As all the kiddos go back to school, our thoughts turn to autumn - even though the thermometer isn't quite cooperating! Dreaming of falling leaves, football games and cooler temperatures (please!) has us all waxing poetic about our summer vacations - which, although just a few weeks ago - seem like a lifetime away!
For your reading pleasure - here's a few quick "What I did on my summer vacation" reports from some of the SOL gang.
First up, Janelle - our Marketing Director.
I had hoped to go camping this summer, as it has been several years since I've been. I did two wonderful trips in the backcountry; one to the Never Summer Range (west of Rocky Mountain National Park) and one in Yosemite. Both trips were amazing and they left me both exhausted - we hiked 20 miles with packs over 3 days for both - and exhilarated! The scenery was some of the prettiest I've ever seen.
Janelle leaves her heels behind and explores Yosemite
And now we travel south with Jordy, fitter extraordinaire!
I feel very lucky that my summer vacation can be taken in my hometown: the beautiful and "weird" Austin, Texas. I went home in June and spent many days on the lake and walking around the city that I love. We went to my favorite restaurant on the lake twice, called Hula Hut. It is Tex-Mex to the core with a Hawaiian twist joint with a huge dock with fans so it is slightly tolerable to sit outside. If you haven't experienced Tex Mex yet, I would make a trip just to do that. Maudie's Milagro and Matt's El Rancho are two other choices that will leave you more than satisfied and wanting to head back to the South just for a meal. Austin is full of unbelievable food and fantastic live music entertainment every night (6th street night life is always a must). One restaurant that has both of these is the original Salt Lick (pictured). It is a little bit south of Austin but well worth the drive. BYOB, BBQ, and music---what more could a girl ask for?
Jordy relaxin' Tejas-style...
Next to the land of jazz and creole with Krista, Extreme Fitter...
To celebrate Howard and my joint birthday, we took 5 days in New Orleans to visit friends and spend some time in the Garden district. We rode the trolley and enjoyed the warm spring air. We walked down to the water and enjoyed some fabulous beignets. Five days of relaxing southern style. (I was particularly excited about the wonderful world of "go cups".)
Krista celebrates her birthday in NOLA...wait. Where's her go-cup?
Next, we hear from Bruce, the one and only SOL Man:
I spent 8 days on the South Fork of the Flathead River in The Bob Marshall Wilderness. “The Bob” is located below Glacier National Park in northwest Montana and is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48. Along with my brother-in-law Todd and his Uncle Mark, we rode 28 miles on horseback to the headwaters of the river, led by a guide who packed in our provisions and raft on 4 mules. When we finally arrived at the river after 8 hours, I’ve never been so happy to be finished with anything in my life!
We spent 7 incredible days fly-fishing for wild Cutthroat trout who willingly came up for dry flies by the hundreds. The river was clear and clean, the days were warm, the nights were cool and full of stars. It was an “Adventure of a Lifetime”…I think I’ll do it again next year ;-).
Just one of many wild Cuthroat Trout Bruce spent some time with this summer
And me? Although some of my best days of the summer were spent right here in the store, everyone knows that my little slice of heaven is near Buena Vista, Colorado, where I can really and truly relax with my family. I hope you had a wonderful summer - and are looking forward to fall as much as I am!
My husband Todd and I on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista.
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