Move Beautifully

Every day is an adventure

10.09.13

Daydreamer // 14

daydreamer_holland

Lately, husband + I have been daydreaming about a biking trip through Holland and Belgium. He’s definitely the outdoorsy vacationer, while I much prefer the museums and the restaurants. But how could you visit Holland and not take a bike out for a spin? And working hard all day would definitely earn you some guilt-free Belgian chocolates and waffles. Of course, his idea of biking would involve actual workout clothes and sweat, while mine would be more like a relaxing ride down the riverbank on a crisp fall day, wearing something like that classy lady above is styling. Followed by a much-deserved chai latte, of course…do they even do chai lattes in Holland?

Well, a girl can dream, can’t she?

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Adina| Gluten Free TraveletteOctober 9, 2013 - 12:17 pm

I’m seeing a hybrid of your two visions and it sounds dreamy! Casual bike riding around adorable cities in Holland and then some outdoorsy biking in Belgian forests.ReplyCancel
- Annabelle MintzOctober 9, 2013 - 3:55 pm
  
  Mmm that does sound lovely, Adina! I think we could probably work out a compromise 🙂ReplyCancel

10.08.13

Everyday Adventure // Ouray Perimeter Trail

ouraytrail-title

I posted about our day trip to Ouray, oh, about a year ago (not really, but it sure feels like it – where did summer go + how is it October already?). While we were there, we decided to hike the perimeter trail. This trail, not unsurprisingly based on its name, makes a loop around the Ouray valley and you get great mountain views, plus views of the town from above and a few gorgeous waterfalls.

ouraytrail-collage2

This trail is five miles long, and is doable in half a day or so – we started in the morning and were back in time for a late lunch in town. There are some steeper portions, but overall it was a straightforward and beautiful hike. Ouray valley is stunning, and the loop takes you through a surprising variation of scenery in its short distance.

There’s just something about this little mountain town, it’s one of my favorite places in Colorado to date, and not really for any other reason except that it’s completely breathtaking. I bet it gets a boatload of snow in the wintertime, which would be the downside to living in this valley surrounded by mountains, but at least you’d still have incredible views to keep you entertained throughout the winter hibernation. There are some places that just stick with you, and Ouray is one of those places.

10.07.13

Near + Far // Gluten Free Travelette

We’re kicking off a new series here on the blog! I always love to discover new places and hear about people’s favorite adventures – and I thought it would be fun to share those discoveries with you! So each month, I’ll feature a different blogging friend of mine they’ll share with us their two favorites, near + far.

Today, I’m excited to feature Adina of Gluten Free Travelette. We met at an Alt Travel Blogger’s Meet-Up and her blog has fast become one of my favorites. I especially love her series on New Zealand (one of my favorite places, too!). And whether you’re GF or not, Adina has tons of great recipes and tips and restaurant reviews on her blog. Now, without further ado, here’s Adina sharing a few of her favorite travel discoveries:

What is your favorite haunt close to home?

Discovery Park – Seattle, Washington

This 534 acre urban green space is one of the things that drew me to Seattle in the first place. Discovery Park is my escape from city life (within the city) with 11 miles of trails, beaches, meadows, views of Puget Sound, and even a historic lighthouse to admire.

What is your favorite far-away find?

North Head Historic Reserve – Devonport, New Zealand

A former defense fort built on an old volcanic cone is one of the places in New Zealand I keep returning to on each visit. Just a short ferry ride from Auckland, North Head has everything from underground tunnels to secret beaches and amazing views of nearby Rangitoto Island and the Auckland skyline.

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Find Adina elsewhere: blog / twitter / instagram / facebook

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Adina | Gluten Free TraveletteOctober 9, 2013 - 12:19 pm

Thanks for having me Annabelle! I’m excited to see more picks in this series.ReplyCancel

10.02.13

Everyday Adventure // Mt. Elbert

Last weekend, I achieved a huge milestone! We made it to the tallest point in Colorado (the second highest in the contiguous United States) – the summit of Mt. Elbert, 14,433 feet. This hike was a bit brutal, with 4,700 elevation gain and a total of nine miles to the summit and back. Plus, we faced much more ice + snow than we were expecting.

It was pretty cool to hike along the Colorado Trail for a little while (a 500 mile trail that goes from Denver to Durango), and who can complain about walking through aspens in all their fall glory? It seems like it takes forever to get above tree line, but once you do, the views are crazy. You are literally above everything else that you can see! Our state is certainly a stunner.

I’m going to be totally honest and say that I was pretty miserable for most of this hike. It was steep and exhausting and took all day in the freezing cold and biting wind. Our tradition of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the summit was hurried because we wanted to rush back to lower elevation where there was less wind and more warmth. I wish I could have enjoyed it more. But I’m SO glad that we made it + that it pushed me way out of my comfort zone (this was one of the most mentally challenging 14ers I’ve done due to the cold + steepness).

This was definitely one of those adventures that was hard while we were in the midst of it, but was super rewarding afterwards. And now I can say I’ve made it to the tallest point in Colorado!

Have you ever achieved something you never thought you’d be able to do?

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Adina | Gluten Free TraveletteOctober 2, 2013 - 2:53 pm

Those views look absolutely amazing! Congrats on the achievement, that’s a heck of a lot elevation gain in such a short distance. I probably would have been suffering during a hike like that too.ReplyCancel
- Annabelle MintzOctober 2, 2013 - 10:01 pm
  
  Thanks Adina! And I was being a total baby about it, but to be fair it WAS an intense climb 😉ReplyCancel

09.24.13

Everyday Adventure // Messina Hof Winery

At the end of August, I visited my sister in College Station (where she is getting her PhD, that smarty pants!). She had this winery on her to-visit list, so I graciously agreed to help her check it off. So generous, right?

These photos don’t nearly do justice to how HOT it was. You’ve never felt hot until you’ve felt it in Texas in August. But we managed to survive long enough to take a little walk around the grounds and marvel at the 7000 turtles that live in their pond. Seriously, 7000.

We finished off the afternoon by escaping inside for tastings and cheese in the wine room, and then some salads, creme brulee and more wine in the restaurant. We had all five food groups covered (recap: wine, cheese, salad, wine, dessert), also managing to prove that you can eat at a winery for (relatively) cheap and not leave hungry.

Overall, a great time was had by all – but I will say that for all prior reunions that happen in August, she’ll be coming to ME! It is just too hot in Texas for anyone’s good at that time of year.

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My outfit: Madewell lacebloom top, Gap dress worn as skirt (similar dress), Madden Girl gladiatiors (similar gladiators)

Sister’s outfit (I don’t have the exact deets, so these are all similar finds): floppy hat, coral dress, fuchsia sandals

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