Frisco, 2017 - Final Day, Country Boy Mine and Skiing at Arapahoe Basin

Today is our final day in Frisco.  We had a fun-filled day though we split into two groups.  The larger group—all the Davids, the Cole Srs, and the two youngest Cole Jrs—headed to the Country Boy Mine above Breckenridge.  After an interesting 45-minute tour, a tour that put us 11,000 ft. underground, we panned for gold.

Look close and you can see 5 of our group panning for gold plus Mary and her grandpa in the distance.

Mary and I petting the burrow.  

Most of us thought this was pretty funny.  Not sure about Zeke.

While we were at the mine, Mo, Seth and Dominic hit Arapahoe Basin for a morning of skiing, which was an unexpected surprise for this time of the year.  I think they enjoyed themselves although they only were able to ski this one morning.

When our group returned to Frisco, we ate at Moose Jaw bar.  Fairly reasonably priced, with something for everyone.  I believe it's a favorite of the locals.  So a nice experience.   

After lunch, we walked to Foote's Rest and Sweet Shoppe for an ice cream cone.

Back to the house, then a quick trip to the Columbia store at the Outlet Mall in Silverthorne where I treated myself to a new hat and raincoat.  Now for a quiet evening before heading home in the morning.  Some would like to stay another day which indicates that the trip was a good one!

Frisco, 2017 - Frisco park, Fly fishing, and Breckenridge

As you can tell from the title, this was a busy day.  I think the group had a fantastic time but now everybody but the 4 youngest are down for the count.  (Where do those under 12 get all that crazy energy?)  After breakfast, Seth, Jim, and Dom set off  for some flyfishing training.

They actually look like they know what they are doing.

Success!

While the three were fishing, the rest of us headed to Funtastic Funground located at an elementary school in Frisco.  The kids had a good time while the adults enjoyed some relaxed conversation.

Next was Breckenridge where we met the fishermen for lunch at Downstairs at Eric's, a bar and grill on Main.  My gyro was delicious.  They also served wonderful waffle-style homemade potato chips.  An arcade is attached to the restaurant so the kids were occupied.  Made for a very relaxing lunch. Afterward, we made our way to our favorite store, Joy of Sox, then we ventured back to the house in Frisco.

Looks like we bought our share of socks.

During happy hour, 4 outstanding magicians performed a magic show.

Ash Kazam

Zeke Magic

Entertaining Eloise

Marvelous Mary

Hannah and Jim volunteered to prepare dinner.  Their tacos, beans and rice were delicious.  I believe we have enough leftovers so that nobody need to cook tomorrow evening.  I'm looking forward to another great day on Tuesday.

Frisco, 2017 - BIcycle, etc. Day

The day started out with a wonderful weather forecast.  Considering what kind of day we had yesterday, it is a great forecast.  We'll see if it comes true.  James fixed a great breakfast for all of us: scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, muffins, bagels, yogurt.  It was good to start the day with a warm nutritious breakfast.

Playing games while waiting for breakfast.

The family decided that today would be the day to ride bicycles.  After breakfast, we cleaned up and headed downtown for a some sightseeing as well as renting the bicycles.  First stop was at the Frisco Historic Park and Museum.  I hadn't been through this museum for a long time.  It has greatly improved and I would recommend it to anybody who comes to the Frisco area.  

A fun stop between the museum and Rebel Sport.

On to Rebel Sports and the bike rental.  We headed back to the house for a quick lunch so the bicyclists could head out.  I decided to pass this year.  I so enjoyed coming down from Vail Pass two years ago.  Particularly since I didn't fall but didn't want to test my luck a second time.  Hannah told me that her husband was glad I didn't come because there was an icy patch toward the beginning of the ride.  They even got off their bikes to walk thru that area.  I thought the group might stop and buy a snack on their way by Copper Mountain, but I guess it was basically a ghost town waiting for the summer season to start.  

Getting ready to leave.  These next two snapshots are in front of our vacation rental.

James kindly stayed with me in town.  We chose to walk through town to the marina.  It was such a beautiful afternoon.  What a drastic change from yesterday's awful weather  We sat and people watched for a while.  Also, enjoyed the mountains.  Even though I've complained about the weather those snow-topped mountains are gorgeous.

Headed back into town.  Walked by a house where we stayed 4 years ago.  I think it must have been one of our favorite places as we check on it every time we come to Frisco.  Unfortunately, it's no longer a rental.  This year's rental is pretty awesome though.  We then stopped at Foote's Rest Sweet Shoppe and Eatery for some delicious homemade ice cream.  They have a very nice seating area behind the store.  It was a very relaxing spot to sit in and enjoy our ice cream.  Back to the house we headed.  Ran into Seth, Jim, and Dominic on their way to book their fly fishing trip for tomorrow.

The 3 youngest enjoying some downtime with their purchases from the Toy Store.

 One of the great finds at a local antique store.

We were all extremely tired so decided to eat supper out.  We discovered that this wasn't the best of ideas.  Most of us were just too tired to even decide where to eat.  Mo finally took charge and chose Nozawa, a Japanese eatery, in Dillon.  After supper, back to the house.  James and I retired to our bedroom to relax and the rest of the crew took advantage of the hot tub.  Once again a great day, although we were exhausted at day's end.

Frisco, 2017 - Arrival Day

We were in no rush to leave the Hampton this morning because we couldn't check into the house until 2 pm.  Ate a so-so breakfast at the Hampton.  I think Seth and family enjoyed a much nicer breakfast at the Comfort Inn, also in Colby.  The drive was about like yesterday—or so I thought when we started out.  We were on the road shortly after 9.  The Cole Jrs. weren't far behind.  Hannah and family had left the Lawrence area at 4:15 a.m.

We all arrived at the house within 15 minutes of each other.

Mt. Royal House, Frisco, Colorado

The drive from Colby to Denver wasn't a problem.  But from Denver the rest of the way in was very unpleasant.  It rained, it snowed, the road conditions and visibility were poor.  I was just glad to get through the tunnel and off the interstate into Frisco.  We unloaded at the house.  Everybody was running around claiming their bedrooms.  There is a bunk room and the 4 younger cousins were looking forward to that in advance.  Then off to lunch at Backcountry Brewery.  The food really is good.  We eat there at least once each trip.  It was a late lunch, after 2.  Basically we had the restaurant to ourselves.  This was nice as we were not a disturbance to anybody.  It was easy to move around and stretch our legs. The children needed exercise after spending quite a bit of time in the car the past couple of days.

Backcountry Brewery

Then off to some shopping.  Men were in charge of the liquor store.  Mo and Dominic went shopping at the outlet mall.  (Came home with quite a few bargains.)  Hannah and I went to Safeway.  I thought I was going to have to do this by myself.  Not sure if I would have come home with everything needed.  We basically purchased snacks for happy hour and breakfast food.  Usually we eat out at lunch and then see what happens for supper.  Each family is in charge of one night and I figure I did our turn with pizza and salad last night.  Seth helped get the pizza in and out of the oven.  Ash and Seth sliced the pizza.  I dumped the salad kits into a bowl.  Everybody helped with the dishes although Dominic was probably the biggest help.  Do you think this means I have to help on their nights?

Waiting for pizza

The hot tub was used by the kids twice yesterday.  Snowing lightly each time.  They liked getting out of the water and seeing the steam coming off their bodies.

All in all a good day.  Everybody arrived safe and sound even though part of the drive was miserable. Just was a nasty day weather-wise.  The sun is bright and shining this morning.  Keep you posted on what happens on our first full day in Frisco.

Frisco, 2017 - Travel Day

Once again we are off on our bi-annual trip to Frisco, Colorado.  This year, we are lucky enough that all 11 members of our family are making the trip.  It has been awhile since that has happened. At the same time, we will miss my sister and her husband who are on their annual trip to Texas to celebrate children's birthdays.  They are stopping in Iola on the way home to celebrate my sister's 55th high school reunion and to add flowers to the graves of our mom, dad, and brother. I hope they enjoy their trip but we will miss them.

Today has been a travel day.  We walked Boz before we left town and then checked him into Home Sweet Home Dog Resort.  I call it the dog hotel.  We headed out of town about 1.  Took 4 hours and 37 minutes to reach the Hampton Inn in Colby, Kansas.  It was a most unusual driving experience. James started the drive.  We did not stop until the rest area west of Salina.  I then took over the driving.  Set the cruise control at 80 mph.  I drove the rest of the way to Colby.  Around 2 1/2 hours.  I had to brake only once.  Sped up a time or two to pass a vehicle.  Other than that, I just sat behind the wheel and steered.  This kind of driving experience will never happen again.  Of course, it is a 4 lane the entire way.  It is a holiday weekend so there was a lot of traffic.  Just moved smoothly.  I doubt if our drive into Frisco tomorrow is quite as smooth.

We had a little excitement during the night.  A terrific thunderstorm roared thru northwest Kansas and northeast Colorado.  Winds, thunder, lightning, and most awful, hail.  We were up way past our bedtime.  James was stressing out about the car.  He hasn't been outside to check this morning but it looks okay from our window.  Hail was big but soft.  I think we were extremely lucky.

Off to Frisco.