Colorado Nov 2020

 Sunday Nov 1: With the time zone change and end of Day light saving time and the elevation of 6000 feet we are a bit tired today.  It will take us a few days to get adjusted.  

Beautiful day for a hike at Red Rocks Park about 8 miles from our hotel.  Being Sunday there was a lot of people there, the temp rose to about 70 deg, no wind and clear skies.  We had a wonderful hike with lots of birds.  

Of course it became quite crowded, but unlike Iowa and Nebraska the people of Colorado believe that wearing face coverings work.  Everyone had a face covering on whether they were hiking or biking. We left Red Rocks Park for Bear Creek Lake park for a hike on level ground.  Another great walk but by noon we were really wiped out.  Good day for a long overdue nap.  Dinner at an outdoor eatery, Tellers Taphouse, great food and beverages. 

Monday Nov 2: waking up way too early again today.  We headed out to Lair O" Bear Park up in the mountains.  When we left the hotel the temp was 39, we went up and up until the temp fell to 29 and lots of snow on the ground.  We had a good hike around the creek.  We went to 2 more parks up in the mountains then finally to a park near our hotel. The temp by the time we were back in Lakewood was 77 deg, sunny, little wind.  Actually put shorts and a t-shirt on!   Another beautiful day in Denver.  But we need to do laundry and get the car washed..  

                                    Morning                                                Afternoon

Pictures do not show the beauty of Colorado

Tomorrow we head to Rifle Co about 175 miles from here. 

We found this sign while hiking...  too funny

We  stopped numerous times today, our first stop was 6 miles from our hotel.  One of the advantages of not hauling an RV is we can stop whenever and where ever we want!  We left at 7:15 for our 175 mile journey it was a warm 50 deg. We stopped in Frisco by the marina and got a new Life bird! Stopped in Vail for a walk around the town and got a new year bird!  Our bird count is growing every day.

Driving thru the mountains was different...  Luckily we have had good weather all along our trip, sunny skies and dry roads.  We were concerned about what we would run into since we were leaving so late, but Lady Luck was on our side.  

Wednesday Nov 4: today we head to Moab UT another 175 mile day.  We left the hotel at 7:00 am, temp was 34 at the hotel, we drove 10 miles to Rifle Gap State Park and Rifle Falls State Park where the temp went down to 29.  Hiking at the Gap was non existence but we found a trail at the falls.  

Caves by the falls

and a very swingy bridge..  the walk was a bit challenging and at times I had to sit on rocks/boulders to get down the hill..  Nice area but we do not have to return. 

We finally left Rifle at 10:35 after finding our Golden Eagle! 

 A few more stops before getting to Moab at 4:45.  What a cute town!  So busy with people everywhere.  Our hotel is the Rustic Inn, one block off of the main road in downtown.  One bedroom apartment, small but perfect for us.   We are here for 3 nights.