“Are you sure we want to try a waterfall again?” Jasper’s hand tightens on mine as we start the trek to Box Canyon Falls.

“Don’t worry.” I try not to laugh because there’s genuine worry in his voice. “I wouldn’t do that to you again. The beauty in this one is it’s a downward hike. We’ll go to the base of the waterfall and leave the top for a time when you’re better acquainted with the altitude.”

I try to mask my excitement as I think of all the future trips we’ll be able to take to Ouray. Blue Lakes Trail is one of my favorite hikes in Colorado, and I can’t wait until the day I’ll get to look at the bright blue lake standing next to a man whose eyes rival the beauty of the water.

“Oh thank god.” He pretends to wipe away imaginary sweat off his forehead. “Once was bad enough, but I don’t think my fragile male ego could handle getting owned by nature twice in front of you.”

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes and nudge him with my shoulder. “I wanted to make up for the first waterfall trip and you can’t get much better than this one.”

The hike down to Box Canyon Falls is short and sweet. Long before you see the falls, you hear it. The sound of the rushing water as it crashes into the creek below is a constant reminder of the power water holds. A chain-link fence keeps visitors on the right trail until the metal walkway appears, guiding us into Box Canyon. The already crisp air cools noticeably as the sun struggles to peek through the huge rock walls towering over us.

“You were right,” Jasper says, taking in the breathtaking views of the narrow quartzite canyon. “You can’t get much better than this one. I can’t believe I’ve traveled to so many places these last few years and all I took the time to explore were restaurants.”

“I’m so glad you let me show you around.” I drop one strap of my backpack off my shoulder and pull out my camera, lining up shots in my viewfinder as I talk to Jasper. “Not to get all Mother Earth on you, but it’s so important that we start protecting the planet we’re on. But I think in order for it to happen, people have to actually connect with the world around them. It’s why I love nature photography so much. I felt like I was the first step in reminding people what we have to fight for.”

“I never thought about it like that.” Jasper’s huge hands find my hips, holding me in place as I lean over the railing and zoom in on the water rushing below us. “Can I see?”