Trip from Colorado to New Mexico

I love hot springs pools. I've been to the most of them in Colorado. My favorites so far are Pagosa Springs, Glenwood Springs and Mount Princeton. I've heard a lot of good about Steamboat hot springs. It's a bit out of our way, but when the occassion arrises we'll take a drive and sample the Steamboat water.

In December my husband and I found some free time and decided to visit Ojo Caliente, New Mexico for the first time. Drive time from Colorado Springs, CO is aproximately 5 hours. Ojo Caliente hot springs resort is located in a secluded valley high in the rocky deserts of Northern New Mexico.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs undoubtedly was a sacred therapeutic area long before the Spaniards arrived there. As well, they claim to be the oldest hot springs in North America. What makes this place different from many other hot springs is a combination of four unique minerals that well up with the waters in this area. Guests can choose between natural springs with lithium, iron, soda and arsenic. My favorite was an iron pool. Not so much for the iron itself, but the evening temperature was a chilly 14 degrees outside and this pool had a very comfortable water temperature to be in while outside. I also tried out the arsenic steam room - I enjoyed it a lot! I was also hoping to get into some mud, but unfortunately the mud bath was empty.

The thing that struck me the most was the number of stars I could see in the sky. I think there were millions of them, literally. I love stargazing, and I do it often during the summer in Colorado. But that night in Ojo Caliente was the most spectacular night sky ever! I felt like I've never seen the night sky before.

Ojo Caliente was a pleasure to visit and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. This is one little trip I would recommend to anyone who likes hot springs. We definitely enjoyed neighboring New Mexico - it was full of fun and lots of relaxation.



In Taos, New Mexico



It would be nice...

To have a partner to share interests and passions. In my case, I would love to have someone to visit all the cool places in Colorado. Recently I met John Fielder at one of my professional monthly meetings in Denver. If you don't know who he is, he is the most recognized and accomplished photographers of Colorado. He has his own Gallery on Santa Fe Drive in Denver. 

He spoke to us so passionately about preserving Colorado's beauty for the future generations. It’s obvious to me how much he enjoys the searching through Colorado to all those special places for the perfect photo’s. Totally not surprised, but very impressed that he has the awesome ability to give the directions off the top of his head to any place in the State he's been to. He truly has a love for all this business of traveling through the area. 

Wouldn't it be great for all of us to have our perfect partner and to share the passion?


Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO



Ski season is here again.

Last Sunday I went skiing at Loveland ski area in Loveland, CO. It was my opening of the ski season and first time in Loveland. I liked it there. Not too busy, but plenty of powder to enjoy. The weather was beautiful, a little windy, but it wasn't cold at the base.

My two favorite activities in this world are whitewater rafting in the summer and downhill skiing in the winter. I just love it! One thing that makes skiing even better is a visit to an outdoor mineral hot springs pool at the end of a long day of skiing. There are few ideal places in Colorado that come to mind: Glenwood Springs, Mount Princeton resort (not too far from Monarch) and Steamboat Springs. Of course in Colorado, there are a few other places as well. I am hoping to make a trip to Monarch/Mnt.Princeton with my friends over the Christmas break. Wish me luck! 

Young musicians travel to Colorado in 2011

Lately I've been working a lot on planning touring and performing itineraries for large groups of young people which will come to Colorado Springs April and May 2011. 

I had no idea how many high school musicians from all over the country come to Colorado every spring! April and May are two major high school music months. Many different choirs and bands ride their school buses from Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, and even Florida and Georgia (I mean that's fa-a-ar). They usually add a couple days of fun to their trips for the kids to sightsee our area and to visit our cool places. That's where I'll be hopping up on the bus to direct the driver and to tell all the stories about Colorado - Rocky mountains, wild west, gold rush time, etc. As any tour guide, I have to spice it up for the tourists, and often the only way to do it is to make up some funny or wild stories. These are usually the most memorable ones for everyone. :))

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all my friends, relatives and clients! I am appreciative and thankful for all and each of you! I also have many other things in life to be thankful for, and hope you are feeling the same way.

2010 Colorado season is over

Usually Colorado has a beautiful long fall, and this year was no exception. This summer I've been very busy with Colorado tours, especially in the fall of 2010. My clients were from all over the world - USA, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Australia, Mexico, Ireland, Spain, Thailand, China, Philippines. Mostly I've worked with the private parties, couples, or small groups of colleagues. However I've been a step-on bus guide a few times as well, mainly for the military reunions.

Today I've spent lots of time preparing a small group tour next September. It will be 5 days long!

Basically we are going to make a giant loop through southwestern Colorado. This includes several of the most unique and scenic areas and National parks such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Pagosa hot Springs, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Box Canyon (by Ouray), and more. So far, we already have 6-7 participants and it's very exciting!