Eldora Mountain Resort’s Epic Dump (of snow, that is)

February 9, 2012 By

With last weekend’s snow storm, Eldora Mountain Resort was THE place to ski.

Unfortunately we weren’t the only ones who figured that out.

I couldn’t fault the hoards of people because in terms of proximity (just 21 miles from Boulder, 45 miles from Denver) and new snow (31 inches in 48 hours) this small, unassuming resort delivered in a big way.

We were relative newbies to Eldora–my husband frequently went night skiing as a youth and I skied there for just a couple of hours a few years ago. But with 680 acres of skiable terrain, it didn’t take us too long to find our bearings.

And they were deeply embedded in a soft blanket of incredible powder.

The Mountain

I was surprised there was a relatively small number of beginner slopes (20%), with the majority of the mountain dedicated to intermediate (50%) and advanced runs (30%). Corona Bowl offers some killer expert terrain and if you’re looking for a gentler, more forgiving mountain, don’t stray too far from the Sundance lift. There are 11 lifts: two quads, two triple, four doubles, one poma, and two conveyor lifts. An adult full-day ticket (ages 16-64) is $72; and junior full day (ages 6-15) $44; child full day (5 & under) $10.

Tip: Discounted lift vouchers ($64 adults, $36 kids) are available at King Soopers, Safeway, Christy Sports and Boulder Ski Deals. Simply redeem at the resort. Or to save on time at the ticket window, stop at Eldora Mountain Sports in Boulder (at the intersection of 28th and Canyon) and they will issue you a discounted lift ticket (as opposed to a voucher you need to redeem at the resort). If you plan to ski a few days at Eldora, Costco is currently offering a 3-pack of tickets for $99 (this deal needs to be purchased by next week and can be used through the end of the ski season).

The Beginner Areas

I have a few qualifications for a great ski/ride school. Of course, an enthusiastic, capable instructor is number one and a close second is good beginner terrain. Third on my list is that this terrain should be in close proximity to the ski school offices.

It is on the third point that Eldora falls short. Prior to my kids’ lesson, we decided to take a few turns with them so headed over to the Little Hawk lift. The problem is the bunny slope is a relatively good haul from the base area that resulted in a lot of walking and whining.

The kids weren’t too well-behaved, either. :)

Once we arrived at Little Hawk lift and Tenderfoot magic carpet, the learning conditions were ideal. One side of Little Hawk was flat enough for newbies while the other side of the slopes was a bit more challenging so both kids could enjoy it.

Tip: We later learned there is a free shuttle that connects the two base areas. Though be warned: on a busy day, you’ll be battling all the ski school kids and doing a nice detour to the North parking lot before you reach your destination. We called our 15-minute ride back, “the scenic route.”

Addressing The Unenthusiastic Skier

I don’t know if my kid is the only one who has actually regressed with skiing but that’s exactly what has happened to 5-year-old Bode. When he was 3, he was fearless and indomitable on the slopes. Last year, he was much more cautious. But this year, he has turned downright fearful. I resolved to do something about it.

Or rather, I decided to hire someone more skilled and knowledgeable than me to do something about it (a 1-hour private lesson at Eldora is $139).

PSIA Level III Ski Instructor Nate Emerson was, hands down, the best thing that has happened to Bode since he discovered Super Mario Bros. (this is the highest compliment possible). At the end of their lesson, grumpy, fearful Bode was chasing Nate down the mountain, playing imaginary games like catch-the-dinosaur, dodge ball and basketball, all the while unknowingly learning new skills that made him more confident and capable. As it turns out, just telling a kid to point their skis and go down the mountain is not an effective teaching method.

And that, my friends, is why I am not a professional but Nate is.

Group prices: Ski lessons are available for ages 4-12, snowboard lessons are available for ages 7-12. A full day that includes a group lesson, rental equipment, lift ticket, supervised lunch and snacks: $119.

Other Family Tips

  • Be sure to use the 10-minute parking area located right at the base to unload your family and gear before finding a parking spot.

 

 

  • If you want even less hassle and don’t want to drive up Boulder Canyon, an RTD bus has a route that drops off directly in front of the resort. Go here for the weekly schedule from Boulder. Cost is $5 one way.
  • If you’re looking for extra seating or simply a place to stash that diaper bag or backpack, families tend to congregate in the west wing of the Timbers Lodge where you’ll also find storage lockers.Cool Extras

    When I was researching Eldora Mountain Resort, I was intrigued to learn about their little-known Nordic Center, which boasts 40 kilometers of cross-country skiing, skate skiing and snowshoeing through serene forests, expansive meadows and past staggering mountain backdrops. Though I consider myself a skilled alpine skier, my cross-country skiing pedigree leaves much to be desired so I was particularly excited to learn about their various packages. A first-timer package (with rentals and two hours of instruction) is $54 and there are various other offerings for beginner and intermediate cross-country skiers, as well as snowshoers.

    But it was the Women’s Tuesdays & Wednesdays that had me sold. This popular tradition (one staffer told me close to 200 women attend) includes a continental breakfast, a gourmet lunch and four hours of instruction for women of all ability levels. Prices are $459 for 6 weeks, $359 for 4 weeks.

    I’m coming for you, Ladies!

 

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Colorado, Family travel, skiing, travel

How to do the mega resort, Dominican Republic-style!

November 15, 2011 By

For months, Jamie has been so overworked and burned out he has complained, “I JUST WANT TO BE BORED!”

Boredom is not a common occurrence at our house and some quality R&R was our primary goal for our trip to the Dominican Republic.

My mother-in-law Linda generously watched the kids (A BIG THANK YOU TO HER!) as Jamie and I spent five days having fun under the sun at the 1,366 room mega resort Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe, our compensation for battling it out over The Great Pumpkin on the Marriage Ref.

We flew in on Wednesday afternoon and after a couple of hours of lounging on the white-sand beach the very next morning, Jamie proclaimed, “I am bored.”

Apparently we don’t do boredom well.

But we were just swell at a lot of other things:

1) Sea kayaking, paddle boating, snorkeling, long beach walks, swimming and lots of eating at the resort’s nine restaurants. All activities were inclusive so we didn’t spend a dime.

2) I become bilingual. At least I like to think I did. The other patrons at Barcelo were primarily Europeans and South Americans so we were in the minority.

While most of the staff spoke at least some broken English, we occasionally had to crank out our espanol. We were frequently asked our room number–1323–and imagine my excitement when I realized THAT was something I could say in Spanish!

“Uno…..tres………dos….tres!!!!”I carefully exclaimed.
“You sound like a 4-year-old,” Jamie retorted.

I credit Dora the Explorer for my prowess.

3) I made some observations about our fellow patrons, who were so very different from our American neighbors.
a) I don’t care how perfect your body is. Th0ngs are offensive and Speedos on men are even less flattering. I won’t talk about the 60-year-old grandma who opted to go topless. #StillRecovering
b) No one there had tattoos. After going to Water World this summer, I realized just how pervasive American’s views of body art really are. It was strangely refreshing to see people’s bodies devoid of them.

4) We hung out a lot in our hotel room. All the rooms at the Palace Deluxe were recently remodeled and we scored a junior suite, which had a generous sitting room, comfy king-sized bed with a pillow top mattress and even a hot tub on the deck. In the afternoons, we had a Harry Potter marathon. After nap time, of course. #Priorities.

5) The weather was agreeable. I wasn’t thrilled for this trip because Denver’s weather is finally to my liking (read: brisk) and the thought of returning to my dreaded heat was depressing. Though the Domincan Republic was hot and humid, we had reprieves with rain and clouds. I only complained about the heat 12 times (a new record for me over a 5-day period).

5) I achieved my life’s goal. On one rainy afternoon, we ambled over to the thatched-hut activity center overlooking the ocean and played games. We started with ping pong (Jamie killed me), then checkers (another win) but then victory was mine. Much to Jamie’s chagrin, the staffer passed out BINGO cards.

Now, here’s my history with BINGO. Since we started taking cruises almost seven years ago, I’ve been dying to play BINGO and Jamie has turned me down. “It’s for a bunch of old people.”

Now, he had no choice and begrudgingly played. And do you know what?

I WON!!!!!!!!!!!!

I could go pro.

In the end, we had a fabulous, restful vacation as we reconnected in a meaningful way. This trip was such a departure from our regular action-packed experiences (in fact, my first trip to the Dominican Republic you can read about here was an adventure tour where we mountain biked, hiked and white water rafted).

But our latest trip was just what the doctor ordered.

And I have The Great Pumpkin to thank for it.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, Jamie, pumpkins, travel

Copper Mountain’s Solace

October 3, 2011 By

After our doozy-of-a-week in the hospital, our overnight trip to Copper Mountain on Friday could not have come at a more perfect time. I asked Jamie if he wanted to cancel but we have been trying to schedule this getaway for months (our lodging was a trade agreement with one of his clients).

And so we went with the understanding Jamie would need to lie low.

If there’s a perfect place to do that, it’s Colorado’s mountains in the fall and we nailed the colors perfectly.

Located 75 miles west of Denver right off I-70, Copper Mountain is the last of the major ski resorts I had yet to visit. Unlike many other resorts in Colorado, there is a ski village built around the area but no real town. This means the shoulder seasons (fall and spring) are like a ghost town. The solace was glorious.

On Friday night while Jamie rested at the condo, Hadley, Bode and I hot tubbed and then explored the area, starting with Copper Mountain Golf.

(Shhhhh, don’t tell the golfers we were on contraband bikes).

We also checked out The Woodward at Copper, a year-round snowboard and ski training camp (the first of its kind) with 19,400 feet of terrain park and pipe progression.
Basically, it’s teen/tween heaven and the staffer was gracious to show us around and even let the kids jump off the ramp into one of the many foam pits.


I declined for fear I’d be unable to climb out.

And yes, I speak from old-woman experience.

Tune in tomorrow (read the story here) for the sordid details of my ride of death. OK, maybe I didn’t exactly die but find out why I kind of wanted to. And yes, I still know I’m in need of posting pumpkin updates. It’s on my (very long) list.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: biking, Colorado, Family travel, travel

Today’s knee surgery: It’s all downhill from here

August 30, 2011 By

I lived in Salt Lake City for five years after graduating from BYU. During that time, I explored every trail along the Wasatch Front but there was one standout. Rain, snow or shine, I’d arise before dawn and would run Red Butte Skyline Trail, arriving at the crest of the mountain just as the sun kissed the Salt Lake Valley.

And yes, I did say run.

As in uphill.

By choice.

Since moving to Colorado, I’ve often longed to return to Red Butte but there has never been the perfect opportunity. When I was in Utah last summer, I finally found one thanks to my mother-in-law who offered to watch the kids for a couple of hours.

I drove through former military garrison Fort Douglas and passed the entrance to Red Butte Garden Arboretum. I followed the tree-lined gravel road to the cosseted parking area.

For the past two years, I’ve had to relinquish running due to my bum knee so I hiked a trail that starts on a closed-off service road and gradually climbs along gurgling Red Butte Creek. Deeply furrowed Western River Birches lined the path as I crossed over the creek and started the steep climb.

I wanted to run. I needed to run. In a move right out of Star Wars when Yoda limps to the fight scene with his cane and proceeds to kick Count Dooku’s butt, I kicked it into gear. Backpack bouncing, hair flailing, I grew wings as I flew along that trail.

OK, so maybe I was going downhill but work with me here.

It was a taste of the former life I loved and desperately missed.

Today, I am going under the knife for my knee surgery.

And hope to take flight again soon.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, outdoors, travel Tagged With:

The ride of my life

August 9, 2011 By

It’s not very often I wax philosophical when I’m on the trail for an extended period of time. Usually I’m thinking about my family, deadlines, future projects and what I’ll do with $1 million when it miraculously falls into my lap.

Gotta be prepared, you know.

But when I was in Calgary, I went on a bike that was a road map to my life. From the moment my dad first introduced me to this network of trails through a cossetted, overgrown opening in the fence when I was 13, I have clocked thousands of miles on Calgary’s trail system (one of the most extensive in North America).

My favorite loop is a long one–close to 30 miles and 3 hours. It starts from my home, leads along the Bow River Pathway, intersects with the Elbow River Pathway, eventually spitting me out at one of my favorite places on earth: the Glenmore Reservoir. I then traverse several miles of roads to get home.

I feel bereft if I’m unable to do this trail when I’m home and lately it’s been hit-and-miss. One year, much of the trail was closed due to flooding. Other times, it’s been the weather. But this year, I specifically brought my road bike and announced to my parents I’d be arising early one morning to go for a ride. I was like a kid before Christmas and could barely sleep the night before, just knowing the trail I’ve been waiting two years to ride was going to be perfect.

It wasn’t.

It started gloriously at dawn as I passed all my haunts like the world-famous Bow River (a favorite for fishing).
and Carburn Park.
(a favorite place for skipping school. :)

But things went downhill from there as I approached the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary & Nature Center. Usually this 36-hectare wildlife reserve is a favorite as it winds throughout the riverine forest by the flowing Bow River and alongside a peaceful lagoon but there was a big, ugly sign blocking my path:

DETOUR.

Problem is, there was no clear alternate route. I floundered for a while before eventually asking directions from a fellow biker. “Cross the Deerfoot (freeway) and you’ll be connected with a trail on the other side. Follow that for a few miles and then cross back over before you reach downtown.”

Cross over freeways? Through industrial sections? I debated turning back but stubbornly refused because I’d waited a long time to do this ride. I followed his instructions and was surprised at the unfamiliar vistas that opened up to me that were memorable in their own ways. After about a half hour of stressing, I eventually hooked back up to my original trail, thrilled to have mastered this new network and all the more grateful for the path I’d been on.

The lesson?

Life. My entire life has been one detour after another. From obsessed about playing college soccer in Canada to blowing out my ankle at 15 to giving up soccer to finding solace biking these same trails to now going to a church college in the U.S. to serving a Mormon mission I’d never intended to serve to having a career I never dreamed of having to marrying the love of my life and raising my family far from the land I love.

Detours.

That day, I eventually connected with my beloved Elbow River.


And a half-hour after that, my favorite perch overlooking the Glenmore Reservoir.


Like my ride, my life has had plenty of anxieties, bumps and bruises along the way but by never giving up the result was the same: I reached (and continue to reach) my destination.

And it has been all-the-more glorious because of my fortuitous journey.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: biking, Canada, travel

The Great Canadian Everything

August 2, 2011 By

Despite the fact I grew up in Calgary, there are still some unfamiliar things when I return home.

The Money

Canadian money is always an adjustment. I prefer our colorful bills to American green drabness (sorry, George Washington) but still cannot wrap my head around the Canadian Loonie, a gold-coloured (yep, correct spelling), bronze-plated, $1 coin introduced in 1987. If that didn’t weigh down my wallet enough, the government introduced the Toonie in 1996, a bi-metallic $2 coin.

Jamie and I had a run-in with the Loonie when we went grocery shopping at the Real Canadian Superstore (as opposed to the fake one), which was located next to Canadian Tire.

Just in case we’d forgotten we were in Canada.

In order to release the shopping carts, you need to insert a Loonie,which is returned to you after shopping. Problem is, Jamie and I spend a good five minutes trying…and failing to insert our money. Finally, a woman walked up to return her cart so I waved my Loonie like a madwoman proclaiming, “We’ll give you our Loonie for your cart.”

She denied us because she had a reusable cart coin that cost her $2 in place of the $1 Loonie every time she shops.

Anyone else as confused as we were?

Long story short, we finally got a cart (after losing face with my fellow Canucks) but went crazy at the grocery store. While the U.S. ethnic sections are preomindantly Mexican food, Canadian store aisles, delis and produce sections are stocked to the hilt with my favorites: Indian, Thai and Chinese foods. In the deli, we were got some sliced tandoori chicken for sandwiches. In the Thai section we got mango and also coconut/pineapple juice. In the bulk bins, we scored Canadian blue whales and wine gums.

Canadians have a few tasty tricks up their sleeves as well.

The People

During our long drive, a rock jumped up and chipped my windshield. I’ve been intending to get it filled and was thrilled when we pulled up to the Real Canadian Superstore and saw a small small canopy advertising rock-chip repairs while you shop.

What’re the odds of finding that? Being in Canada is like having your own genie.

We handed over our car before going to wrestle our shopping cart Loonie. Upon our return, our exceedingly enthusiastic repair guy pointed out his impeccable work, triumphantly claiming the round-shaped chips were his favorite.

As we were driving away, I commented, “I’ve never seen a rock-chip repair guy so passionate about what he does.”
“Of course he is,” Jamie retorted. “He’s chipper.”

The Differences Between Canada and the U.S.

My kids have been shuttled back and forth between Canada and the United States since they were born. Such exposure gives them unique insights into cultural idiosyncrasies between the two countries.

Take Hadley, for example. As we were wandering through a darling gift shop replete with Canadian goodies such as Mountie costumes and maple fudge at Heritage Park, my Aunt Sue told me Hadley was recently expounding upon the difference between the two countries.

I awaited profundities. Perhaps she would reference the flags, the anthems, Canada’s shining rivers, cool summers, friendly folks, democrats, Green Party and the Liberals.

Her observation?

“Canada doesn’t have Target!”

I’ve taught her well.

=========

P.S. Target recently announced 105 locationsthat will be opening in Canada. Hadley will soon be proven wrong.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Hadley, Humor, Jamie, travel

On growing up and being grown in Calgary, Alberta Canada

August 1, 2011 By

There is something indescribably special about being able to return to your childhood abode. I came home from the hospital here. I took my first steps. I poured my heart out in my diary here (more of that hilarity later). I fell in and out of love here.

So much has changed: renovations that completely altered the exterior, the yard is fuller, the basement more cluttered.

Yet somehow, my house is grander than ever before.

The kids and I have had a fabulous time in Calgary and next summer, I yearn to stay longer. As my parents grow older and my mom’s MS worsens, I’m reminded of the fragility of life. For the past couple of weeks, we relished every moment.

We dined daily on my parent’s fabulous patio (did I mention the even more fabulous 70-degree temperatures?)
Bonded with the cousins.
Call me crazy but I’m thinking this picture should be on an album cover somewhere.

Partied it up with my family for Bode’s 5th birthday and my sister-in-law Jane whipped up a fabulous gourmand dinner.

Though she doesn’t believe it, I *swear* Bode requested the $80 tenderloin that I just happen to crave all year long.

Took a memorable father-daughter bike ride through Fish Creek Provincial Park (Calgary’s largest urban park) whereupon my 70-year-old dad proves he’s still got it.

Translation: he still hauled butt up those hills.

The kids partied it up in the grandparent’s convertible PT Cruiser.

And yes, anyone who buys a convertible in Canada can only be deemed an optimist.

We built sandcastles at Lake Sikome with Grandpa.
Total bonus: My dad loves the water so I didn’t have to go near it.

Downed chi-chi coconut cones at iconic My Favorite Ice Cream Shoppe.


But it was when my neighbor’s grandchildren knocked on our door asking Hadley and Bode if they wanted to come play that my childhood memories washed over me like a tidal wave. I watched my kids ride bikes with their new friends, ride in my dad’s golf cart and play on the tire swing.

I was reminded of my dear friends and the hours we spent frolicking in the gully, mastering our skills on my trampoline, creating worlds in our fort and scaling our backyard tree.

My childhood wasn’t perfect but I was enveloped in the love of parents, grandparents and friends. The world was full of promise, possibilities, simplicity and joy. As a mom, I now recognize the many sacrifices my parents made for us. Out of my many hopes and dreams I have for my kids, in the end, the only thing that matters to me is for them to someday look back and say, “I had a happy childhood.”

Because that was the gift I was given.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Canada, Family, travel

Zambia’s Virtues and Vices (and why I want in)

July 29, 2011 By

In addition to hanging out with my family, one of the best parts of my trip to Canada has been reconnecting with a couple of dear friends. My neighbor Stacey B. met us at Lake Sikome for an afternoon of fun and Stacey S. was a fixture at my house for a couple of days.

Basically, if your name wasn’t Stacey, I didn’t hang out with you.

Many people are familiar with young men and women who serve as Mormon missionaries but most don’t know that retired couples are encouraged to go as well. Stacey S.’s dad and step-mom will be serving in Zambia, Africa starting this fall. “Senior missionaries” usually assist as local leadership, provide service and in the case of Stacey’s parents, coordinate the C.E.S. (Church Educational System). When Jamie and I are older, I would love to serve a mission together.

Just think of the many remote villages who could have sustenance for months if Jamie grew giant pumpkins there.

We all have our ways of contributing.

One night, I set-up a blogfor Stacey’s parents so family and friends can follow their adventures in Africa. I wasn’t too keen on Zambia until Stacey told me it is one of the best places to do a safari and is the home of world-famous Victoria Falls.

Photo

I fell in love with the area when Matt Lauer went there for the Today Show in 2004. I’ve since been keen on bungee jumping off the 152-meter Victoria Falls Bridge.

Stacey also told me about the crazies who soak in Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool at the very top of Victoria Falls (check-out the insanity here).


I’ll stick with bungee jumping, thanks.

Stacey hopes to visit her parents and I’ve generously invited myself along (with a $2,000+ plane ticket, we can all dream, right?) Though there are many wonderful facets to Zambia, this country in southern African has one of the world’s most devastating HIV and AID epidemics.

Stacey: “Did you know a Zambian woman’s life expectancy at birth is just 39 years old?:”
Me: “How sad.”
Stacey: “So, basically if that was us we’d be dead by now.”

Or we could just hang out at Devil’s Pool to speed up the process.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Humor, LDS, travel

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 4: Sandpoint, ID to Calgary, Canada

July 27, 2011 By

I’ve had many people ask me just what does 31 hours in the car by myself with two kids look like? Take a gander:


It wasn’t pretty but certainly was functional. I packed oodles of snacks, DVDs, DS games. travel easels and books (see the full list of activities here), which I plopped in a large laundry basket in between the kids’ seats for easy access.

We caravanned with my parents from Sandpoint, Idaho to Calgary and stopped in Sparwood, British Columbia to check-out “The Titan,” the world’s largest truck.
I couldn’t have asked for my kids to be better behaved and our final seven hours in the car were seamless except for two factors:

1) The Hail Storm.

We’ve had pretty great weather the entire trip with the exception of a stretch of road leading into Nanton, Alberta when we passed through a horrendous rain/hail storm. At one point, the hail was pounding my windshield so quickly my windshield wipers couldn’t keep up and my 70-year-old father didn’t slow down. As I sweated profusely (and in places I didn’t know I could sweat), the only reassuring words were from Hadley: “I CAN’T HEAR OUR MOVIE!”

Remind me not to bring her along when in extreme diress.

2) The U.S.-Canadian Border.

I’ve traveled with my kids to Canada many times by myself but never by car. When flying, Customs requires I provide a notarized letter from Jamie stating I have his permission to take the kids out of the country.

Since I was driving this time, we called the border to ensure I didn’t need the letter. They assured me I was fine but I was still paranoid (I’ve spent many past lives being detained in the “Taliban room”) so I schooled the children prior.

“Now Bode and Hadley, when we get to the border, you need to tell them that Daddy is coming later.”

I didn’t tell them any more than they absolutely needed to know. I figured dropping the word “attempting kidnapping” could lead to trouble but as it turns out, trouble is what I got by withholding information. We waited about 45 minutes in line at the border and when it was finally our turn, I pulled up to the Customs officer who initially looked friendly.

Him: “Hello, Ma’am. Where are you traveling today?”
Me: “Calgary.”
Bode: (Frantically Interrupting) “OUR DADDY IS COMING ON THE AIRPLANE LATER!”

From there, our easy-going exchange turned suspicious. He peered into the car at Bode and Hadley.

“Ma’am, what is your license plate number?”
“Err…. I can’t remember.”
“Please step out of the car.”

After a painful interrogation, we eventually crossed the border but I learned an important lesson. When relaying important information to the kids, I need to disclose, “Only speak when spoken to.”

Come to think of it, I’ll make that our family motto.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Bode, Canada, Family travel, Humor, travel

Great Canadian Road Trip Leg 2:Utah to Boise

July 24, 2011 By

I’m not one of those people who stops at every roadside historic marker but I’m always delighted to stumble upon local treasures. That is exactly what we found at the Sublet Fuel Stop off exit 245 on I-84 in Idaho. First, there were the alpacas outside of the gas station.

Then the baby rattlers inside the door.
Caged, thank goodness.

Then there was the sign “Beware of Bats” as we entered the bathroom. After what we’d already seen I braced myself for some flying mammals but chuckled when I saw this:

A baseball bat.

The proprietor had a warped sense of humor.

We were originally going to stay in Rexburg but my friend Jason bailed at the last-minute so we rerouted to Boise. My friend Kiersten (a former radio hottie from my days on the airwaves) met us at a playground for a couple of hours and then the kids and I stayed with my friend Katie, her husband Wayne and their four beautiful daughters. Haddie and Bode had a BLAST and I loved reconnecting with my dear friend.

“Soeur (Sister) Ingy” and I were LDS missionary companions in Bienne, a little village in the heart of Switzerland. We had only been on our missions for a few months when we were put together and forced to fend for ourselves with our faltering francais. Soeur Ingy was the ying to my yang. She spoke really softly and was super sweet. I was…not. But one day, I was bellowing out my favorite song about prayer “He Hears Me” for the thousandth time when Katie interjected:

“Yes, and so does everyone else, Soeur.”

This sweet Idaho girl was (and still is) a force to be reckoned with.

© Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck–A Denver Mom’s Blog
Filed Under: Canada, Family travel, Humor, travel Tagged With:
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »