A bumpy start to what we thought was a well planned long(ish) weekend camping trip to the National Park.
Leaving around 19:00 on Friday night, we rolled into the San Luis Valley around midnight. Brian’s new headlights were tested under the International Dark International Sky, spotting 3 different herds of deer.
We located our camp site and as quietly as possible, set up the camper in 15 minutes or so. The camper is much easier than pitching a tent. I recall fondly the times of rolling into camps in the late hours on the DR200 or the Honda Hawk in my younger days.
The next morning was a beautiful chilly sunrise on the Dunes. We stopped in the Visitor’s Center on our way out to the Zapata Falls trail head. We got the stamp for mom & dad’s Passport book and several postcards.
Zapata Falls is located outside the National Park. It’s an easy half mile walk to the base of the falls, we didn’t linger for the crowd. We let Muki get a belly dip in the waters, then quickly started on the hiking trail up the mountainside.
We found what we were looking for – a secluded spot to dip in. The cold mountain water was a welcomed cold therapy!
Several flowers were out in bloom along the trail.
Tired pup status – achieved! A light dinner, due to the gusty winds we had charcuterie instead of the planned hot dogs. As the winds died down, we walked down to the dunes and got our forced family photo. We had a small fire and enjoyed the stars and viewing the milky way.
We arrived in the late hour of darkness and left early Sunday with the rising of the sun on the Dunes.
We had a late breakfast in Leadville at the Golden Burro Cafe. We enjoyed the coffee, but our hopes of a good heuvos rancheros quickly deflated. We most likely won’t go back, except for coffee.
All in all – a much needed camping trip – worth the late start.
SquirrelyGrl Tales 