Monday, March 23, 2009

They say it's your birthday.

So, my birthday trip was awesome. I am still gleefully in disbelief over the fact that we live somewhere that allows us to take such fantastic weekend trips to such gorgeous places. We went to Glenwood Springs, about 150 miles west of Denver. We picked it for the hot springs, but that actually turned out to be the least interesting part of the trip (although still relaxing). The whole weekend was just great. You can see the full set of photos here.


I don't quite know what I was expecting, having never been to a hot springs before, but it wasn't a huge outdoor pool full of kids. You know? The water was lovely and we did find our own little spot to relax for awhile, but there were screaming kids with squirt guns everywhere, and the day was a little warm for such hot water, and we were both turned off by the fact that the pool charged separately for EVERYTHING--towel rental, to turn the bubbling jets on, to use the water slide.


Still, it was lovely and relaxing and I think we'll definitely go back there with our kids someday. And the town itself was gorgeous. We had a GREAT time. Somehow it hadn't really occurred to me that the drive would be through the Rockies (even though duh, west = mountains), but we did go through the mountains and it was BEAUTIFUL. We went through Vail and other gorgeous mountains, and at the highest point we were at about 10,600 feet.


The city itself is in Glenwood Canyon, and our hotel was right on the Colorado River. There was a little river walk that was perfect for quick walks with Montana. She was very well-behaved, but it definitely felt a little weird to be in a hotel room with a dog. And at first she freaked out in the elevator (she doesn't like new surfaces, and she was also scared of the movement), but by the end she was a total pro. And she's really good in the car. Basically, she's perfect and also adorable.



There was an excellent brewery nearby, and we drove up a random country road and stopped every little while to take photos of the stunning view. Then yesterday we took a tram up to the top of a mountain (Torsten nearly peed his pants on the windy tram ride, but it was totally worth it), and then took Montana for a little hike along the river through the canyon. We also had a yummy birthday dinner on Saturday night, and did a bit of outlet shopping on the way back, and then got home in the late afternoon and spent the evening relaxing.




And now here it is, my 25th birthday. I feel pretty great about being 25. When I was younger I don't think I ever would have imagined that I would be in this place in my life at this age, but I'm so happy with everything that's going on. This has been an amazing year, and it's only March. I have high hopes for 25 being even more fantastic. Starting with Mexican food and birthday cake tonight.

39 comments:

  1. Your weekend of pre-birthday celebrating sounds perfect in every way. Just make sure to keep celebrating for at least a week. I mean, you only turn 25 once! =)

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  2. Happy Birthday! Sounds like a fun trip. I love how Montana is smiling in that last photo of her. :)

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  3. Happy Birthday! Welcome to an awesome year - 25 is fabulous. :)

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  4. Happy Birthday!

    Sorry the springs were disappointing; we didn't have kids there when we went. Booo!

    Be sure to try some other springs nearby - that aren't "developed" and small. If I can find directions I'll send info about a little spring that is literally off the Colorado - there are some rocks that separate it from the rest of the river and that is it. It is totally secluded - you need to hike about a mile in - and small. There is room for you, Torsten, and one other couple and that is it!

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  5. Looks like a wonderful weekend - gorgeous photos. Happy happy birthday!

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  6. What a fun weekend!

    Happy birthday!

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  7. that place looks gorgeous! happy birthday!! :)

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  8. Sounds like a great trip!!! And welcome to 25!

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  9. What a beautiful trip, and happy birthday! Certainly no quarter-life crisis for you :)

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  10. Beautiful pictures! Happy birthday! Mexican food and cake. Doesn't get much better than that!

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  11. Happy birthday! I hope your next 25 are exponentially awesomer.

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  12. Happy birthday Jess! Sounds like your year is off to a perfect start.

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  13. Happy birthday!!

    The mountains, including all the ski resorts, are fun to play on in the summer.

    I have not been to a hot springs in years. I had no idea they were overrun with kids.

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  14. Mexican food is the best way to start any year! Glad you enjoyed your birthday!

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  15. What a fantastic trip! Happy Birthday darling!

    xox

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  16. Sounds like a GREAT birthday vacation and a great birthday dinner. Have fun! You deserve it!

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  17. If you thought Glenwood was pretty this time of year, next time try a trip in the middle of October. It's the perfect town for Halloween stuff (I've written/posted photos of Glenwood a few times on my blog) - and you can also get great deals at the Hotel Colorado during that time of year.

    Also, there's an excellent place to take a hike called the Hanging Lake trail nearby, which I highly recommend.

    Happy birthday!

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  18. Happy Birthday! <3

    What a wonderful way to spend the weekend. I've never been to hot springs either, although they do sound interesting.

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  19. Happy Birthday to you! Looks like you had a wonderful weekend! Best wishes for 25!

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  20. Happy Birthday! What an amazing place to be able to go.

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  21. Happy Birthday Jess! I hope you (and it looks like you are) really enjoy the day. You actually share a birthday with my mom:)

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  22. happy birthday! those pics are stunning. here's hoping 25 continues being incredibly fabulous :-)

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  23. Happy Birthday!

    My favorite time for the Glenwood Hot Springs is snowy winter evenings--the dash from the dressing room to the hottest pool is ICEE, but then AAAAHH.

    Other awesome hot springs, that are a little more package-dealie:

    Saratoga Inn, WY. If you go to this resort, about four hours northwest of Denver, the pools are right there, part of the hotel, included in the price. As are cookies. :) They have good rates in winter, which is coincidentally the best time for hot springs anyway. The pools are closed to non-guests.

    Princeton Hot Springs. This is kind of near Buena Vista, CO (maybe 2 hours west of Denver?), and the pool (somewhat kiddish) is included in your stay, which again, is reasonable in winter (and only somewhat less reasonable in summer).

    I could go on. Those are my favorites.

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  24. Sounds like an excellent trip. Happy birthday!

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  25. You know, you can totally see the difference in Montana in the photos. The very first photos you posted, she looked unsure, and uncomfortable, but those photos, she looks happy and totally at ease. It's awesome :)

    Glad you had a fantastic birthday!

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  26. Beautiful photos!! Happy birthday!!

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  27. What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday! Happy, happy 25th :)

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  28. Happy birthday girlfriend. I hope you are having a great day!

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  29. Happy Birthday! Glad it was a great get away. :-)

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  30. Aww happy birthday! You're making me all jealous-y, what with me rapidly approaching 25 and not nearly as with-it as you are!

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  31. Gorgeous pictures, beautiful dog and a happy birthday to you!!

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  32. That sounds just lovely! I'd love to go to a place like that, but maybe with more stuff included in the price. I love breweries and hikes, so everything sounds wonderful.

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  33. They were probably there because of spring break. I've been there several times in the summer (with my kids) and it wasn't like that. You'll have to go back to Glenwood Springs in the summer for some whitewater rafting.

    liz

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