As I wrote you in the last blog, I want to get this out to you every Sunday. That puts more pressure on me to get things together in a quality way quickly–a good thing. We are off to Rocky Mountain National Park today, you will hear more later.
September 5, 2016–After the last week in the wilderness, Tina Miller and I are back to another Walmart parking lot to spend the night. We were up to about 10,000 feet, got very cold at night about 2.7c (37f). Now, back down to 5,000, it is much more comfortable, about 23.8c (75f).
We went from the mountains and trees to a semi-desert/prairie; more and more wondrous lands to capture our attention. Into Colorado now, much beauty–along with gas pipelines–just did not fit.
Sep 6–What a fantastic day! Well, we did wake up in a Walmart parking lot, so that is not so good, but the day went on to become fabulous. We went about 20 miles down the wrong road at first, but that was alright, this road turned out to be the wrong way for where we were heading, but the scenery was well worth it.
On this diversion we did see a farm stand with fresh produce, we acquired much.
In referring to the map we saw a small marking for a National Park—Black Canyon of the Gunnison. My expectations were not high for this place, after all, we have been seeing, but was I in for a surprise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaHE41qrKoU
We stopped at the visitor’s center and saw some photos; my visions for this place were starting to change. On the drive, we saw a very deep canyon with a river at the bottom—the Gunnison River. We drove to the end of the seven-mile trip down the south rim—it just got better and better.
We decided to drive to the end, where, we were told, there were picnic tables there. I have not had such a pleasant meal in such a long time. We made sandwiches with things we just bought at the farmers market—chicken Salad, lettuce, tomato, avocado and we split a small watermelon—a delicious feast.
A great meal in a beautiful park, warm weather, the sounds of wind and birds, the smell of pine, in the company of a wonderful person–who could ask for more.
While driving, we both agreed that this is an experience we will never have again, going to these places once more, that is. There are so many other places to go and see, we are on our way.
As I have written once before—experiences are much more important than any amount of money you may have—but it is up to you, you are the one who has to make the experiences happen—so start now!
As far as experiences, you don’t have to go to a National Park or Forest to have them, even a local park will do. My friend, Daniel Powell, knows this well. He does travel much, but he makes the most of everywhere he is.
We learned about how this area was built, initially because the earth thrust up the land. Then, through volcanoes and the river carving away more of the rock, this large and beautiful canyon was developed through millions of years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_LPCQqKzXM
They put many informative signs around the park; it was a great learning lesson, too. We discovered various layers when you look across the canyon at the other side, there are layers that, we were told, are from millions of years ago, and some that are billions of years old.
When I hear of people who, according to their bible, think the earth is only about 6 to 10,000 years old, it makes no sense to me. Hard for me to comprehend how these people can think like that way and still live.
On through this paradise, we stopped at one overlook and three buzzards seemed to be doing a show for us. They were riding updrafts of wind and flying closer and closer, remarkable to see.
You see the photos, quite nice, yet when you see this place live is amazing.
Sep 7—We saw on the map The Great Sand Dunes National Park, and, since we are planning on going to most (all) the national parks, we had to.
As we are driving I am typing this on a laptop which is plugged into the cigarette lighter, so is being charged by the van battery. Right now I have to go see more fantastic sites, so, bye for now.
Currently, we are passing over the continental divide, once again, and here it is 10,149 feet (3.09 kilometers) in Height.
After surmounting this pass, we drove through more severely scenic mountain areas to reach The Great Sand Dunes National Park. But, it was as we expected, not much to see. I was hoping there might be some forests nearby and such, but you could just look out and see dunes. Quite interesting to see, I much say. Strange to see part of the Sahara Desert at the base of a forest, quite perplexing how this got here.
At least we can say we’ve been there, so can you:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWvE0sBCuVc
Funny to be in Colorado, we are seeing official marijuana stores. We recently read a story about how the pot sales business is really taking off and is making millionaires out of many who are selling.
Sep 9—Last night we slept on some BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land at no charge, many others camping here, too. Right on a river, it really us quite nice to find this place. It’s funny, right next to this tremendous place is an RV Park where you pay quite a sum to stay the night when right next door here it’s free.
And, today we went to see Jennifer Dempsey and Joe Lobeck and http://www.thesalidacircus.com/ — what wonderful programs they have put together. I coached Joe some on his juggling and that felt good. Here is Joe >> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php…
Now we are going through more beautiful mountains toward Rocky Mountain National Park. We just went above 10,000 feet once again; way up here.
Passing through lovely mountain lakes, pristine forests, exquisite streams, delightful rivers—just can’t get enough.
Sep 11—We spent the night at a campsite right on a big and beautiful late last night. We find places to stay fairly easily. As the sun rose and broke over a mountain peak, it was an enchantment for my eyes. Bring warm and light in the morning stillness, something most of us take for granted. But, out here in the wilderness the rising of the sun is magical.
