Colorado Trip

At the Smith estate in Trinidad, Colorado

Jenn and I were fortunate enough this summer to take one last trip. It was a last minute decision, but we were able to go visit my no-longer-homeless parents at their new house in Trinidad, Colorado.

The flight there wasn't too bad. It was a little discouraging that our plane was the only one to be delayed and therefore we missed our connecting flight in Denver (although the plane was still there another 10 minutes, they "had closed the doors"- dumb rule). So we got on the next flight which was another 45 minute wait, but could have been much worse.

When we arrived in Colorado Springs my parents took us to The Garden of the Gods. It was really pretty and nice to walk around on the various trails to stretch our legs a bit. Then it was onward to Trinidad to check out their new crib.

The "Kissing Camels" rock formation (right)

Me and the folks

Wild sunflowers were all over the place

Overlooking the park

It was really hard to follow the signs that read "do not climb on the rocks". There were so many hand/foot holds! It would be a perfect rock to climb!

On the way to the new pad, we briefly saw a couple of bear cubs dart across the road. Unfortunately it was too quick for me to get a picture or movie, but it was neat to see. Coincidentally, when we arrived at my parents' new house, a bear seemed to have visited there as well! We relaxed a little when we arrived and planned out what we would be doing the next few days.

During our trip we had a lot of fun. We toured the city of Trinidad with a very creative tour guide, ate a lunch at the beautiful Kit Carson park, walked the river walk, had some root beer floats, and had a wonderful dinner at an Italian restaurant that serenades you with different songs while you eat. We also took a trip to hike and explore Capulin Volcano which was really cool to see, and another side trip into Cimarron, NM to eat at the St. James Hotel, which is known for the famous western outlaws and cowboys who used to frequent the joint. We also had a day we spent around the new acreage exploring and target shooting. If Jenn ever decides she wants to go hunting, I feel bad for the animals- she doesn't miss!

Testing out the new ATV

Target shooting- I feel like I held my own, although I enjoyed the compound bow more than the gun

Around the "pond" collecting wild sunflowers

Eating lunch at Kit Carson Park

Trolley Tour of Trinidad

On the rim of the Capulin Volcano

Capulin Volcano with volcanic fields in the background

Jenn on our ATV trip around the ranch

Mom and Dad with their property in the background

The old man hiking

Horned Lizard/Toad

Massive herd of elk on the way home from Cimarron

The In-laws Visit

Karen and Jenn at Latta Plantation

August started off with a bang for us. On August 1st we had a visit from Jenn's parents, Bill and Karen. We had a lot of fun while they were here. We went to Historic Latta Plantation where we hiked some trails and rode horses. We even saw a live copperhead near the nature center. We also went on a 16 mile bike ride to the lake one morning. As Bill would say "it's all about the workout". Another day we went to Carowinds and spent the entire day riding coasters, relaxing in the wave pool, and cruising down the water slides. I was impressed with the old folks' stamina. I was exhausted after about 6 hours at the amusement park and they kept going full steam until 9 or 10 o'clock. Another day we spent playing games (yes, even Bill played some games) including Scene It Squabble and Boggle. We also put up new ceiling fans in the living room and bedroom. Now we have a 60 inch fan in the bedroom which keeps it nice and cool. It was great having the in-laws come to visit and it will be nice when we move closer north and can see them more frequently.

Jenn on Belle (cousin of a Clydesdale)


Jenn and Me getting ready to ride

Bill and Karen on our hike

Testing a vine (it held)

Setting up the fans