Karen and I hiked to Barr Camp on the Barr Trail. The Barr Trail starts in Manitou Springs, Colorado and ends on Pikes Peak Mountain with Barr Camp sitting about half way to the top.

The weather was great for the hike. The temperature was cool with an almost clear skys. A light breeze was blowing.

Karen pushed hard to make the camp. She was a real trooper on the 12+ mile hike. I think the worst part of the hike is down, because of the pounding on your joints.

Karen is already talking about making the hike to the top of Pikes Peaks.

Karen and I headed over to the release of this year's Winter Warlock from Bristol Brewing Company.

Winter Warlock is an oatmeal stout that tastes great.  It is only available during the winter months so you should stock up, now.

Karen and I had a blast at the release.  The tap room was packed, but we had seats at the bar.  Russell Noel was working the taps and keeping everyone happy.  A good spread of food was for the taking.

Well, I hit the big four oh! Karen came out to Colorado Springs to help celebrate.

We had a great time with friends from work joining us at the Blue Star restaurant and Bristol Brewing Company.

I am kicking back at Bristol Brewing in Colorado Springs. You just can't beat this place. Bob Archibald is working the taps in the tap room. They have the 2 bucks for any Edge City (EC) beer deal running tonight. I have had the EC Oktoberfest, EC Pale Bock, and EC English Mild, but more are to come.

Mike Bristol (the owner) is here talking to the patrons.

The WiFi is fast so you have your “after workers” here doing the net stuff. Me being one.

Everyone is coming in filling their jugs (growlers) to have beer supplies for the week. Some have required kegs, but we all have our needs.

Well, my work has me travelling back to Colorado Springs just in time to celebrate my 40th birthday. I think I my spend my birthday at the Bristol Brewery and the Blue Star Restaurant.

I have hopes to hiking up to Barr Camp on this trip. I have hiked it before, but this time Karen wants to try to make it all the way, too.

Karen and I hiked the trails around Paradise area of Mount Rainier park. The meadows in this area were in peak bloom, which the hiking wonderful. Karen felt like she was always hiking up hill. We hiked half of the Skyline Trial to Panorama Point, which has bathrooms. On our return, we hiked Deadhorse Creek Trail and the Waterfall Trail back to the Jackson Visitor Center.

We snapped a lot of pictures during our hike, which can be seen at our photo site. The day was clear so we got pictures of the peak of Mount Rainier, too.