A Joyful Journey

The Colorado Sangre de Cristo Mountains

My husband and I had a wonderful anniversary trip to Southern Colorado where we hiked up part of a mountain to see Zapata Waterfall, click here. made our second visit to the Sand Dunes National Park, click here, and rode on the scenic Cumbres and Toltec Railroad to New Mexico, click here. all the while enjoying the scenic views of the 14,000 feet high Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range and the San Luis Valley.  As you can see in the photo above the aspen groves on the mountains were glowing in beautiful autumn colors!

On our drive back to the Denver area, we decided to stop in at the Joyful Journey Spa for a few hours to soak in their natural mineral hot spring pools.

At an elevation of 7700 feet (2346.96 M) on the valley floor, the spa enjoys cool summers and sunny winters, as well as spectacular views of the mountain wilderness to the east. They offer lodge, casita, yurt, or tipi accommodations. They also welcome day visits.

A Hummingbird Moth we saw buzzing around a plant at the spa. 

It was wonderful to soak in the hot springs--the 108-degree pool was our favorite and so relaxing!

After 3 hours of bliss, we went back on the road...

...where we passed the Collegiate Mountain Peaks to the west...

...and then drove through the high (9,000 plus feet) alpine basin of South Park.

As we approached Kenosha Pass more aspen colors began to appear.

There were so many beautiful views to see as we drove by.

 Colorado is so beautiful in the fall!

  

We continued our drive home, thankful for another year together and another joyful anniversary celebration.

Please keep one of my favorite bloggers, Marie, of Proud Italian Cook, in your prayers! Marie and I began blogging at the same time in 2007 and she has been an inspirational source for many delicious recipes for me. Marie recently announced on Instagram that she sadly found out that she has advanced ovarian cancer and is now receiving chemotherapy and will have surgery in the future. 

Marie's son is going to compete in the 2023 Boston Marathon and was selected to help raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Research Center in honor of his mother.  100% of every penny he raises will go towards innovative cancer research to help find a cure. His goal is to raise $26,200, which is $1000 for each of the 26.2 miles he will run on April 17th, 2023 at the Boston Marathon. Please consider supporting this cause with a tax-deductible donation. Here is the link where you can donate if you so choose: 

 http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/TR?fr_id=1930&pg=personal&px=2424186

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