Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

We truly wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.

With love, Chad and Christina Sears

SW Road Trip: Arches National Park and 4X4 Trip

We woke up in Moab, UT and knew it would be a great day because there is so much to see and do. We sat down for breakfast to plan our day but couldn't decide what to do so we went to the Visitor Center and took their recommendations. It's what you do when you only have one day to do it all.

First on the list was a drive through Arches National Park with a short hike to Landscape Arch. It was already busy as we couldn't even find a place to park. This is the downside of popular parks. The upside is incredible views and landscapes.

To beat the crowd after our hike we drove off the highway and down a random dirt road. We thought we would be brave but lost our nerve when we saw the "road". So we turned around, left the park, and regrouped for the off-roading trail we had planned outside the park for later that day.




Once we refueled and regrouped we followed the directions we had been given and headed out of town. The pictures really say it all. It started out and looked easy enough but we were a little nervous for what was ahead. We were still learning how our Land Rover works off-road when navigating over rocks and up steep inclines. We really wanted to do it though because, hey, we own a Land Rover and we know it is sick of city streets. Plus, the vehicle has all these neat features provided exclusively for trips just like this one.

We started heading up and up and the road was narrow and going up and up and it was ROCKY. Don't forget there are people heading down and we needed to share the road. We were a little hyped up but when we saw that rock over the road we weren't sure. The only thing is, how would we turn around if it got to be too much? Well, we couldn't so onward we went. We made it and it was awesome. Fortunately, another vehicle came by and we were able to watch them climb the rocky road and gave us the nerve to barrel through. Sometimes it’s nice to watch how it's done and it totally helped.

The views were amazing and we felt accomplished. If you ever get to Moab you gotta do it. Either use your own 4X4 or rent one. You won't regret it.

This was a long day, we drove through Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park, and then drove to Cortez, Colorado to spend the night where we even had time to try some local brew and prepare for another day.

SW Road Trip: Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef and Moab

I know what you're thinking about now. We looked at a lot of rocks!

and there's more...

We woke up from our very cold evening and didn't really warm up all day. The day was sooo cold. Bryce Canyon National Park and Capitol Reef National Park were on our schedule for the day. We also drove through the northern portion of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The pictures above were all taken along a 130 mile stretch. There were towers and plateaus, hoodoos, mountains and lakes, farms, fields, rivers, canyons, and valleys. The road was windy and up and down and it was unbelievably beautiful. The pictures are in order and at times it was literally snowing and icy then the sun was out and was rather warm.

This Scenic Byway 12 was so cool. We really want to go back. Even though my photos hardly do it justice and most were taken while I was in motion Chad and I were thinking we could stay there permanently. I'm getting behind the idea of owning an airplane more and more all the time. There is NOTHING for miles and miles and I know that this statement being made by a girl from North Dakota should hold some weight. There is NOTHING out there for miles and miles. But it's an awesome nothingness.



I have one picture of the Kiva Koffeehouse. It was worth the stop. The valley photo with the silver and green trees were the view from this coffeehouse and the owner/builder/dreamer of this place also built cabins in the wall of the canyon for guests to stay. What a neat place. Great coffee and local art and pottery for purchase at a reasonable price.

Bryce Canyon was a quick trip for us. There were not many ammenities in the area, most importantly no good coffee so we just stopped at the scenic overlooks and called it good. It was a good stop but not that exciting to be honest. I think cross-country skiing and snowmobiling or atv-ing in the area would be the way to go if you are going to visit.

Capitol Reef was a better stop. The rocks were so red and the spring green was beautiful. Since it had been rainy we had to be very careful driving through because of flash flooding. These places look so dry and desolate in some parts and then there are orchards everywhere in between. that is just one of the strange and unique characteristics of Utah that is rather captivating.

It's amazing that the parks in Utah are really close and you can see so much in a few days. We were able to see as much as we wanted that day and still make it to Moab for the night in good time. We were excited to get to Moab. This place is a real destination for outdoor enthusiasts and as much as we love outdoor sports and travel we look pedestrian to most of this town's patrons.

It was only the second weekend in May and all the hotels were full. If you want to rock climb, atv, raft, kayak, bike, hike, camp, sky-dive, get lost, or test your vehicle's off-roading ability this is the place. Plus, there is good shopping, restaurants, spas, resorts, coffee, beer, bloody mary's and more. We found an RV park to pull into for the night. For around $15-20 bucks we parked in a safe spot, had access to a bathroom and hot shower. Not a bad gig really. If only we'd had our beloved camping gear we would have enjoyed the Land Rover hotel so much more.

SW Road Trip: Zion to Red Canyon

The next day after we spent our first night in the Land Rover we woke up just in time to get dressed before it started to rain, then sleet and then we watched it turn to a snow storm. I am writing this entry about three months after we were in this area but still snow in May when we were just in 90 degree weather is not what you want when you are touring national parks.

Luckily, we kept driving into Zion National Park and the farther we went the less snow we saw. We got to the park and hopped on the complimentary shuttle bus which took us down the trail to the famous Narrows. It had been rainy so we didn't get to hike very far but this park is so BEAUTIFUL. I didn't have any expectations and I was blown away. The color green with the red-orange background of the towering rocks was just spectacular. They had plenty of moisture for the season so the waterfalls were running and there were so many of them. It was awesome.

We were only disappointed that we didn't have more time to spend in Zion. We needed to stay on track as we had many more great parks to visit. This same day we drove out of Zion and made our way to the Scenic Byway 12. We would be on this road for the next couple of days. The lesser known Red Canyon was exceptional and we spent the night in a Forest Service Campground which was just reconstructed so the showers and bathrooms were nice, clean and NEW. The only downside, the nighttime temperatures were supposed to drop to 26 degrees and it did and it was cold. We survived!

SW Road Trip: Grand Canyon to Grand Staircase-Escalante

This was our last day at the Grand Canyon so I set my alarm to wake up early enough to see the sunrise. The Grand Canyon literally transforms and changes shape and color just about every minute of the day. Especially when the sun is rising or setting. So I was awake around six a.m. but I misread the actual time of sunrise so I ended up in the park just a little late. I was still one of the only people in the park. Not until I was in the vehicle on my way to the park did I realize that it was 36 degrees outside. Silly me, I was wearing a skirt of all things! Luckily I had a blanket so I wrapped up and sat as close to the edge as I could and watched the darkness of the canyon take on shapes and colors and light that few visitors take the time to see. It was awesome to say the least.

We left later that morning for Paige, AZ, stopping to see ancient ruins and the view of the canyon from the eastern edge. The drive is rather desolate but once we arrived in Paige we were excited to see Lake Powell and find out if we were in time for a boat tour to Rainbow Bridge. Only minutes late we missed our only chance for the day and decided to hike to Horseshoe Point. It was a quick hike to see a "horseshoe" shaped bend in the Colorado River. We will have to make a special trip to Lake Powell one day and rent a houseboat. It is a huge lake with canyon walls, bays and natural "bridges" that would be fun explore when we have time to enjoy it.

We wanted to be able to spend a good amount of time in Zion the next day so we headed to Kanab in search of a place to sleep for the night. We drove through the southern end of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and stopped at the Paria Movie Set, an area that once was the home to hundreds of early farmers and settlers before it became "Little Hollywood." Movies such as the "Outlaw Josie Wales" and TV shows "Gunsmoke" were filmed in this area for 40 years. Kanab is not nearly as big as we thought it would be so we just kept driving and driving.

Ultimately we end up at an RV park on the side of the highway in Carmel-Mt Junction across the road from a Best Western about twenty miles east of the park entrance for Zion National Park. This was our first night sleeping in the Land Rover and grilling out. All turned out very nicely, we made a bed in the back which was quite roomy and if we'd had our ThermaRest pads we'd have been in heaven.

SW Road Trip: In the Grand Canyon

Chad and I found a trail we wanted to hike in the Grand Canyon; the South Kaibab trail. It is just a short shuttle ride to the trailhead from the visitor center. Even though we had a late start it was a great hike. The pictures say it all.

The hike to Skeleton Point and back was a six mile trip, there and back and took us five hours with adequate breaks. If we had more time a hike to the river would have been awesome but they do not recommend doing so in one day. In fact, they strongly discourage it as you can end up spending a cold night in the canyon unprepared even if you think you are in good shape. Maybe next time!

SW Road Trip: Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon Part I

After a few errands in Las Vegas we head east. First stop the Hoover Dam and the Dam tour.

It is a five hour drive to the Grand Canyon so we arrived just in time to see the sunset. The National Geographic Visitor Center is open late so we were able to watch the IMAX on the Grand Canyon before eating a late Mexican dinner and going to bed. The Grand Canyon IMAX was filmed in 1984 and follows the history of the first inhabitants and explorers including Powell's trip down the Colorado into the canyon. It is really good and the MOST WATCHED IMAX.

We have big Grand Canyon plans the next day and need to get some rest.

SW Road Trip: Las Vegas

Chad and I met Le and Clarence in Las Vegas, Friday May 7.

We drove all night to arrive in Las Vegas around 5:30am from Winter Park, CO. His parents flew in and got there around 10am. First things first we had lunch at Spago in the Caesar's Palace Forum. Very beautiful place and the food was fab. Since I've been in the frozen land of Winter Park, CO, for maybe too long, I headed to the pool and Chad went back to work.

Our evening began with an elegant wine and cheese spread that was sent to Le and Clarence's room in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary by Lynne (Chad's sister) and her family. That was awesome. After sharing the wine, beer and cheese we went to the hotel's restaurant The Hash House A Go Go. The portions were LARGE and the food and drinks were really good.

Time was of the essence as we had to get going because we had a limo waiting for us as a surprise for Le and Clarence. We rode around for awhile, thinking it was a tour of Vegas, when we arrived at the Wedding Chapel which was adorable and we broke the news that we were surprising them with renewing their vows. It was really neat. Elvis was there, sang a song then walked Le down the aisle. There was a ring and vow exchange that was pretty emotional and then a photo shoot that lasted about as long as the ceremony. The CD of the ceremony was purchased so we can share this experience with anyone who wants to view it.

After this we were on our way to the Mirage for the 9:30 show of the Beatles Love Cirque du Soleil. That was my first time seeing the Cirque and I loved it. Everyone really enjoyed it and I believe I would go to Vegas again to see the exact same show because there is just so much going on I think you could watch it 5 more times and see a different part of the show each time. Highly recommended.

Our evening was not quite over, we walked down the strip to see the water show at the Bellagio before we could finally call it a night. Immediately after we went to our rooms. We were exhausted and had to be ready for Saturday as that is the day we would see the Grand Canyon.

End of Season at Winter Park

Sunday, April 18 was the last ski day at Winter Park for the 09-10 season. In typical ski resort fashion it was a big party with shorts, hula skirts, bands and pond skimming. The hill had classic spring conditions with super soupy snow, when skied feels a lot like water skiing. The temperature was at least 60 degrees and the sun was shining. It was a perfect way to end the season.

If you look closely at the pictures I've posted you can see just how many people showed up to party. Plus the c-lot was made into a camper haven with a stage set up for a full afternoon of bands.

Of course, Chad and I are just no fun and I had a test to study for so we just celebrated by eating out on the patio. Woo hoo.

We'll be back one way or the other for next season as we just couldn't resist buying another season pass for Winter Park.

April 'snow' showers bring unexpected powder days

Is this April? In March I was sure that spring was here. The snow was melting, my ski suit was way too warm to ski in and the ski hill was just not as much fun. Things have turned around in Winter Park, CO for snow lovers.

If this kind of snow fell in the Midwest right now there would be some angry people. As for Coloradoans, there are smiles all around. Tuesday morning we awoke to 5" of fresh powder on the hill. I figured I needed to get out there, since there's snow and all. Could be my last good day on the hill. The happiness you could see at the ski resort was contagious.

I am not in great powder shape anymore and really felt it on Tuesday, luckily I woke up Wednesday morning and there was 10" of fresh powder so I could test my abilities again. MUCH BETTER! As you can see from my photos if you don't ski the steep stuff you are going to be on a busy hill and today I was up for the challenge. Good thing I got in a practice day on Tuesday.

Everyone must love it, the Mary Jane parking extended all along the road, overflowing from the parking lots onto the highway. That's a lot of cars for a Wednesday when Tuesday the parking lots were not even full.

I'll admit I'm ready for sunshine and warmer weather so I was a little crabby about this snowiness and the overcast days but with several inches of fresh snow I had one of the best ski days all year. Even the sun is shining today.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the photos of Winter Park/Mary Jane the ski resort and the towns Winter Park and Fraser.

Weekend Update: Mara and Adam's Visit

Mara and Adam MacDonald visited the Sears' winter home this last weekend. They were able to leave their two boys at home with Grandma and take four days for themselves.

We started out with drinks and dinner in Denver with a little mini-bowling thrown in. The next day we took a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park to cross-country ski. It was a new experience for all of us. Fortunately, the day was beautiful and we didn't hurt ourselves. We actually had an awesome time and an amazing workout.

Sunday, Chad, Adam and I downhill skied. Just because we hadn't had enough the day before I guess. We were very worn out by the end of the day. Mara had a great day of r and r, getting a pedicure, and having her hair done, I think she had the right idea. Monday we went to the Coors Brewery Tour in Golden, which was alot of fun. This was an action packed weekend and a great time was had by all.

Winter Park, Colorado

Chad and I moved to Winter Park, Colorado for the winter this year. We settled into our condo mid to late December. I set a goal to ski 75 days and I am getting close to my goal. Today was my fiftieth day on the slopes. I thought it would be a good day to share some photos and update everyone on our whereabouts.

Today was 44 degrees in town so the snow is already starting to melt but it's been a wonderful winter. Our condo is on the ridge in Fraser with balconies facing the Fraser River and the resort plus a number of other wonderful peaks and ridges. We've been spoiled by the seemingly unending days of sunshine pouring into the condo and keeping us happy and warm.

More to come on our Winter Park winter soon....