Sometimes living life like retirement isn’t about the big trips or the adventurous goals. To me, it’s also about living life to the fullest no matter what stage I happen to be in. It means taking advantage of every day that we are given and enjoying the little adventures of life amongst the routine busyness. One place that I spent a lot of time this past year, enjoying the small moments, was the Aurora Reservoir.
What is the Aurora Reservoir?
The Aurora Reservoir is located in Aurora, Colorado. It not only provides water to the surrounding communities but is also a hub for water and other outdoor activities year round. There are many activities available including swimming, archery, paddle boarding, boating, and fishing. For the kids, there are multiple playground areas. The lake is also surrounded by an 8.5-mile trail that is perfect for biking, running, or walking while enjoying the beautiful views. During the summer months, various watercraft can be rented to enjoy the water. They also have restrooms/showers and a concession stand in the summer. If you own your own boat, they even have mooring balls for the summer season and boat storage areas. Check out all the awesome amenities on their website.
Living that Kayak Life
Giving my new kayak a try at home before the first adventure
I got my first taste of kayaking when I was quite young. A friend’s family owned a few of their own and I got the chance to go out with them on a nearby lake. I was almost immediately hooked and decided that someday I wanted to own one of my own. I considered it throughout the years at different points. But, the time never seemed right for whatever reason. Either I didn’t have the right storage space or I didn’t know where I would be able to use it.
However, the right time finally came this past year! A friend asked me to volunteer at a local triathlon as a boater to assist if any of the athletes had issues during the swim. I was happy to be involved, but I needed a boat in order to participate. My first thought was to rent a kayak for the day, but then I started doing some research online. I quickly realized that I could have my very own for a pretty low price. So, I jumped all in and made the purchase! I am so happy to have my very own kayak and can’t wait for all the future adventures with it! It was definitely a great investment.
Summer Days
During the summer, the beach at the Aurora Reservoir gets pretty packed on the weekends. People bring their whole families out to enjoy the warm Colorado sun and spend time near the water. The good news is that even on the busiest days, the water can still be easily enjoyed from a boat! There are usually boats of all kinds out and about – fishing boats, sailboats, paddleboards, kite surfers, etc. The lake is quite large, so there is always plenty of room to spread out and have some fun!
I also enjoyed stopping by the reservoir in the afternoons after work on beautiful summer days. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it can also be a great workout to spend an hour or so paddling around. What a way to wind down after a day at work!
Sunset on the water
Any Time Spent Near Water is Well Spent
If you live near Aurora, Colorado, I highly recommend a trip to the Aurora Reservoir. It has activities for almost everyone and the water is absolutely beautiful. It’s very worthwhile to spend a day or even just an afternoon enjoying nature and the amenities. If you agree that spending time on or near water is wonderful, check out the 9 Reasons that a Cruise Could be Your Next Favorite Vacation. Do you have a favorite spot to visit that is near the water? Leave a comment below!
