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 ...