Running the Rainbow

A while back, Camilla asked me if I’d ever be willing to go backpacking with her. I’ll admit—I hesitated. Despite having run up and down Pikes Peak multiple times, the idea of   carrying everything on my back   made me anxious. But when your daughter invites you on an adventure like this, you say yes. And I’m so glad I did. To make things a little easier, I booked us a  bunkhouse at Barr Camp , so we didn’t have to carry a tent. Barr Camp is a historic, rustic cabin complex nestled along the Barr Trail—about 6.5 miles and 3,500 feet up from Manitou Springs, sitting peacefully at 10,200 feet. Originally built in the 1920s as a burro-train rest stop, it's now lovingly cared for by  Karla Lowery & Robert Tegtman , a sweet couple from Ohio who keep the camp running, meals warm, and spirits high for every weary hiker that passes through. We started gathering gear a couple of months before our trip. We got three  Teton Scout 45 packs , inflatable pillows, water fi...

Rediscovering San Francisco: A Journey After Two Decades It’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years since I last set foot in California and nearly 20 years since I’ve been to San Francisco. Seeing this city now, at this stage in my life, is a completely different experience than it was two decades ago. Back then, I thought of San Francisco as simply cold, windy, and crowded, with cool clubs lighting up the nights. Today, I find myself appreciating so much more — the stunning architecture, the vibrant wildlife, the incredible diversity of people, the amazing food choices, and the breathtaking landscapes that surround the city. After landing, Marion kindly picked us up from the airport, and we headed straight for lunch at Pacific Catch. Known as a West Coast Fish House, Pacific Catch impressed me with its commitment to sustainably sourced seafood and Pacific Rim–inspired dishes — fresh, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. Thursday night took a lively turn at Jaxson, where we dove into some...