Now this is roughing it!

Believe it or not, this wonderful home is a mere cabin compared to the log mansions nearby. Up here in the hills above Breckenridge, it is very quiet and peaceful. The only thing lacking is oxygen. At 10,000 feet, it's a bit difficult to breathe and some in our party are feeling quite distressed.

Comfy and dry

Think of it. We could be sleeping in wet tents somewhere in the Colorado wilderness. The only thing that would make this stay better would be if we could have come when our beloved aunt and uncle are here.

Hanging out the laundry

The hills in the background are across the Breckenridge valley. The town itself is below. The peaks range in height from 12,000 - 14,000 feet and are above the treeline. A bit further east, to the right and unseen, is the fabulous ski resort.

How many pounds are in your tires?

Scott mistakenly starts it all by checking the tires pressures on his Wing as we are getting ready to ride into town for breakfast. He whips out his portable 12 volt air pump to top off his tires and everyone else thinks they should, too. A solid 30 minutes later and we still aren't done while our empty tummies are rumbling in protest. As we discover some appallingly low pressures, a wide range of emotions are expressed: indifference, dismay, distrust of the tire gauge and the time honored "real men don't check tire pressures but once a month".

Lining the bikes up in downtown Breckenridge

That peak off in the distance is 14,000 feet high and there are no trees on it because it's above treeline. We saw people wearing t-shirts around town with "Got Air?" on them. Nice.

Main Street America at 9,500 feet

By the look of it, you sure wouldn't guess this town is at 9,500 ft way up in the Colorado Rockies, would you?

Hoosier Pass

While the guys are relaxing around the house, some of them rather uncomfortable due to the thin air, Scott decides to ride up to Hoosier Pass. It's only a 9 mile ride but it's a wonderful route up through the high hills.

Hanging out in the kitchen

While Uncle John and Jeff examine the family photos, Joe and Scott, as usual, are pouring over road maps. By the end of the day, Joe and John will decide to leave tomorrow and head for home and lower elevations to ease their high elevation distress.