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We got back tonight from a long weekend of camping near Rocky Mountain National Park. Since we shoot weddings on Saturdays, our weekends begin on Sundays. Mike took Monday and Tuesday off for an adventure in the wilderness. We visited Boulder, Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Lake Granby. Last night we camped on the shores of Lake Granby and the winding rivers that feed into it. Now that the mountain snows are melting, the lakes are rushing and gorgeous.

Mike’s friend Tom is visiting from England, and he joined us for the weekend. He has never been to the United States before, and what a beautiful state for his first visit! It was a fun weekend, but we certainly had our share of dangers.

Moose Adventure, Day 1
On Sunday, Mike got charged by a moose at our campsite. He was reaching into a bush to retrieve our dog’s baseball when a female moose appeared out of nowhere and ran straight toward him. Those things are enormous and will stamp you to death if angry enough. Mike ran and jumped on the nearest picnic table. Our dog, Ally, ran out and started barking at the moose, and Tom ran out to see what was going on. The moose must have decided that she was outnumbered, and she turned and left. Mike was fine, but definitely shaken.

I missed the whole thing, because I was turned the other direction, taking pictures of a baby horse. Of course. My beloved is nearly trampled to death, and I don’t even notice because I am looking at the cute little horsie. Oh, the shame. Thank god he was ok. It could have been horrible.

Moose Adventure, Day 2
On Monday, we went hiking at a lake, and Ally charged a different moose. She ran right after it with no fear. I think she was trying to protect us. What a moronic dog. I swear, she is frightened of terriers and dachshunds, but she will charge a freakin’ moose in the wild. She ran into a mass of tall bushes toward the moose, and none of us could see where she had gone. Then we heard her barking, sounding panicked. Then silence.

We called out to Ally, but she didn’t respond. I was terrified, and ran toward the bushes. Then I realized that I couldn’t see through the foliage, and I didn’t want to get myself hurt by any moose, either. Helpless, I returned to the trail, and called out to Ally. We looked for her for about ten minutes or so, which doesn’t sound like a long time, but when you are terrified that your dog has been stomped by a moose, that is an eternity. I started crying. Finally Mike called out that he had found Ally and she was ok. I ran to her, both happy to see her and really pissed off at her. What kind of moronic 60-pound dog charges a 1000-pound moose?!

Just as I was accepting the fact that our dog was ok and I could stop crying, the little canine freak ran straight to the nearby rushing river and jumped right in the turbulent water. I freaked out again. Mike ran after her, knowing fully well that he wouldn’t be able to jump in after her. Fortunately Ally, the Wonder Idiot, grabbed onto a tree and pulled herself out. We promptly put her on a leash for the rest of the day.

Overall Experience
On a happier note, we really did have a great time this weekend, and I have rediscovered the joy of camping. Colorado is a fantastic state that really takes care of its natural beauty and the public’s access to it. I’ll never have enough time to see all the parks in this state, but I hope to keep trying.

As you probably have guessed, I took a lot of pictures (500 in two days), so after I get caught up with all my work, I’ll sort through them and post a few here.

Our return
I am not a princess who can’t get dirty, but then again, I’m not a rugged outdoorswoman, either. It’s funny to realize my three priorities upon leaving camp today, in order:
1. A clean ladies’ room
2. A decent meal
3. A large vanilla skim latte

Unrelated final note
I’m an American Idol junkie. I’m actually sad that tomorrow is the end of the season, and I’ll have to wait until next winter for more.