Another mountain!

 I don't know what my husband has done to me. Awake at 5:30 this morning! I remember my parents getting upset with me for sleeping into the afternoon!

Breakfast isn't served until 8:00 so slowly got ready and had a coffee cake for an appetizer. Breakfast was just downstairs from our room - Kurt had pancakes and I had biscuits and gravy. They were both fine. I was surprised that there were maybe 8 tables and the same lady was the cook and waitress. She did a great job, better than some waitresses I have had that only have to serve!

Back to the room to pack up and headed back into the Badlands. We decided we weren't going to stop at all the overlooks as we have done that before but we just drove through and only stopped at our hike. 

I decided I wanted to try doing Saddle Pass (and usually Kurt goes along whether he really wants to or not...). It is only like .3 miles but it is pretty much straight up. The last time we stopped there I didn't even attempt it, Kurt went about halfway, and I think Chase made it to the top (or at least I am sure he could have if he wanted to do it alone). I decided if I could climb 2,876,384 stairs in Colorado I could try it. We walked to the start and I realized if I was going to do this had to do it right. Went back to the car for my hiking poles and to load up the backpack. Going up was tough but not as bad as I thought. I was nervous about coming back down as we watched others and it was a bit sketchy, thought about turning back. Wouldn't have been so bad but for the loose rocks so you tended to slide. I am so glad we kept going. Beautiful views from the top!!! Actually was a fun little hike.

Yes, those are pictures of trail! Can you see it? Don't worry I couldn't always see it either...

Back in the car to continue our drive and realize the car is blowing hot air on me. The passenger side was blowing cool, just the drivers side... Thankfully wasn't too warm so we could put the windows down. We drove the back roads, some of which were gravel and VERY bumpy to the ghost town of Scenic. Although it's only about 30 miles it took us a good hour. 

Scenic was a really neat little town. A whole town just abandoned but one trailer home that looked like it was still inhabited. Can you imagine living in a ghost town??? Would love to know the story there. Actually when we get home I would like to look into the history of the town but for now just have to enjoy the pictures. Was a neat stop!

Next we were going to hike at Sheep Mountain Table. But it's a 5 mile hike it the full sun and it was getting hot and the air in the car is not working... So decided to just head for Rapid. Stopped at our first brewery of the day - Zymurcracy. Had a flight with 4 different beers. They were okay, but neat little brewery.

Made our way downtown to find the hotel and passed an ice cream shop. Decided maybe we deserved some ice cream and had to turn around. Very busy place with a line outside but was worth the short wait. I had sundae with chocolate ice cream, marshmallow sauce, and Oreos. They really one had chocolate or vanilla ice creams but over 20 different sundae options. Was delicious!

Found our hotel and checked in. We were upgraded to the Presidential floor. Impressive! Actually I would have thought it was a really nice room, but considering it was 'Presidential' was a little disappointed. Got settled at the hotel and headed back out. Went across the street to Murphy's for lupper. We both had the fish and chips - Very good!

After lupper decided to start our brewery tour. Found our way to Hay Camp Brewing to find a sign on the door saying they decided to close early. Not impressed! Next stop was Firehouse, we sat in the sports bar which was neat with TVs everywhere but not loving the beer. Stayed just for one. Next we walked to Lost Cabin - about a mile away. We were walking straight into the sun so were blinded and sweaty and ready for a drink when we got there. Beers were okay, but nothing that blew me away. Decided to walk up the block to Dakota Point and sample. We got there about 45 minutes before closing so time for a quick flight. Wished we had come here earlier. Definitely my favorites! Very good beer - would like to stop again when we could hang out longer. Started the mile walk back to our hotel. Much nicer walk this time as the sun was to our back and it had cooled off a bit. And I was feeling mighty fine thanks to all my samples. Decided to stop back at Murphy's for one last drink. Not our finest idea as we were both a bit tipsy already but it's vacation... One drink and headed back to the room for a good night sleep.