Camping in Southern Colorado

[Charla]

I wouldn't really call this a journey but more of a mis-mash of photos I took on our 4 day camping trip this weekend. :D

My family and I live in Denver, and a couple years ago my husband and I invested in some raw land (approximately 40 acres) just west of the little town of Walsenburg. We call it "The Ranch".

The Ranch is about 3 hours from our home and we spend several weekends a year camping and goofing off.

When we arrived on Thursday it was a bright beautiful day but a bit on the windy side. The first thing that caught my eye was this caterpillar. This was a tough shot to get since the wind was gusting 20-30mph and this little bush was bouncing all aver the place!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7893.jpg

I showed Patrick how cool this guy was.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7874.jpg

I wondered over to the tool shed and found this little guy. There were actually at least 5 lizards living in the shed. At least that's how many I counted scurrying under the wall!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7909.jpg

Thursdays sunset was not very colorful but the wind caused some interesting cloud formations.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7890.jpg

Friday began with another bright day but the winds were up to about 40mph. We didn't let that stop all of our fun though. Here is a shot of the view from my "driveway"
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7911.jpg

I was wandering down my driveway and I saw this wierd bee type bug. They don't have these in the city!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7917.jpg

Some flowers at the end of the driveway.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7922.jpg

A quick little rain shower left this nice rainbow.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7924.jpg

The wind was even worse on Saturday, up to at least 50mph so we all tried to lay low. I did take a quick drive up the road to revisit one of my favorite photo locations. I don't know any history on this church, but is sure is old!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT8018.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7999.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT7989.jpg

The wind abruptly died around dinner time and we were very excited to be able to have a camp fire that night. Sunday morning was still and cool. It was nearing time to pack up but we decided to go for a quick hike around the property before we left.

Look at the bones!!! Cain found this jawbone that he thought was pretty cool. Probably a cow.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT8023.jpg

Ben and Patrick taking a rest (more like waiting for Mom and Cain to catch up :D ) This is a lava rock wall at the edge of the property.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT8025.jpg

Tracking deer up the ridge. I'm pretty sure we're trespassing here!
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT8035.jpg

Annie dog posing for the camera. We've nick-named her Paris Hilton because she's not real smart but she gets by on her looks :rofl
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT8048.jpg

A cool twisted Juniper. Need to do a B&W conversion on this one.
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m30/cms10866/PICT8054.jpg

Well that's all for now. Hope you all enjoyed your visit to The Ranch! Comments and Critique are not just welcome but very much appreciated!

Charla

[marlof]

That's an amazing Ranch! I esp. liked the shot with the church overlooking the land.

[Charla]

That's an amazing Ranch! I esp. liked the shot with the church overlooking the land.

I appreciate the comments :D This is one of the few areas in the Colorado mountains that is still affordable and we have so much fun when we get to go there.

I wanted to spend more time at the old church but the wind was so terrible I only spent about 5 minutes there. All the remaining shingles on the roof were at high risk of blowing off!

[David_S85]

Great sunset shot and that old chapel can be a study in itself. Thanks for the trip to CO.

[quark]

Lizard is my favorite. good colors and tone for that one.

[Michael Allen]

I loved Colorado when I was there, Liked the sunset. Thanks for posting

[stephiewilliams]

Charla, there is that beautiful Colorado mountain skyline, would recognize it anywhere! I am from Colorado as well. Great shots, really love the lizard pics!

[Charla]

Charla, there is that beautiful Colorado mountain skyline, would recognize it anywhere! I am from Colorado as well. Great shots, really love the lizard pics!

Thanks Stephie!
:D

[ian408]

I spent some time in Buena Vista this summer. The area is a beautiful
slice of Colorado.

Thanks for sharing!

[Charla]

I spent some time in Buena Vista this summer. The area is a beautiful
slice of Colorado.

Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for looking and commenting! :D