Never Too Old! (60 is the new 40): The Coolest State

Six days in Colorado seems like a tease because there is always so much more to explore. And I've been visiting for years, so it's not like I'm even a newbie.

Four consecutive nights on the Colorado gave us the rest and the space we needed from all those hot days on the road in Nevada and Utah. We wanted cool. And for the most part, we got it. Cool nights and hot days.

We broke camp this morning and headed UP the highway (literally, over Vail Pass), first to spend more time with Jason, then down the pass to swing to visit Hector friends, Ann and Paul Barford, who now live in a beautiful home in Golden.

The cutest little town of Minturn, Colorado

Jason is now living in a little eccentric town just below Vail, Minturn, which reminds me of a blend of Hector/Burdett in Upstate NY, mixed with Carmel, and a little Vail and Aspen architecture. And clearly, no zoning. I tend to love undefined communities like that. This one really floated my boat, so to speak. And it does have a river flowing through it.

Tiny little wood frame houses lined the streets, interspersed with new restaurants and the occasional new condos. All tastefully integrated.

And the best –– the best! –– consignment store for a quick hit of retail therapy at budget prices, while Michael and Jason did what we call a 'blue job' (as compared to a pink job) of washing the truck and trailer. And no accusations of sexism. A blue job just means, Not My Job. Found three cute workout tops for my return to teaching at Body Wisdom Studio in California.

Our view of the Rockies from Chief Hosa Park, near Golden

Then over and down the pass –– still a fair amount of snow on the peaks –– and a campsite just outside of Golden. Chief Hosa Park was a find, recommended by the Barfords. A herd of bison roam right next to the park, which is at 7,800 feet. Michael and I hiked at 8,000 feet this early this morning. He's asked for a Body Wisdom merit badge for his efforts, which Owner Nancy Burns has agreed to award him.

Colorado Firefighters keep the Barford's safe

And we had just a quick bit of excitement while visiting the Ann and Paul. A fire broke out in the park just below their house. They were evacuated for a bit but back in time to greet us. Firefighters were in and out for the afternoon, making sure no embers remained. It's extreme fire danger right now in the state.

We left Colorado this morning and we're now pretty much boiling in Nebraska, as the humidity and the temperatures rise. There's a pool nearby our camp, which I'm about to try out. Then ... Eastward Ho!