Winter Getaway Part 1: Steamboat Springs

We've decided we aren't into Summer vacations. Realistically we knew that, but we confirmed it this past summer. It was time for a Winter vacation... and we LOVED it.

Charles has the week between Christmas and New Years off so we planned an adventure. I am so thankful we heard about Strawberry Park Hot Springs from a few friends - it was the perfect destination!

Day 1: Fullerton, CA to Green River, UT. I don't know how long we drove but it was in the 10+ hour range. We stopped in Vegas and a few other spots along the way until we landed at our KOA for the night.  Charles built a bed in the back of our Landcruiser so we just pull out our supplies, lay out our sleeping bags and catch some Zzzzzs.

The morning frost was so beautiful:

SNOW! Just what we've been longing for. Loved seeing this view on our drive:

Days 2-5: Steamboat Springs, CO.
Our home for the next three nights. This sweet, tiny little cabin was perfect. All off grid - simply a few beds, two chairs and an end table, a gas fireplace and a deck.
This was the door from the bedroom to the deck. 

HAPPPPYYYY

The sunset from the bedroom window.

Morning One: A snow covered deck. We woke up in the middle of the night to go to the restroom (detached out house.. see it below) and it was snowing! Such a dreamy first morning.

First things first.

A tripod, remote and some snowy portrait fun.

Thee Hot Springs. Multiple pools with different temperatures ranging from 104+ down to a cool pool surrounded by mountains and snow.
The hardest part was getting out of layers of coats and boots to feel the sub 20 degree temps and run into the pools (without slipping on the ice covered ground). But then it was all worth it.

Downtown Steamboat Springs.

A beautiful, clear night.

Early bird gets the worm. This lovely morning we got to be the only ones in the pools and the serenity was so perfect.

Frost made everything so crisp and pretty.

Keeping morning breakfast warm on the stove.

This is the tiny second story of our cabin. So cozy and simple.

Pondering leaving. Always sad...

So, this is the tiny outhouse. I made every effort to not have to pee in the middle of the night. Plus it was hard to get in with the snow that piled up. Also featured, our cabin. Two beds downstairs (we used as a couch/storage), two chairs and a small end table.
The simplicity was lovely. We had no phone service and lots of time to just be. On day one Charles said, "We're coming back here next year." Who wants to come?

The frosty windshield as we prepared to leave.

I am so thankful for the three nights we got to spend here. We snagged the last of the 3 cabins and it was just what we wanted (and needed).

Part two to follow: Denver.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot? I'd love to hear about it!