For those scratching their heads about this travel diversion, it’s all due to Mandy. She years ago discovered Melanzana clothing and then introduced me to it. Now we’re hooked, though obtaining it is not easy. Post pandemic they kept that sales model, which requires an appointment to shop only in person in Leadville. For those not familiar with the town, it’s the highest elevation of any incorporated town in the US. At least a 2 hour drive through the mountain passes to reach it. Mandy made appointments back in January for us to shop for just the two items each we were allotted.

So here we are! We arrived in Denver and stayed overnight with an old college friend of Mandy’s who lives in old town Arvada. A charming area where we could easily walk to multiple restaurants and shops. We chose an Indian one for dinner and even after ordering a curry with medium spice, I survived with limited sweating.

On the walk we passed an interesting bakery where we returned the next morning for coffee and breakfast treats. Then it was a drive up to Vail, where Mandy and Karma worked multiple seasons so they could ski and snowboard. We spent some time wandering around and catching up with some of their former work mates.

We were fortunate to arrange a chance to meet up with Christy, one of Mandy’s grad school friends for dinner in Minturn, a tiny town. Had a great catch up over a Thai dinner where I smartly ordered a “lightly spiced” menu option.

Another wonderful connection is our friend, Annette, who has a cabin here in Leadville that she graciously lets us use. It suits this town perfectly! Up this morning and off to our favorite coffee shop here, City on a Hill, on the short walk to Melanzana. Even with our appointments it was fairly hectic but after much deliberation we each chose our items. One of my new ones coordinates much better with the outfit Mandy chose for me for the hike. More on that later!