Driving from western Kansas into Colorado, you become aware of how high you are in elevation, despite the fact that the landscape is so flat. Western Kansas is above 3,000 feet: by the time I had gotten well into Colorado, through miles of gently rising hills, like long, low ocean waves, the elevation was above 4,000 feet. And then there was my first glimpse of the Rockies, which seem to appear out of nowhere:

I drove the last 50 or so miles through Pueblo and Cañon City with a stupid grin on my face. 

I was lucky to find Eastridge Campground, and possibly the last campsite in this whole area for the Memorial Day weekend. Eastridge is a primitive campground set above the Royal Gorge just west of Cañon City. Some will gripe that $20 per night is a high price to pay for a campground with no electricity or water. I say this place would be cheap at twice the price—the scenery is that spectacular. The host and her two sons (and their basset hound Elvis) are very friendly and helpful. It even smells great, thanks to the piñon pines!

As the dogs and I were setting out for a Saturday morning hike, we met CJ, a retired Marine Major and Afghanistan vet, who was out for the weekend with his WIBTech camper:

Made in Colorado!

Had a great time talking to him. We found out we’d both lived in DC. We compared campers and ‘minimalist life’. He showed me his solar arrays, which I’m thinking of adding to my gear, and we swapped Cosmo Weems (the teardrop guru) tips. He also told me about the old Phantom Canyon road, which he recommended for Russ to ride back to Route 9 and our way north. Lots of historical markers and great scenery. 

On the other hand, you can look in any direction here and find great scenery. There is beauty here beyond imagining.

And, of course, there are small beauties everywhere:

I can’t wait to do more hiking, but in the meantime, I’m off to town to get water…