Go take a hike!

In the Heil Valley Ranch recreation area, that is!  We met up with Erin and her two, along with Lisa's son Simon, and headed out on yet another dreary, gray day.  But it is 70 instead of 100, so that is ok with us.

Heil Valley  is a beautiful recreation area, formerly ranch land, in the foothills of the Rockies.  What a setting!

Off for a walk, first crossing the rocky creek.

Fortunately, there is the usual trusty guide info.

The fields are beautiful, filled with new flowers and blooming cacti.

The alpine valley is awash with all sorts of beautiful flowers!  Look carefully at the top of the first picture - Mr. Bug  is enjoying the flowers, too.

At the turning around point of our hike, we stopped at Sandwich Rock, where Simon offered to be the meatball.

At nearby Lunch Rock, we had snacks and a break.

The boys had a bit of "who's taller" measuring, while Evelyn headed back down the path.  We DID stay close to each other, as the trail warns of cougar in the area - they like running children...

Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!

Back down the gray mountain trail and home again.