BERGALLENGE -- THE BERGEN PEAK CHALLENGE

Evergreen, CO

 The Challenge:  Hike Bergen Peak 7 Days In A Row

Round Trip Distance: 9.4 miles

Start Elevation: 7,813 ft

Summit Elevation: 9,708 ft

 

Andrew says he got the idea from me, but I'm not so sure.....I think he is crazy enough to come up with this one on his own!!  Basically, Andrew wanted to adjust to the Colorado altitude quickly, as well as get in shape, so he decided to hike Bergen seven days in a row.  Some days he was solo, others he had company.  Some days the weather was perfect, others not so great.  I am super proud of his accomplishment, and super excited to get after it with him this summer!!  So much to explore in this beautiful state!

 

Andrew excited and ready to get after it this week!

 

Andrew, Kira, and me at the top!

 

 

 Go team Brooks!

 

Andrew busting the move on day 4!

Yep, another top-out shot!

 

Cooler temps, but still beautiful views!

  



And then came Day 7! Congratulations Andrew, YOU DID IT!!!!!

KOMBUCHA

 I would first like to thank Lisa Hofstra-Johnson for taking the time to show us how to make this crazy stuff!!!  And a special thank you to Kristen McQuade for inviting me along!!

  

 

 

I remember tasting Kombucha for the first time and thinking this was one of the most disgusting things I have ever put in my mouth.....with that said, I will say it is something that grows on you!!!The shot above is my mixture of organic tea, sugar, and a scoby brewing.

 

(Above) Every time you do a batch a second scoby grows....So if you need one let me know!  I got a few extras floating around!!  The scoby is the part of the process that adds all of the nutrients, bacteria, and yeast to the brewing process.

After waiting 10ish days you can bottle!  I did three flavors.....Ginger/Lemon, Cranberry/Orange, and Lavender/Ginger.  I used juice, extracts, and herbs to flavor the Kombucha.

 

Popping the bottles helps.....or they might explode!!!

 

After about 5 days you can put them in the fridge and drink!  I'm still working on the flavoring part, but overall they are pretty tasty!!!!

STAUNTON STATE PARK

Pine, Colorado

Round Trip Distance: 8 miles

(but there are tons of trails to go longer or shorter!)

Elevation: 8,000 - 10,000 ish

 

 

 

 I heard about this park when I first arrived in Colorado.  There was a big poster in the bathroom at Eldorado Canyon saying they were opening up the park to rock climbing development.  It quickly was added to the list of places to check out!!

 

I did a slow little trot around the park....lots more to explore, that's for sure!  The views were pretty amazing.  The altitude was definitely a challenge!! The trails were nice and wide and very well maintained.  The trails are open to mountain biking as well.

 

I didn't get a great shot of the rocks....but hoping you can tell there is quite a bit out there!  And looks really nice!  There is a free guidebook download.....this link should take you there:

http://www.fixedpin.com/climbing/climbing/rock-climbing-staunton-state-park.html