I could get used to these views here from our cabin! We had a great location in Wyoming, but trees covered most of our view of the river and mountain. Here we have a distant view overlooking the mountains through pastures. I much prefer this broader view. I was up with a cup of coffee, surveying the view from the porch in the brisk 38-degree morning. It was a pleasant 38 with no wind. I was comfortable in my robe on the porch for a bit.
I came back in to catch everyone up with a post. I sat down next to the wood stove, taking my slippers off to put my feet on the sheepskin rug. We’ve had a little more time here, a nice slower pace, than Wyoming. So I’ve had time to catch up on behind posts. So I feel accomplished starting this one on the day of the events.
I had a rather lukewarm shower yesterday and messaged the host asking him to check the water heater. He adjusted it, and today was much better. Also, mentioning there were step stools if the beds were too tall. I told him at 6’6”, I’d be fine and could boost Amanda. But, not knowing him well, I held back a comment about giving me a reason to touch her butt!
Today rain was in the forecast turning to snow later in the day. The road would show open, so we made a run for Gunnison. It would rain all the way through Montrose. Quickly turning to snow as we left and started to climb. Signs began to show the road would be closed today and yesterday. We decided to go as far as we could and see. The snow would get thicker as we went, covering the ground and a cow lying chewing cud.
I received a call from work that made my stomach drop. I’m on vacation and would usually never take a call while off, but this was from manpower who controls my borrowout arrangements. I thought I was getting a call to return home. I still have my hotel room full of my stuff, more than will fit in my car! It would not be to return but a feeler to see how long I would actually stay; that was a relief. I will stay a while as I am making over double pay with the company providing my lodging and per diem for food. I’ve come to like the men I would with and the change of pace. The weather has been incredible, but I may change my mind come January!
We then found ourselves turning around. The snow was getting thick and covering the ground. We couldn’t see much and obviously wouldn’t be able to see the scenery. In just the 20 to 30 minutes we were gone, the ground would become covered in snow; plows were already out.
Finally, we came by the Black Canyon of Gunnison national park. We’d planned to visit, but the snow would make it hard to see any of the canyons.
So we decided to trek up the road to find a spot to eat lunch. We’d picked up some burritos from a Chipotle-style restaurant. Mine would be too stuffed even to roll up, needing a bowl to hold it all! We hopped out to get a snow selfie, my beard collecting every flake it could.
After lunch, we went to Montrose to hit the shops up downtown. The hillside was covered in snow and a herd of sheep that would contrast easily aginst the green grass as we entered would now blend in with the snow.
As we got closer to town, the snow stopped turning to rain. It was crazy to see how much of a difference the elevation would make. There were a few thrift and antique stores on the downtown strip. Our first stop would be the most fruitful. A sweater that we’ll likely share, the right fit for me, and oversized for Amanda! I also found an Eddie Bauer pullover, but the day’s find would be a pair of merino wool slippers for Amanda. I recently bought a pair of wool slippers for myself. I love them and have been raving about them to Amanda. They are comfortable and don’t make my feet sweat, yet still keep them warm. I think she was jelly and wanted a pair. These are an Austrian pair with gnomes on them that retail for $110; we got these for $24. We love good thrift store finds!
After shopping, we needed to grab some groceries. The prices here are much more reasonable than in Jackson Hole. But groceries, in general, are so high now. I told Amanda after a high grocery bill, we should have just eaten out, knowing that it would be even higher. We have received some recommendations and looked over a few menus available here in the cabin, and we do plan to eat out at a few places. We still needed to get a few other things from a bougie, Whole Foods style store. It seemed everyone had the same idea; we would see 4-5 others in the regular grocery store at this one. As we left, the rain would turn freezing.
After getting back to the cabin, we just chilled for a while. I prepped for dinner, and Amanda washed the dishes that were left from yesterday. Next, I made up a warm apple cider concoction from a local apple cider we found at the store. Then, I turned on a speaker we’d brought and played an Americana station. It was a good mix today, including Tyler Childers, Ray Lomantagne, Jason Isabel, Sturgill Simpson, The Lumineers, and even a little Allison Krauss. A great combination that we listened to doe a while. Eventually, playing a game of Farkle while I was back and forth cooking dinner, I would be destroyed by Amanda!
Tonight I would redeem myself with this dinner compared to last night. Amanda wanted soup, so I made a mushroom wild rice soup. Nothing special, just a mirepoix, shiitake, baby bella mushrooms, and wild rice with a creamy vegetable stock and oatmilk base. I roasted some of the tiniest asparagus and made some garlic toast points to go along too.
Talking of all the westerner movies, we crawled into bed early to watch one. I got our firestick out, and we put Dances with Wolves on. We’ll wait to see what the weather holds but the plan is to go to Telluride tomorrow around lunchtime.