Funny but True

I planned to write about Vail, Colorado last week because that was next up on my Colorado list but the weekend got away from me. However I did hear a strange story that I just have to share before we “Dig in”. If you have ever been to Yellowstone you know those hot springs are very dangerous. Well I heard that a man was banned from Yellowstone for cooking chickens in the hot springs. Can you imagine? I’m not sure I’d want to eat anything cooked in one of those springs nor would I want to get that close! What do you think?

On to the Subject of the day

Vail, Colorado

Everyone has heard of Vail, Colorado. I bet the first thing that comes to mind is skiing and the second thing is the rich and famous. Vail is just a small town at the base of Vail Mountain but the Ski Resort is massive. Vail Ski Resort was founded in 1962 and the town came after in 1966. The area is known for its hotels, dining, and for the numerous events the city hosts annually, such as the Vail Film Festival, Burton US Open, Vail Resorts Snow Days, and Bravo! Vail.

Ski Vail

Most visitors that come to Vail do so for the skiing . The Vail Ski Resort boasts 5,289 skiable acres, making it one of the largest single-mountain resorts in the country. Other nearby ski areas are up and coming due to their close proximity to Vail Resort. Vail skiing is said to be some of the best. Lots of pristine powder coupled with amazing views make Vail a ski capital of the world. But I don’t ski. I do like photography so if I were going to brave the cold it would be to see if I can capture an iconic ski photo.

Photo from web advertisement

What about Summer Visitors

Well summer activities also abound. This one caught my eye- hiking with a Llama. You can go hiking with a llama in Vail with Paragon Guides. According to their website, “Llamas have a curious, gentle and intelligent nature making them an ideal addition for your backcountry adventure.” Plus, they’ll carry your gear! Sounds like my kind of hike!

You’ve also got mountain streams to amuse you.

White water rafting tours abound in Vail in summer. Numbers Extreme Whitewater Rafting promises a white-knuckle ride for experienced rafters or fearless beginners. For something less intense, choose Browns Canyon Half Day Whitewater Rafting, suitable for most rafters including kids. For a truly relaxing ride, book the Lower Browns Canyon Midwater Float Trip, for which Viator says you can, “Pick up a paddle if you like, or simply relax and enjoy this fun and mellow river ride.”

Photo from web advertisement

I never knew there was so much to do in Vail in the summer!

The Big E has it all. The midway and rides; corn dogs, funnel cakes and The Big E cream puff. They had a huge sculpture made of butter. The Mallory building held the animals, llamas, sheep, pigs…

The building wasn’t air conditioned but there were plenty fans in evidence keeping the animals cool.

Sheep shearing was going on most of the day so the ewes looked pretty cool with their new “do’s”. Yup a penful of “naked” sheep.

Nancy and the kids had a chance to get acquainted with one of the llamas. We spent a good amount of time here as both children are animal lovers.

It was time to head back to the circus tent. This time we spotted the Budweiser exhibit but chose to skip it so we wouldn’t be late. Turns out we could have stopped. The 4 pm show was already full. There was one more show at 7 pm but we didn’t plan to be there that late so no circus this year. 🙁

Time for the mid-way. That was the really expensive stop. Those little dart games and ring toss I remembered from my childhood weren’t $.50 anymore, more like $2.00 – $5.00! The kids were pretty good at the games but it’s hard to pull them away.