Got my email from Snow.com (I get email from them since I normally keep an open Epic or Colorado Pass at all times -- best deals ever - get one if you plan on skiing 6 or more days this season) - and it mentioned that Arapaho Basin is open.
I'm in the area doing more renovations in the Condo at Wild Irishman (see Summit Cove link at right to schedule your rental) for the 2009/2010 season, and I decided to take a break this morning to hike the ridge at Loveland Pass.
I parked at the pass, and it was 30 degrees but really windy, like 20 mph fairly sustained, so I put a shell on and started up the trail. I have a Garmin eTrex HC that I am just learning to use, and I put the Summit County USGS maps in it, so I have contour lines, and I started a track at the parking, and took off.
I got to the top of point 12,880 (not sure if it has a name - it doesn't on my map) and the wind was closer to 35 mph there, so I snugged up my hood, looked off toward Grizzly and Kessler and headed back to the car. Car to car in one hour, over 1,000' of gain (trail goes up and down some - I hit my high point in 36 minutes).
I spent a minute looking wistfully at the skiers and riders having a great time on the really good-looking snow at Arapaho (still bare on top though) and getting their early-season legs in shape. It'll be another month before I get on my skis this year.
I came down to the condo and took a quick shower and headed into town to get some groceries (I like the Amy's organic microwave meals, and this time I also got some Kashi organic meals, and they had a great sale on yogurt today) at City Market.
I'm working on plumbing and cleaning the carpets the next two weeks. There's been a few complaints of "tricky" faucets in the master bath that I'm addressing. I'm also putting in the really cool "slow closing" toilet seats. You just tap them downward and they close slowly on their own almost silently. I love them and have put them all over in my primary residence and will probably get them put in at my office.
I also have a major project at work that I need to work on some this next two weekends, so thank goodness for the resort internet wireless here. My (and my wife's) favorite spot is the black granite countertop by the kitchen sink. There's a handy outlet and you're central to the family. If you want a bit more privacy or quiet or seclusion, the bench window seat in the master is another favorite of mine.
I'll let you know more and post some pictures if I get some more done. BTW: the carpet looks great where I've cleaned it - I'm moving furniture around to really get it cleaned good.
