A Risky Drive, Hike and Soak

So, we woke up today and guess what? Our horseback ride is cancelled due to the rain.  Oh brother. Really?  David and I were both bummed. The kids were still asleep. We contemplated just turning around and going home, but the hotel we had booked needed 72 hours to cancel. So, it was motivating us to go on. So, we did, and we are so glad we did.

The meadows with the fall colors, mountains and clouds....just wow!  So pretty.

 

We knew we had time to kill. I was planning on a 1 PM horseback ride, so I thought we'd pull into Ouray around 5. But, now it was 10:00 and we were already on the road.

So, we stopped at the honey store.  

 

It was cool to watch them fill the honey bears. 

 

  You could see the bees working.

This is a hot spring formation off the side of the road.

 

And as we headed off, we thought it wasn't too bad. We passed the stables we were supposed to be riding at and the horses looked so pretty. Another time. 

 

And then all of a sudden, the road got more and more snowy. 

 

At one point at the top of this pass, the elevations was over 11,000 feet and we didn't think we'd be able to make it.  David had almost zero traction. We were actually looking for a place to turn around and it started to clear up. Then, we saw a car pass us and knew the road must be ok. So, we kept going.  

 

Literally, a few minutes after we almost turned around, there was almost no snow!  

 

We pulled off at a scenic overlook. The other two didn't want to get out of the car, but we eventually made them. 

 

We made it to Ouray!  And wow!  Those mountains!  It's no wonder they call it the Switzerland of America. It's just gorgeous. 

 

We saw this cute animal on the way to lunch. I don't even know what it is. 

 

And this cracked us up. People are funny. 

 

Look, Emily is in the picture too, but she looks like a ghost. 

 

Then, we went for a hike. Literally, it's like if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes. We were hot at the hotel and we drove a mile and it was freezing and snowing.  

 

And this is funny...Dad, Noah saw the pile of rocks and had to add one to it!  :)

 

 The trail was so pretty. 

 

Then, we went back to our lodge and went in their hot springs. It comes out at 156 degrees and they add water to cool it. 

 

The pool is fed through hot spring water too! It was awesome!  And it didn't stink either! 

 

I mean, how pretty is this place? 

 

We had yummy wings and salad for dinner.  

 

Tomorrow, we get to rent a jeep!  We have to go to the town north of here about 15 minutes, but we will get to go 'splorin in a jeep!