Elk family in Rocky Mountain National ParkWell, I can't say it was a restful trip to Steamboat Springs...although we did have a great time. I unfortunately had a migraine the entire time...oh joy. I was determined not to let it stop me though...so we went on two beautiful hikes while we were there. It was totally worth it...but let me give some advice to my fellow migraine sufferers out there...don't hike for five hours at 10,000 feet if you have one! It pretty much did me in! I spent Tuesday and yesterday splat out on the sofa most likely with my tongue hanging out...muttering in some unknown language.
Me at Gilpin Lake outside of Steamboat SpringsSo enough of that...on to the good stuff. We did have one really magical moment on the Gilpin Lake hike (which I am standing near in the above picture). After hiking or should I say climbing for three hours, we stopped for lunch at this beautiful, pristine mountain lake. We were the only people there. As we were finishing up our goodies...we both heard a loud schwooshing sound. We looked up and about 15 feet from us was an enormous Bald Eagle fluttering in mid-air. He got a little spooked when he saw us so off he went to the other side of the lake, perching himself on a tree.
The magical thing about it other than seeing this beautiful creature up close in it's natural habitat...was that in that moment...I felt Abby's presence. I really think she might have been trying to say hello to us in a very special way...in a very special place. Abby loved hiking with us more than anything so it would make sense that she would be there. Thanks for visiting us, baby girl.
I'll be back soon with some new art. I've been taking a little break this week...but the creative wheels are starting to chug again. Let's hope anyway!
Maisie O'Neill, stalker of chipmunks
