snow in Durango

Christmas has come and gone with lots of family and fun. We started out in Amarillo then on to Houston for more family. Now we're in Durango, just the two of us, enjoying the beauty, stoking the fire, and shoveling like crazy. We're snowed in so to speak. The first morning at the house we dug the jeep out from at least two feet of snow. The tires were completely covered and the embankment behind the jeep even taller thanks to the necessary snow plows that come along about 6 am each morning.

We managed a quick trip into town yesterday for an anniversary lunch at Jean Pierre's. And, yes, I left with a bag of my favorite little chocolate drop cookies. Justified of course because of all the shoveling. Thank goodness I got them before the snow really stated falling again dropping the visibility and sending us hightailing it back to the house (which always gets way more snow than in town).

Here's a picture of the Stater Hotel in Durango just before the heavy flakes started pounding town again.



The texture of the snow is perfect for primo powder skiing, if you can withstand the single digit temps and the 4X4 drive. We were hoping to flyfish the Animas today with my new Christmas rod (a sweet little Dorber 3wt), but with two feet of new snow and frigid temps, we'll wait. Tomorrow we'll go for some snow-hiking around a nearby lake cameras in hand.

At some point today we'll be shoveling off the loads of snow from the upper deck and will continue the daily maintenance behind the jeep and around the tires. Fun!




Cheers and Happy New Year Everyone!

taos, new mexico and the austing haus

My recent trip to Taos was great - just as expected. Everything was at a pre-holiday, low roar. The mountain didn't have much snow, but about seven runs were open and people were happily skiing.

We didn't ski this trip, but met up with Bobby Slade, one of the owners of the Austing Haus. He gave us the low down on the place and showed us some of his favorite haunts.

Austing Haus is a great budget stay for skiers. It's called a B&B, but it's more like a small hotel (20 rooms) that serves a belly-filling breakfast for a day on the slopes. The digs aren't fancy, but after a day of hitting the mountain I've never cared for much more than a comfortable bed and a warm room. And I was able to check both of those off my list.

The breakfast area is roomy and makes for a good evening place to play games, read a book, or rest those weary muscles. If the snow is falling take time to chill and watch the flakes out all of the giant windows.

Austing Haus is convenient for skiers. It's a mile from the slopes and is the first lodging on the left hand side as you get up the mountain.

Even though the place isn't fancy or plush, the staff is great, breakfasts hit the spot, and its location rocks!

Colorado Flyfishing: Where to Eat, Sleep, Fish

Mark's book is doing really well. Check it out - He and Chad had the summer of their lives traveling and writing this book. Glad I got to chip in a bit here and there.

Colorado Flyfishing: Where to Eat, Sleep, Fish

Hidden treasures: Traveling the Spanish coast | Amarillo Globe-News

Hidden treasures: Traveling the Spanish coast | Amarillo Globe-News


I know it's winter, but it's not too early to be planning a little summer sun. Costa Brava Spain is a place I dream of returning to, in fact plans are in the works now! Check it out.

jingle bell runs

Hooray for all the fun runs this time of year! They're good exercise, but also a good excuse to get out with your friends and have some fun. Amarillo's Jingle Bell Run is coming up Saturday, December 11 at 5:30. The four miler is set to be a leisure run so participants can enjoy the gorgeous lights of the Wolflin area. Illuminate yourself in some way....Christmas lights, reflective clothing, blinking hats, or bring a flashlight.

Meet at Austin Park, 5:30. See you there!

If you're in Dallas on the 22nd, sign up for their Jingle Bell Run as well. It's one of my favorites. Everyone really gets into dressing up and having a good time. The Dallas skyline is beautiful and it's fun to run over the bridge and venture into a part of downtown you may not normally experience, on foot anyway.

Get Fit, Have Fun: The new motto for my work Wellness program!