My parents visited Kristine, Rainier, Kona, & myself this past weekend and we all had a truly wonderful time together. They had not been to the Vail Valley & Edwards since summer 2010, so this was a special visit. Usually, we head down to Telluride to visit with Mom & Dad when they come out from North Carolina, but now with the Chalk condo sold in Telluride, hopefully that means more future visits to the Vail Valley. We had some terrific meals including a night out in Lionshead at the Vail Chophouse located within the Arrabelle.

Kristine & my Mom in the Arrabelle square

Mom, Dad, & I before dinner at the Vail Chophouse

Mom & Dad enjoying the cold, crisp Colorado night

But, Kristine’s good ole cooking Saturday night sure gave the Vail Chophouse a run for its money. I believe we were all in agreement that Kristine took the cake for best meal. On Saturday, we took Mom & Dad up into Mayflower Gulch just south of Fremont Pass between Copper & Leadville for a nice, moderate hike to the old mining camp at around 11,500′. It was fun showing Mom & Dad some of our favorite stomping grounds back in Mayflower Gulch including the several 13ers and ridges that surround the basin. It was a beauty of a day and we sure enjoyed our time outdoors with them. Mom & Dad did so well hiking in regard to the altitude since they had just come from 700′ above sea level only 36 hours prior.

The four of us at the head of Mayflower Gulch with the high 13er, Drift Peak (13,900′), behind

Mom, Rainie, & I with the high 13er, Fletcher Mountain (13,951′), behind

The Chalks on a gorgeous day in Mayflower Gulch

Mom, Kristine, & Kona with the gnarly ridge connecting Fletcher Mountain (13,951′) & Atlantic Peak (13,841′). J and I traversed this awesome ridge two summers ago

Dad & I enjoying our time in the mountains together

All of the Chalks and another party of two at the old mining cabins

Mom, Dad, & I

Until next time, Mayflower Gulch

Sunday, my Dad & I hit the gym, Kristine ran with Kona, and Mom did a bit of Edwards shopping before we all watched the Broncos edge the Chargers and then walked to dinner for the 2nd time of the weekend at the yummy Gore Range Brewery. It was fantastic and meant so much to be with Mom & Dad again and we’re so lucky they were able to travel out to Colorado to visit with us, especially since we will not see them for either Thanksgiving or Christmas. We certainly look forward to our next time with them in February for some Telluride family ski fun.

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