It was hard to leave the mountains…so we didn’t! After stopping over in Colorado Springs, we detoured to Angel Fire Resort NM on our way south. New Mexico is lush this time of year. I think it’s their monsoon season. Kai connected with Natalie, an instructor at the resort, and explored the downhill trails without Des. He had a great time and said the red dirt was really smooth but fast. The lift up to the mountain top to 10,600 feet was more of a thrill than we expected. Rain shut out our hopes of riding the zip line but I included pics below. We will come again so Des can ride down the big Trestle at the top- also added video of this below.  This area near Taos was quite beautiful. We drove through a thunderstorm on the departure. It hailed of course! 

   

  

   
   
 

  

    

  

  

  

      

 

 
  
      

   

  

    
 

This post is a shout out to the awesome coaches at Fraser Valley Rec Center. Kai finally mastered a back flip on the trampoline. Then he couldn’t stop flipping! Patrick, the conditioning coach, and Spencer, former circus performer, exercised patience as they demonstrated and then spotted Kai until he flipped solo. It was a challenge for Kai until he realized “It’s all mental”. He had a blast in the gymnastic classes. We all used the Rec’s weight room, basketball courts, and indoor pool with slide and hot tub. What an awesome facility for Winter Park- Fraser community!  Below are 2 videos and a pic of Kai and Patrick. 

    
 

The last seven days have past with a downhill pace! We returned to Winter Park and our same condo on August 1st. Kerrie and Skylar joined us on the 4th and the Derkits’ train rolled in on Aug 6th. There’s been an adventure of one sort or another for everyone. Cross country trail biking was the first order of business for James, Laura, Kerrie and Des. Everyone loved the Creekside trail. Jen hiked with the kiddos and searched for moose, but no luck. Next up was the 22 mile Winter park to Granby ride for Laura, Kerrie and Jen. Questionable navigation put them at the top of a semi downhill trail in Grand Bike Park but they managed the rocks and narrow fast course and finished strong! Des and Kai led James on full downhill biking the following day. James did awesome and got a few breathless thrills. Kai had his best runs of the summer and was super happy. Eli and Skylar loved the alpine slide and climbing wall. 

The last evening together bowling at The Foundry was memorable. Kerrie bowled the game of her life and Des beat everyone despite forgetting his socks.  Chicken wings “were back!” and we took advantage! 

Our friends departed today with great memories and plans to return next summer. We have a couple more days in the mountains and will savor every cool one.