As the summer was drawing to a close, and our wedding nearing time... I knew we needed to get the heck out of town for a bit to decompress. I was so stressed this past summer, trying to knock out one last class for my second certificate area in grad-school (because why just get a masters degree when you can also get two certifications?? Sigh... I did it to myself..), trying to finalize wedding plans, trying to lose weight, trying to keep house, trying to stay social... trying trying trying and finding myself overwhelmed and exhausted all the time. So I reached out to one of my beloved aunts to see if a visit could be arranged. She and her partner live in Cortez, far enough away to get out of the city but close enough that a three-day-weekend could be arranged. I was so grateful when I received the message "when will you be here?" in response to my request to be a guest. I breezed the idea past my (then) fiance (now husband, woo hoo!) and confirmed with my aunt before even getting a full thumbs up from Chris. I knew the break was what we both would need, and even if I had to go alone I was up for the weekend getaway. (I'm glad we went together though, we travel well together.)
We threw the trip together relatively quickly and plotted to swing by the Sand Dunes since Chris has never been there before. We loaded up our car, dropped our dog off with my sister-in-law for the two nights we'd be away, and off we went!
To vent just a little............ The challenge with the drive is that Colorado has become a dreadful place to drive as a whole. As a Colorado native who can speak to "how it used to be"... before the huge influx of people moved here, Colorado was one of the safest places to drive. We had open enough roads for enjoyable travel. Once there used to be specific rush hours that one could depend on (7-8am, 12-12:30ish, and 5-6pm). After marijuana was legalized, everyone from other states flooded our beautiful state, our roads being filled to the brim, aggression on the rise, road rage a real constant risk. It's un-enjoyable to drive 99% of the time nowadays, and it feels like there's rush hour all the time. I know that some newer residents have commented that they're tired of Colorado natives complaining, but honestly... I want the old Colorado back. I want to enjoy traveling by road, the less crowded mountains, the easier commutes, the general lower anxiety state that Colorado used to be. I used to love driving and looked forward to such travel... Oh well. I suppose those are times I'll have to remember fondly...
We dealt with hellish drivers for the 8 hours to Cortez because we needed to get away and it is always a joy to get time with my aunts Barbara and Ouida. About halfway through the trek is when you come across the Sand Dunes. Coming up on them, they do seem smaller than they actually are, initially looking like unimpressive hills in the distance... But the closer you get the larger and more impressive they become!
We parked at the Visitors Center, inside they have some neat information and educational things and a small gift shop. We then walked from there to the base of the dunes, discovering a closer parking lot to the base... but that's okay, the extra steps aren't a bad thing for this curvy girl! (especially nearing the wedding!) We then started across the sand expanse leading up to the dunes themselves. Walking on sand is much harder than it seems, you practically need snowshoes to get decent traction. My legs started burning almost immediately as we walked along the sand. We were a little surprised as to how many people were there too, I wouldn't guess the Sand Dunes to be particularly popular over Labor Day Weekend since I'd assumed most folks to be camping or throwing BBQs, but lots of folks were trekking up to sled down the sand. It was quite windy that day too! Regardless, it was a fun stop off and good break for stretching the legs. We didn't get all the way to the top, but we got high enough on the dunes to feel accomplished. I couldn't help but recall a visit there when I was in the 7th grade...
Back in the 7th grade my core class teachers took the class on the Mesa Verde trip during Spring Break. Bless those teachers for taking a bunch of middle schoolers on a lengthy field trip... But I recall it being a really fun rip overall, despite that I ended up throwing out my back trying to hike to the top of the dunes. I've not been to the top of the dunes. Don't know that it's on my bucket list for accomplishments, and I can at least say I've been there a couple times and have enjoyed the stop when it's come up for me.
Ultimately this trip also made me think I should get a parks pass next year now that I'm done with school, I might actually have time to spend in various national parks! It's an exciting thought.
We then finished the drive into Cortez, staying at the home of my two beautiful aunts who are overly accommodating for guests - excellent food and drink, comfortable sleep, delightful company, and five wonderful dogs...
Plus we were treated to a massage at Timber Hot Springs in Durango just about an hour away from their home that was a wonderful relaxation that we needed before the wedding.
Thank you so much Barbara and Ouida for a lovely mountain getaway! Next time we'll stay for a little longer to soak up more time with you and do some more hikes. A perfect break. I am so grateful!
On our way home we briefly swung by Ouray for a quick cup of coffee and got in a short hike at the Lower Cascade Falls Trail which was a quick hop and skip from the parking area.
Super easy quick hike with a nice waterfall at the end. I was glad we made the quick stop off before continuing the final long haul back to Denver...
At least the drive has some gorgeous views... It took us 11 hours to get home on Labor Day Monday... the day when I hoped everyone would be celebrating the day off at BBQs but instead were all on the road with us... But again, at least the mountain views were gorgeous.
(The following pictures were taken from the car)
Grateful for the weekend away and brief hikes we got to enjoy in early September.
