Green Sea Turtles say "Goodbye"

The flights from Hawaii back to the mainland leave late in the day.  From Kona our flight left at 10:45 pm.  In the past we used to get out of our hotel room at checkout time - usually by 10 am.  This makes for a really long day before a really long flight.  Now we just schedule our flight one night earlier and stay in the room relaxing until we have to leave to catch the plane.  Old folks, right?

For our last day on the island we went OUT for breakfast at a pretty cafe with a great ocean view and outdoor dining.  I had an orchid floating in my glass of water and some delicious banana/macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup.  Heaven.  We went back to pack and I went to the shore to take some last pictures.  Just for me a green sea turtle came up on our rocks to sun herself.  I think she wanted to be sure that I come again for another visit.  I bought a silver and pearl turtle pendant as my Hawaii souvenir.

After a relaxing time at the pool and a good nap we walked back downtown for dinner.  Several of the buildings have retail business downstairs and a second floor restaurant with big decks looking out at the ocean.  Our choice was a place called Humpy's Big Island Ale House which had a large selection of beers and lots of fresh fish.  We passed on the beer - I didn't want to burp all night on the plane - but we enjoyed different versions of the fresh catch of the day Hawaiian Ono.

Much later, after my usual bedtime we were watching the lights of Hawaii Island fade in the distance and spent the next hours trying to sleep on a crowded plane.  And now we are home.  A great tail wind shortened the flight a little.  My sweet Kellen was so delighted to see us at the airport - just what I came home for.  There is less snow, my house is messy and I miss the sound of the waves.  Goodbye ocean and dolphins and whales.  Goodbye warm sun and salt water and swimming.  Goodbye trade winds carrying the scent of flowers, bird songs, and outdoor dining.  Is it time to go to the cabin yet?

Spinner Dolphins and Dinner With Captain Cook

Although apparently large groups of spinner dolphins on the Kona coast are a frequent occurrence, it was a great delight for us to see dozens of these friendly creatures and their babies playing off our shore.  I first noticed a group of paddle boarders hanging out in front of he condo.  Then I could see that they were surrounded by dark fins.  Yikes, I thought, and called to Rick when I saw a couple of the dolphins leap and twist.  Then I could see more and more and more sleek gray bodies in the water.  Just beautiful.  We had this delight to ourselves for a short time and then boats came from everywhere to dump snorkelers into the water to join the dolphins.  I got frustrated watching one very aggressive boat motor among the dolphins and the snorkelers, but it was an exciting time, regardless.

We took in some more Hawaiian history today.  First a tour of Hulihe`e Palace which was built in 1838 by the second Governor of the Island of Hawai`i, John Adams Kuakini. After his death in 1844, the Palace passed to Princess Ruth Luka Ke`elikōlani. While Princess Ruth owned the Palace, Hulihe`e was a favorite vacation retreat of the royal families.  

The Palace was built by foreign seamen, of native lava rock, coral lime mortar, koa and `ohi`atimbers. It was originally paneled in koa. The walls are 3 feet thick which along with the trade winds and shade from the big porches keeps the inside pretty cool.  It is just across the street from Moku`aikaua Church, the first stone church on the Island of Hawai`i.  It is a short walk to the pier on Kailua Bay.

The beach in Kailua Bay is where the swimming section of the Ironman is done.  Lots of folks were in the water practicing the swim.  At the pier we climbed on the Kanda ll for an evening history boat tour down the coast to the spot where Captain Cook is buried.  The cliffs rising above Kealakekua Bay are the Big Island’s signature seascape. This is where Captain James Cook took his last breath. It was a scenic one hour ride along the coast to the bay where we had a luau type meal on the boat in the calm waters of the bay.  However, the ride back was like being on a roller coaster.  Matthew, this would not be a boat ride for you!  We had great live music, drinks and a sunset.  A perfect last full day in Hawaii.

Kona Reef Condos

We are staying in a one bedroom condo at the edge of Kailua-Kona.  We have a full kitchen and have made good use of it for our breakfasts and packing picnic lunches.  There are three buildings in this complex and they are clustered around a beautiful pool, hot tub, and barbecue area.  Many of the condos are owner occupied so it is a pretty quiet place.  Just right for us. 

A llittle back alley runs from our parking spot to the downtown restaurants and shops.  This area is delightful, but really busy.  We have learned to avoid the traffic snarls by driving around that part of town whenever we leave for an adventure.  We have a wall of windows looking out to our covered lanai, then a strip of grass, then the rocks which are constantly covered by ocean waves.  Our bedroom at the back of the condo has louvered windows which help to pull the trade winds though the condo, although there is and air conditioner for reall hot days.

I am grateful to be retired and to be able to take a fewer more days here in Hawaii.  It was great to spend much of today just hanging out watching the waves and spying on the big cruise ship that appeared in the harbor overnight.  We lazed by the pool and swam and swam and swam and watched the surfers catch waves.  The weather is perfect - sunny and 80.

We went a few blocks into town after watching the cruise ship pack up the thousands of extra visitors and move on to another island. We had dinner at a casual little Indian restaurant overlooking the ocean.  Rick spent dinner watching three little girls do the hula in the shopping area adjacent to the restaurant.  They were adorable and very serious about their native dance.  After dinner we walked to the Kona Inn Shopping Mall which is really an old motel type inn that has been turned into a series of small shops.  After finding just the right t-shirts we went back to our favorite ice cream shop for some toasted coconut (me) and macadamia nut (Rick) ice cream.  A perfect end to a perfect day.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

In honor of Jennifer I had a Hawaii plate lunch today.  I know that it was one of her major goals when she visited Hawaii on her honeymoon and she talked about it often - one of our Survivor celebrations included a Minnesota version of the plate lunch.  Mine was a scoop of rice, macaroni salad and a hunk of Kalua pork baked in banana leaves.  We ate at a great little outdoor cafe in Volcano Village called Cafe Ohia.  Rick had Portugese Bean soup.  Delicious.

The big island of Hawaii was created by eruptions of five volcanoes.  Kilauea and Mauna Loa are two of the world's most active volcanoes and contine to add acres of land to Hawaii Island.  The summit of Mauna Loa is 56,000 feet above the sea floor (not above sea level) which means that if the whole bulk of the volcano was on land it would be 27,000 feet taller than Mt. Everest.

Both of these volcanoes are on the south end of the island.  Their height and activity makes that area mostly unaccessible except by taking a winding road along the coast.  Once again this road is part of the old foot trails that circle the island.  It is a beautiful drive with spectacular views.  I loved the many small towns, old churches and cemeteries, and small farms.  Lots of homes had gardens that included coffee plants.  We could smell the roasting coffee as we drove.  Folks set up card tables along the road to sell fresh fruits, veggies and coffee!

The drive was about 2.5 hours on this winding, narrow road.  We went to the Visitor's Center (after getting into the park free on our Golden Age Pass) and saw a movie describing the development of the volcanoes.  We also discovered that there is no visible lava flow at this time which is sort of a bummer as I was thinking that an evening cruise to scee the glow of the lava hitting the sea would have been great, but next time we get here I guess.  We were also warned about the sulphur dioxide gas that can cause breathing problems when the wind blows the wrong way - roll up your windows, turn on the air conditioning and get away swiftly!  Part of the drive around the crater's rim was closed due to the gases, but we drove part way and saw the huge crater, the many steam vents puffing up through the landscape all over, and the huge lava tube that you can walk through - very cool!

Our return back to Kona was on a new road called "Saddle Road" which took us over the top of the island between the peaks of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.  The only time we have seen the tops of these tall volcanoes was during the flight in when we could see them peeking above the clouds.  The drive shortened the trip back by about 45 minutes which was good because we were bushed and ready to sit and listen to the waves and watch the sun set.  Only three more days of this.

Old Mamalahoa Scenic Heritage Corridor

I was happy to see that the sun is back again and look forward to more swimming.  But first we drove up into the hills along a road which follows a path that the ancient native Hawaiians used - the Mamalahoa highway.  It is a narrow, well paved road that follows the trail which existed about the 1500 foot level of elevation around the island.  At this level there are many nice homes with spectacular views.  There are also stores, hotels, missions, and plantations from the early 1900's.

Ten miles of this road has been designated as the Kona Heritage Corridor.  At the center of this stretch is the town of Honualoa. This village is an old sugar town which was settled by immigrants from Europe, Japan, the Portugal, and China.  The local post office was the town communication center and the school and churches helped to bring this community together despite its diverse cultures.

Today many of the old buildings survive and are now art galleries and cafés.  The old flamingo pink Inaba's Kona Hotel still provides rest for tourists at $40 a night.  It also has a unique boardwalk out to a deck which looks down 1500 feet to the ocean.  Perched out on the deck are two small bathrooms with windows opening to the spectacular view far below!

We got back to the condo for a afternoon of swimming, lounging and reading.  I was excited to see a green sea turtle lounging on the rocks outside the pool.  They are an endangered species but seen fairly frequently in Hawaii.  We went to Bubba Gump's for a fish dinner served on a covered porch just a step from the waves.  One of my favorite things about Hawaii is the many restaurants that have open air dining.  It is so lovely and warm in the evenings it seems sad to est indoors.  Our perfect day was topped off with a scoop of toasted coconut ice cream.  Ahh.

 

Cowboys and Fishermen

We drove to the north end of the island past vast fields of black lava from various eruptions of Mauna Loa, the biggest volcano in the world.  Most of these flows were from the 1800's and had not broken down into soil so there was no grass or trees except along the coast where big resorts have hauled in soil and planted palms.  As we headed further north past the most recent flows we began to see scrubby trees and grass.  We drove up the slope of an old volcano (The Big Island has five) to Waimea. 

This is a cowboy town.  Hawaiians call them Paniolos.  It is the site of the Parker Ranch which is one of the U.S.A's oldest ranches largest ranches.  The ranch was built in 1847 by John Parker, a New Englander who jumped ship on the Big Island and married the daughter of a member of the Hawaiian royalty.  We stopped at the Parker Ranch Store and saw fun stuff like pearl button cowboy shirts made of wild Hawaiian print fabric.

We left town and drove the Kohala Mountain Road which was narrow and winding.  It took us past lush green pastures with cattle, sheep, horses and goats.  We had wonderful views of the ocean.  The air was cool and misty.  By the time we got to the bottom of the hills we were in another climatic zone - very tropical with huge trees and flowers everywhere.  We stopped at the town hall of Kapaau and took a picture of the statue of King Kamehameha.  After a picnic lunch in the car because of the drizzle, we drove to the end of the road to Pololu Valley Lookout which is sort of the end of the world.  It looks down at a black sand beach and out over endless miles of ocean.  The was a muddy, slippery path down to the water but my adventurous husband decided that it wasn't for him.  Many other folks came back up the hill covered in mud.

We drove back along the coast to Lapakahi State Historical Park which is the archeological dig of a fishing and farming village from 600 years ago.  The cottages that were on this site were built of the black lava stone and thatched roofs.  It was built in a protected valley with a good beach for landing their fishing canoes.  We saw several pods of whales swimming off shore.

The surf was still pounding (like my fevered head) when we returned to the condo.  I love having the sea in my front yard.

Whales, Waves and Quilts

I woke up to gray skies and a runny nose.  Rats!  I managed to avoid the family virus and then caught one here.  Fortunately Rick brought an arsenal of cold remedies so I will take it easy today and hope for a quick recovery.

Speaking of rats, the island is overrun by mongoose (geese?) that were imported to control the rats in the sugar cane fields.  Now they are everywhere and pretty much eliminate ground nesting birds.  That is too bad since there are species of birds that exist only on the Hawaiian Islands.  Just in the last two days I have seen four beautiful birds that can't be seen anywhere else.  They seem to want to join us in our condo so we have to be care to keep the screen door closed.

While I sat on the lanai talking to the birds I noticed that the pod of whales was back in the bay.  They are frequently near the surface so it is probably females with babies who need to surface more often than the adult whales.  We watched them slap the waves with their huge pectoral fins and tails.  A little entertainment for the folks from Minnesota.  They must have liked the big waves from last nights storm - so did the surfers who hung out in the waves just off the tiny, rocky beach next to the condos.

My highlight of the day was a visit to a local quilt shop - Quilt Passion - which had a wonderful display of Hawaiian quilts and lots of beautiful batik fabric.  I bought a fabric for making a table cover or wall hanging of sea turtles.  We will see how my hand applique skills are coming along.  It was fun to talk to a group of ladies who were sharing lunch and looking at new quilt fabrics.  

I was happy to see a drawer full of books at the condo and have enjoyed reading on the covered lanai even in the drizzle today.  The temps stayed around 75 and the light rain did not seem to bother the surfers at all.  Oahu is getting much more of the storm and has famous high surf today which means that many folks needed rescue.  If it isn't ice and snow it is surf, but I prefer the warm, thank you very much.

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

My ancestors in Norway lived on a farm on the fjord.  I don't know why so many Norwegians decided to live in the Midwest when they moved to America - so far from the ocean.  I think that saltwater runs in my veins and the rhythm of the sea is the pace of my breath.  I love the sound and smell and taste of the sea.  

Today we drove south along the coast through small towns and past Kona coffee farms to a National Historical Park.  It is the site of a royal residence on Hawaii Island.  The royal grounds were part of a political sub district that descended down the slope of the Mauna Loa volcano to the sea.  The districts were divided this way so that residents would have areas for farming, collecting drinking water, and fishing,  It included a beach canoe landing for the chief and his attendants.  At this site the sacred bones of the chiefs were buried.  No blood could be shed within the confines of this area, so it became a place of refuge for defeated warriors as well as those too old or too young to fight.

A massive stone wall built of volcanic rock in about 1550 separated the royal grounds from the place of refuge.  As long as the defeated warriors stayed within these very barren areas they were safe.  In 1960 the area was set aside to preserve Hawaiian history.  The native Hawaiian National Park ranger who introduced us to the area and told the story of its history was just terrific.  He certainly made the place come alive for us.  It is still held as a very sacred place for the Hawaiians and the spirits spoke to us in the breeze.  

It was pretty hot in the sun and we were happy to sit in the shade and eat our picnic lunch.  We drove back for an afternoon rest and then walked downtown to Huggo's for dinner right at the edge of the water.  I spied a pod of whales out in the bay and we watched them all during dinner.  After topping off a great meal with a slice of macadamia nut pie we waddled back to the condo for the sunset.  A great day.

Big Yachts and Big Waves

We are rubbing elbows with the rich and famous.  The richest woman in Britain, former Miss UK Kirsty Bertarelli and her billionaire Swiss husband, Ernest have parked the biggest motor yacht ever built in the UK, a 96-metre six-deck yacht named the Vava II in the bay in front of our condo.  It was lit up like a Christmas tree last night when we arrived.  This morning we could see the helicopter parked on the top deck.  I'm sure they will be stopping by later for drinks.

They will have to fly over because there are some awesome waves breaking off our shore.  The big storms hitting California have their start out here and the surf is high.  It is so loud when we have our sliding doors open that it is hard to hear the TV news.  

As usual the time change has screwed up my internal clock and I was awake at 3:30 am ready to start the day.  I went back to sleep several times until 6 when I gave up the fight and went out on the lanai to sip Kona coffee and watch the sun rise.  It was 69 degrees, humid, with a light breeze.  I just love Hawaii!

Rick is fighting a sinus infection, the remains of a cold and cough as well as still recovering from his shoulder injury.  He was pretty wiped out from the flight, but the coffee revived him too.  So we had breakfast while watching the waves come in and then went to stock up on groceries.  I always forget how expensive food is on the island.  I would hate to be feeding a family here. Carter, I am eating some fresh mango for you.

After lunch and a nap we slathered on sunblock and headed to the pool.  My body soaked up the sun, heat and warm salt water.  It's a hard life but someone has to do it!  There is a beautiful barbecue area by the pool so we grilled some burgers for dinner and sat with a glass of wine watching the sun set.  It has been a perfect first day in paradise.

From winter to summer in 14 crowded hours

On our group ski trip to Steamboat we scored a big one -- a TSA pre-screening pass which let us get though security without taking off our shoes or jackets, and we could leave our computer and liquids in the suitcase.  We went though a fast line.  It was a delight.  I was excited to discover that the TSA prescreen was on our boarding pass and as such did not pack so very carefully to save time at security.  Well at 6 am in Minneapolis there was no security line for TSA pre on our end of the airport,  So I was one of the folks you hate who struggled with my luggage in security.  Arghhh!

Our flight to Phoenix was full, aren't they all these days?  Our seats were at athe front of the plane which loads last and we were told that there would be no space for carry on luggage by the time we got on the plane and should check it.  Na uh.  I had my good new camera and lenses in this bag and I was not going to send it to the thieves at the airport luggage handlers after tumbling down the luggage conveyer to the cart.  I got special dispensation to keep my bag with me.  I think they recognized me as someone who had not had coffee yet.  Since we had to de-ice the plane we all had to get on very early and I got three bites of a muffin and a quarter cup of coffee before we got on our meal free plane.  

We got to Phoenix in time to hit the midday rush at the airport and had to run from one end of the airport to the other where we found that several plane delays had filled the area so full that the floor was the only place to sit.  We got loaded and started a long and turbulent flight.  We got in to Kona about 45 minutes late but enjoyed the 80 degrees of sunshine.  Ahhh!  It took over an hour to unload the luggage, but it did arrive and then we were on our way to our condo by the ocean.  

We are both exhausted but so happy to be here listening to the pounding waves just a stones throw from our lanai.  Aloha!

Heading for Hawaii

I have lots to do in winter and usually enjoy taking the grandkids outside or to the library, quilting, or doing geneology. As all of you midwesterners know, this has been a miserable winter. I spent the first half fighting an endless cough. Now I am just sick of hauling groceries and kids through my mucky garage past my dirty, salty cars. I wish that you could all join us on the warm sand in Hawaii. We are leaving tomorrow.

We are heading to the biggest island in the Hawaiian chain nicknamed the "Big Island," but it's proper name is Hawaii Island. It is so big that it has 11 of the world’s 13 climactic zones—from sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains and includes, Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes in   Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  The volcanoe is so active that the island is mapped into a series of "lava" zones which indicate the amount of danger from the likelihood of lava flow. Both Carter and Kellen are worried about us being near "hot lava."

We will be staying in a low danger zone near the town of Kailua-Kona.  While we are next to the ocean, we are not on the beach, but on a rocky shore.  There are not too many sandy beaches on Hawaii Island becuase it is the newest island in the chain and much of the lava rock has not broken down to become traditional soft beach sand, although there are black sand beaches on the island.  There is a tiny beach nearby, however.

I am so looking forward to smelling flowers and warm earth and that mysterious scent of the ocean.  One more cold day and then we are on our way.  Come on along!

Over Rabbit Ears Pass

     The ongoing snowfall has closed Vail Pass.  Hundreds of cars are sitting along the highway waiting for the pass to reopen so that they can take advantage of the huge piles of new snow.  We have been looking carefully at the weather reports and wondering about the trip back to Denver.  Everyone was up early this morning - packing up and checking the weather.  Our bus arrived a few minutes early, but the luggage was still outside our door, three stories above the parking lot.  I helped Rick get tucked into a window seat on the bus - his jacket and my puffy coat cushioning his sore shoulder.  The luggage got loaded by hotel staff.  By the time we left Steamboat the snow had stopped.

   For a while it seemed that the weather was clearing and the drive would be easy, but soon we headed up the 7% grade that took us over the Continental Divide to the 9520 ft Rabbit Ears Pass.  The road went from wet, to wet and sloppy, to sloppy and slick, to snow covered.  Fortunately we came up behind a team of snowplow and sanding truck and followed them slowly and safely over the Pass.  This is a popular snowmobiling area and dozens of cars and trucks pulling snowmobile trailers were parked at every pull-off.  The snow was just beautiful - an endless white blanket that just called out to the snowmobilers, snowshoers and cross country skiers.
     On the bus the usual Ullr tradition called for consumption of leftover snacks and drinks.  A cheerful group shared crackers, chips, cookies, soda, wine and beer.  Rick took one of his more powerful pain meds and was reasonably comfortable on the four hour trip.  I was happy to see the dry pavement in Denver where the temps were in the 50's.
     One of our delightful condo mates, Wayne, helped us get all our luggage including Rick's skis and boot bag from the bus to the check-in counter at the airport.  There was a long line, then a shorter line at security, then down two escalators for a ride on the airport transit system, back up two escalators and then a two hour wait for our plane.  We got a "pre-board" pass for our Southwest flight so that Rick could get on early, find a seat where his shoulder was protected, and get settled in before the very full plane was loaded.  The flight was only an hour and a half and went well.  When we got to the airport Rick went out to the car with Kellen while Arik came in to help me haul out the luggage.
   All in all, not a bad trip home despite many worries about the weather and worries about Rick being miserable from the moving about.  He was very happy that he kept relatively comfortable all day.  Now we are happy to be home and will get the injury checked out on Monday.  Hopefully it will continue to get better and we will be on our way again next month to Hawaii.
   

Riding the Gondola at Night

    This is our last day at Steamboat.  The snow is coming in bursts - sometimes so heavy it is hard to see across the street.  Snowplows are out busily trying to keep up with it.  The Vail Pass is closed due to avalanche worries (we don't have to go over this to get back to Denver).
    I took Rick back to the Sports Medicine clinic to get the tape on his shoulder replaced.  It is some heavy taping that helps keep his collar bone in place since the ligaments are torn and stretched.  Having it firmly taped will make him more comfortable on the bus and plane ride home.  He plans to take some of the power meds for the ride home so he will be back in his fuzzy zone for the day.  Everyone has promised to help us schlep the skis, boots, poles and luggage to the bus and plane since Rick can't lift anything - or tie his shoes, or zip his jacket or drive a car .....
     We went out for a DQ lunch and then returned the rental car.  It has been a real help this week as we made trips to the ER, pharmacy, clinic, and grocery store.  We did a little shopping at Gondola Square, but Rick decided not to buy a T-shirt to remember this trip.  I don't blame him.
    The club gathered to take a ride to the top of the mountain on the Gondola lift.  It was a beautiful ride up high in the dark with the many lights of the resort and down sparkling below.  Years ago when we were here one of the Gondola cars got hit by a burst of wind, slipped back and hit another car and caused the entire system to shut down.  The ski patrol had to climb the very high poles and work their way down the wires to each car and then lower the passengers down by ropes.  It took all day.  That gondola system has been replaced with one that hugs the contours of the mountain and doesn't have such high towers so it is not so susceptible to problems with the wind.
    We had a big barbecue buffet at the restaurant at the top and enjoyed some country music.  There was line dancing and music until late, but we made it an early night.  It will be a long day tomorrow.  We are very much hoping that the next huge wave of snow waits until tomorrow night so that we can get to Denver in time to make our flight.  We will just have to wait and see!

Knitting, Shopping and Eating at Steamboat

     The Olympics started today.  Long ago we were at Steamboat during the Olympics.  We tracked down the condos that we stayed in and I remembered why I cut across the field instead of skiing all the way down and then walking uphill carrying my skies.  Bear Paw Condos.  It was a snowy day again - the sunshine is gone for the rest of the week.
    I brought along some yarn on this trip with the intent of knitting a cowl scarf.  Due to the unforeseen circumstance of spending time being Nurse Susan, I have finished it.  I am very proud of the finished product.  I liked it so much that when I went downtown to visit the local quilt shop, I bought more yarn and another pattern for making a different cowl.  It is handy to have a warn neckie in this snowy climate.  The shop had a little gallery with a variety of fiber art creations on display.  They have a ways to go before it is really good, but it was fun to look around.  On the other hand, the quilt side of the shop was pretty sparse.  There was some nice fabric, but only two quilts on display.
    It is winter carnival time in Steamboat and some of the high school kids were busy making snow sculptures each block along the main street.  There are quite a few little arts and crafts stores which had special exhibits as well.  I enjoyed my walk down main street, but came home with only the skein of yarn and a free pattern.
    Rick continues to feel better so we walked over to a nearby Southwest/Mexican restaurant.  We got there early - just as the sun had faded behind the mountains.  Many of the trees around the resort village are decorated with mini-lights, so we could watch the village light up for the evening events from our table just next to the window.  Dinner was delicious as were the margaritas.  Rick was happy that he quit taking the potent pain killers and is just on Ibuprofen so he could enjoy some top shelf tequila.  MMM.
   We got back to the condo in time to watch the first events of the Olympics.  The young women who are competing in the mogul runs just make my knees and hips hurt.  I don't know if it is possible to be fit enough that all the jarring doesn't eventually do damage.  I look forward to another week of watching winter Olympic events.  Hopefully the snow will let up long enough for our bus to get us out of here on Saturday.

Glorious Sunshine at Steamboat Springs

     The snowflakes have taken a break and we woke to an intensely blue sky this morning.  I think that it is the perfect day to get out and about and take some pictures.  The skiers are excited to try out some of the areas that are hard to ski when it is so foggy.

    Rick's shoulder continues to improve - hopefully this means that he will not need surgery when we get home.  We took his lift ticket to the administration area to get reimbursed but discovered that the group leader needs to deal with any changes to group tickets.  Still, he should get back the cost of the days that he couldn't use the lift ticket.  A big rebate at western ski area lift ticket rates!
    I drove Rick to see some of the local sights and jumped out frequently to take pictures.  The snow is so perfect it looks like a movie set or my Christmas village on the fireplace mantle.  I feel sorry for Rick who would so like to be up on the mountain enjoying this perfect ski day. We went back to the historic "Brooklyn" neighborhood across the river, which I discovered used to be the red light and saloon district in Steamboat's early days - situated on the "other side of the tracks."  Rick's highlight was our stop for lunch downtown - he got tired, but at least he got out for a while.
    The rest of the day was quiet - grocery shopping, doing dishes (not all of our condo mates put their dishes in the dishwasher) and cooking dinner for the two of us.  I don't mind the peaceful relaxation - it has been a busy time for us this fall and winter.  I just wish that it was a little less icy so walking was easier, but this IS winter in the mountains.  "Sleighbells ring, are ya listen'n?"

Quiet Time at The Lodge Condos at Steamboat

     Snowing.  Heavy.  Foggy.  Quiet.
     I love these big snowflakes - especially when I can sit by the fire and look out at the pine trees bending under the weight of snow.  We don't have to go anywhere today.  The skiers are excited about the chance to ski new snow, although it is tough going sometimes.  Rick and I have no plans - just relax, read, and for Rick, heal.
     Rick was able to get comfortable in bed and actually slept pretty well last night.  I worried all night that I would bump him and did not sleep well.  However, I was really happy to see him get up with a smile and wander into the living room looking for coffee.  It is a good sign.
    Our condo mates booted up and headed off to the mountain.  We poured another cup of coffee and looked at the weather channel.  Snow, more snow and then, more snow.  Winter in the mountains.  I bet California wishes they had some of this snow.
   I had to buy Rick a couple shirts that button up rather than pull over his head.  There is no way he is getting into a t-shirt until his shoulder heals a little more.  We are lucky to have a Walmart nearby so I trekked through the snow (by car) and bought another shirt and more lunch supplies.  Steamboat has snowplows running all day and the best sanding of intersections that I have ever seen.  I noticed a "Winter Driving" school near the rental pickup as well.  Not everyone who comes here for a holiday is so accustomed to driving on snow covered roads.
    Everyone quit skiing early and gathered in our big living room with their E-Readers. This is quite a group of readers.  We have fun sharing our thoughts on the best new authors.
     Then the group headed out to the "Ore House" for dinner.  We had a group of 42 having an early dinner of trout or steak.  It was a fun and noisy gathering.  There were no new ski injuries today - everyone was very careful although the skiing was considered to be pretty challenging. During dinner we swapped travel stories with some of our fellow Ullr folks.  These mostly retired club members like to travel as well as ski.
    Rick got worn out and sore while sitting in an uncomfortable chair and was happy to get back to the condo for a little more socializing and an early night.  Even when we were young we did not party all night and ski all day.  When we got back to the condo there was a toddler walking around in his first snow pile.  He wasn't sure what to make of it.  I miss my grandchildren!

Too Much New Snow for Rick

     We awoke to light snow and cloudy skies.  The skiing group were all meeting to take the shuttle at 8:30.  I was happy to sit and watch the snowflakes drift onto the huge pines.  I finally got going and caught the shuttle to the Grand Hotel to pick up my rental car.
    The hotel is huge and beautiful, right opposite the gondola lift.  My cheap rental was upgraded to a small SUV with all terrain drive - Yeah!  I drove to old downtown Steamboat which is a great collection of historic buildings.  I parked and walked and shopped.  Just beautiful.  I found a little cafe with six varieties of homemade soup and enjoyed a wonderful lunch.  During lunch I made good use of my Google Maps and found a scenic way back to the resort along the river.
   This River Road drive took me through an historic part of old Steamboat by the original ski area at Howelsen Hill which is city operated area and is Colorado’s oldest continuously operated ski area, since 1915.  It has the largest and natural ski jumping complex in North America. Howelsen has been the training ground for 79 Olympians.  A small neighborhood along this river had many old cabins and ski chalets built in the early years of the town.  It was a great drive - my only complaint was the really high drifts of snow made it hard to pull over and take pictures.

   As I headed back to try to find the condo my cell phone rang - it was Rick calling from the ER - bah!  Fortunately I was only a couple minutes away from the hospital which is conveniently located near the bottom of the ski slopes.  He was one of three casualties from the ski club after a morning of difficult skiing - fresh snow over a poorly groomed base and dim, cloudy light.  He caught an edge of his ski and fell hard on his shoulder.  He was with about 20 folks from the ski club and attended to by a couple off-duty ski patrol almost immediately.
     Here is Rick's Facebook posting about his accident: "This is a good news / bad news day:
The good news is that I was undressed this morning by two attractive young women. The bad news is that they were ER nurses and it was only to my waist.
     The bad news is that I tore the ligaments holding my collar bone to my shoulder. The good news is that it wasn't all of them so I likely won't need surgery.
     The good news is that it wasn't the first run of the trip. The bad news is that it was only the third run.
     The good news is that I got a high speed toboggan ride from the top of the mountain to the bottom. The bad news is that I was flat on my back and didn't see much of it.
     The good news is that we should be able make our Hawaii trip next month. The bad news is that schlepping bags may be an unpleasant experience for me.
     The bad news is I had to cancel the private ski lesson tomorrow that Susan gave me for Christmas. The good news is that, because the Ski Patrol carried me down the hill, they will refund our $359.
     The good news is that I still bounce when I hit. The bad news is that I don't bounce like I used to.
     I feel fortunate to still be skiing at 70. I hope this experience doesn't intimidate me into giving up on western trips. There's nothing like skiing the mountains. Perhaps it's time to ski a different part of the mountain."

     Rick's shoulder may be messed up but his sense of humor is intact.  Although he will miss out on skiing this week, having the accident early in the week gives him a chance to heal a little before the arduous trip back home.  One of the other injured skiiers has a broken rib, the other a badly wrenched knee.  Word is that skiiers who are brought off the hill by the ski patrol with an injury can get their lift tickets reimbursed if they bought a multi-day pass.  If not, the club buys trip insurance which will cover the cost of the tickets.

    Rick rested in the sunshine in a comfy chair for the afternoon and then we had a delightful dinner "at home" with our condo mates.  A good end to a somewhat difficult day. 

    

Beautiful Day in Denver

     Traveling by plane these days is a crap shoot - you never know if the plane will be delayed or if you will be bumped off.  Today was our lucky day and Southwest Airlines was flying on time going west.  We even had three seats for the two of us!  It looked like a total win/win when we got to Denver on time and both of us had all our luggage including Rick's skis and boot bag.  Unfortunately, not everyone was as lucky and we waited an hour while Southwest tracked down the skis for ten of our fellow ski club members.  The skis were stuck in an elevator.
    With great relief everyone collected their skis and 42 eager travelers boarded our big luxury bus for a three hour drive to Steamboat.  The usual arrangment for these ski trips is that the bus stops just on the outside edge of Denver at a shopping center with a big liquor store and a big grocery store.  Everyone shops for groceries for the week so that we are not stuck buying at the ski hill at a premium price.
    Then we settled into the bus with deli sandwiches for a ride into the mountains.  A big snowstorm came through earlier in the week and left piles of white on every tree and fence post.  The sky was the deep clear blue that can be seen at these high altitudes on perfect day.  Wow!  What an amazing scene.  We drove on a dry highway past ranches and farms locked in for the winter.  Horses, cattle, elk and buffalo were a dark contrast to the bright white fields.  Fast running mountain streams cut through the untouched snow.  I put on my headphones and drowsed to soft jazz.  Heaven.
    We are staying in a set of condos about 200 yards from the Gondola lift.  A shuttle stops in front of our condo for those who don't want to walk in ski boots.  It is a three bedroom condo with great views, a fireplace and a couple small porches.  We are sharing the space with two men and two women from the ski club.  It is fun to get to know these folks.
   We had a pizza party and watched the Super Bowl before everyone fell into bed after a long day and some seriously high altitude.  Rick is excited to get up on the mountain tomorrow.

The "Steamboat is coming"

We are going to leave cold and snowy Minnesota for even snowier Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  While this does not seem like much of an escape to our Minnesota friends who have been enduring this colder than average winter, the temps in downtown Steamboat have been about 25 - 30 degrees higher than Apple Valley.  I am all for that.

We are going with a great group of skiers - The Ullr Ski, Bike and Social Club.  I am one of the younger members of the club.  Almost everyone that Rick skis with are well over 70.   This is a very active and fun loving group!

We will be staying in condos just a couple blocks from the gondola lift at the ski resort.  Weather reports say that the area got a foot of new snow so I am bringing my new camera to get some great winter mountain pictures.  I am also looking forward to a sleigh ride, spa visit and some swimming in an outdoor heated pool.  Downtown Steamboat has a brand new quilt shop with a textile arts exhibit opening today!

I was talking with my friend Jo yesterday and recalled that the last time I was a Steamboat was with her and other friends.  This was during the Olympics about 40 years ago.  On the last day of our long ago vacation Jo and I skied across an ungroomed area on the way back to our condos and took spectacular falls.  We have both had messed up knees since then, which is why I eventually quit skiing about 15 years ago.

An Ullr group vacation in January experienced numerous plane and bus delays.  I am hoping for a smooth journey tomorrow!   We will just have to see what Mother Nature has planned for us.