Pedal Power

This morning Daddy headed out fishing again, and we went for a bike ride. We rented bicycles and went to the Animas River trail. It was so nice, and we all wished we had rented them for an extra hour.

The Animas was VERY cold! Of course she repeated this ten times. :)

Leaving his signature next to the river.

After our ride we went to Michel's Corner Crepes. I had read about this place on tripadvisor.com, and it did not disappoint. It was delicious! The kids also learned that they love San Pellegrinos. Allison remembered that "try a new food" is on our bucket list, and these kids have not had savory crepes. We shared two: pulled pork and goat cheese and smoked salmon, caper, and creme cheese. They've had lox plenty of times, but it was wrapped in a new package.

We finished off the day back at the Durango Recreation Center for a couple of hours of swimming. Once again I have two wiped out kids!

Giddy-up Little Fishy

This morning the girls went one way and the boys another. Allison and I went horseback riding, and Daddy and Aidan went fishing. The minimum age for horseback riding around here is 6, so Aidan didn't make the cut. He didn't seem to mind one bit though.

Horseback Riding

I didn't take the camera on the trail ride today. I honestly just wanted to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and some time with Allison without technology of any sort. I can tell you that she had a huge smile on her face the entire time.

The ride was gorgeous and a little more difficult than other trail rides we've done. We were, after all, in the Rockies. Many loose rocks, ups and downs, and close trees to go between. We went down by Vallecito Lake, and it was breath taking. Allison and I had an amazing morning!

Allison on Missy

Missy was the perfect horse. My horse, Joe, was a stinker!

Pete, our guide. It was just the three of us. That's Joe with them.

Allison feeding Missy an apple.

Fishing

Daddy and Aidan went down to the Pike River outside of our cabin. Aidan caught his first trout, and he ended up catching three! They had a great time as well.

Slippery Sucker!

After sandwiches we headed back to Vallecito Lake for a little boating. We went out on a fishing boat, and they tried to catch some on spinning reels. No luck, but it was fun!

Another awesome day on the books! After the boating we went to a little lakeside cafe for chips, salsa, and adult beverages. Everyone agreed this has been an unbelievable vacation so far.

Mesa Verde

Today we walked the steps of ancient adobe dwellers! We took the Balcony House tour which included a climb up a 32-foot ladder, a 12-foot tunnel crawl that was only 18" wide, and climbing up a 60-foot open rock face.

Climbing the 32-foot Ladder

Hand and Foot Wall

Two-story Home

Learning About Kivas - Aidan was fascinated by these. He could tell us all about how they kept warm and cold through the air flow system.

Aidan participated in a demonstration on how corn meal was made in the 1200s.

Climbing Through the 18-inch Tunnel

Afterwards we went and did the self-guided Spruce Tree House trail. This included the best preserved dwellings and pictographs.

Climbing Into and Out of a Kiva

Spruce Tree House Dwellings - My kids officially loved the most memorable part of my trip from when I was 10 years old! Makes a Mommy's heart happy.

Adventure Day

Long Post Warning - I just cannot cut these pictures down any more.

Today Daddy and Uncle Ross went on a float trip fishing, so the kids and I headed to Durango Mountain Resort and the Durango Recreation Center.

In the summer they have an Adventure Package at the ski lodge outside of Durango. I really thought this would take hours, but we zoomed through our five activities in under two.  Each kid could choose five activities out of eight.

Bungee Trampoline

Aidan wanted his picture taken on this ATV.

Alpine Slide

(Aidan did this one twice.)

Ropes Course

Water Runners

Mechanical Bull

Zip Line

After all of that they were hungry, so we loaded up on pizza and ice cream. Then we went to the pool for a couple of hours at the Durango Recreation Center. It is a really great place, and I see the kids and I back there Monday when Daddy goes on his other float trip.

We should have three very tired kids tonight! It was a great day, and there were smiles, giggles, and "thank you's" the entire time. I'm so glad they had so much fun!