16 February, 2009

Side Trips

While in Steamboat we took some side trips. On the day off from skiing my husband and I snow-shoed up Howelsen Hill, in town. Not much rest for the legs, but it was a great (and fun) workout involving a whole different set of muscles! I was most happy to discover the advances in snowshoes over the past 37 years, these lightweight (and much smaller) snowshoes are light-years away from the heavy, wooden, "tennis rackets" that I wore in college, back in 1972! We tracked some small animals and learned about their winter habits and habitats from the Naturalist who led our tour.

There was a great après-ski restaurant and bar at the bottom of the ski area across from the gondola, featuring live music and and an active social crowd. Part of the entertainment there, for us, was observing ski "shots" of Jägermeister; six shot glasses mounted on a very long Atomic ski! This was a popular sight on Friday evening as tables were challenging each other to step up and chug from the ski. We thought that the musician there that night was just fantastic, Dave Hudson; so much so, in fact, that we brought home one of his CD's to remind us of our great week away. Not that we'll soon forget either the phenomenal skiing or the fun side trips, but it's always nice to have a souvenir to treasure (and listen to) as a happy memory-jogger.

Life is Good!


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8 comments:

Ancestor Collector said...

Looks like you had a great week away! Hubby and I have snowshoes and have taken some nice treks. It's wonderful exercise, allows time for nice conversation, and we've seen some wonderful scenery. One of the best parts is the little backpacking stove he brings along so we can have hot chocolate at the top of the mountain (well, hill...) while we enjoy the views.

We're looking forward to a week in California next month to visit with Younger Son, make sure he's well fed, and enjoy his company which we don't get much of anymore. During the week, while he's in classes, we'll go out to the desert for some golf and relaxation. After our long winter here, we're ready for warm temps and flowers and chasing that little white ball!

I'm glad you're back. I've missed your posts, but very happy that you both got away for some good fun and respite.

Anne Heidi said...

It looks and sounds like you had a wonderful time! Thank you for sharing.

Mama Spark said...

This looks like so much fun! I am not a skier but the snowshoeing looks like it would have been a blast!

*karendianne. said...

How cool is that? Very fun. :)

Salem Stitcher said...

That looks like a great time. I think I'd love snowshoeing!

Cheryl said...

Looks like so much fun!!!

Quilting Memories said...

Sounds like all of you had a wonderful time! Beautiful picture and I can not imagine seeing that much snow. If it ever snowed that much in WS, we would all be snowed in for a year***VBS***
All we have seen here fot the last 5 days is RAIN, and it is COLD.
Where is sunny CA? I am pretty sure someone moved it LOL
take care, Bobbin

OhQuilter said...

You have found the perfect way to enjoy snow! Live where it is rare, fly in where it is abundanat, play and enjoy, then leave it behind and fly home!! Sounds like you had a fabulous trip! Hope to hear more soon!!