Blackhawk and Central City, CO are located just a short drive into the mountains from Denver it's an old town where Colorado's casinos are located. We had signed up with the players club the last time we visited and they sent us a free room voucher for a night so we took advantage of it right before we headed back to the UAE. And like the couple other times we've been there the 'house' didn't beat us. We came home winners, not big winners, but still winners!

I think the key is not gamble all day and all night long...take your time, have a few drinks and slowly play your money until you win more :)

We arrived with my parents, dropped them off and then during the day we went over to Vail and did the Vail Pass to Brekendridge ride on road bikes. Our first time on road bikes and wow they are fast. It's mostly downhill, although at one point we did turn around and go back up to get a bit of a workout. This path down to Brekenridge is beautiful, I love the greenery and as I type this here back in Abu Dhabi, I think back to it and it makes me sad :(.

A storm came through and thankfully we were faster! We sought shelter at a bar for some food and drinks, let it pass by and then we scooted on our way back to Brek. Although we didn't realize that a few happy hour margaritas and a bike ride back to Brekenridge, which was a steady incline, would be so difficult :)

In the evening we beat the pokies and came out on top about a $100!

The next morning Nick, my mom and myself headed Idaho Springs for some whitewater rafting. My mom said it was something she wanted to do all summer and has done before...but it was a long time ago. We headed out for a couple hour tour of Clear Creek and had a great time. It definitely would've been more exciting earlier in the season as the water levels were quite low, but we all enjoyed it. The funny part was that while in Costa Rica we wanted to go, but then I got my lip split open and couldn't, so to make up for it we got the Costa Rican rafting guide in Colorado instead...go figure!