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August 8, Day 2

Today was production for the Aruba Tourism promo shoot. We both were sound asleep after the most restful night in a long time when the alarm went off at 6 AM. By 7 we were downstairs to meet the crew for breakfast. The crew was comprised of Melissa, the producer and Andrew and Renen, the creative branch. Juan, the camera man, plus his crew, an assistant (his beautiful wife) and sound man. The project involved filming in three beach locations. Melissa had rented a car and supplied it with snacks, water, and sun block! And we were off by 8:00.

Eagle Beach was first. We had a long walk to the set up spot. They claimed a palapa and prepared props, miked Bill up, and headed into the brilliant sunshine. Leaving us in the shade. When the setup ready, we headed for the camera. Melissa had prepared cue cards, camera started rolling…Andrew shouted ACTION! At each of the three locations, Bill would read the lines three times each with the camera rolling. Each location was different, Sandy, Rocky, quiet, and busy, to give a feel of the variety of the island. This took all morning and into the afternoon, finishing up around 1:00.

Bach at the hotel, we said our goodbyes to our new friends, headed back to our own room, showered, rested, and ended up at Splash by the pool for an afternoon snack of humus and basil lemonade, yummy.

We explored the large hotel and pool area, opting to stay on property again after a full day. Happy hour, dinner, wine at sunset…..not a bad way to end a unique day.

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August 7, 2023

Bill and Linda’s Excellent Anniversary Adventure

Our day started with a 2:45 alarm. Our driver, Al, was to pick us up and deliver us to the airport 1 1/2 hours before our 5:20 departure. We were ready and he was punctual. The airport was packed, but we made it quickly through TSA and checked on our gate only to see CANCELED a next to our Atlanta flight! We still went to our gate at the end of the concourse and after speaking with a Delta agent, headed back where we had started. Having checked in online yesterday, we neglected to even check before leaving the house. Actually we still would have needed to get to the airport at 0-dark30. At the Delta check-in desk, the agent found an American flight leaving at 6:10, flying to Charlotte, connecting there to get to Aruba about an hour later than our original arrival.

Our two flights went smoothly, with Bill texting our pick-up driver about the change. After clearing Customs, we left the passenger area to see Sherman holding his Welcome William Gremillion sign. He took our two bags and cheerfully lead us to his new Honda Crossover. After giving us to ice cold bottles of water, he preceded to give us a brief tour on the way to the Embassy Suites Resort.

As soon as Sherman parked and started taking our bags in, a hotel employee took them and we said goodbye to our Aruba welcoming party. The hotel is very new and very impressive. We were given a room on the 7th floor with an ocean view. But before we had even completed the check-in process, Melissa, the lead on the production team, greeted us. She and the other 3 members were sitting together in the lobby and asked us to stop by before going up to our room. They simply wanted to shake hands and discuss meeting times tomorrow.

Bill and I spent a few minutes in our room, 716, enjoying the plate of fresh fruit left as part of a welcoming gift. Next we headed back down for the Managers Reception, a hotel Happy Hour with a couple of free drinks and several large platters of various munchies. We discussed dinner and decided to just stay at the hotel, not push it. We’ll have all week to get to the beach.

One final surprise the occurred. We had talked our food out to the terrace for sundown. A young man approached and politely asked if we’d like a bottle of champagne. It seems that Josh, his wife, Millie, and two little girls were ending their Aruba vacation. They were here celebrating his 40th birthday, and his mother had sent him a bottle of Moët. Josh and Millie had not had an opportunity to enjoy it, being so busy with little ones and he was wanting to give it away. He had picke us, not realizing that we were celebrating our anniversary!

What an adventurous day this has been. Tomorrow should be even more so.

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Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Home Again, Home Again

Waking up in Amarillo meant no more mountains, but we still had a day of interesting geography. It did not take long to throw our things together, packing carefully no longer required. We topped off your gasoline tank and turned southward. It would be a long day. We watched the flat plains give way to canyon lands. Last Monday we had made this path in the opposite direction, stopping in Slayton, getting the VIP tour of The Harvey House, but finding Slayton Bakery closed. Both are Texas Bucket List stops, so on our return we went to the OPEN bakery on the town square. We bought goodies for lunch and a few things to-go. A picnic table was had on the bakery’s front porch!

The rest of the trip was fairly routine, switching drivers every couple of hours, stopping in Sweetwater for gasoline. It was nice to find prices under $5.00 per gallon.

Michael called to keep us company, which we appreciated, having run out of road trip songs to sing. He said they were currently having a thunderstorm at his house, which was a blessing as San Antonio has been so dry and hot. We jokingly said we’d try to bring some of the Colorado weather back with us. Maybe we did.

Boerne. We hit rain. We hit heavy rain. We hit a monsoon. I was behind the wheel, and we had already decided to avoid 1604 at rush hour, especially if it was raining. At times I could not even see the roadway as we slowly made our way down country roads towards Blanco Road. Our route including several low water crossings which I am certain had to be closed after we passed if the heavy rain continued. We had planned to bring home Mexican food but quickly nixed that in favor of just getting home safely. I breathed a sign of relief as I pulled into our driveway. Safe, dry, and filled with wonderful memories!

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Monday, June 27, 2022

Breckenridge to Amarillo

We checked in our room card and parking pass just after the office opened at 9:00 and found ourselves out of Breck in no time. We would see beautiful vistas and snow covered peaks as we made our way to Hoosier Pass. The brilliant sunshine and deep blue sky made for picture perfect weather….and we did stop for a few pictures (surprise).

We took turns driving and took plenty of opportunities to stretch. One such opportunity was when we saw signs for Royal Gorge. We had no idea we were anywhere near that, so we quickly detoured of the main road. The bridge across the gorge is America’s Highest Suspension Bridge made of 1,257 wooden planks suspended 956 feet over the Arkansas River. I walked on this as a girl,with my family. Bill and I would not take time to do this today, but we did get to see it before getting back on track. This took an extra hour or so, but we had plenty of time.

We stopped in Pueblo for a quick lunch and got going again. The only unexpected thing (besides the side trip to Royal Gorge) was smoke filling Raton Pass. We’d been aware of bad fires in New Mexico but this was really extensive and dense. Luckily as we descended it was easier to see.

Amarillo would be our resting place for the night. Bill had booked a room at a new Home2Suites right next to The Big Texan. We did not get to the steak house until 7:30 and had to wait an hour to be seated, but people watching was great. Everyone was having fun. We. Even had a couple of musicians stop by our table for a little Home with the Armadillo picking and singing.

Halfway home. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. But first I am anticipating a good night’s sleep.

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Sunday, June 26, 2022

Last full day in Breck

After a couple of cups of coffee and some cereal, we left for a short “hike” on a trail behind Crystal Peaks. The temperature was in the 40s with a slight wind, but this would be our best chance as rain was in the forecast for the afternoon. After the initial climb up form the condo property, the trail was well maintained and fairly flat. Only the 10,000 foot altitude slowed us down. Eventually we made it to a street so we followed it down to One Ski Hill Road, the main road passing the four condo developments here. Turning left, we went under the gondola and back to our place. We cleaned up and had lunch at Sevens. This restaurant is really good and virtually next door. Bill had a burger while I had grilled salmon tacos, both outstanding. By then the rain had started. We scampered across from Sevens the short distance to Crystal Peaks. Our afternoon plan was to take a drive David had recommended, but Mother Nature had other plans. So without skipping a beat, we gathered up laundry! It will be nice to travel back home with clean clothes. I opened up all of the blinds in our unit and thoroughly enjoyed watching the off and on rainfall, the clouds coming and going, the changing color of Peak 7 (was that a dusting of snow?), and even a Fox running through the grassy area and into the aspens. Since we had lunch mid-afternoon, neither of us were hungry at dinner time. I spread some peanut butter on crackers and popped some popcorn. As the sun set, watched a British mystery and split a small piece of cheesecake Bill brought in. Tomorrow we travel to Texas so perhaps it is just as well that we had a quiet day today. Our car hasn’t been moved since I parked it in the garage Friday.

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Saturday, June 25, 2022

We had a more laid back day here in Breck. Even though it was 41 degrees, we set out early to get the “lay of the land” of the hotel. We discovered how to access the back of the property which leads easily to hiking paths, lawn games, Sevens restaurant, and the Connect Breck gondola. We’d be back there later. A couple of cups of coffee and a couple of showers later made we were back at Peak 7 gondola stop. We rode on to Peak 8 and then on down the 10 minute trip down the mountainside to downtown Breckenridge. We made both sides of the street, stopping along the way to people watch, visit the Visitor Center, shop, and have lunch. The skies changes from blue to partly cloudy. We asked back to the base gondola station and was quickly whisked away back up to Peak 7 and our Crystal Peak Lodge condo. Bill rested and I just enjoyed sitting out on the balcony. The sun felt wonderful in the 61 degree weather. A lot of families were down below playing lawn games. Dinner would be back downstairs at Sevens. While we were there, it began to rain. It wasn’t at all heavy, so we scurried through the open space between buildings, barely getting wet. And then Mother Nature began showing off, with rapid changes in clouds and colors of sky.

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Condo and dinner of bread with butter, honey and lavender followed by grilled salmon on ciabatta

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Friday, June 24, 2022

Telluride to Breckenridge

What a day! Where to start? Well I guess at the beginning. We had no problem leaving Muscatel Flats by 9am, retracing in part our trip just a few days ago. Our first goal was Montrose and a quick side trip to The Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The ride alone to the canyon was spectacular as we rose high above the valley floor, up and up. Luckily I always travel with my National Parks Pass so we drove right in. There were quite a few visitors at the first overlook, but we found a parking space and headed down a little trail. The canyon defies description. It is called a black canyon because it is so deep it does not get much sunlight. Three others were near us taking photos and we agreed to take photos for each other of their group (if Bill and I qualify as a group). It turned out that the young woman and her parents were from Luxembourg! It was meat to tell them that we had been there.

We made several other stops along the rim drive, one of which was the Visitors’ Center where we learned that our selected route to Breckenridge was not going to work due to construction closures. The Ranger made a couple of suggestions of possible routes including one on “a road less traveled” which we both agreed to take.

We went through a few small towns, each selling fresh organic produce, but after a bit we read a sign which said “No gas stations for next 65 miles” and we knew we were in for a treat. Beautiful mountain vistas, red rock, and rivers provided plenty to see. Often we could see off in the distance a long way off and could tell it was raining. We were fortunate that all day we dodged downpours and only encountered a couple of showers. Finally we got to Glenwood Springs where we picked up the interstate. Interstate 70 is in itself an engineering marvel. I was driving, giving Bill ample time to take it the drive along the full Colorado River. Finally we came to Breckenridge around 5:00, found the check in office for Vacasa Rentals in town, got our room electronic entry cards and headed out of downtown and up to the ski area, where Crystal Peaks was waiting for us. Having skipped breakfast and lunch, our first order of business after unpacking was to find dinner. Luckily I could see a nice place from our balcony! Sevens provided us was an excellent meal after which we came back here to rest up, our eyes and tummies full!

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Thursday night, June 23, 2022

After a brief rain shower, the blue skies returned. We returned to The Butcher … for supper, sharing a chicken sandwich and bringing blueberry coffee cake home for dessert. We’re going to miss that place. We ate out front and had a view of the waterfalls and box canyon. It never gets old. We enjoyed people and puppy watching too! Returning back, I noticed a neighbor out snapping photos only to see the mountains bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. This is our last night in Telluride, and I think the little town must have been giving us a golden good bye.

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Thursday, June 23, 2022

Telluride

This day got off to a great start as we had breakfast at The Butcher and the Baker, which is not only a great place but is also nearby. This small eatery prides itself in in-house baked goods and fresh, organic dishes. Bill had an egg and ham on English muffin, and I had avocado toast. This would see us though until supper. We started walking up Colorado, but a few rain sprinkles had us ducking into a shop. Well, when the opportunity presents itself, shop! I purchased a Christmas ornament!

Telluride has a free small bus service called the Galloping Goose, and with the threat of rain, we chose to hop on board. Our driver, Robin, was quite friendly, so much so that we made the complete loop twice! Most of the time we were the only passengers, but at one stop a large group filled the entire bus, all on their way to the gondola. We learned that Robin came to Telluride in the 70s as a 19 year old and never left. She said the little town at that point had only one paved street and no ski area. It was still a silver mining town, and she worked the mines!

After our tour, we got in our car and drove to the end of the canyon to get a better look at the falls. Due to some restoration work, we could only get so far, but we were happy to see the two falls running.

Our day gave us hit and miss showers. While Bill rested I enjoyed walking along the train nearby as well as just sitting on the deck. Later we decided that rather than walk around, we’d drive up to Mountain Village to see the big houses. We were surprised to see a number of new homes going up. It started to rain, real rain. So we made our way back down the mountain, filled up the tank with gasoline (at $5.39 a gallon…ouch) and returned to the condo. And that is where we are currently. After I compose this, we’ll head out for dinner.

Another perfect day.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Today would be a slower paced day, and we would not use our car at all. Our first outing was to Mountain Village, perched up in the mountains. Our condo is only .4 mile from the gondola so it took no time at all to walk there. Since there was no line, we immediately boarded our gondola car, and we were off. The ride is was so quiet as we ascended above the town, up and up to the top of the mountain. The gondola has three stations, and we made them all. At the second stop we walked all over the upscale area, which was also hosting a Farmers’ Market. The place was bustling with people and their pups. We found a little place offering lunch, so we enjoyed delicious burgers while people-watching! We noticed clouds forming and knew afternoon showers were predicted so we headed back to the gondola. Small droplets of water could be seen on the windows, and by the time we were back in town a cold sprinkle was falling. We both had jackets with hoods so we pulled those up and walked quickly back the .4 mile back. Our unit has big windows, so while Bill rested, I was able to watch the mountains and the weather. The light rain would ease up and then start up again. When Bill got up, the rain had stopped, and it was warm enough to put on sandals and shorts for a stroll along the river. Muscatel Flats sits almost on the banks of the San Miguel. The walk was so peaceful with only an occasion bird chirping. When the trail ended we turned to Colorado Street, finding many goodies in the shops. We almost purchased a beautiful Telluride pillow, and Bill did buy a new sun hat for me! Back to the condo…another shower…Neither of us was very hungry so we walked back to the main drag to get a dessert to bring back from The Butcher and the Baker. Dinner was left over pizza and blueberry coffee cake. Another wonderful day in Telluride.

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Telluride

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Since I was the driver today, Bill got to be the photographer!

The courthouse photo was taken in Silverton. The overlook shot is of Silverton.

Ah but I did get to take one “on the road” photo! Ouray overlook

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Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Telluride or Bust!

Since our bodies are still on Central Daylight Savings Time but our clocks are on Mountain, we had no problem getting up and on the road around 8:30 knowing we’d have a long day. We’d chosen to take a longer but more scenic route, however it was raining when we left Santa Rosa. We decided that it would not be worth it if we couldn’t see what was billed as spectacular scenery. None the less, it was nice to seen rainfall again! I had volunteered to drive at least the first leg of the trip and was pleased that the weather got better the further north we went. We tried to sing Weird Al as went took a right in Albuquerque. Beautiful mountains greeted us in this rugged landscape. By the time we got to Durango, the weather was great! Blue skies and large cumulus clouds told us we were going to go on the Million Dollar Highway. We did stop for a quick lunch at a Denny’s. Side note, while we there, a large bus painted “Texas State Bobcats” on the side drove past! Small world.

I continued to drive and ended up making the whole trip. Bill has always driven our memorable rides like Beartooth and Pacific Coast Highway, so I really wanted him to be able to gawk while I watched the road. We both agree that the extra time and effort was well worth it as we climbed higher and higher, watching the vegetation change from pines to firs to aspens. We crossed the Continental Divide and drove though Silverton and Ouray, hugging the center yellow strip of the two lane road as much as possible. A couple of small tunnels, steep drop offs, and no guard rails made for one exciting ride. We wondered how the miners ever found their way into this area as well as how the road was ever constructed. Scenery was as jaw dropping as one might expect.

We had stopped along the way on today’s drive, a couple of times for gasoline, some just to stretch, and the once to sit and eat in a restaurant so by the time we got to Telluride it was around 5:30. The town felt so familiar as we went straight to our condo in Muscatel Flats, the same building we had stayed in in 2015. A young couple was unloading their luggage as we parked next to them. They were just arriving from Deming, New Mexico, and were on their honeymoon having gotten married last Saturday!

This old mining town is pretty much the end of the road so no one passes through on their way to somewhere else. It has to be your destination. Yet as remote as it is, and it is remote, it is quite popular. After getting our things to our condo and enjoying the deck a bit, we walked to the Main Street, Colorado. We knew just where we wanted to go, Brown Dog Pizza, our favorite place from our previous trip. After eating, we walked the entirety of the commercial part of the street. Some shops had already closed for the day, but the restaurants were filling up. We stopped into an Italian place, got some tiramisu to go and made our way back to Muscatel Flats #4 for twilight on the deck, wine and dessert topping off a perfect day.