Rocky Mountain High

Bros, homies from back in the day, screened in porches and beautiful sunsets. These are the things we found in Colorado.

We arrived in CO at last. It was a tough drive, albeit it more beautiful and shorter than the rest. It was tough, because Simon added item # 432 to the list of things that terrify him, when he discovered the loud rumblings of highway shoulder strips. He is NOT a fan. He turns into a monster….a problem that would only become worse later on in our journey.

We’d been looking forward to cooler, drier climates and seeing loved ones since our first night in tick town, Indiana. Phillip’s buddy, Ryan, and my brother, Mike, both live in or near Boulder, CO. So we set aside a day of rest in this beautiful city. When we got there we headed to Nederlands - a small German-esque town. We had some “Carolina” and “Memphis” style BBQ at a brewery called Wild Mountain. It was tasty…but nothing like the real deal ☺. The beer was awesome though, as was the atmosphere of laid back customers reeking of good health, giant wooden beams, and huge windows framing the charming little mountain town around us.

The first night in CO, we camped in a quaint little lot by the river . Unlike any place by a river in the Southeast, there were no – or few – mosquitoes! It was so unusual to enjoy a waterside spot without the constant slapping of skin and giant welts that arise from the elephant man inducing mosquitoes of NC. We were also grateful for the sunshine and cool breeze. It was all a relief after the last couple of days. Phillip went to cook out with friends and I stayed back with the dog and went to bed early – drifting off with the sounds of the river (that made me have to pee all night). Mmmmm….

The next morning, we made our way to Chautauqua cottages – a place we will definitely return to on our visits to Boulder. It was awesome – and just what we needed. When you google image the word “cozy”, I’m pretty sure a picture of this place pops up. Our cottage was tiny and quaint, with a big screened in porch and a stunning view of the Flat Irons. I just can’t say enough. The story behind the creation of this little community is really interesting too, but “ya don’t have to take my word for it!” … http://www.chautauqua.com/history_movement.htm

We started the morning with a long hike to wear out the dog and stretch our legs. Then we headed out to meet up with Ryan and Mike for lunch at an awesome Mexican restaurant. Holy spicy chilli verde, Batman!! That stuff was good…and hot. Ryan also introduced us to “The Premier” margarita, which resembles five shots of various types of liquor, more than a traditional margarita. It was good. One was definitely enough.

Mike, myself, and Phillip then headed out to a couple of brewpubs to try the local flavor. Twisted Pine was just okay, Avery was closed, but the liquor store had all the good stuff. We bought some for a porch session later on and then started thinking about dinner. We ended up at Mountain Sun for a great meal with Dianna, my brother’s girlfriend. Ryan caught up with us and we all headed back to Chautauqua for beers on the porch. It was a great evening – good conversation, good spirits and good friends – ahh, yes, this is the life. Ryan sent us home with the first two episodes of True Blood and some good tunes for the road – Thanks!!! We said our goodbyes and rested up for the next leg….on to Salt Lake to see “Johnny Utah.”