Day 9

Today was a great day. Didn't go exactly as we had planned. We were planning on hiking a 14,000 peak today but the pass that we had to go through closed due to a landslide. It would have taken us 5 hours to drive around the mountain so we chose to do Plan B. We hiked the Gilpin Lake Trail #1161 to the Gold Creek Lake Trail #1150 all in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area. It was 44 degrees at the start and ended at 73 degrees. We climbed to about 10,000 ft. and hiked at least 11 miles and it took around 7 hours. The view was breathtaking every step of the way. The first lake we hiked to was spectacular, the mountains were awesome, and the waterfalls and rivers kept you memorized. Steve and I both did well on this hike and really enjoyed ourselves. We will see how we feel tomorrow!

Day 7

Resting up for the big hike on Friday, a 14,000 ft peak so we didn't hike today. Took a bike ride and worked on some photography today. Went back to Fish Creek falls and took shots from the overlook. Even seeing it a second time it takes my breath away.

Day 6 September 15,2009

Another beautiful day in Colorado. We drove about 35 miles outside of Steamboat for today's hike. It was in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area and we chose the Three Island Lake Trail #1163. Trail Beginning: 8150 elevation and ended at 10,950 at junction of the Wyoming trail #1101. At the start of our hike it was 41 degrees. The trail begins in aspen climbing gradually upward to spruce and firs with some lodgepole pine. At Lookout Rock there is a really good view of the South Fork of the Elk River Valley. It was a pretty clear day so the view was incredible. We continued our hike through the thick lush forest and were in awe of the Elk River as it was in constant view throughout most of the hike. We reached the lake in about 2 1/2 hours and decided to forge on on the Wyoming Trail to Continental Divide. We started back down the mountain and ate lunch at Three Island Lake to take in the view, the quietness, and the beauty. We only passed a couple of hunters on the trail the entire day and according to the log we were the only hikers this day.

On our way back to SS we stopped at the Clark Colorado General store. The place was a diamond in the rough. Post office, deli, general store, bakery, Dvd rentals,Liquor, you name they had it. It was a good day.........

Day 5

Two tubes of Bengay, one hot tub visit, and four Advil later we decided to ride our bikes today along the Yampa River core trail. It is a beautiful trail that Meanders along the Yampa River passing the many hot springs in the area. It was a great ride about 15 miles in total and a good way to rest our tired legs from yesterday's hike. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.....

Day 4

Started our day off with a hike in Steamboat Springs. Steve guaranteed it was a very easy to moderate hike..... Yeah right! It was just outside of town and called Fish Creek Falls trail. We hiked at least 10 miles starting at 7410 feet and climbing to 9850 feet. Did I mention climbing to 9850 feet. Tough trail but beautiful scenery. It took us about 7 hours to complete partly due to the hail storm on our trip back down. The boulders were a little on the slippery side resulting in the use of our hiking poles. I think I will pick the next easy to moderate hike.

Day 3

Ending mileage 1623. Left Topeka headed for Steamboat Springs. It was a long drive across the Plains especially when Steve wasn't willing to stop in Oakley, Kansas to see the six legged steer or the world largest prairie dog. Go Figure! We only passed one windmill field which was surprising. We ran into a huge downpour when we reached the Denver area which continued until we reached the other side of the mountain via the Eisenhaur Memorial Tunnel. Reached our condo after about 12 hours on the road. Note: Steve survived.

Day 2

Traveled 924 miles to the next stop in Topeka, Kansas and an overnight visit at my nephew's house. Jason and Tricia were excellent hosts. They took us to a wonderful restaurant called "The Row House Restaurant" just down the street from the capital building and actually in a converted Row House. I was fortunate enough to be able to tour the kitchen and meet the chef. I was amazed that he could put out such great food in a postage stamp size kitchen, a five burner stove, and a signal oven. He buys all his food locally and has a fixed weekly menu, depending on what produce and local goodies are available that week. Definitely a place to visit. 515 Van Buren Topeka, Kansas. Check it out at www.rowhouserestaurnat.net