I could write a book about the fun things we’ve done over the past week and a half. But… that would be like sitting through someone else’s vacation slides for two hours. You’re excited for the first five minutes because you wish you could have gone… and then you’re just hoping they’ll wrap it up.
So instead, I’ll just hit the highlights.
Our home base was the KOA near Glenwood Springs (actually in the little town of Silt). It was a terrific campground with a nice pool, friendly staff, and plenty of opportunities for Ruby to make new friends. It became our launch pad for a different adventure every day.
We explored the town of Rifle and discovered the incredible Rifle Falls. What a picture-perfect place! Three waterfalls cascading side by side into a lush green canyon—it almost didn’t seem real.
We spent a day in Aspen wandering through town before riding the gondola all the way to the top of Snowmass. The views just kept getting better and better.
Then came Maroon Bells.
We took the shuttle, hiked the scenic loop, and were completely amazed. If you’re ever in Colorado, don’t miss it. Pictures simply cannot capture how beautiful it is. This will definitely go down as one of the highlights of our entire trip.
We also explored canyons, creeks, and caves.
Look at us… you’d think we were 50!
Okay… truth be told, we only do the short hikes.
One of my very favorite days was spent soaking at Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Twenty-one different pools, all with different temperatures, right alongside the Colorado River with Iron Mountain towering above us. It was peaceful, relaxing, and just plain wonderful. I could have stayed there all day.
And then there was dinner.
We ate at a little place in Silt called Miner’s Claim. Wow! The chef absolutely knocked it out of the park. It was one of the best meals we’ve had on this entire adventure.
Now for two observations that completely surprised us.
First… we’ve become Walmart fans.
Back home in Renton, you have to be just a little crazy to go to Walmart. It feels like you’re taking your chances in the parking lot before you even get inside. So we’ve never really been Walmart shoppers.
Out here? It’s completely different.
The stores are clean, organized, friendly, and actually enjoyable to shop in. We’ve found ourselves stopping at Super Walmarts several times, and every experience has been great.
The second surprise has been how clean so much of western Colorado feels. We haven’t seen graffiti everywhere like we’re used to seeing around Seattle. The towns feel cared for and respected. We walk into grocery stores, buy what we need, and nobody is waiting at the door demanding to inspect our receipt. The everyday atmosphere just feels… calmer.
I’ll admit it.
It’s made us wonder if maybe it’s time to trade the Seattle area for someplace with a little more elbow room and a few more mountains.
Today we’re packing up Big Bertha and heading to a Harvest Hosts stop at a farm store parking lot for the night. Tomorrow we’ll explore Colorado National Monument before continuing south toward even more places we’ve never seen before.
The adventure continues!
Oh… and I almost forgot to answer the question we’ve been asked more than any other:
“What do you do with Ruby?”
Whenever possible, Ruby goes with us. She has become quite the little traveler. But for those places where dogs aren’t allowed, we’ve discovered Rover.com, and it has been fantastic. Ruby gets to spend time with people who love dogs, and we get to enjoy the occasional adventure that isn’t pet-friendly.
She’s happy.
We’re happy because she’s happy.
Everybody wins.
Until next time…
Keep watching for God sightings. They seem to be around every bend in the road.
Miles Today: On the move again!
Tonight’s Camp: Harvest Hosts farm store.
Found Water? Waterfalls, rivers, hot springs, and alpine lakes… absolutely!
Pie Rating: Still actively researching Colorado’s pie scene. It would be irresponsible to stop now. 🥧
Ruby’s Mood: “I’ll go anywhere… unless you have to leave me with people who spoil me.”
Amandus on the Loose! 
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