Happy July 4th! [This Post Written and Edited by Doug lybeck]

July 4, 2009 [This Post Written and Edited by Doug lybeck]

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Well we have finally arrived in the legendary Brekenridge/Vail/Aspen resort area, and so far it has left nothing to be desired. After a LONG haul through the rest of Wyoming, we entered Colorado from the north. Instantly the terrain was transformed from the low-lying scrub brush of the previous state, to grandiose mountains of epic proportions. We joked that Wyoming drew the short straw when it came to picking state lines, but its really true. We have completely fallen in love with the small lakeside town of Frisco, Colorado. It’s like the unknown little brother to Brekenridge, but has just as much charm. A couple of days before we had arrived, we had intended to take a day off, and it turned out to be a GREAT choice. Although this entire area is VERY touristy, it is flanked by some of the most stunning scenery we’ve come across yet. I can see why Colorado has become a place of vacation lore.
Of course we arrived to find the campgrounds completely full for the holiday weekend. Thousands of tourists from throughout the country had packed the dusty, boring, overpriced campgrounds days before we had arrived. Generally we are allowed to camp in a “hiker/ biker” section because we do not travel with a vehicle, but not here! Campground hosts scoffed, as though the very thought that we might stay without a 6 month reservation was simply too much for them to comprehend. We grew tired of their lack of hospitality and decided to instead to camp out on the shores of lake Dillon, not a half mile from the campground. It turned out to be one of our favorite sites yet. Our small peninsula overlooks the beautiful Frisco Marina, and is directly across from where the town fires off their fireworks! We awoke to an especially grand, golden sunrise, accompanied by a glass-like lake covered in a mysterious mist. We saved $17 and had a great time of it.
Amanda and I decided that the mountains were simply too stunning not to climb, and took off early in the morning to explore. We hiked about 15 miles in the backcountry around lake Dillon, and were rewarded with a great deal of dynamic and impressive alpine scenery. We’ve both decided that if there were ever a place to rip-up-roots and move to, this would be it!


Entering Colorado - SWEET SIGN
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Questionable Gas Station Naming in the Midwest.......
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