Day 5

It rained on and off all night (not that I really know) but it was a cool 58 when we got up and things were still wet.  But the sky was clear and beautiful mountain and sand dune vistas all around.

We were inspired to grab a quick bite for breakfast and head for the trail to the top of the Great Sand Dunes while it was still cool and we were comfortable leaving Issy in the RV.

The park brochure said to plan on a 4 hour round trip to the top but we did it in a little over 2.  Not that we are in such great shape, but the park errors on the side of caution in estimating hiking times.  It was a workout for us, and a much needed one at that.

We hiked (climbed) most of the way with a nice cool breeze, but it soon turned to a warm one as we neared the end of the trip and were glad we went when we did.

We rested a short time then headed out in the car to check out a nearby state park and several towns.  Nothing to talk about!  The state park was empty!  51 sites with electricity 11 miles from the "full" national park and not a single RV in the state park.  We have never seen that.

Clouds rolled in late afternoon and we had a pretty good rain for awhile, but it was short lived.  However, the cooler temps stayed and we are happy for it.  Currently 64 at 8:30pm down from a record setting 94 earlier.

We talked earlier today about leaving tomorrow but now think we will spend the third day as planned and do a hike into the mountains to a falls.  It's a hike we can take Issy and it's in the cooler forest so we think the "old lady" can make it OK.

I'll try pictures tonight, but if you don't see them it means I couldn't do it and will have to wait until we get to a high speed Internet area.

Night!