A last minute move to a hanger at FTG sounds like a good option, but the winds were wicked that afternoon and you would have had fly AO into the storm. Better to leave it on the ground and take your chances. I live 10 miles east of APA and we had very little hail and no damage. Not sure why...
Sounds like an interesting flight. You might be right about APA losing its anemometer. I heard on liveatc that their wind instrument was down and they were using the ASOS for estimates. during the same exchange the NetJet declared a missed and then went to DIA to land. It is a bit sporty...
Congrats Nate - I am familiar with that disorganized stare after a check-ride. I think you found me in a stupor after my PPL checkride. Well done PILOT - hurry home and the beer is on me. :)