Gunstock Mountain and a last sunset cruise.

Our last full day at the lake, we decided to head over to Gunstock and see it was all about. Given how many times we’ve gone to the lake, it’s strange we’ve never visited the ski-mountain resort. Similar to the top of Vail (yet without the breathtaking 360 degree views of the Rockies!), it’s got all sorts of adventurous activities: high ropes courses, mountain alpine coasters, ziplines (one had to be a 1/4 miles long!), tube-jumps (imagine flying off a ski-jump on a tube into a giant air-bag).Once again, Parker was five pounds shy of being able to do a lot of the stuff but the mountain coaster he could do. What fun it was. After ascending the hill for what feels like five minutes, gravity takes over and you race down through the woods curving every which way. He loved it (so much that he did it again with Steve the next day). We did too. Thank goodness the “sled” had a hand-break because I’m not sure we would have made some of the turns without it. I’m sure it’s safe but I was truly surprised how fast we were going! They said up to 25 mph, but Steve swears he was going 40 (I think he’s mistaken.). Then, this ropes course. THIS ROPES COURSE. It takes like 2 1/2 hours to complete and has courses all through the woods. It was amazing. William and Lindsey did it and had a blast. Next time, I’m going to join them. It’s higher than it looks! I love how affectionate this guy is. When he hugs you, he really hugs you.Here’s the playground where we easily killed over two hours while William and Lindsey completed the ropes course. Parker and Anders could stay on a playground all day, I think. Of course, it didn’t take long for Parker to make some friends there too. Isn’t it fun to watch this process unfold? Proximity leads to shared experience which leads to conversation. Next thing, it’s like they’ve known each other since forever. I’m seriously impressed by their ability to just strike up a conversation and make a new friend.  And then, after playing and having all sorts of fun, parents call and they go their separate ways. In and out of each others’ lives just like that. Kind of sad? And then, a sunset boat ride on our last night. These sunset rides are where the magic happens. They’re where you look all around at a quiet lake, lights flickering in boat houses dotting the shore line, the sun leaving behind these magnificent colors, and you think, “This is the life.” I wish we’d done more of this. This one was spectacular.   Already missing this lake bad. It’s gonna be a loooooong winter.