Trailwest Day Five: Cold Day

Thursday was our worst weather day. We awoke to very cloudy skies. It was obvious it was snowing up on top of the surrounding mountains, which turned into rain at our altitude. The planned day at Frontier Ranch’s pool was subsequently cancelled. P was truly disappointed. He has really become a swimming fanatic, so the water slide we saw on the promotional video was THE thing he was most looking forward to.

On Tuesday’s Jeep tour we had passed the Mt. Princeton hot springs and P had noticed their huge water slide, so Daddy decided to take us there for the morning. There's nothing quite like a roadtrip across the wild frontier for quality family time!Since the St. Elmo chipmunks were only 20 minutes farther away, we opted to return there as well. (Camera ready this time)

By the time we reached St. Elmo, the temperature had dropped 12 degrees to 42…and it was snowing. P very sensibly decided it was too cold to be out in shorts, so he watched from the car.We had a quick visit with the fluffy rodents (chipmunks, squirrels, even a pair of groundhogs) and journeyed on to the hot springs. As we arrived, I was cringing inside. It was so important to P, but I DID NOT want to be in a swimsuit in 43 degree weather. I knew the water would be warm, but the windy hike up to the top of the slide would not. I bit my tongue. But when a rumble of thunder sounded, just as we were going to get changed and the lifeguards closed the pool, I let out an audible sigh of relief. I couldn't help but praise God for His faithfulness!

We settled for a trip to the nearby town of Buena Vista for ice cream and french fries at K’s. We returned back to camp as the weather was clearing up for the children to attend Kids Club while Daddy and I enjoyed the high ropes course. After naptime, there was a camp-wide Barbeque and program by the staff. We learned that K can take down some ribs. My sides hurt from laughing at her unceremoniously eat that meat down to the bone. I knew my Dad would be proud of her!

After dinner there was a square dance. I was not sure how much the trio would be able to participate, but K & P were absolute champs. They absolutely loved it! R was not in the mood for merry-making (performing or being silly in public are not his scene)…so he hung out on the sidelines while Daddy and I took turns square dancing with the other two. What a fun memories we made!