R&R at the Snow Palace

So after the road trip I was in serious need of a break. I returned to Breck and was crashing at the "Snow Palace", Chris, Kristin, Kirsten and Jeff's house they had for the season. They have a lease until the end of May and Chris and Kirsten had already gone home so there were some space beds and not much going on. Just what I needed. Kristen was also gone, she was in Hawaii so it was only Jeff and me, and left for a few days as well. I basically did absolutely nothing. It was difficult to even leave the house some days but I'd force myself to go for a run or walk into town just to get some activity during the days. Some of you may think that this would be a waste of time or completely boring, but no. It was exactly what I needed after the season and the road trip. I was feeling beat up and abused. My body was not happy with me so this was just the break I needed. I watched a bunch of movies and read Seabuiscit, which Arthur had found for me in Telluride and just recovered.

Soon enough Kristin came back from Hawaii with her friend Kristen, and Jeff returned a day or so later. So my peace and quiet was gone and I had some company again. Which was nice considering it was a bit creepy to be in a big house all on my own but it meant staying up a bit later and having a few beers. It was strange, the first night I had a beer again it really didn't taste that nice and it didn't really make me feel that good. Usually having a beer smooths things over and generally makes me feel better, but not this time. Anyway, we had a few nights of entertainment. We got the bow and arrow set out again and failed at trying to make the sucker arrows stick to the window and then they had a bit of fun going mad with the hair spray on mine and Kristins hair. during the day we'd go into town or go on a hike. The hike we did was a bit challenging. It's still really early in the season and the trail was covered in snow. It meant you had to walk right on the path where the snow was compacted. One step to the side and you'd sink in to your thigh. I went in a couple of times but Kristin was having a tough time and scraping up her legs falling through the snow.

Arthur returned on Wednessday. We went into Denver to get a few bits and bobs and hang out before picking him up at the airport. Our final night in Breck we went to the Killers concert at Red Rocks. I didn't have a ticket but everyone else did but we figured we could scalp one easily. It urned out alright. As we picked up the other guys tickets at the will call window there was a couple who had an extra ticket that we picked up. So mission accomplished, I had my ticket. It was going to be an awesome show in a venue that people rave about. We got settled in and saw the opening acts and then the Killers came on. They opened up with a couple songs then it appeared that they were sorting something out, maybe taking a quick break. Why they would need to take a break so soon I don't know. But soon enough it became apparent. Some one came on stage and said that Brandon Flowers was having trouble with his throat and voice. Then sure enough, 20 minutes later they cancelled the show. So two songs and goodnight. It pretty much sucked. Apart from the show being cancelled I thought Red Rocks was a cool venue. You got a view over Denver and were surrounded by the amazing rock formations. So visually it was amzaing but I wasn't too impressed with it as a concert venue. The sound wasn't very good because the winds were swirling around and changing the voilume and quality of the sound. Maybe if you were closer to the stage or if it was a still summer evening it would work I don't know. It's definitely worth going for a show to experince it but I wasn't blown away by the place.

Well, that sums up my rest and relaxation back in Breck. I'm about to pack my stuff and head down to Canon City today to begin raft guiding. I'll have the weekend to get situated and then the training starts on Monday. Hopefully I'll be able to treat my body a bit better this timme round but it might be difficult. I'll let you know.

R&R at the Snow Palace