Colorado, RV Tidbits

Body work & Body work

by Ingrid

Moab UtahThe heat in Moab had us moving on in search of cooler temps and Glenwood Springs, Colorado, proved to be the perfect location.  Moab starts heating up toward the end of May with temperatures in the 90 degree plus range.  Those temps will only increase as summer approaches.  Thus, spring and fall are the best times to visit this part of Utah.

It’s all about elevation when it comes to temperatures and knowing we have a few more repairs and purging to complete on the RV, Al and I seek out some of those cooler temps.  We’re familiar with some private land south of the town of Glenwood Springs sitting at an elevation of 6,600 feet.  After a quick phone call to the owner and a ‘come on down’ response, we were quickly on our way.

I’m so excited to be back in this part of Colorado.  One of my ‘bucket list’ locations is just 40 minutes down the road and I can’t wait to set my eyes on it.  Play before work!Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells are the most photographed mountains in North America and what a vision they are.  Our visit was early in the season and the Aspen trees were still bare but budding plants were everywhere.Maroon BellsMaroon BellsI picked the Crater Lake Trail at the Maroon Bells for the days excursion.  The 3.6 mile round trip hike is rocky and climbs about 700 feet in elevation.

We weren’t surprised that after an hour of hiking and hiking partly in snow that we had to turn around before reaching Crater Lake.

The snow kept getting deeper and eventually we lost sight of the trail.  I was seeking cooler temps after the heat in Moab and I sure found them here at 9,600 plus feet.
Maroon BellsWe did manage to climb quite a bit in elevation and at one point we could see Maroon Lake below.  Our starting point and the parking lot are on the far side of the lake.Maroon Bells

Since we weren’t able to reach our destination for lunch, we returned to a bench along Maroon Lake to eat and take in the surrounding scenery.  Al and I both agreed this is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited.  I’m hoping we can arrange a revisit in July for wildflowers and in September for fall colors. Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells are a truly stunning sight to behold and my photos don’t even begin to do justice to the area.  For some stunning photos of the area Google Maroon Bells. Maroon Bells

The next day, it was all Al and I could do not to return to the Maroon Bells, but alas work needed to be completed.  While Al was diligently working on the body of the RV by replacing the wheel fender; the fender that was damaged from the blown tire and all taped up,

body work
new fender and wheel covers

body workI was diligently working on my body in preparation for the upcoming summer weather.  Time to get out those shorts.

A little body work on the RV…… check!
A little body work on moi….check!

All we have left to complete is one more little fix after some silly forgetfulness and we’re back in business.  Well, perhaps we still need to do a little more cabinet purging, but we’ll continue working on that during a rainy day.

Next up…… what’s with that antenna?Maroon Bells



Classic Accessories 76250 RV Wheel Cover, Pair, White, 29″ – 31.75″ Wheel Diameter

65 thoughts on “Body work & Body work”

  4. I’ve had to bail on 3 hikes due to snow. I hate that!
    In fact the hike I posted about on Thursday was one I’d previously had to bail on twice due to snow. Definitely a much better hike in May. 🙂

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    1. I really wanted to push forward and reach Crater Lake but also knew that could put us in jeopardy. Guess I have reason to return….not that I need one 🙂

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  6. Thanks for introducing me to the Maroon Bells Ingrid. Your photos are stunning! Can’t wait to have the time to explore Colorado at length. 🙂

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    1. I can’t wait to return when the trees have leaves and the snow is melted. We’re back in one of our favorite spots; Ridgway State Park and I think there’s still a little too much snow to see much of the back country.

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      1. I would love to be in Colorado when you two are. Doing a little hiking and exploring some beautiful country with you sounds like lots of fun. 🙂

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          1. I don’t know about that. We have been hiking (if you want to call it that) at sea level for some time so we are going to be in for a shock when we get back out west. I was thinking more how nice it would be for you and I to do a little hiking and exploring with camera in hand. 🙂

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            1. Yep, elevation makes a big difference and a gals outing with the cameras is long overdo 🙂 We’ll need to work on that!

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  7. I have not heard of the Maroon Bells, so I was happy to receive this beautiful introduction, thanks Ingrid. Stunning photos. 🙂

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    1. It’s even more stunning in person. This has been on my list for quite some time and I was thrilled to finally make it here 🙂

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  8. Thank you for the gorgeous photos and a reminder we need to see the Maroon Bells in CO one day… our son worked for the Forest Service a few summers and sent photos from this area. I had forgotten how beautiful it is.

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    1. Oh, I bet he saw some beautiful sights. This is an area I’d love to spend more time around. As the weather changes, so does the personality of the mountains. Beautiful indeed 🙂

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    1. I know it’s crazy. We were starting to swelter in Moab which had us moving on and then we find ourselves in snow…..loved it 🙂

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  10. Ingrid, your photos are stunning! I will never forget our hike to Crater Lake, I sat down and cried, just because it was so beautiful. I will never forget that feeling. On our way down, it began to snow, it was breathtaking.

    Maroon Bells is one of my very favorite places! Thanks for taking me back there.

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    1. Well I can certainly relate as my eyes welled with tears standing at Maroon Lake taking in the scenery. I was awed by the beauty. I was disappointed we couldn’t make it all the way to Crater Lake but also didn’t want to get ourselves into a dangerous situation. I think the Maroon Bells is one of my favorite places as well 🙂

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  11. We love Colorado. Living in Northern NM, it is our go to place. But we have never been to the Maroon Bells. Will have to rectify that quickly. Did you discover other cool camping spots in the area beyond your friend’s private land you would recommend? You had me rolling on the floor with the hairy legs cartoon. Stunning photographs! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. If you’re traveling with small accommodations, you can actually camp at the Maroon Bells which are located in the White River National Forest. There are 3 campgrounds and they do take reservations. We considered pulling out the tent for a return trip. We lived in Pueblo CO for many years (just up I-25 from you) and are now enjoying discovering all the hidden gems on Colorado’s western slope.

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      1. I had a friend just send me a pic from mountains in Switzerland with snow peaks. I almost sent him one of yours but did not want him to feel bad as he spent a lot of money to get there and could have just stayed here and have more lovely pics.

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        1. Haha…..I’ve visited the Austrian Alps many years ago and they are definitely stunning but then again so are our ‘Rockies’ 🙂

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  14. This is the hike you were talking about… FABULOUS!!! Gorgeous place. Maroon bells is now on my bucket list!! The water looks so clear in your pictures! Love your humor!

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    1. Yep and a fabulous hike it was. Words or photos can’t project the beauty of Maroon Bells. It should be on everyone’s bucket list 🙂

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  16. I can just image the beauty of those wildflowers. Please be sure to post lots of photos.

    I love your spring harvest picture. Reminds me that I better sharpen the old chain saw. Lol. Enjoy all the beauty that surrounds you two.

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    1. With a wedding coming up you’ll definitely want that chain saw in good working order LOL. You can always count on me to snap plenty of photos, just ask hubby!

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    1. Thanks Renee and if I remember correctly you have a pop up or small trailer, if that’s the case you have lots of campground options amongst stunning scenery here in Colorado. All you need is time…..always a glitch, eh!

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      1. Yes we have a pop-up and have been searching for a small hard side camper to upgrade into, but need to save up a bit before purchasing. That is one reason we bought it is because we have so many options due to having a smaller trailer. Happy Weekend 🙂

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  18. This is an area I’m not familiar with and never really thought about visiting Colorado much before, but you are changing my mind. It looks like there’s no shortage of beautiful views to be had. Your photography is stunning and your blog has developed into a very professional level.

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    1. Wow, thank you Cheryl….what a nice complement. Never thought about Colorado??? I need to sit down and talk to you….over drinks of course 🙂

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  19. Ingrid the mountain shots with the lake in front are extraordinary. I laughed out loud at the chainsaw cartoon. That is some serious body work!

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    1. When I put on some shorts the other day, I had my glasses on and screamed after looking at my legs. I was embracing my German heritage a little too much LOL. I’m sure Lake Louise is every bit as stunning as Maroon Lake…..Banff and Lake Louise are on my bucket list.

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      1. Oh yes do come our way! They are stunning. I will do my best to do some posts from the mountains through the summer. You crack me up with the German heritage. Haha. Good to keep those reading glasses handy 🙂

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    1. I keep telling ya, you and Steve need to spend a couple of months meandering around Colorado. I promise you won’t be disappointed 🙂

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  21. What a gorgeous place! Definitely going on our list for when we spend time in Colorado. Wow — hiking in snow at 9600 feet elevation — glad to see you clearly have recovered ALL of your strength and vitality after your terrible bout with the flu a few months ago.

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    1. This was the first hike since my illness that I didn’t feel my lungs were compromised which made my day….that and the scenery. It was a long road to recovery. I was still experiencing some difficulties in Grand Junction as we attempted some hikes in The Monument so I was thrilled I was able to handle Maroon Bells, which is a must see BTW.

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    1. I can see a rendezvous here in our future next summer 🙂 You guys would love it and Lucy is welcome to join the fun since it’s National Forest.

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  23. Love these mountain pictures. I’ve never been to Maroon Bells, just heard of it. Have you hiked to Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs? Not an easy hike, very steep, but gorgeous. I highly recommend it. Body work pic made me laugh 🙂

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    1. No, Hanging Lake was on our schedule but we got rained out two days in a row. Next time through it’ll be the priority hike…..Maroon Bells was this visits priority. Thanks for stopping by and commenting 🙂

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  24. Breath-taking!!!! I got the chain saw out weeks ago….with all of life’s discoveries you’d think someone would come up with an easy painless fix to smooth legs!!! :O)

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  25. We were hiking in those same conditions just yesterday! I just love the ability to get to trees and even snow when other parts of the country are broiling!

    Last year we passed near the Maroon Bells but did not stop there, obviously it needs to go on The List!

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    1. It was fun to go from 90 degree temps in Moab to needing sweatshirts and hiking in snow at the Maroon Bells. The hiking is amazing…..you and Hans would love it.

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  27. I can see why the mountains are the most photoed in America… those reflections would have me busy for weeks… what a beautiful area… except it looks a tad cool for me… that white stuff you’re walking in, not good for me.,…

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    1. I will definitely need to return when the trees are covered in leaves and the meadows are filled with wildflowers…..not that I need an excuse. Yep, that white stuff was cold on the feet 🙂

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  29. I’ve never heard of this area. Guess I need to get out more:) This is my idea of living and hiking.
    Your photos are gorgeous. The water with the reflection and snowy mountains are tugging at my heart:) So glad you shared this new place for us. Most definitely April is the month to visit Moab for hiking.

    The RV fender looks wonderful…good as new! It’s hard to find time for those jobs around the home, isn’t it.

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    1. Yes, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about getting out more LOL. We found April in Moab to be perfect. May started heating up which means time to head to CO. We’ve had way to many projects to complete around the home that it’s interfered with our hiking and fun. Thank goodness we don’t have yard work 😉

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