One block from our house is a road called "Canyon Road". Turn east on this road and it takes you to what everyone here calls "the mountains". In a matter of miles the temperature drops 20 degrees and you're in forests of aspens, pines and fields of wildflowers. It smells great. It sounds great (chickadees, flickers, white crowned sparrows..) It is peaceful and beautiful. The amazing thing is that this is 1000s of acres is public land....its free. Just find a suitable place to camp, park, whatever, and its your own private place for that day or week.
Dennis grew up here, so he spent his entire life camping, hunting, fishing and hiking there. Dennis and I have shared so many great times hiking and mountain biking there too. Since Griffin was born we have not been able to enjoy hikes or bikes together because of his disabilities. We don't get up in the mountains as often as we want.
This summer Dennis became obsessed. He was determined to find a camping trailer that we could take up in the mountains so we could enjoy being up there together. Unfortunately, buying a camper wasn't in our budget. But, Dennis was determined. We looked at a lot of duds before we happened upon our 1966 jem. We bought it from an older couple who had owned it since it was new...Donna and Stan. The inside is immaculate. Donna gave us all her sheets, towels, pillows, silverware too. It was like inheriting a cabin from your aunt!
Well, the trailer looked great, but needed work. Dennis spend half his vacation trying to get it in shape to travel. We were all ready to give up on camping. But, finally last Thursday, we turned onto the Canyon Road and one hour later had our own private campsite - spring included. Griffin got to poke the fire, snuggle with Dad in the Tigger sleeping bag and throw rocks in the creek. Mom and Dad got to enjoy the smells, sights and sounds of the mountains. We returned home dirty and tired, but refreshed by the beauty of the forest and tundra above us.
I am still overwhelmed by the beauty of it all! What a blessing! Thanks Dennis....
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