The Texas-side of the family arrived just before the cold front, so off we went to discover Evergreen before the monsoon set in. Lake Evergreen was awesome on this blue-sky day, and it was a perfect hike for Ivy and Hazel to break in their walking shoes:) We found a local biker-bar-restaurant beside the creek for replenishment before the hike back. Unfortunately the monsoon caught up with us as we were eating. Matt and Tres valiantly ran back for the car while the girls (plus Bo:) waited under cover. The next day was a mandatory couch-potato experience as we watched the rain move in. The Texans were happy to enjoy a bit of cool weather before returning to the Texas summer anyway. They looked at it as an “air conditioned” outdoor experience.
After exhausting all ideas for indoor entertainment, we braved the cool rain to hike around Clear Creek in Golden. Surprisingly we found a surfer battling the current for an uphill ride; there’s always one:) As if that wasn’t challenging, Matt convinced the Texans to hike North Table. This particular hike is the most difficult I have discovered thus far. It’s wide enough for the family, and there is enough gravel for the strollers; but the incline is literally breathtaking. At least my breath was taken away, as I had to stop for “breathers” four times on the way up. As you can see, the girls were way ahead of the rest of the fam. I think there’s something to be said for “low center of gravity.” As the day ended, a double rainbow appeared over our Golden, lifting everyone’s spirits. We knew then that the rest of the trip was going to be blessed with blue skies and sunshine.
For our family photographer/landscape expert, we had to do Denver Botanical Gardens before heading for Winter Park. The girls were great with Bo, guiding him through the maze of gardens to the playground. It was heartwarming to see the cousins bond so quickly. The most interesting display for me was the Bee Hotel. Logs were stacked with small holes drilled for easy entry (if you’re a bee:) Fortunately for us, the bees seemed to be out foraging while we were there.
While the guys headed for Safeway, the girls headed for a nearby Winter Park trail to discover the area. It was my first taste of Winter Park and I was pleasantly surprised at the number of restaurants, biking/hiking trails, and small villages to explore. There was still snow on the ski slopes, even though the temperatures rose into the 70’s in the valley. It was so good to see the girls peel off their sweaters and hop on their bikes in t-shirts. We did a “drive about” through the Rockies nearby to discover all possible choices for a permanent family “ski lodge”. At first I was adamant that we needed to be in very close proximity to the slopes; but as we neared Lake Granby the entire family fell in love with this beautiful mountain lake. There is a small ski resort nearby, Ski Granby, for days when you wouldn’t want to drive in to Winter Park. Even more interesting was the mountain bike lift there that brought many downhill mountain bikers to the area. A lot to ponder as we research realtor.com. At the end of each day, beer or soda in hand, the family relaxed in the hot tub. So many things to enjoy in the Rockies, no matter what the season. Can’t wait for the next visit!
islandwidow 