Natural Bridges discovered first by a prospector in 1883 looking for gold along the Colorado River, then publicized by National Geographic Magazine in 1904 and proclaimed Natural Bridges National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 thus creating Utah’s fist National Park system area.  Canyonlands, Arches, Island in the Sky, Cedar Breaks, Zion, Bryce and Capital Dome were gratefully added as appreciation and preservation for these natural wonders.   What a gift for us and our progeny!!

Water and gravity are the land’s prime architects, cutting flat layers of sedimentary rock into hundreds of canyons, mesas, buttes, fins, arches and spires.  The Green and the Colorado rivers dominate canyon formation in the general area.  These remote lands were known only to native Americans, cowboys, river explorers and uranium prospectors until the national park was established in 1964.  Formation trivia: natural bridges differ from arches in that they are formed by the erosive action of moving water.  Arches are formed by other erosional forces like seeping mo1sture combined with frost action.

The last leg of the journey was surprisingly beautiful as we explored Arches National Park north of Moab, Utah and then into the alpine mountains of Colorado. Both are lands of extreme contrasts and stunning beauty.

Right beside the Colorado River

Lunch Stop by the River

Close Up and Accessible

The Powerful Colorado River Carving Its Way

Early Castle Valley explored by the Mormons

Arches National Park formations arising in the distance.

Native Americans just like artisans around the world selling their creations along overlooks.

Headed into the heart of the country.

We had a relaxed and welcoming week with Eric, Kerri, Henry and Eliot at their lovely spacious vacation home in Dillon, Colorado. Although the boys spent most days in Science Camp, they were home in the evening for sessions of basketball or a movie.
Morning hikes began just out the front door and up the mountains into valleys still sprinkled with wild flowers. After walks, Kerri and Michele explored Breckenridge, Vail and Frisco poking into every corner and cranny of their fun and unique shops. Seldom up to shop, Bob and Eric fished Dillon Lake as well as the many local streams practicing their catch and release skills. Daily showers and sometimes downpours kept all the greenery glistening and the air crisp and clean. It is such exquisite country and invites exploration it is no wonder that everyone looks fit and glowing.

Our first view of Dillon from the highway includes the lake.

Eric on a daily ride, this time with Uncle Ashe.

Eric fishing Dillon Lake with Uncle Ashe but just like he did with his dad during our visit.

Eric at the top of Loveland pass.

Bob and Michele at the highest point in our trip.

Sunset Arriving

Sunset Sliding Over the Valley

View from the Nelson’s Dillon Deck

Yet Another Gorgeous Dillon Sky from the Nelson’s Deck

A visti to Keystone to try to buy winter lift tickets.

Keystone, yet another charming and family oriented village.

Lunch after a Breckenridge shopping and exploring adventure-delicious and festive.

We just finished a wonderful lunch in Breckenridge. Waiting for the showers to arrive and savoring our time together.