Saturday - July 13

Warm day here in Alamosa....we sure do like this little town in the San Luis Valley    Kathy, another "latte nut" like me,  had said all the coffee shops in town were good, so we were off around 8:30 to "Blessed Brews" - another winner serving up good stuff.

And then headed to the Great Sand Dunes National Park (about 36 miles).   We checked in at the visitor's center and watched a short movie explaining how this all came about.    The scenery was wow.....we drove down to the dunes and watched all the people walk on the wet sand (water standing here and there) and about 1/10 of a mile across, came to the dunes and the long climb began.    It was quite something to see so many attempting the long trek to the top.    As a lady at Kristi's Mountain Gear told us yesterday, "for every 3 steps forward, it's 1 step back"    You can rent sand boards and sleds.    We enjoyed the views in the movie and had no desire to take that hike!    But I'm sure our 5 older grandsons would absolutely love the challenge!

Great Sand Dunes

Us at the visitor's center

Folks standing on the wet sand walking across to the dunes - some even pitched tents.    Many were there with picnic supplies and spending the day.    We heard the sand is HOT!!!

All those specs in the distance are the hikers attempting to get to the top and then see the panoramic views, slide down, roll down, etc.    Whatever makes you happy!!!

Back to Alamosa and had a late breakfast at "The Campus Cafe", another favorite of Kathy and Dave's.   What a busy little place serving breakfast and lunch from 6-1 every day but Tuesday.    Great omelet (me) and skillet (Mark) +  huge homemade chunks of grilled raisin bread.   Yum!

Off to do the laundry and the best one (according to Trip Advisor) was "B and D Laundromat" (just like our B's and D's ...Brady, Blair, Davis and Drew.!)    Did 2 loads and now all caught up!

Funky little laundry in Alamosa but got the job done!

Hanging out in our room till 3 when Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve arrived.   So good to see them.

Cowboy Luke is here!

  Helped get their stuff to their room and then we took the kids back to our room.    Luke and Maeve are having a sleepover with Grandma and Grandpa.    Their Mommy and Daddy are having a date night! 

Movie time

 We took the kiddos to Wendy's across the street - wow, it was so windy when we went outdoors and then ugh.....not a good experience!    Walked in the door and it was FREEZING.....VERY SLOW service and lady kept apologizing that they had a new grill cook and things were backed up.    Took a while to order and then when food finally came, decided we were outta there, so asked her to pack it to go.    Came back to our room (private party going on in dining room). 

Off to the pool - Luke is really doing well after taking swim lessons and Maeve has no fear! 

Grandpa has a handful

  We met a nice couple from AZ (he is bus driver for tour groups and his wife is the tour director).    They travel all over the world and currently here for a week with a bus load of seniors who are doing a railway tour (5 different scenic tours - tomorrow they'll be off on the Cumbres Toltec like we just did.).     This couple are traveling with their 10-year old grandson, Kevin from MO.    They like to take their 5 grandchildren (one at a time) with them during a week-long trip and what a eat experience for their grandkids.    Kevin and Luke played together in the pool.

Back to our room for warm baths, shampoos, book reading and just wind down! 

I meant to mention that while we were on the train Thursday, we crossed back and forth between Colorado and New Mexico 11 times!!!!

So, tomorrow is the big day when our kids all gather with us at the Rainbow Trout Ranch.    Michael and family have been in Santa Fe the past few days; Anne, Patrick and boys fly to Albuquerque tomorrow; Philip and clan were in Breckenridge last night and Alamosa tonight.    Ryan is flying into Pueblo tonight.   

We'll be celebrating 4 birthdays next week....
Connor is 13 tomorrow (14th)
Brooke (48) on the 18th
Blair (6) on the 19th
Maeve (3) on the 20th
And...... all because of our wedding 50 years ago!!!!!   Party Time!!!

No internet or cell phone service at the ranch, so no blog this week!

Have a good one.......adios till later!