The Odell Offering: August 2019

Treasure Falls

While we were stuck at the rest stop with our flat tire, a family chatted with us and shared about their trip they had recently taken to Pagosa Springs, CO, which was a town we would be passing through right on our way. They recommended a stop at Treasure Falls in Wolf Creek Pass. We were heading right that way, so we decided if we had the time, we would make the stop. Treasure Falls was about 8 miles from the Summit of the pass, which was a nice break to the intense downhill for the RV. We stopped for some lunch, and got ready for a hike!

This trail was perfect! It was a small distance, with beautiful views! We hiked all the way up to the mist deck! It was gorgeous! The water misted us from the waterfall. The power of the water flowing over the mountain was mighty! What beauty!

Wolf Creek Pass

We made it to the Continental Divide passing through Wolf Creek Pass! A few days back, as we were driving into the mountains, Joel mentioned how he wanted to touch snow in the mountains sometime in his life. At the top of the pass, we got out because the snow was right next to the road and Joel’s bucket list item! We threw a few snowballs, let the RV rest a bit, and enjoyed the cool weather at 10,856 feet! The views here are just plain AMAZING!

Sand Dunes Junior Rangers

Joel and Callie worked hard on their Junior Ranger books and we headed to get sworn in and receive their badges before hitting the road and heading farther West in Colorado.

We enjoyed the Dunes Visitor’s Center watching an informative movie about the Dunes, and learned from the Ranger about the magnetite in the sand. Cade and Mommy got new hiking hats, Joel chose to buy a kangaroo rat stuffed animal, we purchased post cards to send to friends and family, and purchased our collector NP tokens and found a penny machine.

Swimming at the Sand Dunes

We went in for a break from the sand slopes to grab some lunch at the RV, and change into our swim clothes to jump in Moreno Creek! We got a great spot in the parking lot near the entrance and a little shade tree so it was great for a lunchtime break.

We enjoyed Moreno Creek. This spring-fed creek is an important part of the dune field. It carries the sand down from the mountains and then the wind blows it back up. It is a special eco system. The creek had a brisk current but gets no more than shin deep. We brought sand shovels and buckets and enjoyed making sand creations. The boys loved digging down deep with their bodies, and watching the water and sand flow around them. We attempted some inflatable rings but the creek wasn’t quite deep enough to float. It was the perfect beach for our family - mountains and refreshing water to play in!

We went back for more sand boarding and sledding after taking off our swimsuits!

Sand Boarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park

What a treat the Great Sand Dunes was for us! The Oasis RV Park worked great and we woke to a beautiful view! Today was the day to rent sand boards and sleds and enjoy the slopes! We didn’t realize how fun and exhausting this would be. The kids could have stayed longer! It was wonderful!

Joel was a pro on the sand sled. Cade has to learn how to distribute his weight on both the sled and the board. Callie did the sled most of the day, but in the afternoon she tried the sled and conquered it in no time. She took on some steep slopes and stayed up. Mommy wasn’t very good and Daddy figured out putting your arms out on the sled was key!

We learned that walking in the sand was the biggest challenge of the day. We tried walking in bare feet, with tennis shoes, with water shoes, and in socks. Most found socks the easiest, Mommy and Daddy liked shoes best. No matter what way we walked, it was a challenge. We saw many hike up to the top dune. We made it about half way up in the dune field. It was intense and fun all at the same time.