In October, with the encouragement of a friend, I accomplished something that I have been wanting to do all year; hiking Barr Trail on Pikes Peak! We took the Cog Railway to the summit and hiked down, approximately 12 miles. It was a beautiful and inspiring hike, with perfect weather. The fall colors were brilliant, with the aspen trees turning golden.

On the way down we rested briefly at Barr Camp, and I discovered that the Gray Jays will land on your hand to eat crumbs. It felt a little like an enchanted fairytale forest with friendly birds that perch on your hand!