I took a week of vacation last week with the family in Colorado.  We experienced a huge amount of unexpected snow as we spent our time between Beaver Creek and Vail after catching the Rockies season opener in Denver (thanks again Gabe, Christina, & Lisa).  The best part of the week was getting to spend so much uninterrupted time with my daughter.  Spending day after day together in such a beautiful place rather than just weekends and mornings/early evenings was truly special time.

I managed to more or less unplug although board meeting prep and a Blackberry did keep me in the loop as a spectator.

We did a bit of skiing and spent time at Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek, and ended the week in Vail.  It was the last week of the ski season so lift tickets were discounted (a bit) and many restaurants were offering discounts on meals and wine.  We enjoyed Larkspur and Terra Bistro in Vail.

One of the many memorable experiences was breakfast at the Little Diner in Vail.  We were looking for a bacon and eggs breakfast and this little place is actually just a counter surrounding a cooking station.  I don’t remember their names, but the couple running it was great even though they had just opened, were short handed and very busy that day.  Being an entrepreneur is not always just about venture capital and the new new thing.  It is about the passion and courage to follow your dreams and take the plunge.  An example for us all to follow.  If you are in the Lionshead area for breakfast, check it out.

Another great experience was time at Garfinkel’s in Vail.  I am a huge fan of it for relaxing and a few beers.  I have lots of great memories there with friends going back many years during both summer and winter visits.  It was kind of bizarre to share a meal there with my family.