Tuesday, June 30, 2009
June 30, Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park
Hi everyone, We left Denver this morning and drove into a very congested, not too appealing city. A lot of traffic and lights. We drove through Boulder but it wasn't quite as bad. We drove into the entrance of the Park which is called Estes and had to drive 48 miles through Rocky Mountain to our Campground. We detached the car because of all the turns and switchbacks. Every foot of the way was a breathtaking view. The snow covered mountains were so beautiful! I was taking pictures and driving at the same time so I had a lot of duds. The alphin beetle has devastated almost all of the alpine trees and that is sad. I guess they didn't have enough hard frosts to kill the beetles off. Sometimes nature is cruel. We settled into our camp and visited some friends that are volunteering here. Then we drove into a quaint little western village for dinner. We are exploring more tomorrow and I will fill you in about some history of the region. Love you all.
June 29, Denver, Colorado
Hi folks, We left Colorado Springs this morning and drove into Denver. We are not used to big cities but we had no choice. We had to go through Denver to get to where we want to go. We decided on lovely Cherry Creek State Park. It has an awesome bike trail which we rode and a wonderful lake. After lunch we drove downtown and saw the Denver Mint. That was interesting. Then an afternoon at the 16th st. mall which is an outside mall where they close off the street and shuttle everyone from block to block. Lots of outdoor cafe's. It was a fun day! Tomorrow, Rocky Mtn. National Park.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
June 28, Pikes Peak
Hi everyone, Pikes Peak is awesome! It has an altitude of 14,110 ft. I know I could not live there. I had altitude sickness at 8,000 ft. But it was definitely worth the trip up. It took us 3 hours round trip. The summit temp. was 36 degrees. Around every bend in the road there was different scenery. When you get to the top, there are views of 4 different states. In fact, the beauty of the summit inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write the words of America the Beautiful. In the 1800's it served as a beacon for wagons in search of gold. As far as mountains go, Pikes Peak is the most beautiful we have seen. Tomorrow Denver. Love you all
Saturday, June 27, 2009
June 27 Leaving the Dunes
I wanted to tell you a little about the Dunes.
These dunes are the tallest dunes in North America. They are nestled against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There are many creeks and lots of wind. These 2 factors are what created the dunes. Eroded from mountains, shattered by freezing and thawing, tumbled by streams and wind, the sand grains cycle through the Great Sand Dunes system as if it were a living thing. Most of the sand deposit outside the dunefield is stabilized by plants. The curves and contours of old dunes now coveered by grass and shrubs are difficult to discern at first glance. Rolling around the edges of the dunefield are the creeks some call the lifeblood of the dunes system--Medano Creek and Sand Creek. Swift, shallow, and seasonal they are critical links in the natural system of sand recycling and are sources of precious moisture in this desert valley. Medano and Sand creeks flow seasonally around the dunefield. They carve out and carry sand from the eastern, western and northern edges of the dunefield and redeposit it to the south, where wind eventually recycles it back into the dunefield. Isn't this interesting? When you look at the Dunes, the first question you ask is how they got here. Well, now we know. Love and have a good day.
These dunes are the tallest dunes in North America. They are nestled against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There are many creeks and lots of wind. These 2 factors are what created the dunes. Eroded from mountains, shattered by freezing and thawing, tumbled by streams and wind, the sand grains cycle through the Great Sand Dunes system as if it were a living thing. Most of the sand deposit outside the dunefield is stabilized by plants. The curves and contours of old dunes now coveered by grass and shrubs are difficult to discern at first glance. Rolling around the edges of the dunefield are the creeks some call the lifeblood of the dunes system--Medano Creek and Sand Creek. Swift, shallow, and seasonal they are critical links in the natural system of sand recycling and are sources of precious moisture in this desert valley. Medano and Sand creeks flow seasonally around the dunefield. They carve out and carry sand from the eastern, western and northern edges of the dunefield and redeposit it to the south, where wind eventually recycles it back into the dunefield. Isn't this interesting? When you look at the Dunes, the first question you ask is how they got here. Well, now we know. Love and have a good day.
June 26, Still at Sand Dunes
Hi everyone, We decided to stay an extra day because George wanted to run the Medano pass which is a 4-wheel unpaved road. It was so much fun! We drove through 4 river beds which was kind of scary but George is pretty good at keeping us safe. We took that road about 8 miles and turned around because there was some iffy spots and we had no phone signal to call for help. Better to err on the side of caution. I walked up to the Dunes in the afternoon and that was a giant playground. There were kids galore everywhere including us. Tomorrow we will be going to the Colorado Springs area. Take care.
June 25, Great Sand Dunes Nat’l Park
We left early and went over 11,000 ft. wolf creek pass on the way to the Dunes. We detached the car and took it slow. The scenery was breathtaking. We arrived at the Dunes around noon and drove off road on BLM land to an area called Zapata Falls. What a treat and experience that was! It is a creek that has powered its way through a rock crevasse, carving the steep stone walls containing a 40 ft. waterfall. But getting to see the falls is another story. First you have to hike up the mountain on a rocky terrain. Once the trail reaches the creek, you have to walk through the rushing stream over some pretty rough rocky areas with water in the 40’s. Oh my gosh was it cold! We then climbed an embankment, holding onto any thing that was near us to steady us. Sometimes it was another person. All this time you are wading in rushing rapid water. Then you wade into a narrow gorge to view the falls. How gorgeous they were! It was well worth the trip. When you view the falls, it is dark and very narrow, only the rushing water coming from above. Then you have to hike back. All this time, your feet are absolutely numb. And when you climb onto land, you can’t even walk because your feet feel like they have fallen off. But we had so much fun! I’m glad we are doing this now. I didn’t see anyone there over l8. So us old folks kept up with all the young’uns. Tomorrow we will see the Dunes and of course, off-roading is waiting for us. Love you
We left early and went over 11,000 ft. wolf creek pass on the way to the Dunes. We detached the car and took it slow. The scenery was breathtaking. We arrived at the Dunes around noon and drove off road on BLM land to an area called Zapata Falls. What a treat and experience that was! It is a creek that has powered its way through a rock crevasse, carving the steep stone walls containing a 40 ft. waterfall. But getting to see the falls is another story. First you have to hike up the mountain on a rocky terrain. Once the trail reaches the creek, you have to walk through the rushing stream over some pretty rough rocky areas with water in the 40’s. Oh my gosh was it cold! We then climbed an embankment, holding onto any thing that was near us to steady us. Sometimes it was another person. All this time you are wading in rushing rapid water. Then you wade into a narrow gorge to view the falls. How gorgeous they were! It was well worth the trip. When you view the falls, it is dark and very narrow, only the rushing water coming from above. Then you have to hike back. All this time, your feet are absolutely numb. And when you climb onto land, you can’t even walk because your feet feel like they have fallen off. But we had so much fun! I’m glad we are doing this now. I didn’t see anyone there over l8. So us old folks kept up with all the young’uns. Tomorrow we will see the Dunes and of course, off-roading is waiting for us. Love you
June 24, San Juan National Forest
We left Cortez this morning and took a scenic drive through the San Juan Mountains. Such different scenery from what we are used to. The landscape was beautiful with pine trees filling the mountains. The smells were wonderful and piney. But how else would pine trees smell? We set up camp at East Fork campground in the forest. We had the San Juan River at the back of our motor home. The river put us to sleep early. It was great. But before that, we drove into Pagosa Springs. It is a small resort town with ski lodges and lots of touristy things going on. Right now they are selling rafting trips. Wintertime is ski season. We went to a lush resort called Springs Resort. They had a multitude of mineral water baths and a huge pool with the river in the background. We watched the rafters go by and the bathing people in the mineral baths. People come from all over to use these baths for ailments such as arthritis etc. The sulfur in the water creates these fantastic formations and they were all over the resort. Some looked like small mountains. They were beautiful and colorful. We will send pictures soon. On the way home, we went off-road so George could get his fix in. Tomorrow, The Great Sands Nat’l Park. See you then
We left Cortez this morning and took a scenic drive through the San Juan Mountains. Such different scenery from what we are used to. The landscape was beautiful with pine trees filling the mountains. The smells were wonderful and piney. But how else would pine trees smell? We set up camp at East Fork campground in the forest. We had the San Juan River at the back of our motor home. The river put us to sleep early. It was great. But before that, we drove into Pagosa Springs. It is a small resort town with ski lodges and lots of touristy things going on. Right now they are selling rafting trips. Wintertime is ski season. We went to a lush resort called Springs Resort. They had a multitude of mineral water baths and a huge pool with the river in the background. We watched the rafters go by and the bathing people in the mineral baths. People come from all over to use these baths for ailments such as arthritis etc. The sulfur in the water creates these fantastic formations and they were all over the resort. Some looked like small mountains. They were beautiful and colorful. We will send pictures soon. On the way home, we went off-road so George could get his fix in. Tomorrow, The Great Sands Nat’l Park. See you then
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
June 21 and 22, Mesa Verde Nat'l Park
Hi folks, We took a maintenance day on Sunday and tightened bolts, oiled, greased the motor home and defrosted frig and things of that nature. Oh, but of course we had to off-road too. That was fun. On Monday we drove out of Utah into Colorado and stayed in Mesa Verde campground. Mesa Verde is quite the park. It is the first archaeological park and the world's first cultural park. It sits in southwestern Colorado's corner, near the only point in the U.S. where four states meet. Settlement in the region dates back 2,200 years or thereabouts. Prehistoric Puebloan people were the first settlers there. We can't believe that they lived in this raw, rocky area. They built their homes in the cliffs. We viewed and walked through their rocky homes. We went down into a hole in the ground that is called a Kiva. It stays 59 degrees year round. They conducted religious ceremonies as well as staying cool in the summer. We visited a museum that was full of artifacts and told stories of their lives. It was an educational and interesting day. Love you all
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
June 20, Arches Nat'l Park
Hi everyone, We drove into Arches today and found it impressive. However, we did not see too many arches. Maybe three at most. There are supposed to be 2,000 of them but you couldn't prove it by me. We saw the world famous delicate arch but we were too far away to view the whole scope of it. There are thousands of geological formations that are overwhelmingly beautiful. There are a lot of balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles. They are beautiful! Tomorrow we are taking a day off. (maybe some off-roading). See you in Colorado on Monday. We love you.
June 19
Today we took a lunch and went into Moab, Utah before going into the Needles area, which is on the south end of the park. I forgot to tell you that we are staying on the North end of the park which is called Island in the Sky. Needles is an area that covers a lattice of canyons, flat-bottomed valleys called grabens, arches and beautiful sandstone walls notched by rocky spires and columns. While this is a pretty area, our favorite is Island in the Sky. We had a sweeping view of the park’s narrow, interlocked canyons. You can see right down to the Colorado river joining the Green River. We went into the park entrance but had to drive 37 miles to get into the park itself. Actually the drive in was prettier than the scenery in the park. We found a dirt road to off-road and drove 12 miles onto some challenging, rugged road. We drove over some rocky spots that we weren’t sure we should even try. But George did it, sometimes getting out of the car and building up some spots that were tricky. That was a fun trip. Afterwards we found a Mexican restaurant and pigged out. Tomorrow we are going to Arches because we are only 15 minutes away from our campground. Love you all.
Today we took a lunch and went into Moab, Utah before going into the Needles area, which is on the south end of the park. I forgot to tell you that we are staying on the North end of the park which is called Island in the Sky. Needles is an area that covers a lattice of canyons, flat-bottomed valleys called grabens, arches and beautiful sandstone walls notched by rocky spires and columns. While this is a pretty area, our favorite is Island in the Sky. We had a sweeping view of the park’s narrow, interlocked canyons. You can see right down to the Colorado river joining the Green River. We went into the park entrance but had to drive 37 miles to get into the park itself. Actually the drive in was prettier than the scenery in the park. We found a dirt road to off-road and drove 12 miles onto some challenging, rugged road. We drove over some rocky spots that we weren’t sure we should even try. But George did it, sometimes getting out of the car and building up some spots that were tricky. That was a fun trip. Afterwards we found a Mexican restaurant and pigged out. Tomorrow we are going to Arches because we are only 15 minutes away from our campground. Love you all.
June 18, Canyonlands
He everyone, We got into Horsethief Campground about 12:00. It is on BLM land. But a really nice campground. We were sure that the campgrounds in the Nat’l Park would be full, but it wasn’t. We are happy with this camp, though. We drove into the park and were a little disappointed. Compared to the others, it was not that impressive. Don’t get me wrong, it was a beautiful park, but not as overwhelmingly spectacular as others we have seen. George is like a little boy with all the 4 wheeling there is to do. We ventured out on a dirt road around the rim of the canyon with a 2000 foot sheer drop, and no guard rail. It started to sprinkle and we saw that another 4 wheeler had slid off the road and into a rock wall. The road was blocked because people were trying to get around him and helping him so we turned around and came back. I’m sure we will try it again. We are staying here for awhile because it is the weekend and want to be assured of a spot. More tomorrow. Love
He everyone, We got into Horsethief Campground about 12:00. It is on BLM land. But a really nice campground. We were sure that the campgrounds in the Nat’l Park would be full, but it wasn’t. We are happy with this camp, though. We drove into the park and were a little disappointed. Compared to the others, it was not that impressive. Don’t get me wrong, it was a beautiful park, but not as overwhelmingly spectacular as others we have seen. George is like a little boy with all the 4 wheeling there is to do. We ventured out on a dirt road around the rim of the canyon with a 2000 foot sheer drop, and no guard rail. It started to sprinkle and we saw that another 4 wheeler had slid off the road and into a rock wall. The road was blocked because people were trying to get around him and helping him so we turned around and came back. I’m sure we will try it again. We are staying here for awhile because it is the weekend and want to be assured of a spot. More tomorrow. Love
June l7, Torrey, Utah
Today we went into Torrey and set up our computer outside a motel while I did laundry. We had a picnic lunch there and talked to a career bird person doing research. She gave us a lot of good tips about our travels. When we got back to camp, George rested and I took off on a walk and visited a couple of museums along the way. Just a goof-off day. Tomorrow, Canyonlands Nat’l Park.
Today we went into Torrey and set up our computer outside a motel while I did laundry. We had a picnic lunch there and talked to a career bird person doing research. She gave us a lot of good tips about our travels. When we got back to camp, George rested and I took off on a walk and visited a couple of museums along the way. Just a goof-off day. Tomorrow, Canyonlands Nat’l Park.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 16, Capital Reef Nat’l Park
Hi everyone, We had a very fun and tense drive through the mountains and reached a 9600 ft. summit before going down to our park. We made it though. We set up camp and after lunch drove through this beautiful park. It is a great sinuous wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that stretches for 100 miles across S. Central Utah. We drove 25 miles off road and saw a lot of it on our drive into the park. This impressive buckling of rock created 65 million years ago by the same tremendous forces that later uplifted the Colorado Plateau is called Waterpocket Fold. Capital Reef preserves the fold and its beautiful eroded jumble of colorful cliffs, stark monoliths, twisting canyons and graceful arches. We have never seen such an array of different artistry. And the colors! Aqua, pink, purple, vermillion, black and gray. Sometimes the colors all collide into each other and make for a spectacular sight. We were awe-struck. This is one of the best parks we have seen. It just keeps getting better and better. What awaits us, no one can tell. Love you all.
Hi everyone, We had a very fun and tense drive through the mountains and reached a 9600 ft. summit before going down to our park. We made it though. We set up camp and after lunch drove through this beautiful park. It is a great sinuous wrinkle in the Earth’s crust that stretches for 100 miles across S. Central Utah. We drove 25 miles off road and saw a lot of it on our drive into the park. This impressive buckling of rock created 65 million years ago by the same tremendous forces that later uplifted the Colorado Plateau is called Waterpocket Fold. Capital Reef preserves the fold and its beautiful eroded jumble of colorful cliffs, stark monoliths, twisting canyons and graceful arches. We have never seen such an array of different artistry. And the colors! Aqua, pink, purple, vermillion, black and gray. Sometimes the colors all collide into each other and make for a spectacular sight. We were awe-struck. This is one of the best parks we have seen. It just keeps getting better and better. What awaits us, no one can tell. Love you all.
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 15, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park
We arrived at this unique park this morning and again,we were surprised. Like I said before, every day is like opening a Christmas present. We settled in and went on a trail through a petrified forest. Some of the wood measures 5ft. wide. They are beautiful! We climbed to the 200-ft. high mesa top, which was once the bottom of an ancient flood plain. About 135 to 155 million years ago, trees up to 100 ft. tall were uprooted and buried in mud during violent flooding. Groundwater permeated the buried trees over millions of years. Because they were in an oxygen free environment, the trees did not decay. Instead, through a complex process, silica solution in the groundwater replacd organic material in the trees, leaving the cell structure intact. Due to erosion, this fallen forest of petrified trees is now exposed. The beautiful and varied colors of petrified wood are caused by the presence of other minerals that enter the wood during the petrifying process. Iron oxides produce orange, red, and yellow, while manganese oxides create blues, blacks and purples. We hope this isn't too boring to you but if I don't write this down, I will forget. You have to see it to really enjoy the process and then imagining the process taking place is neat. The picture of George is one of the nicest pieces of petrified wood. The picture of the two of us is the Willow Dam that is in our park with Escalante in the background. I will tell you about the Escalante Staircase tomorrow. Love
June 14, Kodachrome Basis
Hi everyone, This is our second day here. It is such a beautiful spot we hated to leave but tomorrow we are heading towards the Grand Staircase. However we are already seeing so much of it. Being in the basin all you have to do is look up and there it is. We will see the Petrified Forest when we arrive at Escalante State Park. We may not be able to get internet or phone there so you may not hear from us for awhile. Hang in there, we be in touch as soon as we can. Love you
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
June 13, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Utah
Hi everyone, Just a short blog today because we are having internet troubles. We are staying in a state park that is a spectacle of towering sandstone chimneys, changing color as the sun changes. Red-tinged spires are beautiful against a blue sky. We drove up to Grosvenor Arch which is a double arch located 15 miles southeast of the basin, off road. It was fun. Some rock formations are very interesting. Nature has a sense of humor. More tomorrow.
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 12, Still at Bryce
Hi everyone, We are still here in this beautiful park. We got up this morning to 40 degrees. First thing we did was turn on the propane heater. At 8:00 we turned on the furnace via generator and our little electric heater for the shower room. We are definitely not used to cold weather. It does warm up to the 70's during the day. Very nice and sunny.
We drove into a little town called tropic not far from the park to do our laundry and our internet. So you will see some p;ictures. This is kind of an off day for us. It is nice to stay put of a day and just relax. We have been pretty much on the go all week.
We drove into a little town called tropic not far from the park to do our laundry and our internet. So you will see some p;ictures. This is kind of an off day for us. It is nice to stay put of a day and just relax. We have been pretty much on the go all week.
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