MINIEVENT IN MISSOULA

Last weekend Connie participated in a Mini-event up in Missoula at the equestrian park.  She had a great time and did very good.

Connie getting ready.

Getting her number on with the help of her riding partner Jennifer.

Her dressage competition.

After the dressage.

Jennifer in the dressage competition.

Shelly (Connie's instructor), Jennifer, and Jennifer's mother Shirley.

Everyone seems to have a good time at these events.

Out on the cross-country course.  This is Connie's favorite thing to do.  Bill likes this also.  Go fast and jump!

She was all smiles after finishing the cross-country.

Stadium Jumping was last on the agenda.

CRAG CREST TRAIL AND FAMILY REUNION

Crag Crest Trail in Grand Mesa/Family Reunion in Grand Junction

We left Ouray and drove north to Grand Junction.  But on the way we drove through Grand Mesa.  Stopped at the visitor center and talked to them about a hike Connie had seen on the internet.  It is called the Crag Crest trail and we thought it looked good.  They gave us some info and a map.  We then drove into Grand Junction to the RV Park most of my cousins on my mother’s side of the family were staying.  We got cleaned up and went out to dinner with all the cousins at a very good Mexican Restaurant.  Good seeing all the cousins and even met one who has not attended these before.  The plan was to go to the Colorado National Monument the next day, but Connie and I had been there a few years ago so we decided to do the Crag Crest trail instead.  It is an 11-mile round trip hike starting out about 10,200 feet.  You can start the hike in two different places.  One you do a gradual climb up to over 11,000, the other you do a steep switch back climb first, which is the one we choose as I think it is easier climbing steep than coming down the steep part.  Both of us were really happy we were able to do it at that altitude as quickly as we did.  I think on the trail the highest point is about 11,400.  What views we had and what a great hike it was.  I recommend it to anyone if they are in that area to do it.     

When we got back to Grand Junction we headed over to a BBQ at a cousin’s place and socialized with all the cousins again.  Had a great time and it is always good to see family.

After stopping at the visitors center, we did a little hike to stretch our legs.

Great views along the way.

This is part of the Crest trail, don't know why the blog did not put the pictures in order

!

My hiking buddies.

This is our starting point for the Crag Crest Trail.

Lots of blue berries.

Some of the trail is a little rough, but for the most part it is good.  Just follows this ridge line.

Had to share our lunch of cheese and an apple with a camp robber.

On the trail back to our starting point there were quite a few meadows with flowers still blooming.

And we came across some grouse.

The aspens are starting to turn.

The cousins at Witt's place for a BBQ.

ALPINE LOOP 2

Did not get that many pictures on the first "Loop" blog so am putting in more.  We really did have a great time on the Alpine Loop Road.  Just might have to do it again.

Lots of old mining structures and abandoned homes along the route.

Cheryl had to have the T-top off for the views.

In places, there was cell phone service so pictures and texts were sent.

Cheryl and Diane.

Diane getting a close up of a flower.

I have never seen so many selfies before!

These two are always good for a laugh.

If you look hard, you can see a cabin to the left of the bottom of the waterfall.  Be a nice place to get away.