Colorado Cool

It's always nice to leave the heat and humidity of an Indiana summer for the cool mountain weather. Just look at that clear, blue sky!



This year we were joined by Jerry's brother Kevin and his family, Tammy and Wyatt. And the Cranes (Carolyn, Barry, Jake, Ely, Dulce, and grandma MaryAnn) camped with us, too.

We took lots of adventures. Here are the highlights. You can click on the link after each listing to see more pictures! Don't forget to float your mouse over the pictures if you want to see titles.



Jake, the Wrangler, couldn't take us to West Tennessee Lakes (12,000 feet) because they were still snow covered. (6 to 8 feet of snow!). So, we drove to Homestake Reservoir, also about 12,000 feet, but snow-free. The fishing wasn't too good, but the scenery was beautiful! More pix here.






Barry Crane set up a rafting trip for us with Buffalo Joe's on the Arkansas River. Wow. Here are the awesome pix, taken by the rafting company as we passed their photo booth along side one of the rapids.






Sara, Carolyn, Dulce and grandma MaryAnn went horseback riding while the rest of the group rode ATV's. Dulce's horse decided he didn't want to go anymore, so she got on with Carolyn. I'm glad no one was around to see the wrangler leading a riderless horse back to the corral! Dulce recommended no treats for her mount, and a long time-out in the corner! Check out the pix.






Most of the spring wildflowers were up, although it was a late Spring this year in the mountains. Tammy was especially excited to see this pair of Lady's Slippers. Here's more.








Barry brought his boat, and everyone made the most of it. The fishing trophy goes to the youngest angler - Jacob Crane! Here's pix of water play.






Colorado hiking is always breath-taking, in more ways than one! This year we tried to make it to Missouri Lakes. Why is it the trailhead sign always gives a do-able distance, like, "2.8 miles," but we can never seem to reach the goal? After 3 hours, we just KNEW we were close, but the time, the deep snow, and a stream with a tricky crossing stopped us.



Pix are here.




The historic Leadville, Evergreen Cemetery is fascinating. A few pix.










Before you leave "Colorado 2009," take a look at some beautiful scenery.







Hey, guess what?! The next time we go to Colorado, in 2011, we won't have to come home after only one week. We'll be retired! All the time we want, but not so much money! Happy Trails!