Joyful Journey

Today was a travel day from Alamosa to Black Hawk, so I was looking forward to a few hours of driving with some stops along the way.  My first stop was Joyful Journey Hot Springs. This resort is just off the highway about an hour north of Alamosa, and you can get a day pass to their three pools for $15. (They also have lodging available - you'll see a lot online about their tepees and yurts, but I have to say their regular lodge looked really nice!) I arrived around 11am, and was only one of four people in the whole pool area.  A few more arrived before I left, but still - it was a very relaxed environment with a great view of the mountains.

One of the things I liked about this place is that this is not a hot -sulphur- spring location like many in Colorado: so no rotten egg smell.  And I do have to say, my muscles felt great after my hikes yesterday, and my skin very smooth! Whether it was just the warmth on it's own, or a combination of that with the minerals in the water - either way, I'm not complaining!

About an hour north I stopped for lunch at Vino Salida Wine Cellars. They had these great light fixtures by a local artist, so I had to snap a quick pic.

A great view to go with a great selection of wine.

View of the tasting room.

So...today was supposed to be a hiking day after all of the relaxing in the morning, but...I managed to miss my turn and go two hours out of my way.  However, I ended up enjoying the great view of the continental divide at Monarch Pass in the process.  (And I don't feel *too* bad - I did stop quickly at my intended hiking spot towards the end of the day, and it didn't look like it was going to hold up to the hype.  So I'll take this day for what it was.)

I finally made it to Blackhawk a bit later than I anticipated.  I grabbed a quick bite to eat, and decided I wanted a drink or two.  Since Blackhawk is a casino town, there aren't really any traditional bars so much - rather, just *free* bars in the casinos as long as you're gambling.  Since I really only wanted a glass of wine, I put a $10 bill in the quarters machine at my hotel's casino, intending to milk it slowly for the drink.  I played once, twice, and BOOM! Won $50. I cashed out, got my glass of wine, and put a few more dollars in while I drank my glass.  I headed back to my side of the hotel complex and decided I would treat myself to another glass.  So I sat down at the penny slots at the other casino, put in $20, and BAM! Won $35.  Again, played a few more dollars while I enjoyed my second glass.  All in all, I doubled my money just in my pursuit of free wine.  Not a bad way to end my journey to my second destination on this road trip.