Sand + Water + Wind = Great Sand Dunes National Park

Hopper, Colorado (high 80's, windy, hazy skies)

"Travel Makes One Modest

You See What A Tiny Place You Occupy In The World"

Gustave Flaubert

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is so immense you feel like a little speck of sand as you view it. These are the tallest dunes in North America and rise about 750 feet above the valley floor. 

We spent three days visiting the park. It is a harsh environment at times as the wind and sand whip around you. We stopped here to visit some friends we met while working at Grand Teton National Park. Tony worked with John in the warehouse at GTA (Grand Teton Association) and Sharyl worked for the park. They transferred here about the time we were leaving. It was nice to see them and hear about what is like to live here. It's not easy. Sand gets everywhere in your home, car, office, hair... Tony has removed 180 mice/rats from their home so far. Flies chase you in the afternoon when you venture out. Even so, they seem to like it here.  

Sharyl, John, me, and Tony

Our favorite part of the park was Medano Creek. The water running down the creek in waves is snow melt. It's warmed by the sand and is essential in replenishing the sand to the dunes. Families were playing in the water and sand. I was fascinated by the surging waters and sounds. This only occurs from April until June. 

Medano Creek

We also hiked up to Zapata Falls after driving up a jeep worthy road . After hiking about 1/2 mile you then have to continue the trail in a rocky stream bed. This water is also ice melt, however, it has not been warmed by the sand and is very COLD. 

Trail leading to falls

John ventured out on this part of the trail and was able to see part of the falls. However, he couldn't take any pictures due to heavy mist. It was a cool delicious place to escape some of the afternoon heat. It was also the only place where you can  see the entire dune field from the trail. 

View of the dune field

Icy cold water trail

We also hiked the Montville Loop Trail and enjoyed the views very much. Bug spray is essential to ward off the pesky flies. Did I mention the closest town is called Mosca which means fly in Spanish. 

Montville Loop Trail

View of dune field from the trail

Claret Cup Cactus

We returned in the early evening with our friends to the dune field and creek and got a completely different perspective. Note the interesting shadows on the dunes.

A type of grass grows on some of the dunes

Our campground during our stay was located at a natural hot spring. It was called Sand Dune Swimming Pool and RV park. The sites were 30 amp water/electric. It was a pleasant place with very friendly staff. This was our first opportunity to try a hot spring and it was delightful. The main pool was very busy with lots of children and families. However, for an additional $3 you could go to the green house where there was an adult only area. It was very nice and there were a variety of pools at different temperatures to try (average 110 degrees). There also was a nice bar built out of a corrugated steel box

Adult pool area

One of the hot tubs

Nice bar

Outdoor pool 

Campsites with hook ups

The last two nights we had to move out to the boondocking area due to the regular campsites being sold out. We sure look lonely out there.

Boondocking sites

We enjoyed our visit very much and it sure was fun to see our friends again. Next stop is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

This last photo reminds me of a Girl Scout saying about how to be a good camper ... "leave nothing behind but your footsteps". 

Visiting Friends In the Mile High City - Denver Colorado

Denver, Colorado (86 degrees, clear blue skies)

There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, and live just a little better

                                                           Unknown author

Linda and Alan 

Jann with her grand daughter Zoe (Barry is not present)

We had a great time checking in with some friends while visiting Denver Colorado for a few days. One of the many great things about fulltiming is being able to catch up with friends as you travel. 

Our friends Linda and Alan from J. N. Ding Darling were staying at Estes Park for a couple of weeks. They came down specially just to see us for the day. We packed a picnic lunch and met at Cherry Creek State Park. 

Cherry Creek State Park

It's a huge and very scenic state park. We had a little bit of trouble finding each other. The weather was perfect. Afterwards we took them out to the Buckley Air Force Base military campground where we are staying in Aurora. This is a relatively new, well maintained campground. It has  well space sites on concrete pads with full hook ups.  There is not very much shade but we liked it very much . An added bonus was a free MYFI given to each camper with a refundable deposit of $50. It had unlimited GB's which is simply unheard of in a campground. Sweet! I managed to update everything including my Garmin. 

Our site at Buckley AFB (Jimmy is in the foreground)

Linda and Alan with their dogs Zoe and Pheadra

Buckley Air Force Base represents a joint Task Force which has "air operation, space-based missile warning capabilities, space surveillance operation, space communications operation, and support functions". Check out the huge satellite domes. They were located all around the base. 

We were treated to a spectacular sunset on our second night. A storm was coming in and lightening flashed through the clouds. What a sight.

We also met up with our friends Barry and Jann. They belong to our FMCA camping club Cuatro Estados (Four Corners) and we have met up numerous times. Last summer we visited Newfoundland with them and two other couples. They are staying for a while with their daughter in Denver. This time we also got to met their grand daughter Zoe, Jann's Mom and sister in law. 

We went downtown to the Aquarium. It was interesting but very crowded and way too loud. They did see some really cool fish and sea life.. We also had a nice lunch together downtown. 

Great place to cool off

We would love to return to Denver again soon for a longer visit. Our next stop is the Great Sands National Park. We will also get to see some friends we worked with at Grand Teton National Park. Check back soon. Some hot springs will soon be in our future. 

Thanks again to our friends for taking the time to get together with us. It was priceless! We look forward to seeing you again soon. Happy Trails!