Greenbluff

Going to Greenbluff and picking fruit is one of our traditions when we visit Spokane. Usually we're there during cherry picking season. This year we went with Pat, Melinda and Madeline. The kids did most of the cherry picking while I tried to get some good pictures of the animals and cherries on the tree.

The last photo isn't from Greenbluff. It's from the Liberty Lake fireworks show on the 4th of July. I wanted to include the photo somewhere so we were reminded of just how close we were able to sit. Those are pieces of cardboard from exploded fireworks that were landing on us during the show. So, yeah, we were basically right underneath the show! 

Spokane Area Scenery

One of the best parts of going back to Spokane is the great riding! Stacey and I were there for a few days before the kids, so I was able to get out on the bike and do a few rides.

We have the Spokane River and the Spokane Falls, followed by a delicious scone from Rockwood Bakery that I ate before doing a 70 mile loop from the South Hill to Cheney and Medical Lake before returing to Spokane Valley. I did another great loop around Newman and Hauser Lakes. And you can't come here without riding up Mount Spokane.

Sandpoint, Idaho

Stacey and I spent most of the time without the kids in Sandpoint. Although we were technically both working this week, things were pretty slow and we used the rest of the time to rest.

We also did some a few things in town, and I obviously got out a few times on my bike. The area is way too pretty to not explore on bike. I rode up Schweitzer Mountain and had a great trip south of town that followed the shoreline at many points.

Billings, Montana

On the road again! We had last visited Spokane in 2023, so this year we decided to spend some time up there before Julia headed off to college. Stacey and I drove out together and left the kids back home for about ten days before they flew up to meet us.

Part of the trip was to see family and for family to see Julia and celebrate her graduation together. Matt and Julie came over from Seattle for a few days. Pat, Melinda, and Maddi flew in and spent about a week with us in an Air BnB together.

We did the typical drive from home to Billings the first day. The drive was so easy with half the number of people, and the roads were pretty empty too. The next morning I went for a ride around a familiar loop I had done a few times before on other trips.

Grand Lake

Stacey and I took a few days and had a weekend away together in Grand Lake. We left the kids at home as a test run for leaving for Spokane a week later. I had a race in Kremmling not far away, so it only made sense for us to add another night or two to the trip and make it a weekend.

We didn't do very much outside of my bike race except chill, walk around and enjoy some good food, and then an early morning hike before driving back home. It was nice to get away for a few days. It's a really pretty place and not very busy since it's out of the way for most people living on the front range.

Tucson or Bust

This year was a bust! I drove down to Tucson early again and got in a few rides. However, the night of the Superbowl I got sick, so I decided to leave early and drive back home. I missed the team camp later in the week, but really only missed Saturday and Sunday, since Friday was a rainy and wet day. Next year.

DECA Orlando

Rocky Mountain National Park

Today we drove into RMNP. Surprisingly, I don't think I've ever been all the way around the park on Trail Ridge Road. Or even spent much time at all in the park itself.

Several weeks ago we all had to log in to their website right at 8 a.m. to get limited car passes to drive up Bear Lake Road and to the trailhead. This was the main attraction, and although it was a decent drive all the way around to the other side of the park, it was definitely worth it.

Not much else happened on the drive there and back. There were a few stops, but being locals, it was just another pretty view and one similar to what you can see on any number of 14er hikes. However, the trail to Emerald Lake and back was exceptional. We had lunch out of the back of our cars before catching the shuttle to the trailhead.

Grandma stayed behind with Huey while the rest of us hiked past Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and Emerald Lake. Dream Lake was my favorite of all of them. It had crystal clear waters and the best backdrop. We all found a good spot for a family picture down by the water. I would definitely recommend doing this hike.

4th of July in Granby

This year the entire family planned a short vacation over the holiday weekend. There were lots of festivities for the 4th, a gravel race for me, and Rocky Mountain National Park all within a short drive of the Air BnB we rented for the long weekend. Michelle and Huey even joined from California.

The first event on the calendar was s traditional small town 4th of July Parade. There were lots of horses, big vehicles, and even a few Denver Nuggets Cheerleaders were involved. Near the end we were treated to an unexpected flyover by two F-16s. In the end, the dogs were even involved.

Stacey also took a nice picture of the kids in front of Grand Lake, which was closer to where we were staying. This area on the backside of Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my favorite places in Colorado. It's harder to get to, so quieter, but it has some of the best water and scenery around. I'd like to go back again and do some exploring on my bike.