hi we’re back after a brilliant train ride. It was scary at times when we went along the gorge with a sheer drop to the river. 

Louis and Otis the train was very big and noisy and the whistle was very loud that warned people we were approaching.

Lily we saw 

prairie dogs like squirrels that pop up from the ground

A mountain goat

Elk

Deer………..AND

A bear…..well grandad and most of the people on our carrige but not me😪

Anona I expect you’re interested in the above too! Hope you are not working too hard and enjoying life too.

When we got to Silverton we had travelled from 6520 ft to 9305ft. It was sunny when we got off the train and there were little children selling jewellery along the track.

We were there for 11/2 hours. The weather drastically changed , it got colder and then rain followed by hail and snow. It was an out post mining town like you see in the westerns and so people sheltered under wooden verandas and in the shops. Then just as we left the sky changed to bright blue with fluffy white clouds.

Hope you like my photos… 

       

175 miles the quick way,210 miles the slow way via Lake City. we took the picturesque slow way !,

Lily I wish you’d been there I saw a marmoset climbing up a small cliff. It was all furry and as big as a cat x

We saw the start of the river the Rio Grande, (Trevor Chris and Mike you’ll remember the old song we sang at school “and we’re bound for the Rio Grande”) We crossed over it a few times as it became a river. It eventually flows to Mexico.

We reached 11,500 feet the highest yet. Loads of snow but roads clear. We stopped at an old mining town called Creede. We were made to feel very special being from England. An old lady also wanted to talk to me but then told me she had left her hearing aids and her teeth behind…so I had to really shout at her.Lol. The man owning the cafe said Thankyou so much for coming to our town… Got some amazing photos…

Now at Durango and going on our train ride soon. Love you all xxxx 

Crystal lake   the source it the Rio Grande

today we went to the Black Canyon near Montrose Colorado. Got fabulous photos and saw the river from a great scary height.

We saw deer up there and lizards, it is very hot today. On the way back we saw 2 humming birds on a feeder outside a cafe. They really buzzed. Saw lots of eagles too, different kinds which I will have to look up. Xxxx

So tomorrow we move on to Durango for 3 nights ,looking forward to our train ride on Sunday Otis and Louis!!   

we went up to the ski stations and in the national forests today .

we were lucky enough to see a beaver swimming along and its beaver dam. 3 eagles gliding up above the road, a marmoset that disappeared down a hole quickly., lots of Canadian geese.

Hope you are all ok, we are having a good time in Colorado. Xxxxxx

    

hi we had beautiful views today over the Rockies. Watch the video that I didn’t put on Facebook when we get home!  The sun was so bright neither of us could read if the iPad was set on photo or video. Hee hee ☀️☀️. 

here 

We saw gold mines silver mines copper mines and granite too. Lots of hoodoos snow and mountains.

Saw many tiny calves with their mothers, a gopher like thing a chipmunk?? 2 eagles, lamas and people skiing. The highest we got today was over 11000 feet. We are here 3 nights at EconoLodge Hotel, Gunniston.

I’m drinking black tea now Trevor and Blandine ☕️

Love to all xxxx

Got stuck for an hour on M4 on the way to Heathrow so it’s a good thing we weren’t flying until Monday. The holiday inn at Heathrow was crowded but we managed to sleep ok.

Flights to Frankfurt airport and Denver were both on time.

   

  

  

 So here we are trying to get used to the change in hours we are 7 hours behind you.

Today we plan to drive as far up Mount. Evan as we can but I think the highest 5 miles is shut until May, will let you know later 😅.  PS the weather is the same as thornbury so far.   

Back in hotel what a brilliant day …. We saw an old gold mining town Idaho Springs and wandered around. Then we drove up the road to Mt Evan wow it was amazing. Tell Lily Grandad and Grandma found masses of fresh snow. We had lunch at Taco Bell Blandine . Hope you look at my photos xxxxx on to Gunnison tomorrow and staying there 3 nights. love you all special kisses for Anona Lily Louis and Otis.

We are packed and ready to go;suitcases weighed and extra clothes bought. Cameras binoculars chargers iPads mobile phones, medical bag wash bags and everything on the list, I hope,all ready.

So roll on Sunday 2pm when the taxi arrives.

Hope you enjoy our blog and our adventures. 

  

Future Life has medical appointments and time to attend them as required, no complicated working arrangements, no one to have to ask if I can go. Freedom to keep well and fit. 🏥

I have to have a cataract removal and a 6 month check up with Mr Sahu
re breast cancer. 😜🙈👀

I am also going to have check ups with the dentist and chiropodist. 😁👟I must be fit for our travels around America and Canada. 3 months is a long time to be away.

By the time we go on our travels I will have a new kitchen, lost weight…(2 stones I hope) and will have decluttered a bit of my house.

I am settling down to finding me again. 👸👩👵
Walking 🚶travelling 🚙 and trying NOT to spend money. 💷
I even know where to buy the cheapest petrol in Thornbury 🏰and Cleethorpes. 🎢
Always got free petrol with the car we sent back; best loved has finished work too hence down to one small car that I can no longer regard as mine😳🚘

Sorted out and locked away money’s for bills and holidays and future life

Yesterday visited Cleethorpes in a day! Left rain snow and gales and north of Derby met blue skies and bright sunshine low in the sky. I was brought up in Cleethorpes but have no yearning to return hee hee. Aunty Audrey’s 95th birthday. Travelled 8 and a half hours…will need to stay over in future as this is too tiring for future life. Nevertheless pleased we made the effort to go.
Nothing stopping us now! We’re free….

Whilst in Grimsby we wanted to take photographs of urban decay for a photo competition. There was a an ideal location at the old ice house.
As we entered the docks area we were stopped by security and told to ask permission from the docks office to take photos because of terrorism threats-security. Needless to say we didn’t proceed ..not that we are terrorists …… but we just didn’t have the time to go through the rigmarole!
Do we look shifty characters? I think not…. Future life is surprising and the world is turning scary. Je suis innocent and wish to remain so….

Future life needs exercise no sitting endlessly in a chair with iPad. Pinterest is very addictive but not good for healthy life.👯

Today got up at 9am,late for me,but the wind was howling all night and rain lashing on the window pane which kept waking me up. 😜😪☔️☔️

Time for a walk at high tide down by the River Severn at Sharpness Docks! 🌊🌊🌊⛅️⛅️

The wind was strong and the tide was high at. 12 metres. It was cold but sunny and washed all the cobwebs away. As the tide turned the water gushed out of the Severn past the lifeboat station causing small whirlpools not corryvrecken size but impressive all the same. 🌊 🌀🌀😄😄🐚

There were many canal boats and other vessels moored up in a marina at the side of the entrance to the docks, lots of clanking and noises caused by the wind in the boats. ⛵️🚤🚣
Had such a lovely walk. This is retirement as its meant to be; having time and space to be and do.

Another thing I’ve quickly noticed is that Saturdays’ and Sundays’ do not have the same importance as when I was working. I do not have to cram everything and all arrangements into my weekend now.
Future life isn’t so compartmentalised and this is GOOD 💐🌸🌷