May 12-15
Days 41-44
Heading over the Rocky Mountains pulling a 30 foot trailer through Vail Pass, Eisenhower tunnel and down through Georgetown was definitely not my idea of a good time. But I have to say, the views of the majestic Rockies with their snowcapped peaks were pretty impressive and did a great job distracting me. Thankfully the weather was beautiful, the sun was shining, the temps above freezing and our trip into Golden not as stressful as I had prepared myself for. We arrived at Clear Creek RV Park in the heart of Golden, around 12:15 and excited to see my sister Belinda, her husband Dennis, Rich’s son Luke and his girlfriend Krista.
Our first afternoon was spent sitting creek side at the campsite getting caught up with Belinda and Dennis. They recently bought a cabin in Crestone, CO and they shared all about the work they’ve been doing renovating the interior and landscaping the outside and the challenges of getting materials to such a remote location. I am so happy for them. I know how much they just absolutely love being out of the city and back into the quiet and solitude of nature. We caught them up on our fun trip and the people we’ve met along the way. It was so nice to see them. I wish we all lived closer.
Luke arrived around 3pm pulling his newly renovated ‘Fun Finder’ camper that he and Krista will be camping in for the first time. Luke and Krista both took remote jobs with the intention of spending 6 months on the road living the nomad life in the camper. They will be starting their cross country adventure May 25th. This weekend Rich would spend time teaching and helping the kids learn how to hook-up, set-up, break-down and RV maintenance. We had a great evening. We ordered pizza and had fun being together. After Belinda and Dennis headed back home, Krista, Luke, Rich and I sat around the fire and talked about our trip and the excitement they have about theirs. We had a great time talking and enjoying quite a few laughs. So much so, we hoped we didn’t wake our neighbor!
On Friday, Belinda and I went shopping at REI and then headed over to her daughter-in-law, Meghan’s so I could meet her new precious granddaughter, Maxine, and visit with Meghan and adorable, almost 4 year old, Eleanor. It was a lovely afternoon getting to know and spend time with this amazing ‘new’ extended family of mine. Little one month old Max slept like an angel the entire time we were there. While Belinda enjoyed holding her new granddaughter, I had fun getting to know Eleanor. She had quite the adorable personality, so engaged and excited to play with a new friend. We sang songs, made a dandelion chain and we all watched as she twirled her best dance moves for us. It was a wonderful visit. When we left, Belinda and I headed back to the campground, hung out for a bit and then took a bike ride on the Clear Creek Recreational Trail. Belinda brought me up to a section of the Mines Geology trail to see the fossilized tracks of triceratops, palm fronds and logs. For the life of me, I just couldn’t see the dino tracks, but the palms and logs were pretty cool. We rode through the School of Mines campus on our way back to the Clear Creek trail. What a beautiful campus!
When we got back to the campground, Rich and the kids were ready to walk into town for dinner. Belinda wanted to check out a new place called the Golden Mill on the north side of the creek, but unfortunately it was too packed, so we headed over to Buffalo Rose back in the heart of town. We sat out in their open air patio, listened to live music while we enjoyed a few exotic drinks and had a last great dinner together. Luke and Krista were leaving early the next morning for a Harvest Host ‘dry’ camping experience up north before heading home to clean out their apartment and Belinda was leaving for Crestone.
Friday morning, we met Belinda at the Windy Saddle to say goodbye. She was excited to head out to meet Dennis for Crestone’s first International Dark Sky Festival. Crestone was recently designated as an International Dark Sky Community. The 31st designation worldwide and the 4th designation for Colorado. I wished we had more time and could have gone with them. Back on my bucket list it goes! After Belinda left, Rich and I decided to get a bike ride in on the Clear Creek trail to see where it headed in the other direction. After a few detours, we found ourselves on the Tucker Gulch trail heading up to the west entrance of the North Table Top MTB Park and recreational trails. We weren’t dressed for single track, but decided to check it out. To get up to the trails at the top of the mesa was quite the incline and lengthy challenge. Well, for poor Rich anyway. I have to give that man credit for the determination he has to do crazy difficult stuff! Once we were at the top, a local rider gave us the route we needed to follow. It included a downhill neighborhood dropout trail so that we could have a little bit of fun riding the North Table Loop trail without having to complete the entire loop due to the threatening thunderstorms in the distance. There were absolutely amazing views riding along the top and side of the Mesa. We could see the smog filled skyline of Denver off in the distance to the east and Coors, the World’s largest single-site Brewery since 1873 was nestled below between North and South Table Top Mesas. We found ourselves super happy that we accidently found these trails.
When we got back, we headed out to the market to stock up and then took one last walk around Golden and the Clear Creek trail. This town has a wonderful low key western feel with great energy. There are lots of people enjoying the great outdoors. People are out and about riding bikes, walking dogs, playing softball or tennis in the park, picnicking along the creek, or watching kayakers testing their skills in the ¼ mile long White Water Park that’s complete with a slalom course. It’s definitely a town I wouldn’t mind living in, especially if it could be a home right alongside the creek!
As all good things must come to an end, it’s time for us to head to Dodge City in Kansas
The Great Rocky Mountains!
Great location right on the Clear Creek Recreational Trail
We loved being in the midst of all the outdoor activity.
Here come Luke and the Fun Finder!
The boys are working on a truck bed slide out for Luke's bikes.
How adorable are these 3 generations of ladies!
Adorable little Eleanor.
Striking a pose!
Our little trail riding adventure.
I just don't see them!
School of Mines athletic field.
Crocodile man just can't seem to get the hang of it.
Buffalo Bill is buried at the top of that mountain.
Beautiful Bronze Sculptures can be found all throughout Golden.
Each one reflects a point in Golden's history.
A fun night at the Buffalo Rose.
On our way up!
A view of Denver off in the distance.
Coors Brewery below.
Time to drop on down and head back.
And that's a wrap! They're taking me to Dodge City now. I wonder if I'm ever going to get back to my home without wheels?!
