Various travel photographs and stories

This year we did the research and appropriate planning, spent the money, and rented a condo. It wasn’t easy or cheap, but worth it? YES. I’ve been going to this film festival for 10+ years, and in all those years I’ve always camped, if you can call it that. The scenario: Wake-up usually shivering, and put on a bunch of clothes because it’s really cold. Pack up all the stuff you need for the day, and hop in the car. The location where we’ve camped is about a 15 minute drive from town. Usually we would make that trip twice a day. You spend all day and night in town watching movies, sitting in the various restaurants, and walking around in Telluride. At about 1:30 in the morning you head back to camp and crawl in your sleeping bag. continued »

This year for our anniversary (our 3rd) we decided we would take a weekend trip to San Francisco. The idea was to wait and see what we could swing for a last minute deal. About two weeks prior we started surfing the web, trolling for airfare and hotel packages. We found what we thought to be a reasonably priced package with direct flights and what sounded like a swanky hotel. We weren’t disappointed. We stayed at the Fairmont Hotel right on top of Nob Hill. I took Friday off of work. Chris was already on a break from teaching, so she didn’t need to take any additional time. We left Friday morning and returned Sunday evening. It was a quick trip, but I felt we saw a lot for two days.

This past Thanksgiving was spent in and around the city of Boston with the Martin-Joy family. It was however, a very quick trip. We arrived Thursday Thanksgiving afternoon, and hoped back on the plane Saturday morning. Friday was really our only full day there. We spent good part of that day sightseeing and avoiding the rain in the city of Boston.

The Thanksgiving turkey was deep fried which seemed to be the norm this year. I had never before heard of deep fried turkey, suddenly it was everywhere. Everyone I spoke with to shows on television was talking about deep frying turkey. I have to admit it was delicious. One of my favorite things we had for our meal was appetizer I believe they said it was afghan food. I think it was called Kadu Bouranee (Sweet Pumpkin). It had amazing flavors that went well together. The company was part of the extended family I had never met. The were wonderful people who were a joy to be around.

This past Labor Day weekend like most years in the past, a few made the journey to Telluride, CO. Why, you ask? For the annual Telluride Film Festival. This year marked the 30th anniversary. If you never been to Telluride Colorado, or any of the areas in the San Juan mountains of Southern Colorado, take note, it’s an enchanted area. The Southern mountains of Colorado are my favorite in the state, and are a truely amazing sites to see.

I’ve been going to the Telluride Film Festival for the past 10 years. I’ve definitely missed a few of those years, but most years I find myself in Telluride Labor weekend. It is always something to look forward to. They do a great job with this film fest and atttract some great film makers, both big names and those just getting started.

Yet another adventure in the higher geographic places of Colorado. For this trip, we left Friday after work. Headed West to the little town of Minturn which is just South of Vail, CO. We ate dinner there with about 40 others. Minturn is not that popular. Judging from the announcements and a couple of toasts, someone was getting married the following day, and this was the rehersal dinner.

After our meal we drove about another 30 minutes to the trail head. We proceeded to stuff our backpacks, strap on our boots, and hydrate with water we didn’t feel like carrying. We hiked for about an hour. By this time it was well past dark. Well, sort of... It was a full moon so there was plenty-o-light. We found a suitable area on top of Halfmoon Pass (11,600'). We laid out some tarps and slept under the stars. Which weren’t the best for viewing with the full moon.

Just outside of Aspen, Colorado a few folks enjoyed a perfectly enjoyable 3 day weekend. Activities included hammock lounging, fire starting, and finding that perfect spot to pitch a tent. Some also ventured up to the top of Castle Peak (14,265'), and the subsequent glissade down.

For those not well versed in the art of glissading, think of sleding without the sled. At 14,000' there is plenty of snow even on the 4th of July. You sit down, lift up your heels and away you go. On this particular occasion some even found themselves airborne. Not just a few inches off the ground, but a lot off the ground. The stomach cramping, induced by laughter off the ground. (sorry, no pictures).