Ice Caves in August!

So last weekend, we attempted to go to a local lake. What I didn't realize, was the lake had an elevation of more than six thousand feet, the road was only paved for a very short time, and there were sharp drop offs on the sides as we were going up. It started out well enough but eventually, I hit full on panic attack mode. I was a little embarrassed to be sobbing in the back seat in front of my 3 year old, my husband and my mother in law. But I suppose that if you can't sob in front of family when in a full panic, then you probably need to get new family. So we turned back and had our picnic in a town barely back inside civilization. While this was a failed plan, getting up to that lake is now on my bucket list!

This weekend, we went out to explore once again. This time, an acquaintance recommended the Big Four ice caves that are not too far from here. Once again, we packed a picnic lunch in the cooler and headed off! (This time, I'd done my research. Elevation is only just above two thousand and it's paved roads the entire way.)

This trip was highly successful. I did feel a bit of anxiety before setting off just because of the previous panic attack, but that was assuaged upon our first stop on a turn off when I captured this beautiful view of a creek just along the road.

Then, we continued on and made it to the Big Four picnic area. We headed off along the path which was actually easy, well marked, and peaceful! Z was a little afraid of the wooden bridges at first. Despite being quite sturdy, she was afraid of stepping on the cracks. So after a bit, when we saw a longer bridge coming up, I carried her on my back. (Further proof in my estimation that we need a baby carrier that can handle heavier toddlers.) We got passed the bridge and wound our way up the path stopping on occasion to check out neat path side nature made little wonders. Z had fun climbing into tree caves!

As we got close to the ice caves, Z was so excited that she was dragging me along as fast as she could to reach them. I've rarely seen her so excited! We passed a warning sign carved into a rock, crested a hill, and there they were! They were awesome! The air around them was both cold and hot and the caves themselves were huge! We could have walked into some of them if we had wanted! Eventually, it got a bit chilly for Z and she wanted her jacket and to head down to our picnic. So she and I headed down the path and my husband and mother in law continued more slowly. Z and I unloaded the picnic and set up the cooler and then Daddy and Grandma joined us for our lovely picnic in the shadow of the lovely mountains. It was cool and peaceful. Upon leaving the park and heading home, I felt surprisingly energetic. I was tired, but somehow, still energetic! And happy! I was actually remarkably happy! I can't wait to do this again very soon!