Day 1-A bucket list is a powerful tool for setting personal goals and enhancing life experiences. It can help clarify priorities by helping an individual identify what truly matters to them, whether it's travel, personal achievements, or unique experiences. Checking items off my list helps provide motivation to pursue my dreams. It encourages me to take action and step out of my comfort zone. I’m hopeful the experiences I seek will lead to unforgettable moments and stories that enrich my life. I’m looking for personal growth with each experience from learning new skills, overcoming challenges, and gaining new perspectives. My goal is to actively engaging in the experiences on my list which will encourage me to live in the moment and appreciate the journey, rather than just focusing on the destination. As I check items off my list, I hope I feel a sense of achievement and fulfillment and perhaps a boost in my confidence. It’s not just about checking items off but rather a blueprint for living a richer, more purposeful life.
I’m in my late 30’s and I can count on 1 hand the amount of times I’ve flown on an airplane. Navigating airports isn’t something I’m good at or familiar with, especially large ones. I prefer my small local airport with two gates only. Unfortunately that airport wasn’t available for this journey and I must embrace the change and challenge of a bigger airport. I drove solo to the Minneapolis airport and found the parking ramp for terminal 2 with some frustration. If feels odd traveling without my boys. This definitely pushed me out of my comfort-high traffic, trying to read signs, not get in an accident, and find the right area to park. I did it, made it through security and to my gate.
Many of you may be surprised to hear of a few first I accomplished. I learned how to check in online on my phone and get my plane ticket on my phone! Say what? No paper tickets! It was easier than I thought. I also managed to navigate all the way to my gate without ever looking at a monitor screen in the airport-I used my phone for gate information and map. While many of you might see these tasks as easy, for me, they symbolize the opportunity to learn a way over due new skill. They bring a sense of pride and accomplishment that drives me forward in the start of this particular journey.
My plane lands in an unfamiliar city, which is all part of the adventure. I wasn’t prepared to land in such a gigantic airport. It feels like I’m in Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, surrounded by people rushing past me. I’m lost and overwhelmed, trying to figure out how to escape this maze. Denver has got to be one of the largest airports in the US.
I need to find my way to the hotel and have a few options: renting a car, taking an Uber, or navigating the Denver Metro Rail. While I'm comfortable with the first option, and I’ve done the second one before, if I want to make the most of this trip, I should challenge myself and explore the rail system at least for the first night before renting a car.
I can’t find a single sign that says train where I’m at. Eventually, I discover I need to take a tram to baggage claim, even though I don’t have any baggage. The tram to baggage claim is fast and crowded—it’s quite the experience. It took me an hour to navigate out of the airport and find the train, but when I finally sat down on the train, I felt a wave of relief wash over me as we prepared to take off. I must of looked like a fish out of water, multiple people on the train asked where I was from-it’s obvious, I’m a small town girl.
Tonight, I’m struggling in this unfamiliar city without my boys. Thoughts are swirling in my mind—am I in a safe area? Will I get lost in the mountains? I kind of wish I had someone here with me to do this adventure with. I miss my boys terribly. I’m not doing a great job of distracting myself; I can already tell it’s going to be a late night, lying awake in bed.
Tomorrow, the real adventure begins. I finally realized if I wait until someone else is available to go with me, I may miss out on a lot of life experiences that are important to me. I’m here to cross something off my bucket list: See the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas and prove to myself I can do hard unfamiliar things. I have no set agenda; I have a map and a compass. I want to hike the mountain trails, soak in their beauty, sit atop a mountain peak, view some wildlife, reflect on my life while disconnecting from everyday stress, set new goals, and return home feeling accomplished ( and alive ).
Day 2-I tackled 13.72 miles of terrain today. I got up early, packed my backpack, and took the advice from various websites to include clothing layers, plenty of water, and snacks. As I packed, thoughts of safety and the possibility of becoming a lost hiker crossed my mind repeatedly. Not having a real plan for the day added to my anxiety.
Despite that, the hikes were incredible. I didn’t spot any wildlife, but the views were breathtaking. I met some amazing people along the way. I shared stories with a neurologist from the Cleveland Clinic and his wife while sitting on a mountaintop. I also spoke with Brian, who has had a diverse career as a D1 hockey coach, school teacher, and counselor. He shared so much knowledge about the trails and mountains. It’s remarkable how much people will share with strangers when you’re just sitting, gazing out at the horizon. Those moments of connection are truly special.
Day 2 of my trip complete. I pushed through another challenging stretch, and while I’m exhausted, the sense of accomplishment feels great. The views were once again stunning, and the connections I made with fellow hikers enriched the experience. It’s incredible how nature brings people together. Now it’s time to rest and recharge for whatever tomorrow brings-I’m thinking Red Rock based off a suggestion and Garden of the Gods/Pikes Peak. What else is worth seeing friends ?
Day 3-I woke up feeling sore, especially in my achillies, really feeling the miles I put in yesterday. I had to dial it back today and ended up hiking 9.46 miles only.
I started the day early at Red Rock, eager to hike and catch the sunrise. The rock formations and colors were stunning, and at one point, I spotted a deer grazing in the brush. I was surprised by the number of early morning hikers—some were even there practicing yoga.
Along the way, I met two amazing women, Monica and Laura, who were on a girls' getaway. Monica was particularly inspiring; she had a similar experience to mine and shared empowering advice that resonated with me. I also met a mother and daughter traveling from New York. Unfortunately, I forgot their names, but they were both incredibly kind and shared some wonderful life stories with me. Their warmth and openness added to the richness of my experience at Red Rock. It's incredible how a simple compliment from a stranger can be so uplifting. This trip has been filled with sporadic moments of encouragement from random people, and it made our parting feel special.
Around 8:30 am, I departed for Garden of the Gods, and it was absolutely amazing! I wish I had more time to hike there, but with only two hours on the trails, I made the most of it. The geological formations were stunning, and I spent the time just soaking it all in without much conversation.
Next, I headed up to Pikes Peak, which rises to 14,115 feet. I definitely felt the altitude at times during the drive to the summit, but thankfully the dizziness was minor and faded quickly. The temperature dropped significantly, which felt refreshing compared to the 87 degrees at the base. The views were breathtaking and truly spectacular. At the very end I even saw Mountain Goats as I was descending down.
I spent about an hour gazing at the horizon and reflecting on my life. I pondered what I’m most proud of, what truly matters to me, and the changes I want to make. I asked myself how can I be the best version of me, where do I see myself in five years and whether my current goals need revising. This was the moment of the trip where I dug deep, allowing my emotions to flow amidst the mountains. I cried, I laughed, and ultimately, I smiled. I walked away with the clarity I needed and felt fulfilled.
This trip wasn’t just about checking off a bucket list item but also about self-discovery and empowerment. It was a journey to prove to myself that I can face things that are scary and uncomfortable. Each experience helped me grow stronger and more confident, reminding me of my resilience and capacity for change.
This journey has not only pushed me outside my comfort zone but also deepened my sense of self worth . I’m grateful for the experiences and connections I made along the way, and I’m leaving Colorado with a renewed spirit and clarity for the path ahead.
I’ve got two amazing boys to get home too that I can’t wait to hug!
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