vacation: steamboat springs, day 1

today started early, as i joined my uncle for a 7am session with his trainer. (yes, even though this is my vacation. it was fun, so whatever!) then aunt lorraine and i headed north to the zirkel wilderness area for an awesome hike, dubbed the zirkel circle: an 11mile loop trail that went around gold and gilpen lakes. their new addition, 6month old sophie (a jack russell terrier) also joined us (and is going to be one fab trail pup!) this hike was simply amazing. there was even large patches of snow that we glissaded down. yeah! :) the terrain was awe inspiring. peaceful, simple, beautiful. i was lucky that i didn't feel any of the effects of altitude (was a bit worried about this as i haven't been this high before). my feet felt ok, although my blisters leftover from last week's race didn't get any better with the multiple creek crossings and constant pounding. afterwards, we headed for a much deserved soak in the strawberry park hot springs. then on to dinner at a new chinese restaurant and now goofing off and staying up way later than i should be.


approaching the pass to gilpin lake, elevation: 11,164'
lorraine & i at gilpin lake

sophie relaxing during our lunch break at gilpin lake
me in front of gilpin lake