I spent 10 days in Colorado, and man did I get high

[Scuba]

As in 8,835 feet above sea level, where my son's new home hangs on the side of a mountain. Here's a view from near his house ...



The air is so thin there that my bottle of hand lotion became pressurized on the way up the mountain. When I flipped the button on the top lotion came blasting out! The air is also very dry and my skin was drying out fast - I needed that lotion!

We went hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Stunning scenery, especially if you like expansive vistas ...



There are a few dangers, not all of which include falling down the mountain. Speak calmy but firmly. Yeah, that'll do it ...



Imagine the force necessary to push this slab 9,000 feet straight up!!!



Anyway, I had a great time visiting my son, DIL and granddaughter, who's a freshman at CU (scholarship to the School of Engineering, not that I'm proud or anything). Only regret is that I'm not a better photographer.

[Arugula Latte]

1. I've spent a lot of time visiting Colorado and a lot of that at 8,000 + ft.

There is some pretty scenery (although not in the eastern half of the state!) but I just can never adjust to the dryness and the constant dehydration I feel. I lived in the mountains there for an entire summer and never got acclimated. I like my elevations close to sea-level, my air chock-full of oxygen, and I prefer more greenery and ocean access. Still, fun to visit occasionally ...

[kaiden]

2. Re speaking calmly to a mountain lion.

About 25 years ago, a hiker near Boulder was attacked by a mountain lion. She somehow got her backpack around to her chest, so as she was lying there on the path, the lion was lying on her backpack looking right into her eyes. She began talking to the mountain lion like she talked to her cats. The mountain lion, instead of eating her, became absorbed in her stories and eventually got up and wandered off.

[handmade34]

3. photos are great...

and I remember seeing that sign when I went hiking in CO

[locks]

4. Large as possible

My possibility of being large stops at 5 ft 1in so I try to avoid our mountain lions, bears and even moose. Come back anytime of the year; there is always some part of Colorado that will take your breath away, leave you high and happy that you came.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

5. I spent three years in Colorado Springs when I was growing up in the 60s

My dad was a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force and was heavily involved in the development of the underground complex at Cheyenne Mountain. I loved every minute. My dad rented a beautiful old Victorian style house built in the 1870s on the gorgeous tree-lined drive into the town, Nevada Avenue and you could see Pike's Peak in all its glory from an upstairs bedroom. I remember when President John F. Kennedy visited and his convertible car drove right down Nevada Ave. and stopped in front of my house where he said a few words of thanks for the overwhelming reception he received (thousands of people lined the street and cheered as he passed). I was only a few feet away from him. I can easily say it was my favorite place to live in the United States and I've lived all over the country.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

6. ...

[mnhtnbb]

7. I have a nephew--lives in Ft. Collins--who has hiked to the top of every

14,000 ft peak in Colorado! Has some amazing video, photos.

The air is thin up there!