Colorful Colorado

Colorful aspen trees

Our latest adventure took us to the colorful state of Colorado!  We had a conference in Breckenridge and decided to make a weekend of it by visiting Vail to see Alex's brother Ben fish in the America Cup.  On our way to Vail, we got to do some much needed leaf peeping.  We had been longing for the bright colors of an eastern fall and found comfort in Colorado's aspen trees.  At every turn we were amazed by the golden hues dancing across the mountains.  

Driving

When we arrived in Vail we were met by Irene, Ben's GF.  We (Irene, Alex & Libby) decided to get our shop on at the outlet mall.  A little weird to go to Vail and shop... but when you live in places like Missoula and State College you learn to appreciate a good outlet mall.  

We also had a chance to watch Ben fish.  It was pretty neat to see a fly fishing tournament and meet some of Ben's fishing buddies.  Ben invited us to a banquet where we were able to see his efforts rewarded.  The money Ben and others raise in the Americas Cup went toward the Wounded Warriors Project that introduces vets to fly fishing.  

We also had a chance to bike while we were in Vail.  We biked up to Vail Pass (10,000+ ft).  We were sucking wind the entire way and thought we might die.  But what a cool way to see all the fall colors.  The altitude really gets to ya!

Cousin Lee and Libby

While we were in Vail we had coffee with Cousin Lee!  He lives in Edwards, CO; just a 5 minute drive away from where we were staying.  We got to meet his dog and see the Village of Vail.  We also got caught up on family gossip.  It was great to see all of our family members in Vail - Ben, Irene and Lee.

After Vail, we traveled to Breckenridge.  The town is tucked up in the mountains and about 10 degrees colder.  While we were there it got cold enough to snow!  We went to Breck for an academic conference.  We stayed at the Beaver Run Resort...swanky.

Hotel in Breckenridge

Irene and Ben sampling beer

Ben and Irene met us in Breck for a night.  While we conferenced they enjoyed the local establishments and found a brewpub for us all to go to for dinner.  We had a blast sampling beers and playing Monday Night Football Bingo.  

The conference was great.  We had a chance to reconnect with some of our favorite people, especially Al Graefe.  We made several contacts for future research and had fun getting to know new people.  Overall, the conference was a success and we both left inspired.  

Colorful Colorado was just what we needed.  A little break in the semester to recharge the batteries.  Although we enjoyed our time away, we are happy to be back in the Last Best Place... our home in Montana.