Winding River Resort - Grand Lake, Colorado

Sunday June 19th we left Colorado Springs and traveled to the Winding River Resort in Grand Lake, Colorado.  Berthoud Pass elevation 11,307 feet was on the route to Grand Lake. The descent with 6% grade, 20 and 25 mph hairpin turns and 30 and 35 mph curves was a first for us to travel in the motorhome.  My heart rate stayed at a normal pace until I would decide to look down and over the edge of the mountain then my heart went to pounding.  Even though I was nervous the scenery was literally breathtaking.

Our friends, Mark and Sandi Henning from Lake Charles are working at the resort for the summer.  We had a great time visiting with them and meeting some of the other work campers.

The resort borders Rocky Mountain National Park.  The wildlife is plentiful to watch from within the park and the Colorado skies can only be described as extraordinary.  The North Fork of the Colorado River winds around the park and is an excellent spot to just listen to sounds of the rushing water.

Our day trip excursions included a drive up to Walden the moose capital of Colorado, Arapaho National Recreation Area and Rocky Mountain National Park.  It is so hard to describe just how beautiful the scenery is in Colorado.

Meet our friends Mark and Sandi Henning.

This elk was in the meadow behind Mark and Sandi's camper.

The next few pictures were taken within 30 minutes.  I have never seen the sky change so many colors in such a short time.

 

The barn at the resort.

The weather was nice for hayrides.

This field of elk was seen going into the resort.

North Fork of Colorado River in the resort.

A view of Grand Lake from the Historic Grand Lake Lodge.



Arapaho National Recreation Area

Non-motorized boats in this area.

After a 10 mile drive into Arapaho National Recreation Area and a short walk we find Monarch Lake.

This doe was not bothered by being photographed at all.



Evidence of new growth in the forest.

It was so sad to see the damage to the forest from the Bark Beetle kill.

Dark clouds from a nearby thunderstorm covering the lake.

The snow capped Rockies make a beautiful backdrop for any scene in the area.

The Rand Store- the only thing we saw in this little town besides a post office. 

Display in the Rand Store.

Pronghorn seen on the way to Walden.

These little critters (white tail prairie dogs)  were everywhere and fun to watch.

Bull Moose spotted near the Illinois River in Walden

Smoke from the Beaver Creek wildfire.  More than 7,000 acres had burned over 150 firefighters from 3 different states working around the clock trying to stop its spread.

Unusual décor on this fifth wheel in the campground at Lake John.

Lake John very peaceful and located out in the wide open spaces.



We stopped in at the River Rock Café.

This sign caught my eye at the entrance into the River Rock Café.

 

Veterans Memorial Tunnels on I-70 near Idaho Springs, CO.



Berthoud Pass hairpin curves and gorgeous views.

Glad to get out of all those curves!