Fun and Games

Currently In: Loveland, CO
Next Up: Woodland Park, CO and then Southern Colorado for the next few weeks
We will be in New Mexico in September


My sister Jamie and her 3 boys came to visit us in Colorado this past week.  We were busy all day, every day, and sometimes late into the evening.  I needed time to rest up after they left!

Before the family got together, Johnny and I needed to do some updating on our rig.  Each time we get to a new location, Johnny gets under the RV to place thick pads under our levels.  It keeps thing quieter in the coach as well as protects the ground from the levels.  Recently we purchased new pads that snap right onto the levels so they are permanently attached.  No more climbing under the RV!

Once in Colorado, we did tons of exploring - first in Estes Park right outside of the National Park.  We did a couple of hikes, and then looked around the Stanley Hotel.

This hotel is reported to be haunted and was the inspiration for Stephen King's book "The Shining", although no scenes were shot here.  This book/movie is following us around????

Young Jack Stauder is really into the paranormal and walked the maze in addition to visiting several areas that have been visited by ghosts!

There is a beautiful view out the front door.

And a great waterfall in the back.

We also spent a morning visiting Old Fort Collins.  First, we saw a small group of buildings that constituted the early settlement in called Camp Collins, a military installation. The buildings date from the 1860's and many were moved from their original location.

Home of the Stone Family who ran a dining Hall

The Janis cabin - Joseph's wife was a Lakota

The Franz-Smith cabin - 2 families were farmers

Schoolhouse from 1905 - it was used until 1950!

In a park near Camp Collins was a life size chess set that I thought was kinda cool.

We hung out at the Old Town Square which is now a pedestrian mall.

Pianos are located in many locations at Old Town Square.  Jamie and I played our best rendition of Chopsticks!  Update: we were playing Heart and Soul.  My bad.

There are several other historic buildings right in Old Town Square.  The two below are from the late 1800s and were used for various businesses and retail over the years.  Fort Collins is very proud of their history and works hard to keep these buildings in good shape.

The Kissock Block

The Miller Block

We had lunch right in the Old Town Plaza - complete with cupcakes!

The next adventure - white water rafting down the Cache La Poudre river.  It was a blast! At a planned stop along the ride, Justin, Jeremy and I went swimming (on purpose) and jumped off a rock into the end of a rapid.  Crazy but fun!

 In addition to all this touring and excitement, we cooked out, had a fire and played games.

Mexican Train!

LCR

My winnings from LCR!

It was all fun and games!  More on our hikes in the National Park on the next post.