Colorado Adventures- The Yin and Yang

Breckenridge, Colorado

Want to find yourself?  The formula...  First learn a little about space exploration, then challenge yourself on the ski slopes, get a lesson in servitude, finish it with a snowy mediation and relaxation retreat all punctuated with thought provoking existential discussions.   Two big messages came out of this experience for me...

1.)  Busyness is Laziness

2.) It Doesn't Matter in the End

This trip started with a visit to my good friend Dave, who had recently moved from Fort Worth to lead amazing virtual reality developments at Lockheed Missiles & Space near Denver. A rising star, 3 decades my junior, who may very well be a future Elon Musk or a renowned guru.  Time will tell.  That GPS you take for granted is brought to you courtesy of a constellation of huge satellites.  Imagine a workspace where you strap into a virtual gaming machine or interact and design satellites as an avatar in virtual reality.  Too cool!

GPS Satellite

How about this for your workspace!

The next challenge was for me to see if I still "had it" on the slopes.  A one year hiatus due to Covid and I was itching to find out.   And I do!  Here's proof :)

In part my expertise on the slopes was likely due to a daily exercise regime that was not possible pre-retirement.  The cold fresh air and mountains were simply invigorating.  At night we walked a mile and a half through silent forests to the vibrant town of Breckenridge, with snow falling heavily to  eat a hearty dinner.  A universe away from Texas. 

Main Street Breckenridge

Now, the first night we had no choice but to walk as our truck was stuck fast in the snow and ice.  And this was a night where we learned what "real service" is...  Our truck had become stuck in the ice at the parking lot of the condo where we were staying -a mile and half from downtown Breckenridge.  We were tired (from skiing and trying to get the truck unstuck) and hungry and as it was getting late. We decided to walk into town before everything closed despite the heavy  snow that was falling.  We arrived at Michael's Italian restaurant covered in snow, with its warm glow beckoning us in.  It was closing time and they had just stopped serving. But upon hearing our story the staff invited us in and our waiter (Timmy) said, "he would take care of us".  Both did he!  We were treated to mouth watering culinary delights. I had the white lasagna and my friend had pizza.  Delicious! Timmy made sure the garlic bread kept coming and our glasses full. Here is where the night got even better.  Timmy asked where we were staying and offered to bring his truck out to free our vehicle once he finished closing up.  He gave us directions for how to catch the shuttle close to our lodging rather than walking back to the condo late at night.  30 minutes later he was in our parking lot and expertly help free us from the ice.  Wonderful food in a warm environment with a "good Samaritan" as our waiter.  Storybook! 

Michael's Italian Ristorante

Our waiter, Timmy Pulling Us Out

Our next stop was the Drala Mountain Center, 3 hours to the north, which after 3 days of vigorous activity we were ready for.  Here is where I discovered the truth, "Busyness is Lazyness"  This experience and resulting epiphany was so profound, it deserves its own post.