Travel Days

Colorado is a diverse state, but it takes many miles in a car or bike to see all that it has to offer.  Our journey to Centennial State meant long days of travel.  The young adults (i.e., kids) passed time by reading, listening to music, sleeping, aggravating one another and playing Phase 10. With so much beautiful scenery, we had frequent stops to oooh and aaahhh, and to take a few snapshots.

The trip from Dolores to Grand Junction had one alien sighting. Brandon and Alyssa were certain they saw a silver spaceship among the mountains.  I think it can be attributed to the altitude!

Oooh and Aaaahhh, plus looking for that elusive alien!

We traveled the San Juan Skyway, which is noted for it's beautiful views and quaint towns. We made  stop in Telluride to ride the free gondola.  Telluride is known for skiing in the winter and an independent film festival in the spring. It's a very commercial village, but the free tram was worth the visit.

Exiting the gondola

Call home when you exit the tram!

The gondola is to take visitors from one village to the next, so you enjoy the festivals without using a car.  Since you will need transportation once you depart make sure to take your bikes along, and still be green!

To save money on the trip we pack picnics for travel days.  It's always fun to find a great picnic place.  On this particular day we stopped in Ridgway, known as the gateway to the San Juan Mountains. Ridgway was the the setting for several movies, including "True Grit".

Ridgway Town Park

A common sight throughout Colorado were the clinics where you could get your prescriptions for marijuana filled.  Apparently there are many sick people in Colorado, and they all need weed for medicinal purposes.

There are many hot springs in Colorado, and we contemplated a visit, but time didn't allow, and they are pricey! One of the springs had a "clothing optional" pool.  YIKES!


Glenwood Springs had amazing hot springs, and Kate was bummed that we didn't get to enjoy them.  We did explore a bit of the town, and learned about Doc Holliday.  After years of gambling and gun slinging he came to Glenwood Springs in hopes that the springs would heal him of his illnesses. Unfortunately he died in bed with his boots off!

Next stop - Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park!