Wildflowers and Mountains - oh my

I could not help but think of Jerry and Ben when we explored the Crested Butte area of Colorado.  According to their own literature, it has one of the best wildflower displays around.  Let's go and see.

They say it's important to stop and sniff the roses or in this case the wildflowers.  I am not sure which one I like better, the red or purple ones?

There are fields and fields of wildflowers right now and we were even there for the "peak" time.  I could only imagine.  Now, I must say these pictures are missing something.....what could it be?

Ah, that's better.  A picture of a fox makes the flowers sparkle, don't you think?

Back to Aspen.  After a quick Hot Chocolate (thank goodness they have a Starbucks here) I am ready to explore. 

 Waiting in life I met this friendly animal.  I wonder if he knows Carrots?

 Gondola's are one of my favorite ways to travel.  This one was pretty comfy, big seats, nice clear windows, great view etc.

At the top of the mountains in Aspen I came across this little shelter.  I think it would be a great place for the stuffy convention.  Nice views, good hiking, lots of food, wild flowers, and a free art museum for a certain mouse in England.

The mountains were pretty amazing.

 Looks like a storm is brewing.  Time to get back to the safety of the gondola.

The storm wasn't as bad as I thought so we decided on one more trip to a different part of Aspen.  Maroon Bells, the most photographed mountains in Colorado. 

I bet the water is a tad cold. 

Good picture, hey where' the fox?

The trail wasn't too bad, although after a day of adventuring this fox was getting tired.

Even though I was losing energy there was always time for a quick photo. The mountains are amazing. 

This is an interesting sign.  Good think Sequoia stayed at home.  

We did see a moose or two on the trail.  They weren't too interested in us, more interested in eating. 

Carbondale Art Walk

Now as my regular readers might know I have a keen knack for adventuring, traveling, and hiking.  On my latest adventure I decided to take some of the public art around Carbondale, Colorado (my home base for the trip).

Do you see me to the right?

Just hanging around. 

Here I am, in the middle. 

Gid-ee-up

Bought time I got a proper rest. 

Bike bells?

Some sort of guitar

Not part of the art walk but it's a perfect fit for a fox. 

The color is perfect. 

I doubt I will get lost in this labyrinth . 

Welcome to Colorado

Through my expert navigation and supervision (hmmm, maybe I should send a bill?) we successfully made it to Colorado. 

It's HOT....but I hear that if you drive up to the Continental Divide it's much cooler.  Let's go!

I am having a tough time adjusting to the altitude.

We made it to Independence Pass (should have gone here on the 4^th, oh well).  The mountains are amazing and there were even a few snow melt lakes.  The only thing that would have made it better is a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on site.  

After exploring Independence Pass it was time to head to an old mining ghost town, called…..drum roll please….Independence.  It was a pretty hopping city many years ago until a bad snowstorm hit the town, residents had to dismantle the buildings and use the wood as skis to ski down to Aspen. 

Do you think they sell ice cream at this store?

Hmm, not bad construction considering it's at 10,900 feet and it's about 130 years old.  

Ahh, a new day.

Back on the road.  The mountains ahead of me are the San Juans.  I have learned a few things about Colorado.  1) Lot’s of great scenery.  2) Lot’s of road construction going on as well.

Our first stop was Ouray, Colorado.  A former mining town now settled in the mountains and thriving on the tourist trade.  When Ouray was in it’s heyday they built lots of Victorian homes and buildings.  

I wonder if they have a Starbucks in town?

 Besides sightseeing and shopping Ouray is the self proclaimed off road adventuring capital of the world.  There were lots of cool vehicles you could rent.  I would have taken this one if it were orange. 

Please.....can we go please.......

This restaurant looks like a good place to stop for lunch.

Wait, that's the name of the restaurant....not what they serve right?

Driving into and out of Ouray was beautiful.  You passed many mountain passes.  Hmm, I wonder why they called this one Black Bear Pass?

 

A few more stops along the way, an old west gun fight in a parking lot and finally made it to our motel for the night.  This is our room, the Eagle’s Nest.  There was also a room called the Bear’s Den but it must have been rented before we arrived.

Does anyone know where I am at?  That’s right, Mesa Verde National Park.

You can't seriously expect me to climb up this ladder by myself?

Mesa Verde was pretty cool.  So many ruins.  The ancient people who built these ruins were great masons…..I wonder what they charged per hour?

According to the rangers many of these rooms were used for corn storage.  I wonder if any rooms stored berries, chocolate, or salmon?

After leaving Mesa Verde we made a quick stop in Telluride and I got to ride up the mountain in a tram.  If you haven’t traveled by tram it’s definitely the way to go, especially since this one was free.

 

 

Roooooooooooooooooad Tripppppppppppppppppppppppppp

Hello Blog Friends,

It’s been a while since I have posted (been too busy supervising) but all work and no play is not good for a fox.  As summer is rolling around it’s best I give some free advice to help everyone have a safe road trip.

Before any road trip it’s always best to examine the maps to be sure you know where you are going.

This area looks awful desolate.  I wonder if the scenery will improve the further east we head?

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Be sure to bring lots of snacks.  I see we are “light” in the snack department. I think I better stop and get something to eat.  Hmm, this place looks right up my alley.

What?  There is an exit off the freeway with the choice of Honeyville OR Bear River?  Which option should I take?  If Jerry and Ben were traveling with me I bet they would choose HoneyVille. 

After lots of driving we made it to our first tourist stop.  Hmm, this looks like a place Sandy might partake in for a back-alley-deal.  I wonder if we are going to get some back alley chicken or some back alley ice cream?

No back alley deals for me (best leave those to Sandy).  But next to the warehouse there was a pretty cool sculpture garden (note, we’re in Salt Lake City, Utah and it’s HOT).

Even though it’s pretty hot the flowers look good.

I like this birdhouse too. 

Time to head back on the road.  We have lots of miles to cover.