Holiday Inn Steamboat Springs, Co

... ourselves. It was v. nice of them and Boo and I got to mess around for the whole meal making fun of each other. Apparently the restaurant still felt bad about almost closing on us so they comped our appetizers, drinks and dessert. Personally I felt like it was our fault for coming in so late, but you don't bite the hand that feeds you. hahaha (terrible pun intended...although puns must be intended by definition...so...)

... the ground and tools on the porch table. I got out my stove and brewed hot chocolate then cooked up rice with black beans and beef jerky sticks. So Good! I realized I’d lost my gloves when it came to eating from the hot pot.

This impressive storm lasted an hour before simmering to light rain. Night was abreast so I decided to pitch my tent down the back of the property behind trees. Just in case the owner showed up. Could have been a red neck or ...

... kelli again around 5:30 back at the base of the ski area. At 7:30 there was a parade down the slopes by the ski patrol. They held a red light in each hand. it was very cool! Afterwards they had fireworks at the top of the mountain. Steamboat is easy to get around in because they have free bus service anywhere in town. They run until 1:30 am.

... find Kelli. We met at a bar called "Slopeside". Everyone was sitting outside at tables set on the snow. The sun was out and it felt really warm. I think I saw Jessie from the Batchelor there with some of his friends. We partied the night away and got home aroune 10.

... and the view is just amazing!Also went for another little hike up the other side of Steamboat for more amazing scenery amd dropped in on the local ice rink where there was a local ice hockey game in progress - man - those guys are padded up but I don't blame them - awesome! Monday - my last day in Steamboat. Off for a look at the famour Walmart - yep - Big W but 100 times bigger. Tick. Then we had a look aorund the golf course, primarily ...

... it has been gentrified from its old west days and is now principally a ski resort, so our stroll down the main street holds no surprises. The usual plethora of expensive boutiques and restaurants. We finally plunk for Mahogany Ridge restaurant, which is an excellent choice. My lamb in spicy sauce with quinoa and cheese is exceptional.

... main route. The rules say that I must do 90% of the official route, so about 70 off route will not be a problem. A description of the logistics I mention: planning routes, taking into account the need to hit services, get over hills and bad terrain and stay in motels where possible. Booking motels. Buying provisions. Getting food in the evening. Washing clothes. Using/buying phones. Then finding where all of these things are. Until a week or so ago, I was busy every minute ...

... ve been apart of my life. I suppose being in the middle of no wheres land makes one ponder on where they are in life, who's been apart of it thus far and where do you plan on heading. It's been an adventure so far out here and yet there are days I miss the "same ole, same ole". Thanks for being there, thanks for reading my blog, thanks for being a friend. Check out Postsecret.com. It's pretty moving... Giddy up, Heather

... all week! I'll make sure to take a picture to give you an idea of how close they are. Pretty excited! Oooohhh, earlier in the week I mentioned one of the kids that was REALLY into the FBI? Well, yesterday he was wearing one of those FBI jackets you see in the movies and then today he had a FBI sweatshirt. I had to take a picture. It's just too priceless and cute! Giddy up, Heather

... dirt road into the backcountry. They appear to have recently upgraded the facilities -- the new bathrooms were not yet complete. We spent most of the time in the mid-range pool (103) with a short dip in the river (60 degrees). Lots of people were there but it wasn't terribly crowded. We also enjoyed watching the chipmunks scurry under people's chairs, through their bags, all around. Went out for an Italian dinner -- now we have so many leftovers we won't have to go out again.