And we're back

I have finally figured out how to get photos to the blog with the new computer that doesn't take a 10 step process!

Way back in Sept we went to Colorado to visit the Bonners and get in a little camping. It was exciting to get all the camping stuff out again. The Texas summers aren't really conducive to camping so we were looking forward to the cooler mountain air. Our home and provisions for 4 nights of the trip:

Our time with the Bonners was well spent tubing down the river :) A little cold for me but the boys enjoyed it.
We camped at the Rocky Mountains National Park for 2 nights. We saw quite a few moose around the camp site. They are very big and can run surprisingly fast!
The elk taking in the view ...
We also planned to do some hiking but at 10,000 feet altitude we only managed one hike. I can't remember being so happy to see the car at the end of a hike. The trail followed a canyon, crossed over the river and then went along a ridge line to a mountain lake. It sounded wonderful in the brochure and was 8 miles so was perfect for a day hike. The 2000 feet elevation gain to 12,000 feet and no trail signage was not highlighted in the brochure. At any point we had no clear idea on where he were. The map just showed the ridge line but with no significant landmarks, there was nothing to set our bearings to! Here's me being brave crossing the gorge (the "bridge" was also not mentioned ...):
We made it to the lake and had a well deserved rest and lunch. The lake was a little disappointing. We were expecting something more like Yosemite, but were just grateful to know where we were on the map! The hike will be remembered for us completing it in one piece rather than for the views.
At Vail we were still unable to hike (my legs were so sore!) so we tried some downhill mountain biking instead! We rented bikes, took them up on the ski gondola and road back down the mountain. I was a little nervous at the beginning but was ready to go again after the first run :)

We had a fantastic time and will be back to visit again if the Bonners will take us :)