If you read any of my posts from last summer, you know that Hecla Junction is my favorite campground in Colorado (so far). Our 3rd week of marathon camping was spent at Hecla. It really felt like we were coming home again as we rounded the steep and windy curves. But before that, as we were on the highway driving through, I said, "I don't know why, but I just love it here. There's just something about it." And to that Nikolas said, "Why, because it reminds you of Montana?" "Oh no, I just like it here," I replied. Well, over the course of the next few days, I thought about Nikolas' question. And the more I thought about it and the more I made the comparisons, I realized, "By george, that's it! It does remind me of Montana!" The similarities are subtle and the differences minor, but there is an element of it that does remind me of home. It's like taking a breath of fresh air every time we visit. Don't get me wrong, I love the town of Parker where we live.....but I love this area more. It's not as populated, it doesn't have the conveniences that we enjoy in the suburbs of Denver, but it does have an air of peace, quiet and serenity. Hmmmm.....need I really say more? I think big and I think long-term when we visit the towns of Salida and Buena Vista. I'd really love to have a piece of it to call my (our) own. Maybe someday. Until then, we have Hecla. And, I don't think our camping marathon is quite over just yet. Our trailer may be in bad shape after that hail storm, but I think we may drag it out for one more weekend. We discovered a new campground....and oh boy is it nice! Man, I love camping-- thanks Mom and Dad for all the trips to Little West Fork, Skalkaho and Flathead (not to mention Port Angeles, Sequim, Ucluelet, etc, etc). Because of my fond childhood memories, I'm grateful I can pass on this love of nature and family time with my family!
The first day of our weekend started with a minor disappointment. The 'ghost town' that we had planned to see for the day was no longer a ghost town. That's right. They privatized the property, posted 'no trespassing' signs everywhere and the residents built new houses! Oh, was I bummed! We didn't have time to drive to this town last summer, and we were finally going to get to see it! Sigh.....so for those of you that love ghost town hunting as I do, don't bother going to Turret unless it's to enjoy the views along the way. You can see the old buildings intermixed with the new ones. There's still not much there, but it's definitely not what I expected to find!
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| Ok, so no Turret, but we did park here and enjoy a mighty fine view for a picnic lunch! |
We enjoyed a nice little hike after lunch. So, all was well.
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| Yikes. I can't believe he's this old already..... What little boy doesn't love to shoot a BB gun?! |
I loved watching the 'line' where the earth meets the sky and the ever-changing cloud formations.
We could see for miles and miles.
On day two, we promised Nikolas more time fishing. We found Cottonwood Lake. The boys fished (Nikolas lost a big one!) and I explored. I found the wonderful Cottonwood Campground-- our next camping destination.
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| Cottonwood Lake- how pretty is this?! |
Beyond the lake and the campground, was the main road up to Cottonwood Pass and the Continental Divide. SPECTACULAR!
Day 3, time to go home but not before our first 'pancakes over the fire' breakfast. It reminded me of all those breakfasts that Dad and Grandpa O. cooked. But, we had no Simba to steal our spatula and jump over the fire. Ahhh, the memories!
It's such an amazing view as you drive up the hill away from the campground and river, reach the summit and descend with this view before you. I was hoping we could momentarily park at the top, but no such luck. As soon as we reached the top and I hopped out of the truck, a crazy bus of rafters was coming up the hill. (I hold my breath when we meet them on this narrow, winding, steep dirt road....) Avoiding a fender-bender (1 a year is enough, thank you), I sacrificed the photo. I took this picture while we were driving down the hill- at least it gives you an idea of how pretty it is.
Stay tuned to see if we're able to swing camping trip #4--- I hope so, it's my one birthday wish!
Ok, second birthday wish-- first and foremost, I'd really love to receive our travel approval to China!
