Breckenridge

It seems my 3 day stay in Boulder had only served to wet my appetite for the Rockies and I decided to make for Breckenridge, one of the popular 3 ski towns in a triangle 2 hrs South East of Denver. It partners Aspen and Vail as one of 'the' places to ski during the winter season (Properties here inlcude those belonging to Mel Gibson and Greg Norman amongst others)

The journey from Boulder was not an easy one, and my lack transport was making life ever more diffcult in this part of the states. I had to take 3 buses to make it to Breck, the first being a very pleasant local shuttle to Denver Greyhound station (yes greyhound......after 5 journeys with them even the word induces nausea!). It turns out I grabbed the last ticket at the checkout for the bus to Frisco - hows that for luck and boarded about 45 mins later. Now, this journey would have been fine apart from one horrible woman who decided that because no-one would give up their seat for here daughter  (who had no ticket!) that everyone must be racist and have a problem with women. She decided to announce this for around 30 mins at full volume to the disgust of everyone onboard. I was hoping the driver may make a sharp braking manouvre and send her through the front window - no such luck.

On arrival at Frisco I took my bags from the bus and waited for the final shuttle up to the town. I decided to open my bag and grab a jumper as by this point we had gained some serious altitude and it had dropped to around 5-10 degrees. It was then that I realised that due to the pressure change, my shower gel had exploded in my bag all over my things. I was not a happy chappy, and only with the aid of some Subway napkins I had saved did I manage to half mop up the mess.

I was so relieved when arriving at the B&B to realise that I was staying in one of the most gorgeous places on my trip so far. A lovely lodge style building littered with English army memorabilia from the owners (An ex army Major and his lovely wife) career. It really did feel very homely.

I had the pleasure of staying here for 12 days and managed a number of great outings including visits to an old ghost mining town (Breckenridge started as a gold mining village) and 5 hikes of around 10 miles a pop up to around 13, 000ft with breathtaking views. I met loads of cool people and enjoyed a number of potent nights out (1 beer in equal to around 3 at this altitude!!) with all of them. The town holds regular events too such as stunt biking, Friday night outdoor parties with live music and of course the famous outhouse racing (basically involves 3 men pulling another man riding on a toilet of varying decor - entrants included a church themed outhouse called Holy Crap and a greek number named the Acrapolis!!).

This place is truly breathtaking. Waking up and walking to the coffee shop with 12,000ft snow capped mountains as your backdrop is quite special. Even the quiet nights in here are really something, with the fire lit and the constant playful antics of the house dogs ( two gorgeous Poodles, Anguar and Gaspode), looking through the window at the sun setting whilst sipping a beer is really something!

I could write on and on about my time here but I have to get a move on. Tomorrow is an early rise (5.30 am!!) to get to Denver Airport. I'll be picking up my rental car from there and heading to Yellowstone National Park with the aim of snapping some Grizzlies, Wolves, Bison, Bald Eagles and various other amazing creatures that call this park home. I hope to do a day of this by horseback too for a more authentic, off the beaten track, look at the park which should be a real experience.

Im off now to wash my bag one more time - going into bear country with a grape and raspberry shower gel fragranced bag is not a good idea!!!

Despite having so much to look forward to, I really am going to miss this place and the people.