The Royal Gorge & a surprise visitor

When I woke up this morning, there was heavy fog that was fore casted to be gone by 9:00. That didn't happen. I decided to head for the Royal Gorge anyway. It is located outside of Canon (there's a squiggle line above the first "N" so it is pronounced canyon) CO, about fifty-five miles from my campsite. It didn't take very long to escape the fog.
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This is the world's highest suspension bridge. It is 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is a park owned and operated by the city of Canon City.
The best views of the bridge, in my opinion, are from the world's longest aerial tram. I took a ride on this tram.


I also took a ride down to the Arkansas River in the world's steepest incline railway. It has a 1,550' length at a 45* angle to the river.

From the bottom of the ride, you can look up at the suspension bridge.

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This park was a little too commercial for my tastes, but I guess I can say I've seen the Royal Gorge. The cost was $21 and included the rides. Many of the venues were closed because it was after Labor Day. I also skipped the wildlife park. I'm not crazy about zoos.

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When I got back to the rig, the temps had risen to the 70's and the wind was howling out of the NW. I hooked Emma up outside and enjoyed the balmy temps. After a while, I heard Emma scratching the ground, and when I turned around to look at her, here's what I saw....

I had no idea that there were tarantulas in Colorado. You can bet I flew out of my rocker to grab Emma so she wouldn't have a mishap with this arachnid! Spiders are about my least favorite things on earth....eeeek!
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My plan is to head about 57 miles south of here tomorrow, and arrive at Lathrop State Park. The winds have to die down before I can accomplish that, however.
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Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later, Judy

Pueblo Lake State Park, CO

It was in the upper 20's when I woke up this morning, but that was an improvement over the last few mornings. So, I dumped the tanks, packed up, and headed out of Denver for locations south.
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After only 115 miles, I pulled into Pueblo Lake State Park. I told you I wanted to take advantage of my Colorado State Parks Pass, so I'll be spending about seven more nights in state parks before exiting Colorado.

This is my site for the next three nights. I want to visit the Royal Gorge while I'm here and the optimal weather seems to be to do that on Wednesday.

This is the view out the window by my table. That's Pueblo Lake. Eventually, the skies cleared this afternoon and temps rose to 47. It's supposed to be back down into the upper 20's again tonight, but then a warming trend is supposed to begin.

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When I drove into the park I noticed a group of LoW's (Loners on Wheels) camping close to the site I chose. This is a camping club for single folks. While I was setting up the DISH, one of their members stopped over to chat. I ended up joining them for their social hour this afternoon, and got some good info on visiting the Royal Gorge. This was the Colorado chapter of LoW's, and they were out for their October camping get together. The winds and cool temps moved the social hour indoors to one of the rigs. I would guess that all of these singles are in their seventies. It was an enjoyable visit with them.

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I think I'll explore the park tomorrow and then visit the Royal Gorge on Wednesday. The sites here are pretty spacious, have electricity, and cost $18/night. The pads are paved, and can accomodate large rigs. Looks like a great park, especially if you have a boat.

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Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later, Judy