Non-Snowboarding Adventures in Denver

When we weren't snowboarding at Copper Mountain, we enjoyed spending time in Denver with Nate and his parents. On Sunday the Broncos and Patriots were playing at the Mile High stadium to qualify for the Super Bowl. Of course, this was a big deal for Colorado. We watched some of the game with the family over delicious tacos at Senor Del Sol. Best way to watch a football game, and the Broncos are going to the Super Bowl! The weather was also warm compared to our time in Illinois, so we were able to take a nice, long walk around the neighborhood after the game. It was lovely to feel the warm sunshine outside. 

Senor Del Sol taco plate

We also spent quite a bit of time playing Pandemic Legacy. The board game involves saving the world from viral disaster and evolves as time goes on. As we slowly worked our way through the twelve months of the game things got more an more dire. We finished, but despite doing well for most of the game the last few rounds left us unable to preserve the world. Sad day. It was just season one of the game, so maybe we'll have to try again when season two comes out. 

Game character named in honor of my sister the virologist.

Wednesday afternoon we met up with some friends of Nate and tried out Dry Dock Brewery. Brandon and I split a flight of beers, and our favorite was a Double Coffee Porter. In the evening, we were treated to Nate's mom's delicious cooking, including an amazing chocolate pot de creme. So spoiled. 

Dry Dock flight

Friday we met Nate's dad for lunch at Lowry Beer Garden. The Beer Garden is part of a revitalization project of an old Air Force Base and hangars. We had been there when we were in Colorado two years ago, and once again it did not disappoint. Brandon had a jalepeno cheddar elk brat with mango, pico, and cotija. The turkey burger I enjoyed with green chilies and slaw was one of the best I've had. 

Lowry Beer Garden at an old airplane hangar

Brandon's brat and fries

Retired Air Force aircraft next to the beer garden

After lunch we walked and wandered all around Lowry searching for Munzees for Nate. Essentially you use your phone to find and scan QR codes hidden all over the world. You get points for each code you scan or place, like an electronic scavenger hunt. If you want to start playing, you can use Nate's referral code to begin (scan the QR code below). 

This is a Munzee hidden on a lamp post

Gigantic sundial in a park where we were looking for Munzees 

If you are interested in checking out the Munzees game, scan this referral code.

The rest of the time in Denver, we relaxed and figured out our driving route to Santa Cruz, California. Unfortunately, we had to take off early and cut far south on I-25 and I-40 to avoid a big snowstorm coming in. We took everyone out for a good brunch at The Egg and I as a thank you before headed out. When we left for Albuquerque, New Mexico around noon, it was sunny and sixty degrees with no sign of snow. That made it even harder to leave Colorado behind, but we felt justified when we heard that the snowstorm did indeed hit and parts of I-70 through the mountains were closed. It seems we made a good decision in driving far South. More details on the road trip to come!