Pueblo, Great Sand Dunes NP, 4 Corners, Colorado/Arizona Scenery

My route next took me thru Colorado to Pueblo where I was supposed to complete a previously arranged trade of my truck tonneau cover for a camper shell. Unfortunately, the other party welched on the deal, and I was ultimately cheated out of considerable funds. (It’s a long, unhappy story that I will not relate here). I am still looking for a suitable shell/cap/topper for my truck.

At least, on this ill-fated trip, I once again was able to see some beautiful country–and this time it was adorned in autumn splendor. After my disappointing stop in the Pueblo area, I hurried south through Colorado.

Oddly enough, I actually stumbled upon the turn to Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (featuring the tallest dunes in the U.S.). I usually carefully plan National Park visits, but I guess I was preoccupied by recent events and didn’t notice it was along my route. It was a stunning day and turned out to be a good visit, even though the Visitor Center was unfortunately closed due to the government shutdown occurring at the time. I had a ball taking photographs. Sometimes the surprises in my travels turn out to be among the most enjoyable experiences.

After the Park, more beautiful scenery along the road and a short visit to the Four Corners Monument. I’m glad I finally stopped here but I found this Navajo Nation site to be rather sad. No disrespect intended at all. I know funding, for one thing, is often a challenge, but I wish this unique location could feature cultural information, art, relics, or history about this mighty nation so visitors could be properly educated. I’m probably naive about the difficulties involved in providing something like this or maybe the Navajo don’t even want this for some reason, but I still wish something more could be done here to take advantage of the tourism and benefit the Navajo Nation.

(see captions (i) for more info)

COLORADO/ARIZONA. OCTOBER.

Last from Stanley Area

Apparently, there is room for one more post from Stanley. I forgot about images from my nearby camp after I left the campground – some of which turned out to be favorites.

I love to see jagged mountain tops peeking (peaking?) out above low clouds. Also included are some images from my departure day and travels beyond.

See photo captions (i) for more info.

Stanley, Idaho Area – Part 6 (of 6)

I think six posts is enough for one area! It just that it was quite scenic here and the aspens in fall colors were especially a big draw for my cameras.

With several devices for photography, it’s sometimes hard to keep everything straight, so I may have accidentally included duplicates and I *know* have some things out of order. Please forgive my goofs.

This final Stanley post includes another wildlife highlight, the last of the golden/orange/red/bronze aspens (for me), and maybe a few mountains.

See captions for more info.

IDAHO. SEPTEMBER.

Stanley, Idaho Area – Part 3

More miscellaneous shots.

This photo set includes a couple Milky Way images from a very special evening for me. More info in the captions.

IDAHO. SEPTEMBER.

Stanley, Idaho Area – Part 1

Since I worked part-time for the summer, I was able to explore the surrounding area on my off days. I had never spent any significant time in Idaho before but found it to be really beautiful. More info in the captions.

IDAHO. JUNE-JULY.

Central Idaho

I continued traveling north in Idaho. On the way to my next stop, I saw the amazing Sawtooth Mountain Range for the first time.
It turned out my next campsite, outside the small town of Stanley, had an outstanding view of the Sawtooths. When I arrived, the specific site I had found on an app was occupied so I parked my rig and took a hike with Sadie to look for another site. While on our hike, I happened to meet up with two ladies who were also hiking, Anne & Katherine. Anne kindly invited me to come to her & her husband’s home a couple hours away for my next stop.
While I enjoyed first one site and then another with outstanding mountain views, I was also monitoring a Facebook page listing “workamping” jobs. To my surprise, I saw one that was just a few minutes from where I was camped. I contacted them, went for an in-person interview, and (later) got the job. It was a bit before I was to report, so I went on up to visit with Anne in McCall. On the way, I stayed one night above beautiful Lake Cascade (which had been my original destination in coming to Central Idaho). The next day, I made my way to Anne & Joe’s beautiful home. Their hospitality, including meals at an actual dining table, proper showers, and the opportunity to finally clean the mud off my rig from City of Rocks was much appreciated. McCall is a beautiful resort town with water and snow and golf playgrounds.
I may have overdone this gallery with mountain scenes, but I can’t get enough of them. The Tetons and the Sawtooths are ranked one and two in my book–not necessarily in that order.

IDAHO. JUNE.