Colorado - El Paso County

Back in March, right after the world shut down, I decided it was time to get off social media so that I could focus my time on things I truly loved. The epiphany for me was when I realized I'd been reading the same book (the first of a trilogy) for two years. After permanently deleting my personal Facebook and Instagram accounts, I finished that book within days (and the next two in the trilogy within a couple of months). 

One other major influencing factor was how I felt about my connections with my family and friends on social media. Were we really connected? Were we truly fostering a healthy and growing relationship? After finding myself mindlessly scrolling through, passing all of their posts, I realized it wasn't the kind of connection I wanted. It wasn't fulfilling.

When I decided to sign off I promised myself I would make a conscious effort to physically connect with my family and friends. This trip was one of those efforts. I flew into Denver on a Friday morning, landing at about 8:00am and departed the next day at 6:40pm. In the approximately 34 hours I had in Colorado, I spent quality time reconnecting with my cousins and experiencing three amazing and timeless landmarks in El Paso County. After arriving, I quickly picked up my rental, scooped up the kids for a day of fun exploring downtown Manitou Springs, the Penny Arcade, and the Garden of the Gods. We ended the day with take out dinner at home with the rest of the family. The next day I snuck out early to explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Paint Mines, an area that dates back with human life from as early as 9000 years ago. Then I returned to my cousins for lunch before we headed out to Castlewood Canyons for a quick hike before my departure that evening. 

It was an amazing short trip of reconnecting, discovering new places, and building memories. This is how I want to connect with my family and friends. In person, sharing experiences, and making lasting memories.

Manitou Springs

Manitou Springs

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods

Paint Mines

Paint Mines

Paint Mines

Paint Mines

Paint Mines

Paint Mines

Paint Mines

Paint Mines

Paint Mines

Castlewood Canyons

Castlewood Canyons

Castlewood Canyons

Castlewood Canyons

Thank you for reading! 

~Stephanie