Be careful going in search of adventure – it’s ridiculously easy to find. ~ William Least Heat-Moon

Two weekends. Two National Parks.

Last weekend my daughter and I headed to the Eastern Range of the Rocky Mountains to Montrose. We spent a day in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Our original plan was to spend two days in the park. Day one on the south rim and day two on the north rim, but the north rim is currently closed. Lucky for us, Colorado isn’t lacking for beautiful places to see. So we spent day two driving the Million Dollar Highway and hiking in Ouray.

This weekend Michael and I headed to Estes Park for a visit to the YMCA of the Rockies. It’s nestled right up next to Rocky Mountain National Park. Honestly, the YMCA property had more to offer than we could see in a weekend, but we have a National Park Pass, so how could we not take a little hike there?

The first trip I opted to change my training plan and know that I would be okay. This weekend I chose to stick to my plan, knowing I wouldn’t want to. I’d be tired and it wouldn’t be convenient. And I think it was the right call for both.

On the trip with my daughter we came up with my next plan. My what to do after the marathon plan. We’re gonna take on an epic backpacking trip through the Maroon Bells Four Loop Pass. We’ll do it sometime around August of 2026. I’m gonna have to work hard to not get distracted planning for that adventure while I’m trying to stay focused on my marathon adventure.