Monday AM we got up, packed lunches, loaded bikes in the car and headed out to nearby (15 minutes) Waterton Canyon where the West Platte River comes out of the mountains. We rode up the fire road about 5 miles, had a nice picnic lunch, rode another two miles and then coasted back the cars. Once again the weather was beautiful and Marie and Tessa were real troopers and went the entire distance. Marie especially is just unstoppable and arrived almost first in the group at the top.
About two miles in we came upon a small herd of mountain goats that apparently live in the canyon and are so used to people they aren't even afraid at all. One just walked right up to people like at the petting zoo or something. In fact, the thing I think they like about people is the salt on your skin. Seth got lick on his leg that was pretty gross.
All in all we had a great time being together, spending time outdoors in the perfect weather, and getting a little exercise.
The Thornbrue girls in their matching Sunday dresses.
Bryson love climbing on the playground equipment
Jane's Uncle Rudy
Jane and Sheila on the glider at the park
Allie and Jame's wanted some newer pictures so we did a little photo shoot.
This looks fun but both Bryson and Grace said "tight!"
teeter-totter, dirty water...
Jarom and Seth being tuff
piling on the glider
Molly and Grace
Reenacting a favorite picture from about seven years ago
Allie is jealous and wants to get in the act
The creek that runs through Marcy park right behind the playground and benches where we were sitting
Climbing the retaining wall. There is no drop at the top on the other side
Ben preferred to scale the wall
Relaxing after dessert
The parking lot at the entrance to the Waterton Canyon bike trail. It is a very popular trail. Here we are loading up.
Tessa is ready to go!
A very friendly moutain goat
Ben and Tyler (a friend). Papa Randy pulled them up on his bike
Grace isn't too sure about the goat, who poses on command (not really)
The goat is going for Seth's leg
The damage...
Ben and Tyler with snacks, water, a cool breeze in the face and no effort on their part
Tessa, James (and Grace), Jane and Allie
Tessa was getting tired and then got frustrated with lack of proper sanitation facilities along the trail.
This is our picnic spot about 5 miles up the road
Playing in a little stream next to our picnic spot
Seth thinking about his future after High School.
Note: I did not have a polarizing filter on the camera nor was it adjusted using Photoshop. The sky really was this blue. Ahhh Spring in Colorado!
What a beautiful ride just minutes from our house. And yes, these are gold-medal trout fly fishing waters. At this section there is a two-fish limit and you must use artificial lures only. About another 5 miles is a big reservour with camping, but this road (hiking or bike) is the only access. No non-government vehicles allowed.
