to the beautiful mountains that have changed my life,
There are many mountains and mountain ranges in Colorado. Most of these I have not seen yet, and there are probably some I may never will. However, I know for a fact that the mountains are truly my home. I don't feel happier than when I am surrounded by the rocks and hill, the trees so tall they cast an everlasting shade on the beauty around them. I believe that mountains are more than just parts of nature, but that they are like their own people, carrying their own personalities and histories that are richer than anything else you can find. So here's to the three mountains/mountain towns that have changed my life.
To Pikes Peak,
Thank you for being the backdrop to some of my favorite childhood memories. Thank you for being visible from my front door as my mom walked me to the kindergarten, your shadow and prowess giving me so much awe. Also, thank you for providing the backdrop for my teenage years. For being one of the few constant things during that tumultuous time. Thank you for beckoning me from above the clouds whenever I come home, signaling that my parents and my puppies are just a few more miles down the road. And thank you for being the location of one of my greatest accomplishments. For providing those harrowing 13 miles I walked with a good 30 pounds on my back. Pikes Peak, you are forever going to have an impact on my life.
To The Tooth of Time,
Thank you for providing me with memories of the best two summers of my life. Thank you for providing me with my summer home, even if I can't go back for another summer. Thank you for being the gateway to the rest of the mountains of Philmont. To all of the camps and hiking trails and dirt roads that I miss everyday. Every day I just want to be able to drive by you again, to drive to Philmont for the heck of it, just to be able to base camp with you standing in the background. It kills me I might not see you again for a very long time. Thank you for being the backdrop of the place I grew up, got engaged, and that some of my favorite memories with my favorite people take place.
To Estes Park,
You aren't exactly a mountain, though there are plenty of mountains surrounding you, thus I am including you in this letter. Thank you for being the mountains of my future. Thank you for being a place that I can step foot in and immediately feel home. You are most likely going to be the spot of my wedding, which is such a crazy thing to think about in itself. I also have a deep feeling inside of me that I may live under your beautiful mountains one day. I'm not sure when or how, but I feel a calling to you that makes me know that I will spend a lot of time with you one day.
Love,
- Caitlin
