Longmont

From Gunnison to Longmont, we passed over the Continental Divide - all 11312 feet of it!  It was a long haul  over Monarch Pass, with the RV grinding slowly up the mountain, but the view was great.  Mountains, still with snow.

As we crested the pass, the valley below was incredible.

Finally, St. Vrain's State Park in Longmont.  Last year we had a site in the new section - treeless and hot, hot, hot.  This year we managed to snag a spot in the old area, with big shade trees.  It's a great difference.

The path around one of the many lakes in this campground has one big tree in the middle of the path.  Very picturesque.

The road to the campground has a big field, full of prairie dogs.  They are so darn cute!

We spent most of Friday evening and  Saturday with Erin's family.  Luke and granddaughter Evelyn had fun with her My Little Ponies!

Today the daughters had other commitments, so we had a "free day".  Last year we visited Brainard Recreational Area.  It was green and beautiful ----

This year we were stunned.  High winds have knocked down hundreds of trees.  Hiking trails are blocked and trees are down on the roads.  The trail we hiked last year is still closed due to SNOW DRIFTS!  We were really disappointed to find this instead of a green paradise. 

Our plans keep us here 2 more days.  We'll be seeing daughters Lisa and Erin both days.  After that, we head northward, towards Calgary...rainy, flooded Calgary...we're hoping for some dry weather!