In the beginning of August, the Aussie and I went to Steamboat Springs in an effort to explore more of Colorado besides what was in the Boulder-Denver-Colorado Springs Metro area. It was a tossup between Steamboat and Crested Butte, but for reasons I explain in the last episode, you all know why Steamboat Springs was truly an epic win.

| | | Fishcreek Falls - short hike before it started raining. |

I think I am getting the hang of this digital photography thing. I took the Basics of Digital Photography on Craftsy (which is having a big back to school sale now), and I did see a bit of improvement and more comprehension with my photos. All of the photos here are my own, unless they have The Aussie's watermark on it. Colorado just keeps on surprising me with how much nature is both awe-inspiring and wild at the same time.

| | | Stagecoach State Park - we went off-roading here and put the Subaru through its paces. |

At first glance, it seems like it all looks the same, but when you take a step back, pause and really take a closer look, you see that everything is so different no matter where you go. And that just makes Colorado all the more exciting.

| | | In the creek at Gondola Square. It was actually Adele's first time in a creek and she was a little shocked and confused at first, but then didn't want to leave. |

When we got home, I played around with my camera a bit more after finished the Craftsy class. My mom actually thought the photo with the lotus flowers was taken by The Aussie, which to me was a big complement! I am also finishing up the Essential Guide to Lightroom to help me with photo editing and streamlining the process. For a bit of comparison, here are my favorite photos that he took in Steamboat Springs (and on our way home - he now stops the car on the highway to take photos). He does have a year (and amazing lenses) in his bag of tricks, but everyone has to start somewhere. Another reason why I am excited to head back west - to continue taking in the gorgeous scenery and documenting it.