Ahhhh…… pure Colorado …… the grill was sizzling with a couple of steaks, the azure blue sky was touched with tuffs of white fluffy clouds, the grassy meadow was covered in yellow wildflowers, the air was crisp, clean, with just a hint of a campfire wafting in the air.
Ah yes, perfect! Well, not quite …. if only those darn little planes buzzing overhead would stop then life would have been perfect. What happened to my quiet, remote solitude?
We were camped at Lowry Campground in the White River National Forest near Keystone, Colorado at an elevation of about 9,400 feet and everything but that annoying aircraft noise was perfect.
Hubby was relaxing in a chair outside and was more curious than annoyed by the little aircrafts dipping, climbing, and zooming back and forth. He was quick to determine these guys were practicing. Practicing for what, he wasn’t sure until another observing neighbor informed him of an impending air show.
The Dillon Air Show was to be a small air show held near the Lake Dillon Marina. There was no fee. Basically it was pick a place on the grass in the park to sit and watch the planes. Sounded like an event right up our alley especially once we knew biplanes would be involved. It’s been thirty years since hubby and I last attended an air show. Thus, we were quick to add it to our next days agenda.
Hubby has never regretted walking away from a career as a commercial Airline Pilot. He found the job to be somewhat boring, especially after the type of flying he did in the Navy. Now that…… his Navy days, he’ll talk about with a level of excitement. The mere sight of a biplane brings about that same kind of exuberance and excitement. His face will light up with delight.
We attended the air show the following day. As the biplanes started their maneuvers, Al was quick to explain the stunts and what a ‘scream’ this kind of flying is. He could practically narrate what the pilots next move would be. I heard repeated comments from hubby; “I’d love to get in one of those again”…. “Could I talk you into going up in a biplane?” NO ….. “Gosh, if I ever bought a plane, it’d be a biplane”. “Can we get one? Huh, huh, pretty please?” NO ….. “But why?” Because we can’t pull it behind the RV! Envision a dejected expression and frown …. however, that didn’t last long. That big smile was quick to return as the pilots performed their next stunt.
The whole time these biplanes were performing, hubby had a smile from ear to ear that didn’t end until long after the air show ended. 95% of the time if you ask Al if he misses aviation, he’ll answer “no”, but if you ask him if he misses this kind of flying ….. stunts? He’ll respond with a resounding, “yes”!
The air show was short and simple, but entertaining none the less. It was held among some beautiful Colorado scenery over Lake Dillon.
We loved our stay in this area very much. At camp, we felt like we were hundreds of miles away from civilization and yet everything we could possible need was within a 15-20 minute drive.
The towns of Dillon and Frisco offer plenty of grocery shopping possibilities including a Whole Foods and a Walmart. The town of Silverthorn boasts an outlet mall and a Target. The ever quaint Breckenridge is just a short drive down Highway 9 with plenty of small shops and restaurants.
There are plenty of hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, condos, vacation rentals, and even a high-end RV Park to call home during any stay. Yep, I’d say Summit County Colorado is a great vacation destination year round.
I believe we’ve stumbled upon yet another favorite location loaded with the opportunity to explore or relax….. the perfect combination ….. ahhh, this is what Colorado living is all about.
Live Laugh RV 