In North Park, near Walden, we saw beautiful plains and this herd of buffalo. We stayed at a Trailhead that turned out to be full of mosquitoes so we did not hike that trail in the morning! It was a fairly sleepless night.We enjoyed a day in Steamboat and made this hike to Fish Creek Falls as we heard it was especially beautiful this year.The day could not be beat. This is why we love Colorado!We dispersed along the Elk River near the trail head to Hinman Lake. The wildflowers were especially beautiful.And the water Lilies on Hinman Lake were in bloom as well.Our morning entertainment was watching this fox catch his breakfast.Our second day hike was up Elk Creek into the Mt. Zircle Wilderness towards Gold Lake.With the creek flowing so full, we had a couple fun crossings.Such a beautiful day with lots of time to enjoy Gold Lake!We noticed the wildfire near Walden had grown in size (5,000 to 9,000 acres according to the paper and into the other side of Mt. Zircle Wilderness). The wind also had shifted – we did see some helicopters flying overhead. With all the beetle kill, it will be interesting to see how far it spreads.
We spent a night in Ft Collins with friends we had met in Tucson – had a great time and slept in their driveway! We then worked our way up the Cache de la Poudre National Scenic River – the only one in Colorado. It is running full and many were enjoying it.The Cache de la Poudre Falls. We stopped many times along the river to enjoy it.We camped about 3 miles from the Shambala Center so did a tour around it in the morning. Very beautiful setting surrounded by the National Forest.We turned at Chambers Lake to follow the Laramie River towards Wyoming. Beautiful country!We found a Lost Lake along the way where we enjoyed some tranquility.This is Moose Country and we felt really lucky to have a sighting.We hiked West Branch Trail that started at this spot.We only went about 3.5 miles before the trail was completely overtaken by the river. We were not up for a wet crossing so just enjoyed the ferocity of the current with a picnic lunch.The spring green colors along the trail.Henry wedged the Travato along the river for a few nights at this sight. It was quiet and very peaceful.We did not have any great sunsets but this is the river view from our campsite.We got in a few S’Mores before the intense rain storm. Life is good!
We parked overnight at Rainbow Trail Head above Salida. Really we are not making this up as this storm went by us.This cute little guy greeted us at the start of the hike the next morning.The view of Salida from the hike with a yucca in bloomWe moved north of Buena Vista with this view above the Arkansas River.We saw lots of kayakers – this was before the big weekend of the first Dissent festival.We headed to Denver for a family filled weekend at my nephew’s including a 7th birthday party, and Father’s Day. It was very hot but we got a parking place for the MINI and loaded the van with items we couldn’t carry with us on the plane to Texas.
Early morning departure from Santa Fe after a great dinner party at our friends.We nabbed two good campsites – one for their airstream and another from Travato.Ready to walk to Medano Creek and the dunes.The afternoon thunderstorm is building but we are enjoying the river and surges while we can.Interesting wind patterns.Another day of lounging on the beach.Hiked overlook trail near sunset for this view.Hiked Mosca Pass and enjoyed a picnic lunch here.An early morning start to hike the dunes. The water was incredibly cold!Very fun shadows on the dunes. Only an hour to hike to the high dune.
June 1 we flew to San Antonio, Texas. We were chauffeured by Rick, cousin of Barry Gorden (Motown Music Founder), to KerRVille where our van was waiting. We learned so much about how to operate it from Keith, for which we are very grateful. We also appreciate the small town service of Otis, Todd, Shannon and Keri. Thank you so much!We bought a Winnebago Travato 59K which is a converted RAM 3500 high top extended cargo van. This is the layout of the 21′ length – everything we need!We did not linger in Kerrville because of the intense rains forecast. We drove to Fredericksburg in the rain and spent the night there. We had a pleasant evening but it did rain all night – so we know our van is waterproof!Our first National Park with the Travato is LBJ childhood home. The Texas White house is closed due to flooding but we enjoyed our time here very much. Good movies on both LBJ and Lady Bird – seemed like a good start as they did much to preserve some of the beauty of our country.We took a ranger led tour and sat on the front porch.
We left early and drove to Ft Stockton to skirt all of the storms. We were successful!Our first purchase was this fresh water hose. Newbies trying to figure this out. We love that the Travato is fully self contained and that the solar panels recharge the “house” battery.The little kitchenette, 2 coach seats swivel with airline type trays, overhead cabinets have lots of storage, 2 twin beds that can push together and also tilt for reading/TV viewing. Sliding screen door and lots of windows – good cross breezes.After a visit to Ft Davis Historic Site, and the local library, we headed up into the hills and found this The Nature Conservancy Trail and picnic area.Seemed like a good spot for wine o’clock and then to spend the night.Guadalupe National Park with Chollas blooming.Our camp site for 2 nights. Interior of van is 6′-3″ so Henry does not hit his head.An automatic awning over the picnic table. Wine O’clock in style!We got up early and hiked Guadalupe Peak. A 3,000′ elevation gain!This formation of El Capitan from the top reminded us of Michigan lower peninsula.What lies ahead? We wander into New Mexico.The Mexican Trestle Bridge hike in Cloudcroft where we spent a night.We went to the space museum in Alamogordo. This was the moon model behind Walter Cronkite when he gave all those updates on the astronauts. Pretty interesting that it is preserved here.Capitan is home of Smokey the Bear and they have a museum to him.
From our friend’s condo, we hiked from the Red Gate down to Hideaway Park in Winter park to ride the bus back home. Still snow on the ski runs as you can see.We hiked along a creek, stopping for lunch to enjoy this view.Shadow Mountain Lookout Tower in RMNP was a beautiful destination. Notice the chipmunk in the foreground.This is classic CCC architecture.
We rented a 2 bed, 2 bath condo on Bolongo Bay – this is view from the balcony. Very nice! Thank you to the owner Sue for being on VRBO and sharing with us.Got in some pool time. It was a nice each to walk around with a restaurant and ar – you really did not have to leave this little bit of paradise.Relaxing before the big event…And here we are dressed and ready for the party at the Ritz.A very handsome coupleHere comes the bride: father and daughterUnder the gazebo on the bay –You may kiss the bride. Yeah!Our niece is married!The best men…with the cake!
Happy Mother’s Day with a rum punch to send the newlyweds on their way!A day trip to Virgin Island National Park on St John – gorgeous day!So glad this island was preserved from development!This was very pleasant way to end the day.
