Winter Trip 2017

Winter Trip 2017 is unfortunately officially over.  As much as I wanted to go to Germany/Austria my bank account said a road trip was in order.  Audra and I had a great time exploring the Southwest.  The Kia did great getting us over the hills and thru the woods.

 At Four Corners National Monument.  Yes, we can officially say that we were in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado

 I'm in Utah and Audra is in Colorado.  Off we went from Four Corners to Durango Colorado

 We had a great time exploring this town and met up with an old friend of Audra's.  Thanks Jess for letting us stay with you.  It is much appreciated.

 We ate some yummy food, checked out some cute shops and sampled some of the local brews

 First how would you get on this bike and second how would you peddle? Sure wouldn't take long to get places if you figured out the logistics. 

 After a few days in Durango we made our way over to Pagosa Springs.  A quick drive.  Only spent one night here, but it was fun to soak in the hot springs.  The pools are natural and range in temp from about 90-110 degrees. 

 Brrr it was definitely a bit chilly getting in and out.  Thankful that the hotel supplied us with these robes.

 

 Just spent one night in Pagosa and then headed on our way to Silverton.  Along the way we decided to take a ride on the Cascade Railway.  It was scenic, but man you are getting nowhere quick. 

 

We then hopped in the Soul and drove on over to Silverton.  Seriously, about 2 stores in the entire town were open.  Guess they rotate who is opening their doors.  We stayed at the Grand Imperial hotel which was built back in the late 1800's.  

 The hustle and bustle of Silverton Colorado.  Thankfully they do a good job plowing the roads in and out of town.  Other wise might be looking into a rental for the rest of winter. Silverton's elevation is above 9000 ft and they get a bit of snow.

 Driving over another pass.  These roads can be a bit sketchy even in the nicest of weather.  Thankfully the Kia did a great job.  Mountain passes, no guard rails and snowy roads.  Thankful I have a manual transmission vehicle. 

 

 And on our way to Ouray, Colorado.

 

 Walked around town, explored, ate some lunch and did some shopping. 

 The big attraction here right now is Ice Climbing.  Yup, need to work on some upper body strength for that to happen.  Ouray has great hot springs that were unfortunately closed.  Just means we'll have to venture back again.

 Over looking the town of Ouray

Scenic Colorado Mountains.  Spent one more night in Silverton and then hopped in the car for the trip home.  On the way home we decided to take a slight detour thru Monument Valley.  It's beautiful country, but man there is not much for civilization

 We found this restaurant/gift shop after a few hundred miles.  They actually had some decent food.

 and off to explore Monument Valley.  We took that dirt road for a few miles.  Would be nice if they used some of the park entrance fee to maintain the road.  A bit of a rough ride in spots. 

 A few more shots of Monument Valley

Overall a great Winter Trip. 

Seattle, Washington

Was fortunate to be able to travel to Seattle for work again.  I always love being able to get up to the Pacific Northwest.  

 

 We ran into some protests while heading back to our hotel and decided to join in. 

 I love that so many people around the world are coming out and saying we will not tolerate homophobia, violence against women, unfair wages, religious intolerance, etc, etc.

 With all these important issues that we currently fighting for the Arts is one we cannot forget.  These Trapeze Artists were fierce.  Seriously, unbelievable

 Took an extra day and spent time with friends in Tacoma.  We went to the museum of Glass Arts and saw Chihuly's main stomping grounds

 Glass work walking to the museum

 Here is a demonstration of artists making glass art.  I was impressed.  Such patience.  I would have a series of blobs. 

 Got to see my friend Kristall.  Miss being close to this girl.  Always so much fun hanging out. Thank you for making the trip up from Portland

Petrified Forest, AZ

Decided to day trip today to the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert.  Hadn't been out this way in quite some time.  

 Find it interesting that where we are in N. AZ was once a rain forest, just north of the Equator.  Apparently approximately where Costa Rica now lies.

 To look at the current landscape and think that it was once lush, green, with rivers, and lots of vegetation is mind boggling

 Some of the trees of the petrified forest

 Wondering how the petrification process happens?

 

 Antelope. 

 Petrified tree bridge.

 Telling us all about the local topography.  Personally wasn't so sure about this guy.  Seemed a bit shady.



Checking out the views.  So much vastness and open space. 

 And this is why I don't take selfies.  Well that and the fact that selfie part of my camera is broken.  I'm impressed you still have the glasses, Audra.

Reading the trail guide.

Ended the day with a quick stop in Holbrook.  Might have to come out and support the Wigwam Hotel some day.  

Saratoga Springs, New York

Last weekend I was off again to upstate NY for wedding number 2.  This time I had an opportunity to spend more time touring around Saratoga.

 

 I was fortunate that my hotel was right on Broadway and walking distance to many restaurants and shops. I endulged in a crepe at Ravenous and some delicious mac and cheese at Druthers, a local brewery

 Putnam Market.  This place was great.  I would definitely need the employee discount if I lived in Saratoga.  A plethora of spices, cheeses, oils, meats, desserts etc, etc. 

 The springs of Saratoga.  Here is a quick snapshot of the few of the springs of Saratoga I saw. 

Saratoga known for its horse races had several statutes of horses around town celebrating this event.  For what I hear the town just goes crazy for about 6weeks.  

And of course the wedding.  Held at the Hall of Saratoga. It was beautiful, fun, magical, and true all at the same time.  Everything one would want in a wedding.  Everyone had a great time dancing, and drinking, laughing and drinking, eating and drinking

 

 The first dance.  I'm happy to say that both these people are my friends

 my table.  Oh crap I don't know, what did I choose for my meal?

And reconnected with another ex-tufts RN.  Great catching up

 Saratoga winery held a pig roast feast the night after the wedding.  There was an artist making "sculptures" with a chainsaw, corn hole, live music, beers from a local brewery, and of course roasted pig. 

 Thanks Dwight and Diana for inviting me to take part in your special day.