full day of fun...Thursday and onto the last full day...Friday!

Thursday began with another scenic drive this time with the hopes of heading to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Well we got as far as the Curecanti (similar from what I've seen) and very close to BC of the G. We got our scenic views and pictures and had an enjoyable morning. If you ever get to the Curecanti by Gunnison take the Morrow Point Boat Tour (they have quite a few stairs to get in your daily cardio there too) (we did this tour three years ago) and then head up to Pioneer Point (google it). A Ranger later at our visitor center stop (should have gone there first) told us had we continued with the trails instead of visiting just the overlooks there, it would have taken us down in the canyon. He said the first stretch to the first footbridge is easier and no big deal. Had the sun not been beating down so much maybe the trails would have looked more inviting, especially had I known where they went though half of it is not knowing and seeing where it leads. Anyway it was a beautiful spot.

Then came the afternoon of adventure in the Gunnison River once again. Only this rafting trip was more relaxing and less work as the guy in the middle, Brian's brother Rusty, had the oars and there were no other paddles...so we were along for the ride. It was 7 of us, with Rusty, Rachel, our niece Kailyn and our family of four. We enjoyed the scenery, got a little wet, and even got stuck once on a rock. With a little shifting around and some manpower we were back in business within a minute or two and no one got wet in the process. We saw mergansers, a marmot, and a mule deer (brought to you by the letter "m")... Our whole week spent in Gunnison was sun filled and perfect we couldn't have asked for better. We got to know our nieces so much better and had lots of fun. It was nice visiting with Rusty and Rachel. Good times.

Brian touched on our adventurous day in Glenwood Springs. Having visited as a teen I hoped to go back and wasn't disappointed. It's surrounded by beautiful red rocks and the tram view up Iron Mountain of the scenery and the Springs was fantastic. They were having unseasonably hot weather which was ok as the caverns were cool and the motel had a pool (well two) ;-). If you ever go the chain motels here are $$ but I was happy with our stay at a mom and pop place, the Cedar Lodge Motel. Great landscaping, awesome view, a nice clean room (micro., fridge, two pools one in one out, a sauna, hot tub and smaller scale continental breakfast) so really it wasn't lacking anything just substitute an old fashioned key entry room to the cookie cutter card sliding modern variety.

We had a wonderful stay in Colorado and enjoyed many new sights and places along the way. It wouldn't have been possible without the help of family and friends thanks for all you did to help make this happen for us to be able to get away and enjoy this vacation and family visit. We had an unforgettable time.