Steamboat Springs

We had a wonderful time in Steamboat Springs.  We drove for 2 hours then had lunch in Dillion at the Smiling Moose--great sandwiches.  Two hours later we were in Steamboat Springs.

Driving through the mountains was so different from Canada.  The Rockies here are rocky and snowy but there is high chaparral country that reminded me of a Zane Grey novel.  Lots of sagebrush and rocky outcrops with hoodoos.  We saw Scottish highland cattle as well as bison and black Aberdeen Angus.  Definitely beef country.  It was weird seeing ranches so high up the mountain sides.

Steamboat Springs is a quaint ski town with some great little shops, restaurants and cafés.  Geoff's favourite coffee shop, Spill the Beans offered me the best Chai Latté I have ever had.  Lots of ginger and black pepper.  Julie, the owner, brought out a white board so the kids could draw while we enjoyed her coffees.

While Geoff went for a run, we walked the main street and checked out the shops.  Later we ate at an Italian restaurant, Riggio's, which catered to kids.  The next morning we had breakfast at Freshies then walked along the Yampa River.  We even checked out the sulphur springs after which Steamboat Springs is named.  The springs made the sound of a huffing steamboat.

Today, being Good Friday, we've been making Easter preparations and tomorrow is Geoff's birthday so we'll be celebrating all weekend.  Too bad we must leave Colorado on Sunday.