Colorado has been an absolute break away which was just what I needed. I decided instead of doing my write-ups day by day for this trip to just highlight key moments (whereas I would usually have 4 posts spanning my 4 days here, I will just have 2 post one being my recent post on the Manitou Incline and this one summing up the rest of my trip to Denver, CO).

Day 2: Pamper Thyself

After such a busy day yesterday hiking the Manitou Incline I could definitely feel it in my body the morning after. My thighs felt tight so it was the perfect idea to schedule a 45 minute Infrared Sauna session with Himalayan salt (bought a Groupon). My appointment was at noon so I thankfully got a chance to sleep in. The location was easy to find and it was in this small corner building. Inside at the desk was a lovely older lady who got me all set up.

She led me to a small room with a cute sauna bench box inside. On the chair outside of it lie a robe and a towel. She set the timer and I got undressed and hopped inside. Let me tell you 45 minutes inside a sauna is a long time and by the time it hit 37 minutes I was like, “Whew, will I make it to the end”. I stretched out and tried to relax but one thing about me is I don’t like being too hot or too cold so by the 25 minutes left mark I began cracking the door open from time to time as I was drenched in sweat. I managed to make it until it was done and got myself together. It definitely helped loosen up my muscles and I felt more of ease.

By now I was so hungry so I stopped and got breakfast. The portion was so big that I’ve been snacking on it until today. I wanted to do just a little bit of shopping to see if I might find something I needed or wanted so I went to a favorite budget store of mine, Ross. I did manage to find a cute pair of jeans and a big bottle of one of my favorite perfume brands (Escada) for a fraction of the price (and this particular scent (Santorini Sunrise) I hadn’t been able to find in this size). I was content with my purchase and went to Walmart to re-up on drinks. I headed back to my Airbnb to chill for the rest of the evening (I had to get up early the next morning for a sunrise hike).

Day 3: Sunrise Hike in RedRocks and Pamper Thyself Contd.

I had to set my alarm for 4:30am so that I’d have enough time to get ready and be out of the house to meet the group for the hike at 5:40am. I had a little bit of a drive but at that time of morning traffic was of no concern. I found the place with no issues and was the 1st one there aside from the guide Cody. Shortly afterward the other two girls arrived.

We began by introducing ourselves and Cody gave us an idea of what to expect and what to look out for (deer, foxes, birds, rabbits, snakes and etc.). The area is gorgeous and there are certain things noted for certain pictures below. There is an amphitheatre at RedRocks where many performances happen throughout the year and Cody explained that there is a certain decibel level that artists have to abide by because years ago Bassnectar turned up the volume a little too much and caused some of the rocks to crack (they were issued a severe fine because of it and the neighbors weren’t too happy about it). They have since been banned from playing at the RedRocks Amphitheatre but vowed to find another place they’d be able to cater to the Colorado crowd.

As we walked along and saw the different rock structures while the sun was rising we ran across a few neighbors nearby walking their dogs and on their morning run. Close by is an elementary school and many neighboring homes (so I can see how many people would utilize this area). While some flowers were present in the area a lot have not fully bloomed yet seeing as though the weather can be unpredictable. It took us a few minutes but we finally stumbled upon some deer which were white tail deer. As we walked along we saw much more and birds. It’s funny this one bird must be a regular because it landed on the deer (landed literally anywhere on them-their head, back, butt you name it and most didn’t seem to mind). 

Cody was great and the other 2 girls were from Orlando, FL one originally being from Miami and the other Puerto Rico. They were a couple and said that they were eloping the next day. When I asked why they chose to do it in Colorado they said here they have solemnization (where they can marry themselves). Along the trail we chatted and stopped for great photo ops with Cody being our main photographer. I can definitely say that we got some unique shots in. There were moments of steps we’d have to walk up and of course it took me back to Sunday when I did the Incline. When asked if those steps were anything like the incline I said, “This is just a little taste.” At the end of the tour Cody provided us breakfast which included a breakfast sandwich (sausage, egg and cheese on a croissant), 2 cuties and some fruit snacks; to drink there was coffee and water. 

Before leaving, I walked up to check out the Amphitheatre and it was nice (a lot of steps though and up a very steep ramp). The view of course is amazing so I can see the appeal of it. I left and went back to my Airbnb until it was time for my mani/pedi at 12:30pm that I got a Groupon for. I arrived and was the only client but Maria was nice as she tended to me. We talked during my time there but before I left I felt sick. My stomach was ripping me apart inside and I don’t know if it was the coffee or the breakfast sandwich but it wreaked havoc on me (I took care of that before I left). By now I was not feeling the best so I went and got my pizza (a chicken tikka pizza (it was good too-I bought a Groupon for it)) and I went back to the Airbnb and was in for the day. I needed to take my braids out because I was going to get my hair done tomorrow and I knew that was going to take a few hours.

Day 4: Today is go home day but not until much later and my only plan was to get my hair done at noon, pack and relax. It was important that I book a black stylist since my hair is natural and not everyone knows how to deal with it. I booked Meme on StyleSeat and her salon was in her home. Thankfully she was close by and she was the sweetest person. We watched Bringing Down the House while she did my hair and we chatted. I got a shampoo, trim. and rollerset and she did a phenomenal job. She told me she works overnight, does hair and is a nurse (that hustle life, I understand it). She flat-ironed my roots to help with the humidity and the end result was nice (hopefully I can maintain it). Afterwards, I re-uped on gas and got some thai food. Currently now back at my Airbnb and 80% packed, I’m relaxing until I go and return the rental at 9pm. I leave on a red-eye tonight and will be home by morning. This trip has been everything that I thought it would be and I’m glad I got a chance to do everything I set out to do including getting plenty of rest because when I get back home it’s on (time to get to work).