Adventures of Bill and Crystal: A Journey Since 2018
Since their first meeting in October 2018, Bill and Crystal have shared a love for the outdoors, embarking on countless adventures together. This page captures every memorable moment—from challenging hikes and scenic campsites to dancing in slot canyons and exploring hidden trails. Each post unveils a new chapter in their journey, reflecting their joy in discovering breathtaking landscapes and making memories along the way. Join them in revisiting these stories, and see what keeps their adventurous spirits alive year after year.
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Eagle’s Nest Open Space: 3 Bar & OT Loop
A dry winter led us into open foothills at Eagle’s Nest Open Space, where wide skies, quiet trails, and ranching history shaped a 5.4-mile walk through high desert terrain, shared miles, and a season that asked us to adapt. Read more
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New Year’s Day at Gem Lake: Setting the Tone for the Year Ahead
No resolutions, no pressure—just movement, fresh air, and time together. Our New Year’s Day hike to Gem Lake offered quiet trails, dramatic granite, and cloud-wrapped views of Longs Peak—a simple, grounding way to step into the year with intention, presence, and steady forward motion. Read more
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2025: Depth, Distance, and the Wild Places That Shaped Us
2025 was a year of depth, distance, and unforgettable wild places. From solo backpacking through desert canyons to alpine lakes, glaciers, and bucket-list landscapes in the Canadian Rockies, this year blended challenge, connection, and awe—one trail, canyon, and campfire at a time. Read more
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Thanksgiving in Vermilion Cliffs: Wandering a Desert of Stone, Sky & Silence (Part 2)
Part 2 carries us deeper into Vermilion Cliffs—wandering White Pocket’s swirling sandstone, discovering ancient rock art, standing above Wrather Canyon, watching California condors soar, and celebrating Thanksgiving beneath a sky filled with stars and desert silence. Read more
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Thanksgiving in Vermilion Cliffs: Wandering a Desert of Stone, Sky & Silence (Part 1)
Snowy Colorado passes, starlit desert skies, and a tiny campground straddling the Utah–Arizona border. In Part 1, we trade winter for sandstone, camp in the San Rafael Swell, and settle at Stateline Campground on the edge of Vermilion Cliffs—quietly setting the stage for the adventures still to come. Read more
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Yoho: Where Rivers Meet & Journeys End (Day 9-10)
The journey from Jasper to Yoho National Park unfolds amidst breathtaking landscapes, with valleys, towering peaks, and roaring rivers. Highlights include Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, capturing a blend of beauty and adventure. This ten-day trip reflects the lasting memories that travel inspires, signaling both an ending and a new beginning. Read more
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Jasper: Rain, Spirit & Sunset (Day 8)
Rain and mist gave way to sunlight as we explored Jasper. From Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, Medicine Lake to Pyramid Island, the day offered wildlife, waffles, sacred stillness, and golden sunsets—Jasper in all its moods. Read more
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The Icefields Parkway: A Journey Through Ice and Time (Day 7)
Some roads are more than just a way to get from one place to another—they’re journeys in themselves. The Icefields Parkway, stretching 145 miles between Lake Louise and Jasper, is one of those roads. Said to pass by more than 100 glaciers, it promised a day of wonder. And it delivered. Read more
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Moraine Lake: Where Autumn Meets the Sky (Day 6)
On a crisp morning, Moraine Lake was icy blue beneath golden peaks. Bill and I embark on a journey up to Larch Valley, where autumn blazed gold against turquoise waters, and ended with a curious pika—a day painted in colors only the Rockies could create. Read more
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Lake Louise – Tea, Trails & Timeless Views (Day 5)
Lake Louise shimmered turquoise beneath its glaciers as Bill and I hiked to Lake Agnes Tea House. From Mirror Lake to the Devil’s Thumb, blueberry cobbler to Steller’s Jays, this day was about slowing down and savoring Banff’s alpine heart. Read more
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Banff National Park – First Glimpses of the Rockies (Days 3-4)
The journey through Canada leading to Banff National Park, a stunning introduction to the Rockies. Exploring iconic sites like Johnston Canyon, Silverton Falls, and enjoying Canadian treats like BeaverTails marked an unforgettable first day filled with natural beauty and adventure. Read more
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Yellowstone National Park – Geysers, Canyons & First Miles North (Day 1-2)
Our Canadian Rockies adventure began in Yellowstone, where Bill and I shared Old Faithful for the first time. From geysers and waterfalls to bear sightings and canyon views, this was the perfect start to our 10-day journey north into Canada. Read more
Western Wanderlust Chronicles 