Day 26, Ahh, Steamboat Springs

After repacking the car and roofbag, we left the Boulder Mountain Lodge with heavy hearts. We absolutely loved our time in Boulder and didn't want to leave. Luckily, we were able to spend the morning in town with Brian before hitting the road.

After a couple of exciting loads of laundry, we made one last stop to the Great Harvest Bread Company (Laurel's favorite) and then headed to Pearl Street for some window shopping. Walking up and down the mall made the boys very hungry so we stopped for an excellent sushi lunch at Kasa (the sashimi lunch special had red tuna, white tuna, albacore, yellowtail, and salmon). Dessert was at the Belgian chocolate shop next door. Dan and Brian had to try the dark chocolate covered walnuts and Laurel tried the shop's special frozen hot chocolate...yum! Then it was off to the meadery for a tasting and to purchase some gifts.

Brian headed south to the Great Sand Dunes National Park as we headed west through the mountains. The drive out I-70 was breathtaking, and rainy. We saw countless high peaks and drove through the Eisenhower Tunnel (about 1.5 miles through a mountain). We stopped in Vail and walked around the village a bit. What a place! I can only imagine what it must be like in ski season.

After Vail we headed north for Steamboat Springs. After driving two hours on twisty mountain roads, it was time for another rest stop. We inquired what the "big deal was" about Steamboat Springs and were told it was all about the hot springs up on Strawberry Hill (long, windy, dirt road in the middle of no where!). Once we submerged ourselves in the pools, we immediately understood what the "big deal was." The natural springs are over 100 degrees and luxurious after two weeks of hiking, climbing, biking, and blading in Boulder. We were fortunate enough to be able to camp there as well and got a dip in the morning before any one else was up. After a long, rainy night in the tent it was a nice treat.

Off to Dinosaur.....