Cedar Creek Park

Pennsylvania Gathering

Fall

WE WILL SEE YOU AT THE ACTIVITY CENTER

<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cedar+Creek+Park+Access/@40.1764385,-79.7766524,17.17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88351fd6c033fe2f:0xad154b344ccc4dd5!8m2!3d40.17832!4d-79.7776817!16s%2Fg%2F11b5wrc4bn?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQyOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Link for Directions</a>

Our Wedding

Meteors Were Streaking Across the Sky

Johanna's Version

The night we met the Geminid Meteor Shower was in full effect and under that sky magic was afoot. On Friday, December 13, 2019 TJ was selling some of his wares at Copeka for their holiday art market. I went there to meet up with Christine to shop a little, have a couple cocktails and to avoid all advances as I was very happily single. When I walked in I immediately saw a fella giving me eyes, wearing a screamin' eagle shirt (you guessed it, that fella was TJ). I avoided him and shopped and socialized while he was stuck at his table selling. Later in the evening I was nearby TJ's table, showing a friend the vintage Christmas sweater I had just scored and TJ also happened to know this friend which provided him the opening he hoped for. All of a sudden TJ and I were busy chatting and he asked for my contact info as he learned I work up at Colorado National Monument and he was interested in getting some of his product up in the gift shop (maybe not the only reason he got my info ;)). He still has the box I wrote my work email on and phone number. He didn't wait for the next business day to call and in only a couple of hours while I was on my way to Bananas he was texting me as he sat with Chris. My friends and I were guessing what TJ stood for and when I asked him, TJ said, "If in two guesses you get in right, I owe you a drink, but if you don't get it right, you owe me a drink." So smooth, huh? Well, my guesses of Thomas Jefferson and Tiger Juggalo where obviously incorrect, so I bought him a drink later at Charley Dwellingtons, then he bought me my next drink at the Goat &amp; Cloaver. We spent many hours together that first night and we both knew we had found someone special. The next morning as I walked Boudin around the neighborhood, who should come bounding out of a moving truck, but TJ!! He was helping a friend move and we found out we only lived 2 blocks away from each other. This wild world was pushing us together. I went out of town that weekend, but as soon as I was back, we had our first date which was wine at my house and a chilly walk arm-in-arm down to eat sushi at Suehiro. The rest is history, an incredible, love-filled history.

TJ's Version

It was a festively filled evening as we neared Christmas Day. I was posted up at Copeka Coffee for a holiday market, hoping to sell some wares and grow my craft. Little did I know, stars were jetting through the universe, connecting dots along their path... No more than an hour or so into the market, I saw a woman walk in with sand-colored bangs, unseasonably tan skin, boots of my style, and big eyes with a glint of mischief behind them. Needless to say, she caught my full attention. My gaze her way, though, didn’t receive the same interested look back. I thought to myself, “Well, it’s a small place; I’m sure she’ll pass my way soon enough, and I might get a chance to talk to her.” Easily an hour went by, and still no mystery woman. Maybe she had gone, along with my chance to say hello. Just as I was giving up, I heard a familiar voice behind me. As I spun around to say “what’s up,” I noticed he was talking to the gal from earlier. She hadn’t left! Thanks to our mutual friend Ike, I had my icebreaker. She introduced herself as Johanna, and right away I did my very best to ingrain that beautifully unfamiliar name into my mind. "Can't forget this one" I thought. After a few hellos and how-do-you-dos, we were chatting it up around my table, and through that, I learned she worked for the Monument. I was trying to get some of my goods up there, so I saw this as a genuine opportunity to get her info. Yes, I did hope for more with her, but at the time, I had no idea if she was interested or available. Haha, but only a half-hour later, as she was leaving for the next thing in her evening plans, she shared the last of her drink with me, placed her hand on my back, and in that moment, I knew I’d see her again. After a couple of market-unwinding drinks with my good buddy Chris, I had plans to meet up again with Johanna. We hit up a couple of bars, laughed with each other, and grew more and more comfortable. It felt like we had known each other for years. The night ended with a desire to meet again, and, as it turned out, it was less than 24 hours later. Haha. The next morning, I was helping a buddy move, and as I came bounding out of the trailer, I saw Johanna walking by with this black bear-like pup (Boudin, miss ya, bud). As surprised as I was, there was even more to the excitement: it turned out we lived just a couple of blocks away. “Ah man, what are the odds?” I thought. The rest of the days unfolded in delight as we went out on our first date and grew closer and closer together, all leading up to our backpacking engagement four years and some change after that first meteor-moving evening.

Our Story

A backpack trip with a surprise engagement

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

We're getting married at Black Bear Cabin in the Grand Mesa National Forest, outside of Mesa, CO. You will need a car to get here as it is about one hour from Grand Junction, CO. You can fly into the Grand Junction airport or just a touch farther is the Montrose airport. Alternatively, fly into Denver to save some money and enjoy the drive over the Rockies (this is a 4 hour drive or so). We will have a shuttle going to/from the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Powderhorn+Mountain+Resort/@39.0693741,-108.1507111,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x87472e63eb587f3f:0xbad5a192c4f07d4b!8m2!3d39.0693741!4d-108.1507111!16s%2Fm%2F02x73tt?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Powderhorn</a> area to/from the venue as parking is very limited! It will run 3pm to 10:30pm. <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2pawSNk5afgyMJU8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this pin for wedding parking and shuttle pickup.</a> Accommodation:• We highly encourage folks to come hang out all weekend with us- Fri night- Monday morning. There are hiking and mountain biking trails, tons of lakes and we want to spend this weekend in the forest with you all!• I would book your accommodation sooner rather than later as it's a busy time of year. Options:1. <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233189" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jumbo Campground-</a> this is very close to the wedding venue, just a short walk away. If you'd like to camp, be prepared for chilly nights as this area is over 9,000ft in elevation. You can just show up and grab a campsite as they are first come first serve this time of year. Please let us know if you plan to camp as we have already set a few sites aside for friends. You are welcome to use the showers at Moose Manor (cabin close by) as long as it is before 2pm on 9/20.2. <a href="https://www.mesalakeslodge.com/cabins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mesa Lakes Lodge</a>- very close to wedding venue, just a short walk away. We booked all of the cabins here for family, but there are bungalows here too. You have to be okay with a shared bathroom and VERY rustic digs.3. <a href="https://www.grandmesalodge.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grand Mesa Lodge</a>- 15 minute drive from the wedding venue. These are rustic cabins overtop of Island Lake.4. <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Mesa--Colorado--United-States/homes?tab_id=home_tab&amp;refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&amp;monthly_start_date=2025-01-01&amp;monthly_length=3&amp;monthly_end_date=2025-04-01&amp;price_filter_input_type=0&amp;channel=EXPLORE&amp;query=Mesa%2C%20CO&amp;place_id=ChIJa2iZuigqR4cRQLFDco-Gyh4&amp;location_bb=Qhy0l8LYPXNCHKeawthIqQ%3D%3D&amp;date_picker_type=calendar&amp;checkin=2025-09-19&amp;checkout=2025-09-22&amp;source=structured_search_input_header&amp;search_type=autocomplete_click" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grab an Airbnb </a>near the town of Mesa. It's only a 15-20 minute drive up to the wedding venue and we will have a shuttle throughout the night picking up/dropping off at the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Powderhorn+Mountain+Resort/@39.0693741,-108.1507111,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x87472e63eb587f3f:0xbad5a192c4f07d4b!8m2!3d39.0693741!4d-108.1507111!16s%2Fm%2F02x73tt?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDEwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Powderhorn Resort</a>.5. <a href="https://goldenwoodscondos.com/rates/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goldenwoods Condos</a> at Powderhorn. 1-3 bedroom condos with a shuttle picking up/dropping off from this location.6. If you want to be closer to a bigger town, we would recommend staying in Palisade which depending on where you are, is about 45 minutes or so to the wedding venue. We recommend staying at <a href="https://spokeandvinemotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spoke and Vine</a>, a <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/s/Palisade--Colorado--United-States/homes?tab_id=home_tab&amp;refinement_paths%5B%5D=%2Fhomes&amp;flexible_trip_lengths%5B%5D=one_week&amp;monthly_start_date=2025-01-01&amp;monthly_length=3&amp;monthly_end_date=2025-04-01&amp;price_filter_input_type=0&amp;channel=EXPLORE&amp;date_picker_type=calendar&amp;checkin=2025-09-19&amp;checkout=2025-09-22&amp;source=structured_search_input_header&amp;search_type=autocomplete_click&amp;price_filter_num_nights=3&amp;query=Palisade%2C%20CO&amp;place_id=ChIJ4wtFZE7fRocRDo0H6oFngtA&amp;location_bb=Qhx4nsLYralCHGTiwtjCjg%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Palisade Airbnb</a> or check out <a href="https://www.visitpalisade.com/where-to-stay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this great list</a>. It's Wine Fest weekend, so Palisade will be hoppin'!6. <a href="https://thundermountainlodge.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thunder Mountain Lodge</a> or <a href="http://www.alexanderlodge.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alexander Lake Lodge</a>- more rustic cabins only 20 minute drive from the wedding venue and also in the Grand Mesa National Forest. Or stay at the nicer cabins in that area called <a href="https://mountaintopresort.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mountain Top Resort</a>. SHUTTLE PICKUP LOCATION <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/k2pawSNk5afgyMJU8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this pin for wedding parking and shuttle pickup.</a>

Black Bear Cabin

Travel

<a href="https://www.powderhorn.com/activities-and-groups/summer-activities/mountain-biking.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Powderhorn</a> - Powderhorn Bike Park's high speed quad lift&nbsp;provides&nbsp;access to 13 miles of downhill mountain bike trails.&nbsp;Along with biking there are 5.2 miles of hiking trails for guests to enjoy.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gmug/recreation/bicycling/?recid=32366&amp;actid=24" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grand Mesa Mountain Biking</a> - lots of trails including ones (West Bench Trail #501) that leave from the wedding venue area. Or if you're gnarly, check out the Palisade Plunge. Fruita, Loma, Grand Junction Mountain Biking- there is world class mountain biking in the desert too. Johanna's favorite trails are in the Kokopelli Trail System, about 1 hour from the wedding venue, but close to Grand Junction. Also, check out the North Fruita Desert and Lunch Loops. <a href="https://gvorc.org/activities/biking/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Our buddy's website</a> - has all the info (and TJ helped design the site and branding).

Mountain Bike 

<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gmug/recreation/hiking/?recid=32366&amp;actid=50" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grand Mesa National Forest</a> - this is where the wedding is located and the aspen leaves will be starting to change, so we would highly recommend a hike or 2 in this area while you're here. Lots of choices here, but faves are Lost Lake Trail and Crag Crest Trail. If you're staying in Palisade, check out the Palisade Rim Trail. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/colm/planyourvisit/short-hiking-trails.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Colorado National Monument</a> - Johanna has worked here (with a short break) for 10 years! Over 60 miles of trails in red rock canyons. The Monument and Wedding Canyon loop and Otto's Trail are favorites. Entrance fees to enter this National Park Service site. Other Faves - Pollock's Bench Trail and the Ribbon Trail

Hike or Trail Run

There are over 300 lakes on the Grand Mesa and so if you're staying up here, a lake is never far away. Fishing - Grab a fishing license and try your hand in one of the lakes or if you want to fly fish in a gold medal river, take a 1 hour drive to <a href="https://fishingreports.orvis.com/west/colorado/lower-gunnison-river" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pleasure Park</a>. Paddle Board - There are SUP and canoe rentals (plus more) at <a href="https://thundermountainlodge.net/summer-activities/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thunder Mountain Lodge </a>and <a href="https://www.grandmesalodge.com/boat-rentals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grand Mesa Lodge</a>. River Floats - Float down the Colorado River in the Grand Valley. This is a favorite summer activity in town. Depending on where you're staying and what section you want to float, your drive time will vary. All of the floats are super mellow.

Fish, Paddleboard, Canoe

<a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-scenic-byway-grand-mesa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Grand Mesa National Forest</a> - the leaves will be changing, so enjoy some leaf peepin' from your car and explore the roads of the Grand Mesa. You can take a drive to Lands End Observatory to peer out over the Grand Valley. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/colm/index.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Colorado National Monument -</a> Rim Rock Drive was constructed by the CCC and each mile of this road is a treat with scenic overlooks dotted all along the way. Ask Johanna to learn more as she has worked here for years. Entrance fees to enter this National Park Service site.

Scenic Drive

Farmers Market - Sundays from 9am to 1pm the town of Palisade has a great <a href="https://palisade.colorado.gov/sunday-farmers-market" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">farmer's market</a>. Wineries - Visit a <a href="https://www.visitpalisade.com/wineries-to-try" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Palisade winery</a> and/or check out <a href="https://coloradowinefest.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wine Fest </a>on Saturday before the wedding. Our favorite wineries are Colterris and Carboy. Distillery - Take a <a href="https://peachstreetdistillers.com/distillery-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tour </a>at the Peach Street Distillery. Wed, Thur or Fri at 4pm. Moto - Tons of <a href="https://gvorc.org/activities/motor-sports/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">motorized trails</a>. <a href="https://gvorc.org/activities/climbing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rock Climbing</a> - Colorado National Monument or Unaweep Canyon. Cycle - Road or gravel bike in the Grand Mesa National Forest or Colorado National Monument or on the paved Riverfront Trail. Shop - Hit up Main St. Grand Junction or Main St. Palisade.

Other 

Grand MesaThere are not many restaurant choices, so bring food to cook. <a href="https://mesabloommarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mesa Bloom Market</a> has some great things to pick up and you can get coffee here too. Palisade• <a href="https://pecherestaurantcolorado.com/pche-menus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peche</a>- feeling fancy? this is a great, higher-end restaurant for dinner.• <a href="https://www.colorado.com/palisade/dining-restaurants/bakeries-dessert/slice-o%27-life-bakery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slice of Life</a>- for a baked good or two or four.• <a href="https://peachstreetdistillers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Peach Street Distillery-</a> make their own spirits; good place for a cocktail or pick up a bottle to take home Grand Junction• Coffee at <a href="https://www.copekacoffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Copeka </a>or <a href="https://www.kilncoffeebar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kiln</a>.• Breakfast at <a href="https://www.kulinalani.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kulina Lani</a> (baked goods, breakfast sandwich) or <a href="https://gjmainstreetbagels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Main St. Bagels</a>.• <a href="https://www.tacopartygj.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Taco Party</a>, <a href="https://www.bin707.com/menus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bin707</a> (higher-end), <a href="http://namastenepalgrandjunction.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Namaste Nepal</a> (Indian and Nepalese).• Cocktails at <a href="https://www.thehotelmelrose.com/#Melrose-Spirit-CO" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Melrose Spirit Co </a>or a beer at <a href="https://ramblebinebrewing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ramblebine</a>.• <a href="https://enstrom.com/?utm_source=Google+Ads&amp;utm_medium=Pmax&amp;utm_campaign=Consumer+DR+2023-2024&amp;utm_term=Q4+Holiday&amp;utm_content=Pmax_Q4+Holiday_3726019&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAmfq6BhAsEiwAX1jsZ4aSokQp-bP6YV4-N6OlCyhUFdj5-mvaISf9xGR7UMYa92vAZrtGHBoCf2YQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Enstroms </a>for toffee or icecream. Fruita• Coffee at<a href="https://bestslopecoffeeco.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Best Slope</a>.• <a href="https://www.hottomatopizza.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hot Tomato Pizza</a>, <a href="https://www.basecampfruita.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Base Camp Provisions</a> (drinks and food), maybe the new Italian place will be open?

Eat and Drink

Things to Do

Registry

Welcome Dinner - There is a welcome dinner on 9/19 and we will also have some breakfast for everyone on 9/21, so we encourage you all to spend the weekend with us. Let's celebrate! Parking is very limited! - Please use the shuttle if you're coming from Mesa, Grand Junction, Palisade, etc. It will be running from 3pm to 10:30pm to/from Powderhorn Resort. Elevation - We're getting hitched at high elevation. Please drink lots of water and bring warm layers. We're over 9,000ft in elevation. The Drive - The roads are windy with big drop offs, so please make sure you have a designated driver and use the shuttle OR camp/stay close by! Kids - We are not counting on most kids under 10 (besides the ones in the wedding) attending. Feel free to chat with TJ and Johanna about this if you're planning on bringing your kid and I bet we can accommodate. Area - This is National Forest and critters abound here, so please be conscientious about trash especially if you're camping.

Johanna + TJ

Johanna + TJ

J&T

Pennsylvania Gathering

WE WILL SEE YOU AT THE ACTIVITY CENTER