CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONTEST WINNERS!

Mark and I are back home now, feeling recharged and newly invigorated! Our wonderful vacation to Breckenridge’s Grand Colorado on Peak 8 was absolutely the best and most memorable of all our many vacations, over the 23 years Mark and I have been together!

We had such an amazing time during our stay in Breckenridge, Colorado, at Grand Colorado Peak 8. While there, we went exploring around the quaint little town. Much of it felt like we had stepped back over a hundred years into the past, but yet it was still modern and fresh, with viable shops and markets to take in and enjoy! The folks we encountered were very warm and friendly.

One of our stops was the Visitor Center downtown. We were greeted by Tracy, who was very personable, knowledgeable, and eager to share with us the amazing places nearby worth checking out. One of her suggestions was Country Boy Mine, located on the outskirts of town. We decided to go look for ourselves. It was full of original and historical artifacts displayed throughout.

We were met by John, one of the proprietors of the attraction. He let us know they were renovating and would soon be opening their new museum, but that we were more than welcome to explore and look around. As we got out of our car, we encountered what at first I thought was a fox with a puffy tail, but it turned out to be a coyote out doing his own thing. He was not threatening in any way, and we were thrilled to be able to actually see him in person so close to us. I did take a picture of him.

Also, there were really cool old vehicles about, gold panning available, and a couple of the sweetest burros that loved attention and to be brushed and petted. I fed them some grass right out of my hand, and they were gentle and careful not to bite me. I was thrilled. I am an avid animal lover of all species.

Mark and I are into Thomas Dambo trolls. Much to our surprise and delight, there happened to be one of two in the state of Colorado, and one right here in Breckenridge! It was a short drive to the ice rink parking lot in town and a 0.5-mile walk to Isak Heartstone, truly fascinating and amazing!

After we left this spot, we explored some more and checked out a nearby park, High Line Railroad Park, with interesting storyboards explaining the history and significance of the railroad and the equipment used to clear the piles of snow off the tracks.

The next day, we drove to Cripple Creek, Colorado, to discover the second troll existing in Colorado, for now anyway. I’m sure more will come at some point, I hope. This Thomas Dambo troll is named Rita the Rock Planter. Thomas knew what he was doing in his choice of location for this stunning art installation! The breathtaking panoramic views were absolutely phenomenal! Rita would be our number 8 troll find to add to our Found Trolls logged on the Thomas Dambo official Troll Map. Previously, Mark and I discovered five in Raleigh, NC, at Dorothea Dix Park and campus: Daddy Bird Eye, Mother Strong Tail, and the troll children, Dix, Dax, and Dux. Also, we discovered another troll in Charlotte named Pete. There are others in NC we have yet to discover, and we look forward to visiting each one!

After a full day out and about, we were very excited to return to Grand Colorado on Peak 8 to relax and enjoy the pool and spas, which we did for hours! All of the amazing spas and pool areas were extremely clean and well maintained!

A few of my many favorite features were the water tube slide going into the pool. Another was the very relaxing and inviting outdoor spa with a waterfall that cascades over your shoulders and upper torso, all the while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the gorgeous snow-capped peaks surrounding the resort property.

On the way back to our room, we stopped by the front desk to inquire about the private movie theater. Katie, who assisted us, was very nice and helpful and set our reservation for later that evening. We chose Movie Theater Number 3, as it was available. The seating was extremely comfortable, with full-size recliners and several adjustment settings to suit your own individual comfort.

The popcorn provided to us by Katie was popped in the microwave located in our private theater. We really enjoyed our private theater experience.

On Friday, May 22nd, the day we checked out, I had made us reservations for the Pikes Peak Cog Railway at 12:00 p.m. After we checked out, we headed to Pikes Peak, a little less than a two-hour drive away. This is something I would definitely recommend experiencing!

Special shout-outs to Wade, Ricardo, Katie, Brandi, Owen at Peak 7 Bar Down, David the shuttle bus driver, Kevin the valet, Martin at the bar, and every staff member whose name I might not remember but whose service I appreciated tremendously.

Thank you for our fascinating and thoroughly delightful vacation. Absolute top-notch amenities, beautiful, spacious suites with everything provided that you need and only a phone call away if you need something else! And the beautiful artwork throughout!

MORE THAN A 5-STAR PROPERTY! MORE LIKE A 10-STAR-PLUS RESORT!