Back Home From Vail

Friday evening we began packing for our return to Raleigh and Martinsville. It was time to check in with Delta, and print our boarding passes. I called the desk, and they said they would happily help us with that operation. Jerry and I gathered our reservation information, and hiked down to registration. I gave the nice fellow my information, he pulled it up on Delta, and it wouldn’t allow me to check in---said to check with Delta. (of course they just sent me an Email that said it was time to check in) We had him try Jerry’s information, and presto---printed boarding passes and no problem. So I hiked back up to the suite, called Delta, held on the phone for a while, talked to several folks only to have them tell me nothing was wrong. I hiked back down to the desk; he tried it again, and presto---printed boarding passes. Guess the Delta folks just wanted to hear my irritated voice. Go figure.

So Friday night/Saturday morning, we packed and made preparations to head home. Saturday morning dawned pretty much like all our other days in Vail, sunny, cool, and beautiful. Came check out time, we loaded up all our belongings and headed for Denver. Funny thing happened: we got on the road, and the car began giving us warnings about the traction control malfunctioning. We got out the book, read about it, and tried the universal fix of stopping, turning off the engine, waiting a little while then restarting. No success, but since the car seemed to be behaving fine, we chalked it up to computer gremlins, and went on. It is a 2 hr+ drive to Denver Airport, and we had allowed ourselves time to gas up the car, and ride the bus from the rental place to the terminal. As we approached the stop we had programmed for gas near the airport, the warning on the car switched from traction control to low tire pressure. We thought that odd, but while we were fueling, we noticed the left rear tire looked a little wimpy. At this time we were close to the airport, so we just piled in and went on. When we pulled into the rental car return lane, we got out and were amazed to see the left rear tire looking really wimpy. We unloaded our stuff, and told the nice rental car girl about the problem. She thanked us and off we went. Talking about it later, we came up with a theory. We are guessing that we got some kind of leak in the left rear tire Friday night/Saturday morning. Being an AWD (all wheel drive) version of the Ford Edge, the computer must have sensed the decrease in rolling diameter of the low tire and interpreted it as a stability control issue. It warned us of that most of the trip until the actual tire pressure fell below the threshold of the pressure sensor, and then started telling us about that. These modern cars are so complex, they can fool themselves.

We arrived at the Denver airport, checked in, and had a nice lunch. We then headed off to our gate to catch our plane. Denver has the ubiquitous (for airports) subway trains that run between terminals. As we were boarding the train, the doors were beginning to close just as we got on. Vickie was scared (because she saw a guy get eaten by the doors on the METRO in DC) and screamed. Everyone on the train car just about had a heart attack. Ironically the train voice came on and said someone was blocking the doors just as the cars started to move. In spite of this, we arrived at our gate successfully and prepared to leave. We noticed the plane we were going to get on was a 737, which seemed to be a little small for a cross country flight. Then they started talking about the flight being overbooked, and asking for volunteers to get bumped. Eventually all was well, and we boarded the flight. We have all flown quite a bit, but never in our recent memory have we been on such a packed airplane. Every seat was full of the 6 across seating, and the pitch of the seats in this particular plane was so tight I couldn’t even get my knees in without them touching the seat in front of me. On top of that, something was wrong with the heating/cooling system, and though the outside temp showed a balmy -31, the inside of the plane was like a sauna. Dear Delta, your flight last night from Denver to Atlanta sucked, regards Wes.

After suffering the Delta torture flight for 3 hours, we arrived in Atlanta to a very scary landing. Jerry said the pilot must have been an ex carrier jockey, cause he bounced it in and then stopped so hard peoples glasses were flying off forward. I commented it probably had something to do with the plane being SLAP ASS FULL of people and luggage. We successfully negotiated the Atlanta airport subway (no screaming this time) and arrived at our next flight gate. We were pleased to see the plane was an old MD88 with 3 and 2 seating. I was able to get us exit row seats across from Jerry and Brenda, and we were all set. Until, we got on board, and while taxiing, the man behind Jerry and Brenda began to make these horrible hacking and snorting noises. This went on all through take off and part way into the flight till he fell asleep. We are hoping he didn’t have a serious communicable disease. We arrived OK in Raleigh, and since we were so late, they had to wake up the luggage crew to unload the plane. They interpreted it for us (standing around the empty baggage carousel) as a baggage system failure. Except Brenda knew the real reason, she was watching out the window, and saw one lone guy show up to unload our baggage. Baggage system=fail due to lack of interest.

We waited a while and finally got the bus to the long term parking. Jerry’s van was just as he had left it and $48 later we were on our way home. Jerry got us home safe, and all was well. We groused on the way home about the perils of cross country traveling, but were happy to be home safe.

More later,

wes

Rocky Mountain National Park

Jerry and Brenda had been before, but wanted to go back. We had never been and wanted to go. Both Jerry and Vickie, now 62+ wanted to get their Golden Age National Park passes before someone in "The Government" decided they weren't of senior age or made too much money for a lifetime pass. It was relatively close proximity, so off we went. This trip we have a Ford Edge AWD which suits our traveling style nicely. Plenty of room for the four of us and enough power for the mountains. We headed west on I-70 to the Rt. 131 exit. From there we made the run up the west side of the mountains following the Colorado River valley. Much of the road was dirt/gravel, and we got to see the Colorado River, often at wading depth, peppered with fly fishermen. After crossing the Continental Divide, we arrived at the park entrance. Both "Golden Agers" were able to procure their lifetime passes quite painlessly for a mere $10.00 each and we proceeded to enter the park.

We continued up the west side of the park, following Trail Ridge Road which winds it's way across the Rocky Mountains to Estes Park. Along the way the highest road in The Rockies crosses amazing vistas, and peaks at 12,183 feet. We stopped at the Alpine Visitors Center (11,796 ft. soon to be closing for the winter) shopped, had lunch, and shopped again. This is a place that gets 150 mph winds in the winter accompanied by -50 degree temperatures. We saw pictures of the building in winter with nothing showing but the roof poles above the snow. Amazingly, since we had a few days at 8,300 ft. staying at the Marriott, we were able to slowly function at the high altitude.

Jerry and I scoped out the dining room. There were tables along the windows looking down at the Fall River Cirque---the birthplace of glaciers. To get a table at the windows, we hovered like vultures waiting for folks to vacate. Jerry, using his calm demeanor, eventually scored a high bistro style table with a great view. There were a heard of elk lounging at the bottom of the cirque, but were visible only through binoculars which Vickie just happened to have tucked in her bag. The menu, provided by the National Park's ubiquitous provider, Xantera, was very nice. They had cold sandwiches, vegetarian sandwiches, and an interesting hot menu. You could get Nathans hot dogs, elk bratwurst, buffalo chili, chicken barbecue, pork barbecue, and chicken noodle soup. Everyone had something good, and at the altitude, it really tasted wonderful.

After the shopping was completed, (I got out of breath several times bending over to look at low shelves) we headed on up the road. They were paving the parking lot, and Jerry misjudged a drop off, and fell twisting his ankle. (and bruising his knee along with his pride) but being the trooper he was he continued, undaunted. From the Alpine center the road climbs to the 12,183 foot mark well above the tree line. The air was crystal clear, and fall was on the Rocky Mountains. We took hundreds of pictures---the vistas were so incredible. We then wound down the other side of the mountains to West Horseshoe Park. Jerry and I had been looking at the park map, and it showed a dirt road called "The Old Fall River Road". This road was one way only, and wound back up the valley floor of the peaks we had just come down. We knew it would take another lap up to the Alpine Center, but decided to try it anyhow. (what the heck, the car was a rental) What fun it turned out to be. It was like hiking, except we could take the car. We climbed from 8,200 ft. back to the 11,796 ft. of the Alpine Center in 9 miles of dirt, goat-path, and switchbacks. So beautiful with a totally different perspective on everything.

After coming back down the mountains again, we headed south on Rt. 7 all the way down to Blackhawk and Central City. Unbeknownst to us, but knownst to others, both of these little old cities must be on an Indian reservation, because they are slap full of casinos. The girls really wanted to stop, but the (injured) driver and I did not. We prevailed, and headed west back to Vail, once again through the Eisenhower tunnel. We are speculating...Is it bad luck to go through a tunnel 3 times--twice in one direction?? For anyone who has never done it driving into the setting sun in the Rockies on I-70 is at best a harrowing experience. Slow trucks on upgrades, hidden by the glare of the sun, are a terrible hazard. As was the woman who annoyed us for several miles, texting as she drove into the blinding glare. Hopefully her behavior will eliminate her from the gene pool at some future date.

We arrived back to Vail and decided to round up our own dinner. The convenient Safeway yielded nice T-bones, on sale, and we picked up some baking potatoes, bread and salad. We gave the injured driver a pass, and Miss Vickie took over the grilling duties. A lovely dinner was set and, well satiated; we all drifted to horizontal rest areas.

The next day we went to Glenwood Springs and The Spa of the Rockies. To get there we had to drive through Glenwood Canyon. This section of the road is considered the most scenic piece of Interstate in the whole system. I agree it is very pretty and was an engineering feat to build. I have however driven other sections of the Interstate that are very beautiful. The Glenwood Canyon roads (and railroads) have been there since the early 1900’s. It was not until 1960 that they proposed building I-70 through the canyon. It wasn’t fully open till 1982. All in all, the drive from Denver west on I-70 is probably the most amazing trip when you combine everything.

The Spa of the Rockies is an old old resort that was established in 1888. They built the resort over a hot sulphur spring that produces 3.5 million gallons of water per day. The largest therapeutic pool in the world is on that site today. We went there and spent the day lounging in the hot spring. There is one pool that is 104 degrees and one is about 90. There are bath houses, an athletic club, and a grill. Folks come from all over for the purported healing powers of the waters. The Ute Indians first discovered the spring and it’s therapeutic benefits. All we know is Jerry’s twisted ankle was much improved after our visit, and we all felt revitalized.

Vail CO in the Fall just for the heck of it

A while back (like in the spring) I had a free time share week I needed to burn, so Jerry and I sat down to plan something. We ended up with a Marriott in Vail CO named Streamside. We were a little dubious as the establishment listed right on the main page that it had no air conditioning. But, we figured September in The Rockies couldn't be too hot, and we were hoping to catch the Aspen trees with some color on them.

We were able to secure great flights, and Vickie and I were able to use our free companion fare we get once a year from AMEX. However, as the time to go approached, it was touch and go if we were really going to be able to make it. My mother had just come through cancer surgery, and had just moved into a rehab facility. I talked it over with her, and she said GO. My sister and my daughter (an RN by phone from Pittsburgh) promised me they would handle what ever came up. I needed a break (as did Miss Vickie) so I took them up on their offer, and here we are in Colorado in the fall.

We arrived at the Marriott Streamside in Vail CO which is situated at about 8300 ft of elevation. The trip from Denver brought us across I-70 through the Eisenhower tunnel, and across the Vail Pass in the mountains. All along the way were mandatory "chain up" areas along the road, runaway truck ramps, and barricades used for closing the road in the winter. Our worries about no air conditioning were unfounded. Temperatures for the week were 60's in the day, and 30's at night. We gladly opened our windows and enjoyed the mountain breezes.

Let me start off by saying, if you don't want to ski the ski resorts in the fall are beautiful, and pretty reasonable values. We went to the "Oktoberfest, Car Show and Farmers Market" this past Sunday here in Vail. According to a local shopkeeper Jerry and Brenda met, the 3,800 or so people wandering around Sunday turns into around 38,000 in the winter time. The shopkeeper said the winter season generated 70% of his annual business.

Later we went to what was for us a new event. I had seen in the local Vail rag, an ad for something called a "Bloody Mary Bar" at the Red Lion Inn. We rode the free shuttle from the Marriott Streamside down to Vail town proper. After wandering around, and buying me a cool straw hat (from a hot chick in turquoise boots with matching hat) branded with my initials, we happened upon the Red Lion Inn. I remembered the ad from the day before, so we went in to check it out. The "Bloody Mary Bar" turned out to be---the nice waiter guy brings you the glass with the adult beverage and ice, then you go to the bar. The bar was set up with a cute little attendant, and several kinds of Bloody Mary mixers. We opted for the house special, and I added a little Clamato to mine. Glasses were rimmed with Old Bay, coarse salt, celery salt, or nothing as you chose. Then you could pick from a marvelous assortment of garnishes. They had all types of olives (big green ones stuffed with blue cheese or garlic were the hit of the day), cauliflower, radishes, broccoli, carrots, celery, pickles, pickled beans and asparagus, shrimp, fruit and skewers to put it all on. Turned a Bloody Mary into a morning snack.

After that is was on to scope out the local car show. As it turned out, the car show in Vail was small but very interesting. Many very unusual cars, most in pristine original condition. Lots of exotics with an assortment of American iron. Along the way we also saw chili peppers being roasted for sale, booths offering lamb sliders, gyros, baklava, brats made with elk; ostrich; or the usual porcine parts.

There was music going on in the town center, of note, a couple playing beautiful music on two long alpine horns. They had some traditionally dressed folks teaching guests a polka of sorts. It wasn't exactly the long tables full of beer, brats, and singing I had envisioned for Oktoberfest. My artificial parts had enough of hiking, so we retreated to the Marriott and enjoyed it's facilities for the rest of the day. I think I drank a little to much rum as the day wore on---I wore out, and my good friend Jerry grilled us some great hamburgers.

On Monday, I was moving a little slow, so Vickie and I decided to make use of the considerable facilities offered here at the Marriott. The have a sauna, steam room, indoor/outdoor pool, and outdoor/indoor hot tubs. Jerry and Brenda headed out for a little exploring which carried them to Golden Hot Springs located west of here on I-70. They had a relaxing day in the therapeutic pools of the hot springs, and Vickie and I had a similar day in and around the resort facilities. It is an interesting experience sitting in the hot sun with a 60 degree wind blowing around you.

On Tuesday we headed back east to Leadville CO and a little railroad that still runs up through the mountains toward the molybdenum mine in Climax CO. http://www.leadville-train.com/ We arrived after a beautiful ride up through the mountains, and the train station told us loading was @12:30 and departure @1pm. We asked where the best lunch was and were directed to the Delaware Hotel. Lunch at the hotel did not disappoint. They had 3 different kinds of homemade soup (including buffalo chili), amazing good corn muffins, and great sandwiches on sturdy bread. We were fed and ready for our train ride on time.

The train ride was slow and up through the mountains. You had your choice of closed or open topped cars, and the weather was delightful. Along the way they had a "conductor" who was a lady that knew the history of the railroad, the local area, the landscape, and the flora and fauna. She kept us well informed, the trip was scenic, and just about the right length. Of note were the Aspen trees, which unknown to us, spread from a central tree via underground roots. So a stand of Aspen trees are all genetically related. Seeing them on the mountains gave us a great picture of how their color progresses through the fall. Where it is colder at the top of the mountains, the trees were almost red. As you came down in elevation, they were reddish orange, and further still down they were the yellow everyone associates with fall. The trees at the base of the mountains were still green. All of this color to be short-lived since they said they hoped they could keep the train running till Oct. 1st due to the snow starting.

When we returned home from our day in Leadville, we decided to go out to dinner. We did our usual scoping of dinner venues, and came up with Montauk Seafood where they had specials this time of the year. The resort folks recommended it, and I had seen the menu posted the previous day while wandering around Oktoberfest. It was an elegant restaurant, and an exceptional value this time of year. Jerry had Red Trout, Vickie had steak, Brenda had light batter Tilapia, and I had Black Grouper. We saved $$$ from similar meals had it been ski season and got to eat in one of the best seafood restaurants in Vail. (without a reservation)

So far our adventures in Colorado (and getting away from the 90 degree heat at home) turned out to be a wonderful experience. I'll break off here and write more about the rest of the week later.
more later,
wes