Maple's Mountain Adventure: Leaving Leadville - Day 3 of 3

Early Mornings and Corgi Encounters

I haven't mentioned it before, but I have trouble sleeping. Maybe you’d think, "Well yeah, camping doesn’t offer the greatest sleep," and you’d be right. But even on normal days, my mind decides it’s time to wake up somewhere between 3 and 5 a.m., and this morning was no different. Sitting in a tent, wide awake at 5 a.m., is a challenge. You want to be respectful of your fellow campers, but it’s hard not to fidget when you’re wired!

By 6 a.m., I couldn’t stand it anymore. Maple and I quietly snuck out of the tent for an early morning stretch. The air was crisp and chilly, the kind that sends a shiver through your spine. Maple’s tiny body was visibly shaking, but as soon as we started moving, we both warmed up under the gentle morning sun.

Turns out, we weren’t the only ones up. A couple with their corgi was also stretching their legs. They invited us to introduce Maple to their dog, and I cautiously agreed. At first, the corgi paid no attention to Maple. But then, the coolest thing happened—Maple jumped right in front of him, nose to nose, like she was demanding his attention. “Don’t ignore me!” It was as if she decided then and there that she likes dogs. Did I just train my cat to like dogs? Further testing is required!

Packing Up and Taking It Slow

By the time we got back to camp, the rest of the group was starting to stir. I began quietly packing up, trying not to wake the stragglers. One thing’s for sure: I don’t pack light. Camping table, stove, 4-person tent (yes, for just me and Maple), and enough food and gear to make the wilderness feel like home. When I camp, I camp in luxury!

By 9 a.m., I was ready to go, but with no real reason to rush, we lingered. After a leisurely breakfast, we packed up the last of our things and grabbed lunch in town before heading out.

Hailstorms and Home Sweet Home

As we started our drive home, the weather took a turn. First, it rained pretty hard, then small hailstones began pounding the windshield. The sound was deafening, like marbles bouncing off the car, and I had to shout over the noise just to be heard. It wasn’t the worst I’ve driven through, but it definitely wasn’t fun. The dull roar of hail hitting the glass made the drive feel like an endurance test. Eventually, we made it through the tunnel, and things calmed down.

Getting home was such a relief. I barely had time to take my shoes off before crashing on the couch. Meanwhile, Maple, after hours cooped up in the car, went berserk—zooming around the house like she’d been shot out of a cannon. Clearly, she wasn’t ready to relax just yet!

Reflection on the Trip

Looking back on the trip, I’d say it was a success. Maple handled crowds, chaos, dogs, and even the unexpected with impressive adaptability. Whether it was her bold interaction with the corgi or her calm during the parade, she’s proven she can handle more than I expected. This trip showed me that Maple is truly growing into her role as an adventure cat. Now, as I rest at home and Maple finally slows down, I can’t help but wonder—what’s next for us?