We spent an unexpected amount of time in Colorado.  As mentioned before, we LOVE Colorado!  Not only did we get a brief escape from the heat, but it felt a lot like home.  

Denver really is a great city.  We lucked out with our own local tour guide!  It was SOO much fun catching up with Alex, an old high school friend who I haven't seen in TWELVE years!!  A HUGE thanks goes out to Alex for showing us the city.  We hopped on bikes, stopped at bars and toured the town.  

For those who know Joe well, another highlight of Denver was touring the Coors Brewery, just outside of town.  By 'touring' I should add that we simply flew through the facility in order to make it to the bar for free beer.  We both have a pretty clear idea on how beer is made, anyway.  

After a few great days in Denver (and getting the truck fixed) we headed up to Boulder, which proved to be a very cool town.  At the base of the Rockies and home to University of Colorado, Boulder is a mix of college kids, adventure enthusiasts and of course individuals with a bit of wealth.  

We camped that night in the super cute little hippie town of Nederland, just 18 miles west of Boulder.   We took advantage of a great hike the next morning to (yet another) Blue Lake.  This was the third 'Blue Lake' we have hiked.  We even saw not one, but TWO, enormous moose!   

Our next stop was further north in a town called Estes Park, which sits at the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.  We enjoyed a few beers and walking around town before getting up early to explore the Rockies.  

The 50 mile long drive through Rocky Mountain National Park was spectacular.  Views were gorgeous and driving at just over 12,000 feet on an extremely narrow, certain-death-on-one-side road was something to remember.  

We saw herds and herds of elk!

The next day we got the pleasure of seeing two very good friends, PK and Laura, who were in town for a wedding!  We met them in Boulder for drinks and camped that night in Nederland.  It was a blast having 'house guests'!  After recovering from a rather brief hangover, we managed a great breakfast in town and hike before they flew back to San Francisco that evening.  The hike began with sunshine and heat and ended with the most intense hail/rain/thunder/lightening storm that continued through the night!  Unfortunately delaying their flight back home, too.  

We were lucky to see another moose before the heavy rain hit!

After saying goodbye to PK and Laura and getting the truck fixed AGAIN, it was time to leave the Boulder/Denver area.  We headed south for Great Sands National Park before making our way to New Mexico.  

Great Sands was phenomenal.  You can see the dunes for miles and miles before entering the park, but it is not until you are standing right at the base before realizing how massive they really are!  

We hiked for hours in the heat and wind. 

But eventually thunder and lightening lingered our way, and it was time to turn around.  

As you can probably tell, we are very fond of Colorado.  But, summer is moving forward and it was time for us to do so as well.

We started our New Mexico tour with the small artsy town of Taos, just north of Santa Fe.  We enjoyed a great afternoon of walking around, checking out Western shops, but most importantly tasting our first authentic 'New Mexican' chili.  And I am HOOKED.  

Santa Fe has us craving even more.  Mole, enchiladas, rellenos, tamales, carne avocado, gazpacho... Seriously, I can't stop eating in this town.  

We also enjoyed a great evening in the town plaza last night with a classic car show and live music.  Not to mention the sunshine!  And tequila...  lots and lots of tequila.  This morning was rough.  But after some spicy mexican food and yet another margarita, we are back on track!  And are very, very excited to be in New Mexico!