Palisade Pastimes – Final Weekend in CO

So, this is our last weekend in Colorado, and while we are super bummed out, it couldn’t have been a better weekend to go out on.

We kicked it into gear on Friday afternoon with Desa inviting us for a guided tour up Stage Coach Trail.  This is the last local trail that we had yet to conquer and I’m glad we went with someone who knew what they were doing; there were a ton of wash-outs that made navigating the trail difficult.

On our way up – the beginning was definitely the most strenuous.

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It does level out pretty quickly after the hard part and opens up to awesome 360 degree views.

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Amazing perspective of Palisade giving the opposite view of the Rim Trail which we’ve done a few times.

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The flag pole at the top is the typical objective when climbing up, but you can really just walk around the top of the mountain – there is no real end to the trail.

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Enjoying the view

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For those that have visited, it’s known that sunset – at least in our opinion – is the most beautiful time of day with the desert mountains glistening burnt orange.

Well the way down was all sunset baby and it was amazing.

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Chica and “the weens” had a blast!

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All in all the hike was about 5 miles elevating over 1,300 ft – amazing!

With Colorado Winefest taking over town (explain in a minute) and this being our last weekend in Palisade you know we’re keeping the night going.

We dropped Chica off at the house and headed right back out to the Brewery to hang out and watch Stray Grass jam out.  This band rocked it and we had a blast, so much so that we took a bunch of crappy videos and not many pictures; however we salvaged a good one of Amy and Jenny.

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Once the band wrapped it up, we called it a night and went back for some stargazing before recharging for Winefest.

So, yes, back to Winefest; officially Colorado Mountain Winefest.   This is a gathering of Colorado’s finest wineries and of course it’s located in Palisade – this place is freaking awesome!

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And wait, to add to the awesomeness, Stray Grass (the band we enjoyed so much at the Brewery) was the main performance at the festival.

After countless tastings – which are included and unlimited with a ticket purchase – we bought a nice bottle of wine and enjoyed the music.

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Did I mention there wasn’t a cloud in the sky – perfect day!

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During our hike Desa was very surprised we hadn’t tried Sprigs and Sprouts and the following day we randomly stumbled upon their booth (out of hundreds), had a taste of yummy oils and decided that on Sunday we would go to the shop for a more personalized tasting and buying experience.

Sprigs and Sprouts – done.

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Just like a wine tasting, there is a menu and an olive oil/balsamic connoisseur to guide you through your tasting.  We wanted EVERYTHING!

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After coming back from Junction Mark plopped on the couch and watched football while Amy went to purchase and enjoy one of our favorite local wineries: Colterris

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After a miserable Eagles game we decided to walk it off and took an extended neighborhood walk.

Sunday Walk

How are we leaving this place!?!?

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