Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. Two weeks ago, I made another life changing decision. It was a decision that had been weighing on my mind for several months. Finally, it took a toll on me and something had to be done. It was a bit scary, but without question, necessary. The moment I took action, about 50 pounds rolled right off my shoulders and I was reminded of how unpredictable and precious life truly is. Immediately, I knew I had made the right choice.

With a pep in my step, I went straight home and started looking through my photos and journal to see what I wanted to write about next. I came across some photos of my trip to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Teller County, Colorado, where you can come across the remains of what are considered to be one of the tallest trees in the world. That’s right! Even our own colorful state was once home to redwoods and you can find remnants of them 51 miles west of Colorado Springs. The largest tree is 41 feet in circumference. Holy cow!!!

According to research, redwoods are almost as old as dinosaurs. They can grow as tall as 300 feet and extend their roots more than 50 feet from the trunk, helping them withstand powerful winds and floods. They live in groves and allow their roots to intertwine. What a great example, of not only how amazing nature is, but how we can be inspired to stand tall, find strength and be beautiful for simply being who we are. 

The visitor center is host to a museum with examples of fossil species that were once found in the area: plants, insects, fish, birds and mammals – oh my! You can find several moderate trails that loop around the petrified redwood stumps so you can enjoy them from different points of view. You can hike 1.2 miles or up to four miles. The trail choice is yours, depending on how adventurous you feel. 

Perhaps, if I were as strong as a redwood, I would have made my decision a little sooner. However, regardless of timing, I am grateful that I still mustered the courage to make a change in my life. That alone - I can only hope - makes me a little stronger. So, what will I do with my newfound strength? I will use it to create more positivity and beauty in my life. 

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument https://www.nps.gov/flfo/index.htm. 15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO, 80816.

(Originally published in the January 23, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)