If you’ve been following us recently, you know we have been in a major catch-up mode with our travels and as a result try to remember where we left off and actually what day it is.  With that said, I think we left off when we were in LV.  At any rate…to recap somewhat…we spent a month in Las Vegas visiting Matt and Julie and learned Matt had gotten a promotion and would be moving to DC for a year.  I spent a few weeks with them helping to pack up their home while Gene had to take an unscheduled trip to FL.  We had planned to visit Utah before arriving in Colorado at  Mark’s…but, sometimes unexpected life challenges arise and we ran out of time as we were committed to a campground in mid May.  We will be back to that part of the country next time.  The KOA in Ft. Collins is where we called home for the last two months.

I have to say, the number of parks in this town and Loveland area are amazing.  They are dog friendly, beautifully maintained and organize numerous concerts, activities, festivals, etc. during the summer.  You are never bored and sometimes have a hard choice of which to choose from.  And…all are free!  When we first arrived as usual in past years, we had rain almost every day but then it turned dry.  I can see why they fear fires.  It seemed like almost overnight the grass turned brown and the risk of wildfire was closely monitored each day.  There is also never a bad view no matter where you look.  One of the interesting things was, as you sat outside with an adult beverage, you could actually follow the rain and watch a storm coming over the mountains, almost all the time passing just beyond where you are.  We love this part of the country and every time we stay here we wind up extending our stay longer and longer.

We had Gene’s son, Michael come out for a visit and although we had a fantastic time, it was way too short for all.  That part is coming up in Part Two!  Stay tuned for more summer reading.  We promise to be more diligent!

This is a really nice spot. Lots of room with a brick patio, grill, furniture and fire pit.

Our neighborhood has a one-mile walking path around a small lake. On one of our first walks we discovered that the campground is inhabited with bears and zebras. These zebras can climb trees! Must have learned it from the bears.

.

We were prepared for anything after seeing the zebra in a tree, so we thought we would try our luck with The Devil’s Backbone and hike up to the Keyhole. This is a pretty easy 5 mile round trip hike, unless you start at high noon on a 95 degree day. ( I know two people and a dog that won’t do that again!)

We eventually had to turn around, because the heat was too much for Max.

Matt and Julie stopped at Mark’s for a few days on their way to Washington, DC. It was great to finally have both boys together.  That doesn’t happen too often and for Matt to have his bike with him was a special treat for Mark to ride with him in this weekend fundraiser. The ride and rally was for Realities Ride for Children. This is well attended every year. Approximately 3,000 bikers attended.

After Matt and Julie left on their way to DC , our friends Kim and Denise from Wisconsin stopped by for a few days.

We took a ride to Estes Park  at 7,500 ft and Trail Ridge Road at 12,000.

There is a foot-trail to the top of the mountain but closed because of snow. This trail started at 11,796 ft.

This is the winding road around the mountain.  Not too many guard rails. ( I like coming up because your on the inside)!

 

Trying to capture a picture of the marmot  living in the rocks