On to Estes Park and RMNP….

Monsignor Joseph Bosetti happened upon a large rock outside of Estes Park, Colorado.  He was really just searching for falling stars.  He decided that finding this large rock was a sign from God to build a chapel on it.  So….85 years ago, The Chapel on the Rock was built.

The morning after finding this gem, I was on to Rocky Mountain National Park where I have never seen MOOSE on the east side of the park.  A massive fire forced animals from the west side.

Poudre Lake

And then on the other side of the park, we have Granby and Grand Lake.

Afternoon with a Real Mountain Man…

My friend Albert grew up with Bob (Not his real name), and now Bob lives a few miles outside of Rapid City.  Albert “challenged” me to meet Bob and spend some time with him.  

Bob lives in an 1800’s schoolhouse. It has no running water and just got “real” electricity a few years ago.  

We piled in his truck and took off to gravel “backroads” of South Dakota.

Here is the grave site of Private James King, a member of Captain Benteen’s Company H. It lies along the General Custer Trail in South Dakota.

Along the way, Bob now challenged me to look for dry cow “patties,” so he could grind them up to fertilize his vegetables growing in old bathtubs outside of his historic home.

After finding some, it was time for lunch.  Apparently, this little joint is quite popular with hunters in the winter. We had what was on the menu: Hamburgers and fries. Loved this!

When we got back to the cabin, it was time for a shooting lesson!  Bob taught me how to load and shoot a .45 “Peacemaker.”

And finally, this is Bob’s cool garage and remodeled  bathroom.  

What an adventure this was!  I am grateful to Albert and Bob for the challenges!

And then right down the road….

 …..is Mount Rushmore!

Seriously, Los Cerrillos!

I am always up for a road trip and finding things off the beaten path.  

A few months ago, I made another trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.  And although The Plaza never gets old I wanted to explore along the famous Turquoise Trail (State Highway 14). Viola!  I come across a little…..town?

The Tano Natives were the first to dwell in Cerrillos in large pueblos spread throughout the Galisteo Basin. Many materials were mined out of the area—turquoise, gold, silver and lead.  Several mine collapses caused the mines to be filled in, and they laid dormant for 150 years.

Cerrillos was re-discovered in 1879 by Colorado prospectors.  Word spread fast about the riches to be had and a boom began!

By 1900, the mines started to shut down once again, and today only a fraction of the boom remains.  

For explorers, it is well worth the stop on the side of The Turquoise Trail!

You never know…

 …what you may see when you roll down Arizona Highways.  Yesterday, I saw some wild burros playing!