Saturday, Jun 9
Pulled away from the house at 5:45 am, mileage 67,155.  Weather coolish and calm after two nights of turbulent, tornadic activity.  Headed West on I-70.  Drove through pretty dense fog to Junction City and beyond… finally dissipated mid-state.  Stopped at 9:50 in Oakley for gas (296.7 mi, 14.5 gal, $17.39).

Crossed into Colorado at 11:05 Central Time – from now on will refer to Mountain Time.  Stopped at 11:00 at Rest Area east of Limon for lunch; just made sandwiches and proceeded on.  Warming right up…

Sunday, Jun 10
Woke up pretty early after a restful sleep.  Camp was easily dissembled, what with the “light” accommodations – it’s kinda gray out.  Started barely sprinkling as we cleaned up and had “mini-cereals” out of the box and coffee.  Headed out at 7:30.

Really raining now, we drove through the picture-book town of Redstone, a colorful candyland, with quaint houses, shops and lodges, perfectly kept… easy to see why our friends the Barnetts had recommended this area so highly.  Beyond the town the road keeps meandering along the river, through a beautiful, deep canyon – can’t see clearly to the bottom (or top!) because of the fog.  The bands of light green aspen groves make a sharp contrast with darker evergreen foliage along the hillsides. We’d be taking pictures galore through this area if the sun were providing better illumination.

Found a nice site at Sunshine Campground south of Telluride about 12:00.  Paid $6 fee, set up camp and had some lunch.  We have a great little campsite with two good tent clearings by a little pond with ducks, in the middle of an aspen grove, lots of good firewood (pilfered from the unoccupied neighboring site), and views of snowy peaks surrounding.  After some tasty sandwiches, potato salad, corn chips and grapes, we ventured back toward Telluride around 1:40.  Lovely mountain weather – mild with intermittent sprinkles.

Telluride is another picture-perfect, quaint touristy money trap, but a “cute” place; the road goes into a grand box canyon with a spectacular waterfall, lots of switchbacks that take a route over to Ouray – very treacherous!  Would be great for a mountain bike, motorcycle or 4-wheelers. 

Did some inquiring back at the town info center and were told the high country around Imogene Pass is still quite snowy, ruling out backpacking.  Looked into mountain bike rentals and considered the possibility of a bike trek tomorrow.  Decided not to “tour the town” (spend money) – but headed to the campground about 3:00.

Relaxed and enjoyed observing the area birds – lots of redwing blackbirds (male and female), and the ducks on the pond, wrens… referred to our “bird book” – fixed some luscious chili from scratch and some skillet corn bread which we savored with cheese curds and beer – yum!  Just after supper cleanup it rained a good healthy spell, but let up eventually so the sun could come out just before setting.  Have a cheerful campfire going.  After one more “good rain,” it quit for the night, turned in around 8:30 --

Monday, Jun 11
Awoke about 6:30 – it’s cool but mostly sunny.  Fixed scrambled eggs with last night’s leftover chili (huevos rancheros!), and real camp coffee (the kind where you just dump in the grounds, boil, and add an eggshell).  Great breakfast!  Did some more bird watching and identification – saw some hummingbirds this time – there are an abundance of birds by and in this little marshy area.  We have the campground virtually to ourselves.  We cleaned up the breakfast dishes, then ourselves – washed hair in that freezing Rocky Mountain spring water from the nearby spigot.  Still quite breezy.

All the morning “to dos” being done, we took a short walk down the “road” to a trail leading over the ridge to our west – what a vista!  Several snow-capped peaks across from a deep valley consisting of several sharp, narrow ridges – twice, no four times as windy up there!  Went on back to campsite via the trail, ended up in our “back yard” – loaded up the van and headed toward Telluride at 11:10.  (Paid $6 fee for the night.)

Took a nice tour of the town museum, rich with artifacts and photos of the area – lots of mining industry – dating to the 1800s – an interesting side trip; did a short fast tour of the town and bought a topo map and Cutter lotion ($7+-; the museum cost $9), then figured we’d seen enough of this “yuppified” touristy town, and went back to our lovely campsite at Sunshine (around 1:45).

Lunched on sandwiches, chips and potato salad, enjoyed the warm sunshine – headed down the road south to the Matterhorn campground, where we took a hike along an old railroad track cut from the mining days – a mile or two – took a side trek around one of the Priest Lakes – pretty!  Ended up at another lake with cabins and some fishermen.  Walked back the same route.  On the highway back to Sunshine, took a brief side trip down the dirt road to Ophir, another small old mining town at the end of a spectacular canyon. 

Arrived back at campsite at 5:45 – unfortunately, neighbors have arrived at the next campsite.  (Later decided they were better neighbors than some we’ve had – from Australia) – did some more bird identification, really kinda fun! Commenced to preparing homemade basic camp stew with chunks of beef, carrots, onions and celery brought from home. 

While it simmered we took another walk along the ridge, a beautifully different perspective in the evening light (about 7:15 – the sun’s still bright above the peaks). 

Thoroughly enjoyed the savory stew with cheese and crackers and grapes.  Ate in the van ‘cause the wind was brisk, then went for one last look from atop the ridge to get a photo of the sunset. 

Back at camp, around 8:30-9-ish and dusky, the wind calmed down quite a bit and Si and Robin set about making a fire.  Much pleasanter than the rainy wet last evening!   Had a thoroughly enjoyable evening “playing with” the cheery campfire and doing some stargazing, saw a few shooting stars.  Turned in around 11:00.

Tuesday, Jun 12
Woke about 7:30, cool and sunny again (rained some during the night) – packed up and put away the camp and had a light breakfast of cereal and instant coffee, headed out about 9:00, going north back up to Montrose.  Gorgeous drive.  Stopped in Montrose at 10:45 for gas (161.4 mi, 9.4 gal, $11.30) and donuts, bread and pop ($7.50).

Ran into our first delay due to road construction, but we weren’t detained too long – and with such beautiful surroundings it didn’t much matter – back on our way we made good time through a panorama of rolling, multi-colored scrubby hills dotted with flowers and little rivulets running through them. Got stopped again in a canyon-like area with a long string of cars – took the opportunity to fix lunch stuff.  There had been quite an accident with a semi truck that had overturned.  Finished the rest of the route along beautiful Blue Mesa Reservoir, through the vast openness of this rolling plans area (the water is more greenish than bluish).

At Gunnison we turned north toward Crested Butte.  Since a lot of the peaks ahead, where some of the possible campgrounds are, are covered with lots of snow, we thought it wise to check out the closer campground at Cement Creek.  Followed that road about 4 miles back into a canyon and found a good, back-woodsy, unoccupied area with no fee.  Set up camp around 2:00.  A little windy; lots of hummingbirds and others for more bird identification fun.  (Si’s kinda getting into it.)  Quite a rushing stream (Cement Creek) nearby.

After awhile we took a lovely drive on up the canyon road past gorgeous Cement Creek Ranch – FOR SALE – along the winding river valley until the dirt road seemed no longer a good idea for our van.  Arrived back at camp about 4:00.

Took a walk along the creek – very nice!  A smallish but rapid tributary with lots of little coves and “sitting” areas – fixed gourmet hamburger/noodle goulash for dinner, ate the whole (full) pan with slices of bread – mmmmmm.  We have one other lone camper in the campgrounds – another fine “off-the-beaten-path” find, even free because the water’s not yet been reported as drinkable, yet the host couple says “they’d drink it.”  They’re a retired couple from Dallas who live here in the summer on a “volunteer” basis – just keep the place up, greet the campers, and the place is theirs… not bad!

Enjoyed another good campfire – and it’s not raining again!  White, puffy, sometimes grayish, clouds continue to waft by overhead, as they’ve done all afternoon.  Don’t seem to be preparing to create much precipitation…
The wind’s died down as dusk finally settles.  Sat up by the fire for awhile after a quick “scramble” up the hill across the “road” – even from halfway to the top, it was quite a view (Robin and Si had gone up quite a way further earlier).  Went to bed around 10:00 – a beautiful night.  We’re all sleeping very cozily in our tents and bags… have a pretty good set-up --

Wednesday, Jun 13
Woke somewhat later than usual, about 8:30 – never did rain all night!  Fixed a leisurely breakfast of eggs and hash, also had cereal – heated up our “real” coffee on the fire this time.  Spent the rest of the morning cleaning up – the dishes and ourselves – didn’t leave camp til almost 1:00, heading up to Crested Butte.

Stocked up on some groceries and beer ($27+-).  The town is somewhat like Telluride, only not quite as much of it – but quaintly nestled at the foot of several mountains at the end of a “dead end” highway. 

Didn’t get out and walk around this time, but headed back toward Cement Creek to pack a lunch and take a hike.

Set out around 2:30 up a jeep road near the campground which branched off into other roads and foot trails – took a trail up and around several “mountains,” through a variety of terrain – lots of sage-covered, rounded slopes dotted with purple, white, yellow and red wildflowers; aspen groves where we observed the bark chewed off by deer; beautiful panoramic vistas – a nice afternoon’s hike, even saw a couple of deer on the way back. 

Got back to camp shortly after 6:00.  It’s gorgeous weather -- 80°, with cool breezes.  Rested our legs for awhile and listened to and watched the hummingbirds.  Feasted on fried Span and pancakes (a nifty instant shake’n’pour mix) for dinner, then had popcorn and shot the breeze – besides birdwatching, Si’s also gotten into I. Asimov’s “Foundation.”  Got new neighbors down at site #7, but again for the most part, the whole place is ours.

The camp host told us earlier he got the report today that the water is potable, but he’s not going to charge us the fee anyway, which would have been (and will be shortly for everyone else) $6.  Can’t beat that for a deal!  Decided not to fix a campfire tonight, and turned in fairly early.  Another “perfect” night!

Thursday, Jun 14
Woke about 7:30 to a crisp, clear morning.  Had a relatively quick breakfast of cereal after packing the tents etc. away (so nice to do when they’re dry!), then a minimal cleanup and we said goodbye to this neck of the woods, pulled out toward Taylor River area about 9:45.

It’s a gorgeous (it gets hard to keep coming up with a variety of appropriately descriptive adjectives) drive through this canyon along Taylor River.  Lots of pine-covered rocky hills, and multi-colored flat meadows.  Also several “dude ranches” and private fantasy residences.

Arrived at beautiful Taylor Reservoir, with peaks of the Sawatch Range across the lake, about 11:00.  Turned off onto a dirt road leading over the Continental Divide to Buena Vista.  Pretty “washboard-y,” slowing us down considerably.  It got quite adventuresome, continuing up and up, into areas still patched with snow – seemingly at “the top of the world”!  Lots of hairpin curves – reached Cottonwood Pass at 11:45, headed on down the other side.  Saw a couple of deer along the roadside.  The gravelly road does seem to be a bit better on this side of the Divide.  Saw a marmot sunning himself on a rock.

Picked a site at Collegiate Peaks Campground – another nice one amid tall pines – about 12:15.  Had some lunch and enjoyed the cool/warm sunshine, paid $6 fee.  Lazed around a couple hours – lots of rabbits bounding around through the woods, and some hummingbirds too –

around 2:30 we drove into Buena Vista to see what we could see – coming into town, past the Arkansas River Valley – we recognized the street where we dropped off the two guys we’d picked up on our adventure 15 years ago with Todd.  Several familiar sights.  Stopped for gas (193.1, 11.5 gals, $14.35).

Took a tour of the Heritage Museum, and got to get in on a “presentation” of a neat model railroad patterned after the area.  Enjoyed the other memorabilia and photos.  Cost was $2.50.  Cruised the town a bit – got some sundae treats at “Dairy Delite” ($5+-), which we ate at a picnic table in a little nearby park.  Headed back toward camp about 4:30.

Lazed around a bit more – enjoyed the wildlife (variety of birds, chipmunks etc) – we’re virtually alone, on the end of a cul de sac, nice and peaceful – dinner was our own “tuna tetrazzini” and store-bought cole slaw, yummy as usual.  Still pretty mild temperature, which we’re hoping will continue through the night as we’ve only set up the tarp to sleep under – in hopes of an early getaway in the morning.  Went to “bed” about 9:00, as soon as dark set in.

Friday, Jun 15
Woke at 6:00-ish after a cozy sleep under the tarp.  After a quick cup of cold cereal and a cool douse over the head for all, we left the campground by 7:30.  (Also made the required thermos of coffee.)

Crossed into Pike National Forest at 8:30 after passing over the “high plain” – wide open spaces with buttes and mesas, still with snow-capped peaks in the distance.  Pike’s Peak is visible ahead.  Drove on through Woodland Park to the traditional Colorado Campground, picked a site about 9:30, made a real breakfast of hash ‘n’ eggs and bread – then did a little more freshening up before heading out for some sightseeing at 11:00.  The sun’s just broken through what’s been mostly cloud cover, and a bit breezier than optimal.  Paid the $7 fee on the way out.

Went through Ute Pass, reminiscing about how much it’s changed since “the old days,” as has Woodland Park, 4-lane now rather than the old gravel 2-lane –

stopped briefly at Swiss Miss Gift Shoppe and looked over their collection of $500+- miniature figurines – did the same thing at “Santa’s North Pole” gift shop (cheaper price tags, cheaper stuff), then on down through Manitou Springs.

Went to Surplus City in Colorado Springs, bought a 2½ gal. water jug ($11.50+-), also got some beer, pop and ice ($11+-).  Found our way to Memorial Park, where we fixed and ate sandwiches by a little lake (near U.S. Olympic Training Center), then over to the Pioneer Museum located in the El Paso County Museum, spent an hour and a half there – interesting artifacts and area lore – coming out of town we took the side trip through the Garden of the Gods.  Lots of houses how are built very close to the red rock formations.  At the “visitor center” we paid $1.05 to view the Camera Obscura, one of three in the U.S., where a big revolving lens provides a full panoramic view of the area.  Si also finally found a good whittlin’ knife, that he’s been searching the souvenir shops for all trip.  Headed back to Woodland Park about 4:30.  It’s become quite warm.

Ate dinner at McD’s in Woodland Park ($14.12), and arrived back at camp shortly before 6:00.  As the evening progressed, the campground filled up more and more – this is “old folks and RVs” city anymore – sat around, took a walk in the woods (noting survey poles and “marked”

trees for cutting, to accommodate a new subdivision) waiting for it to get dark.  Si slept in the van and we huddled under the tarp for another quick getaway in the morning.  Heard coyotes howling several times during the night.

Saturday, Jun 16
Woke at dawn’s early light (5:30), and we were outta there by 5:45, stopping in Woodland Park just for a thermos fill-up of coffee ($2.54).  Stopped on the east edge of Colorado Springs for gas (213.7 mi, 11.9 gals, $14.50).  Headed out of mountain country toward the “flatlands” of home.

Crossed into Kansas at 9:50 Central Time after a pleasant morning ride up Hwy 24 to Limon and on to the border; it’s sunny, and warming right up.  Gassed up in WaKeeney (283.6 mi, 14.1 gals, $15.70) at 11:45. Traveling thru Smoky Hill country, the landscape is a rolling beautiful patchwork of early summer greens, gold and brown. 

A few puffy clouds hang in the sunny blue sky and make shadows here and there on the ground.  Passed by Abilene about 1:50; with 80 miles to go, it feels like “we’re almost home”…

The Flint Hills are looking fine, very lush shades of green blanketing the rolling terrain, and lavender wildflowers spread through the embankments along the highway.  The trees are freshly thick with deep green foliage.

Pulled into get gas at Maple Hill exit at 2:50 (212.5 mi, 12.8 gals, $15.40).  It’s hot!!  3:15 – arrived at 1301.  Still hot, humid, windy – we’re back in Kansas!