Where you been? Pitkin!

Last week we had a great time up in Pitkin, CO (30 min. northeast of Gunnison). Bryan and his family have been going up there since 1995. I have been up there with Bryan every 4th of July since we were dating in 2003 (excluding July of 2005) and a few times in between so it holds to be a special place for us. We have many fond memories up there with family and friends.
Darrell & Debbie were there this year; Paul & Sandra Boorman were there for the first part of the week which was fun to get to know them more. Angie & Aaron came the latter part of our stay so needless to say, we were always in good company.

What do you do in Pitkin? Great question. There is not a whole lot to do but that is the real beauty of it. We enjoyed the awesome scenic view which that part of the country lends at every turn, rested, hiked, hung out (drank coffee), took jeep rides, made strawberry homemade ice cream, watched the fireworks in Gunnison, ect. It is always good to get away from the day-to-day routine of things - it really help me to put things into perspective.

CUMBERLAND PASS
One of me and Bryan's favorite places to go around Pitkin is Cumberland Pass (elevation 12,000 ft - an awe-inspiring pass)
Here is a picture of Bryan and I when we first went up there together in July of 2003:
It is pretty surreal to be up there 5 years later with our two kids. Here is our little family unit in 2008:


Here are other pictures from that evening:




















It's a wonderful feeling to see a great idea come to fruition. Bryan thought to buy a kite and bring it to Cumberland Pass.






ALPINE TUNNEL
Bryan told me about the Alpine Tunnel but I had never been until this year. It was a rough and narrow ride getting up there (a slow, rocky 35 min ride from Pitkin) but well worth it. It was a site to behold. At approx. 12,000 ft. in elevation with snow-topped mountains, it was hard to know where the mountains ended and the clouds began (just one of God's masterpieces). Here are a few pictures from the adventure me, Bryan, Aubs, Angie & Aaron took.










INDEPENDENCE DAY
On the 4th we had a relaxing morning, had a late lunch, some homemade strawberry ice cream and then headed to Gunnison that evening to hang out at Jorgensen park, throw some frisbees, drink some lattes, relax and watch the firework show at nightfall. This was a wonderful day. (NOTE: the bear shirt you see Aubrey wearing in most of these pictures had to be washed and worn again a few times on this trip because it instantly became her favorite shirt when her Aunt G' gave it to her)









Last year and this year while gazing at the fireworks, I held my sweet daughter while sitting in her car seat - it was actually quite comfy and very special to me!
Gazing at fireworks in 2007:

Gazing at fireworks in 2008:

All of this commentary and these pictures are here simply to say a good time was had by all. SILVERTHORNE OUT!