It's all about the climb.

Last weekend, we went backpacking (!!) to Lake Mary near Brighton Ski Resort with our friends, Jordan and Sara. It's only a mile up, but sure feels like a heck of a lot longer when you have all you need to "rough it" over night on your back.

On the way up, we found a mountain waterfall (so beautiful!) and a momma moose with her baby (so scary!) The little moose family was just feet off the trail we were hiking, so we had to venture off a bit and find a new route to Lake Mary.

We might've illegally scaled a fence and crossed the dam, ignoring the "no trespassing" signs everywhere. (Not my idea, I assure you). But, man oh man, was the view worth it at the top!

We set up camp in a little cove of trees perfect for our pair of tents. In the morning, we did a day hike to Lake Catherine, a few more miles up the mountain. Jordan and JD braved the cold, buggy waters and got in for a swim. Sara and I sat on a rock and drowned ourselves in bugspray.

I have to admit- it was beyond gorgeous. The mountains were breathtaking. The wildflowers were bright and beautiful. The animals were fascinating. We fed little chipmunks the almonds from our trailmix; we got closer to a moose than I ever imagined I would and were dumbfounded by its gigantic head, ears, and body; we were mesmerized by a bluebird circling our camp. I had to stop a lot of times (especially going up!) because I was winded and needed water, but I also had to stop periodically just to take it all in.

We were all exhausted by day two, but agreed that sometimes it's so nice to just get away for a bit and enjoy the outdoors.

Thank you, lovebug, for introducing me to a world I never knew. Thank you for ignoring the complaints that started before I ever stepped foot on the mountain and reminding me on the way up that it'd be worth it at the top. Oh, and Dad? I was listening to you singing Miley Cyrus in my head all the way up: "There's always gonna be another mountain. I'm always gonna wanna make it move, always gonna be an uphill battle. Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose. Ain't about how fast I get there. Ain't about what's waitin' on the other side. . .It's the climb. Keep on movin, keep climbin, keep the faith baby. It's all about, it's all about the cliiiimb."

Don't worry. . . we'll go again. Eventually. . .