…just about to get on the road again.  Sorry for the lack of writing as of late. I am currently in Colorado on our first family camping trip. Having a great time thus far, and wanted to throw out a few highlights at the mid-way point.
On the way north and were able to stop at both Llano Estacado and McPherson Cellars in Lubbock. Great wines. The Red Raider Syrah is a great balance of big fruit and rich earthy notes. We also grabbed two red blends, their flagship wine, Viviano, and El Granjero. It was great to finally meet these guys. Thank you for your patience with my wound up little ones, the barrel tastings, and your hospitality.  We stayed at The Overton and slept like babies.  Great room and super staff.  Highly recommended.  My only suggestion would be to get more Texas wines on your wine list (wink, wink).

We popped into McPherson on our way out of town and Kim and Emily were equally gracious hosts. I think I bought at least one of everything I tasted. Love his wine! I left with 13 bottles and was prepared to leave my sleeping bag behind if I needed to make room for them. Fortunately, we will be expecting regular shipments. You would be hard pressed (no pun intended) to find better Texas wine, especially at that price point. Love, love, love.

While camping in Palo Duro Canyon we had a masked bandit run off with our Pirate Booty and I was greeted with a “friendly” rattle as I stepped out of our make-shift shower.  The heat was rough, but the views and the moon made up for it.

In Santa Fe, we stayed at The Bishop’s Lodge. The grounds are beautiful, the room we wound up in was great, but they need some work in some areas. I am not, by any means, a tough client and I have  the utmost respect for those in the service industry. But after several scratch-your-head-disappointing moments, I would highly encourage them to take a look at training and work out some kinks. I would go back because of the other very positive experiences, but with revised expectations. I hope they work those things out because it has such potential.  A big thank you to Jeff the Wrangler. My kids loved their first horse-back ride!

In Durango, we rode the train to Silverton.  Stunning views, friendly informative staff, and the kids even fell asleep for the last hour.  We rode the bus back to cut the return time.  I would recommend that, especially if you are traveling with littles.  I was very grateful to not be driving and to be on the inside of the road.  If you have height issues, think twice or pack a Valium.  We walked to Carver’s after for some local brews.  The winner, in my book, was the Saison.  Peppery goodness in a glass.

Remember that road where I was grateful to be on the inside? Guess where we were on our drive to Ouray?  I am pretty sure that my leaning to the middle of the truck on curves had no effect, but you never know.  Those crazy roads never bothered me before.  Yet another thing that changes post-babies.  The hot springs were amazing.  Highly recommended.  We also found our favorite brew thus far at Ouray Brewing Company.  The Belgian Pale Ale was delicious.  We left with a growler and came back for another one on our way out of town.  My husband is trying to convince me to drive back for another.

We then camped in Ridgeway State Park for two nights.  This place is spectacular with so much to do, room to run,  a place to fish, and a reservoir in which to swim.  Heavenly.  The views were breathtaking.  Next time we will stay for much longer.

Which brings us to our current stop.   After three days of camping, we were all ready for a little luxuriating.   The Hotel Telluride could not be nicer.  The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating; the decor is pure rustic elegance.  Every detail is taken care of. The robes, Aveda products, and pillow service (yes, you can pick a style of pillow) have provided the perfect recovery from roughing it.  Oh, and the chocolate chip cookies in the lobby paired wonderfully with the Llano Syrah.  

Off to enjoy our complimentary breakfast and a gondola ride before we get on the road again…Cheers!