This car is feeling too small, but sure we can spend more time in it.

At times, it felt very long, and other times it felt rushed. All the same, we saw lots, enjoyed time together, and had fun exploring new places and things  

We stayed last night somewhere between Cortez & Durango, Colorado. It was dark when we got to the hotel, and I'm pretty sure we were all tired of being in the car. Still we stumbled up to the room and fell asleep.

This morning, we woke somewhat early and headed for home. We stopped to stretch our legs in Pagosa Springs, one of my favorite hot springs locations. I spent my 30th birthday at the local Hot springs after having been at the Grand canyon. It's always great to stop and visit. 

My in-laws enjoy wandering the shops in the small towns we visit. It's a neat way to connect with the community sometimes. This time, it was just good to get the dog a walk. 

After enjoying some time perusing the shops, we got back in the car and headed for home. I'm not sure where along the route it was discussed and decided, but we ended up detouring up to Breckenridge and visiting the troll. I think we must have just wanted to torture my inlaws with introducing them to the crazy variations in temperatures as we traversed the wild west. Whatever the reason, we got to see the troll, and then jumped in to the I-70 traffic for the final leg of the trip.

 

How Grand is that Canyon?

Today is the grand canyon, South side. Last year, we did the north side with the inlaws. So, it's only natural we need to catch the south side too. Again, it's a national park, so minimally dog friendly. They do at least allow dogs to walk the 2ish miles along the rim, through the historic area/village. 

We dropped my husband and his mom off at one point on the south rim and agreed to meet up at the main tourist area. My father-in-law and I headed over there and looked at things. 

It was a gorgeous day at the canyon, and we headed on towards Colorado from there; hitting monument valley in time for sunset. Absolutely gorgeous.