Vail, CO (USA)

After getting up (0545L) and eating breakfast, I drove over to the simulator building (0630L). The doors were closed until around 0650L, so couldn't check work email until sim nearly started.  Oh well... Spent several hours training and then finished for the week (1130L). Woohoo!  Said goodbye to Ron, Dave and Joe and headed back to the Embassy Suites. Tried to get a flight out later in the day but wasn't able to find anything - settled for departure early Saturday.  Silver lining: this gave me a few hours to explore!  Originally planned to visit the Coors Brewery, but heard about bad weather inbound to Denver. Instead, explored Red Rocks southwest of town - really cool. I can see why everyone in Colorado is in such good shape: people were walking for exercise in the rocks and amphitheater. I, on the other hand, could really feel the altitude as I walked up the trails and explored around the property. Weather still OK (not hot at all, just overcast), so got gas and lunch before heading west on I-70 (still trying to beat the weather that was on the horizon...). Hit a HUGE traffic jam as I approached Idaho Springs - took a long time to get going again. After that, though, the roads were pretty clear. Had a little rain as I climbed - kept pressing towards Vail. Saw a pretty lake - with clearing skies - as I passed Frisco. After getting through Eisenhower Tunnel (Continental Divide inside), climbed to Vail Pass (~10K!). Got off at first Vail exit and explored the enticing condo area. Drove down to Vail Village and walked around - very nice! Seemed a little like a German town. Saw some real estate prices - $1 Million plus!!! Picked up souvenirs and took a look at the green mountain side before heading back to the car. It started to rain again. As I drove out of town, I saw another example of why Colorado folks have such a reputation for fitness: bikers were having a great time riding up and down the mountainous Gore Valley Bike Trail (I don't know how they do it!). Took my time driving back to Denver - stopped at historic Georgetown and looked around. Also drove over to a bighorn sheep viewing area - but didn't see any. Took a dirt road towards US-40 and got stuck by construction for a bit. Chatted with the road workers. Back on I-70 towards Idaho Springs until CO-103. South towards Mount Evans (highest road in US). Enjoyable scenery and a little wildlife on the 14 mile road to the park entry (Arapahoe National Forest). Passed Echo Lake (pretty) and used the park pass to get on the road up the mountain. Another 14 miles later (awesome views, mountain goats everywhere, even marmots), made it to the summit. Even with some rain (and lots of wind), could see down to Denver area. Rainbows on the mountain... Did I forget to mention the sheer drop-off road with no guard rails? I must admit, I was nervous a few times when an SUV came driving by in the other direction - one false move and aaaaaaaaagggghhhh... Lots more mountain goats and even pretty views of the alpine tree line. Stopped (on Ron's recommendation) at the Echo Lake Lodge for dinner. He had mentioned how good the buffalo chili was - and he was right! I also enjoyed some homemade pie there and had good conversation with my waiter (a Czech kid who had arrived in the US two days before). Lost track of time for a little bit - until it started to get a little dark - then picked up some things for the kids. On the road about 1930L - finished the 14 miles down and took I-70 back to the hotel. Great views of the Denver skyline (you know, I never went downtown at all...). Got gas again (at Jenny's Market in Golden) before returning to pack for my trip home. Watched a little TV. Before I knew it, the time was 2300L. Decided to take a nap before my flight...