Family Time: Deer Valley Ranch- Colorado 2011

Since we haven't been on a vacation this summer, I thought I would share with you some photos of the trip we had last summer of 2011 in Colorado (of course). Every time we head our way back to Kansas, we always like to stop at Buena Vista, Colorado first and spend the night there. Once we secure a room  for the night, we like to go to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort to relax and enjoy the moment before heading home.

Last year, the town of Buena Vista was busy and rooms were booked, so we headed to Nathrop, Colorado and looked for a place to stay or even campgrounds for the night. We thought we were out of luck, but we found out that Deer Valley Ranch has a room available and we booked it right away. The room was actually a small cabin that sleeps about six (6) people and it was around $115/night. We were really desperate as it was late in the day and there aren't any places to stay, but the ranch. All-in-all it was worth it, we had a great time and we had an awesome Cowboy type breakfast, which they called it "Wrangler's Breakfast".

The cattle truck took us to the venue and there were other people already waiting for the rest of the crew to come. Some of them were horseback riding and some went on an early hike to get to the Wrangler's breakfast. Because we didn't plan on staying at a Ranch, we didn't dress the part. I didn't have my boots on, instead I had my Merrell sandals on and hop on aboard the back of the cattle truck, pregnant and all. It was very interesting! Our little boy on the other hand was so excited to ride the truck and didn't even need help climbing the ladder. He was very quiet, behave and he was looking forward to the ride. It is not everyday you get to ride in the back of the cattle truck.

What a way to start our day by spending it the cowboy way. After the breakfast, we headed back to the ranch and didn't ride the truck this time, instead we walked. I didn't mind walking back to the ranch even though it was quite a ways, because I know I can do the hike. I already made it to the top of the Harney Peak in South Dakota that year, which was about 7,000 some ft high, five months pregnant and all. This was an easy-peasy walk. Anyway, if you happen to plan to do something fun, exciting and new, I think the Deer Valley Ranch in Nathrop, Colorado would be a fun place to check out. Great location, wonderful environment, friendly folks, and fun time. Here are some photos!

 Sorry about the wrong info. Deer Valley Ranch is in Nathrop, Colorado and not Mt. Princeton, Colorado.

We had an awesome buffet style dinner that night. Great food!

The cattle truck that will take us to our breakfast area. First time ever!

Checking out the horses.

While we secured a room for the night at Deer Valley Ranch, that afternoon we headed back to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort and had a relaxing afternoon. We always love this place. This was our second time at the resort.

I sat on the bench, relaxed, sunbathe, people watching, admiring the amazing view in front of me, and watched my boys play as they came down the big slide. Our little man Harley loves this place.

And look at that view. AMAZING!!!!

Thank you dadda for taking us to Colorado and for the wonderful family vacation last year. Hope next year we get to go back to the mountains again and enjoy some much needed R and R. We miss the mountains  badly this year.

Project 11/366: Cripple Creek Hospitality House & RV Park

Like as promised, I am sharing you photos of the place that we stayed at Cripple Creek, Colorado. This place is beautiful and if you are like me who love old things, then this is the place to be. You can take photos of everything old and unique items that you may have never seen before. Some of the items that the hospital used before are on display, old photos, etc. Absolutely beautiful in its own old way. Here are some photos;

It used to be a hospital (hence the name hospitality house) back in the old days. I think when we were there this place was on sale. They did a pretty good job taking care of the place. They have a separate hot tub on the side of the building.

Pregnant mama.

Our room for the night.

Inside the room.

This reminds me of my grandma's dresser, armoire, or whatever you call it.

This old wheelchair was used before in this hospital.

This was sitting right in front of our RECOVERY room.

Heading out to the downtown area to grab a bite to eat. Hungry mama I was. I love that huge painting behind me.

I am in love with that pink lamp.

The hallway upstairs.

It's nice to sit here in the morning with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and enjoy the view. Or check Facebook. Yes, they do have free Wi-Fi, people. More awesomeness!

Look at that wallpaper! I love it. I think she said that is the original wallpaper. 

I was looking around downstairs and I had to ask the lady if it is okay to take photos. I had to look at that sewing machine as it reminds me of my grandmas really old sewing machine.

Look at that sewing machine!

It's beautiful in its antique way.

And of course someone was fake sleeping. He was so fascinated the fact that it was a new place and there were lots of places to explore. He was all over the building going up and down the stairs and I had to watch him while dadda was taking care of everything. So silly little boy!

I hope you enjoyed your virtual tour of the Hospitality House. Enjoy the rest of the day! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, EVERYONE!!!

Project 7/366: Curecanti Creek Trail In Colorado

These pictures were taken during our hike at the Curecanti Creek Trail in Gunnison, Colorado. This hike was about a four-mile (round trip) strenuous trail at about two to three hours of hiking (or four if you are slow). Mountainous, with huge rocks (it gets really rocky and steep once you get closer to the reservoir), there are bridges to cross (which our little man loves so much), and an amazing 360 view of the place. It was one beautiful hike and I am really I did it even though I was pregnant. I was being very careful, we packed enough water, hydrated ourselves during our hike and rested whenever we feel tired and had to take a moment to enjoy the scenery. I am one fan of hiking even if I get too tired and feel like I can't do it anymore, but I have an amazing husband who continues to encourage me. And I made it! Well, why don't I just show you some photos and see for yourself.

The start of our long hike! 

Harley was not too sure about walking on his own so he had to ride on dadda's back, but later on he got comfortable and walked all the way down. Our little trooper!

You will see this along the trail. It was beautiful!

The preggy mama! 

Gotta take a break and cool off.

He loves the bridge.

Our little hiker. This boy had been to a lot of places and a lot of adventures already. you are ended a trooper, sweetie!

Stopping for some wild berry snacks that were growing wildy along the trail. Sweet!

Look at these babies! They are small wild raspberries, but packed with flavor. Yummy!

We had to stop to check out the cold air coming out from the underground. It was helpful during our rest time when you are all hot and need some cool air.

All tired from hiking. Time for snack and some drink.

Me and Harley

On our way down the trail, Harley had to stop and picked up some rocks to throw in the water. He loves it!

 

 This is why the hike that long was worth it. Look at that view!

We made it! 

Tried to fish for a little bit though we didn't catch any. The wind started to pick up and it was late in the day so we had to go back up and headed back to our cabin in Parlin, Colorado.

Project 6/366: Cripple Creek, Colorado

Last summer we went on a second vacation to Colorado and explored a lot of places that we have never been too on our first vacation. I was then pregnant with my second child and we decided to make the most out of the vacation because we were thinking that when the baby arrives we are going to stay put and just enjoy being at home this summer, but we will see.

Anyway, I wanted to share some photos of our stay in Cripple Creek, Colorado. It was once a booming mining town back in the old days and to me I call it the Mini-Las Vegas. Everywhere you go, the downtown is filled with casinos, slot machines, bars, restaurants, all types of stores, you will see old people in the streets smoking, chatting and what not. I would say it's really not your family destination, but more like a get away from your kids and just have that time with your spouse, your boyfriend or your significant other. One thing I want to share with you though is that we were going to camp out, but have not found a place to camp so we decided to rent a room for the night. We didn't want to rent a room in a hotel where there is a casino because our little boy thought that those were video game machines and he wanted to play. It became a huge problem for this boy every time we passed by the casinos and he sees all the machines. He wanted to go and play, but he can't because kids are not allowed. So we decided to not stay downtown and ended up at this Bed and Breakfast that was once a Hospital back in the old days- the Cripple Creek Hospitality Bed & Breakfast. The building was beautiful and I enjoyed looking at all the old things that were in the house. They did a great job preserving the building and you will see all sorts of things that the hospital used back then. If you love old things, then you will definitely enjoy staying at this place. I will show you more photos of the B&B on my next post, but for now I'll show you the Cripple Creek town.

 Approaching the town of Cripple Creek.

Had to stop to stretch out, get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful weather and the view.

Downtown Cripple Creek, Colorado.

Make sure to get an early reservation if you want to visit the place. 

Cripple Creek Hospitality House

Bed & Breakfast

Cripple Creek, Colorado 

Almost 6 months pregnant.

The night got chilly so make sure to bring a jacket even if it's summer in Colorado.
It's also wise to pack a pair of rain boots especially if you love to camp.
Rain happens a lot in Colorado.

Just a little peek inside.
A really old stairs that squeaks every time you walk on it.

After securing our room for the night, we hit downtown and dined at Maggie's Restaurant. Right above was the Grande Hotel & Casino.

They have great food!
The ambiance is wonderful and we had a friendly waitress.
She was the one that told us the history about this building.
It was once a Morgue.

Gotta keep the boy busy so mama and dadda can eat.

Birthday Girl.

I always love spending my birthday in Colorado.
This would be my second time.

After dinner we explored the town a little bit and headed back to our room and rested for our next adventure.

Gotta see the choo choo train and snap a photo with the train conductor.

We thought our stay at Cripple Creek was an interesting one. We stayed at a B&B that was once a hospital and dined at a restaurant that was once a Morgue. Yes, people. A Morgue and it was a beautiful restaurant. Too bad I wasn't able to take some photos as we had to hurry and finish our meal because a little boy was helpless and ready to move. It was my birthday too so it was one reason to stop at this place, stay in a nice room with a shower and save camping for the next day. And we did! Thank you Colorado for a wonderful and colorful vacation! You continue to amaze us.