I’vebeen in Denver since the early 70’s. I grew up here. And yet, I had never been to Rocky Mountain National Park — not until this weekend. It’s funny. Tourists flock to Colorado from all parts of the world, in large part because of our gorgeous natural surroundings here, especially in the mountain areas. However, I secretly hated (yes, hated) going on all those camping and other outdoorsy school field trips when I was growing up. See, I was an artsy kid (singing, violin, musical theater, writing) and I saw myself as more of a character from the TV show Fame. I saw myself living in New York City one day. I definitely didn’t see myself as a nature person, whatever that was.
Well, fast forward to the last 7 or 8 years of my life. I appreciate nature so much. I actually enjoy long nature walks and hikes, and I actually take time to notice natural beauty around me wherever I am. When I returned to Denver last year, after spending three years in the San Francisco Bay Area, I immediately made it my goal to finally spend some time in Colorado’s mountain areas. One problem, though: I’m not a fan of highway driving and definitely not mountain highway driving. So, for an entire year, I’ve neglected my dream of getting out of my own comfort zone in my own home state.
Then, a few weeks ago, that #afreeblackgirlness kicked in and I had a little talk with myself. It went something like this: “Okay, you don’t feel comfortable driving up to the mountains. Got it. But you really, really want to go to the mountains, right? So, are there other options? If you’re serious about living like #afreeblackgirl, you will find a way!” That’s when I searched online for day trips via tour companies from Denver to any of the mountain areas. I stumbled on one that left from Denver’s Union Station downtown to Rocky Mountain National Park and I couldn’t sign up quickly enough, I was so excited!
I had an absolutely AMAZING day in the mountains on Saturday, and I made friends along the way with 13 complete strangers from all across the country on that tour van. I can’t wait to get back to the mountains, as often as I possibly can this year, and for longer stays. How I love being #afreeblackgirl at home and abroad. How I love taking a journey to my inner freedom every day!