Trinidad Lake State Park- Trinidad, CO

We pulled out of the metro Denver area in search of open fields and unobstructed vistas.  Along the highway we found what we were looking for!

We passed the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  Look closely on the right side of the picture and you’ll see a B-52 Bomber.

But we weren’t stopping yet.  We were heading towards this high mesa. 

To Trinidad Lake State Park!  After filling our tanks with water and navigating the narrow park roads, we pulled into our site to enjoy the weekend.

Sitting outside on our Lafuma chairs, while Caleb perched in a nearby Juniper, we watched the moon rise in the Colorado night sky.

Denver- Museum of Science & Nature

We climbed on our mountain bikes and picked up the trail down to the swim beach.  The Canada Geese posse was still there.  So Chris and Caleb darted left, then right, and then made a run for it until they were in the water!

A few times they had to do water maneuvers to thwart the geese.  I took an observatory position at a picnic table to keep an eye on the posse.

Today we decided to go to the Museum of Science and Nature in Denver.  Three stories high and filled with all sorts of exhibits.  We explored an old mine filled with gems & minerals.

We ambled through the Edge of the Wild to see all kinds of wildlife.

We took in a panoramic view of the city from the atrium.

And stepped back in time to measure up the dinosaurs!

We ventured into Expedition Health, where we were too busy getting an EKG, experiencing wind chill, measuring our stride, and looking at the veins in our hands for me to get a picture.  At the end of that exhibit, you receive a printout with all your health information.  Caleb thought that was fun! 
Tomorrow we leave the Denver area travelling south.  We have reservations at another Colorado State Park.  Check back to see which one!

Denver Destination- The Zoo!

While at Cherry Creek State Park we’ve ridden our bikes around the trails that go down by the reservoir.  Down to the swim beach… STOP!  The swim beach was being frequented by Canada Geese!  I don’t think we’ll be swimming there! 

Next stop?  The Denver Zoo!  We saw lions and tigers and bears!  Oh my!

We also saw snakes and Okapis, penguins and primates, Black Rhinos and Komodo Dragons, Sea Lions and Seals, Kangaroos but no Koalas, Ring Tailed Lemurs and Giraffes!

Black Rhinos are known for their “bad” attitude!  And he was coming right towards us!

Zoos are a great way to spend a day!  The exhibits are viewer friendly so the animals are close.  They are expanding the Pachyderm exhibit, which should be great when it’s completed.  Where’s your favorite zoo?

I think this old bear is wondering where they hid the food today.  This bear habitat was the first natural style habitat in the nation built in 1919.

Did you know that you have to have reservations to the Denver Mint two months in advance?  Well, we sure didn’t so we’ll cross that off our Denver itinerary.  Perhaps a trip to the Denver Botanical Garden instead?