Pagosa Vacation 2010 - random info

Weather and Clothes - Main advice is dress in layers and be prepared to layer on or peel off.  When the sun is out it's plenty warm (especially if you are hiking hard).  But when it's not it can be downright chilly (and always is first thing in the morning and after the sun goes down).  Our hikes aren't too crazy - so a supportive pair of tennis shoes (that you don't mind getting dirty) will do.  If you have hiking boots - of course - they will make your feet happier...

Sun and Bugs - bring sunscreen and bug lotion/spray.  You'll need both.

Cell phone coverage - it's pretty good around the main roads - but once we get off the beaten path - it's very iffy (few cell towers and lots of mountains to get in the way)

Altitude change - Pagosa is around 8000-9000 feet (and one hike takes us up to 10800).  Watertown is about 1700 feet high.  So you will notice that a couple of things...

1) Any toiletries that are in bottles or tubes (shampoo, sunscreen, etc.) will swell up with the change in altitude.  make sure you have them all in plastic bags or you just may have a nice mess on your hands (and clothes and stuff).  They seem to do it both going up and coming down.  

2) You will get winded faster - keep hydrated and take breaks when you need them.  Don't push so hard you hyperventilate or pass out.  We don't want to be carrying anyone!

Condo goodies

- Washers and Dryers - bring less clothes because you can easily wash/dry with the over & under units in the condo.  Wash every day if you like - we typically do a small load every day!

- Dishwasher - they all have a dishwasher and give you enough detergent capsules to run a load a day.

- Flat screen TVs and DVD players - also a CD player/radio

- Toasters/blenders/crock pots/ice makers - These are all in the condo or available to us.  If you don't see it - we can ask the front desk - they are verrry accomodating.  Bring your favorite recipes (or hook into recipes.com...)

- Linens and pillows and stuff - Linens, Pillows, Towels, Washcloths are provided.  If you have a favorite pillow - bring it.

- Swimming pools and hot tubs - bring your suits and if you have swim towels you like - bring them - they're nicer than the ones they provide, typically.

Around town

- There is a Wells Fargo bank in town - and several others with ATMs.
- Golfer?  Bring your clubs because there are three 18 hole courses right on and around the resort.

- Grocery store, gas stations and restaurants are nearby.  You can get a free Kroger customer card at the grocery store which will save you money in the store and at their affiliated gas station.

- Choke Cherry Tree - awesome little shop where they make a bunch of delicious stuff that make great gifts.  Free samples abound...especially their home-made caramels...

- Pagosa Springs hot springs and spa - Pagosa's original claim to fame is the hot springs (one definition of "Pagosa" means "stinky waters") and they have a neat setup - with 12 different pools of different temperatures (from one down by the river [brrr] to one called the Lobster Pot).  It's very relaxing and would be a treat for moms and dads...

Sunday Night

- Sunday evening at 6 they have an event by the registration desk where various area people/vendors show and tell about their wares and they give away free stuff.  Attendance is totally optional - but it's fun if you've never done it before and want a chance to win some free swag.  (examples of past stuff we've won - bag of caramels, ticket to Pagosa Springs Hot Springs, horse-drawn wagon ride and cowboy supper, gift certificate)

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