Steamboat Mountain from Lionscrest Manor

There are approximately 9 switchbacks that lift you up off Co Rt 36 near the St Vrain River and leave you several hundred vertical feet higher than when you started. Of the 9, exactly 6 of the switchbacks are the really daring ones....the full 180 degree ones....the ones that force you to hold your breath, lean into the curve, grip the steering wheel tight, turn, turn, turn and let out your breath with a whoaaaa that starts low in volume and crescendoes until you have made it all the way through and exhausted all the air from your lungs. Phew! 180 degree turns are the sharp ones, they're the ones that the George W. Bush voice (Texas accent and halting reading) on the GPS directs you to take: make a sharp turn, but don't poke-ya'selv!

The really exciting thing is that all this happens on the way up. You use the gas pedal. To get back down, you have to repeat all of this in reverse...and use the brake.

Beautiful view of Steamboat Mountain in Lyons, Colorado. Great venue, I'm told. I saw it for myself and think some young kids in love are going to have one wonderful evening there.