My next stop on my cross-country journey was in the mountains of Colorado, in the town of Steamboat Springs.
I’ve actually been to Steamboat many times in the past to visit my Aunt and Uncle. And to go skiing. Of course, visiting my family is the most important thing. : )
But I’ve never actually been to Steamboat in the summer, and it’s equally as beautiful when the mountains are green instead of white.
The slopes in summer.
And this occasion was made extra special by the presence of many cousins, aunts, uncles, second cousins, and more! Many relatives from my Mom’s family journeyed from all over the country for a great family reunion.
Good-natured fun abounded, especially in our loving, family-friendly competitions to assert dominance and humiliate our weaker kin in games like horseshoes, pickleball, bowling, and trivial pursuit. Of course, occasionally, someone else secured victory – but that was very rare and we don’t need to mention such things here. As for my Texas relatives reading this post, I still want a rematch in horseshoes sometime. Just for kicks. Not saying I lost or anything.
Anyway, when we weren’t enjoying the time catching up, eating, or participating in the odd game, we enjoyed the beautiful weather and temperature of the mountains in summer. My sister, cousin Jay (who is actually a Sourbeer and just happened to be in town), and I hiked up the ski mountain, enjoying both the exercise and the outdoors.
Valley view.
Janelle and Jay.
If you’ve ever been to the Rockies, you know the views are spectacular. Steamboat is neat because it is such a haven for both skiing and mountain-biking, and we enjoyed a relaxing gondola ride back down after we hiked up, watching more than a few bikers speed down the mountain on our way.
We also played quite a bit of pickleball each day. For those unfamiliar with the sport, I would describe it as a combination of ping-pong and tennis. You might find that odd, seeing as ping-pong and tennis are essentially the same thing. But pickleball really is a hybrid. It is scored similarly to ping-pong, but played on a small section of a tennis court and uses a wiffle ball and wooden paddles. It’s a fun game that’s accessible to all sorts of skill levels and allows for longer rallies than tennis.
Most of the family stayed at a small resort called Glen Eden about 30 minutes from Steamboat in a little town called Clark. Besides the tennis courts, horseshoes, and a pool, the lodge featured a good little restaurant where we shared many family dinners and a stream outside where some of my younger cousins played and tubed during the afternoons.
On the last full day of the reunion, we enjoyed a giant family bowling match, with everyone divided into teams of four. Everyone had a great time, and it just so happened that the team of Mia, Ben, Joe, and myself cleaned up.
The family.
We had a great time overall, and it was wonderful to catch up with family I often hadn’t seen in, at best, 5 years. Some of my younger cousins I had actually never met before! That made me feel a bit old… but all in all, it was wonderful to see everyone. I can’t wait for the next reunion!
Until next time, readers, when I see you at the Grand Canyon!
Jon
