May 17th - 19th My 34th Birthday Weekend ..with a Full Moon!

I am usually low key about my birthdays.

Just another day for me.

However, I noticed that my birthday (May 19th) fell on a full moon night. How could I not do something? :)

My posting from the CHAOS website:

What: First Flatiron Full Flower Moon Festa (hike)
When: Monday 5/19 8:30 pm
Where: First Flatiron
Details: The First Flatiron is a great hike and one I enjoy doing for both its sunset views towards the Indian Peaks and the surreal view of the Flatirons in the full moon. This hike is ~4 miles R/T, 1500' elev gain and goes to just to the little alcove below the top of of the First Flatiron. The hike, IMO, is one of the better ones in Chautauqua. Due to an event that happened 34 yrs ago on this very day, rumor has it that cake and ice cream will be served. :) Remember, d-low guarantees a full moon regardless of the weather!
(No, that is not a typo. It is fEsta, not fIEsta, to a guy named Magnanti. :)

I love full moon jaunts. The terrain takes on a different aspect. The everyday views seem different and somehow a bit more wild. And seeing the mountains illuminated by the pale, silver light is something I never tire of seeing.

So my birthday plans included a hike. What better way for me to celebrate another year around the Sun?

First, though, I celebrated in a more traditional way with by having dinner with the Zapins on Saturday evening. A quiet dinner with close friends could not be better. Avery continues to amaze me with how much he has grown in the past two years. I must confess, when Marni told me that he smiles when he hears "Uncles Mags" is coming over, it brought a smile to MY face. Life ain't bad.

Saturday and Sunday both saw some quiet, enjoyable hikes with two different friends as well.

Then Monday evening came. I arrived a little earlier at the trail head. I thought I saw some friends, but they mysteriously disappeared. Hmm...

At 8:30 PM, the gang arrived. A small group of 19 (?!?!?!). If the worse part of my life is that I have a lot of friends who want to join me for a stroll, I ain't gonna complain.

We finally arrived at the 1st Flat alcove. Where the other mysterious group of friends were! About another 8 people were there waiting for me! Finally, a group of 6 climbing friends literally dropped in as well.

We had cake, ice cream, wine and lots of other goodies. It was easily one of the best birthday celebrations I've had!

And to top it all off? This view was seen:


Life really is good!