Two weeks ago, my youngest left for college. Three weeks ago we spontaneously took a Great American West road trip up through Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming, seeking out lonely but epic scenery. For me it was also, of course, about putting off the blues of her impending departure and enjoying her company for a week of mother-daughter fun.

We flew into Denver and rented a car for our 5-day adventure. Leaving the city behind, we headed up to Boulder and hiked an easy trail in Eldorado Canyon, where dramatically tilted pink sandstone hills plunge down to South Boulder Creek.

We encountered some surprises along the way, including a coiled rattlesnake — luckily, only a bronze version seeming to sun itself atop a natural boulder.

Also, rock climbers scaling and rappelling down impossibly sheer cliffs. See the white speck in the lower-center of the photo?

Here she is: a climber rappelling down a sunset-hued rock face.

A few moments later, another climber emerged on the line and zipped down.

Along the canyon floor, sunflowers wore halos of golden petals.

Boulder’s canyons and other parks made for a beautiful, nature-worshipping start to our trip.

Up next: A visit to The Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, Colorado, where I ran into one of my recent Garden Spark speakers.

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