Colorado #13: COVID-cation
Updated: Sep 13
Four stars. (★★★★)
As much as I love the mountains, and love seeing Leah & fam... I have to deduct a star for the COVID.
Days 1-2: Family Time
Sat-Sun, September 5-6
Everything started so well! Saturday morning we visited the Lafayette History Museum so Fifi could complete her homework, then lunched at Waterloo in Louisville. I was glad to buy one last pair of earrings before my favorite jewelry maker shuts down her Louisville gift shop.
In the afternoon Leah and I headed up to the Skyrun cabin for a relaxing evening.
Sunday morning I felt slightly off, but well enough for a lowkey hike with Leah on the Delonde and Bluebird Loop trail, one of my favorites. We returned to the cabin with coffee from New Moon Cafe, to chat and relax until Seppi and Fifi arrived with Seppi's pozole verde for lunch and Fifi's brownies for dessert.
Thankfully, Seppi stocked me with comfort food for the week - leftover pozole, pasta salad, pizza... I would need it.
By the time they left I was dragging. By bedtime I was feeling rough, but clinging to hope. I had all kinds of big hiking plans for Monday!
Days 3-5: Everything Hurts
Mon-Wed, September 7-9
The next three days were a feverish fog of pain, stiffness and sleep. Every muscle and bone ached. My big accomplishment Monday was washing my hair. On Tuesday I managed to drive to Nederland for Kleenex, Diet 7UP and a COVID test. Of course it was positive.
On Wednesday I'd committed to work - but really shouldn't have. I broke out in a cold sweat and my ears went stuffy in the first few minutes of an important presentation. No idea if I made any sense.
That's about it. I saw the sun rise and set from the porch and appreciated being in a beautiful place, but this was not the "work from anywhere" experience I'd imagined.
Day 6: Hard-Charging Recovery
Thu, September 10
It was too ambitious to tackle the 8-mile Walker Ranch Loop, with its steep inclines and sun-exposed stretches when my recovery was maybe 50%. I was frustrated by the lost time and wanted to salvage as much of the trip as possible.
I was weak and unsteady on the trail, with difficulty breathing and some minor chest burning. I stopped and rested several times (not normal for me) and counted every mile marker.
Safely back at the cabin, I forgave my reckless stubbornness. I'm glad I got to scope out a new area (verdict: meh) and push my body after three days of total atrophy.
Day 7: Perseverance
Fri, September 11
Still feeling stuffed up and wrung out, I sat parked at the trailhead at 6:30 a.m., feeling the blustery wind shaking the car, considering whether this was a kind choice for my body and psyche. A cozy morning back at the cabin would be so lovely. But I came to Colorado to hike, and I already lost half the week to COVID.
Once I got going, I was glad. The sunrise was golden. The Upper Forest Lakes Trail was worth it. I didn't see other hikers until I was on my way back down.
After that, I was utterly spent. Back to the cabin for a warm shower, laptop time, and pre-packing for Saturday's departure.
Day 8: Slight Change of Plans
Sat, September 12
I decided to take an earlier flight, which eliminated the morning hike and shortened my time with the Cabibbos - but got me home just after 5 p.m. instead of midnight. I was torn, but it was the right call; a less taxing day was better for my recovery and I didn't want to take up too much of Leah's Saturday.
Instead I had a nice, mellow morning packing and soaking in the view one last time. Then a quick visit with Leah and Seppi (and chocolate croissants!) before heading to the airport.
While this trip went a bit sideways, it was a good concept and I'd like to try again next year.
