Dear Maia, Isaac and Virtual Wanderers,

Our first camping trip of the season is in the books BEFORE Memorial Day Weekend. The first 3 camping trips of the year are what I call samplers. I pick close to home spots and only stay a couple of nights. It gives us a chance to explore the region and gives my back time to adjust to tent living.

The trip today was to an old favorite from my years of living in Grand Junction: The Colorado National Monument. It’s a beautiful red sandstone monument along the Colorado River near Fruita, CO.

I remember the first time I saw this special spot along the Colorado River. I was a freshman at Colorado Mesa University (then Mesa College) and one of my friends took a bunch of us on the 20 mile drive. Later, we college girls would go camping up here, making it one of my first camping adventures.

I’ve had some minor and frustrating health issues the last few weeks. But, I decided to go, anyway, and take it kind of easy. Of course, that’s hard when Santa brought you a new tent that’s never been put up. So far, I think the Alps Taurus 3 is a good match for our longer stay trips. I have a 2 and 4 person from the same company. With 3 dogs, the 2 can be cramped but crazy easy set-up. The 4 is roomy but a bit of a hassle due to size. My question  – is this light green or yellow? Seems to shift with sunlight and I’m color blind. (See tent, first photo. )

Colorado National Monument isn’t dog friendly, so my invaluable plan was McInnis National Conservation Area that is neighboring the Monument. Except, the migraine was lingering and my energy to pack old dogs in the desert was non-existent. I have other posts about hikes in McInnis if you use the search box.)

Plan B was the Colorado River walk from Colorado River State Park to Fruita (almost) and back. I think it was a mile or so each direction. Koko and Kachina rode in the stroller while I carried Cimarron. It was warm, sunny, but not too hot.

My favorite part of this walk is the murals under the overpasses. There were lots of bikers. One of them had a cute handmade dog seat with a parasol attached.

After that, we ate lunch at Heritage Park. It’s a nice, shady, grassy area for a break from the heat. Fruita has several nice parks. After that, we went plant shopping at Bookcliff Gardens in Grand Junction.

This morning came the trip home. We drove over the top of the Monument and did a few pullouts. Again, it’s not dog-friendly and too hot to leave dogs in the car. If you are traveling with 4-legged hiking buddies and want similar landscapes, then McInnis is your best bet. It’s a beautiful drive over the Monument, though, just like it was in college.

PS I was sad to learn that Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area have closed the majority of their campgrounds due to federal budget cuts. Both of our favorite Curecanti sites are closed. I’m hoping to find a spot for a day or two at Black Canyon this summer.

The staffing cuts are visible on my trips through the parks. I’m sad to see this. I hope my readers will support keeping public lands public. And, please support our awesome Rangers and park staff.

Love ya’ll, Cathy Hartt