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.