In the final weeks of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, my pack weighed down my shoulders while the notion of “what’s next?” weighed heavily on my mind. I felt so confident and free, but a little more than broke after such a grand adventure. Then, my nephew Lucas texted me and asked me if I’d be up for another adventure of a more domestic kind. He and his wife, Irais, had recently moved to Colorado and were in need of a new nanny who spoke Spanish and could take care of their kids. I needed a job and a place to live. It seemed like the perfect fit!
So, after a little breather in the Pacific Northwest, I headed off to Colorado and started a five-month stint as a caretaker, game-player, language-teacher, cook, cleaner, driver, and all around fun-maker. It was a joy to bond with these little ones every day.
On the days I wasn’t caretaking, I explored Denver. I was delighted to find a vibrant city showcasing revitalized historic districts, stunning government buildings, huge parks, a multitude of museums and a serious arts and culture scene. I especially enjoyed the city’s Christmas lights, the Denver Stock Show and the Native American March Pow Wow. Denver has a lot to offer!
I also spent a lot of time hiking and skiing throughout the Front Range…including Red Rocks, Golden, Boulder, Estes Park, Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods. It was so much fun to use my ice spikes and explore the mountains all winter long.
Finally, it was a treat to be in the US and spend time with family and friends who live here in Colorado, and others who came for a visit. So much fun was had with my sister Julie, cousins Evan and Kathryn, niece Paige, nephew Caleb and his family, friends Bridgette and Fancy Feast from the PCT, and my beloved Ithaca College friends, Tom and Michele!
So after resting for awhile in Colorado, my brain started to percolate again… where should I next explore? Stay tuned for a wild ride this summer … literally… as I’m training to be a bus driver and tour guide in Skagway, Alaska! I’m leaving tomorrow for the far north and can’t wait to send you updates on this new adventure!
