Category: **States We Explored

Winter Walk in Garden of the Gods

Posted on by Joy

It is an overcast day in Colorado Springs which even in winter is unusual. It is sunny most every day. I know, you cannot stop feeling sorry for us 😉.  Today, though, it is snowing in the mountains yet Pikes Peak is visible, cloudy in the Springs, a nice day for a hike. Why? There is no wind, fewer people in this very popular park, and although we won’t have the lovely blue sky, we also don’t have the blazing sun washing out the colors. So onward to Palmer/Scotsman/Bretag trails and the Garden’s amazing rock formations.

Grab your jacket for our 40° day and let’s go!

Paint Mines in the Prairie

Posted on by Joy

I have not spent time exploring prairies, but occasionally drove through them in WY and MT. With nonexistent experience and naiveté, I believed prairies were flat and boring. I have a lot to learn! Living on the Front Range of the Rockies offers many opportunities for a short drive East to explore Colorado’s contribution to the Great Plains. Today we will explore Paint Mines Interpretive Park, a unique walk through history exploring both prairie and badlands. Amazingly vibrant geological wonders await, so let’s go!

Amazing, Let’s Go!

Colorado’s Autumn Gold

Posted on by Joy

Moving to a new home means lots to do. For me finding a chiropractor is top priority–it is a life-long issue. Moving to a new state means visiting DMV–for hours. Registering for upcoming elections, unpacking and stowing boxes, organizing everything everywhere, getting insurance squared away, finding fave food stores, cafes, and good local coffee, well, you get the idea. I’ve lived here just over two weeks, still busy settling in, but the mountains are calling! It is autumn in Colorado, world-famous for glorious golden quaking aspens. Only 40 minutes to Mueller State Park, just the other side of Pikes Peak. Let’s take a break from the mundane and revel in nature’s glorious fall show!

Deep breath, relax, enjoy . . .

New Home–New Adventures!

Posted on by Joy

Hello my friends! Time to catch you up on my life because you are in for new adventures in my new home state–Colorado.

Colorado is home to 58 mountains over 14,000 feet; 300 days of sun a year; 4 National Parks; 26 ski resorts with wonderful summer activities (I’m not a downhill skier); 8 National Monuments; 11 National Forests; 42 National Wilderness Areas; 8 National Wildlife Refuges; 28 National Recreation Trails; 26 Scenic Byways, 11 of which are America’s Byways; 41 State Parks; The Stanley Hotel, inspiration for the haunted hotel in Steven King’s The Shining; and so much more. We have lots to look forward to, so let’s get settled and start planning.

Come drive with me . . .