We've never so fully appreciated the term "outdoor activities" than in Crested Butte, Colorado. Our theory is that it's because it means something a bit different here than most places. In CB, "outdoor activities" does not just mean doing something outside, but literally having access to a variety of amazing activities right outside of your door. By walking down the block you can hike, bike, fish, boat, horseback ride, dirt bike, four-wheel or camp. All in some of the most beautiful country around.

This past week offered us several new ways to experience the great "outdoors" and our home for the month, which we accepted enthusiastically.

The first was a first for me and a favorite pastime of Brendan's. We received an invitation to go fly fishing with the Budds, an amazing family who has been instrumental in conservation and preservation efforts in Crested Butte for years. Ambush Ranch, which is one of the properties they own and protect, is one of the prettiest stretches of river property in the area - and they were nice enough to share it with us and a few friends for the evening. We arrived at the ranch, got fitted for our waders and boots - this is not a fashion-friendly sport - and were split into experience levels for a quick refresher (Brendan) / crash course (Brittni) in fly fishing.

There is an art, etiquette and language for fly fishing that is not easily mastered. But, a great guide and stocked river go a long way. Brendan came away with four fish and some amazing shots of the river. Farther down the river, thanks to some beginner's luck, I had the biggest single catch of the day - a 17" rainbow trout! Not surprisingly, I did not have a phone, camera or electric device of any kind on me, so the catch went unrecorded. But, I promise, "it was THIS big."

Our next "outdoor activities" happened separately. Brendan headed to Blue Mesa for some water sports (a.k.a. beers on a boat with the boys) and I took in Crested Butte on horseback. Blue Mesa is a 20 mile long reservoir, the largest body of water in Colorado. When we drove to Telluride, it kept us company for about thirty minutes along the way. After a few runs on the slalom ski, the afternoon weather came in and forced the guys to the marina for a burger (and perhaps another beer or two).

Later that day, after sitting in the truck to wait out the same weather, I headed out with some new friends, Jodie and Joanna, for an afternoon horseback ride. Jodie's family has been here for generations and has amazing properties all around the Crested Butte area. So, we were lucky enough to ride on private land, meaning we were the only ones around to enjoy some of the prettiest views in CB. Riding has been one of the highlights of the trip so far for me - I'm a not-so-secret horse geek and rode a bit growing up - and this ride was one for the books.

We're hoping to use the next few days to get organized for the trip. Thankfully the weather is cooperating, it's been pouring all morning. We leave for Africa in TWO WEEKS and still have a lot to look forward to in Colorado. My family is coming in later this week, we head to Estes Park for the bi-annual Starr Family Reunion the last weekend in July, and then we go to Denver for a send-off weekend with some of our best friends from Texas before flying out of DIA on August 6th. We still can't believe this is all happening, but we're loving every minute of it!