Columbine Campground

The first couple of times I worried when we ventured forth on the weekend with no reservations and no destination except a camping spot in the mountains. Surprisingly this time I didn't. We've had such good luck that now I feel confident there will be a spot somewhere for us.

We would love to find a National Forest boon-dock location but are also happy to settle into a campground. This weekend we again were extremely lucky. The very first campground we tried had 2 unreserved, unoccupied spots to choose from. They were both lovely, with lots of space around them even though the campground was full. Definitely a bargain for $16. All we could see of the other campers was strips of color between the trees.

Both dogs waited patiently for lunch to be prepared.

Sunshine was eager to explore the forest.

We hiked along a nice path.

To a nice reservoir.

Sometime Sunshine got tired.

Mr. Sunshine is part Dachshund so has short legs. He is also part Chow so he has thick fur. As a result he can get tired and/or over heat so we make sure to take breaks whenever he needs them. In our experience with rescue dogs it takes about a year of good food, proper supplements and a good environment to get them to recover from past poor nutrition. Sunshine has only been with us since last Dec. so maybe next year his endurance will be better.

When he is tired he sits or lays down and refuses to move. Below I tried to get the camera out as he was parked in the grass but he thought I was going to start walking again so decided to roll about.

Eventually we headed back.


On another hike we discovered some more forest but not much of a path. Which way to go the doggies wonder?

But the somewhat hidden path lead to a nice stream.

Miss Blossom takes a drink and cools her paws.

It was rushing right along.

Miss Blossom says "I will follow it down the hill".

The doggies were worn out from their outing.

Max cooked some marshmallows in addition to a wonderful dinner. An adjoining campsite had a guitar so in the evening as they were around their campfire we were treated to the soft strumming of the guitar occasionally. We even got a few lovely snatches of song as the group had wonderful voices. They were the closest one to us but were being fairly quiet so it was hard to hear. However I wouldn't have minded if they had treated us to a full concert.

The new quilt looks good even with everyone on it.

Blossom enjoyed watching the many squirrels run around the campground. They had no fear of the dogs.

When in the camper she watched them out the window.

I really enjoyed this campground. We will likely return. The trees were so thick in every direction that I didn't get alot of scenic pictures but it is sometimes nice to be in thick forest for a change.

Surprisingly out of 47 sites we were the only motor home (with the exception of the campground host). This campground had tons of sites for motor homes and was very easy to access. We went through Central City to get there so there was even gambling and many restaurants within a couple of miles. The dirt road was not very long and in fairly good condition with only a few areas with pot holes. However when we were out on the main road I saw another entrance which was 6 miles on a dirt road. This is probably why so few motor homes went there, they didn't know there is an easier access route.