Steamboat Springs

We had a great trip to Steamboat Springs this past weekend. It was completely spontaneous and so worthwhile. A friend of my sisters was planning to run the 1/2 marathon up there but then her little guy was sick so Gary ran in her spot. I don't think he was really up for running 13 miles, but he hadn't ever been to Steamboat so he decided it was a trade off.

It was a beautiful drive Friday evening passing by Green Mtn. Res. and the Gore Range and made it over Rabbit Ears pass just before the sun went down. Saturday morning everyone woke up early. We had a yummy breakfast thanks to Becca and Drew and then I headed off for a quick walk before we started the day. I huffed and puffed up the slopes of Mt. Werner and the Steamboat ski area. The skies were clear and beautiful blue and with the smells of pine trees and wild lilacs I remembered why I love being outside in the mountains so much. I got a little sidetracked in my wandering and was gone a bit too long.

Everyone was ready to hit the trails when I got back so off we went to Mad Creek.

All of the girls were super hikers. Nobody complained and everyone ran along from one exciting discovery to the next. There were 'fools gold' flakes, caterpillars, rollie-pollies, cool rocks, wildflowers, birds, and lizards. So much to see. It was a two mile hike up to a restored barn from the 1800's. The girls were propelled along by a steady stream of marshmallows from my bag. It was open and safe to climb around, even up into the hay loft.
We had snacks and rested and then headed back down after giving each of the girls a 'power stick' (i.e. bubble gum) to keep them moving.   There were a couple of stumbles on the way back, but all in all, it was perfect.  The cutest thing was little Hanna lead the way on most of the hike.  Her little legs never gave up.  Of course, she always has to be first because she likes to be the one 'winning'.  But impressive, none the less.

In the afternoon we had lunch, took everyone swimming, and then had some dear friends from Vail over for dinner.  Sarah and Andy and their two little girls have lived in Steamboat for the past 4 years and we just kept missing each other.  It was fun to catch up and meet their little ones.

Gary and Drew were up early for the race.  It was cool and kind of rainy but descent race weather.  Becca and I headed down to the courthouse for the finish with all of the little ones in tow.  Both guys finished just before it started to really rain so we didn't stay too long for the festivities.  They both ran well and were exhausted.  After packing up back at the condo, it was a quick lunch and then goodbye.  We headed to Vail for the night and the Damiano clan drove back to Denver. 

We are already talking about when we can go back.  Such a beautiful place that still has that certain  Colorado charm.  Thanks Damianos for a great weekend!