Day 4 - That's a Nice Boulder

Miles traveled:

By Car - 40ish mi

By Foot/Paw/Other - 6.8 mi

Car Entertainment - Bon Iver on shuffle.  Just seemed like the right chill mood on our way to hiking.

After a cool night's sleep with the windows open the white noise of Boulder Creek behind us we woke up ready to make the most of the day!

We started with coffee in the hotel that was pretty much like brown water (and not the good kind of brown water).  So we started by taking a short walk to get some good coffee at the local cafe.  It was a morning puppyfest!

Then we got warmed up by taking a walk on the Boulder Creek trail outside the lodge.  

R&C got a little more adventurous with the water and rocks this time!

Off to Chautauqua State Park!  Chautauqua Park | City of Boulder (bouldercolorado.gov) 

Rhino almost immediately had to stop and poop.  I picked it up, and of course there was nowhere close to discard it, so i tucked it in my Camelbak pouch.  It was the aromatic gift that kept on giving the entire hike.

This was really their first real hike with any significant incline.  They did great, although Charlie took just about every chance she could to rest and lay down, and I ended up giving her my Camelbak water.

When we had the choice to split and take the easy or the moderate trail, we chose moderate (shocker) and almost immediately regretted that decision once we turned the corner and saw what was ahead of us!

We turned around and went back to the easy trail.  R&C navigated that terrain like champs! At this point they both looked like they had had about enough.

We made our way back down for some rest, water and this commemorative photo!  I sure do love those little Bubbas!

We had a couple of hours to kill before meeting up with my dearest and longest friend, Shae, and her family so we walked up and down Pearl Street to scope it out.  Pearl Street Mall: Beloved Boulder Attraction | Colorado.com 

Then I thought the pups could use a minute to cool off so we went to the car for about 20 minutes to get some air conditioning and water.  They both immediately fell asleep, and Rhino fell asleep IN his water bowl!

Once Shae and her family arrived we walked to Pearl Street to visit and catch up at My Neighbor Felix Mexican restaourant.  Colorado Mexican Restaurant - My Neighbor Felix 

I am very grateful to have such a dear and special friend even though we don't get to see each other that often.  Her youngest also made me some beautiful artwork that is a near replica of the commemorative photo above.

Ready for another fun adventure tomorrow!