places of worship all over the world
Category: wonderlust
South Park, Colorado
There is a place in Colorado called South Park, I happened to be invited there over the weekend last December. My friends own a house with a fireplace in Fairplay. I know it sounds like too good to be true but who can complain when wonderful things happen out of the blue?
The nature there is something really unique, not only for skiers and snowboarders but also for hikers like me. The sound of silence is something we all miss living in a big city. We lived in Denver at the time, which is not exactly a big city, but big enough if you ask locals since they tend to dislike the rapid growth.
Denver is not far from the mountains but it’s super close either. It takes you about an hour to get there with no traffic. When you go up there, you have to remember that altitude is brutal so you should be prepared with lots of drinking water and ginger chews for the rescue. After 7 years living there you still get affected pretty bad. This is why it’s a Mile High city, you are high because of oxygen deprivation.
The snow was beautifully scattered here and there, it wasn’t cold at all so we could enjoy the fresh air and magnificent views. The walk wasn’t either hard or long, perfect weather for an easy weekend hike. The rule of thumb for this one is never leave your phone at home so you could take all those pictures you never thought about. I remember the day, it was really warm and sunny, so the snow started to melt. We left the cabin to explore the area leaving our lovely hosts behind, they claimed there are bears so we should better be prepared. I thought it was highly unlikely but the thought was definitely warming my heart, I wanted to see a bear in the wild, I had no fear of wild animals in their natural habitat.
The little cabin in the mountains is something I always wanted to enjoy in the middle of winter. And it happened a few years ago. Inspired by the peace and quiet we made some art with my friend, we also did yoga because she likes these kinds of things. I was only her photographer since she really wanted to post something absolutely incredible on her social media that day. And she did!
We had a big lunch and sat around and talked. It was a nice modern cabin with beige carpet inside. I have never known cabins like this existed, I always believed they are hard wood floors, rustic beams for the ceiling and exposed wood walls. I could envision exposed brick walls with occasional wood as well. But it was not the case. It was too modern for me, it’s like a cardboard box but bigger. They had a plastic Christmas tree all year round, for the 4th of July it would be decorated with American flags. I thought it was absolutely hilarious.
![IMG_20171204_153656786[1]](https://whymilenawhy.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/img_20171204_1536567861.jpg)
Sunny Sunday morning and a bit of snow in the middle of nowhere is the recipe for happiness here and now. Or maybe there and then… Looking back I kind of like this cubist landscape I made, I need to make one like that but using a bigger canvas, I guess. This style of painting is something I only did once and surprisingly it turned out not bad. Acrylics are a forgiving medium so you feel that it’s very easy to experiment with those. Landscapes in general are my main goal, I would like to master landscape painting in the following years.
South Park has a lot to offer if you want to come there as a tourist. In the days of the early pioneers, hopeful gold prospectors fanned out across the area. The town of Fair Play was established in 1859 at the junction of Beaver Creek and the South Platte River, and served as a supply center for nearby mining camps.
Fair Play was renamed as South Park City in 1869, then changed back to Fairplay in 1874. As the mining industry faded, tourism — along with cattle-raising and hay-growing — became the economic mainstays of the area. Known today as the Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado, anglers seek out the area’s Gold Medal streams. And in 2009, South Park and the area around Fairplay were designated a National Heritage Area for its distinctive landscapes, historic structures, recreational resources. Traveling around, you’ll see South Park’s 19th-century ranches, old mines and other historic sites.
Alma, northwest of Fairplay, once served as the ore-processing center of South Park and numbered 900 residents. The commercial district also served as an entertainment district, because the manager of the Moose Mine would not allow saloons or gambling in Dudley — a town located just a mile away. Today many visitors chuckle at a sign above a local drinking establishment that says: Alma’s Only Bar. Before leaving town, catch a glimpse into the life of the early pioneers at Alma’s cemetery. One stone is carved with a cryptic message: “I love you but please go to sleep.”
Today Alma welcomes mountain-hiking enthusiasts, ghost hunters and tourists from Leadville and Breckenridge, which is often called Breck. Must-sees include Kite Lake, at a crisp 12,400 feet and the ghost town of Buckskin Joe. The four-wheel-drive Mosquito Pass above Alma, the highest motor-vehicle pass in North America, is the area’s most popular summer attraction (recommended only on foot or via off-road vehicle). Visit the nearby ghost town of Buckskin Joe and Alma Cemetery, where visitors can investigate stories of fortunes lost and found. The South Park Saloon is a preferred spot for calorie loading.
Also above Alma may be one of the most interesting spectacles in South Park — the Bristlecone Pine Area. You can drive part way to the site, then hike the remainder in summer or ski it in winter. Standing on a barren bluff overlooking the valley are 2,000-year-old bristlecone pine trees, gnarled into grotesque beauty by the wind. Or explore the area via horseback or ATV. (taken from Colorado.com)
Frisco snow, Sunday
Camping and hiking in Colorado.
This weekend we are camping in Vail, this is the first time adventure in such a fancy place. As a rule, you want to avoid cool spots but this time is an exception, I guess. The prices are usually high there and traffic is heavy, let alone crowds of people everywhere. If you want to camp, reservations are required. Otherwise, dispersed camping could be an option. I have never done it because I really appreciate having access to drinking water and facilities. All the dispersed spots I saw are heavily used and look pretty messy sometimes.
But this is just a little side effect of traveling / camping in Colorado. Last weekend we were lucky to get to Rocky Mountain National Park without reservations. All you have to do is be there before 9 am. Also if you use any other entrances but the main one you are more likely to get a parking spot. We used Wild Basin entrance, and it was a great choice. The hike that we did had 3 waterfalls and a lake, as a destination, it took us most of the day to hike 10 miles, we packed water and food which was just the right thing to do. I would highly recommend it to anyone. Half of the hike is in the shade and another half is in the open space, so it gets a bit toasty before you get to the first lake. There is a possibility to get to the second lake, which is bigger but you need to be in a better shape that we are LOL. Anyways, it’s so worth it! trails are not too crowded, views are insane and if I could repeat this hike I would do it tomorrow no questions asked.
Another fantastic place to hike is French Pass, not many people know about it, so it’s pretty wild and pristine. Pack water and food, it’s a day hike. Enjoy Colorado, discover more!
Taos, old town of New Mexico
I want to tell you something: get yourself in gear and make it here to enjoy and explore.
It’s not big or glamorous, still well worth visiting especially not during high season. Low season has its beauty and charm, fewer people, better availability to places and stuff. 
Some really old hotels and houses will be open to entertain and educate adventurous travellers and true connoisseurs. Food and art for any age and budget, be prepared to walk around a bit.
We found some really creative solutions to the old problems around here. The combinations of things can be quite unexpected but yet entertaining. 
Locals love socialising and helping out if needed, the atmosphere is very casual and inclusive. Pets are welcome!
For those who love history Taos has a lot to offer, it dates back to 1540 and keeps all kind of mysteries for you to unveil. Even kids will find it amazing!
The only minus is you would probably want to buy all kind of things in here, rugs, art, chocolate, leather goods, jewelry, books, clothes, shoes and more. I personally couldn’t resist the temptation. 
Allow yourself at least 2 or 3 days to stay and do it all at your own pace. Food and drinks are delicious here, live music in bars and cafes is great. The prices are quite affordable if you have time to shop around and read the reviews. The choice is yours 🙂
Why I quit my job 