Busy Weekend

Wow. I sure am exhausted today! We (Master, our three kids and myself) all packed up and went off to Durango, CO for a weekend full of ridiculously long late night driving, train riding, Mesa Verde visiting and a little bit of camping mixed in there too.

The drive to Durango is about 6 hours before you add in stops for food, bathroom breaks, a detour to Master’s brother’s to get camping supplies, etc. We did not get out of town on Friday night until around 6:30. We planned to eat dinner in one of the small towns along the way, but did not factor in the fact that everything in that part of the world is closed by 8:00 p.m. We were 15 minutes too late. Damn it! We ended up buying sandwich stuff from a local supermarket, and got into Durango around 2:00 in the morning.

On the way down Master got pulled over for going 7 miles over the speed limit. The cop was clearly looking for drunks, and our tired little family didn’t fit the profile I guess.  The cop chose humiliation over citations, though, and told Master, “Give me two reasons why it is a bad idea to speed besides it being illegal and I will let you go with a warning.” Yes, I am still giggling about this today. I told him I would blog it, so there you go.  Of course, two nights later on the return trip I was pulled over myself for having a burned out headlight. We both got off with warnings. Whew!

I have to say, if you ever make it down to Durango I highly recommend taking the train to Silverton. I was not too enthusiastic about the idea, or the price, but I thought the kids would enjoy it and it’s one of those things you are “supposed” to experience down in that part of the country. So, I went with it.

I was even less enthused the next morning at 7:00 am after having not gotten to bed until after 2:00. The train leaves at 8:15 in the morning. Ouch! But I have to say, it was totally awesome! It was beautiful, and peaceful, and the kids had a blast.  And, I ended up with a pretty travel mug from the train, so I have no complaints.

One word of caution though. If you do take this trip, make sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.  Master wore white and came to regret it. This is a steam engine and it uses up a LOT of coal which turns itself into soot that gets all over the train and the passengers. We were all dirty and disgusting afterward. Ah the good ole days! Oh, and avoid the Shady Lady restaurant. Really.

After the train ride we met up with some friends from the Internets and had a nice time camping. We cooked hot dogs and sausages respectively and roasted a few marshmallows. The little guy didn’t want his marshmallows roasted, but he did insist on eating them off of the skewers. I also drank just enough wine to feel nice and relaxed and I enjoyed sitting and watching the fire die with my friends.  I am so glad they came and joined us! Our family loves to camp and make trips like this, but they are always more fun when others join in!

The next morning was more excitement as we got a relatively early start. My morning improved significantly when we stopped at the gas station on the way to Mesa Verde and discovered there was coffee to be had.  The Mesa Verde trip itself was fascinating, if hot. I definitely think the next time we go there we will plan to be there earlier – perhaps camp within the park itself.  Then we can take a siesta in the middle of the day instead of tramping around on the cliffs in the blazing sun.

I’d never been before, and once again I thought it was great! Seriously all you readers of mine, come to Colorado and check this out.  I think the baby’s (who my friend observed is no longer much of a baby) favorite part was climbing up and down the ladders, and going inside the Kiva.

After this it was another long drive, but we got out at a more decent hour. We ended up at home at 12:30, and got up today in time for work and school. We are all exhausted!

I have some more “deep” D/s things to write about, but this is what has been occupying my time. In the next couple of days when we’ve managed to unpack and recover from the clutter I will post a follow up to the laundry dilemmas. Thanks for all your advice there, by the way!