We woke up to upper 30’s, Savannah loved that she could see her breath!  We were all so excited to head to Eagle, CO and see our Dear friends Sarah and Paul Baker!  We met her and her husband in the islands years ago and have stayed in touch.  Unfortunately Paul is “down island” at this time taking care of his boat while suffering from the latest mosquito born illness “Chikungunya”.  So we had Sarah all to ourselves!  It’s hard to feel sorry for Paul… 😉

We arrived to Eagle mid morning just in time to park our RV in the driveway of their GORGEOUS home and head down the Eagle CO Airport for a car and airshow!  Was really cool to walk the tarmac again, it’s been over a decade since i have piloted an aircraft into that airport.  So many changes!  The runway has been extended, and i’m pretty sure the mountain shrunk! We enjoyed classic cars, vintage aircraft, pulled pork sandwiches, and seeing more of the local flare of folks walking around. 

After the show we loaded up the dogs (I’m sure Ella has a twin now!…”Haley”, they are official BFF’s!) and headed to Vail for some hiking to the top of the Vail Mountain.   Almost 4 miles of UP! Absolutely gorgeous hike through the wooded area switch backing across the ski slopes. We arrived a bit out of breath as the hike and Vail Mountain rises from 8,120 feet (2,476 m) to 11,570 feet (3,527 m), giving a vertical height of 3,450 feet (1,052 m).  Needless to say we parked it on top of the mountain and enjoyed the views, brews and great conversation!  It was the first time i have ever heard Savannah say… “are we almost there”… more than once.  What trooper!

Post hike we rode the gondola down WITH the dogs full of giggles and possibly oxygen deficit, maybe it was the brews at 2 miles high??! Then we walked through Lions Head, Beaver Creek and Vail Village with a stop at Dobson’s ice arena where the NHL practice.   Needless to say after dinner we all crashed pretty hard, but not with out some kitchen island time eating home made cookies!  We love you Sarah!