Friday I woke Jena up early to beat the line at Snooze for breakfast (ok Jaws woke us up for his breakfast, and let's be honest 6o'clock here felt like 8oc'lock to Jena). Then after failing to wake Noel up to join us for a day of hiking we picked up Liz and drove out west into the mountains. Noel has been recommending the Hanging Lake Hike to me ever since she did it with her Americorps team a year ago, and I figured it would be a beautiful place to take Jena. About halfway there (Vail) we stopped to go to the bathroom, and we were FREEZING! It was so cold I'm surprised we couldn't see our breath! At that point we decided we wouldn't be able to continue without warmer clothes, so we stopped at the Copper Mountain resort and got some super warm souvenir sweatshirts. When we got to Hanging Lake we had descended in elevation and it was HOT again! So we left the sweatshirts in the car and hiked. The hike was a little over 1mile, but had an elevation gain of 1020feet. Alot of it was like climbing up sleek rocky stairs. I thought the hike might kill Jena, but she persevered (though she asked the people coming down if the hike was worth it). We made it to the top to see a clear bluegreen lake, waterfalls, rocks, and peaceful views overlooking a valley full of nature and beauty. We rested and snapped pictures there, before the mile hike down. The way down took barely any time at all!
Saturday I tried to let Jena sleep in a bit more, and after breakfast at Jelly we got started with our day. Now I'm a big fan of Snooze. If I had to vote for a place to eat breakfast I would go there. The food is rich, decadent, delicious, unique and worth the wait. Noel prefers Jelly. (I don't dislike Jelly, I just prefer Snooze) But Jelly does have a more comfortable atmosphere, the waitresses are always sooo nice, and its cute with retro decor. So I let Jena make up her own mind (results below). For the record, Ben chose Snooze too. Then we went to Red Rocks for a short hike (a flat 1.4 miles) and some sightseeing. Then we drove out to Longmonth where the Oskar Blues Brewery makes Jena's all time favorite beer, Tenfidy. While waiting for the tour to start we each ordered a beer, before seeing that they did offer a sampler platter of their 7 most popular brews. Resolving to have that after the tour we joined our group. This was the best brewery tour I've ever been on (ok, so I haven't been on many). It was given by a live tour guide (while drinking) to a group of people who had been drinking and most brought their beers with them) the factory was super cool, talking alot of recycling and sustainability initiatives, and their craft beers. The tour guide was super knowledgeable, and the tour was fun. After we shared a sampler of the beers (of which I drank most of so Jena could drive us home) including: Tenfidy, Dale's Pale Ale, Mama's Little Yella Pills, G'night Imperial Red, Deviant Dale's, Gubna Imperial IPA, and Old Chubb Scotch Ale. Then our tour guide came over and we chatted her up, telling her we came all this way because Jena drinks Tenfidy in Pennsylvania, and she gave us a shot of barrel-aged, whiskey-infused Tenfidy to try. It was as thick as a milkshake, and nearly as delicious! As I mentioned I had to take one for the team and finish most of the beers. Then we headed home to rest our weary legs!
Sunday I tricked Jena into running a 5k with me (ok we run/walked it). We did the Pajama 5k to support "Cancer below the waist." It was a pretty small race...I think I might have been able to win my age group. So we had a leisurely run/walk around Wash park, taking in the scenery, breathing the fresh Denver air, and enjoying the fitness atmosphere that infuses Wash Park. We got apples, bread and longsleeve Ts to commemorate our achievement. Again, Jena didn't die! When we tried to drive home for a shower my street was blocked off for the pride parade, so we went over to Greek Fest for lunch and some cultural enrichment. It was so hot on Sunday, so eventually we headed home for a midday nap. Then we went out for dinner, then dessert.
Today we headed back to our "real lives" but I feel refreshed from Jena's visit, and feel more like myself!
Pho at Pho 555
Happy Hour at Govn'rs Park (2 for 1 Long Islands)
Snooze (We split the three pancake platter and got a red velvet pancake, a sweet potato pancake, and a blueberry granola pancake-with lavender butter...)
Vine Street Pub (burgers after a long day of hiking!)
Jelly (Noel's favorite breakfast place- so Jena could have both experiences and decide for herself that Snooze is the best!) Jena's decision, and I quote: "I have assessed brunch and I believe Snooze is the winner by a nose!"(diabetes-inducing delicious!)
Froyo at Yogurtland
Greek Fest for some authentic Greek salad, dolmathes, and orzo! (Plus the entertainment of kids performing the traditional Greek dances, in amazing costumes- we did not envy them in the heat!)
Stoney's Bar and Grill (sweet potato fries and the best salad a restaurant can make!)
Dessert at DBar (we got the molten lava cake with icecream and strawberries and rhubarb...but I can't wait to go back for a cake and shake!) This was another fan-favorite-food experience...to quote Jena: "I'm going to have daydreams about that one!"
Breakfast Sandwiches at Einsteins...a good way to start a Monday...but a sad way to end an amazing weekend!
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