Our trip has unfortunately come to an end, and we’re getting ready to head back home. We stop for coffee and breakfast at Dirt Coffee Bar, a place that hires neurodivergent individuals, and head to the airport since Madison leaves at 11.
As Madison’s trip comes to an end, I’m on my way to the final stop of my trip – the Denver Mint.
A couple years ago when I was in Philly, we stopped at the mint there but they were unavailable for tours. I was able to score a tour at the Denver Mint, so I’ve now visited the only two mints in the country that produce circulated coins! How neat.
Wouldn’t it have been pretty crazy if I got hit by a car on the way to my tour on my last day in Denver? Wouldn’t it have been extra crazy if it was a cop that hit me? Crazy right?! Luckily it didn’t happen, but it nearly did.
I had the light to cross while the other side had the green. Apparently the cop in the left lane didn’t see me crossing while she was turning, and if I hadn’t been paying attention, well I’d probably be a little richer. She apologized of course and said I was in the blind spot of her turn, but man was that a close call.
The security for the mint is strict, dare I say more than the White House was on my very first NYNP trip. No bags, no items, phones off, the whole lot. So unfortunately I have no pictures of the inside of the mint, just the outside.
The tour was well done, the guides very knowledgeable, and we even heard a few jokes along the way. They happened to be making nickels while we were there, and it was pretty cool to see the machines stamping away.
They unfortunately didn’t have any 2026 pennies available, but they did have a change machine that would give you the 2026 US Constitution Commemorative Quarter, so I got some of those.
I also noticed they were selling wooden ornaments to remember the penny… for $15 – no penny included.
All I could think was how good of a deal my offer is, because you can get these same things from me except mine include the penny for only $15! Check them out 😉
Our tour ends with perfect timing as it’s now time for me to return the rental car and head to the airport myself. I have to admit that having a rental car this trip was a great idea, and we would’ve had a much harder (and more expensive) time trying to get around without it.
Oh and for everyone who for some reason says I’m a bad driver, Madison said to call her😂
Peep my parallel park with our rental truck :
Rental car returned, shuttle to the airport, TSA Precheck Security, and a coffee to get me through the flight home, and I’m boarding my plane back to Connecticut.
Madison and I talked about how much fun this trip was and how we’re so glad we got the chance to do it. We came, we saw, we did so many things and we had a blast doing it. I truly have not laughed as hard and as often as I did this weekend in a long time, and it felt so good.
I never take these trips for granted, and I’m beyond grateful I’ve been able to continue doing them for 11 years. Madison and I don’t get to see each other very often, so it was even more special to experience this year’s trip with her.
Despite the fun we had and the laughs we shared, we’re ready to be back home, in our own beds, with our favorite people and animals.
My flight home was pretty smooth, but painfully stinky. Someone farted throughout the entire flight, making me breathe through my shirt or not breathe at all for a moment hoping the smell would pass. I mean seriously people?!
While I was waiting for my husband to pick me up, an older gentleman asked me to help him call his uber since he never used it before. Since Noe was running late picking me up, I was able to be there until his ride came so we could make sure he got it okay. He was so sweet!
Not too long after, my husband picked me up from the airport and we headed back to our home where I am beyond excited to see my cutie girl cat, Daisy.
This trip has been one for the books, and is easily one of my favorite trips I’ve taken. I hope you’ve enjoyed our Colorado trip as much as we have, and if you’ve been following along all weekend, thank you so much!
I’m now all unpacked, and it’s time to shower and sleep in my own bed cause it’s back to work as usual tomorrow🥲
Be sure to subscribe so you never miss out on a post, and I will see you again soon!
Until then <3
