One of the 65

Wednesday was one of the 65 days a year in Colorado without sunshine.
This worked out pretty good for us as it was a travel north to south day.
Took the opportunity to get the oil changed and tires rotated. Got the chance to
visit Red Rocks Park in the the foothills west of Denver. This is a huge natural
amphitheatre where big name groups perform. For example, Tom Petty has two shows
here soon. We also found out this is a training ground for many super outdoorsey
Denverites. There are literally hundreds of steps from the lower parking lot to the
top of the venue. Folks were running up and down. Some were leaping up one foot at
a time! A man was entertaining everybody with his trumpet. Sounded good in the natural amphitheatre.

In the afternoon, we visited Roxborough State Park, a day preserve of outstanding
sandstone formations SW of Denver. A great fairly flat two mile loop hike in threatening weather.

Then south towards Colorado Springs and west past Pikes Peak, where we got hit by a
torrential downpour. The rain stopped as we got to Mueller State Park, but of course
started again as we set up camp. Fifty degrees and rain! Perhaps better than 104
in Richmond.... Spent the rest of the evening inside with heater running and DVD playing.

Thursday brought the return of sunshine. Went to the little town of Victor and explored historical mining sites and watched the gigantic trucks doing modern mining. Just down the road is the historical town of Cripple Creek. Pretty on the outside, but inside every door are hundreds of slot machines. Lots of strange people walking around in polyester clothes and fanny packs. Not our "cup of tea". Before returning to the campsite, stopped to get an ice cream sandwich. As we left for the car, we were pelted by a terrible hail storm. Drove a mile up the road and no hail or rain. But the storm did hit the campground for a few hours. I saw lots of stuff that folks had left out to dry while they were out get soaked.

Good meal ready by Debby: baked potato, chicken, and fresh corn on the cob. Rain stopped, we took our weekly shower, fire tonight, and off towards Crested Butte on Friday.