our week away

We had an amazing week while on vacation in Colorado and thought I’d share some of our week with you guys.

Our first stop was Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. We all took turns throwing tomahawks. I was the worst – even Esther hit the stomp more than I did, of course she was closer.

Then we stopped by Capulin Volcano near Raton, New Mexico. We walked into the center and the older boys took Esther around the rim. The view was amazing.

Twenty-six hours after leaving home we arrived at Eleven Mile State Park in Colorado. Half of that time was driving through Texas. It was almost midnight when we arrived so we pitched our tents in the dark. This is what we woke up to… beautiful skies and scenery.

After a day of rest, we went to Garden of the Gods. Where I realized that I didn’t have my camera card and would have to take all our pictures on the phone.

We took the cog train to the top of Pikes Peak, or at least tried. It started sleeting and hailing about two thirds of the way up. They closed the summit. It was the first time all summer they’ve had to close the summit.

Pikes Peak wasn’t the only place that had rain that night. Our campground had a gully washer…we slept in the van…viva la 12 passenger van!

The next morning we started our fire with wet wood, twigs and …. a hair dryer. (the hair dryer is never packed for actually using on hair when we go camping, too many other important uses like blowing up air mattresses, starting fires, drying out sneakers…you get the idea)

We went to St. Elmo which is near Tincup Pass and is over 14,000 feet in elevation. What’s so important in St. Elmo, you ask? Chipmunks. Lots of them. All wanting to be fed. By hand. Or hair. Or tummy. Or leg. Or whatever. However, I must warn you that if one startles you it is not socially acceptable to sling it…it might hit a toddler or something … and probably not your toddler.

Some of us waded into the creek near St. Elmo. Another warning, the water at 14,000 feet is cold, very, very cold.

On our way home we stopped at Glen Eyrie Castle which is the headquarters of the Navigators. I would love to go up there sometime and actually stay in the castle.

We also stopped at Focus on the Family and spent time at Whit’s End. The kids loved going on the 3 story slide and eating in the soda fountain.

We had lots and lots of down time. That’s probably one of  my favorite things about camping. You can just hang out at the campsite and not feel like a slacker and no one is saying they’re bored because they can always go on little hikes.

As much fun as we had, it’s always good to be back home.

Thanks for sharing with your friends!