Definition of boondoggle: an inadvertent and often self-imposed blip in on otherwise well-ordered course of action, often the result of inattention, lack of knowledge, or sometimes sheer stubbornness to pick up the phone and call.
Bonney Lake State Park in Idalia, CO. It was on the map. There were signs for the campground along the road. Just 3.7 miles down a dusty, rutted, rocky road straight a 50’s Western and we’d be home for the night. We were both convinced that we didn’t need to call because state parks always had space during a weekday.
But the lake had dried up, and the campground was abandoned. We were in the middle of country where 150 years ago justifiably angry Native Americans could have come racing on horseback over the horizon to avenge our invasion of their hunting ground. No John Wayne to come to the rescue either. Salvation came in the form of a KOA near Denver, 108 miles away. When we rolled in after 12 hours driving 535 mies, we were ready to stake a claim and stay put forever.
But of course we couldn’t do that. The following morning found us climbing the steps of the State Capitol in Denver. As in Kansas, there was heavy-duty renovation going on, the most notable part being their restoration of the covering of the outside of the dome. This requires an unusual “hat” for the capitol. See below.
One of the most notable things we saw was a remarkable quilt that had been made by the women of Colorado to commemorate the significant contributions of Colorado women in settling the state. It hangs from floor to ceiling in the Capitol in a place of honor.
On to Boulder, where the bicyclists outnumber the cars, and then to Estes Park where we had lunch before taking on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. We rode the entire route from one end of the park to the other and passed through multiple time zones of geologic activity. There are too many photos to share here, but below are a couple showing the glacial moraine, and one of the many remarkable switchbacks that I marvel anyone can do in an RV. We reached 12,200 feet where life, and the air, is rare.
For additional photos, see Rocky Mountain National Park.
On the Road Again 
i am sure the picture doesn’t do the scenery justice but carol this is absolutely beautiful. how can roger keep his eyes on the road. he is to be commended. mary ann
Ah, the Colorado Rockies! Very familiar with Estes Park as I took the kids skiing there when we lived in Ft. Collins. Our youngest (Mary Kay) was born in Ft. Collins and we were there 3 years, one of which John spent in Viet Nam. We returned years later when John went to graduate school at CSU. Really a great place to raise a family and the closest thing we called home for a number of years.
Mother Nature sure is beautiful. We have been to Colorado Springs and went up Pikes Peak to the top. Our country has beauty everywhere. That quilt is lovely. Keep having fun. Love, Peg and Dan