Rocky Mountains and "The Rock"

Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from? My help comes  from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth

Getting to Colorado is easy by plane, but getting to the mountains in a snow storm, not so much. Slowly but surely in our requested Ford Edge rental horse (thank goodness for four-wheel drive), we made it up the snow-capped hills to our spacious and secluded cabin, located about six miles outside of Breckenridge in Blue River, CO. Jazz only gave me a heart attack on a few points in the drive. Upon arrival, everyone in the cabin anxiously awaiting us...oh wait, they were all asleep (besides Mom- thanks for being a trooper and staying up for us). In fairness, the fam did seem pretty excited to see us the next day, but not as much as they were to hit the slopes.

The middle sister, Missy, is a planner. She had planned this trip for months to celebrate her birthday, and these plans were being executed smoothly. Little did she know, her boyfriend, Charles, had plans of his own up his sleeve, unbeknownst to the rest of the sibs.

After a day of skiing at Copper Mountain, we were all getting ready for our final runs down the mountain, since the ski lifts closed at 4:00 pm. Jazz and I finished our run while Missy and Charles were still coming down the mountain. Upon finishing our second-to-last run, we were greeted by Brittney, my youngest sister, at the bottom of the mountain, who looked like she had something very urgent to say.

Brittney: "Ummm, Charles just gave me a diamond ring. He's going to propose to Missy once they get down the mountain."

Wait, what?!

I guess he didn't trust the sisters to keep a secret. Really?! (yeah, that was probably a wise decision on Charles' part). Regardless, she said yes, and I cannot wait to assist in wedding planning! I'm also glad that she didn't get any scars from that last run after the engagement ;) Fast forward a few weeks, so tweaked her knee from swinging a golf club, but that's an entirely different story.

Anyways, enough with the story-telling. Here are some take-aways from this Breckenridge trip:

1. If you fly with Frontier Airlines, beware of hidden fees. The prices are cheap, but the airlines make money by having you pay for bags, including carry-ons. Reserve early with carry-on bags for the cheapest price. You will even have to pay for all in-flight foods and beverages.

2. Drink a lot of water! Let me briefly provide a scientific explanation as to why. Since at high altitudes (defined as 5,000+ feet above sea level) humidity levels are lower, sweat evaporates at a faster rate. Combine this with the often cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, one cannot adequately predict sweat loss. Water loss from breathing alone is increased, mainly in part due to decreased oxygen levels, which causes a person to respire faster and more deeply. What's more, cold conditions also tend to decrease the thirst sensation and may cause a person to pee more. According to registered dietitian, Clare Tone, a goal of 3-5 L of fluid is recommended while at altitude.

Some of my family members experienced the phenomenon of altitude sickness, which of course, is heightened by dehydration. Thankfully our cabin came fully equipped with an oxygen tank, which many of my family members utilized numerous times.

3. Enjoy the great outdoors! Colorado is the outdoor person's paradise, and in my opinion, there is no better backdrop than the glorious mountains. If you want to marvel at some breathtaking views, the Rocky Mountains are for you.

The newly-engaged couple

                                                       

Getting ready to hit the slopes