Some thoughts and discussions from me.
First (and Last) Camping Experience of 2013
Good morning! I hope you all had a great weekend and your Monday morning is off to a good start 
I have to tell you guys about our trip this weekend. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to make it all the way down to Durango, but we did certainly take a little family road trip:
Niko even came along! And yes, she rides in a car seat – she’s been riding in one since 2011
After a wild Friday night of rostisserie chicken, wine, and pie in, Shane and I got up early Saturday morning to drive down to Colorado Springs for the day/night. The last time we went just us two, we didn’t have time to hike The Incline, so we knew we wanted to check that off first.
We both double checked our sanity after looking at what kind of hike it was – straight up with stairs. Nevertheless, Shane, myself, and Niko hiked up the stairs, turning around and breaking every once in a while to catch the view.
Every time my heart would feel like it was pounding out of it’s chest, I told Shane, “hold on! Niko needs a break!” ha 
And it just kept on going up, up, and up!
Honestly, I was extremely proud of Niko. This was probably her hardest hike ever, and she was such a trooper. However, because we had her with us, and because of what she went through two weeks ago, we took the shorter of the routes. This one was only 2.3 miles round trip and an elevation gain of 1,100 feet (the gain being in the first .6 miles!) The way down took a lot longer than the way up because of all the switch backs. That’s a lot of elevation gain for 2.3 miles!
After our hike, we walked into town to grab a bite to eat (at the same place we lunched at when my family visited!) I went with the salmon melt and sweet potato fries.
Both were just ok. Beer was good though
After lunch, we drove over to Seven Falls, another point of interest we missed on our last trip. Unfortunately, it was closed due to the floods earlier this year. Instead, we headed out to the main reason we came to CS in the first place – the campground!
Yes, we were a little afraid when the woman we spoke to on the phone asked us if we were sure we wanted to camp in a tent, and to be careful. The low for the night was 23 degrees in Green Mountain Falls, where we camped. However, we were freaking determined. Remember when we bought all this camping stuff?! Well, we’ve had plans to camp like, 3 times since then, and they’ve all gotten foiled for one reason or another.
Anyway, we got to the campsite around 5:30, so the sun was still out, and temps were still in the upper 40’s. We set up our tent, and then got ready to just hang out!
before:
after
I promised I helped, and didn’t just take pictures the entire time!
No glamping this time around After our tent was set up, we drank a few beers, and ate some snacks, and had a great time. Then the sun went down, and it got cold. Really cold. So we hurried up and cooked our food (a Bertolli meal for two) on our little backpacking stove, and got in the tent as fast as we could.
Aaand my phone died right after taking this picture.
By this point, I was freezing. It was a little warmer in the tent, but it was still pretty chilly. I’m not sure what time we went to sleep, but I think it was before 10:00. I think I clocked somewhere around 1.75 hours of sleep. Since it was so cold, Niko slept in my sleeping bag, making it not so comfortable to move around, lol. Then as soon as the sun came up the next morning at 6:30, we were out of there. While it was fun, I don’t think I’m much of a cold-weather camper – at least with Niko along with us. I am excited to go camping next spring and summer, though!
Coffee and breakfast were eaten on the road:
Panera’s breakfast sandwiches?! Really delicious! I think I like Panera’s breakfast and coffee combo better than Starbucks.
Once on the road, we made the drive home, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop the whole way. The rest of the day involved a little cleaning, meeting with a client, an attempted nap, and catching up with some friends. Good weekend all in all 
Are you a camper? Where’s the best place you’ve been camping?
Sounds like a fun weekend, despite the chilly temps at night! So cool that you made it to the Incline – it’s such a great workout and a beautiful hike.
I am indeed a camper, and my favorite camping trip to date was at Badlands National Park (South Dakota). The coyotes howled when the sun went down, and we woke up to a herd of buffalo lazily grazing near the campground. Pretty surreal!
Laura @ Backstage Balance recently posted…Fall Race Calendar
I have never camped in a tent and have zero interest in doing so. I like all the other things involved in camping but I would like to sleep in a bed at the end of the day.
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots recently posted…Ridgefield Half Marathon 2013
Ha! That’s how I am naturally inclined, too…but I’m forcing myself to embrace it, just because of these beautiful surroundings!
Glad u guys had fun, cold camping seams about the same as HOT HOT HOT camping, a bit miz. But at least you were in good company 🙂 & Good to see Neek up and about–she takes after her dadda’ hoppen like a mountain goat 🙂 hehe
XO
True, true 🙂 But what’s miz mean??
That looks like an awesome time, minus the freezing sleeping situation! We used to camp all the time when we were kids, but I haven’t been camping in at least a decade probably.
I’m glad to see Niko doing so well! And I love her car seat. 🙂
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…Electric Run (More Like Electric FUN!) Recap
Sounds like a nice little change up for a weekend!
I’ve been camping a handful of times and I’m such a baby I usually end up wussing out because I’m clearly a child.
Haha, I just get SO uncomfortable sleeping in tents, and hate bugs, slash I’m possible too high maintenance.
The cold temperatures at night definitely aren’t the best, but at least you enjoyed everything else!
Lisa recently posted…Simply Lovely Things
So glad to see that Niko is doing better! 🙂
My husband used to love going cold-weather hiking. For our honeymoon, we hiked near Lake Tahoe in November. It was cold and windy! Ah, never again. Although the views were pretty spectacular.
Alaina recently posted…My 2014 Challenge
I was born in Boulder and MISS THE MOUNTAINS! I love reading your posts and seeing the gorgeous pictures. Looks like you had a blast!!!
Electra @ electra-fi.com recently posted…How to: Learn to Love Yourself in 10 Steps
It is very hard to camp in the cold! We’ve had some seriously cold nights in the backcountry even in July. The key is to get a sleeping bag that’s rated to a really low degree. I have a 0 degree bag, but I’m a wuss! Glad you’re not throwing in the towel on it-it’ll be much nicer next summer!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted…More Birthdays: Breast Cancer Awareness
Looks like a fun time! I love camping, but two nights is my max. After that, I’m more than ready for my own bed, shower, and toilet. 🙂 Sadly, I don’t foresee any camping trips in our near future since it’s already getting pretty chilly in the valley.
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…BBQ Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs
It sounds like you had a great time, minus the cold! My favorite place I went camping was at a place right above the Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. It was awesome to watch the sun setting over the dunes, and then in the morning we were up bright and early to hike them!
Caroline recently posted…Characteristics of Unsafe People {Part 3}
Wow, I can’t even imagine those temperatures! Props to you for sticking it out!
Aurora@Fitness is Sweet recently posted…What a Difference a Few Months Makes
You guys are brave – those temps I like to sleep indoors. 🙂
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted…Pea Guacamole {MMAZ #50}
Being cold at night is the worst! When we were little, my dad liked to rough it in a tent and I remember just wanting to go home! Now, I actually cherish those times my family had…but I still prefer a camper!
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food recently posted…Jazzercise Playlist #4
Miz… as in Mizzzzzzerable 🙂 hehe, gotta keep up wif the ab’vs yo!
I’ve never been camping… but now I’m chicken to go! lol I don’t like cold at all!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…5 Dollar Food Revolution
Promise, it’s not that bad 🙂 Easy trick– boil some water and seal it in a Nalgene. After making sure it’s sealed tight throw the Nalgene in your sleeping bag before crawling in with it. If you seal your sleeping bag up all night (meaning the zipper isn’t wide open), that bottle of water will keep you warm ALL NIGHT. I did this every night in Alaska and it kept me toasty!
Colorado Gal recently posted…Alaska: The Details & The Questions
genius!!! 🙂