Fashion meets Food

Travel Diaries: Visiting Pikes Peak

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Erica

Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in the United States. Pikes Peak also is known as America’s Mountain is one of Colorado’s more than 50 ‘fourteeners’ or mountains that are more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Most of the fourteeners are deep in the mountains and require some hiking to get to, however, Pikes Peak is the exception. Not only is Pikes Peak conveniently located just outside Colorado Springs, driving Pikes Peak is actually possible.

It’s true, you can actually drive to the Pikes Peak Summit. Hiking all day up the side of a mountain is great, but for those of you who have small children or have not trained to climb a fourteener, driving up Pikes Peak is the perfect way for you to take in some amazing views.

If you’re in Colorado Springs and looking for a day trip or even a half-day trip, Pikes Peak Highway is perfect for you.

How Long is the Drive up Pikes Peak?
The paved toll road may only be 19-miles long, however with over a hundred and fifty switchbacks and quite a bit of traffic at times you will want to plan on it taking more than an hour to reach the summit of Pikes Peak – this is without making stops along the way, and trust me you will want to pull over and take in the views.

Pikes Peak Driving Tips
1. When driving up Pikes Peak you will want to make sure that you have plenty of gas. Typically you will use more than ½ tank of gas – so make sure you plan accordingly.
2. Never pass other vehicles, especially on turns – the drive can be scary so make sure you are being as safe as possible.
3. Only stop at designated stopping areas to take pictures on your way up and down.
4. Listen to the driving instructions that the gate attendant gives you before you begin your trip up Pikes Peak.
5. Dress in layers – no matter the time of year it’s going to be cold.

Pro Tip: Begin your trip to the summit with a full tank of gas.

What should I bring with me on my drive to Pikes Peak?
Keep in mind, you will be climbing from an elevation of 7,400 feet to over 14,000 feet. Temperatures, weather, winds, and altitude will be changing.
1. Begin with a full tank of gas, there are no gas stations once you start
2. Bring and drink plenty of water
3. Layer up
4. Sunglasses
5. Sunscreen
6. Sunscreen chapstick
7. Camera

Avoiding Altitude Sickness
Unless you’re acclimated to this altitude, you will likely experience the effects of it. The air is thin at the summit and holds about 60% of the oxygen your body is used to. Be prepared to feel out of breath as soon as you step out of the car.

Tips to Prevent Altitude Sickness
1. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
2. Avoid alcohol
3. Avoid unnecessary physical exertion

Restaurant Review: 503W

Posted on January 22, 2020 by Erica

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503W is a restaurant and bar located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 503W specializes in uniquely handcrafted food and drinks and prides itself on using fresh, natural and local ingredients. If you know me, you know breakfast – especially brunch is my absolute favorite. So when it was suggested that we go to 503W for brunch, obviously I couldn\’t resist. 503W serves up brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am-1:45 pm, and let me tell you – you\’ll definitely want to give it a try.

What we ordered:
Hers: Brioche French Toast – cinnamon vanilla brioche, fresh fruit, and powdered sugar
His: Salmon Benedict – buttermilk biscuit, seared salmon, poached eggs, green onions, diced tomato, house hollandaise, and tater tots

503W is located at 503 W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Everything You Need To Know About Altitude Sickness

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Erica

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Imagine this: You have finally made it out west to the mountain you have been dying to hike for months. Coming from a town at sea level in the midwest, you could be in for quite the adventure. You have made it a few miles past the trailhead, and then it hits you. You start feeling dizzy, nauseous, fatigued and develop a headache.

At first, you might think that you’re not in the best shape and that’s why you are having this issue. You continue to trek along because you are determined to make it to the top.

In reality, those symptoms are likely the result of altitude sickness, and should not be disregarded.

No matter what your fitness level is, anyone that is trekking, hiking or spending time several thousand feet above sea level can be hit with altitude sickness at any given moment.

Why do you get altitude sickness?

Essentially, when you feel symptoms of altitude sickness it is your body reacting to getting less oxygen. This is because your body and lungs are not used to the thinner air and lower air pressure that is prominent at higher altitudes. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness, the most effective treatment is to get to a lower, more comfortable altitude.

Symptoms of altitude sickness:

Dizziness, lightheadedness

Headaches

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Difficulty breathing

Racing heart

Tips for preventing altitude sickness:

Give yourself time to reach higher elevations. 8,000 feet is cited as the elevation when the reduction in oxygen intake can cause symptoms of altitude sickness.

Good health: General physical health plays a role in how your body will react to the change in altitude. If you’re not a physically active person, get out for some walks or jogs before your trip.

Take it easy: Altitude sickness tends to get to those people who overdo it, so just take it easy. Especially the first day.

Drink lots of water: Dehydration has been shown to be a major contributor to altitude sickness. The air at higher altitudes is extremely dry and tends to suck the moisture from your body, so you will want to drink more water than you are used to.
Pro Tip: If you’re not peeing several times a day, you’re not drinking enough.

Nourish your body: Keep yourself well-fed with foods that will energize your body.

Remember to breathe: Remind yourself to take deep breathes, this will help get more oxygen into your body.

Avoid alcohol: Alcohol contributes to dehydration, and the goal is to stay hydrated!

Slowly ascend: Acclimate yourself slowly to the altitude.

Altitude sickness remedies:

Plenty of water

Chlorophyll

Oxygen – most pharmacy’s will have some

Variations of Altitude Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): This is the mildest, most common version of altitude sickness. Symptoms can include nausea/vomiting, fatigue, lethargy, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Generally speaking, it’s similar to getting the flu.

AMS can be cured by resting at a lower altitude and listening to your body.

High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): HACE is essentially a moderate to severe form of acute mountain sickness (AMS), and happens when the brain begins to swell. Symptoms include confusion and impaired balance.

*HACE can be fatal. Those suffering from HACE should be immediately escorted to a lower altitude. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): HAPE is when the lungs begin to fill with fluid and may or may not be preceded by acute mountain sickness (AMS) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Symptoms include shortness of breath, dry cough, unexpected fatigue, inability to exert oneself, followed by a wet cough.

*HAPE can be fatal. Those suffering from HAPE should be immediately carried to a lower elevation to prevent added stress on the lungs. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Safe travels adventurist!

Travel Diaries: Fire and Ice Festival – Rochester Hills, Michigan

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Erica

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This past weekend Downtown Rochester, Michigan hosted its annual Fire and Ice Festival. The ice sculptures were in the theme of vacations and featured everything from beach scenes to staycations. I went on Friday evening and with the frigid temperatures, the sculptures were in perfect condition. My mum and I ended up in the front row for the fireworks, however, I was frozen and didn\’t take any pictures – I should probably get some gloves that work with my phone…ha. Does your town have an ice festival?

Dillon Ice Castles in Colorado: Real Life Frozen Experience

Posted on January 17, 2020 by Erica

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If you’re in Colorado this year I highly recommend taking a trip to Dillon to visit the Ice Castles. Playing in the enchanted Dillon Ice Castles in Dillon, Colorado was hands down my favorite part of my trip to Colorado. The Dillon Ice Castles are definitely worth the crowds, the price of admission and the magic that you will find within the walls of the castle.

The Ice Castles are an award-winning frozen attraction that is located in six cities across Northern America. You can find the Ice Castles in Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Utah, Wisconsin and Alberta, Canada. The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists to give you a real-life Frozen experience. The castles include frozen thrones to channel your inner Elsa, ice-carved tunnels, slides, and LED-lit sculptures once the sun goes down.

If you’re planning on visiting the Ice Castles this year, and I highly recommend you do – here are a few tips based on my observations to make your experience a little smoother.

1. Buy tickets ahead of time
The Ice Castles do not sell tickets at the door unless you want to pay $5 more for a standby ticket. You will NOT be allowed to use the standby ticket if the Ice Castles are sold out that day, and they probably will be sold out. Don’t disappoint yourself, just get your tickets in advance so you’re guaranteed to get in.

Pro Tip: Decide if you want to see the Ice Castles during the day or if you’d like to see them lit up at night. Get the best of both worlds when you get a ticket right around sunset.

2. Get there early
There will be a long line, and everyone has to wait in it – no matter what your time slot is. Get there early and plan on waiting for at least 15 minutes to get in.

3. Wear proper footwear
The floor of the castles is a snow/sand mix and not only is it slippery it is slushy as well. Leave your cute shoes at home.

4. Don’t worry about your 30-minute time slot
Once you’re in the Ice Castles you are more than welcome to stay as long as you’d like to.

5. Don’t try to bring drinks in
The Ice Castles do not want you bringing in outside beverages, probably because they don’t want people’s trash spilling and ruining the Ice Castle experience.

6. Be patient
It is possible to get photos without people in them. You just have to wait out the crowds and be sure to snap quickly. Most people are doing the same thing, they’re trying to get that perfect picture without others in them, so they’re typically very respectful. Also, people will ask you to take their picture, this is a great opportunity to also get your picture taken as well.