Welcome to Colorado

Okay, this isn't exactly a welcome sign, but we aren't asking everyone to act differently just on our account; just be yourselves. Therefore, whether they took shots at us or not, our latest visit to the Wild West was just perfect.

The trip's objective was simple: to meet our new friend Harper French -- newly arrived on the scene on October 30, 2011. This didn't take long to accomplish; Amy met us at the airline gate, announced she needed to use the ladies room, thrust baby Harper in my arms, and left him with us. We've pretty much been buds ever since.



The visit was awesome. It was great to connect with old friends, to visit Marble, Colorado for a weekend, and to see the Chrystal Mill (see photo). From our base at the Chateau Frenchy, we biked the Rio Grande Trail, hiked a 14er, ran Red Hill and Mushroom Rock, and rock climbed across from a hot spring. I should also mention we ate like kings -- especially the last night at Six89 in Carbondale. Get the coconut-curry soup (we all did).



Vacations are great for recharging and shifting gears, and by the time the trip was over, we had done both; we are now ready for summer in Vermont. And it's a good thing; if we'd stayed away any longer, the lawn would have overgrown the house! Thanks to the Frenches for having us and to Heather for watching our pets and home. We can't wait till the next recharge-slash-gearshift.