28 HOURS

Road Trip – FL to CO

Did you know it takes 28 hours of driving to drive from Tampa, Fl to Eagle, Co? Well, now you do. It takes two, long days of driving. My one tip for long drives to maximize your efficiency is to start driving early. Get up early, before everyone else. As they say…the early bird gets the worm.

Heading to the high country.

Top of the divide. Sun setting behind the mountain.

Eye on the prize.

Some back country terrain.

Eisenhower tunnel entrance as seen from the top of the continental divide.

Sun casting a shadow over no mans land.

Loveland ski area in the distance.

Sun behind the clouds.

Keystone Ski Area.

Fire clouds.

Sun beginning to set in the valley.

BEAVER CREEK

I’m back at my home mountain, Beaver Creek. Oh, how I’ve missed you since I’ve been gone. You look even better than I remember. Your natural beauty always shines through. 🙂

Saturday 2/17 – Beaver Creek. Avon, CO.

Weather & Temps: As good as it gets. Simply beautiful out. Colorado bluebird day at its best.

Bluebird day at the base of Centennial lift.

Jerry’s friend….Jerry.

One of Beavers great instructors.

Base of Beaver Creek looking great.

Jerry & Jerry after a hard day on the slopes.

I like what I see.

The trees…Jerry’s home away from home.

Tree time.

Coyotee glade finally open.

Still a bit thin, but fun to finally ski Coyote glade this season.

Where in Beaver Creek you ask? Coyote glade of course.

Hmmm…looks like a tee pee to me.

Hills in the distance with some white stuff on them.

Come to my window…come to my glades.

Oh yes….those trees are mine.

Hanging Lake.

Glenwood Canyon, CO.

Sunday 2/18 – Hanging Lake, Glenwood Canyon.

Weather & Temps: Another Colorado bluebird day.  Above the alpine the winds were blowing today; gusts up to 40mph.

No skies on my feet today…Hiked Hanging Lake with my buddy Jerry. We caught some incredible views.

Jerry rays of light always shining through.

Jerry & Jerry

I know it’s awe inspiring Jerry.

Jerry and Jerry getting through the rocky stuff . . .

On to the white stuff now . . .

Love those canyon views.

Finally made it to the lake.

Snow melt creating natural waterfalls.

Now that’s a smile of triumph? Was it hard bro?

Jerry checking the place out.

What a view from the base of Glenwood Canyon.

This is an awesome hike with great views at the lake. While sturdy shoes with a good grip and hiking poles are recommended it is not mandatory. To do this hike you must be able to walk, physically fit and in good shape as well as have good balance. I would put this as a challenging intermediate hike. SO WORTH IT!

Back to The Beav

Not feeling completely satisfied with just a hike , I decided to finish my day back at The Beav with a little down hill action.

R squared

Looking down at the base of Beaver Creek. Park Hyatt on the right.

Wow, that’s a whole lot of sun. Peeps, don’t forget the SPF 50. You will thank me later when your face does not look like a lobster.

I see you down there my friends.

What a day and still snapping away.

PRESIDENT’S DAY

On this Presidents day, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge both President George Washington, the father of our country, and President Abraham Lincoln the fearless man who ended slavery as we know it. These two men changed history and the United States for the better. So when you are sipping on that cocktail today, remember if it were not for these great men, who knows where we would be today.

Reader feedback, comments & pictures

Feedback

After last weeks barrage of feedback and comments, this weeks was dismal. It happens sometimes. I know not everyone checks the blog just for the pics. Some of you actually read the whole post. We really appreciate any feedback you may have. So don’t be shy and reply. Anyway, thanks to everyone who visits our site.

We received this last week, but it still feels current and makes us feel good . . .

I read the blog…and it’s good

Thank you.

Comments

Conditions

Resort conditions are some of the best or the best they have been all season. There has been snowfall in most resorts every week for the last three weeks. The snow-base has been growing as well as open available terrain. Ski patrol is still opening new terrain. Conditions are really good right now. It’s soft and fun. So get out there. Now is the time.

Food

Here are two shameless plugs for two breakfast places I recently ate at.

Eagle Diner has a great affordable breakfast in Eagle, Co. It’s a no frills kinda place, but gets the job done. I had an omelet and it was solid.

Fifi’s Bistro is Whistler-Blackcomb was outstanding. This vegan-friendly restaurant offers a great warm dining experience. With a focus on scratch-made cooking, the food here is very good. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu. I had the smoked salmon eggs benedict and it was great. The bakery was second to none. You have to try one of the baked goods. Amazingballs.

Lodging

If you need help with lodging, especially last minute, reach out to us at:

ThrilloftheMountain@gmail.com

We know people. And we may be able to help you.

And here’s a reservation link to Creekside @ Beaver Creek

http://res.creeksidebeavercreek.com/irmnet/(S(lu5vzmfl3sou5ithkbygnkeb))/Res/ResMain.aspx

Resort Guiding

We are offering all inclusive resort guiding for you and your family at a discounted rate. Our guides can handle from 1 to 6 people. The day will be customized and tailored to your group and groups needs. A fun day is in store. If this is something you have an interest in? Please reach out, we’ll make it happen.

Pics

Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

Not a bad looking group, if I don’t say so myself.

Where are you going . . . East or West makes no difference as long have you have your skis.

Thanks again for reading this blog. I hope you all have a great start to your week. Until next time, love one another and be kind to each other. Get out there, The Thrill of the Mountain is waiting for you. Ski on.

CCM

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