“Grand” – Magnificent and imposing in appearance, size or style.
I forever want to be a sight chaser. I want to see magic in the ordinary and embrace the magic in the sights you know few see in their lifetime. That’s living to me. Grand Lake is one of those sights. Not only because of the beauty of the mountains and the lake but because of the extreme vastness of the beauty that comes with each passing season.
I went to Grand Lake, CO three times in 2019, each time in a different season. Each trip provided new, unique sights, memories and experiences. It was as though I went to a new town each time I went back. Consistently, the town held charm and character and provided a perfect mix of historic Grand Lake and new business. My favorite thing about the town is that it doesn’t seem to develop too much to lose it’s small town cozy feel.
My first trip there in the Spring brought a touch of warmth to my cheeks as I sat beside the newly unfrozen lake in the brisk morning air with coffee. I did a quick run to Adams Falls to see it rushing down and then discovered bear prints next to the lake… wasn’t ready for that. I then learned that Grand Lake has its fair share of bears so be warned. The town was full of new life and new hope as winter came to an end. The lake was glassy, calm, and oh so grand. Nothing beats a crisp morning with a grand view and a hot cup of coffee.
The summer brought adventure, warmth, and pure bliss. My boyfriend and I stayed at a cozy lodge right in town and it was perfect. We spent three days biking around town, kayaking around the lake dreaming up what our lake house would look like, playing put put, and finishing up the trip by hiking 13 miles to Lone Pine Lake and watching a young moose frolic in the water. In the evenings we explored town, window shopped, found an incredible homemade gelato and coffee shop called Lulu’s, and a classic, full of character and good food pub called Worlds End.
The Grand Lake winter trip provided a truly Colorado experience. On the way up we stopped at Hot Sulfur Hot Springs to bask in the hot mineral filled water. Next we arrived at Sunflower Cottage, a unique, charm filled cabin right in town. It was cold and the snow came down hard while we were there which made it blissful. We explored town while the sun was out, went back to some of our favorite spots, Lulu’s and Worlds End, and cozied up inside at dark. With the fireplace going we heated up the German Gluhwein, cooked dinner, pulled out the card games and had an ideal evening while the trees outside got a nice fresh covering of snow.
One of the most unique aspects of winter in Grand Lake is the snowmobiling and being able to walk and snow mobile across Grand Lake. Freaked out? I was too but I walked out onto the ice anyway and wow was I glad. The view of Grand Lake is unique and incredible to begin with but being able to view it from the middle of the lake? Now that is just raw, wild, and epic Colorado.
We also made it a point to go snowshoeing. It wasn’t my first time but you would’ve thought it was given the smile on my face. There’s something so unique and special about snowshoeing to me. You’re usually the only one on the trail, you’re walking through untouched snow, its so quiet your own mind doesn’t have a choice but to settle and you’re immersed in wild beauty.
From Spring to Summer to Fall to Winter, each season brings a gift of beauty and experience only that season can bring. Similar to our lives, if we only live in the past or in the hope of the future we miss the beauty and the perspective of the season we’re in. Just like the earth’s seasons, some are more hopeful and cheery and others are more wild, raw and take your breath away for good or bad; but in each season beauty and perspective are never lacking.
So what’s season are you in? What memory, lesson, or perspective can you cherish and take away from this season? For each season has a purpose if we so choose to embrace it.
Wonder On,
Kate
Wine&Wonder 