United States
Steamboat Springs

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    • Day 35

      Day 31-34 Rawlins to steamboat springs

      August 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

      Time to let go and let my hair down. Leaving the Basin, I headed into and quickly out of Rawlins. Not one of the nicer places the route passes through. Sadly it was a concrete highway in and out of the run down town nicknamed “the prison”. My next planned stop was the famous Brush Mountain Lodge, It was too far to get to in one push so a night wild camping was on the cards, which proved to be quite the challenge. I made a fire and ate dinner watching the sky turn red, as soon as I got into the tent the thunderstorm started to rumble. All night it rained with lightning. When I did finally fall asleep I woke early thinking I was in a swimming pool in Spain!. No such luck, the amount of rain meant my tent leaked. Getting to Brush mountain lodge after waking up wet was like arriving at an oasis. Kristin, the host totally makes the place, it’s so chilled sitting on the veranda with a cold soda, chatting chains, seats and tyres! The following day I arrived in Steamboat. An amazing, buzzing little ski town, so beautiful I decide to take a zero day and really enjoy it. After the morning reading by the river, I visited the spa for a well needed manicure and pedicure, then off to the hot springs for a soak and a massage. (My idea of a day off!) Whilst walking through town to the Hot-springs, I noticed a sign saying free line dancing classes that night. Why not I thought to myself, when in Rome! Fully fresh and feeling like a new woman I headed to the bar. It’s an odd feeling going into a bar alone as a single woman, but I really fancied the line dancing. As soon as I entered and people heard the British accent and I soon made some new friends, lots of cowboys and girls. The atmosphere was amazing. It was 1am before the dancing stopped and the bar threw the remaining few of us out. Spending the night being swung round, and dancing with heel kicking, Stetson wearing, tall cowboys was so much fun. Was it because that day I had made the conscious decision to let go and move on, or was it the pamper day, personally I believe if you feel good then your exude confidence, so perhaps a combination of both. Either way I haven’t laughed like that in a long time. Enjoy the video…..Read more

    • Day 12

      Christmas Day in the USA

      December 25, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C

      I am glad people are wishing us a Merry Christmas as it doesn't feel like it. Things seem to go on like a normal day here. Had to meet down at the ski area for our gourmet snow shoe tour. Not sure where to meet, but everyone super helpful and we found it. Caught the gondola up the mountain, wow what a long way up. Snow shoes on we set off, keeping out of the way of skiers & snow boarders. To start with it felt like walking with a carrot up your bum. Doesn't take long to get the hang of it. Mostly away from skiers but often you cross their runs. You always had to be on the look out for snow boarders as they can come out anywhere. Amy and Audrey were great guides and company. Audrey has been to Australia and had even been to Adelaide & Wilpena Pound. Lots of interesting information along the way. Learnt about the wildlife here and because it is a National Park they will shut runs down if there are animals around. The bears get into their cars, bins and garages. They go for Subaru's as they seem to be the easiest. You can't put their garbage out until just before the truck comes. I'm not sure if they don't lock their cars, was going to ask about that one, but forgot. We had a lovely buffet lunch, and I had a good coffee for the first time. We ate too much as you always do with a buffet. We could have done more snow walking as we didn't have to return them until 4pm. Kellie isn't well so we went straight back down and back to our accommodation and rested. I am still getting altitude headaches. Trying to drink lots of water as this is the best way to combat it. Hopefully it goes soon. We opened our presents, which was nice to see what we picked out for each other. We had Chicken Parma for tea as that's what the kids were craving. It was good to have something familiar to us, plus fresh salad, it was a hit. Another early night in store.Read more

    • Day 14

      Four Legs Today

      December 27, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ -14 °C

      This morning we went on a 2hr winter horse ride. We had to catch our hotel shuttle down to the ski drop off to meet our shuttle. We were on the shuttle with a couple of guys we had talked to previously. They started talking about their Snowmobiling that they had done yesterday, but a different place. We talked about our experiences and had a laugh as one of the guys ended up in the soft snow as well. The other family on the shuttle was doing it tomorrow, don't know if the mum is looking forward to it now. We are now early for everything now, and was a lot colder today, plus it was snowing. We went and took shelter in the bus stop shelter which was heated. When booking our activities I made sure it was in different areas around Steamboat Springs. It was nearly an hour out to the ranch but the scenery was beautiful. They made sure we were warm enough, Brodie & I opted for their boots. They matched us up with horses, which took time as we were with our families then they match rider to horses and what horses are better together. Because Kellie rides she was matched with a horse who only likes females and someone who knows how to sit in a saddle. I think I had the biggest but the gentlest that's why she picked him for me. We had a few instructions on steering, stopping or if the horse gets spooked. I thought oh shit I have to control the horse, but once in line they just follow each other thank goodness. We went up, down and around mountains and the views were spectacular. About 1/2 way into the ride the sun came out, it added a bit of warmth and with the snow glistening in the sun, it was breathtaking. Along the way there were lots of different animal tracks. We didn't see any wildlife which was disappointing, but the same time I didn't want my horse to spook. Once again they mention bears, mountain lions, coyotes, elk & moose. At one part of the trail the pointed out bear claw scratch marks on the tree. One tree had fresh claw marks on it, I hoped the guide had a rifle under his big coat. It was too hard to take photos and we only stopped once. The last 1/2 of the ride my butt and hips had enough. Didn't know how my hips were going to unlock when it came time to hop off. The yards were a good sight even though I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. A cup of hot chocolate & a bickie on the shuttle back into Steamboat Springs. We all really enjoyed the ride, would I do it again YES. We caught our hotel shuttle back and had lunch. Then Kellie and I went into downtown to return a shirt and pick up few other things. We now worked out how to avoid walking up hill to our accommodation. Catch the bus to ski area then catch hotel shuttle. It was freezing at the Ski area then the wind picked up, it was chilling. Managed to find a bread that had a bit less sugar, so Vegemite and toast tasted good this morning. It was like finding a needle in a haystack. We are now eating mostly in our accommodation and it's a lot better.
      Another good day but a muscle sore from Snowmobiling and horse riding.
      Read more

    • Day 15

      A Lot of Legs of Today

      December 28, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ -16 °C

      Today we were picked up from our accommodation and headed out to do a bit of dog sledding. We picked up another couple, who were friendly and chatted to us on the way. It took about an hour to get to our destination and as there wasn't any toilets at the dog sledding, we stopped in a small town at a bakery. Amazing homemade food, we bought a quick snack and we were on our way again. Once again the scenery was beautiful, but it was hard to see as the windows were frozen. We arrived with the dogs looking at us. We were greeted by Sarah who took us into a heated hut, to put boots on and run through the rules and instructions. It was a bit hard to fit in the hut as there were a few dogs in there. I noticed Sarah was pregnant, later I found out she is due end of January. We weng outside for more instructions, getting a bit nervous as we are controlling the dogs and how will I remember all the actions and commands. Kellie & Brodie went together and I went with a guide, that made me feel a bit better. We helped harness the dogs and hook them up. We weren't allowed to use our phones as our focus had to be 100% on the dogs. Hence no photos, but I had purchased the photo package as they take photos along the way. There were 5 instructors, so the first couple of hundred metres you had a guide on the back with you, then we stopped and they hopped off. Mine hopped into the passenger seat, but the others ride ahead on a snowmobile taking photos and making sure everything is going ok. Brodie drove first and later they swapped. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be and it was really enjoyable. We stopped half through at their camp. We went inside a tent like structure which had a fire going and had a hot drink and homemade biscuits. I think we had at least 6 dogs in with us, while she was putting marshmallows into the hot chocolate they were nearly eating them out off the cup so she sprinkled some onto the floor for them. I asked how some were allowed off the leash and others not. The only ones that don't run home get warmth and marshmallows. We taught them a bit of Aussie lingo along the way, which was funny as you forget where you are. I didn't think my fingertips would ever thaw out but they did. It was a long drop toilet stop as well. We had a few photos with the dogs, and the dogs know the routine as about 6 dogs hopped up on the sled so we could have our photos done. I opted to be a passenger on the way down as it is tiring and wanted to experience being a passenger and look around. I was able to catch glimpses of Kellie driving the sled. Should have got my phone out but way too cold. In no time we were back at the base. Back into our boots, you usually have a chance to feed the dogs but we were running a bit late. Sarah gave us all a hug goodbye and it was really sad to say goodbye to the dogs. Sarah's husband Craig heard us say we would like to take one home. He promptly told us they have some up for adoption. These dogs are rescue dogs who haven't made it as a racing dogs or are too old for racing, but they still love to run. I think this will be our highlight of our trip- a truly unique experience. I am glad I chose Snow Buddies because they truly love their dogs. We got back about 2pm, grabbed some supplies for lunch and caught our hotel shuttle back. Rested for the rest of the day. I would do dog sledding again tomorrow, we all really loved this experience.Read more

    • Day 16

      Our 2 Legs

      December 29, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ -10 °C

      Today we had a go at cross country skiing. Probably not the best day to do it as our bodies had used muscles that we didn't know we had. It was a beautiful sunny day to be out. But the coldest place here in Steamboat is the Gondola Transit centre where you meet a lot of your shuttles. Cross country skiing is done on golf courses. So up we went, it was very busy as there was a kids relay race going on. We got fitted up and we had 3 others that hadn't skied before either. So the six of us headed out amongst the racers. We had our area, but you feel really silly when you see how it's meant to be done. We spent about an hour learning different moves. It was physically exhausting using your upper body. Then we went across the road onto the trails. By this stage we are stuffed and hungry. We decided to do the shortest trail, but we went in the wrong direction so all the professionals had to go around us. Kellie couldn't stay in the grooves as she has a leg that turns out and didn't like being locked into that position so she stayed on skating part of the track. Because we went the wrong way we had a small hill to go down. Kellie really hadn't mastered the art of stopping. She came down the hill past Brodie & I and tried to stop but the stop turned into a turn into the edge of soft snow and the more she tried to get up the more she sank into soft snow. It was so funny. We had to try and get her skis off but you kinda have to be upright on them. We managed to get the skis off but she just was over her knees deep in snow. She left 3 big holes next to the track. We decided to turn around and go in the right direction. We did that trail again before finishing and going in for some lunch. The walk back up to the place nearly killed us. We had a nice lunch there and then they dropped us back down to the gondola transit area. We just missed our hotel shuttle, so we had to wait for 20 minutes before the next one came. As cross country skiing is very physical you don't rug up, so we froze waiting for the shuttle. We climbed into bed when we got back and took ages for us to warm up. To learn how to Alpine ski you had to book in 3 days of lessons and was very expensive, so that's why we opted to give cross country skiing a go. No the kids don't want to do that again. We had a laugh though.Read more

    • Day 17

      A Quiet Day

      December 30, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 -5 °C

      First time we didn't have to get up for something. Our bodies needed a rest after all the physical activities we had done. We thought we would go into downtown in the morning, as Kellie & I saw a gift for Sophie as Brodie wants to take something back for her. Then the cinema in the afternoon & grab a few things on the way home. We were jinxed by shuttles today. We just missed the last morning mountain loop run. So we walked down to the bus and caught that into town. Went to the shop and they had sold 2 of the gifts that we had picked out. So we caught the bus back, our hotel shuttle wasn't back on call yet so we had to walk up the hill. We made some lunch and headed out to the cinema. The shuttle was on call by now so we requested one. It never showed up for 45 minutes. Should only have to wait 20 minutes at the most. So we missed the movie. We went back to our room and packed our bathers and went back into downtown to the hot springs. Couldn't really imagine stripping our layers to get into bathers. Bathers on we venture outside to the hot springs. You get hit by steamy cold air, you don't take long to get into the pool. It was like warm bath water. It was heavily chlorinated, the only thing we didn't like every now then you would see a gooshie, it was like running away from a jellyfish. There were little hot spa pools, but they were really warm, one had a waterfall going down the rocks which was a really nice massage. It's what our bodies needed. You can't help but get your hair wet and then it felt like it had icicles in it. It wasn't too bad to get out just really hard to get all your layers back on. Kellie took a few sneaky photos for me, so you can get an idea of the hot springs and the snow. It did start to snow at the end. We caught the bus back to do a bit of shopping. Once again we just missed our bus so we had to wait for 10 minutes until the next one. Then we just missed our hotel shuttle, it really wasn't our day. It is so pretty here at night with all the Christmas lights. We haven't been out much at night time, but would love to drive around at night and have a look. We were home by 5pm, always seems later as it's getting dark at 4.30pm. Day didn't go as planned, but still enjoyed the hot springs and the much needed rest.Read more

    • Day 147

      36.Tag CDT Colorado

      August 24, 2021 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

      Sonntag der 24.8.2021

      Die Nacht war unruhig. Ziemlich bald nach dem einschlafen kam starker Wind auf der in Böen immer mal wieder das Zelt durchschüttelte. Erstmals war ich da nach zwei Stunden wieder wach und dann gefühlt im Stundentakt.
      Dementsprechend war ich morgens nicht so wirklich ausgeruht.
      Der Tag begann natürlich da, wo der Vortag aufgehört hat. Dirtroad. 13 Meilen und dann Highway 14 für ca. 9 Meilen. Da letzterer recht gut befahren war, aber keinen seitenstreifen hatte, entschied ich mich ziemlich bald dazu, zu hitchen. Zwei Stunden dauerte es bis ich von einem älteren Ehepaar mitgenommen wurde. Dieses hatte ihren 50. Hochzeitstag und wollte was besonderes machen. Das besondere war eine große Ausfahrt durch die Berge. Sie nahmen mich nicht nur das Stück auf dem Highway 14 mit, sondern auch das Stück auf dem Highway 40 bis nach steamboat springs. Eine echt lange Strecke, gut dass ich die nicht versucht hab zu gehen. Wir waren bestimmt eine halbe Stunde oder mehr unterwegs. Die beiden waren dann insgesamt vier Stunden bis hierher gefahren.
      Sie setzten mich beim örtlichen Walmart ab und ich bedankte mich ganz herzlich bei ihm, sie war am Telefon mit ihren Sohn, welcher zum Ehrentag gratulieren wollte.
      Der Walmart war kein supercenter und ich kam auf der extrem begrenzten essensauswahl nicht so ganz klar. Hatte aber gesehen dass gegenüber der CityMarket ist. Dort war alles besser und ich konnte sogar frisches Gebäck kaufen. Also donuts 😄
      Brot ist hier irgendwie nie frisch, sondern immer weich. Sogar die Baguettes die es hier gab. Barbaren.
      Ich wiederhole mich wieder und wieder. Im Verhalten, wie auch mit meinen Beschreibungen. Zu viel Essen. Passte alles kaum in den Rucksack. Dann war mir das Bier im CityMarket noch zu teuer und ich bin nebenan in den licor Store. Da gabs Pils!!! Zwar nen belgisches, aber wie wir wissen, sind die Farben ja die gleichen, nur anders. Tja, das Pils gabs aber nur im 0,5 L sixpack. Da ich jetzt mein Hähnchen essen wollte, es aber hier nichts zum sitzen gab, bummelte ich mit Sack und pack wieder rüber zum Walmart auf die Bank am Ausgang. Während ich da so saß und aß, fuhr ein Auto vor und einem alten Mann wurde beim aussteigen geholfen. Ich tippe mal auf mindestens 85 Jahre alt. Der Mann ging mit einem rollator und fragte mich, ob er denn für den Laden ne Maske aufsetzen muss. Nein, antwortete ich ihm. So fragte er mich, ob ich den cdt wandere. Meine Antwort war ja, aber er überging das sehr schnell und sagte nur „gut für mich“. Er sei früher auch mit seiner Frau gewandert. Sie waren am K2 und an der Ostseite des Everest, dort wo keiner hingeht. Aber jetzt ist seine Frau tot und er kann kaum noch gehen. Er wünschte mir noch viel Vergnügen und ging in den Walmart. Krass, dachte ich mir. Mal eben so die Abhandlung seines Seins mit Schicksalsschlägen. Das werde ich wohl so schnell nicht vergessen.
      Nach dem Mahl machte ich mich auf dem Weg zu den örtlichen Sportgeschäften. Eins war direkt hier, ein anderes etwas die Straße runter. Niemand konnte mir helfen. Die Spitze meines einen Trekking Stocks ist abgebrochen und ich hab’s nicht gemerkt und das kunststoffstück bis auf den Aluminiumstab abgebraucht.
      Ich ging noch etwa zwei Meilen die Hauptstraße entlang und war immer noch nicht aus dem Ort. Da dachte ich mir, dass es sicherlich schwer wird einen Platz zum Zelten zu finden, wenn sich das noch so zieht. Ein Trailangle der eine Unterkunft anbot, meldete sich nicht, somit entschied ich mit dem kostenlosen Bus wieder komplett zurück zu fahren und zum günstigsten Hotel am Ort zu gehen. 84$ waren es hier dann letztendlich. Sehr schön mal wieder allein für sich zu sein. Hatte ich lange nicht mehr.
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    • Day 11

      Christmas Shopping

      December 24, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 -1 °C

      Tried to sleep in today, but so used to waking up early. The kids had a bit of a sleep in. When we looked out the window it was snowing, a bit excited. Today we went into downtown and looked around the shops for Christmas presents. We had a coffee at a coffee & bookshop which was lovely and quaint. We did a bit more looking around, by this stage we were over it snowing. Had to be careful as you didn't know when you were crossing a side road, it all blended in together. It was about 2pm before we had lunch. We have eaten at many diners, love the atmosphere of these places, not so much the food. I wanted to share with Kellie, but she wasn't keen on that. Yep you guessed it- the meal was huge and we could of shared. Then we caught a bus back to our accommodation area to do a bit more grocery shopping. Not really knowing the bus route we got off at a stop where we thought we should, but no we were way off. It is hard to find out how to get to stuff as it's all covered in snow. Footpaths are non existent, after getting lost and a long walk we found it. Exhausted and over it, we did our shopping. It is always hard to finding things in a different store and country. By this stage very tired as the day just went. It was just easier and quicker to get an Uber back to our accommodation. It was dark by now and we all climbed into bed to watch tv. We do have a lounge but the bed is more comfortable to watch tv. Acclimatising to the altitude is taking something to get used to. They say to drink plenty of water, which we probably didn't do today. None of us felt like tea as we had such a late lunch so it was toast and cereal. Didn't take many photos as such a hassle taking gloves off etc. Will make sure I do tomorrow.Read more

    • Day 13

      Snowmobiling & Tubing

      December 26, 2018 in the United States ⋅ 🌫 -3 °C

      Today we went out to Saddleback Ranch for Snowmobiling & Tubing. They picked us up from our accommodation, and we drove about 20 minutes out of town. We had the owner on our bus as he had broken down in town. We heard how the tunnel gets shut down between here and Denver, not comforting as we need to get to Denver to come home. Listening how one shuttle was trapped between road closures and they had to sleep in the shuttle. We arrived at the ranch signed a waiver and liable for any damages. A few instructions & off we set. So I had to go first, and the first thing we had to do is go down a steep hill with a cliff edge then cross a bridge. Literally shitting myself in the first 5 minutes and that didn't stop for 3hrs. I went to the back as I was slower and other people could go faster if they wanted to. That was a relief. Brodie went up front but a few minutes later he was off track in soft snow. This knocked his confidence, later I went off track into soft snow. They get it out for you, but you have to get off and walk over to the track, but when you hop off you sink into soft snow and my boots would fill up with snow. The second time I went in soft snow I thought the girl would have to rescue me as I fell over and it was so deep. We had free time in a paddock. Which I think that's what you needed to start with. Brodie got his confidence back, but later went off track again. Not a happy chappy. We had more free time in really soft snow and I didn't like that at all. I was thankful when we made it back. Across the bridge and up the steep hill. The girl reassured me she has had worse, I think she was just being nice. Kellie loved it, Brodie didn't, I am glad I did it, would I do it again?- NO. Lunch was included, caught a bus to lunch and then tubing. It was entertaining watching the bus slipping on the ice. Then he got us to hop on and we weren't going anywhere. He was annoyed as it still had summer tyres on the bus. He put gravel down, still didn't help. A tractor pulled us up the hill. Didn't get fat on lunch very small for a change. I had chicken tenders, it was 2 small chicken tenders and a small packet of chips. We had an hour of tubing, but it was really busy so we only got 3 rides in. It was good fun, would like to do tubing again, but not if it's that busy. They bussed us back into town, we asked if he could drop us off at Safeway as we needed more bread and milk. Called into Starbucks for a takeaway cuppa for the walk up the hill to our accommodation. It was snowing and we discovered it makes a sound. There was no sunshine today. I think we have finally got used of the altitude, a lot better today. Kellie & Brodie have a sore throat, which I have already had. A good day and a quiet night in.Read more

    • Day 19

      Last Day in our Winter Wonderland

      January 1, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 -16 °C

      This morning we woke up to a -21, not that you feel it inside. We tried out the hot springs in town and we decided we wanted to go out to the ones in the mountains. They are more natural, no power, phone reception. As it's a treacherous drive up there, they recommend the shuttle service. We booked for 10.30am, so a lazy morning until then. They picked us up from our accommodation and just down the road we finally saw a moose on our way. Picked up a few more people and we were on our way. Once again a really pretty drive especially with the sunshine. We put our bathers on underneath our clothes as it's a bit of a walk down to the springs. So you find a bench or chair to put your belongings on and strip. Which is not easy to do as it's too cold to stand on the ground without shoes, so you strip the top half then take shoes off then try and stand on top off them to take your pants off. You can't run to the pools as your feet are either frozen to the path, you slip on the ice or you can't handle the little pebbles that are there to stop you slipping over. The first couple of steps into the pool can be icy so you grab the frozen rail and its so cold and your hand is now stuck to the rail. The steps are quite sharp so your carefully feel your way into beautiful warm water. You look around and everybody's hair has icicles. The hottest pools start up the top of mountain and they gradually decrease in temperature down the mountain. We went in the 2 lowest. Wouldn't have liked any warmer as the second to last one got a bit too warm. Then there was a cold pool. The kids went for a quick dip in the cold for a few seconds. The challenge in the cold pool was to swim to the end hop out and sit in a chair in the snow. Quite a few did this. We tried to go further up the mountain but it was too treacherous and cold on your feet. I thought once we were dressed we would go for a walk and have a look, but the kids said they were skinny dipping. Clothing is optional after dark, I think you can go topless through the day. They weren't where families were but you walked past them. So I didn't get to see the higher pools. We had about 1 1/2 hrs there before the shuttle came back to pick us up. We weren't sure how we were going to get back into our dry clothes. My ski pants had frozen as there is so much moisture in the air. We put our boots on and ski jackets and walked back up to this small changing hut which had 3 curtain off cubicles. And a huge line. We finally got changed and was time to catch our shuttle. It was another highlight glad we decided to go out there. A lot better than the town one. It was so pretty and it literally looked like glitter in the air. We got dropped off at our accommodation and we had some lunch and then went back into downtown to do a bit of last minute souvenir shopping and then to the mountain to ride the outlaw coaster. Wasn't much of wait just as well it was so cold. It takes about 5 minutes to get to the top of the mountain in your coaster. Then off you go down the mountain. You control your speed, I wasn't sure if you could fly off the tracks. It was so cold my eyes were watering then the water nearly freezes. I was glad to see the end. We found a place for a hot chocolate and thawed out before catching the shuttle back. Now the ominous task of packing and fitting everything in our backpacks.Read more

    You might also know this place by the following names:

    Steamboat Springs, ستيمبوت سبرينغز, Стиймбоут Спрингс, استیمبت اسپرینگز، کلرادو, SBS, Стимбот Спрингс, स्टिमबोट स्प्रिङ्गस्, 80477, سٹیمبوٹ سپرنگز، کولوراڈو, 斯廷博特斯普林斯

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