Category: **States We Explored

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 . . .

Wind River Canyon–3 Billion Years in 14 Miles

Posted on by Joy

Welcome to US-20 in central Wyoming. Time to explore 14-mile Wind River Canyon along this 37-mile Scenic Byway. We will experience canyon walls soaring 2,500 feet above us and canyon width ranging from 200 feet to 2 miles. The beauty and drama of the canyon is only surpassed by the story of the rocks and cliffs which display over 3 billion years of geologic history–yes, B as in bravo. Let’s take a drive through history!

Hold onto your hat!