Cross-Country Road Trip: Day Eight, 8/22/12

This, Day 6, was a great day. After we left Boulder, Co, we headed toward Colorado Springs to meet my good friend from high school, Shannon. The sights, the mountains, were absolutely stunning. Hues of purple. The grasses and shrubs--bright green.

We met Shannon at a barbecue joint called Front Range on West Colorado Ave, with claim to the best sliders in the state. 

After a close look at the menu, sliders were the last thing on my mind. I'm a huge sucker for slow roast, so the pulled pork it was. That is, with two side choices. Two? Why stop there. How could I refuse the onion straws, in addition to half of the things on the menu. Good thing the fiance and I split this tasty dish. Front Range Barbecue is highly recommended.

One of my biggest requests was to go camping at least once during the trip. I hadn't been camping since my 21st birthday. In other words, far too long. So, camping is what we set out to do. Since there wasn't a shortage of beautiful land in Colorado, we just drove until we couldn't any longer. We were in no rush to stop.

As the sun started to go down, we pulled into the Rio Grande National Forest Campground: Park Creek. Seventeen dollars later, we set up our tent, attempted (I repeat *attempted*) a camp fire, and ate our dinner at the picnic table with the pups by our feet. 

How did the rest of the night end? Hilariously, that's how. The air mattress we slept on began to deflate. I... I was in the middle, sandwiched between two dogs and a bearded fellow. The mattress caved in, and I was swallowed. At approximately 3am. This was my first meeting with claustrophobia, and we dare not face again.

The morning (after we fully deflated the mattress) was incredibly beautiful. We woke next to a stream, which T.C. hiked along and across with the pups. A perfect start to the day. That is, the best day of the entire trip.

State:

• Colorado

Visits:

• Colorado Springs, CO
• South Fork, CO

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Cross-Country Road Trip: Day Six and Seven, 8/20/12-8/21/12

Thanks for reading. I know it's been a while, but moving (and everything that goes along with it) has taken over around here. But, I'm back in writing mode.

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Day six and seven of our cross-country trip were spent recuperating from our travels. We settled in a little niche of the Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Black Hawk, Colorado. T.C.'s incredible Aunt Beth and Uncle Dave hosted us in one of the most interesting and unusual houses I've ever visited. Both his aunt and uncle work as bartenders, but their true passion is dedicated to their art.

Below is their backyard. The man in the crescent moon overlooking the fire pit...

Fascinating metal sculptures nestled amongst the trees...

Barber chairs, you see? That's right. Over the week, stories were told of artist folk and wine drinking having led to experiences with what has been coined, "The Wheel of Hair."

The Wheel of Hair is taken quite seriously in this neck of the woods. What you land on is what you get--and what must remain for at least a day. The next day, often a mullet is cut for pictures; then the head is shaved. T.C.'s uncle asked if we wanted to take a spin. T.C., already having sported a mullet years ago, didn't care to re-experience the look. As you could have guessed, I gave a huge PASS.

The guest house:

The walking trail mere yards from the house led into the National Forest. So remote. So peaceful. I could have gotten lost for hours, willingly.

I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

When we got back to the house from our walk, T.C. and I were both tired and famished. He whipped up a delicious snack: halved bagel pan-grilled in butter, marinated artichoke leaves, freshly-shaved parmesan cheese, light salt and pepper. It was honestly one of the best snacks I've ever eaten.

To switch things up a bit, T.C., his aunt, cousin, and I went to the Wild Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery in Nederland, CO, where Dave was working that night. 

It is said that customers believe the Smokehouse has, hands-down, the best wings. Intriguing, right? Lover of all wings, here. Had to have 'em. Along with an additional 5 lbs. of food we couldn't finish. We ordered the slow-smoked pulled pork bowl: a dish that can come with three of the many sides offered: french fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, corn--you get the point. Better yet, it comes with two choices of their five sauces. Love me some sauce.

The wings really were some of the best wings I've ever had. The pulled pork was mouthwatering. The coleslaw was unbelievable.

To top it off: the beer flight to wash it all down.

This is the first time I had heard of the two-bite brownie sundae--a really clever idea. 

The family: Dave (uncle), T.C., Beth (aunt), Angie (cousin)

A little Q.T. with the pup:

T.C.'s cousin, Elyse, flew into Denver. Perfect timing! The two hadn't seen each other in years, and a visit was long overdue. We picked her up from the airport, met my good friend Cheryl at a wonderful little diner for breakfast, and then headed over to Beth's diner in Boulder (The Village Coffee Shop) for some coffee and a chat. The place was packed the hour we were there. Great vibe, good brew, nice crowd. Customers beware: If you're a first-timer, you will be announced to the entire restaurant. A fun tradition.

Fun in the kitchen, making some seriously delicious pasta primavera.

Our reluctant bye-for-now:

Dave (uncle), Elyse (cousin), T.C.

State:

• Colorado

Visits:

• Black Hawk, CO
• Nederland, CO
• Boulder, CO

Route:

• CO-119

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