Movin' on through the Rockies

Old friends--yes "older" with lots of years since we first met as fifth grader and seventh grader, respectively.  Susie, Marianne and Susie's hubby Bill. 

Susie and her Appaloosa mare Rosie.  We old former riding buddies  think we need to take our to Appaloosa mares, Rosie and Lily, on the Chief Joseph Trail Ride before we're too old and arthritic.  We'll see.

I wanted to shop here, but the store had not yet opened for the day.  I'm figuring Aspen's junk would be a treasure for most of us ordinary folks.

Of course, we resisted any temptations.

Lots of driving yesterday and millions of beautiful aspen from Aspen south.   We climbed.  We descended.  We saw mesas.  Colorado truly has its beauty AND a lot of it.

We visited Black Canyon National Park and heard the trail way, way down there along the Gunnison River was named as one of America's Best hiking trails.  

Our destination yesterday took us to the small farming town of Olathe, next door to Montrose.  Once in Olathe, we drove through the farm country and found the home of my longtime, dear friend Susie/Sky Baldwin. 

I knew I'd found a familiar setting when Susie came walking out of the barn where she had been visiting with her horses after a day of work as a speech therapist.

Her husband Bill came from the house where a homegrown chicken was baking in the oven.  We visited the horses, then took a stroll along the garden and orchard.  All that we saw, including house, barn, outdoor arena, orchard and garden had been constructed since Bill and Susie moved to Olathe eight years ago.

The house is especially impressive with its big ceiling beams and artistically designed windows, lovely floors, et. al.  Susie, Bill and one other person build the home.

After a lovely dinner of all home-grown potatoes, salad ('cept for the avocados) and the chicken, we watched photos of  Rocky Mountain settings where Susie trail rides and Bill hikes----again so beautiful.

It was a wonderful visit, as always.  This time eight years since the last but, of course, promises that next time would be sooner.

Today we head to Colorado Springs, and, undoubtedly will have a lot of camera work to do.

I love this state as I get to know it better.  

Happy Tuesday.