Thank you, so much, for the responses to my last post! I’ve had some honest and heartfelt posts in the past, mainly about my ED, but this post was hard for me to write because it brought up so many memories and feelings about the house I left a year ago, and that may never be the same again. Natural disasters are sadly something that everyone can relate to, but it’s great when communities can come together and rebuild. The best part of this is that the fire is now 55% contained as of Saturday night, and so many homes have been spared, as well as the lives of some animals caught in the fire who were saved by the incredible firefighters.
Today I want to talk about something more fun…namely, the mini-vacation I took last week! I call it a mini-vacation because it was just a trip into the mountains (about a 2 1/2 hour drive) and we were there for only 4 days, but it was a nice escape from real life for a few days and it kinda prepared me for our longer trip to visit the grandparents in August. I’m excited for that vacation, but also nervous. It’s the first time we’ve gone back since I’ve been vegan, and since my grandparents all live in Wisconsin, it’s definitely not the most veg-friendly environment. My mom’s being really accommodating with the trip and is promising a trip to Whole Foods (and possibly my first trip to a Trader Joes!) once we land so I’m hoping I can find plenty of vegan options and not stress out too much about eating and exercise.
Anyways, onto the vacation pics! I’m going to go wordless style on this and take you through the highlights of the trip in order. And…go!
Selfie on the way to Estes Park. Don’t worry, I wasn’t driving!
Finally in Estes.
Elk right outside our car! They’re pretty normal around those parts.
View of the mountains from the condo.
Excited to go to dinner and a movie (we saw The Internship).
Late night Starbies after the movie.
Poooool.
I got a little burned…
Winery with the parentals. Only a month and 10 days before I can partake 😉
It’s not everyday you see llamas on your way to dinner.
Cute swing by Fall River.
View of the condos from below.
Chillin’ by Fall River.
On Fern Lake Trail.
Big rocky cliffs on the Fern Lake trail.
Seestas on the trail.
Big Thompson river.
Snow on Trail Ridge Road…in June!
Um…wow!
Beaver at Trail Ridge Road visitor center…not real!
Awkward wolves at a gift shop in town. It’s been a running joke in our family for a few years.
Baja blackened tacos at Native Foods in Boulder on our way back home. New favorite vegan restaurant!
Gluten free PB parfait at Native Foods. I was stuffed after eating half of this, and one taco!
Besides all that, we packed even more into 4 days, like tennis, bumper boats and mini golf, window shopping in town and making fun of  the local TV station’s funny commercials. My family’s been going to Estes Park every summer since I was 9 or 10 and I love it every time! Even though I might not be living with them next summer, I hope I can still go back…I miss Estes already!
Do you go on vacations to new destinations or old favorites? Any tips for veg-friendly long distance plane and car travel?
almostveggirlie 