Saturday, June 28, 2008

Rio Grande Float

28 June 2008 - The kids and my float down the Rio Grande was a nice diversion and the day left us only a little 'damp'. Our guide made sure all passengers cooled off a bit by creative paddling in the rough spots.











At the end of the float Lori shares her warmth with Dave after he came in a bit wet from a few rough spots along the way. What a girl!!

Family Visit to Colorado

28 June 2008 - When we planned our summer in Colorado we did not know that Dave and James would be joining us for Father's Day. With Dave, Lori and Matty headed for northern Colorado for Lori's family reunion the two boys decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up and planned a visit to us in southern Colorado. Dad was, of course, overjoyed as he had not had both boys with him for Father's Day is some 18 years!!!
Here are some candid shots in the beauty that defines much of Colorado.










Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Mineral County Lakes

28 June 2008 - A visit to the High Country Lakes in the surrounding area made a great day out for us. Most are rather small and not very deep but absolutely beautiful. Hopefully their clear cold water will yield some good tasting fish over the summer. Will keep you informed as we go along.


Dave, Lori, Matty and James visited us and James had 'quality time' with Matty. Mom and Dad will get plenty of help from James and Grandpa to broaden Matty's education on things 'country'.





Dave, Lori, James and Dad went on a float trip on the Rio Grande. Here Dave and Lori show no ill effects at the end of the day.






Starting with one of the last things we saw is this rock formation that reminded me of a woman holding her hands on her stomach. Becky saw an old man - go figure!



Right below Continental Reservoir appears to be pretty good flyfishing. This is two of 6 or so guys trying their luck in the several large holes. The stream is not very large but flows steadily and the terrain creates some nice fishing holes.






Here is a smallish waterfall (one of the largest is nearby - photos of it later) but it is a 'little beauty'. The water normally flows into the stream below Brown Lake but can be diverted into the lake if needed to help fill the lake.



The mountain in the distance contains the headwaters of the Rio Grande. It is the Rio Grande Pyramid standing at 13,821 feet. Quite a sight but a long walk from here! The lakes in the foreground are Brown Lakes.



This and the following shots are of the area in and around Love Lake. Note all the beaver activity. We are at about 9000 feet and drove on up to 10,500 (two miles up the road) so we could have a snowball fight.













We had gone up the road only a short time earlier but found a small obstacle in the road as we headed back. One of the larger aspens had chosen this time to fall and block the road. Could have been more exciting if we had been driving by at the time! Fortunately aspen is pretty light wood and I had it cleared in no time. May put my limb saw in the truck for the next trip though!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

RVing in Colorado

18 June 2008 - We have now RV'd in a number of states (I'll count it up later) and this is perhaps our best yet as far as setting (and temperature).




James, Dave, Lori and Matty joined us here for Father's Day (I am blessed) and here are a few 'teasers' for you until I get more Matty photos posted. Lori and Matty decided to enjoy the weather (and grass).



Of course Grandma was glad to see Matty and it appears the feeling was mutual. Matty was a little put off by Grandpa's hat at first but soon decided I was not all that bad to hang out with.



While Grandma and Matty enjoyed each other's company, the kids and I went down the Rio Grande in a raft. It was a 3 hour trip and most enjoyable as it gave us a different view of the mountains. Everyone managed to get a little wet along the way but the river was relatively benign and made for a leisurely float.


We are staying at Antlers Lodge just outside Creede, Colorado. It is located right on the Rio Grande (the river is just in front of the cliffs) and is in one of the largest valleys I remember seeing!!




There are three cabins on the other side of the Rio Grande and the owners have designed and built this swinging bridge for access. Becky gets a little seasick walking across if more than one person is on the bridge!




These are the three cabins across the river. They sit back in the trees right at the base of the mountain. They are the most secluded of the accomodations.


Guests are invited to sit on this deck to enjoy their morning coffee or whatever. In addition there is a separate area for dinner guests if they choose to eat outside.


This and the following shots of the RV spaces show the views and size of the area. Having only 24 spaces means it will never be very crowded and the owner tells us it is seldom full. The fact that there is a VERY large RV park nearby may have something to do with that. More room for us!!




Views In and Around Antlers Lodge

18 June 2008 - Antlers Lodge sits on the Rio Grande and the mountain range begins right behind the river and goes almost straight up but only for 150 feet or so. I climbed up to have a look the other day and these are the views looking in all four directions. One day I will walk on up the slope to the trees and have a look but this was just a photo op. Beautiful.

Matty is here and we are having a great time getting to know each other again. Photos will be on next entry!












Looking down from the hill at the RV Park. We are the first trailer on the right just opposite the motor home. The people on the other side of us are also volunteers here at the park and have been coming back for some 8 years. One family here now has been coming for 36 years and have stayed in the same cabin for the last 35. They come for a month with many of the family coming for a week over the 4th of July. This year I think he said there would be 29 of them taking up 7 cabins and a couple of the motel rooms!!






These are the motel rooms - 8 or 9 of them. All have a front porch swing to sit and watch the Rio Grande flow by.

Antlers Lodge Area, Creede, Colorado

12 June 2008 - The big news for the day is DAVE, LORI AND MATTY ARE ON THERE WAY. They departed Ft. Myers in the dark hours this morning and are currently in Alabama. May God look over them and protect them on their long journey this summer. Pray for them and for James as he accompanies them to Colorado and back.



The first photo below is the 'new view' replacing the close up of the older trailer in our space at Cottonwood Cove. I'm sure you can see the improvement. I just turn my glider around facing out the back and enjoy my tea in the morning or a good book when the weather is bad or wind is blowing (only negative weather issue so far and 'they' tell us it leaves with the snow - end of June).





Climb the hill across the river and these are some of the views that await you. I have put these on this entry but you will be exposed to several more on later blog entries.