Well, it’s departure day. Michael and I pack up and head down for a last breakfast feast, being sure to pack a sandwich or two for later (yes, we’re that kind of people). We are moving rather slowly, but decide we’re going to drive down the road and take the one hour hike up for the great view that our fishing guide said is well worth it.
We stow our bags with the concierge and hit the road. There’s a chairlift up to the top, but being the hardy Coloradans that we are, we opt for the hike. It is indeed steep, kind of like Sanitas with no steps:
Serious cardio workout, let me tell you! Was focused on and proud that we did it in only 26 minutes. Smart of them to over-promise the distance to make us feel awesome!
When we reached the top lookout area, it was very windy and the views took our breath away:
After we’d enjoyed as much as possible, we hopped on the chairlift down (to save my knees):
and then back to the hotel lickity-split. We had a couple of hours to enjoy the sauna and pool, and Michael insisted that I couldn’t leave without enjoying the infinity pool and the marvelous views:
The water was indeed surprisingly warm, and we joked around and then ran back into the enclosed pool area for a hot tub, a bit of aqua jogging, Michael being accosted by a woman whose daughter graduated from Bucknell at the same ceremony (and evidently was one or two chairs from him due to similarity of last name) and then showering for our departure.
Stopped to get our rental car filled with gas, only to find out that we’d stopped at a station for cars run on natural gas! Headed back to town for old-fashioned, dirty gasoline, then off the the airport. He and I were on different flights, so we hugged goodbye and began our journeys home. Thanks for coming along on my/our adventures. See you next time!