Shadow Cliff Lodge and Rocky Mountain National Park

Arriving in Grand Lake, Co, was a throwback to the old west. Wood plank sidewalks, log buildings, few paved roads and the mountains rising in the background. Sounds idyllic and it is, however I wouldn't want to be here come October with the first snowfall.

Shadow Cliff Lodge and Retreat Center is a place where travelers and groups come for a respite. Set high on "a cliff" the views are spectacular from every angle. My first few days here I would have completely to myself with Rocky Mountain NP only yards away, my first hike to Cascade Falls TH was achieved without a car. The 7.2 mile out and back hike led me through meadows where I saw a moose, and some horses. The trail is popular with day hikers as well as many backpackers and Continental Divide through hikers. The falls were wonderful.

This is Cliff Side Lodge where my room is. Top left.

Juniper Library

One of many many deer I have seen on the trails.

Mr. Moose. I have been told that there are usually many more
in this meadow. I was happy to see the one.

The night sky from the deck.

Pooh enjoying the view.

I had a second full day free before beginning my 4 shifts. So off to the Alpine Visitor Center inside Rocky Mountain NP. Need to get my stamp and check out another trail. Carl the Shadow Cliff manager recommended the UTE trail also known as Milner's Pass for those hiking the CDT. When I arrived at the visitor center it was a balmy 48 degrees and windy. I knew the trail was across the street, but before heading out on it I wanted to ascend the steps to reach the highest point on this side of the park 12,000 ft. No problem after hiking 2  miles up Pikes Peak.

The UTE trail is set above the tree line in the Tundra. True fact. I saw elk, ground-hogs, deer and then after about two miles I swear I saw a wolf! There were no other hikers on the trail as I watched the "wolf" come down the hill towards the trail, I was ahh a bit scared and started walking backwards the way I came. The "wolf" continued down the hill across the trail and then down the other side. Me I just kept going back the way I came. Finally I ran into a few other hikers who offered to hike with me, but I was almost back to the visitor center. The ranger said that there haven't been any wolves in the park for years and that it was probably a coyote. I showed him the picture, but it was inconclusive.

Look closely, this is my wolf citing.

Not very color coordinated, but I was warm.

Mr. Ground-hog. There were at least 20 that I saw.

Another magnificent sky.

Working at Shadow Cliff was a bit different than at the Cowboy Bunkhouse.  3 shifts were from 2 pm - 8 pm and another from 6:30 am - 10:30 am all in the kitchen helping with food prep and clean-up. The two people in charge of the kitchen are in their early 30s and from Kentucky. I was the only volunteer everyone else at Shadow Cliff is paid and most stay for the entire 4 month season. The work was easy and I finished most days before the shift ended. Everyone was friendly and thankful for the extra assistance. In the evenings groups played the guitar or piano, watched the sunset and enjoyed the idyllic setting. On my last evening staying at Shadow Cliff, Carl and Emily, the assistant manager took me to dinner as a thank you.

My retirement job??? The guys in the back were part of the
retreat group. Each night a few volunteer to assist with clean-up.

The great lodge room.

Some of the days that I worked, I hiked shorter trails, went for bike rides or just hung out in town enjoying some of the events and people watching.

Antique boat show and parade.

My bench at the library.

Great spot along the Colorado River on a short trail by Adam's Falls.

Most of my hikes have ranged from 6 - 9 miles while staying at Shadow Cliff. Each one a bit different which makes them wonderful. I have met people here who don't hike on a regular basis, some like me are day hikers and then women and men hiking the entire CDT ages 20 something to over 70. It amazes me, I am still trying to sleep in my tent. Perhaps on the way back home?

Just can't get enough of the waterfalls.

This is a camping spot along the trail. Many people backpack in
the park.

Bear viewing from the car. There was a huge back up along
the park road as we all took pictures. Some even braved
getting out of their cars. Not me :)

For my last day hike in Rocky Mountain NP I decided to hike on the Colorado River Trail to Lulu City, a lost community of 200 people. The morning was brisk at 45 degrees, but walking this trail felt almost hypnotic. I did not see a person for the 3.7 miles out to Lulu City. Within the first half mile I saw an Elk on the trail, but he also spotted me, so I was unable to capture a photo. I will just have to remember his eyes. The stillness in the air along with the numerous pine trees gave off a smell so strong it was like Christmas.

Although there are little remnants left at the Lulu City site, when I closed my eyes I imagined what it might have been like to have settled here over 125 years ago. 200 people working together to survive in a harsh wilderness. The river and woods providing food.

The moose was there, honest.

An old house perhaps?

I leave for Denver in the morning to spend the day and evening in the city with a friend from Raleigh and her sister who lives in Denver. I'm looking forward to seeing Linda, but not so much being back in the city.

Camping, Small Colorado Towns and Natural Beauty

The much anticipated time had finally arrived, I was about to camp for the first time alone! As some of you are aware, I follow several blogs regarding "van-life" & "full-timing in an RV." My favorite Interstellar Orchard recommended Campendium to find a site. Since I was going through the National Forest, I settled on Madden Peak Rd a dispersed camping area. For back-up I called Target Tree also part of the National Forest, but you pay for a site. The ranger I spoke to actually recommended Madden Peak as well. Since Target Tree did not have showers, potable water or bathrooms. So for $18.00 you didn't get anything but a pit toilet. For $0.00 you get a tree:)

Pooh all comfy in the back of the hatchback.
I joined him later that evening after a walk in the NF.

The night went well, better than expected. In the site next to me was a couple in a class C RV and down the road several tent and van campers. The site was close to the town of Mancos, CO a benefit. I was able to go to a farmers market, art show, the library and enjoy a nice beer at Manco's Brewing Company.

An amazing library for such a small town.

In the morning I rearranged my car and headed to Durango, CO to ride on their green-way trail and take in the downtown. Incredible area, a bit busy with tourists, but the green-way followed the river, where I was able to see people rafting, fly fishing, kayaking and just enjoying the out doors. Along the trail I had an opportunity to play in the best playground I have ever seen and stop by the Natural Science Museum and of course another fantastic library. I think Colorado has the library scene covered.

The mothers gave me some dirty looks as I slid down the slide
and had a go at the swings. 

This guy is 70 and still rockin it!

After a fun day in Durango it was off to Pagosa Springs, CO. There are several hot spring resorts here and the town has some wonderful restaurants. I had reserved a site to camp at the Pagosa Springs Campground. My site was on the river and the campground offered hot showers. To be honest I liked the quiet of the National Forest better. Plus even though I had planned on sleeping in my tent, the torrential rain left a mote around my tent and the car won over.

Before the rain.

Great place to hang out and stay dry while the rain came down.

After leaving the campground in Pagosa Springs I wanted to hike on the Continental Divide Trail. I choose to hike up to Alberta Peak, which sits at approximately 12000 ft. The trail begins at the Continental Divide marker right off the highway and is a common place for many hikers. The forecast for thunderstorms made me a bit nervous, but I was ready to turn around if necessary. I did not have to. This hike had incredible views and parts were still snow covered. Before the hike, I stopped and hiked to yet another incredible waterfall.

One of the tallest falls I have ever seen

I had to do a bit of rock scrambling to get to the top, but well worth it.

Next stop Salida, CO for a stay in A Simple Lode and Hostel. I had reservations for two nights, and I wish I could have stayed longer. If Salida didn't get snow I would move there in a minute, simply the perfect small town.  Artsy, on the river, hiking, biking climbing and a perfect vibe. It was just my luck, that the weekend I was there was also an arts and music festival going on. Most of the people in the hostel were hiking or biking the Colorado Trail, a 500 mile trail from Denver to Durango. They were wonderful to talk to and hang out with. I spent a full day hiking and going to the "ghost town" of St. Elmo. great drive down dirt roads on the edges of the wilderness.

Hanging out in downtown like the rest of us.

St. Elmos General Store

One of several crossings in order to get to the waterfalls.

On my way to Shadow Cliff Lodge I decided to venture up to Pikes Peak, one of several 14'ers in Colorado. Since I feel that hiking one of these 14000 ft mountains on my own would not be advisable, I drove up Pikes Peak Rd and hiked down two miles and then hiked back up. Man was I winded. Pretty fabulous opportunity that literally took my breathe away in every sense of the word. I was fortunate to arrive just as 5 Harley riders did. They were kind enough to take my cartwheel photo and enjoyed watching me as it took at least 6 tries :)

The clouds showed up out of no where. Simply gorgeous!

I really have so much more to share, but it is a beautiful night for a walk and to watch the sunset over the lake. I will tell you more about the moose I saw this morning and the wonder place I am staying at in Grand Lake another day. 

Thank you for reading and ...

Perspective

How could I possibly miss Raleigh with views like this? 

Tomorrow will mark one month since I began my adventure and the day I leave my "home" in Utah for the unknown of Colorado. The excitement and anxious feelings begin again. If you're reading my blog, then you probably know that I research, plan, and play out worse case scenarios in my head. It doesn't stop me from venturing out, however it prepares me for mishaps, wrong turns and disappointments.

Many people have told me that they think what I'm doing is great, but that don't think they could do it or they would be lonely. Let me tell you it's all in your perception. For the past three weeks I have not been alone or lonely. I have hiked in 5 National Parks with new found friends from Japan, Germany, Italy and the USA. I have shared dinner each evening with these same individuals, each on a journey of their own.

Having social media, WiFi and cell coverage has kept me connected to my friends and family, this helps in letting us all know we're safe. The comforts of home you leave behind will be there when you return and I suspect I will have a new perspective of them.

In the past week, I went to Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Kanaraville Canyon, Mammoth Cave and many other local hikes. I had an opportunity to visit Brian Head, where they are recovering from a massive forest fire. Each exploration has been wonderful.

Some of my favorite shots.

So thrilled to be cooling off by walking up river and the falls.

Court of the Patriarchs Zion National Park.

A dispersed camp site in Kaibab National Forest. Hung out
for the day to read and enjoy the peacefulness of the woods.

Cedar Breaks National Park at 10430 ft in altitude, this is a new
favorite. No crowds and a high of 68 degrees. Fantastic day!

Alpine Pond the wild flowers are amazing. This is also part of
Cedar Break. This picture doesn't do it justice. 

After all that hiking, driving and adventure, it's great to wind down with some local music.

Colorado and new experiences start tomorrow. I will camp for the first time on my trip! I'll let you know how it goes.

The Work Away Experience

For the past two weeks, I have called the Cowboy Bunkhouse home. This is where I work, sleep, eat and have an opportunity to meet people from all over the world and within the United States. To be honest the first few days I wasn't sure I would last three weeks. I am happy to say I am enjoying the experience and will certainly try it again.

Upon my arrival I was swept into a quick introduction to "meal time," where all the Work Awayers (WA) and the owners sit down and have dinner together every night at 6:30. So not my thing. However it has been a nice way to get to know one another and try new foods. Since each evening a different WA prepares the meals. Most of the WA are between 19 - 23 except for a couple who are the same age as me.

Some of my fellow WA. Beth the only other girl is my shift partner.

I am fortunate to have a room to myself and the shared bathrooms and showers are clean. I should know, since part of my work is to clean them. Other parts of my job are to check in guests, set up breakfast, cook dinner and assist with projects. Rolling out of bed 5 minutes before have to be at work as been a nice change of pace.

The best part of the experience has been having a group of people to hike and explore with. I enjoy hiking on my own, but am able to hike more difficult terrain when with a group. I am cautious when hiking alone. Plus the millenials push me to hike trails I would not pick for myself. I have hiked  8 mile and 10 mile trails in Bryce Canyon. The later had a 3000 ft elevation change.

Two of my hiking buddies. Getting ready to go up the Riggs Trail.

Kanab itself is a small town of 5000 people. There is a great library, park, an excellent ice-cream shop, and some fine restaurants. It has been a pleasure to not deal with any traffic! I can walk and bike to everything essential. There are even tennis courts and hiking trails within 3 blocks. Three of the major National Parks as well as countless trails within the National Forest system range from 1 - 2 hours away. The weather is absolutely fabulous in the mornings and evenings, however the middle of the day is sweltering. The parks are at a higher elevation, so the temps are not as bad. Plus its a dry heat.  No shade though, so it doesn't really matter.

Fourth of July music in the park.

The hostel garden. We use the vegetables to cook evening meals.

My parking spot outside the hostel.

The pharmacy lunch counter and ice-cream shop.

Work Away is an opportunity to explore, live and experience an area for a short time period. Most places you work for 20 - 25 hours a week in exchange for room and board. I chose a hostel in order to meet fellow travelers and to be in a town. I found what I came for. 

A typical schedule.