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Vallecito Lake
Some of our family and friends have commented that we are “living the dream” and, for the most part, I agree. But it is being dishonest to not mention some of the un dreamlike parts of the “dream”….like the past three days of rain and cold. At the moment the sun is shining but the wind is howling and it’s barely 60 degrees. I am warm, writing while sitting in the truck. The husband is napping in the Escape…a little distance helps me concentrate. But rain, cold and overcast skies are not fun. Ready for some warmth!
Speaking of the husband…a fact I rarely mention is his aging. I know, we are all aging, but, at almost 79, some days are more challenging than others. Like two nights ago when he took the trash to the dumpster and became disorientated as to the correct direction back to the trailer. Luckily he had his phone on and there was coverage. It was dark and very scary for me when I realized that he was lost. I see a pair of walky talkies in the future for us.
David’s blood thinner also causes issues when he bumps or scrapes up against objects. I was not a happy camper earlier in the trip when the sheets were needing daily washing and I was constantly changing bandages.
Hope no one thinks I am complaining. Gratitude for what we have is practiced every day. Love that I have a mate who shares my love of the outdoors. But some days just go smoother than others.
So, backing up a week……
The Chimney Rock ruins is just down the road from our camp.
There’s a $12 fee for the tour and we opted to just take one of the two tours.
The view from the monument is magnificent!
Not sure if this was a kiva….but the tour had many structures like this one.
The next day we head east back to the Durango area. We plan to ride the train and then, just decided not to do it. The less expensive travel option started sounding uncomfortable.
Instead we pick up meds called into the local Wal Mart. Durango is a metropolis compared with Pagosa Springs…..what a traffic mess!
We choose to stay at Vallecito, a forest service campground with some electric sites. It is $14.50 a night with electric and the Senior Pass.
The Vallecito Creek runs through the campground. The electric sites are off from the water but we can hear the creek sing.
The creek runs into Vallecito Lake…the largest lake in Colorado at 8,000 feet or higher.
Vallecito means little valley in Spanish. Our campground is at the very end of the valley….and under a thunderstorm.
We stay 5 nights. Love the river, the hiking trail, the canyon walls and the blue spruces! It feels like we are camping in a Christmas tree stand.
And the campground is almost deserted after the weekenders leave.
This catches the blog up to yesterday where we stay at West Fork campground after deciding against crossing Wolf Creek Pass in a thunderstorm.
Today the pass was no big deal with the Tundra pulling the Escape with empty tanks. Not sure why I was so nervous about it. It was just 10,000 feet!
We arrive safely at Big Meadow campground. Lots of photos but they are all still on the phone.
Hope to get them published before we arrive at the Kansas rally next week.
