What a Day!

I don't quite know what to say about today -- except that it was amazing!

We did something last night we'd never done before -- stayed at a KOA Campground -- a diversion from our normal travel custom. We had both water and electrical hookups, free hot showers, real restrooms and dumping privileges. Before pulling out at 11:00 this morning we took advantage of all of these amenities.

We cleaned Thistle from top to bottom, I mean, vacuumed and dusted and scrubbed every surface. We did the same to our own bodies. And we brushed Benton. By the time we drove away we felt we'd used every cent of our $30 camp fee just getting road-ready again. Our average daily camp fee has been about $8.50 per night, so $30 for one night, by our standards, is high. Boy-oh-boy did we appreciate the splurge.

From Montrose, Colorado where we'd camped, we headed back up Highway 50 to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison to connect with Highway 92, crossing the Blue Mesa Dam, to travel the north side of the Black Canyon. The views on the north side, like the south, left us sputtering with their beauty. Wow! seemed to be the only word either of us could utter.

Then on our way to the Colorado National Monument (near Grand Junction) we detoured onto Highway 65 up to Grand Mesa. Grand Mesa is at the top of the world and simply oozes beauty. It is a snow-play person's paradise. Trails pass through beautiful mountain scenes mile after mile after mile. And Benton! He was in dog heaven running through the snow wanting to just stay here for...ever.

When we arrived at the Grand Mesa visitor's center it was closed for the season so imagine our shock when we discovered the restrooms were not only unlocked but heated. Plus the wifi pass word was posted on the front door. Talk about an accommodating public facility.

But the day wasn't finished. At about 5:30 we arrived at the Colorado National Monument. We haven't had time for more than a walk about camp, but this place is yet another wonder-of-natural-beauty.

Our day has been packed with awe inspiring beauty. At 9:00 we take our second camp walk to gaze out over the night view of Grand Junction and up at a million stars. Wow! And Good night.

~~~

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have,

but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have."

~ Frederick Koenig

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