July 12. 2011 by Merilee.

Buena Vista, Colorado

July 8, 2011

St. Elmo Colorado was officially founded in 1880.  Gold and silver mining brought many people to the
area. There were over 150 patented mine claims in the St. Elmo area.

Populations reached a high of nearly 2000 people.  The DSP&P  laid their tracks up to St. Elmo and continued the line through Romley then to Hancock and through the Historic Alpine Tunnel.

St. Elmo was considered a hub town for supplies arriving by train. The tracks were abandoned in 1922.

It is said that St. Elmo’s population rode the last train out of town and never came back.

It is a wonderful ghost town to explore.  One can almost hear the noise of the bustling mining town echoing from the mountainside at 10,023 feet elevation.

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June 24. 2011 by Merilee.

Crested Butte, Colorado

June 23, 2011

This is where Slate River Road ended in a snow slide at 9,471 feet about 8.9 miles from the trails start.  We had planned to continue the scenic drive up to Paradise Divide at 11.9 miles.  You may notice that Brad is not smiling.  The locals say that the snow pack this year is twice what they usually experience.  Slate River was running fast and high in the valley as we ascended.

We stopped for lunch along the Slate River and enjoyed this beaver damn and mountain view with the sound of rushing water.  The lupines where in full bloom and we saw fields of yellow avalanche lilies in bloom. They don’t call this Colorado’s Wildflower Capital for nothing,

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June 19. 2011 by Merilee.

June 18, 2011

Colorado Springs, CO

Colorado Springs offers great landscapes and hiking trails.  The Garden of the Gods is a tourist trap but it showcases breath taking large twisted red rock  formations.  The garden was dedicated in 1909 as a free city park.  An abundance of plant and animal life can be found throughout its 1350 acres, as well as the magnificent red sandstone rock formations that have made it world famous.  Many of these formations are over 300 million years old and were sculpted through time by erosion.

Nearby Seven Falls cascades down 181 feet over seven steps of granite cliffs.  I tromped up 224 steps along the falls that lead to two miles of wildlife watching nature trails.  The additional short and scenic route to Midnight Falls. Midnight Falls is pictured below.  It was idyllic and peaceful to listen and ponder this wonder of nature.

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May 28. 2011 by Merilee.

May 25, 2011

Littelton, Colorado

Our stay at Chatfield State Park was very relaxing and enjoyable.  The 5,600 acre recreation area is packed with fun.  The endless trails are a joy to explore on foot, bicycle or horse back.  The reservoir and marina are a jewel against the Hogback Mountain backdrop.  I enjoyed bird watching a great variety of birds that are attracted to the Platte River and the prairie.

Large areas of open space and the diversity of terrain and vegetation at Chatfield provide habitat for an abundance of wildlife. Deer, elk, bald eagles, and bear are among the wildlife that has been spotted in the park.

Three hundred and five bird species frequent Chatfield either as permanent residents or migrators.  A rookery at the mouth of the Platte River  provides nesting habitat for the Double-crested  cormorants and approximately 80 pairs of Great Blue Herons.  The  Bald Eagle, White Pelican and elusive Burrowing Owl may be observed either as migrants or winter or summer residents. Small and large mammals, including Whitetail and Mule deer, Coyote, Red Fox, Cottontail rabbits, Prairie Dogs and Weasels, frequent the park. Anglers are attracted to Chatfield by warm- and cold-water fishing opportunities that include walleye, rainbow trout, tiger muskie, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, green and blue sunfish and blue and channel catfish.

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May 12. 2010 by Merilee.

May 11, 2010

Fort Collins, Colorado

We awoke at 5 am to 3 inches of heavy wet snow.  Mind you we always avoid snow with the RV.  I threw on my hat and coat, grabbed the camera and went out for a long walk around the lake that we are camped on in Fort Collins.  It was really a treat to see it but we do hope it melts fast so we can be back on our journey north to South Dakota.

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September 17. 2009 by Merilee.

Durango, Colorado

September 17, 2009

Sunshine Mountain was shining in the morning sun as we drove thru the Sunshine Mountain Wilderness.  This is an amazing area filled with 14,000 foot peaks.   Gorgeous mountains and tons of forest service jeep road prevail in this area.

We are camped in Durango for a week or two.  This area has a draw for us and much more to explore.

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