I forgot that I was suppose to continue on with my Colorado trip until Paula kindly reminded me. Sometimes you get too wrapped up living life to remember to reflect back on past occurrences. Colorado was awesome though so let me keep it going. I need to keep it fresh anyway, to motivate me to get back there more quickly.

The following morning, day 2 of the trip, Daniel A. and I woke up at 7am and hit the streets for a nice jog. The weather was, and always seemed to be, absolutely perfect! We jogged down Mathews street until the road ended, and then we looped around to head back home. I would say it was about a quarter of a mile one way. Not that far but, it was a nice way to get the blood pumping.

We made it back and waited for Daniel R. and Paula to wake up so we could head down town to rent some free bikes from the bike library. I think we finally made it out the door around 11am and took the walk, 5 or 6 blocks, to downtown Fort Collins. Here are some lovely discoveries along the way!

The bark on many of the local trees were interesting to me. I’m not sure what type of trees these were but they felt so soft and spongy. I had to take a close up. Beautiful. We also kept passing in front of this one particular church that resembled a castle. I loved it.

We made it to the Bike Library, a place where they let you rent out a bike and a lock free of charge for 7 days, as long as you bring the bike back. We each picked out a bike and headed out for a nice little ride around the down town area. Something I wish I had taken a picture of was the “Dismount Zone” signs. It was for the high traffic areas, where you have to get off and walk your bikes. I enjoyed the little sign dude. Also, I was really impressed that the grounds had little sensors in the bike lanes that picked up whether a bike was waiting at the light or not. So very cool. I’m a big fan of Fort Collins, it really sucked me in with this first bike ride.

The picture below and to the right is where poor Paula got stuck at a traffic light in the middle of a high traffic intersection, all alone. It was so cute though, she came around the corner and up the street just like a pro.

Daniel and Paula led the way taking us to a little café called Indulge. I’m not sure of the origins, but it was very nicely decorated in a Mediterranean like décor. The interior was beautiful and very welcoming. The woman there was sweet and friendly. We chatted with her about how we were afraid of the winter weathers, being southerners, and the we had heard they were not very pleasant. She assured us there was nothing to worry about and that the winters there in Fort Collins is something  she looks forward to every year, as she really enjoys it so much. She told us that the snow never stays of the ground for very long and that the sun is always shining, so its never dreary or depressing. Sounds like I need to start planning a winter vacation! We hung out for a bit, tried some teas, fruit drinks, and nice little treats.

After the trip around town we stopped back at the apartment for a moment or two, but I couldn’t stay in-doors for long in the beautiful CO weather. Arbour and I saddled up again and hit the streets to go discover on our own. The apartment is only 2 or 3 blocks away form the college campus, so after strolling the streets for a bit (unintentionally, I sent us in the opposite direction) we made it to campus and plopped down on their huge gorgeous grounds! I snuggled up with a book and Daniel with his iPad and we laid out on the grass.

The bugs started coming out after a bit so we headed home before the sunset.

That night the four of us relaxed and enjoyed each others company. I missed having us all hang out doing nothing together, just like back when we used to live together during college. It felt nice being there with my brother and Paula. Miss them already!

Paula treated each of us to our own little homemade mini apple pies. Perfect ending to our day.

Day 2 way wonderful there. I loved every second of being in Fort Collins. Remembering this day makes my long for a quick return.

(BED TIME! For real this time! I’m going to be late for work if I don’t head to be NOW! lol! 2nd post complete! Sweetest Dreams, AGAIN!)