Breckinridge, CO
My roommate, Autumn, and I booked flights to Colorado during the fall semester for our trip to Breckinridge in January. Well, January rolled around, and, with our packed bags, we headed to the airport in Oklahoma City. We pulled into the airport, overjoyed and filled with nervous excitement (this was the first time we had ever flown without our parents). Then, with a swift ding from the cell phone, we received the dreaded message. Our flight had been canceled. So, do we try another flight and meet our friends (who were driving) later in the week? I think not. Driving it was. As impromptu as the road trip turned out to be, our happiness was not dimmed. We took this on as a new adventure. Our first real road trip.
Oklahoma to Colorado
Driving from OK to CO is basically a whole bunch of nothing. Flat earth, lots of fields, and very few trees. It was comforting in a way, seeing as my Southwest, Oklahoma hometown is basically the same way. At one point, we stopped in Minneola, KS to get some gas and also use the restroom. One gas station…no bathroom. We drove around looking for places that might have a bathroom, but seeing as it was Sunday, everything was closed. Did I mention that as of 2019, the population of Minneola was 788? Hey, I’m not judging. My High School graduating class was ten people. However you may feel about Mayberry-Esque towns, they do allow for some cute photos.
My Roommate
Autumn is the one who made this all happen. She drove the whole way, hooked us up with an awesome little apartment (pictures up next), and didn’t complain once. She is a real champ. Hopefully, we have many more adventures together!
The Apartment
Seeing as we left a day earlier than our church group, we had to have a place to crash. Autumn’s family owns the cutest little apartment and when I tell you it was my obsession, I am not kidding. The aesthetics were immaculate and I wanted to move in permanently.
I mean…just look at this kitchen. Perfection.
Roommate Things
We spent the evening watching a Nicholas Sparks favorite, Dear John. I, as per usual, got tired and couldn’t stay up anymore, so I went to bed. The best part was having zero obligations and getting to wake up whenever we wanted to.
As we surpassed the steep hills and drove through the mountains, I became more and more excited for the pictures that I was going to get to take in Breckinridge. Those pictures included both candid and staged. Why not utilize one of my favorite couples for a little photo session? I am in love with the turnout. A few flecks of falling snow add to the pictures, as well as the hazy mountain tops in the background. Usually, I have a hard time with snow and trying not to let it wash everything out. I still want that texture and inviting feeling in the photograph. I’m super happy with the results!
Into Town
The town was quaint and filled with storefronts, as you can imagine. It was packed, but all worth it to get out of the cabin. We were among those who chose not to brave the mountains on a pair of skis or a snowboard. Grabbing a hot coffee or chai was a must and spending lots of time in the boutiques was nothing short of enchanting.
The Gang…at least a small part of it.
Headed Home
Unfortunately, I didn’t get pictures of a lot of people on the trip, seeing as they were too busy tearing up the slopes (is that the right lingo?). It doesn’t really matter though, because our best memories weren’t made on the other side of my camera, but rather in the cabin playing nouns, watching Disney movies, and getting to know each other better. This trip definitely had some ups and downs, but I am all the better for it. Here’s to friends.