Travel Thursday Goes Abroad- Cinque Terre

Good Morning! I wanted to take you all abroad today to the coast of Italy and Cinque Terre! I studied aboard for a summer in Italy and we were able to go to Cinque Terre (the five Islands)- it was absolutely amazing. I can't remember which of the islands we visited, however the beaches were so beautiful and we were able to do a hike that wove around one of the islands and rock structures. We visited in July, so the temperatures were pretty warm (but cooler by the coast) and it was fairly busy. Of course being a group of American college students we didn't exactly fit in....

If I had more time I would love to go back and spend more time on the islands. If you haven't been, I would highly recommend going! Also take time to explore- the hike that we did was stunning and I got so many wonderful photos (that do NOT do it justice). Adding re-visiting it to my bucket-list (along with London, Iceland, Greece, Asia....hmmmm I've got A LOT of traveling to do!). 

Ever been to Italy or Cinque Terre? What are some spots you'd recommend?

What places abroad are on your bucketlist? 

Favorite place to travel outside of the US? 

Travel Thursday-Dinosaur National Monument

Happy Friday eve! Finally! I'm not sure about anyone else, but this week has been so busy for me. I've got 4.5 miles on the docket and may try to do a small amount of pick-ups since I've been feeling so good (and wanting some speed back in my life). I never thought that the time would come where I would actually MISS my tempo runs. ha. 

Dinosaur National Monument is located in Northwestern Colorado & Northeast Utah. We love to go here to camp every Spring & Fall, but sometimes if you wait too long in the Spring season the bugs can get really bad. We've camped each time at Echo Campground, which is located at the end of 4 x 4 road and includes some petroglyphs too!

Normally the campground is always extremely quiet and you are right next to the Colorado River, which really is perfect. There are not many hiking trails and no cell service, so be prepared. I've always loved to go there for some R & R and to disconnect. I've never run out at the campground, however I think the road that you drive to get out there would be a great run.

There are also other campgrounds on the Utah-side of the Monument (but make sure to reserve those ahead of time) and an expo, so you can go check-out some dinosaur bones that they uncovered there (which is really neat)! I know that they do close-down the Colorado entrance to the park (where you can access Echo) from November-March (or early April), but the exhibit (on the Utah side) is open year-round. 

Ever been to Dinosaur National Monument? Favorite spot?

Favorite camping spot at the Monument?

Colorado River- are you as fascinated by it as I am?!

Travel Thursday- Pike's Peak

Happy Friday-eve! This week has both flown by and also slightly gone slow....Our kittens are still waking JUST ME (not Alex...I think his snoring scares them away) up at 2am and proceed to try to bite my face. Really hoping they'll get over this stage quickly because it's not so great when they try to pierce your nose with their teeth (but also they need to stay this cute & cuddly AS LONG AS POSSIBLE). 

Anyone ever been to Pike's Peak before? It's a 14,000' mountain and located in Colorado Springs. It's a great travel destination for those that are visiting because the views at the top (which you can drive to) are incredible. I took my Dad there a few years ago and we drove to the top (via Pike's Peak Highway) and walked around the gift shop for a bit. It was late June and there was STILL SNOW at the top (still people skiing off cliffs as well...). You can also take the Pike's Peak Cog Railway (located in Broadmoor), which I think would be really interesting. You can also hike up it, but it's a 13.5 strenuous hike to the summit.

Not wanting to hike it, but still looking for a challenge? You can also RUN up it during the Pike's Peak Marathon (or half-marathon). I've considered signing up for this race before (they have amazing swag), but it definitely would be a challenging course. The marathon consists of running UP 13 miles to the top and then running DOWN 13 miles...yikes!

After driving up the mountain, I'm not sure if I could ever see myself running up it. I'd have to be in REALLY good shape! There are so many beautiful views along the way, that it would make the ascent less terrible....

Ever been to Pike's Peak? Favorite part?

Would you ever run up a 14,000' mountain as a half-marathon or marathon?

Travel Thursday- Lake Powell, Utah

Lake Powell is definitely one of the premier natural wonders that Utah has to offer! I had no idea how stunning the majority of Utah is, until I moved to Colorado! If you haven't been there yet put it on your bucket list (and at the TOP of your bucketlist). The amount of natural canyons, rock formations, hiking, boating, rock climbing, biking that this state has to offer is incredible.

I traveled to Lake Powell over July 4th a few years ago and as a group, we had rented a house boat (DEFINITELY do.this. if you can). We were there a few days and it's such a large body of water that you feel alone (at times), also the fireworks on the water remains one of the best I've experienced (besides those that I saw in Florence). It does get really hot there (I'm not sure about the weather come late Fall/winter), but because you are surrounded by water there's no better way to cool-off!

Ever been to Utah? Favorite part?

If you HAVEN'T been to Utah, what is on your bucket list?

What other spots are on your must-see? -->I'm dying to go to the PNW, Seattle and Vancouver particularly! 

Travel Thursday- Zion National Park

Zion National Park in Utah is one of the most amazing National Parks in Utah! It gets so busy in the park that by the end of March they only allow shuttles to drive through the park (until Labor Day). I ended up signing up for the Zion Half Marathon (it was held in the middle of March in 2015), so we were able to drive through the park! We also ended up camping right in Zion, which I HIGHLY recommend. It isn't a super dog-friendly National Park, so we didn't do as much as hiking as originally planned, but the warm weather was a great change from the still very snowy Steamboat. I'd recommend planning to visit the park during the Spring or Fall, when you are able to drive-through and crowds are minimal. The trees were already blossoming when we visited, so it did feel very Spring-like in mid-March (ice cream cones were also a huge bonus). Make sure to plan your trip early and highlight some of the must-see canyons/ hikes. It's great to have a plan of what you really want to do, but have a loose schedule for doing them!