A Colorado Saturday

It's been a beautiful day here in Ridgway (and Montrose and surrounding areas).

I was ready well before Erin and Dad (Anita had to work today), so I went for a walk around the property around my dad's house. I saw these footprints in the drive in front of his house. Check out how big the stride is. This was a big animal! Dad's seen a lot of big animals around his house -- bears, elk, coyotes, deer, etc. Kind of cool, but kind of nerve-racking to wonder what kind of animals are hiding in the woods and keeping an eye on you. Hmmm...

Here's a pretty view, just to the left of the house, a view from the front porch:

And another view from my walk in front of the house:

Dad took a quick dip in the hot tub before we headed out. It's just funny to see him outside in his swim suit when it's 30 degrees outside.

We drove quite a bit today on quiet, pretty, mountain roads. Along our first stretch, on the way to a cottage my dad is selling, this deer just stood a few feet away from the road and watched us as we pulled up next to her, stopped and took her picture. She wasn't the least bit afraid of us...and she was in no hurry. (She also looks like she has had a rough life!)

Here's the view of the mountains from the cottage. Beautiful.

After the quick trip to the cottage, we headed to Black Canyon National Park. It was absolutely stunning. Like a smaller version of the Grand Canyon. Pictures just don't do it justice, but they are pretty.

A good one of my dad, sister and me:

And some more from the canyon:

And the funniest moment of the day was when Erin decided to challenge the sign and go beyond the sign. She took one step, Dad made a beeping noise (imagine the sound of a trash truck backing up), and Erin acted like she was being shot...and totally wiped out. We were laughing so hard we could hardly stop. Just too funny.

(Erin will kill me for posting this, but I had to!)

After Black Canyon, we headed to Dad's spec house at Cornerstone. Stunningly beautiful.

And it has a beautiful view, too!

That's enough photos for today (!). We won't have quite as busy of a day tomorrow, so you won't have to pain through another long post!

Chad, G and E: I love you and miss you!

Comments

[Michele]

I can't believe how beautiful it is out there! You took some awesome pictures, too. (And it was the photographer, not the camera.) :) Hope you guys are all having a great time. See you Saturday at my SU! party! Oh...and don't feed the bears. I heard that's a no-no.

[Corie]

Too funny! Thanks, Michele! :o)

[Kelly]

Oh golly, Cor!!!! I had no idea you were in CO now (I just emailed you!). How amazingly beautiful are these pics. I love CO! Ever since I visited there in high school I have wanted to live there...the mountains and vies are just spectacular! Enjoy that time there with your family and can't wait to hear about it and see pics when you get back! How fun!!!