Another Week of Family Fun

Whitewater Rafting Colorado River

We are still enjoying our time in Colorado.  Before we left Steamboat Springs this past Friday, we were able to take in some whitewater rafting and hiking.  It was a blast! 

We had been rafting before, but this whitewater trip was probably the best so far.  Colorado River Guides was the outfitter we used and they were great.  I would highly recommend them if you are in the area and looking for a great time.  We went on the Colorado River and the guide said it hadn't moved that fast and hadn't been that high in 25 years.  We did the whole day trip which included a lunch provided by the outfitter.  The scenery was as breathtaking as the cold Colorado River.  We were joined by three other people in our raft, besides the guide.  They were from Louisiana and we enjoyed getting to know them a bit.  I liked hearing the gentleman talk because he had that wonderful Cajun accent.  They enjoyed talking to Ashlyn and listening to Mitchell.  We love rafting and this trip was not disappointing at all. 

On Thursday we decided to take in some hiking around some trails in Steamboat.  We headed up the Gondola to take a hike around the top of the mountain that is covered with snow in the winter time for the skiers.  The view overlooked Steamboat Springs and you could see for miles.  The panoramic view was again breathtaking.

Gondola in Steamboat

After 5 Mile Hike to Fish Creek Falls

Fish Creek Falls was our next stop for hiking.   After taking in a picnic lunch, we began our hike to see the water falls.  Because of the abundance of rain and the melting snow, the water fall was at full blast and the river was rolling pretty good.  We were told to be sure to continue the hike after the first waterfall and so off we went.  The trail is called "Long Lake Trail".  It was a 5 mile round trip hike that took us up 2,400 ft.  Most of the trail wasn't too difficult, but there were several "stop and breathe" breaks.  There were some spots on the trail that made you hug the wall of the mountain.  After a 2 1/2 hike, we came to the most breathtaking waterfalls that I've ever seen.  The hike was very much worth it.  Both Ashlyn & Mitchell were troopers and enjoyed the climb.  Krystal was a trooper as well.  It was one of the highlights of the trip so far.

Fish Creek Falls

We arrived in Pagosa Springs on Friday afternoon.  We are planning on taking it easy and continue to enjoy God's creation.  Wow, is all I can say as I look at the majestic mountains.