We began our trip on a rainy Wednesday, electing to fly out of Newark because of the continuous flight availability. We took our time and Neil napped and noone felt rushed and everything went perfectly, except we missed our flight. I still dont know how we managed that one. Oddly enough, the next flight to Denver was just an hour later. I really wanted time to have a nice glass of wine before we boarded, but it was not to be...we were rushed again and the last to board our second flight. Too relaxed? Maybe. (Because taking your entire stroller apart barefoot in a crowded airport while holding an 18 pound sack of potatoes is just like a fucking spa treatment, I'll tell ya what). Anyway, we made it, our company on the flight was a sympathetic mom of three and Neil mostly bounced and played.
We got to Denver later in the evening than we had hoped and by the time we sorted through the luggage and the rental car and the air train and all that, it was dark. We drove north out of the city and picked up a few local beers and (don't judge it was the only place around) Jack in the Box, and wound our way up and up into the cavernous mountains until we reached Crags Lodge in Estes Park. We succeeded in keeping Neil asleep while we settled down to relax in our little suite. Colin poured two wine glasses of Yeti and we sank deep into the sofa. I think we lasted for twenty minutes of "party" before slinking into bed. Woohoo!
We woke to a wonderful mountain view the next morning. We could see straight across the valley to the Stanley Hotel (made famous by The Shining)...clouds wove through the twin owls, an uncommon sight according to the lodge caretakers. Neil practiced his climbing and crawling as we showered/hosed off the travel stink in the incredibly temperamental old tub. We lounged downstairs in the rustic living room and flipped through the historic lodge pictures before hitting the road for Rocky Mountain National Park.
I've never really experienced mountain weather before and dang if it isn't temperamental too! It changes from nice to naughty in a few seconds time. We three drove as far as we could on Trail Ridge Road, through snow and thunder and hail. We could only go as far as Rainbow Curve, and we couldn't see the largest mountains, but it was still wild and beautiful. Bull Elk grazed near the road and Ponderosa Pines kept watch above them. We descended and drove through the valley bottom, the moraine, where everything was still snow laden and iced in. Soon, it was time to head back to civility to catch a Yankees game with 25 of our friends.
The ever changing weather, of course, had different plans for us. As we drove towards the city limits, thunderstorms blew through and doused the game. We made the decision to enjoy a low key afternoon in our hotel instead, sipping on Lupulin and making dinner arrangements. After a small walk, we cozied up at the Mountain Sun pub for some lovely food and even lovelier beverages, the best of which was The hummingbird braggot ale.
I remember thinking how friendly everyone in Denver is, and how laid back the fashion choices are. I would fit right in here, if I wasn't truthfully taken aback by the friendliness. It's a peculiar feeling to realize you are somewhat put off by genuinely nice people. I've spent too much time here in New York.
We enjoyed breakfast at Jelly the next morning, just a jog from both the Ogden and the Fillmore...shared a flight of savory doughnuts and filled up on coffee before our final hotel move. Although the festivities were just starting to hum, everything flowed and felt very relaxing. I met a friend to get a manicure and waited out another storm Ina clothing store while Colin watched Neil with friends. We spent the evening at a bistro reconnecting with loved ones and enjoying little bites of goodness. Our group of friends is so used to traveling and meeting each other in new locations...none of it was awkward. I love the feeling of picking up where you left off with a friend. It's even better in a room filled with old acquaintances. Neil loved being passed around into the arms of beautiful women. He passed the trial party with flying colors.
We enjoyed Denver Omelettes at the Delectable Egg on wedding day. Colin had to begin his groomsman duties at noon, so Neil and I took a walk, napped, and got ready alone. It really was peaceful and seemed like a nice break in the monotony of daily life. Before we knew it, wedding time was upon us. Neil donned his knickers, suspenders and bowtie before we picked up a couple of ladies for the mile drive to the governor's mansion. Upon arriving, another thunderstorm surrounded the outdoor space. Guests were whisked inside for a cocktail to wait out the weather. The skies soon cleared, and we filtered back to our seats to watch Ross and Rory, two old friends, genuinely in love, join hands for their next life journey. I remember getting tearful at the fact that this group of friends has been through the absolute worst of times and the best of times together, like an invisible safety net that materializes during life's most important moments. Neil said DADADA!!!! Man and wife.
Dinner and drinks and dancing...baby Neil sailed through it all. I'll always remember the look of joy he had on his face as he bounced around the dance floor. He is a true party animal. He crashed when we got back to the hotel, and I relaxed with a glass of wine while Colin bade farewell to our friends at the Peaks Lounge. It was a beautiful and fun-filled evening...surprisingly not stressful. I'm ever thankful for Neil's easy going spirit.
My first Mother's Day started with huevos rancheros at the Denver Diner. It could have been a terrible idea, but it was not. The clouds had cleared and you could see the largest of the mountains...or as Colin calls them...white caps. I'm pretty those are waves. We traveled all day and ate a late dinner at Bacchus in New Paltz before slogging home. It wasn't the most relaxing of days, but I truly enjoyed traveling with my two guys. And Neil said his first "mama"!
So there you have it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to visit someplace new, hug old friends, share quiet moments with my son, and have conversations with my husband. This trip was incredible.
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