In the summer of 2006, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Bob introduced Mom and I to the mountains. Our vacation brought me closer to not only my aunt and uncle, but to nature as well. My experiences inspired in me a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty and importance. Arriving in Vail,
During our stay in
Golfing in the mountains was quite an experience. Wildlife was abundant. On the second hole of The Raven, a huge osprey nest sat on a wooden telephone pole. As we approached the putting green of that same hole, we spotted a fox with black legs and a white, bushy tail walking through a sand trap, which was a beautiful contrast. As we teed off on the eighth hole, a doe and her fawn went prancing past, into the thick woods. Silence and stillness encompassed the course, and each time I walked through one of the fairways to my golf ball was a time of reflection and admiration for the mountains.
In the Flattops gave me the impression of being disconnected from the rest of the world, as the navigator climbed and climbed in altitude. The expanse of the landscape reminded me of the Scottish highlands. Pine trees were reflected in the dozens of small lochs which spotted the countryside. On our way back from the Flattops, Mom said that during the day, she drank so much water and inhaled so much dust that she thought she could cough up mud. I was somewhat disappointed that while at the Flattops, we saw no large wildlife like elk. At one point, we became so desperate to see animals that Uncle Bob said he would go out into the fields, get down onto all fours and put two fingers behind his head. To our delight, we finally happened upon a flock of sheep grazing in the woods. As if the sheep were not enough of a surprise, next we were treated to the sight of four beautiful, butterscotch herding dogs who were the sheep’s trusty guardians.
My mountain vacation left me with indelible memories that time will never erase. Although I am from the
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.