Colorado trip

For the Forth of July week we headed to Colorado to do some work on the cabin.  Chad didn't have enough vacation to be able to spent the whole week with the kids and I.  The Sipps came out a couple of days after me and then Chad and Alan came out the following weekend.  On the way there I hauled the horse trailer stuffed full of toilets, sinks and odds and ends needed to work on the cabin.

In route I blew a tire on the trailer.  It held me up for several hours in Dodge City.  I got to try out our insurance's Road Side Assistance.  It worked well, but the phone call took longer than it did to change the tire.

Once on the road again and driving over the mountains a mountain lion bounded across the road in front of me.  The kids were distracted with books and didn't see it.

At the cabin we focused on painting and getting the bathrooms set up.  A friend from church, Jason owns a plumbing business and he had volunteered to come out and help us.  With his help we got 3 bathrooms up and running.  We even got a shower!  After camping there for 3 years and having to use camp toilets or driving to take showers this was a colossal improvement.

Above is a picture of our makeshift kitchen and dining room.  The fridge was an upgrade from the coolers and ice that we have to use in order to keep a week's worth of food fresh.  The fridge also saved us the one hour round trip into town to get ice.  There was a sack of drywall 75 sheets tall that we had to move to the basement to be able to set up the table.  Moving it took all day.

While out driving around on the back roads we came across this cabin.  It had a million dollar view of Mt. Blanca but it was simply a shed with windows.  I thought it looked hilarious.

A rainbow seen from the deck.

There was much discussion as to wether these are bear scratches.  While bears and mountain lions are common, seeing proof so close to the cabin is sobering.

Alan pointing out a deer or elk rub.

Between the Sipps and us there were 7 kids.  It was one big massive sleep over.

My dad had set up a 1000 gallon cistern in the basement to store water in.  It didn't really suit our purposes and so we cut it up in order to throw it out.  Matt wanted to see if he just cut off the top if he could use the bottom for a swimming pool.  Above he and Jason are rolling it out onto the deck.

Trinchera Peak

As a reward for their hard work on the cabin I wanted to take Jason and Matt for a fun Jeep ride up Trinchera Peak.  Jason had to leave to get back to Wichita suddenly for some work issues leaving Matt the boys and I to climb the peak.

Nathaniel and Titus.

I was concerned the cloud cover would ruin the views but instead the clouds just made it more dramatic.

Near the top of the mountain is an abandoned mine.  Matt and the boys are standing next to the machinery that was used to power the ore carts.  The mine itself if father up the mountain by about 50 yards.

Last year I didn't make the climb but decided to give it a try this time.

The mine entrance was covered with 6-8 feet of snow.  It makes you wonder how much is there in the  winter!

Matt came prepared with a head lamp and found a small opening into the mine.

Nathaniel was game but Titus just wanted to watch from the outside.

Nathaniel climbing out of the mine.

While they were exploring the mine a marmot decided to explore my Jeep.  Marmots are similar to groundhogs but live at high altitude.  This one was very curious and must have had his eye on the sweet potato nachos I had in the back seat from our favorite Dog Bar and Grill.  I tried yelling at him and throwing rocks but he didn't pay me any mind.  They seem to be very ornery animals.

Nathaniel and Titus waiting outside the mine for Matt.

We then drove up the last 200 yards to the top of the ridge between two peaks.  It was the highest point that the road goes too.

Nathaniel.

We got out and did some exploring.

Matt tried to make it to the summit, but at that altitude any exertion is twice as hard.  Click on the picture to see the speck that is Matt.

Matt and Titus.

Matt and the boys.

Nathaniel and I.

The road back down with the Spanish Peaks in view.

Zapata Falls

Having been to Sand Dunes National Park one too many times, we decided to try Zapata Falls.  Zapata Falls is overlooking Sand Dunes.  It is a short drive on a dirt road to a trail head. The trail is about a half mile through scrubby trees, over rocks baking in the sun.  The trail is unappealing and makes you wonder if the drive and hike are worth it.

While down below the trail is hot and dusty the falls are cool and shaded.

It feels like an oasis in the desert.

Having learned my lesson on pervious trips involving water, we dressed the kids in swimming suits.

The stream was cold mountain water from snow melt in the mountains.  It was numbing!  But that never stops kids from playing in it.

The falls themselves are an intersting hike.  To get to them you have to hike through the stream into a grotto of sorts.  Not quite a cave, but close.

Titus avoiding the cold water.

Hiking to the falls was a slippery cold walk.  Definitely ankle twisting territory.

Matt and Nathaniel.

Nora waded into the deepest part of the pool.

Sophie

A view back down at Sand Dunes from the trail.

Creed and Wheeler Geologic Area

On the 4th we decided to go visit Creed a historic mining town.  The Sipps are fascinated by mining and wanted to see the museum and town.  When we arrived the town was gearing up for a parade.  It was packed and people were parking a half mile out.  We got lucky and found spots for our three vehicles a short walk from the action.  The kids, being unhappy to miss the parade back at home were thrilled.

After the parade we walked into town.

It was a long walk to the other end of town to the mining museum.

Even their fire station was built in a mine.

After Creed we took the 4x4's to Wheeler Geologic Area.  Well, I should say we attempted.  Wheeler Geologic is an abandoned National Monument.  It is known for its rock formations and outcroppings.  The park was abandoned because of it's remote location and the cost of maintaining the road.  Something that makes total sense once you are there.

I of course had my jeep and there was no lack of kids that wanted to take turns riding in it.  Adults however, preferred Chad's 4 Runner.  Matt and I were the exception to this rule.

Chad's "new" 98' 4 Runner.

The area was absolutely beautiful!  But we found out the hard way that 5 miles an hour was our average speed on this road.  With that in mind we were several hours into the drive when it was decided to come back another day and complete the route.  Those not used to 4x4 roads had had enough.