Camping on the Desert Plateau at Lake Pueblo State Park

Arkansas Point Campground on the South Shore

I couldn't resist the first siren song of summer, with an appealing forecast of bright skies and warm weekend temperatures.  So, I packed up the camper and headed to Lake Pueblo State Park (LPSP) in south-central Colorado, one of my favorite camping and mountain biking destinations.

Short Camping Trip in a Short Trailer

An "iffy" weather forecast and destination uncertainties delayed the launch of this weekend's camping trip.  At the last minute though, I decided to take a chance on a new destination.  So at noon on Saturday, I threw a  few items in an overnight bag and grabbed what was handy in the refrigerator for a hastily planned solo trip to the Northeast Plains of Colorado to Jackson Lake State Park.   Two and a half hours later I was setting up camp at a quiet site overlooking the 2500 acre reservoir.   It turned out to be a very pleasant and warm weekend, and a worthwhile trip, even though it was very short,  lasting just a little more than 24-hours, roundtrip.

Let the 2013 Camping Season Begin!

Night time at the camp site

Warm and dry days have provided very early Winter season  camping opportunities in the Colorado high country this year.  So, with a warm and dry holiday weekend forecast ahead, we dusted off the Bambi and headed back to Mueller State Park.  The days warmed quickly, and early afternoon outside activities only required a light jacket and hat.    Nights were filled with starry skies, and temperatures cooled down into the low 20s by morning.

Mueller State Park continues to be a favorite destination because of the natural beauty and the many camping amenities that the park offers.  It sits in the shadow of Pike's Peak to the east and has miles and miles of hiking trails across open vistas and through thick mixes of aspen and evergreen forest.  On a typical winter day, you can snow shoe, cross country ski and even sled.  This year, however, the snow fall has been dishearteningly low, but it just means it is easier to get around on the trails with a good pair of hiking boots and yak tracks.  Beautiful scenery abounds.

Autumn in the Colorado Rockies

I am hoping this wasn't the last camping trip of the season, but as days grow shorter and colder, it won't be long before the snow is flying in most of my favorite high-country, Colorado campgrounds.  However, I was able to squeeze in at least one more with a return visit to Mueller State Park to enjoy the turning of the aspen  and the  beauty that the change of seasons brings.

Labor Day at East Portal

Campsite at East Portal Reservoir Campground (Estes Park)

 Labor Day weekend took us back to Estes Park where we enjoyed a final summer outing at one of the prettiest places in Colorado.     Also, the fresh mountain air provided a brief escape from one of the worst allergy seasons I've ever experienced.  I stopped sneezing as soon as we arrived. (Yay!)

Shrinking the Airstream

It is always fun to learn new tricks.  So just for kicks, the last few days I've been experimenting with a digital imaging technique for "miniaturizing" a photo scene.  It is amazing how easily our brains are fooled by an optical illusion.  I've gone through some old and more recent photos and have tried to miniaturize my camper and a few other things.   Now I am going to see if I can make it work on my bills....

Summer camping at Mueller State Park

From prehistoric, fossilized redwood stumps to picturesque rolling, green landscapes, Mueller State Park is the perfect location for exploring the Pike's Peak, Colorado, region.  We have been anticipating a return trip to the park after visiting earlier in the year when the campground was covered in several inches of snow.  Turns out, it is even more beautiful in the summer time.

Stillwater Campground at Lake Granby, CO

Lake Granby, CO

You know it has been too hot and dry when rain is a welcomed guest on a camping trip.  Like much of the nation, Colorado is in the midst of an  unusually dry and hot season, and any precipitation is appreciated, even if it occurs in the middle of a hike.    Although mostly a sunny and pleasant weekend, we experienced downpours and a lightning storm that cut short our leisurely hike and turned it into an all out sprint to the car for cover.

Airstreaming in Buena Vista, Colorado

Extreme heat along the Front Range of Colorado and forest fires to the north and south gave us extra motivation to hitch up the Airstream Bambi and escape to Buena Vista, Colorado, for a weekend adventure.   This small town in the shadow of the Collegiate Peaks offers a plethora of activities for the outdoor enthusiast, such as fishing, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, and river rafting, to name a few.  Unfortunately there were only so many hours in the day, and we had to pick and choose.  Hoping to head back again soon to try out other activities.

Extended Weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park

We ventured into Rocky Mountain National Park for a 4-night, extended weekend trip at Moraine Park Campground.  Each day we were treated to dramatic skies, sometimes with ominous storm clouds and at other times with views that almost seemed painted.  It was a perfect backdrop for the Airstream.  I am fortunate and thankful to live close to a beautiful National Park with so many opportunities for camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.