We began our day early, up at 4:00 AM to be ready for pickup by Top Hat Limo service at 5:15. We could have probably slept a little later since we had everything ready, but I am usually up between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM anyway. Top Hat was on time as they always are.
Here is Doug, our driver who just finished unloading our luggage at the airport. It sure is nice not having to make the drive this morning. The great thing is, it cost less to have Top Hat take us to the airport and then pick us up at the end of our trip, than it would cost to park the car in long term parking for 27 days.
We were at our boarding gate exactly 1:15 minutes from the time we left home. Traffic was light, curb check-in went smoothly and we had TSA pre-check. We get pre-check probably 75% of the time we fly, maybe we are on the "good" list.
We arrived at Denver International at 8:55 local time and by 10:15 we were in our rental and on our way.
We traveled SSW through the mountains and the scenery was beautiful. We had a couple of rain showers and during the 5 hours drive and experienced temperatures from 56 to 92 degrees!
In the above photo, you can still see some snow in the mountains.
We decided to go out of our way and visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park, since it was only about 40 miles from Monte Vista, where we were spending the night.
The dunes are difficult to describe, they reminded me of the desert we visited in the UAE.
The park contains the tallest sand dunes in North America. The dunes cover an area of about 30 sq mi and are estimated to contain over 1.2 cubic miles of sand. Sediments from the surrounding mountains filled the valley over geologic time periods. After lakes within the valley receded, exposed sand was blown by the predominant southwest winds toward the Sangre de Cristos, eventually forming the dune field over an estimated tens of thousands of years.
We arrived at our abode for the night, the Sandhill Inn and Suites in downtown Monte Vista, population 4444 and elevation 7664 ft. It is a nice little motel, quaint but clean. Kay was shocked that we were on the second floor and there was no elevator!
We went to the Mountain View Restaurant for dinner. I found it online and the reviews were very good. We were not disappointed. The service was good, the food plentiful and the quality excellent. I had their special for the night, sirloin with green chili sauce, a cheese enchilada with sides beans and rice. We also had homemade salsa and chips and homemade bread. I believe this might be the best steak I have ever had at a restaurant, and it was only a fraction of what I have paid.
We went to the Mountain View Restaurant for dinner. I found it online and the reviews were very good. We were not disappointed. The service was good, the food plentiful and the quality excellent. I had their special for the night, sirloin with green chili sauce, a cheese enchilada with sides of beans and rice. We also had homemade salsa and chips and homemade bread all washed down with Dos Equis. I believe this might be the best steak I have ever had at a restaurant, and it was only a fraction of the cost of others I have had.
Well, it is time for bed. It is only 8:30, but Kay is already in bed and I am ready. It is 10:30 body time and we have been up since 3:00 AM so I will say goodnight, and will hopefully see you tomorrow.