Leadville Colorado and Denver

Sunday, July 8

Today, Mimi, Anna and I depart Snow Mountain Ranch for a new phase of our adventure. We get all our stuff packed, then hike to the waterfall with Mimi. 

It's the third trip for Anna and I and we have thoroughly enjoyed each trip. After the pleasant walk, we head to Grand Lake for an Arts and Crafts show. From there we drive about 2 hours to our new destination – Leadville, Colorado.

Leadville is at an elevation of 10, 152 ft and is the highest incorporated town in the US.

Our accommodations are rather unique. We have a very comfortable, nicely furnished studio in the heart of downtown Leadville above a coffee shop. This should be a very interesting adventure.

Our Airbnb was right in the middle of town over the coffee shop.

The line was out the door every morning.  They had delicious pastries.

Monday, July 9

A day that's a little different.

Instead of hiking or adventures, a good part of the day is devoted to shopping. I am not usually a good or willing shopper, but with the encouragement of Anna, I made the most of it. We drove about 45 minutes to a town that we had passed through on the way here Sunday, Frisco. It was an interesting place as we passed through, plus Anna and Clara had found an Outlet Center near there.

So we're off to Frisco and the Outlet Center. Frisco is an old town that someone had seen the potential and is now a very “new” town with all the architecture to make it look old and authentic. And it a vast tourist attraction.

After the ladies had enough of Frisco, we drove the few miles to the Outlet Centers. They were attracted to a Columbia Clothing outlet and I broke down and bought some more clothes that I don't need and a replacement for my carry on luggage for flights.

But tonight, back here in Leadville, we were overwhelmed by a restaurant across the street from our Airbnb, Tree Line Kitchen. The meals were beyond outstanding – and it has more atmosphere than any restaurant we've visited, except maybe a couple of restaurants on the water.

A great ending for another great day.

Tuesday, July 10

We packed up and headed the short drive to Denver where we are spending the night before flying back home Wednesday.

The highlight of our time in Denver is a Segway Tour around town.  None of us had ridden a segway, but after a few minutes, we all got the hang of it and off we went.