Not only was tennis a priority for returning to Palm Springs, but also to challenge myself to get in the best shape possible for this old body of mine.
Years ago, I used to race on the Xterra Triathlon series ( total amateur level…!!!) and had so much fun. After some deep consideration, I decided, “What the Hell… Go for it…”
I’m returning to Triathlon training and I couldn’t be more excited.
Official training will begin on December 1st….!!
To commemorate the decision, I’ve registered for my first race… See ya there…!!!!!
Now that I’m settling into Palm Springs, it’s been a discovery of fun things to do. A quick 15 minute drive from the house will get me to the Palm Springs Tram.
I first discovered this amazing adventure last year before I left when my friends, Susan and Bill came to visit. It’s a gondola that takes 15 minutes from the floor of Palm Springs up to the top of Mt. Jacinto.
Once you arrive at the summit station, it’s all alpine. There are a ton of trails for hiking and camping, and even snowshoeing during the winter.
With all of that, I decided to become an annual Pass Holder…!!!
Once you get to the top, it’s just amazing scenery and forest:
Click for above for amazing view of Grand Valley….!!
After the Wings and Whiskey Festival, the next day was just as beautiful in Winter Park. This time of the year in Colorado is just amazing. After an early morning shower, I’m ready for the day. I’m on my way to meet Suz for some breakfast at Rise. I can taste the bacon already…
As I step outside to walk up to the restaurant, I can’t believe how chilly it is this morning… FALL IS HERE….!!!! There was frost on the suburban and I could see my breath. It’s too early for the cold. I need my summer to hang on a couple more weeks…
After breakfast, the Rousheys and I headed up to the Beyer’s Peak trailhead. It’s about 7 miles south of Winter Park. It’s a 13’ner and one of the most beautiful peaks in Grand County.
Once we get to the trailhead, Ms Suz signs us in to the trailhead registry. She’s so official, which is a good thing. Thankfully, someone is smart enough to look out for the safety of the group.
Signing In
I couldn’t help but take a pic of Suz taking a pic…!!
Trailhead
Just a few pics from the trail as we work our way up the trail. Some great views of the Grand Valley.
Joy…!!
The hike was fun, but even more fun with Joy…!!!! She sets a pace that’s hard to keep up with..!!
Yeti Trap
Of course, as we work our way up the trail….. existence of the Yeti becomes clear… look at this Yeti trap. He places a log across the trail to slow us down. That tree doesn’t land in the middle of the trail by accident. The snowman is real…!!!
The Yeti is Ruthless
As you can see, the Yeti trap has spikes on the log to slow down his prey…!! The Yeti is……
Beautiful
After successfully escaping the traps of the Yeti, I settle on the patio of the Roushey’s patio and enjoy some whiskey imbibing. Life is good.
Since the weather has been pretty ugly in Ouray, I decided to head to Vail again since the forecast there is calling for sun. I woke up on Thursday in the Vail Valley to a beautiful sunny, cloudless sky. What an amazing morning…!!!
The past two attempts at Vail’s summit have been semi-successful, but the challenge has been to make it over the pass, descend to Copper and bike back. I haven’t been able to accomplish the goal, but the third time was a charm…!!
I headed to the trailhead of the path that winds its way up Vail pass and the morning was perfect. There was some wind, but the sun was shining and the forecast didn’t call for any rain for the entire day. That’s a rarity in the mountains this time of year, so I decided this would be the perfect day to complete the challenge.
Before… all is good, but just wait.
As you can see from above, I’m all geared up and ready to go. Today is definitely going to be the day I make it to Copper and back. I’m feeling great this morning.
Summit 10,500
Don’t ask about the hair..!! I’m not sure what’s going on with it, other than it being drenched in sun screen..!!
I couldn’t have asked for a better day. The sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. The colors of Fall are starting to shine. Seems a bit earlier than usual, but what an amazing display of yellows, reds, and oranges. And with the sun shining down upon the meadows and aspen groves of colors, it couldn’t be a better day to be outside.
The wind is still howling, but the pedalling to get me to the Summit from the Vail side wasn’t that bad. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with a descent along the river with beautiful views of Summit County. Once I get to Copper, the scenery was amazing on this incredible day. The village isn’t crowded as you can see, and the sky was almost purple…!! So lucky to be a part of this day.
CopperCopper
As I start to head out of Copper and back towards the Summit, I realized the head wind is more than what I expected.
Hammer me.
I determine that this is a Hammer day. Hammer gel, please help me up this mountain…!!!
That was rough and looking it.
After getting back to the Suburban, I’m feeling the effects of the wind…!!!
Looking rough and feeling like it.
Well…. after the third attempt, I finally am successful at the attempt of riding from Vail to Copper and back. It’s a total of 32 miles. 10 miles of uphill from the Vail side and then 6 miles of ascent from the Copper side. If I knew the wind would have been so bad from the Copper side, I would have biked the Vail side twice… but… I did it. It just doesn’t seem fair that you have to pedal downhill…!!!
The Copper side is definitely shorter, but I think much more challenging towards the top, but then again, with the wind being so strong, I’m not really that sure…!!! All I know, is that I did it and I actually feel totally fine afterwards.
The Reward.
Since I was able to complete the task, the reward is simple: A peanut butter and jelly sandwich…!!!!! I can’t believe I’m eating carbs, but the PB&J tasted so gooooooooood…
While in Vail, after the bike ride to the pass, what better to do the next day, then a hike to the top of Half Moon Pass. It’s a pass near the divide of Mt. Holy Cross (14,005).
In preparation of the hike, there is no better hiking fuel than a PB&J. I think six sandwiches is enough.
Hiking Fuel..
I bought these new hiking shoes in Winter Park. They’re the best hiking shoes I’ve ever owned. They’re so stable, but so comfortable at the same time. I think I might have to get a backup pair next time I head to WP.
Love these shoes.
After an hour drive up the 4×4 road to the trailhead, I’m ready to get it on after another douchebag selfie.
Trailhead.
This is why I love living in Colorado. Just a quick shot of the trail towards the summit of Half Moon. What a beautiful sky.
Up the mountain.
A view just below the summit. What an amazing day…!!!
There is never a better reason to visit Salida, then The Palace Hotel.
Salida is such an incredible town. I’m in LOVE with it. It’s in the middle of the state and it’s know as the River Rafting and Mt Biking meca of the state.
If that’s not a reason to visit this town, then The Palace Hotel is a must. With all of my Marriott Points (over 2.1 million points), I’ve never been served each morning by a warm muffin, homemade orange juice, and homemade yogurt. Are you serious, who gets that daily door delivery….!!! It makes me return to this hotel over again and again.
Yummmm.
If you think returning to a hotel is nice, how about getting a personalized card from the owners. No worries… I’m coming back again next month. I can’t wait.
How nice.
I stayed in room, 302, and here’s a bit of the history to the room. Each one has a distinctive history portrait of the history associated with the hotel. I can’t wait to stay in a different room to read more about the past of this historical building.
Can you be in a more beautiful place for the start of your morning. I woke up to a gorgeous morning in Winter Park. Total motivation to get out and enjoy a ride in WP…!!! Mary Jane.. here I come.
A beautiful morning.
I feel bad for the Suburban (‘the couch’). It’s been my house for the last week and a half and looks so rested. But… it’s time to get a move on and let him take me to the next destination.
A rest for the Suburban.
Rode the back roads of Winter Park Resort and was rewarded with this amazing view of the Continental Divide. What a view…!!! How can you not love Colorado.
The Great Divide.
This is what happens when you leave the Trail Map in the Suburban……!! Which way do I go….. Left…?? Right…??
Who cares… either way, it will be incredible. Just not sure where it will lead me.
Which way…???
After an hour of not sure where I’m going, I’m a bit over it…!!
Had such a great evening and it continued in the morning, with a little snack from ‘Rise and Shine.’ It’s a bakery that makes the most amazing baked goods. But was a good kid, and stuck to the diet. We headed to Devil’s Thumb Resort outside Tabernash to hike with the puppy. It was an exceptional day. The weather was amazing and the sun was shining.
Byers Peak.
As we hiked through the back side of the Ranch, we hit an Aspen Grove. There is nothing more amazing than walking through a forest of Aspens. There is nothing more distinctive then the sound of the wind through Aspen leaves.
Aspen Forest.
During the winter, Devil’s Thumb is a huge destination for snow biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. They have several ‘Warming Yurts’ throughout the park. I need to experience them this winer…!!
Yurt.
Not a bad place for ducks to grow up in…!!
Ducks.
A view of Devils Thumb Ranch from the other side of the lake. What an incredible location. I need to spend more time there…!!
Still hanging in Winter Park, thanks to my friends who let me stay at their condo. It’s just such an amazing town.
After a morning at the gym, hit the patio at the Rocky Mountain Roastery in Frasier. What a beautiful day.
Java.
At the Roastery, they had some coffee that can help with my Costa Rica Training…!!
Training…!!
After the coffee break, threw the bike on the back of the Suburban and headed to the trail across from Winter Park. As you can see, Winter Park is so beautiful. I think it’s more amazing in the Summer…!!
Unfortunately, the legs aren’t firing on all cylinders today. Still having a great time, even though the legs are dead. I guess it’s time to take a bit of a rest.
Headed to the base of Winter Park for the outdoor movie. What an incredible sunset sky. But wow…. it’s COLD…!!!
Beautiful WP Evening.
We tried to make the movie, but it was too cold. Headed back to the condo to enjoy some vino and movie at home. Such a great time to spend with your friends. I treasure every chance to spend with the Roushey’s. I’m lucky to be their friend.
Now that I’m back in Vail, I finally rode to the summit under the Sun…!! What an amazing day and incredible ride. Loved every minute of it. Sitting on top a summit at over 10k feet, is amazing.
Vail Summit.
It’s been a long time since I held a racket in my hand, but I decided to test it out on the racket ball court. It was so much fun to bit a couple balls against the wall, but exhausting…!!
After a great meal with my friend Susan, we headed out on a hike to wear out their new puppy, Joy. She’s a super sweet dog and has more energy than a nuclear reactor.
Just a bit up US40, we headed to the trail head for the Broome Hut, which is part of the 10th mountain division hut system. Click here for more info: http://grandhuts.org/about/broome-hut/
As we started on the trek with Joy, she was so excited to be outside. About an hour from the trailhead, we ran into these lovely ladies, who were just lounging in the woods. I love a MOOSE sighting. They’re just amazing animals.
Hi Ladies…
As we continued up the ridge, there were some incredible views of mountain fields, flowers, and creeks.
High altitude flowers.High altitude creek.
Of course, there’s nothing better than a hot dawg and beer down in town. The sun finally came out and it was an amazing afternoon on the patio.
I’ve driven over Vail pass so many times in the past years and always thought, “I need to ride the pass.” So, I woke up and drove over to Vail, which is a town I love so much in the Summer.
I checked into the hotel, which is a Marriott, of course. It’s a beautiful property and actually a Vacation Club. I got upgraded to a room that was bigger than house. It’s so huge… even my clothes have their own room.
A room all to their own.
When I woke up to bike up the pass it was cloudy and cold. Even though the weather sucked, I decided to head out and not let the it dictate my day.
Even the beard is soaked.
As soon as I started up the hill, the rain came and it didn’t stop. I got poured on. Even with the non stop drizzle, I had a fantastic time. I got drenched inside and out. Even the beard was soaked…!!
Well deserved.
After a day in the rain and cold, nothing better than a dip in the hot tub followed by a cigar and some beer…!!
