August

August came and went fast.  Anna visited a couple of times, and she brought two of her friends down for a weekend.

Anna caught the big one!!!

We weren't real sure what this was, so we threw it back.  Ended up, it was a cobia and good eating.

A beautiful sunset at Town Creek Marina

Maddie went with us downtown.

Last winter, we purchased two Hobie Kayaks while in Key West.  This summer, I have completed outfitting the larger of the two for sailing. 

Our Airbnb (The Beaufort Bungalow on Belle Air) has been a terrific success this summer.  We have met many people and have really enjoyed getting to know them.  We do not advertise that we have bikes, kayaks and a boat, but after sizing the guests up, we occasionally offer to let them use some of our toys, or we take them fishing or over to Shackleford.

We especially enjoy families with young kids.  We even babysit sometimes so Mom and Dad can have a nice dinner out.

We especially enjoyed the Zrostlik's from the Chechz Republic

Marek, Jitka, Fillip and Lucy

Tif Greening and her family stayed with us the month of July.  They are from Austin, Texas.  We fell in love with their children, Levi and Cash

Ana Bolchalk and the kids from Cary

Leadville and the zip line

July 10

On the way into Leadville, I had noticed an interesting looking area which turned out to be a zip line.

So, we stopped at "Top of the Rockies Zip Line" and Anna and I enjoyed a fantastic 2-hour tour.  The 6 zip lines traverse canyons, railroads, mountain streams, and forest dropping in elevation over 1,000 feet and as much as 300 feet off the ground.

And Anna and I had a ball!!!!!!

I always happy when I'm with my girl!

Turn around Papa!

Don't stop now!!!!

Add caption

All you have to do is run and jump hoping the line will hold!

Just "zipping" along!

The view is pretty good!!

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.  

SMR 5, Peak 2, Rodeo, Dinner w Kent and Betty

Saturday, July 7

Slade, Candace and Evan are going back home today, leaving Anna, me and Mimi. 

Anna and I take off early in the day to climb Snow Mountain. The mountain has four peaks, with the first two peaks providing the biggest challenges. It's a 2,000-foot climb from the trailhead to the top of 2^nd Peak – our destination. And a challenge every step – all uphill.

The beetle infestation resulted in lots of trees on the ground.  Some of the trail was in good shape, but other parts were littered with recently felled trees.

My favorite Granddaughter

Come on Papa - you can do it.

The cabin area of SMR

Fallen trees present a major obstacle for about a third to the hike. The beetle, which killed most of the pine trees about 10 years ago has killed millions of trees. There are thousands of trees along the trail that have fallen. It appears that there was a major effort to clear the trail of the trees a few years back, but since then, many dead trees have fallen, and many of them are on the trail. We have to either go over, under or around all these, which sometimes presents a major challenge.

But, we made it to the top of Peak 2 at an altitude of 9,800 feet. Having started around 8,000 feet, we are exhausted. But and experience neither Anna or I will forget.

After our climb and a little rest, we decide on a spectator sport, rather than a participant sport, so we go to the Fraser Rodeo. This is our first rodeo. The afternoon activities are for beginners from 8 – 18. It was really impressive to see an 8-year-old on a several hundred pound horses and controlling it through the course. It was a new, wonderful experience.

We meet Kent and Betty at 6 PM and go to Bistro 28 for a fantastic evening of sharing old memories (some of these memories are like they happened yesterday). And we can't exaggerate because both Kent and I were both there and quick to correct “incorrect” memories. It's wonderful to have a friend with whom I have experienced so many great moments.