Mount Elbert

Yesterday, Peter, Doug and Heidi stood on the highest peak in Colorado.
What a joy!  They are preparing for their ascent of Long's Peak in August.
Such ambition.  This is the 3rd 14,000+ peak that Peter has done since moving to Colorado.
We moved here almost exactly one year ago.  On this day a year ago we were driving our truck full to our new home and waiting to close on our new home.

Snow in Sedona

Woke up this morning in Sedona to a beautiful site outside of our window.
Heavy snow! Hanging from the trees, covering the red rocks in the mountains.
We are heading out to enjoy some of this beauty before it is only a memory.

Red Mountain Open Space

On Friday we decided that our adventure for the week would take us North of Fort Collins.
We had been told earlier in the week that the Red Mountain Open Space would be a good place to explore.
So with the weather predicted to be in the upper 60's we got out our map and headed north about 25 miles. On the way we stopped to catch a few geocaches en route.

Arriving at the Open Space we noted that one of the parking lots was closed due to rattlesnake hibernation. So we parked lower but had to walk through that parking lot to get to the trails. On the trail, I kept my eyes wide open in hopes that a rattler would not show itself on my path. With the warm weather I thought that they would be coming out of their hidey-holes! But none that we saw.

On our walk we had to cross a couple of creeks. I am always leery, but managed fine with Peter's encouragement. Of course Peter had to ham it up for the camera while he was crossing. No worry he has not fallen yet no matter how much he packs along with him!

And me going the opposite direction.

Peter getting down into the rattlesnake/cacti area.


Some of the wonderful birds nests that we found along the way. Built right into the side of the mountain.

Fall Color in Vail

View of our condo from the mountain top.

Woke up this AM in Vail after arriving late last nite. Too dark to really see what our surroundings were like.

Walked out onto the porch outside our unit this morning to be treated to a beautiful site.
The ski hill is right outside our window.
Color is beautiful. Makes for a golden mountain side ---- hence the name "Golden Peak".
Below our deck is a mountain stream.
Can't wait to explore the area around here.
Should be interesting. As we understand it, no cars in Vail per se.
Bus, foot or bike transportation.

Let the exploring begin!

Pictures to follow......

Quandry Peak

Peter just called me from the top of Quandry Peak in Colorado. 14,265'.
About 6 miles south of Breckenridge.
Said they took off early this morning and he was at the peak by 11AM. Eating his PB&J sandwich when he called. Said his feet were sore, but other than that he was fine. They will be heading down soon in order to avoid the almost daily thunderstorms in the area. Can't wait to see his pictures. Will post when we have a chance.