Snoopy and the Easter Beagle Express Saturday April 4 2015

Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad | 9:00am – 3:00pm

Snoopy is making an appearance on the Easter Beagle Express April, 4 2015.  While Snoopy is in town we have the perfect pet friendly cabin for him to stay in.  It even has a fenced back yard to keep Snoopy from roaming the mountains!  Inside he will find a jar full of treats, duck and potato, toys to play with in the O-Bar-O Corral, his very own watering and food station and a comfy pet bed, although he might like a dog house better.  I’ll get Mike right on the task of fashioning the perfect dog house for Snoopy and Woodstock to sleep on, watching the stars and contemplating life.  Maybe Woodstock could stand guard with a snow shovel just in case!  Passengers purchasing tickets to ride Peanuts™ The Easter Beagle Express will ride in premium-class seating in the rear half of our train, all the while enjoying crafts, storytelling, musical entertainment, games refreshments and other Easter-themed activities.  Charlie Brown and his loyal pup will be filling the train with great stories.  I can’t guarantee that Lucy will pull the football away just as Charlie Brown tries to kick.  However, I am sure she will try.  Wouldn’t you guess that Schroeder is the one in charge of the musical entertainment?  No guarantees that he will have his “baby” grand but it is sure to delight.  Linus will be there with his favorite blanket so bring yours, too.  Maybe there will be cameos from Peppermint Patty and Pigpen.  I might just hold my breath if Pigpen comes around, though.  For all you grown-ups you must talk like the grown-ups in the cartoons…..wah wah wah, wah!  When you book your tickets don’t forget to call the O-Bar-O Cabins for your stay.  We will make sure to pamper you and your Snoopy.

Winter Brunch Train March 7.  While temperatures make us feel as though we are well into spring it just isn’t the case.  It is still winter according to the calendar and Punxsutawney Phil. Didn’t he just say we had 6 more weeks of winter?  Can’t say I see it but who am I to argue with such a prestigious and accurate figure. (did you hear the sarcasm dripping from that last part?!)  Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is always a fantastic trip no matter what time of year but this particular train peeked my interest.  Winter Brunch Train, they call it.  Beautiful views and food….that I don’t have to cook? On March 7th First Class passengers receive a delicious hot brunch buffet while traveling via steam train through the pristine winter wonderland along the Animas River. Silverton is notorious for getting more snow than Durango.  So the trip should provide just the right amount of snow that you don’t need to shovel, I might add.  I can see it now, the sun gleaming off of snow untouched by anything other than the occasional animal tracks. Water rippling down its path sparkling as if it is laughing with the sun.  Pine trees dancing lightly as the wind kisses the air.  Well now, doesn’t that sound good?  Add a hot brunch to the mix and you have a real treat!  Fixin’s that pair perfectly with the outdoor scenery and maybe a great mimosa, too.  I am salivating already and it’s only February.  As the TV infomercials say “but wait there is more”….Live music by Robby Overfield will fill the air laying the back drop to this serene and scenic trip.

Can you imagine an entire building with just chocolate? What are these people thinking? I see stampedes, and not by cattle, by people obsessed with chocolate. Unlike, me, of course! Okay, so that may seem a little dramatic. But, hey, it’s chocolate. And what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, stuffing your mug with the most delicious chocolate you have ever tasted while helping out the puppies and kittens. Durango hosts Chocolate Fantasia every year in February with proceeds going to a selected charity. This year looks to be La Plata Humane Society. That is right up our alley and the O-Bark-O Corral. Okay, so I digress. I was talking about chocolate. The Chocolate Fantasia is an event where local chocolatiers, restaurants and even amateur chefs show their talents for us to see and taste. The aroma of chocolate will be wafting through the air tantalizing our taste buds. After much deliberation you can choose your favorite, whether it be one of our 2 chocolatiers, a restaurant or my neighbor! Durango boosts 2 local chocolate shops that makes my mouth water when passing by. Mike and I did just have some friends in from Denver. We took them downtown for lunch and then a quick stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. You would have thought Mike was a kid in a candy store!!! Animas Chocolate Company has very tasty chocolate and does some great molds. We could do our logo as one giant mold. Better come quickly to get a bite before Mike eats it all. Chocolate Fantasia is hosted at the La Plata Fairgrounds from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on February 17th. As they coin it “A Chocolate Sweet Tooth’s Delight”. Wow, that is a mouthful, literally. After indulging is a great taste-athon come back to your cozy cabin at the O-Bar-O and let the fire lull you to sleep.

Snowdown is an extraordinary event. Locals and visitors alike seem to get into character exhibiting high fashion, well maybe not high fashion but certainly creative fashion. I took an excerpt from the Snowdown website that explains in a story like way the birth of this unique event.
….A long time ago back in 1979 the Land of Durango was covered in winter’s darkness and the People and Commerce were depressed. A great lament was heard throughout the Land, as the days were short and bore little fruit. And so it came to pass one dark day The Founder John Murrah (the man who originally came up with the idea), heard the cry. He enjoined the Lords of Business (DACRA, as it was then known) and the Lords of Information Dissemination (The Durango Herald) that a winter celebration would bring Enterprise to the land and raise up the people in their time of need. And so it came to pass that the Lords agreed and they seeded the project with a pittance from The Durango Herald. Then the Founder said to the people, “Let there be FUN!” And SNOWDOWN was established as a winter FUN celebration.
This year the theme is Steampunk. In my mind’s eye I had an idea of what Steampunk is but thought maybe Wikipedia should help that along….per their rendition…. Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy literature and art that commonly features some aspect of steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by industrialized Western civilization during the 19th century. Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or American “Wild West”, and we are in the Wild Wild West. Right? I suppose we aren’t so wild but Snowdown is! Snowdown starts January 28th. See you there.

Spring time is truly in full swing around this joint. Crocus, daffodils, tulips are emerging from a long winters nap along with 5 of our cabins. That means it’s time to spring clean. When that first crocus blooms we are ready and waiting to start. No nook or cranny is without inspection. Every inch, both inside and out gets scrubbed, washed, fluffed, raked, bagged and refreshed. Just ask Robin how many toothbrushes she goes through during spring cleaning! The cabins get detailed from head to toe. No stone is left un-turned, as the saying goes. This is a great time to assess the needs of each cabin, suggestions for improvements from our Guests and any updates. This year we repainted the interiors, new mirrors with shelves for the bathrooms and some bathrooms were the recipients of new, custom sinks. Thanks to Mike’s handy work! The outside is being raked, weeded, trimmed, and spruced up. Let’s not forget the staff. We also need a spring cleaning. My Grandpa always said it was good to get the cobwebs out. What does that entail you ask? Well, we also get buffed and polished, no, not really. It just sounded good!

Here are some helpful hints that we like;

Make your own scented vinegar. Cut a few citrus peels and place in a glass jar. Cover with vinegar and allow to sit for two weeks. Remove peels and dilute vinegar 1:1 with water. Pour solution into a spray bottle. Use to clean windows, glass, counter and mopping hard surface floors.

Give your room a fresh scent. Whip up your own deodorizer on the stove top. Simmer orange rinds or lemon slices and rosemary in a pot of water. The scent will refresh your home.

Vinegar is my new best friend. It is so versatile and doesn’t gas you out. In full strength it can clean grease splatters, kitchen grime even fan blades. In a diluted form (1:1 vinegar/water) use on your tubs, sinks, microwaves, and inside the fridge (don’t forget the inside of that fridge!)

Happy Spring Everyone!

Well, I can tell you what not to wear to the Bluegrass Meltdown! This is the 20th year for the Bluegrass Meltdown in Durango and is sure to delight again this year. If you are feelin’ the need for some bluegrass come on down. Dress code is casual maybe some overalls but remember you are in cowboy country so a 10 gallon Stetson wouldn’t be out of place! Ya right. One might have trouble dancing with your partner in a hat that size. The Old Time Barn Dance is on Saturday starting at 7:30pm. In 2006, after recognizing the popularity of the old time music with bands such as Reeltime Travelers and Sweet Sunny South, the Meltdown introduced the Old Time Barn Dance at the Elks Lodge. The Lodge is the perfect setting with it’s hardwood dance floor featuring old time bands like the Pick and Holler and the Six Dollar String Band. The Old Time Barn Dance has evolved into a “don’t miss” event. Kids of all ages have more fun during the dance. The dance floor is always packed!

Ooh, you could get into character and pretend you are part of the Soggy Bottom Boys from the movie Brother Where Art Thou. I was thinking of wearing a gingham dress with my favorite cowboy boots. Maybe even braid my hair. What do you think? The festival is April 11th-13th. The Bluegrass Meltdown activities start on Friday at the Durango Discovery Museum with music and festivities all through out downtown during the weekend.

If you hurry you might still be able to stay with us during the festival. We have 3 cabins left, as of now.

I leave you with the funny for the day. Do you know how to tell the difference between old time fiddle tunes? They have different titles. Get your Bluegrass Meltdown on and we’ll see you there.

is the start of Spring, well, it is sort of. But the day itself signifies the change from winter to spring. We can still get some snow storms but we will also see the great thaw with the crocus and tulips emerging from a long winters nap. Spring also signals the return of our resident summer birds. The Osprey love the Florida river and the trout that inhabit the water. Their striking calls as they swirl around the river at heights that would make most of us faint. To watch an Osprey swoop down, talons outstretched, and grab a fish is spectacular. Once the fish is caught they rotate it for a more aerodynamic flight. They are such smart birds. Mike was able to witness while fishing in a different manner! The Osprey came down, grabbed the fish and took off over his head. Mike could touch the fish as it flew overhead. Guess these mighty birds don’t know the rules around O-Bar-O. It’s catch and release only!

How many of you are spring skiers? That would be me. I love those bluebird days, warm temperatures and soft snow. I can just cruise down the slopes taking in the incredible views and the sun. Durango Mountain is one of the best spring skiing resorts for someone like me, a fair weather skier! Purgatory always has plenty of spring time activities to engage you. Spring is just around the corner so don’t delay in booking your spring skiing trip. OBO cabins is ready and waiting your arrival! Happy skiing.

Oh, Don’t forget to wear your green on St. Paddy’s Day. If not one of those Leprechauns might have to pinch you!

Having married into an Irish family, McGinley doesn’t get more Irish than that, St. Patrick’s Day is an observed holiday in our household. Although St. Patrick probably wasn’t a small green fella his cohort, the leprechaun, holds lots of charm, is a bit rambunctious and likes his shenanigans. This is the second year of the Durango Celtic Festival. It is sure to delight both young and old with all the music, dancing and great food. The festivities start on March 6th and got through the 9th. I took a peek at the schedule of events. The Durango Celtic Festival will feature music venues at the Henry Strater Theatre and the Irish Embassy Pub along with a story telling event, as they call it. What kind of stories could they tell? I bet they will be colorful and maybe a nod to a shot or two of Tullamore? While enjoying the festivities don’t forget to admire the history and architecture of both the Henry Strater and the Irish Embassy Pub.

O-Bar-O Cabins is getting into the spirit. The snow is receding and things are turning green as if they are preparing for St. Patrick’s visit. Mike is practicing his Celtic dances, that should be fun to watch, and the birds are singing the forlorn tunes of Celtic past and present. It’s time to tune up those legs and instruments in preparation for the Celtic Festival. If you happen to catch up to one of those leprechauns make sure to let us know at O-Bar-O. You never know, it might just be a long lost relative! Especially if he has a mustache. Now, off to fire up the slow cooker for some corned beef and cabbage. Enjoy the festival.

For us old timer’s we still think of this great ski mountain as Purgatory. It’s official name is Durango Mountain Resort. In my opinion February and March are the best months to ski DMR. You get these blue bird days, that means sunny with a beautiful blue sky, and temps that are comfortable. Durango Mountain has terrain for all levels of experience. I enjoy skiing the green and blue runs as they are nicely groomed, great for beginners, casual skiers and families. They even have groomed black runs for those a little more daring. The drive from O-Bar-O Cabins isn’t long. As the crow flies you could be there in 15 minutes but that would require going over a ridge! It takes about 40-45 minutes to get there. Well worth the drive to have a warm, cozy cabin to come back to with a fireplace, no less! If you aren’t a skier there are other activities right at the mountain. It’s fun to take the little one sledding. To see the look on their faces when they cruise down the snow is priceless. Regardless of what activity you choose to participate in you will have fun. Just don’t forget to bring the sunscreen! Now hit the slopes and carve some turns.

Mike and I had the opportunity to ride the train up to Soaring Tree Top Adventures this last fall. This picture is proof we actually did it and what a blast was had! Our Guests ask us what activities they should plan with their vacation at the O-Bar-O Cabins. Well, there are plenty. Our first pick is one that Durango is well known for. The Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge train is a must. The scenery is breathtaking and second to none. Your photo album can’t go without a few pictures from this journey. Our suggestions for a great trip are pretty simple. First, layer your clothing, even in the middle of summer. It is Colorado, after all! Make sure to pack a water bottle or two and for those rambunctious rapscallions, young and old, maybe take the bus back. Oh, and don’t forget your camera.