Since my last post, hubby and I have witnessed some spectacular scenery complete with equally spectacular company.
After a wonderful stay at James Robb State Park accompanied by lots of time hanging out with my brother and his wife at their home, we departed Grand Junction, Colorado, and took a two hour drive south to Ridgway State Park. My brother and his wife would later join us for the weekend in their new travel trailer. Since this was a relatively spur of the moment travel decision amongst the four of us, campsite availability at Ridgway State Park was sparse.
My brother and I sat at his kitchen table reviewing our options. Obviously we’d like to camp next to each other, which further limited our options. Eeeny, meeny, miney, mo…. reservation made….. And score!
When Al and I arrived at Ridgway State Park and settled into our site, we were extremely pleased. There was plenty of spacing between sites and we were surrounded by views. I’ll admit….. brother gets the credit for picking out a couple of great sites. Good job bro!
Ridgway State Park is popular and a favorite among many. I’m thinking, it just may become one of our favorites as well. Ridgway State Park offers three diverse campgrounds; Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Campground is located in a valley below the damn and provides full hook-ups. It sits along the Uncompahgre River and offers some great fishing opportunities.
The Elk Ridge Campground sits high on a bluff / mesa among a forest of pine trees. This is the most popular of the three campgrounds at Ridgway State Park.
The third and least popular and the one we camped at is Dakota Terraces Campground. One downside – it’s located near the highway, but that is offset by beautiful mountain views and excellent lake and trail access. We were sure to take advantage of the easy trail access right outside our front door.
This part of Colorado has plenty to offer. It is officially known as the “Jeep Capital of the World” and the little town of Ouray located 14 miles south of Ridgway is known as “America’s Switzerland”. We found ourselves staring in awe at the picturesque San Juan Mountains. With so much to see and do, we wondered….what should we explore first?
Who better to answer that question than fellow blogger Mark over at Box Canyon Blog. Mark and wife, Bobbie, call this part of Colorado ‘home’ for the summer months. I shoot Mark an email letting him know we’re in his neck of the woods and hope he’ll share some insider information on the area.
Much to my surprise, Mark invites Al and me over for a barbeque along with a few fellow RVer’s. Wow…..complete strangers and we’re invited to their home AND what a lovely home it is with the most stunning views. Thank you Mark and Bobbie for the hospitality, delicious meal, spectacular scenery, and wonderful company. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Be sure and check out Mark’s stunning photography along with his entertaining story telling. I’m sure after viewing his photos, you too will want to visit this part of Colorado. I know his photos piqued my interest and continue to do so. Our goal over the next year is to get in good enough shape to experience some of the amazing hikes Bobbie and Mark do, because guarantee…. Al and I will be returning to this area of Colorado next summer. I have some mountain lakes and wildflowers to capture after all. 
Although this was just our first full day nestled near the San Juans, I feel myself falling in love. Sorry Golden, Colorado…..you have some pretty stiff competition. Tomorrow we’ll take the little truck into the back country.
Live Laugh RV 
Isn’t the online world of blogging friends fantastic! What a neat time to get to meet and share a meal with a fellow blogger! And you images are stunning as usual! I want to go there, but it won’t happen soon, so thanks for taking me along for the ride! 🙂
Tell your brother he picked a great spot!
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It really is a fun “community”. Since you won’t be visiting CO I’ll try and give you a great tour….next best thing. We’ll be returning in Sept. possibly for fall colors 🙂
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Thanks! I will be lucky to visit across the street this year!
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Beautiful Country – loving your captures:)
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Thanks….fun times!
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I think i get the message… I know, i know the West is beautiful and you are capturing them well for me to gawk at. We’ll be there soon 🙂
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Such beautiful photos you captured here Ingrid. Terry and I have very fond memories of a time years ago when we drove into Ouray, rented a jeep, threw in our camping gear, and headed into the mountains to camp and hike to our hearts’ content. We could see ourselves settling in CO someday.
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I was wondering if you had explored this area of CO. I’m in love with it and will wait for weather to push us onward. We plan to return next summer to thoroughly take in the back country during the peak of wildflower season. Wishing you and Terry well. You’ve been in my thoughts 🙂
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Thanks Ingrid. I’m glad to see that you and Al are enjoying this phase of your lives. 🙂
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Another great tip for our future reference map…..thank you!! The views are amazing in your photos, and I’m feeling the pull of the West!! Thanks for sharing!
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Hope you’re feeling well and will be back on the road exploring soon. Although with cooler temps on the way, you’ll probably stay in FL. Perhaps next summer Colorado!
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You are so fortunate to be able to experience such beauty! And we’re lucky to be able to share it with you.
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Please stay tuned…..hope to share even more spectacular scenery.
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What a really ‘Wow!’ place. What gorgeous views. 🙂
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Oh the photos really do not do it justice. I think I’ll just have to spend more time in the area to try and capture the beauty. Tough job, but I’m up for the challenge 🙂
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Oh how beautiful the photos show off the area… (turning Green in colour).. but I must ask the question.. are bloggers strangers? You have obviously followed his posts to know to contact him, to me, then you are not strangers… If you ever ended up in Sunny South Africa and didn’t contact me, I’d be hurt beyond explanation… I find my blogging pals are like old friends… love this blog and post…
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Mark and I had just started following each other a short time ago….unlike you and I – old time blogging pals…..lol. I promise, if I ever set foot on the continent of Africa, you’ll be the first to know. Next we’re off to beautiful Telluride, Colorado!
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With those views, I’d burrow in there until the snow began to fall!
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I’m with you, but in the high country that snow could start flying anytime come Sept.
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Wonderful views, Ingrid. I get a bit like that about the view from our apartment balcony. But don’t forget that there are 49 other states with views to temper your point of view. Of course, you know that! Enjoy the new chapter!
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Most definitely wonderful views. I’m hard pressed to travel east of the Mississippi….did plenty of that when I was younger. We’ll be in Phx Oct, Nov, and Dec. If you’re around and interested in meeting for coffee, let me know.
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Definitely! Let’s stay in touch.
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You are most definitely in a beautiful area!! I can’t wait to spend months exploring all of CO.
How very cool to hook up with Mark and Bobbie! They certainly do have a prime location for beauty. No wonder they stay for the summer!
Enjoy your visit with family!
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There are so many hidden gems to explore in Colorado. Your jeep and your legs can surely get a workout. One summer I assure won’t be enough 🙂
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The views from Mark’s home are unbelievable!! Where are you going after exploring Colorado?? Hey, if you say Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, it sounds like you are packing for a trip and making sure you have a hockey puck to chew on..just sayin’.
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Heading to Phx for Oct, Nov, Dec then TX for Jan and part of Feb. The plan is evolving. Say Pa-Co-Chu-Puk after a few drinks 😉
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Ok, we’ll be waiting…Ice Lakes to start, lots of wildflowers, blue water and only 6 miles round trip…say mid July :)) Nice of you to be so kind in your post, too.
Box Canyon Mark
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Sounds like a plan….mid July it is 🙂
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Beautiful country that we hope to see again soon. I continue to be amazed with the friendliness of the blogger community.
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It is a community and a fun one at that! Yes, Colorado is indeed beautiful 🙂
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Beautiful!
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A photographers dream!
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I actually just copied a shortcut of your blog and ‘Box Canyon’s’ blog to my desktop for easy reference! 🙂
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you’ll love Mark’s photography….talented
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We were camp hosts at Ridgway a couple of years ago – in the Elk Ridge campground. Say hi to Rhonda (in the office) and Rangers John and Kirstin for us. This is one of or favorite Colorado Parks.
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I think it’ll become one of our favorites as well. We actually thought about camp hosting here so we could stay longer. We’ll be sure and say hi 🙂
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