The other side of DP

 Zou and I decide to investigate a mysterious alternate route at the DPs, an off-shoot from the regular trail that I've always wondered about.  Turns out it's not really a trail.  Well it is, for a little while.  Then it's nothing.  Then it's a trail again.  Then it's nothing, and stays that way.  But when we hit the "dead end" we messed around and found a really great lookout.

 We ended up sort of on top of the "rock" formations the DPs are known for and so had a neat and unusual view of part of the BMR.  Here, Zou is on top of a little hill we explored before going to the rim-cliff where the views were to be had (which you can see behind her).

 At the cliff, looking northeast.

 Love the craggy rocks.

Will have to come back here on a stormy day.  I've seen the clouds draping this area from afar, and it's very dramatic-looking.  Definitely qualifies for further exploration!

 And to the southeast and an arm of the BMR.

 Zou appreciating the scene.

 Q:  Can you name all the flowers in this picture?  

(A:  Indian paintbrush, lupine, yarrow, groundsel?, and dog tail!)

Looked like a big ol' cattle trough. 

 One hot, tired doggie...

 AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Feeling much better after a dip in the BMR (her momma shoulda jumped in too!)

And a friend too!  Man, this place has it ALL!!!!

Happy 4th...of July!

Many months have passed, but looks like we're still celebrating!

Many of us in the RV park got duded-up for the occasion - either ourselves, our pets (!), and/or our RV.

 Tractor and his dad getting ready for the big feast.  This place knows how to do the 4th of July right!  They even had a flag-folding demo.  Pretty cool.

 They also had a chili cook-off, with all the necessary accompaniments.

 Some entries were kind of questionable...

What an awesome place to commemorate a most momentous happening:  US.  The town of G starts the day off with a fun, colorful hot air balloon launch and ends the holiday with an up close and personal fireworks display.  And in between those things, we stuff our ourselves with some of the best food around (yes, including Outhouse Chili...).  We're already looking forward to next July!!

First hike in G - D.P.

 If this looks familiar, it should!  Zouey and I hiked it last summer (and the summer before that...) too.  It's a good, easy "hike" for trying to get back in shape and acclimating to the altitude.  G. is at almost 8000 ft!  

 The DP trail is named after those cool breccia formations in the background.

Pretty lily.

 (a mariposa - Calochortus)

 The BMR is fuller this year after a good snow winter - yay!

 One of the best parts of CO hiking - terrific places to cool-down afterwards!

Happy Zouey!