One night in Vail

Chuck's sister Lynn and hubby Gary came to visit us last weekend. It was so fun...and a little odd...to have someone from back home here in our little house in the mountains. They had rented a condo in Vail--which is about an hour and a half away from us. They came to see our town, have lunch, see the house, then head to Vail. We were meeting up with them on Saturday morning to do a little sight-seeing, and maybe a hike or two.

Once in Vail the boys wanted to swim. We have hardly swam this summer, and they were missing it TONS. So, we went swimming---until it rained.

After that, we got dressed and headed into Vail. Our goal was to take the gondola up the mountain (something I wasn't too excited about, being afraid of heights and all) and have dinner. Well, due to the rain and lightening strikes they shut down the gondola. I did a small cheer inside. :) So, we settled for a restaurant that wasn't at 10,000 feet.

Afterward, we headed back to the condo and found a fire pit by the creek. Yes, another creek. I think Chuck and I will be buried by a creek. ;) We found some wood and made a great fire. There are no bugs here, so we ate salsa and chips and had some drinks by the fire. The food did attract a furry visitor, though. When it got dark and we were talking, a big raccoon came crawling out of the bushes and brushed up against Chuck's legs. The raccoon was as startled as we were, I think, and all I could do was thank God it wasn't a skunk. :)

The creek was excruciatingly cold. Check out this picture....you couldn't stay in the water longer than 30 seconds.

This is the best picture!

Lynn and Mitch were the toughest--or had the toughest feet--and stayed in the longest.

Tanner's shocked face.

"Hurry up and take the picture, Mom!!"

Uncle Gary--the boyscout--making the fire.

It was a late night, and soooo much fun!

THE NEXT DAY.....

We decided to drive another hour west to Glenwood Springs to hike. We wanted to see 'Hanging Lake'. The brochures all said that it was an easy hike, so we knew the kids (and choice adults--myself included) could do it. We packed enough energy bars and water to feed an army...then headed out.

An easy trail so far....I hope it's a little more rugged than this!

The cement trail led us to this....beautiful. Mitchie....don't drink that water!

My guys with their 'camel backs' on.

"Mom, this trail is tough...let's rest..."

The trail followed this stream.....completely uphill.

Another rest. He is sitting on a rock ON the trail.

Breathtaking scenery.

But...some of us were NOT happy. :)

Even Lynnie needed a rest.

Oh my.....we're almost there!

After hiking for over an hour, we came to this. This is a lake at the top of a mountain--hence the name 'hanging lake'. I guess the earth at one point was level here, then a large portion of it sank, forming the lake. It was crystal clear.

If you look really close you can see the rainbow trout swimming below the water.

Just beautiful...

The Johnson hiking crew. Poor Allison had to work this day, so she wasn't able to come. :(

Here's Tanner at the top of the waterfall.

On our way back down...but still at the top. Oh this picture makes me nervous. I'm clinging to the mountain.

O.k. maybe I'll get a little closer for this shot.

Fine....I'll get in the picture. Notice the death grips I have on the boys? VERY VERY HIGH!!!

The trek down did not take us very long. Mitch practically RAN the whole way down. Where do they get their energy?? All in all, it was well worth the "EASY" hike up.

Thanks, Lynn and Gary, for a great weekend. It was so nice to see you.