I have to tell you, I could not imagine some of the things I’ve done since starting this blog, not least of which would be going on two hikes in less than a year. And not only that, but enjoying it!
“The Rifle Arch” is a local destination spot I’d been hearing about for a while now and had been interested in, so when my sweet friend Erin (you’ll remember her from my first ever hike which I blogged about here) mentioned getting out in the sunshine for Spring Break, The Arch seemed like a good choice. In all honesty, I never even knew Rifle had an arch.
I was so thankful to spend the day with Erin and to have her lead as “the Trailblazer”, not only because she’s good company, but also because she took risks that on my own I probably wouldn’t have taken and would have missed out on otherwise. But she’s also never pushy or condescending, which I so appreciate. Everyone could use a friend like that!
And oh, man–it was worth it! So serene and majestic, and I think I liked it even more than Grizzly Creek because of the more private feeling once you reach the top. But words just don’t do it justice. You’ll have to look through the photos to see for yourself!
I’m still the girl who’d choose heels over sneakers and a ticket to a show over a camp site any day, but I’m beginning to see the merits in a modest hike in good company now and again, and I am very glad I went both times. I would have missed out on these amazing views otherwise!
So without further ado. Please enjoy, and if you ever get the chance, definitely go!
This is what the hike to The Arch looks like starting out. Not very impressive, sort of desert-y, but then…
THIS. 🙂
Erin and I! One of the best companions ever for a hike. Or just in general, really. 😉
To me the moss on this rock and the scraggly tree beside it had so much character. It’s more of a wild, rustic kind of beauty, and I love the movement in those kinds of trees. (One of these days I’ll learn the names of things.)
This by far is one of my favorite pics. I played around with several different angles which I’ll show, but this angle ended up being my favorite I think. I just loved this stateliness of this weed standing tall and proud just out on its own. Its very unassuming at first and not very attractive, but it’s all about your perspective. It may just be a lonely weed set up high, but would you just look at the view that weed has? 🙂
Close-up.
One more. P.S. See the bit of leftover snow still there on the top of the mountains? Beautiful, but that’s as close to it as I’ll personally get. 😉 Rome wasn’t built in a day!
God is such an artist, and I love how you can see His fingerprints all over creation. Loved the contrast of the rough texture of the rock and the fuzzy plant beside.
Just in front of The Arch, Erin snapped this cool shot. It looks pretty epic, and I gotta tell you, I thought I was pretty awesome right at this moment. 😉 A real frontierswoman, conquering the elements and making it all the way to the top. And then there’s reality… 😉
This is me hanging onto the tree for dear life after Erin just scaled that miniscule little lip like a pro and turned back with much compassion to take this shot. I have to tell you though, we bonded, me and that tree. 😉
The Arch!
Favorite moment, right here. So serene and majestic, sitting underneath the cool arch with blue sky above you and a valley spread before you bathed in light and shadow. It took my breath away, and I could have stayed there forever. Nothing can compare to God’s handiwork. So inspiring.
The tree that shared this little hiding spot with us.
Erin capturing me capturing moments. Feel like this photo is a pretty good representation of who I’m starting to become these days. I used to never take pictures, and now I can’t stop. There’s so much to discover! Some may say you’re not living life if you’re living it behind the camera, but for me, this blog and documenting everyday life has caused me to live it more. I stop to see things I wouldn’t normally see. Appreciate, wonder, smile, and explore. And because of that, I don’t think it’s something I’ll be stopping anytime soon.
Loved the tinge of red on some of those leaves and the contrast of the pine needles to the more waxy finish of the other leaves.
Was so struck by this silhouette of the rock face close to the top. Absolutely gorgeous and so awe-inspiring.
Panning out a bit more. It’s enough to take a person’s breath away!
Last shot, and also probably my favorite out of all of them. Isn’t Erin gorgeous?! She looks like she could be on the cover of an adventure novel or something!
Dreaming of Columbines 