Happy Tuesday, everyone! 
I checked out yesterday from posting, because of the long weekend here, and I’m guessing many of you did, too! Actually, aside from sending out my online clients’ programs, I didn’t touch my laptop once. It’s nice to unplug on the weekends, and unplug I did!
Shane and I found ourselves with no plans for the long weekend – most of our friends were out of town, or had out-of-towners in town – and knew we wanted to go do some exploring on our own. Since moving to Colorado, we’ve made such good friends, which really is great, but we never really have a chance to go do stuff on our own. And I like spending time with just my hubby every now on then 
This weekend, we did just that.
We knew we wanted to find a new trail to hike, and Saturday morning after waking up, we did a little researching, and decided to drive out to Brainard Lake to hike the trails there. We planned on hitting Long Lake, Lake Isabel, and Isabel Glacier.
We didn’t get to the trailhead until around 8:30, so the closest trailhead parking lot was closed. We parked at the next lot, hiked around Brainard Lake over, and got going.
I instantly loved this hike. Shane and I both enjoy hikes that provide a good amount of time hiking through the woods. I love seeing the vast, mountainous peaks, like we did on our 14er, but I’m in love with everything about hiking through the forest – the scent, the scenery, the feeling – everything! There’s just something that makes me really appreciate nature, and become so in tune with myself, while passing through the trees. I can’t wait to sleep among them while camping soon…
Actually, the best hikes combine both mountainous peak views and hiking through the woods – and this one did.
It was also a good difficulty-level for my mood that day. From our trailhead, it was about 7 miles of slow, steady incline without a lot of stairs – I’m seriously in love with this hike! It’s a bummer Brainard Lake closes in mid-September because of snow.
About a couple miles in, we came to Lake Isabel, and decided it was a great spot to take in the views and break for a snack – PBJ sandwiches.
We kept on going after that, but unfortunately didn’t make it all the way up to the glacier. We made it pretty close, though – we could see it pretty close, and it’s just this huge snow and ice field! We did make it to this absolutely gorgeous waterfall, though.
We stayed here and played for a bit, but unfortunately had to head back because Niko was at home. That’s the only thing about having a small dog here in Colorado – we can’t bring her hiking with us! Also, we can’t just drop her off at my parents, and I feel bad always asking neighbors to watch her. I’ve never boarded her, and really don’t want to, but I’m afraid that we might eventually have to.
Anyway, as we were heading back, we saw some backcountry snow boarders heading to the glacier to snowboard and ski! I wish I could have seen that.
We took advantage of the long weekend and great weather the rest of the weekend, too. Saturday night, I went out with some girlfriends for martinis. Sunday, Shane and I got sucked into the REI, and walked out $700 poorer (but ready to camp!! woot!!) And Monday after getting a workout in at the gym we drove up to Rocky Mountain National Park to drive Trail Ridge Road, and do a small hike on one of the pull offs.
We munched on KIND bars during the drive, but by the time we made it back to Estes Park, we decided to stop for a late lunch at Estes Park Brewery.
I got a Rueben and fries, with a Red Rum ale. The beer was good, while the food was meh. Win some, lose some!
After this weekend, I feel physically refreshed and mentally rejuvenated. I’m ready to tackle the week
PS – I’m updating my Favorites tab, and just did a re-haul on my Fitness Favorites! if you care to check it out!
Have you ever boarded your dog? What was your experienced?
What’s your favorite snack while hiking or for a picnic?
We haven’t had to board our dog yet, but growing up we would have to board my family dog sometime. We were actually really happy with where we took him – he got lots of exercise and he seemed to be happy there.
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Goal Talk: September.
Looks like a fun weekend as always! Such a cool place to live. I’ve never boarded my dog, but am lucky to have family nearby to watch her. I’ve heard good things about having a dog sitter though. If you find a company you really trust and like, they will come check on your dog, take her out for walks, etc. Might be a good option 🙂
Danielle recently posted…Paleo Spicy Chicken Bake
I think I like that option much better!
That waterfall is just spectacular! Sounds like you guys had an awesome hike!
My favorite hiking snack would have to be nuts/trail mix, and for the summit, I love PB&J like you 🙂
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…It’s All About Perspective + Ab Workout
Hi Paige! I’ve been reading your blog for a while but don’t have one of my own. I’m from Tulsa, Oklahoma but this past week my husband and I vacationed in Keystone, Colorado. We’ve been there many times before and done several hikes. This time though, we did our first fourteener! Actually, we did 2. We did Gray’s and Torrey’s. You can do them both in a day and it’s about 9 miles total. It was awesome. I thought you might want to add those to your list of ones to do!
Sweet! Yes, Gray’s and Torrey’s are on our list. Not sure if we’ll get to them this year, though…
that hike looks like one of the prettiest you’ve gone on yet. My husband and I are planning a vacation to the Boulder area, hopefully we get the chance to go on a few of these hikes!
Awesome! Let me know if you have any questions 🙂
Wow! You got some breathtaking photos! I love that you’re taking advantage of all of the hiking in CO. 🙂 My favorite picnic lunch/snack would be PB&J or trail mix!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…I’m Sad Everyone Is Leaving Me
Hey, that’s why we moved here – to live it up! 😀
Sounds like a great weekend! We used to board our dog, but it was at a local vet’s office that we knew the owners so I never worried!
Heather Murphy recently posted…Scenes from the weekend and a green smoothie recipe
you’re a hikin’ machine! love the landscape photos.
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run recently posted…Labor Day on the Bay
We’re lucky in that we’ve always been able to take our dog or leave him with family. However, I’ve heard experiences on both ends of the spectrum. I think it really just depends on where you choose to board. I’d say your best bet is to do your research! If you can find the right place, boarding is a great option.
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…I Need Your Help!
Oh my gosh, such gorgeous views! I am so jealous. Chicago is… yeah definitely not anything even remotely close to that gorgeous of a view. I need to see the mountains!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal recently posted…September of marvelousness!
I board my dog whenever I travel-I call the owner “Uncle” Dave, and my Sully goes bananas whenever I tell him we’re going to see him. I am lucky, I know. Your hikes make me super jealous-hope to make it to CO someday!
kate@kate marrin life+style recently posted…eat: good vibes + portable protein packed snacks
ahhh–gorgeous pics! glad you had a good time!
janetha recently posted…from pin to post: prosciutto, tomato, and olive pasta.
What a perfect, PERFECT day!! Your photos are ridiculously gorgeous!!!
And of course, the t-shirt your wearing rules. 🙂
I can’t believe that Shane was an REI virgin. Watch out now!!
Lauren @ Me and the Mountains recently posted…Back In Merry-Land
Sounds like the perfect weekend! I’m drooling over those hiking pics girl!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…Labor Day Weekend
Beautiful pics! Must be awesome to live near trails like that- the waterfall is gorgeous!
Maria@TheBrooklynFig recently posted…Fig Success
That sounds like an amazing adventure weekend! What beautiful views!
We usually pack Clif bars or make our own trail mix for hikes.
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Weekend Shenanigans Part 2