Going to the Top of 12,500
The day my website launched with our new tag line, “Communications skills to take you to the top,” I was headed to Crested Butte, Colo., to go hiking with two college friends, Nikki and Ingrid.
My favorite way to relax and get away from work is to be outside - preferably some place to hike, followed by spa activities! The timing of this trip was perfect. I had been working non-stop to get the new website up and felt completely burnt out.
The only concern I had with Crested Butte is the altitude. I had been in Lake Tahoe a few weeks earlier and struggled with the altitude at 7,500 feet. The highest I have ever been was just less than 10,000 feet, and I struggled with a pounding headache for days. My friend Ingrid’s home in Crested Butte is located at around 9,000 feet. I really wanted to do some hiking, so I decided it was time to try altitude medication.
We decided that we would try an easy hike the first day, which went fine. The next day we really wanted to attempt to hike to Maroon Pass, which is the trail between Gunnison and Aspen Colorado. It was indescribably beautiful in this mountain range. The above picture is all of us at the top of the pass of 12,500 feet with Ingrid on my left and Nikki on my right.
I had a few side affects such as tingling in my fingers and toes, but that was it. I did have to pass on the wine, but that was no big deal. Every new feat needs a reward, and ours was a daily trip to the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory where Ingrid and I dug into our huge dark chocolate turtles while Nikki pretended to like sugar free chocolate. Spending time with friends relaxing and belly laughing is the best way to reduce stress and get a new perspective.
Just another reminder to schedule those personal trips every few months to get away. I felt totally rejuvenated and thrilled with “going to the TOP” to a new height of 12,500 feet!
