Exploring Colorado

I honestly don't know where to start recapping this day so that it does not become a thesis paper.  I do not remember the last time I saw this much beauty in less than 24 hours.  First of all, I can't thank our cousins enough again for their hospitality. After we were fed a good breakfast, we were on our way out of Colorado Springs.  It took longer to get out than I thought it would, but before I get to that, look at this photo.  This is what our cousins get to see when they drive into the city each day.  So beautiful!

As for Colorado Springs, it is beautiful and everything, but I needed us to get on out of there, and Anthony saw the opportunity to stop by Chase bank and open Kira's accounts for when she moves to NYC, so that was not happening. The closest Chase in Alabama isn't in Alabama at all, so I understood the reasoning for it, and I knew we had to get the van washed because it was buggy and filthy, so I left them at the bank and went to get the van washed, and get ice for the cooler.  I came back to the bank and waited, and waited, and waited some more.  I monitored every person who went in the bank because I am always looking for the next bank robber.  After I determined that even THAT bored me, I decided that my face needed more makeup, so I kid you not, I moved to the back of the van, and put on my face.  Standing up.  In public.

After Kira and Anthony came out, he mentioned that they wanted Chick Fil A for lunch, because it was actually LUNCH time, meaning we had been in Colorado Springs for over two hours.  I may or may not have had a slight (full blown) melt down that was a bit irrational, and all about my itinerary not being respected.  It was ridiculous, but to give them credit, rather than laugh at me, they apologized and we were finally on our way.  I would have felt bad about having that meltdown in the Chick Fil A line, but they didn't salt their fries, so I called it even.  You have to salt the fries!!!

Driving from Colorado Springs to Grand Junction was the most nerve wracking driving experience I have ever had, and I wasn't even driving.  In fact, Anthony will never again have to look at my itinerary if he promises me that I never have to make that journey behind the wheel.  He handled it like a pro, ears popping and altitude changing the entire way.  Except for a few times when we pulled over to take a break or view the amazing scenery, these photos were taken while I was in the car.  The bugs love this van, so some of the smudges are because of them.  Believe me when I tell you that narrowing these photos to only a few was difficult, but here are some I took between Colorado Springs and Vail.

Nope.  The photos do not do this area justice.  We pulled over at one point to take photos of some water rapids, and then went across to the other side to look at this beautiful lake.  There was a family there, and they had the friendliest dog I have ever met, and one who loved to fetch her stick from the lake.  She ran right past us the first time we saw her and dropped her stick for this toddler to throw.  As you might expect, it did not go far enough for her, so she picked it up and ran straight for me.  I threw it deeper into the lake and when she saw that she could trust one stranger, she decided that she could trust us all, so she ran to the other side and dropped it at the feet of another man who had gotten to the lake behind us.  She then decided she wanted Kira to play, so Kira obliged, and she happily went in again.  Her owner came up at that time, and was joking to us that the dog believes everyone wants to be her friend.  She is correct!  Her owner threw the stick in the middle of the lake, and just like that, the game was over.  She gave him a sideways look, and walked off.  I have never felt that connected to another female.

 After we passed through Vail, the landscape changed and I actually gasped out loud at some of the scenes as we wound our way down the mountain.  I was speechless, and these photos do not begin to capture the absolute majesty.  If you have never taken this drive, it should be at the top of your bucket list.  It is breathtakingly beautiful.  Also, it literally takes your breath because that altitude is a killer.

 Again, please keep in mind that they were taken from inside the car.  You can imagine how they look without the glare of the window.

The landscape changed once again when we entered the Grand Mesa, and again I was in awe, and still am, because our hotel is nestled in this very area and it is beautiful.  We are surrounded by these majestic mountains.

 We arrived in Grand Junction finally, and headed to the downtown area to eat and look around.  There were some odd art exhibits, and that may be one of the things I love most about the downtown areas out West.  They love their outdoor exhibits.

We are in for the night and pretty tired.  It has been a great day of traveling, and tomorrow will come early, as we head to Las Vegas.  Good night from Grand Junction!