Long Lake Trail

Gunnison KOA
Gunnison, CO
July 3, 2016

We arrived at the Gunnison KOA this past Friday and haven't slowed down one bit.  Our friends Ronnie and Carol and their pup Cooper are here too.

The weather has been so nice with highs in the low 70s and nights in the mid 40s.  We have had thundershowers in the afternoons the past two days...no worries, it's actually kind of nice.

The pups love the doggie park.  It's grassy with lots of trees, plenty big for playing and exploring, and CLEAN !  

 And then there is the treat man...life is good for the Tan Clan and Cooper !
















Saturday was spent familiarizing ourselves with Gunnison.  Important things were found like the car wash, Wal Mart, and City Market.  We also enjoyed a yummy lunch at El Paraiso with friends and made a stop by the Visitor Center. 

This morning we were up early and eager to hit the trails.  We chose an easy, short hike to get things started...Long Lake Trail.  It is located just north of Crested Butte on Washington Gulch Road.  It is a 2.5 mile in/out trail with a 515 elevation gain with a maximum 9690 feet.  Highlights of the trail are aspens, wildflowers and swimming...yes, there were swimmers when we were heading out.  

The first section of trail is a gravel road surrounded by aspens, evergreens and wildflowers.  It was a very comfortable 60 degrees when we started.  







Nothing quite like the smell of the forest...

Following the well marked trail signage, we made a left turn and connected to a narrow trail that followed Long Lake.  Absolutely gorgeous !

The trail ends at a fence with a private property sign.  

Of course everything in between had me on camera overload.   

Columbines

Alpine Spring Beauty

 Mule's Ear

Lupines

It sure feels good to have the hiking boots dusted off and we don't even mind that they are caked with rich black earth.  It was a great morning.  

It's a beautiful, winding 30 miles from Gunnison to Crested Butte on Hwy 135 north...the first of many (I hope!) trips that way.   Going was sunny...

...coming home was cloudy and rainy. We even had a brief period of sleet and hail. 

 Until next time, happy days and...

Rosy Paintbrush

 HAPPY TRAILS !

It's a Wrap !

Portal RV Resort
Moab, UT
June 30, 2016



I can not believe how fast time flies.  Our time in Moab has come to an end.  

Today was packing  day...tomorrow we roll. 

Of all the places we visit, Moab seems more like home than any other.  We love living here !  








It is quite the touristy town.  Often the sidewalks are crowded...Main Street can have bumper to bumper traffic...and parking might be a challenge at certain times of the day.  

It's all worth it !      

There is always something to do...hiking, jeeping and biking are at the top of our list. 
















Or we can spend a day doing absolutely nothing. 

Until next time, 

HAPPY TRAILS !

Up next, a month in the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado".