Head of Tide

After a long June moving across a very warm and dry New Mexico we settled in for several weeks of extremely pleasant weather in Colorado. We started our visit to the Centennial State with a stay in Southwest Colorado. We found an RV park, a little off the main road and a few miles from Mesa Verde National Park. Our campsite sat nestled among pine trees just above 7,000 feet elevation. It rained a day, or two, but otherwise, the weather was cool and dry. We visited the national park and hiked some but did not visit the cliff dwellings directly.  The distance to hike plus having to climb up and down ladders seemed too much of a challenge. Plus we were still concerned about being in crowds. We could, however, see the dwellings from the various overlooks. In addition to the national park, we traveled to several places around the region and heard similar stories about the people who lived in the region many years ago. There were thousands of people living in the Four Corners region and at some point their numbers dwindled. They moved on or died out. The story of the lives of people in the region is fascinating as there was a vibrant community of people and they vanished…over time. Where did they go? Why did they move? What caused the decline? 

From Southwest Colorado, we moved to Lake City, Colorado, for 10 days. The drive over Slumgullion Pass in the RV proved interesting. Won’t do that drive again because it is almost straight down for several miles with a lot of switchbacks. We drove through Lake City once many years ago and I wanted to return for a longer visit. This time we took it all in (including renting a four-wheel drive Jeep so we could drive the Alpine Loop). Wow. What a wonderful place to visit. The Alpine Loop is scary (although I’m sure others will disagree). We’re glad we went but we won’t do it again. The weather was wonderful. We were there during the 4th of July and the Colorado National Guard graced us with a fly-by through the valley. Overall, the days we spent there were marvelous!

On to Larkspur and Jellystone. I wasn’t looking forward to visiting this vacation haven but we thoroughly enjoyed the stay. Several family members came in from various places and the experience was worthwhile. We found a nearby trail to hike, the grandkids enjoyed the waterpark and the weather for July was bearable. 

I love Colorado and always have. The downside is the number of others who also enjoy it and the expense. Winter, unless you like skiing/skating is a bit much too. Regardless of the season, it is a wonderful place to experience. We…will…be…back.