Colorado & Wyoming
Over a rainy Memorial Day weekend, my mom came out to visit, and despite the gloomy forecast, we were determined to explore. Planning was tricky—we found ourselves dodging storms all across Colorado. On our first day, we headed up to Lookout Mountain, though ironically, the fog and low clouds made it impossible to actually look out. Still, we enjoyed wandering the misty grounds and admiring the historic Boettcher Mansion, quietly cloaked in gray. Just down the road, we stopped at Buffalo Bill’s gravesite. Interestingly, although his will originally requested burial near Cody, Wyoming, he reportedly changed his mind on his deathbed, asking to be laid to rest at Lookout Mountain for its stunning views. Due to ongoing controversy about his final resting place, several tons of concrete were placed over his grave—ensuring he’d remain right where he chose.
After hours of chasing clearer skies, we eventually made our way to Breckenridge for a stroll through its charming downtown and a well-earned dinner. While exploring, we stumbled upon the town’s most unexpected resident—a wooden troll hanging out downtown. He was so quirky and whimsical that I had to snap a photo—no one would believe me otherwise! The magic of the day gave way to a nerve-wracking drive home. As we descended from the mountains, thick fog and relentless rain turned the roads into a white-knuckle adventure. It was one of those drives where you grip the wheel a little tighter and breathe easier once you're safely home.
After the stressful drive home, Mom and I opted for a cozy night in—snuggled up in bed with a deck of cards, playing rummy and Phase 10. It was the perfect way to unwind, laugh, and end the day on a relaxing note.
One of my most cherished places is Medicine Bow, Wyoming. The mountains here are absolutely breathtaking, and camping in this area always feels like a peaceful escape from the world. We usually spot plenty of wildlife—deer, moose, elk, and the occasional curious marmot—but this trip was a little different. Since we went on opening weekend, over a month earlier than our usual visits, the landscape was still waking up from winter. The side 4x4 roads were all closed and blanketed in snow, and the wildlife hadn’t quite returned yet. Even so, the serenity and raw beauty of Medicine Bow never disappoint.
It’s an unspoken rule: no trip to Medicine Bow is complete without a stop in the tiny town of Centennial for an ice cream cone from the little gift shop. It’s a simple tradition, but one that makes each visit feel complete. Above are a couple of snapshots from town—a place that’s small in size but full of character and charm.
On our way back to Colorado, we took the scenic route, soaking up the clear skies and perfect weather. As we cruised along, we came across a lone cow casually grazing outside her fence. She was perfectly calm when I stopped to snap a photo—but the moment my mom started talking to her, she grew suspicious and bolted. Stranger danger, clearly!
We also made a stop at Eagle’s Nest Open Space, where we captured some stunning scenic shots—another gem worth pulling over for. Later that evening, we dropped by to visit Lisa and Tim, who took us for a beautiful drive through Lory State Park just outside of Fort Collins. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day, surrounded by family, friends, and the Colorado landscape we love.
