Our trip began with some interesting weather. Our flight out of Tampa was delayed due to the cold - the plane had to be rolled out into the sun for some "solar de-icing." So we left very unFlorida-like weather in the low thirties to arrive in Denver where the temperature was in the mid-sixties. We were met by Tom and Marilyn; Tom in a short sleeve tee shirt - very intimidating as our Florida blood was telling us that mid-sixties is sweater and jacket weather.

After the drive to their home in Aurora, we got a tour of the house, and it is indeed beautiful, with an excellent floor plan. Lunch was buffalo burgers, of course. Enroute to dinner out we stopped at the local miniature golf course. During the drive there we saw all kinds of prairie dog holes with many of the prairie dogs up and scanning the area for food or threats or whatever. The mini-golf was great, and record has to say that Marilyn and Jay tied for low score, but then Jay was keeping score. We followed this with a very nice Mexican dinner.

The next day we packed a lunch and left for the MacIver's mountain cabin, passing the Air Force Academy and making stops at the Marigold Cafe and Bakery (for some calorie busting goodies), Garden of the Gods, and Cripple Creek. Tom and Marilyn's son Kevin works in Colorado Springs so we got to say hi to him, and Tom's parents live in Cripple Creek so we got to meet them. Cripple Creek had an ice sculpting show while we were there, and we also found that the town has low stakes gambling that burnt $20 fairly quickly.

In the late afternoon we arrived at private mountain community where Tom and Marilyn have their cabin. The cabin was recently remodeled to double its size, and it is very nice, to say the least. What a great family retreat. Before dinner we took a walk along the private fishing river. That evening we played the first round of board games: Rummikub and Liverpool Rummy, and the next morning hiked to the top of the nearest height for a panoramic view of the area. We also four-wheeled into the national forest, which is adjacent to the community.

The drive to Copper Mountain was great, and included a windshield tour of Breckenridge. We stopped for shopping at the town of Frisco, and arrived at Copper Mountain in the late afternoonm, in time to check in and make our first hot tub visit. That evening was Rummikub and the next four mornings and afternoons were hitting the slopes. The skiing was again fantastic - still too many trails to count and no lines at the lifts. We let Tom and Marilyn take the lead as they know the mountain completely. Each morning we tried to be on the lift as it opened, and in most cases we skied - except for a lunch break - until the lifts closed. Jay again won the award for most falls.

On Thursday we were sad to depart, but we did get in almost a full day of skiing before the trip to the airport and the flight home. Only one hip bruise that seemed to travel with us. We returned thankful for a safe trip and ready to share the news of our fantastic Colorado Adventure with friends and family.