Eagle's Nest, Hart's Ranch, Pagosa Springs, CO.....
We had to find snow for Christmas, but somehow we found too much. Coming up on Friday, we hit a snowstorm in the pass from Chama to Pagosa Springs. Slid off the road in the Suburban, and we had to put on chains to get off the pass. One of the chains was too loose, it snapped, and shredded the back left brake line. So, we found ourselves stranded in the pass, no brakes, in a snowstorm, no phone service....Thank God for OnStar and Exxon TravelClub. OnStar works fine, and they patched us through to Exxon, who sent a truck to pick up the Suburban (couldn't tow it!). My mom, Hannah and I drove her car (front wheel drive) on down the mountain, in the snowstorm. The towing company got Morgan and Caleb to the repair shop - 6 PM on the Friday before Christmas, to look for a part that normally doesn't fail. The only replacement they can find is in Michigan, and can't ship until Thursday - wow.
We unload the Suburban, make two trips to the cabin and settle in. Morgan and I risked a trip to the store for some food, and called it a night. Saturday morning the roads were better, and I found a 4 wheel drive Tahoe for the week (talk about blowing the budget!), but the guy at Enterprise went above and beyond to get me this car....he was awesome. Morgan drove to Durango and picked up my Dad, and we're all set.
Sunday - ski day - up the pass to Wolf Creek - by now the road isn't too bad - only about 5 miles or so of packed snow and ice. Hannah skiied all day, and Caleb and Morgan learned to snowboard. Morgan says he's not too old to learn, but he's too old to recover from the injuries! (Yes, he fell, a lot!)
Monday - Morgan and the kids skiied, and Mom and I went to Durango shopping. We had fun - and bought lots! Caleb had one bad fall getting off the lift, and he's got a sore arm still. Have to get the doc to take a look when we get home. Morgan skiied with Hannah all day. My dad cooked, and the Hagerty's came for dinner. Took pictures in the snow with all the girls - I'll post those later - they turned out great!
Tuesday - Christmas! Slept in a little, then opened presents. Morgan took my dad back to the airport in another snowstorm - which ended up being a problem. United cancelled his flight from Durango to Denver, then the next flight was delayed over an hour. He ended up missing the last flight to Houston, and had to sleep in the Denver airport. On Christmas. Snow is beautiful, but enough is enough.
Wednesday - The snow has stopped for now, so my mom, the kids and I went shopping in Pagosa. Found some more cute things, and a room for Thursday night, since we now know the part for the Suburban won't be in until at least Thursday afternoon. Also heard that it is supposed to snow all day on Thursday. Lord, I hope the roads are clear by Friday.
Tomorrow we'll move to the Pagosa Lodge, and see if it snows again. Hopefully the brake line will come in, and the car will be fixed. If the snow stops, we'll get out Friday morning early headed home. Praying for clear weather all the way home. I've seen enough snow!
For 2008, I'm thinking Disney World and cruises!!!!
