Weekend Warrior: Denver Part 2

There’s nothing better than getting a text from a friend that says,
“Denver. My birthday weekend. Let’s go.”

Shortly after having planned the weekend trip with Dominic to Denver, which you can read here, my travel bestie Kristin and I were talking about how we are always constantly going places each month. Or at least we make it a point to be somewhere different once a month. She wanted to go somewhere for her birthday which is in February and when she found out Denver was in the works with Dominic she decided that was the place she wanted to go. Especially to see the snow covered mountains. So, three weeks after my initial trip to Denver, I was darkening Kyle’s doorstep once more, along with Dominic to accompany Kristin for her birthday.

After seeing photos and snaps from my previous trip to Denver, Kristin became more and more excited about seeing the “snow covered mountains.” So a thought crossed my mind; let’s just rent a cabin for a night. Between Dominic’s “oohs” and “ahhs” the last time around, I figured we could all just use a mountain escape. So after consulting with Kyle, our Denver expert, we decided on a place to rent for the Saturday night of our trip. Since we were only going to have the one night there I thought it would be fun to just bond, play games, have a few drinks, and just enjoy being in the mountains. Kyle, obviously, would take care of the sight seeing aspect since he did such a good job the last time around.
During one of our planning phone calls Kyle and I were trying to decide if Kristin’s reactions to the scenery would beat Dominic’s…. well… while Kristin was as equally excited she was NOT hanging out of windows to get photos and wasn’t as surprised by mountain wildlife. Therefore, Dominic definitely can keep his “Such a Tourist” award safe and sound. Lmao.

And the weekend arrives…

Kristin and I planned our flights to arrive pretty much at the same time to make it convenient for Kyle to pick us up together. Although we made it easier for Kyle, I ended up having to wait for her for almost an hour due to delays. Side note: at some point in this blog of mine I’ll have to dedicate a post to how much “bad juju” Kristin (and I) have had in the past 8 months with flights. Once she arrived our gracious host picked us up and took us to enjoy a much needed dinner. Where did we go you my ask? Fat Burger. Knowing my penchant for burger ending up at a burger place is not too far of a stretch. It was decent, had nothing on In-and-Out or even my favorite burger place in the UK - which you can read about here. After dinner we headed back to the house where we stayed up talking and catching up until Kyle, like the old man that he is, went to bed.

The next morning we got up, went a grabbed some much needed coffee, and picked up Dominic at the airport. My initial thought once Dominic was in the car was… YES! now Kristin can be my witness to the bromance between the guys. It was so nice to have another female around. Especially during the moments where the guys were being guys and checking out their “views” — cue eye roll. We then headed to breakfast at the Moonlight Diner, where I can’t remember what I ordered but I sure do remember how much Kristin enjoyed her blueberry pancakes. Once breakfast was done Kyle, Kristin, and I headed back to the house for a little while as Dominic met up with a friend. To kill time we revisited our pre-teen/teen years and enjoyed some rounds of Mario Kart. Which proved to be entertaining as the level of competitiveness began to rise. Mainly between Kyle and Kristin… much to Kyle’s dismay Kristin proved a challenge, though he won’t admit it. After an hour or two we finally headed out to pick up Dominic… once again…. and head towards to the cabin. We made a pit stop at Apple Jacks and the grocery store to pick up alcohol and food for the night. By this time, we were all a little hungry so Kyle readjusted our route and made the decision to stop at Tommyknockers for a few beers and appetizers. The drive there gave Kristin a taste of the mountain range, which was pretty still as impressive as it was the first time we drove through there. With her sweet DJing skills and hilarious conversation with everyone the ride to Tommyknocker didn’t see that long. Obviously though our stop just for a “few” beers turned into actual meals. So by the time we made it to the cabin food was the furthest thing from our minds. I was kind of bummed we missed the views on the drive to the cabin, since it was already dark. But it was still nice, in a “this could have been a horror film” kind of way. Driving on unpaved roads in the middle of trees, thank the Lord for GPS. Once we got to the cabin we unloaded the car, which gave us flat landers a taste of the elevation difference. Going up and down the steps from the deck to the guest cabin made us all — except Kyle — feel out of shape. Comfy clothes called our names once we recovered and then we spent the night laughing, drinking, playing card games [aka everyone gang up on Kristin and make the birthday girl drunk], and getting serenaded by each other as the music playing brought us back to our high school days.

Being the eve of Kristin’s birthday, making it to midnight was key. However, we barely managed to do that. The guys passed out prior to, so Kristin and I stayed up talking until one… I think then went to bed because we had all talked about getting up early to watch the sun rise from the deck of our cabin.

Before Kristin has her coffee.

After Kristin has her coffee.

I’m actually proud of us, we got up and enjoyed the sunrise. Well… us meaning everyone but Kyle. Then grill master Dominic whipped up the food we had intended to use for dinner, as breakfast. I can honestly say that burgers (seasoned to perfection by moi), brats, eggs, and bacon never tasted so good.

After we packed up and drove back down the mountain, we took detours for different views — or as Kyle calls it, not getting lost. But that made the drive that much more interesting. The Colorado mountains are majestic. We were also got suckered into hiking. Not that I don’t love hiking, but I wasn’t prepared and then you have to factor in the elevation change. For us low landers (although El Paso does have some elevation) it can be a trek uphill as our lungs aren’t used to it. Plus it was cold. Plus it was windy. But, we got to meet many dogs along the way.

Monday while Kyle was at work the three of us ventured to Snooze for breakfast followed by a venture to the zoo. Which, I’m sure would have been great if it wasn’t freezing and half of the animal exhibits were closed for construction. The saving grace of the trip though was spending time with the gorillas. I was having a total Dian Fossey moment with one of the male gorillas until the larger, more dominate male showed up. Then the two just antagonized each other.

This is Jim, he was my buddy.

He was not anybody’s buddy.

After the Zoo we hit a Korean BBQ place that I had wanted to try since the last visit (Korean food is probably in my top 3 kinds of food). It was Kristin’s first time eating Korean food and I’m pretty sure we converted her — at least for the grilled meats and the buchimgae (pancake). Regrettably after lunch we had to head back to the house as Dominic and I had to catch our flights.

This trip was all about relaxing and just enjoying each others company. I’m happy to have friends who are always down to an adventure. Friends that are down for you inviting yourself and adding to the fun. I would call this birthday trip a success and I hope Kristin enjoyed her weekend just as much as I did! Love you friend!!

Weekend Warrior: Riverbend Hot Springs

Welcome to
Relaxation Station!

“Long considered sacred by the Apache and Mimbres tribes of southern New Mexico, the natural, mineral rich water of Riverbend Hot Springs has been relaxing and rejuvenating warriors and peace-seekers alike, for centuries.

Weekend getaways are always my favorite. Especially after a long week at work, “me time” is desperately calling. Riverbend Hot Springs has become a favorite hideaway for a few of my close friends and I. So much so that we try to make it out once every few months to just recharge, catch up, and ultimately relax. It’s the place we go to when we’re having rough patches, want to celebrate moments, or just appreciate nature.

I was first introduced to this place via my old coworkers who have became family. We’ve been friends for over 10 years despite our lives changing, going in different directions, moving, coming back, break ups, new relationships, etc. We’ve been there for each other, despite it all. They’re the kinds of people that are rare these days. The people that can pick up right where you left off despite any length of time. Each personality, strengths, and weaknesses perfectly balancing each other.

View from the Navajo pool.

After driving about an hour north of Las Cruces, New Mexico on I-25 take exit 79 into Truth or Consequences and turn right on to S. Broadway. About a mile or so down you’ll turn onto Austin and follow that road to this hidden oasis. T or C used be known as Hot Springs, NM and is better known for its outdoor recreation. If you’re a fan of camping Elephant Butte Lake State Park is not that far away. It’s a small town off the main highway that is easily missed while driving through to Albuquerque or El Paso. You’d stop to fill up your tank, possibly find some food, and go about your day getting to wherever you were going.

It’s not a place that many make their final destination unless you know people there, are fans of the hot springs, or are camping. At least, that’s my opinion.

Riverbend is an open-air hot spring that sits on the banks of the Rio Grande River allowing you to take in the fresh air and enjoy the views of Turtleback mountain. The moment you get out of the car you can just sense the relaxation that’s about to happen. Or it might be the soothing music that they play greeting your ears. With an enforced WHISPER policy throughout the area you know they take relaxing seriously.

There’s something to be said about getting out of your hometown even it’s an hour or two away. Taking that time to drive away and leave things behind does wonders for the soul. You become a new person to new people with a clean slate, even its temporary. Sometimes that alone is reason enough to escape. To breathe!

Uploaded by Sarah Prezioso on 2019-01-29.

Now, on any given trip to the mineral rich hot springs, you can choose to bath in the common pools (swimsuits required!) for $12 an hour or you can book a private pool (swimsuits optional!) ahead for $15 an hour. The I highly recommend doing a private pool especially if you need your me time. In my case, it’s always girl time. They have 7 different private rooms that you can choose from which you can view here and the temperatures range from 100-108 degrees Fahrenheit. We are partial to the Navajo room as it’s the largest private pool. However the other rooms are just as nice and have the same beautiful view of the Rio Grande and mountains.

Most of the time we drive up and spend a few hours however you also have the option to stay over night in one of their cabins (just be sure to book in advance!). The next time we plan a girls weekend that will be our intent.

Cucumber, strawberry, mint, blueberries, and lemon.

Now, being that these are private pools you’re not allowed to bring in glass or food. It’s all about helping keep clean the environment. But you can bring in water in an ice chest (you could even bring in a little something stronger to drink as they rarely check… HOWEVER, you’re bathing in 100+ degree water… staying hydrated is what’s important. Follow our lead and make some fruit infused water the night before... or bring along some orange juice and champagne in non glass bottles.

On this excursion we booked a back to back session in a private pool. I believe you can only do three sessions in a row or if you feel like you want more time you can always take a dip in the common areas. They request that you arrive 20-30 mins before your scheduled session as you’ll need time to check in, pay up, and shower before entering your designated pool.

Once you’re pool ready you’re asked to wait by the gazebo and an attendant will come get you when your pool is ready. When you arrive to your private pool, which isn’t that long of walk between the office, shower area, and gazebo, you’re reminded to lock the door behind you. Private areas are clothing optional and you also don’t want people walking in and out of your booked room. Ten minutes before your session is up they’ll quietly knock on the door alerting you your time is almost up and to vacate the area. The pools have shower heads above them that’ll let cold water fall if you get over heated.

Other than the pool rules and not overheating, you’re set to relax.

You can’t go wrong with an outing at Riverbend Hot Springs.
But don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself!!!

I AM WATER
by anchormysoul14

I want to be like water,
flowing freely with the current.

I want to be like water,
infiltrating Life into the seeds buried deep.

I want to be like water,
forcefully falling down then peacefully swaying to the tune of the serenity sea.

I want to be like water,
rushing and relaxing when need be.

I want to be like water,
making its way through the cracks even when the barrier’s concrete.

I want to be like water,
riding with the tide and tumbling over rocks.

I want to be like water,
quenching the thirst of the dryest areas on earth.

I want to be like water,
rippling the influence of the Rock’s first splash.

I want to be like water,
reflecting the beauty of a sunset that ignites every eye.

I want to be water,
resourceful for all.

I want to be water,
cleansing out impurities from within.

I want to be water,
sometimes uncontrollable sometimes in control.

I want to be like water,
connecting the world from distances too far.

I want to be like water,
flowing wherever You are.

I want to be like water,
transforming in motion yet ever the same.

I am like water.
I am free.
I am love.

I am, 
Life

I ever flow.... 

Weekend Warrior: Denver Edition Part 1

Kyle and I on his visit in December. Ain’t he cute?

Have you ever had one of those friends or family members that always want to travel new places but can never find the time outside of work? Well, that’s how this trip came about. My cousin Dominic messaged me one Saturday morning in December and said “where you off to next and can I go?” After realizing the majority of my upcoming international trips were coming up too quickly he made he suggestion of Denver, as our other cousin lived just outside the city. His suggestion couldn’t have come at a better time as my friend Kyle (whom I had met in Scandinavia just a few months before) was coming to visit me. Kyle, was the gateway to Denver — aka he lived there. So after talking with him and securing our housing situation, flights were booked and Denver was on the books for MLK weekend in January.

It was like Christmas, Dominic wanted to travel with me. But then… I almost had to cancel! Almost. On my latest trip to Scotland I ended up with a terrible upper respiratory infection that included a double ear infection. I couldn’t hear out of either ear well and my ears wouldn’t pop. After a trip to an ENT and resting for a week with medicine, my ears finally decided to cooperate and I was cleared to fly.

The weekend arrived…

It was a short flight from my home in Texas to Denver and I was greeted by Kyle’s smiling face and then most importantly…. food. I took a late afternoon flight right after work so I was on the verge of needing snickers. Dominic arrived later in the evening as he was flying in from Georgia. The rest of the evening was spent just chit chatting and catching up on things we thought we already talked about. I swear the older I get the more I can’t remember who I’ve told what. I’m sure you have moments like that too.

Saturday proved to be an adventure by Kyle’s design. Dominic and I really didn’t have a plan and are extremely go with the flow. Granted, I had a few places on my list I wanted to venture to and he wanted to eat all the foods being the foodie that he is. So we started the day with breakfast at Apple Ridge Cafe where the cinnamon rolls are as big as your face. I think the frosting sealed the deal on the blooming bromance that was taking place in front of my eyes. If it wasn’t the frosting, it was definitely the drive through the Colorado mountains that had had fresh snow fall the night (or two nights) before.

Yep… that’s Kyle in shorts.

I don’t think I will come across another person who was as excited to see snow in mountain passes like Dominic. I give him props for the viewing commitment, crawling out of windows to get full views. “Wow", “Oh my God,” “that’s beautiful,” and all the different awe-inspired expletives were a chorus from the passenger seat of the truck. I don’t know what I enjoyed better, Dominic’s sheer joy or the reactions that were given by Kyle and I to Dominic. It was the first time I had ever seen him so excited over weather.

On the way back down the mountain Kyle brought us to a brewery in Idaho Springs called Tommyknocker Brewery where we enjoyed a few beers (some of which I didn’t but good thing the guys didn’t let it go to waste) and shared some bomb pulled pork nachos. We didn’t want to over do it because our dinner spot required some room in our stomachs.

Continuing the drive Kyle made another detour to give us another beautiful this time of the city. This man is seriously full of surprises. Between the banter from both guys, the laughs, and the beautiful views, it was a fabulous day topped off with another stellar restaurant.

As an Italian, I tend to enjoy good pasta. Hence, Kyle’s dinner choice Cafe Jordano, a family owned Italian restaurant. The decor was modern but it felt homey as the old family photographs lining the walls gave you glimpse into their family history. Vodka penne, chicken parm, and pasta with salmon … all dishes that were pleasing to the eye and pallet.

The following day Dominic and I were left to our own devices for the morning so we got up and headed into the downtown area. I wanted to walk through their art museum while I had the chance. So we found a breakfast place (Dozens) within walking distance and enjoyed our morning meal and cups of coffee. After stuffing ourselves we walked through Civic Center Park to kill some time before heading to the museum.

Now I love museum going, however the Denver Museum of Art would not make it on my list of well done museums. I just think I couldn’t connect to any of the exhibits because of the design of the building and flow of the floors. Not my favorite place — or Dominic’s for that matter.

Due to the disappointment we needed a drink and not just any drink. We needed a scorpion shot from Retro Room.. Much to my dismay, Dominic was dead set on this haphazard suggestion from Kyle. However, it’s family. If one suffers we, we all suffer….. right?……… It wasn’t too bad until it came to swallowing the baby scorpion. That was rough. I’m not going to lie I almost threw it back up. Should have had a few shots of one of their infused vodka’s prior to. Might have helped.

Later that day we ventured out to Ft. Collins to visit our cousin and her finance. We had a wonderful home cooked meal and then we headed out for drinks in Old Town. They took us to Social, an underground cocktail bar that I would have missed if wasn’t for the street clock marking the stairwell you had to descend to enter. For all intents and purposes, it’s a modern day speakeasy. From the decor to the music to the cocktail and beverage choices, we felt right at home. The guys were even able to try absinthe for the first time.

Monday I was left to wander by myself as Dominic headed back to Georgia and Kyle had to work. So I got up and took myself to Snooze and had the Chili Verde Benedict. My love of green chile has no bounds, I think it’s a Southwest thing. The location I chose was close to the RiNo Arts District which consists of four historic neighborhoods in Denver; Five Points, Cole, Globeville and Elryia/Swansea. It’s an area (Blake St, Walnut, Larimer St) that has so much public street art that in the three hours I walked around to enjoy all of it, I doubt I saw it all. If you haven’t had a chance to do so I highly suggest it. It was a great way to spend the last day on this edition of Denver: Weekend Warrior.