Riviera Maya - Sandals (November 2011)

We had a wonderful time visiting Mexico last fall right before Thanksgiving. We went to an all-inclusive Sandals resort for a week and enjoyed the beach, pool and swim up bar. We had access to hobie cats with free lessons but when we went there all of the instructors were busy so when they asked if I knew how to sail I said "sure". Next thing I know we were being pushed out to sea. And I had no clue what I was doing. It took me a few minutes to navigate my way a hundred yards off shore but the wind was taking us pretty fast. I managed to turn around and was trying to teach myself how to tack when I saw a boat moored off shore. It was a parasailing boat owned by the resort. As if it was guided by an unseen hand our hobie cat started tracking right towards the other boat. I started yelling and a head popped up inside the boat - his eyes grew quite large as he realized there was going to be an impact soon. BAM! I hit the hull of the boat with both hulls of the hobie....and bounced off. I managed to maneuver around it while yelling "sorry!" and we were off again. All in all it was hilarious. A side note on parasailing - the next day we were on the hobie cat again (yes, they let us take it out again. Apparently an hour sailing means one is certified or something.) and I saw a couple parasailing when the male fell through the harness and was hanging upside down about 100 feet above the water. The captain quickly powered down and they slowly dropped to the water and I tried to get to them to make sure they were OK but another power boat made it first. The beach at Tulum was incredible! We went on an excursion in the area and rappelled into a cenote then swam in an underground river. We went on three zip lines then got on a crazy 4 wheel drive ride. Good times......

4 Pass Loop (July 2011)

Last summer we went on a backpacking trip called the 4 Pass Loop through the Maroon Bells Wilderness area near Aspen. We took 4 days to hike the 4 passes (each over 13,000 feet) and got to experience some great back country hiking. While we didn't see much wildlife, the wildflowers and scenery made up for it. On the first night we camped next to a large beaver den and when I got up around 2 am I heard a beaver slap his tail in the water to warn the rest of the clan of my presence. It was really loud! We were lucky with weather and found some cool camp sites. It was an awesome trip....

Silverthorne, CO

Well, it appears as though the time came and went for me to make another change. I left my most recent job at the end of 2011 and moved to Silverthorne to be a ski bum for the season. I couldn't have picked a worse season weather-wise, but it's been a blast nonetheless. I realize that I've let this blog die a slow death over the past two years and I've come to regret that as I've embarked on several fantastic adventures. I'm going to include updates on past trips for nothing other than my own memories and recollection. Maybe you'll stumble on to this and enjoy some of the posts. If so, good for you!

Sosua, Dominican Republic

Had an opportunity to head to the DR as some friends own some property there and they invited Ambereen and I to visit for Christmas. Took the red-eye and made it there by mid afternoon. Had a very brief visit with Mike before he headed to Atlanta then we had the place to ourselves for a few days. Hit the beach and relaxed. driving down there is something I wouldn't recommend for my father though. Between the cars and motoconchos (small motorcycles) not obeying any "rules of the road" it was pretty nerve wracking. Nothing like Pakistan from what I'm told, but not fun nonetheless. Brugal rum, the amber museum, hookers in Sosua and roadside stands were interesting. The hookers from what I saw - no personal experience there. Great weather other than three solid days of rain and some nice beaches. Got home to snow and cold so miss it already.

Summer is over

It's getting cold here and it could snow tonite and this weekend. That's OK with me! Here are a few pics from my patio. I've seen some spectacular sunsets already. You can see Pike's Peak to the South - we hiked that over Labor Day weekend. Stayed at Barr Camp on the way up and had some great food. They served pasta for dinner and some amazing pancakes in the morning. YUM! 14 miles up with an elevation gain of 7,500 feet. Took the cog rail down. Also hiked Mt Missouri a while ago. Tried to hike Mt Evans, which you can see as well, but weather rolled in and we had to abandon the hike.
Time for a housewarming party!!!!!!!

FINALLY!!

GOt internet and DISH installed. I resisted for a while but realized I couldn't live without my connection to the outside world. The installation was an ordeal, one which is best told over a tall, cold adult beverage. I'd be happy to share - let me know. I have a feeling I'm writing this for me now as it's been so long since I've updated the site. The new pad is looking good - I'm ready to host a party or two. Maybe start next weekend? Also ready for ski season to start. Could be just a few weeks before I step in to the Rossi's and rip it down the rock strewn slopes. I hope we get a lot of snow this season. I'll post pics of the new pad soon. By the way, casa de zig is now open for those of you who would like to visit Denver, etc.

Update

All is well in Denver. Moved to a new place on the other side of the park with a tremendous view of downtown and the entire Front Range. Made it back to Ohio a few weeks ago to move the rest of my things out here and to attend my 25 year reunion. Good times. I'll post pics and more stuff once I get hooked up with WiFi at home. What a drag - but I'm not wasting too much time watching TV with no cable!