An Alternate Trail

Sunday, my boyfriend, The Walrus, and I dedicated ourselves to a beautiful Colorado hike. I was so excited to FINALLY be exploring one of the Colorado bucket-list items: Hanging Lake. Now understand, this is one of the busiest trails in Colorado, but the beauty that awaits at the top is well worth the crowd. Since The Walrus had previously completed the hike, he took the planning into his own hands. Typically, within the relationship, I handle all details as he tends to be more of a big-picture guy. We packed our camelbacks and headed out on a journey, just the three of us, The Walrus, me and the dog, Chuggy.

After 2.5 hours of driving we arrived at our destination, later than expected, because I got caught up thrifting. (Oops...sorry, not sorry). My detail-oriented self noticed that NOBODY in the over-crowded parking lot had a dog with them. This is REALLY unusual for Colorado - the only place I have seen a "Bark Bar" (yes, a bar where one can stand and drink beer within a connected dog park).

I mentioned to my boyfriend that nobody had dogs and I did not think that dogs were allowed on the hike. We put our heads together and came up with the following options:

1. We could go somewhere else to try to find a hike,

2. My boyfriend could walk me to the trailhead and then I could complete the hike by myself or

3. We could just pretend we did not know that dogs weren't allowed

We naturally chose the third option, despite a sign with very large letters reading, "NO DOGS ALLOWED ON TRAIL". Since I am such a rule follower, I simply brought up the fact that if Chuggy was a service animal she would be allowed on the trail or it would be discrimination. Jokingly, he asked me, "what would my disability be", which I quickly replied, "mental health". (Confession: there is a very explainable reason why I know so much about American's with Disabilities Act and mental health, which I'll keep for a later discussion). We were golden, until we hit the trailhead and heard a loud voice saying, "You can't take dogs on the trail", simultaneously pointing to the sign saying such. My boyfriend immediately responds with, "she's a service animal". 

The story ends with the two of us leaving the hike, back tracking an hour and completing an alternative hike. One in which Chuggy, the service dog, could join, without fear of discrimination.

 

Hat (A.R.C) - $2.00

Old Navy Tee (Mile High Thrift) - $2.50

Lucky Shorts (Mountain Thrift) - $3.50