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Amy and Pat Taylor
Amy and Pat Taylor

Amy and Pat Taylor

traveled in 10 countries Read more🇺🇸Charlotte
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  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    St Catherine of Siena Chapel on the Rock

    July 2, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    On the road between our campground, (USFS Camp Dick), and Estes Park is a beautiful church. We have passed it several times and today we stopped. We spent a few minutes inside, sitting in contemplation. I asked the volunteer if there is an active congregation worshipping here. He said yes, but not a typical one...it is part of a youth camp. So every week the congregation is different!

    Chapel on the Rock

    When you see this church, the first thing that come to mind is Matthew 16:18, "upon this rock I will build my church...". In fact, according to church history, that was the inspiration for the church when it was founded in 1916.

    The church sits on a massive rock reminiscent of any of the rocks in RMNP, and the structure is built out of the same rocks.

    The church is small, simple and classic.

    In 1993 Pope John Paul II visited the church.  He said "upon arriving in Denver I lifted up my eyes toward tge splendor of the Rocky Mountains, whose majesty and power recall that all our help comes from the Lord, who has made heaven and earth (ps 121:1).  He alone is the rock of our salvation (Ps 89:26)."    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    The Colorado River Trail, RMNP

    July 1, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    After our long bike ride up Old Fall River Road yesterday, we were looking for an easy to moderate hike today to get us out on the trail.

    In our heads we were both thinking 4-5 miles at most. We settled on the Colorado River Trail on the west side of RMNP. We decided we would hike out as far as we felt like and then turn around and return. Part of our reasoning for choosing this trail was because it is Moose habitat and a volunteer had told us that he sees moose on this trail 50% of the time. We really want to see a moose! Also, we thought it would be pretty following along the river. Well, No Joy on the moose.

    It is PERFECT moose habitat, but we started late morning and the day was heating up. The moose had retreated to the cool forests. It was a pretty trail. I would call parts of it enchanting with the trail winding through the evergreens...the wildflowers. We did see a young mule deer who paid us no mind. The trail twisted and turned, and went up and down. We saw the river in the beginning, but steadily climbed away from it as we went on.

    We crossed over several tributaries. At some point, we should have turned around. But there was a place on the map called Lulu City, next to the river's edge. We knew nothing about it, but somehow it became our goal and we hated to give up. We really should have checked the map more closely to see how far it was. We finally reached a trail sign that said we were only 2/10s of a mile from our destination. We were pretty high up and we knew we had to descend to the river, which the trail immediately began to do on switchbacks. We knew we'd have to climb back out on the return. When we got to Lulu City, all that was left was a sign that noted the location of a settlement of 200 people from 1879 to 1884. 5 winters was how long it lasted.

    It started to sprinkle on us so we took shelter with a couple of locals under a huge evergreen. We had our snack of apple, nuts, and banana chips. After about 15 minutes we checked out the river....yep, this just has to be a favorite place of a moose! Then we started the hike back. Uuuuuup the switchbacks, and then up, down ,up , down ,up , down...it had gotten very warm, and although this trail has a good amount of shade, those sunny stretches started to get downright hot. While we were climbing the switchbacks, I started to get a migraine...my left eye had a pretty good aura going on. But we kept going and I kept drinking my water. The aura only lasted about 5 minutes, but I had a slight headache the rest of the hike. I'm pretty sure I had some altitude sickness. We were at 9000+ feet...even though we were in a river valley! We gained 800-900 feet in elevation (maybe more with all the ups and downs) during the hike.

    The last couple miles (we hiked a total of 7.5 miles) were tough. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Pat kept trying to take my pack, but I wouldn't let him. It felt like giving in to me. I wanted to do it. When the parking lot finally came into view I gave God the glory! I have never seen a prettier parking lot, lol! Pat had to drive us back up and over Trail Ridge Rd and on to our campsite. Probably 1.5 hrs. I was EXHAUSTED. I even slept part of the ride back. When we finally got back to our campsite, my sweet husband heated some chicken chili while I had a shower.
    It was a good night's sleep!    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Old Fall River Road - Elk Jam + Descent

    Jun 30–Jul 8, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    Flashbacks to Yellowstone and the Bison Jams. The bison graze a bit, and then the herd just takes over the road, and everything comes to a halt.

    In this case, we had just ascended the Old Fall River Road by bike. We took a break at the visitor's center and began our ride back down into the misty fog.

    We could see half a dozen very large bull elk adorned with huge racks grazing just off the path. We were close enough to them that we could easily see the velvet on the antlers, but not so close as to be worried about slipping past them. That is until we got just a little further down the path. --- when the second group appeared. This group was on the path with no way around them.

    We had to wait for the elk to decide to move on. But they were in no hurry as they were lapping up the ice melt that ran down the side of the path. Not wanting to startle them, we waited about 30 minutes before we could pass, occasionally looking over our shoulder to ensure their friends weren't coming to join them.

    The Descent

    After a brief stop at the top, it was time to ride back down - coasting and braking for 9 miles. Weaving the switchbacks and curling the curves. Caution with respect to the soft spots. The ride down was exciting. Even though we had geared up on layers, we were riding to the warmth of the lower elevation.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Old Fall River Road - Experiences

    June 30, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    Neither words or pictures will reproduce our experience. This is simply a reminder for our old age -- and our next trip here. We will ride this again.

    The Views

    With innumerable breathtaking sights, in this ride, you get to see everything the mountains have to offer - up close and personal.

    The River and Streams

    Crystal clear of course. Actually, clearer than clear. When the water glides over the smooth areas, the pebble rock bottom glistens, but so clearly that you hardly see the water at all. However, in most areas, the river and the streams babble along over rocks, creating an aquatic symphony. We see short waterfalls and shutes rushing between the rocks.

    One of the best views on the mountain is at the beginning of the ride. Chasm Falls is a trail of its own. People who don't ride the trail hike up just for Chasm Falls. It is a roaring shute in the river with hikeable terrain alongside the river. We parked our bikes for a few minutes and walked a small portion of the hike.

    At about 60% of the way up, we saw on an opposing face a waterfall of about 1,000 feet. What was special about this waterfall is that it was more of a vertical stream rather than a fall as it was not airborne. The cliff face was about 75 degrees, and the water was splashing and weaving between the rocks, contouring to Mother Nature's pathway.

    Wildflowers

    My Lovely enjoys the wildflowers. The wildflowers dot the sides of the road, they are splashed through the meadows, and they grow out of the tops of the rocks.

    The Meadows

    The meadows are rich and lush. Greenspaces, wildflowers, aspens, and evergreens, all fed by the river running along its side, or feeding a pond within its boundary.

    The meadows were exciting because we were on the hunt for wildlife, and specifically the ever elusive moose.

    Wildlife, Tracks, and Scat

    Hiking and riding are like going on a hunt, except the thrill is in the sight, not the kill. As we ride, our eyes are scouring the terrain for wildlife. An eagle, a hawk, elk, bear or moose, anything really.

    As we rode the path, we came across a female elk, several chipmunks, pika, and a deer, but we wanted the moose. As we rode, we witnessed tracks of several animals, certainly deer, elk, and a bear. And we found scat of several critters as well. It just makes the hunt more exciting.

    The Moose still alludes us, but someday we will find him… til then, he is still a unicorn.

    Cliffside Views

    When I say Cliffside, I mean that you can stand there with your toes hanging out with nothing below for 100s of feet (no,we didn't do that, but there it was).

    I mean that as you stand there, 25 feet in front of you is the treetop of a 70’ tree.

    With a ride like this, you get to see different iterations of many of the views. That is to say that you get to look out over the lush meadows at an eye level view, and then again from several hundred feet above. There are overviews several hundred feet above the valley, and other overlooks 1000, 2000, and 3000 feet above the valley. The same features of the mountain have many facets as you travel up the mountain.

    As you ride, on one side of you there are trees, rocks cliff faces soaring up, and on the otherside is the clear view of distant snow topped mountains towering over a valley, a meadow, a river and the roadbed bearing the dust that you just kicked up.

    The Clouds

    The end of the trail is the Alpine Visitors Center 11,796’. The temperature dropped over 20 degrees along the ride due to the elevation gain . We rode into the clouds - literally. As we reached the top, we found snow (left over from the winter), and the clouds were hitting the side of the mountain and being pushed up. It was like a fog except the fog sits still, and the clouds flow with the wind.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Old Fall River Road - Overview

    June 30, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    This ride was way too much for 1 footprint. I have broken this up into 3 posts.

    1. The overview of the trail.
    2. What we saw and experienced.
    3. Elk Jam and the Descent.

    Old Fall River Road Trail

    A wonderful challenge, fabulous ride, uncommon vistas and a definite checkmark. It was a "must do and one I would eagerly do again.

    Our trip is not yet complete, but when it is, and when I write the wrap up ranking our top 5, this ride will top be at the top of the list.

    The Stats

    The Old Fall River Road Trail is 9.8 miles of gravel, mountainside road that leads up to the Alpine Visitors Center. The entirety of the trail is cliffside as the Trail ascends 3,290 feet to 11,796 feet in elevation.

    What Hit Me

    During the first part of the ride, as we rode up the mountain, we road alongside the river. Later in the ride, the river was more distant, and running in front of the meadows. Still higher up the mountain you are seeing the waterfalls on the opposing cliff face. Then we arrive near the top of the mountain and I realized that this water, the water I've been watching all along is snow melt (mostly). It is not spring water or from rains. It is amazing to me that there is that much snow melt.

    The Ride

    We were blessed to get in a ride on the very last day of the season prior to the road being opened to vehicle traffic. I can't imagine how or why a person would want to endure the roughness of the drive in a truck. And with car traffic …. I simply can not fathom sharing this road with vehicles. Traveling up mountain at 6 to 9 miles per hour, we would have been watching the cars instead of the scenery. And I am not sure the trip back down would have worked at all.

    This trip, on the last day, was an absolute blessing.

    Even with the ebikes this was work. We had to pedal the total distance. We had to keep our momentum for the ebike to “assist”, and you have to help because the bike is not strong enough to do it alone. And then there is the battery.

    I used up 60% of my battery in the first half of the climb. I swapped to the spare to save some battery for My Lovely. She almost made to the top on her battery - just about 200 yards short. She switched to my first battery to finish the trip.

    What We Experieced

    Meadows
    Wildflowers
    River Views
    Waterfalls
    Cliffside views at different elevations
    Wildlife, Tracks and scat
    The Clouds Rolling Up and Over    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Trail Ridge Road

    June 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    I giggled as we drove through the clouds.

    I took 144 pictures and videos as we drove the 48-mile stretch that traverses Rocky Mountain National Park. Mind you, about 5 minutes of that, I was just happy clicking because My Lovely was "all eyes one the road and cliffside". But it was too beautiful to deprive her the views. However, I suspect she found great joy in my delight.

    In the 4 trips across, we didn't do the pullouts for the overlooks. The views were spectacular everywhere.

    Whether you are into views from way up high, the waterfalls, the meadows, or watching kids play in the snow in July, it is all there, and all fabulous.

    My Lovely enjoys it all, but I think that it is the layers of the ranges as a backdrop to the magnificence before her that makes her gasp.

    This is the path from Grandby to Estes Park. You rise up into the clouds. Up to
    12,183 feet. Then you come back down - in body, but not in spirit.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler
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    Difficult is Cool

    Jun 29–Jul 3, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    If life could always be this “Difficult”.  Soft, easy, quiet, peaceful, beautiful and loving.

    To be clear, we brought the love, but it rested easy at Difficult Campground.

    About 5 miles outside of Aspen, and a bike trail that runs the distance between the two.  Our favorite kind of trail.  Light gravel running along the river, through greenspaces and just enough trees to provide shade.  And we made good use of the trail.  

    We enjoyed the “rustic” side of camping too.  Don't get me wrong, we weren't sleeping on the ground, but we were in a secluded site with no hookups.  The type of site we would not have been able to use without the solar upgrade this off-season.  A site completely surrounded by trees and the sound of the river.  Not another camper in sight.

    Bacon and eggs on the griddle this morning. Burgers over a campfire tonight.  Pancakes on the griddle tomorrow morning.

      [Side Track]

    Pancakes on the griddle in the morning! Thank God I'm a country boy.

    My Lovely just wrote a footprint about John Denver and I've got him on my mind.

      [Back to regularly scheduled programming]

    This afternoon, after we finished the John Denver Park, My Lovely gave a list of options for the afternoon activities.  I chose the one that involved relaxing at the campground, a bite of ice cream,time to read our books and  a short walk over to the river that has been supplying the sound effects for this part of our trip.

    We walked over with a bottle of water and a couple of apples to enjoy as we took in the river.  What we ended up doing was going back to get our camp chairs so that we could sit here for a few hours, write a few more footprints and then read our books.

    Relax …..  Riverside    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Zane's Birthday Party

    June 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    A short break from camping, biking and hiking.  We went to Zane's Birthday Party.  He turns 5 next week.

    Pizza, Birthday cake and DINOSAURS!!  

    Wolf Park was a very nice setting.  We had a pretty view in the shade in the small pavilion as we watched the kids bounce in the small bounce house. It was a small group but we had a nice time to chat.  For us, we mostly chatted with Mark about the trails in the area and dinosaurs.

    When it came time for the presents, Stephanie hit a homerun with her dinosaur.  Zane named the type of dinosaur right off the bat.

    While Zane was opening our gift (a Lego dinosaur truck) Natalie said “Uncle Pat, you broke the rules”.  Ooops

    My Lovely and I played a little cornhole (she won more games, but I managed to win the last - “The Grand Championship”.

    Zane invited us over to his house, but we had a bike ride planned.   He insisted that we come by after our bike ride.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Summer Snow in Colorado

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    As we walk, as we ride, we see the fluttering of white floating through the air.  Fluff from the cottonwood trees.  Just another something to add to the beauty.

    It's time to stop and smell the roses.  No, the columbine. Maybe the lavender.   Yes.

    My Lovely enjoys the wildflowers. And here, we find plenty.

    This footprint is a place holder for My Lovely's wildflower photos.
    ................
    Thank you, Love! I love the cottonwoodflufff...aka "summer snow"! Sometimes it comes down so heavy it feels like snow! Pictures don't capture it.
    ...and a little wildlife too.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    John Denver Sanctuary and Garden

    June 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Located in the midst of Aspen (his hometown) is a beautiful sanctuary that pays tribute to John Denver, his music, and his legacy. I am a huge fan, to say the least. His was the music that defined a decade or more of my life. I was lucky enough to see him in concert 3 times. His concerts were fantastic. He was so personable with the audience. He had a great sense of humor and he was humble. He wanted everyone to understand, love and care for our natural world.

    There were two parts of the sanctuary. One was called "The Filter". It was an area full of flowing water, rocks, wetland, flowers, plants, and trees. You could hear the flowing water and the chatter of excited children as they explored. The summer snow, cottonwood tree fluff, floated down around us. There were benches of beautiful stone tucked away. We found one to rest on in the shade while we took in this part of the sanctuary. We also had good cell signal and used the time to catch up on our postings. Carved into many of the rocks were quotes about nature from different people (see pics).

    The second part of the sanctuary was "John's Garden ". A beautiful area right next to the river. Many stones held carvings of the lyrics of his songs. We got a call from Jacob while we were here and got to catch up.

    I think John would love this place dedicated to him. We really enjoyed our visit. Tomorrow we head to Grandby, CO... a 4-5 hour drive. I know what our Playlist will be....    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Bucket List Long Time Coming

    June 26, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    Today was a big day! My favorite day of our Colorado trip so far. We left our Campground (Difficult Campground East of Aspen) and rode our bikes to the Maroon Bells, 16 miles one way. I think I first saw a picture of the Maroon Bells when I was about 18. I have always dreamed of seeing it in person. I lived in Colorado, only a few hours away, for 2 years...and in fact passed through Aspen back then, but did not make it to the Bells. Today was a glorious day...sunny but not hot. It wasn't crowded. You have to have a reservation to drive up, or ride the shuttle bus up. OR...you can ride your bike! Win win!

    Aspen has a fabulous system of walking and biking trails. We were able to get all the way there with only about 1/2 mile on a road. It was awesome and beautiful!

    Once there, we locked our bikes, changed into hiking boots, and enjoyed the view of Maroon Lake with the Bells behind it. We then headed up the trail to Crater Lake.

    This trail is only 2.8 miles round trip and rated moderate difficulty. This trail pulls you in gently, and once you are hooked it ratchets up the difficulty! It begins with a gentle rise through breathtaking Aspen groves just whispering gently to you. You cross a bubbly stream flowing down the mountainside. The trail gets more and more rocky until you are doing nothing but staring down so you don't trip and break something! I love a good rocky trail....this one wins the prize. At the same time, the steepness of the trail is increasing also.

    We stopped often to catch our breath...it's hard for those of us who live at 300 ft elevation to adjust to over 7000 ft. We used those opportunities to just gape in wonder at the beauty around us. But we kept going. Several people coming down said " keep going....it's worth it!" There was no question we wouldn't keep going. We finally came to a scree field. It's just a field of boulders and stone. The trail meandered through it but we really had to watch our footing. Then the lake came into view just barely peaking through the trees.

    To get to the lake, the trail took us through another magical Aspen grove with huge boulders. The light breeze causing the leaves to sing. Finally, we crested a small hill and there it was. Like a twin sister almost to Maroon Lake, but even closer to the Bells. We were standing at their feet.

    We found a place to sit and had our picnic with the best view. We took lots of pictures and spoke to some of our fellow hikers. If there is a more beautiful place, I don't know it. I did not want to leave, but it was time. I thanked God for allowing me to see this incredible place.

    It took us a total of 2 hours and 35 minutes to hike up and back, including our picnic. We were almost the last people to leave.

    I have many hikes on my all-time favorite list. A great hike, to me, has 2 things. One, it challenges me. It pushes me toward my limits....length, elevation gain, trail condition...rocky vs smooth, etc. Two, there is a payoff. A beautiful vista, waterfall, etc. This one is right up there with my top favorites. It had everything a great hike should have.

    We biked back the way we came, 32 miles total. We left at 10:00 am and got back at 5:30. It was a perfect day and I so blessed to have spent it with my sweet husband.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    The Snowmass Rodeo

    June 25, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 59 °F

    The Rodeo

    The day had a bit of a frustrating start.  Our first stop of the day was supposed to be laundry at a laundromat - which turned out to permbanently closed.   The bext closest one was about 35 minutes away.  That knocked some time out of our day.

    Next was supposed to be the John Denver Park.  This is where we found it inconvenient to be playing in the richest of neighborhoods.  With land being so expensive, they don't waste much of it on parking.  We drove around for 30 minutes without the prospect of a parking spot.  John Denver would have to wait.

    My Lovely had found some trails for us to ride at Snowmass.  We had a little difficulty finding the starting point, we began our ride.  It was a great ride up the mountain and then back down to the truck.

    We decided to do one more section, which I enjoyed the most (watch the videos).

    It was at this point that we discovered there was a rodeo tonight.   We took a flyer on it and had a very nice time.  

    It is a very family oriented rodeo with quite the entertaining announcer. 

    I got in line for bbq dinners for us while My Lovely watched warm ups. By the time I got in the stands, she had picked a favorite to root for.  A young lady that ended up doing very well for herself.

    The events were fun to watch.  The weather was good.  The crowd was full and pleasant, but what stole the show was that this rodeo is family fun start to finish.  It was a real rodeo but with kid events too.  And some of the real rodeo events featured father/daughter teams and the like.

    One of the kid events was the mutten buster.  It was for kids 2nd grade and under.  They put the kids on sheep , with a helmet, (like a bull ride but with no rope) and let ‘em ride until they get bucked off.  The kid that won took quite the buck and held on.  The ride brought the biggest cheer of the evening.

    We had a good time with an empromptu evening.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Crisp Beginnings

    June 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    Camping in the mountains is awesome.  It lacks the heat.  We are at about 7800’ elevation and at the end of June.  I wake up at 6am and it is a crisp 61 degrees.  But in the 70s by 8-ish, a perfect temp for our day.  

    The morning serenade is the river rumbling just a few hundred feet away.  The sights and sounds would not be complete without the aroma of the evergreens.  A fragrance which can only be made better by blending in bacon and eggs on an outdoor griddle.

    Today is a slow start day. Coffee with My Lovely, breakfast after 9 (with chipmunks at my feet) and a bike ride ahead. 

    I'm loving the mountain camping.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Pk

    June 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    We were very happy to get to visit this National Park. Of course we got our stamp in our passport book, and a sticker for our camper fridge. This is one of the less visited National Parks because it is a little out of the way. It is mostly a scenic rim drive with short hikes at each of the overlooks out to the edge. You can go down into the canyon, and the beautiful Gunnison River is down there, but honestly...only crazy people would hike that, lol!! It was very beautiful and we are so glad we took the time to explore it. We spoke to a volunteer, Jerry, at one of the overlooks. I asked him if there were dragons at Dragon overlook. He Proceeded to show us a picture that he had taken last year. Evidently, under certain conditions and on a certain day and at a certain time of the day, the sun rising through a cleft in the rock reflects on the rock opposite it, and appears to be Dragon fire ! They call it the Dragons tongue. Ironically, it's not at Dragon overlook. It was beautiful!

    Something will have gone out of us as a people if we ever let the remaining Wilderness be destroyed... We simply need that wild country available to us, even if we never do more than drive to its Edge and look in. For it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, A part of the geography of Hope.
    .... Wallace Stegner, "The Sound of Mountain Water"    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Ouray Day 2

    June 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 57 °F

    We were trying to pack in a hike, a bike ride, and a scenic ride on the Million Dollar Highway.

    The Sutton Mine Trail

    This trail was advertised as a moderate hike with all the work in the first half mile.  This was our first day of thin air (8,800 ft elevation hiking up to 9,000 ft), we were sucking for air.  In that "first half mile," it seemed as though we took 2 miles of steps of narrow trails and multiple switchbacks.  

    Once we got past the switchbacks, the trail got easier, and we were able to enjoy the views as we hiked.  One of the challenges with hiking is that you have to watch your step (consistently looking down) and try to enjoy the views as you walk.  This hike shared a variety of views with us.  We looked out over a valley and onto the opposing mountain face with the Million Dollar Highway stapled to its edge.  

    This trail leads to the Old Sutton Mine with its preserved mining buildings.  We were not as interested in the mining buildings, so we stopped when we got to the Bear Creek Overlook.  It's about 2.4 miles.  As is always the case, a picture is worth a thousand words, but neither the picture nor the thousand words capture the emotion one feels.  I was so grateful to share this view with My Lovely.  It made my heart thump.  It made me feel a closeness and a specific gratefulness of having her share this with me.  We held each other closely as we tried to take it all in.

    Camp Bird Road

    We wanted to get a bike ride in.  With a bike ride, we cover more ground with less effort.  And we see more. 

    The Camp Bird Road is steep incline on a “paved” road, but the road is covered in cinder and rock.  Even with our fat tires, it wasn't particularly safe, and the incline was tough even with the ebikes.  We abandoned the ride after just a couple of miles.  But there were some stunning views that made you envy the people who own houses right on the river.

    Cascade Falls

    With the Million Dollar Highway closed due to a fire in the area and a shortened bike ride on Camp Bird Road, we had time to take in Cascade Falls.  You can actually see the falls as you drive through town.  There is almost no hike to get to the base of the falls (maybe 500 yards from the parking lot).  After the earlier hike, the thin air and the ride, our legs were burning a little, we decided to take it in from the rivers edge just short of the base.

    The time came to relax and recuperate, but we had one last view to get in.  There is an overlook of the lake and valley below and the opposing mountains just a short walk from our campsite.  We took that in until we got a surprise call from Jacob.

    Jacob is now at tech school in Biloxi, MS.  His first impressions were great!!  Better climate, better food, more freedom, and only 1 roommate.  He told us of his plans to be a “White Rope” (a leadership role - Chaplin type of position), and he talked about the study program.  Jacob seems to be thriving.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorAirforce GraduationTraveler

    Ouray Day 1

    Jun 22–25, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 55 °F

    Finally!!! COLORADO!!!  

    Colorado may be the most beautiful state in the union.  Especially if you are a fan of the mountains as is My Lovely.  Everywhere you look, you see astonishing views.  Natural landscapes of evergreens and aspens, river rock and wild flowers,  granite mountain faces and patches of snow.

    You know you have entered Colorado when you put down your book (or whatever else you are using as a distraction) and stare out the window.   It is gorgeous everywhere you look.

    Ouray Colorado is where we picked up our original trip plan.

    When Jacob got into the Airforce, his graduation overlapped our Colorado trip.   We had to cancel the first week of the trip.  We caught up to the original plan with the last 2 days of the Ouray stop   So we tried to do about 3 days' worth of stuff in the 2 days.

    The town of Ouray is an old town.  Somewhat western and somewhat Victorian.  Quaint and bustling with tourism.

    Box Canon 

    The Box Canon Gorge is a prime attraction here.  It was originally a mine that never produced much.  The Mine was eventually sold, and now the town owns it.  A river runs through a gorge here, and the gorge is fascinating.  It was an easy hike up and down.  As you climb the trail, you get what you get everywhere in Colorado - Mountainscapes, roaring riverview, fabulous trees, and the sounds of nature.  

    The terminal point of the hike is in the gorge itself.  The river unloads into a massive crevice with a massive force.   2.75 million horsepower. (The same as 25 jet engines).  And this is a relatively small river.

    The water comes down in a slot similar to a halfpipe.  It is a massive shute if water.  Exciting and wonderous nature.  It crashes down and sprays a mist.

    We finished the night with a movie in the camper.  Inspired by our stop in Roswell, we watched the movie ‘Roswell'.  It was a relaxing way to spend the evening.

    A GOOD DAY!    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler
    12

    The Long Ride

    June 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 72 °F

    Drive Days TX & NM

    Graduation was sweet.  A lump in the throat, the heart swelled an extra 10% and life to live.  It is now time to roll down the road to the next adventure.

    The next adventure is a drive.  A looooot of a drive.  Roughly 17 hours over the next 2 days, out of Texas, through New Mexico (with a stop over) and on to Durango Colorado.

    As I write this, we have packed up from our overnight at Brantly State Park (206 miles southeast of Albuquerque).

    In the past, the “Boring Drive Days” have been anything but.  We have enjoyed the scenery, our time together, our music, experiencing things together for the first time.

    I think My Lovely feels the extra beat in her heart when she gets to point out something she notices on the horizon or something hiding in the bushes just off the side of the road.

    I am able to share the love in my heart when I get sappy over a beautiful barn, or share something from my past - a memory inspired by something we are experiencing now..

    We look for some oddball roadside attractions so that we can enjoy a slice of Americana, as well as get a break from the drive.  Just part of the adventure. 

    This is all to say that our drives have been very enjoyable parts of our trips - but this one, not as much.

    [I am writing as we drive.  Updating as we go along]

    We have had things to share for sure.  After leaving San Antonio, My Lovely pointed out the beautiful hills in Texas.  They weren't mountains but more like rolling ridges.  And yes, part of America's beauty.  But then we got into oil country.  Miles and miles of oil fields.  Boring oil fields.  Brown and drab green fields with oil pumps and pipelines.  We drove through several stretches where the crossroads were 35 to 40 miles apart, and almost nothing in between except hot, dry fields.  Then, the thing that I don't understand - an orchard.  Fruit trees.  We did come across several orchards (not sure but it looked like apple trees).  It was like finding a burst of fruit in the middle of your cornflakes.

    We saw RV parks for the workers.  Rows of metal roof shelters to park RVs under - a field of hundreds - out in the middle of nowhere.  And hotels built out of shipping containers - also by the 100s.

    We stopped at a state park which was a stretch of land near a lake (dammed reservoir) with no appealing features except a stopping point with water, electric and picnic tables.  It was 97 degrees, direct sun and the Air conditioner could not keep up until sundown.  There was nothing to do but stop over for the night.  Truly a forgettable place.  I am forgetting as fast as I can.

    We thought we were going to get out of New Mexico without a good stop, but just then, we decide to stop in Roswell.  The UFO Museum.  It was a good stop.  A nice diversion and a walk around.  A little bit of entertainment and a topic of conversation as we drive away.

    The Drive took us through Alberque and to that point, it was not as good as some of the others.  But they can't all be great.  

    And I'm still with My Lovely, so that makes everything better.  

    After Alberque the views changed.  Out with the boring and in with the rock formations,  the greenery, the mountain shapes and the varied colors came alive.  While the greenery was not as lush as our part of the world, it lost its “dull yuk”.

    We crossed into Colorado and began to ascend.  The current temp is 77 degrees at 6900 ft.  We are sitting outside facing a sun setting over the range.  The breeze is slightly wafting our hair as My Lovely comments on the smell of Colorado.  And says she needs a sweater.  A nice change from not being able to hide from the heat.

    We have arrived.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorColorado 2025Traveler

    Such a Kind Heart

    June 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 86 °F

    We stopped in Roswell, NM. We were driving through on the way from San Antonio TX to Durango CO and we decided to stop and stretch our legs at the UFO museum. We didn't have a lot of time because we still had hours to drive and we had to arrive at our campground before dark. As we were walking away from our camper in the parking lot, we noticed a boy, about 10 years old, pushing his mini bike across the parking lot. As we were walking past him, Pat asked the boy's if he needed help. He replied that his chain kept coming off. Pat told him we had tools in the truck that he could use. So we walked the few feet back and Pat gave him the tools he needed. He knew what to do. Pat noticed he needed a lock washer. He was also missing the fuel cap. My sweet man gave him some money and told him where the nearest auto parts place was. The boy then tried to start his bike and it wouldn't start. Pat showed him how to adjust the choke and it started right up. He thanked Pat and Pat asked him to do him a favor...one day, pass on the kindness....we told him to be safe and sent him on his way. This is just one of the many ways that my sweet man looks out for others. He consciously looks for ways to help. It makes me love and respect him all the more.Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorAirforce GraduationTraveler

    Two Months in 3 Days

    June 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 75 °F

    Two Months in Three Days

    We had not seen him in nearly 2 months. The Airforce allows a call every 14 (or so) days and some of those calls are only seconds long.  Nothing more than a few minutes.  

    Of course, we had letters, but one can only pack in so much to a letter.  So, we arrive for graduation, six of us trying to get a piece of him before he heads off to his next stop - tech school. Jacob gracefully and prideful took it all in stride. 

    3 days.  Actually, parts of 3 days.  They still have responsibilities, inspections, and a curfew. We were lucky, due to a holiday, we got an extra part of a day.  In most cases, it is 2 days, a total of about 13 hours.  We got to meet some of his friends, and because of the extra time, we got to spend some time with them too.

    We listen to the stories and ask the questions.  We absorb the moments. We witness the pride.  Not just with our airman, you would have to be blind not to see each and every one of them standing up straight, head held high - yes ma'am, no sir.  Every thread in the right place.  Each rule and regulation respected.  I looked around, watching the families of the ither airmen. Everyone's expressions looked the same.

    Growth and Change

    Stark change hits you over the head.  Subtle change tickles your senses.  I am not sure how to describe the changes I saw in Jacob.  They were both bold and nuanced.

    Jacob The Sponge

    Jacob has always been the one that can do anything he wants.  He sucks up information better than anyone I have ever seen - anyone!  And when he is interested in something, he blows your mind.  But with this, my mind was blown to another stratosphere.  BMT is physical, mental, emotional, stressful, and memorization.  And Jacob excelled.

    Then there is teamwork. 

    “Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.”

    I had 3 people who told me “without him, I could not have gotten through this”.  

    One of those who said this was Conner Chin.  In a matter of minutes with Conner, you realize that without a doubt, he is brilliant, but they worked together and leaned on each other to get through.

    I also noticed a respect for the MTIs (maybe not Sgt Beaty).  There was a reverence in his voice when Jacob spoke of them.  He always used their complete titles (which I'm sure is a regulation, but he was very consistent).  Jacob recognized their human side even though they were pressing hard.  He recognized the blue braid that signified their accomplishments (top 10%).  This is respect

    The most remarkable thing I saw, the most awesome story, the thing that impressed me the most was Jacob and Elliott Alston.  Alston had a leadership role.  A responsibility that took some if his time away from his RLA responsibilities and his study time.  Jacob policed Alstons area and help him pass inspection, allowing him time to study.  This surpasses everything.

    During BMT, Jacob did a fabulous job of writing letters to us.  The letters came with a bit of fanfare.  I would announce in a loud, bold voice “You've Got Mail!”, and My Lovely would read the letters. 

    There was little time for writing, so we were truly impressed that he wrote as much as he did.  

    When his letters were about his accomplishments and excitement, proud momma was happy.  With despair, she suffered a bit and prayed more, but she lived with each of his letters.  

    Sam perked up with each letter as well.  It was a double whammy for Sam.  He was hearing from his brother, whom he truly missed (he downplayed this, but it was undeniable), and he got to hear about airforce life.

    So, in our letters to Jacob, we had asked us to include in his letters to us a list of short phrases to serve as reminders for when we got here.  This worked out well.  Many of the phrases sounded like episode titles for a sitcom (“14 walruses and a trench coat”).  It is safe to say that there wasn't a dull moment.  

    Sgt Beaty

    The overwhelming story was about Sgt. Beaty and his overzealous squeaky voice. 

    Alston

    In Jacob's letters, he mentioned his buddy Alston several times.  Elliott seems to be a truly great guy.  We truly hope that the friendship endures.  Their paths are not likely to cross again unless they put an effort into making it happen.  Jacob will serve alongside many new faces, but 20 years from now, he will look back at his career and see that this was the most trying time.  A time he weathered with Alston.

    The Texas heat is real.  I’m sure it wiped them out.  Lack of time and extreme demands.  Reveille, study, PT, inspections, stresssssss, lack of sleep, punishment for other people's mistakes, excellence as the only standard, OH and did I mention the Texas HEAT.

    I truly expect t that this has changed his life.  I asked him first thing if he felt the experience as a badge of honor.  He said something to the effect of “No, I'm just glad it is over and am ready to be somewhere else”.  Connor Chin said he never wants to come back to Texas.

    We are incredibly proud of him.  There are truly no words.  My Lovely is amazing.   I don't know how she weather's it so calmly.  I see her heart leaping out of her chest, but I had to work hard to hold back the tears many times - especially every time I prayed.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorAirforce GraduationTraveler
    1

    Graduation Day 2

    June 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Day 2 of Graduation was supposed to be a beautiful Parade and ceremony. Both days were very early. We got there about 6am for seats and parking. The ceremonies started at 9:00. On this day, shortly after the flights started entering the field, a very strong smell of natural gas came over the field. Within minutes they cancelled the ceremony and evacuated everyone. Military base, potential for chemical attack....it turned out to be a leak of the chemical that is put into natural gas to give it a smell. Supposed to be non-toxic. Don't know where the leak was from. Needless to say we were all terribly disappointed. They all worked so hard and then didn't get the chance to show what they had learned. Jacob took it in stride though. We were so thankful that we had 3 days to spend with him. We ate a lot, listened to many stories from training, met and spent some time wit his best friends. Met Cassie's parents and generally just enjoyed being together.Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorAirforce GraduationTraveler
    2

    Graduation Day 1

    June 17, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    Day 1 of graduation was the Airman’s Run and the coin ceremony where they officially become Airmen. The attached video is Jacob's flight 458. Sorry about all the screaming! We could not find him...we thought " did he change so much we don't recognize him??" After the Tap Out, which we all did together (they have to stand at attention until someone taps them out) he explained that he actually didn't do the run or the march because there was a graduate on crutches that couldn't participate. They ALWAYS have to have a Wingman. Because Jacob graduated with Honors he was given the wingman assignment. He said, with honor comes duty. As soon as the ceremony was over and parents started onto the quad, he was able to "sneak" out to his flight before we got there! So we were able to Tap him out.Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorAirforce GraduationTraveler

    Sweet Magnolia

    June 16, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Up and out on time - check.
    Got our Sticker for Cooper - check.
    Tuned in to Rascal Flatts - check.
    Next stop Magnolia Market - a HECK YEAH CHECK!! For My Lovely.

    A bucket list item for her. Will it live up to the expectation? I don't know, but ya gotta do it. I suspect that she will wander through and enjoy herself just fine. I will enjoy seeing her happy and in her element.

    We she buy something? Of course!!! But I don't see her getting crazy. As we drive, I'll be considering this and trying to guess what it will be. Will it go on the kitchen? The bedroom? The den? Right now, I'm leaning toward the bedroom closet, but my better judgment tells me the den. Something on the sofa table or credenza.

    All I really know is that I get to walk through the store holding her hand and cherishing every moment.

    More to follow - with pictures.

    Update:

    We spent 15 minutes walking through Magnolia. Aside from buying the sticker(s), we knew we would buy, we bought a couple of cupcakes from tge Silo. There did not appear to be even a temptation.

    The space was pretty and well done. Neat and spacious. And maybe, this is what My Lovely was expecting, but I guess I was expecting to find some upscale home goods intermixed with some aantiques.

    It was a nice diversion. We will come back when Sam graduates, but when we come back then, we will visit tge big miss of the Waco stop: the Dr Pepper Museum; and we will give Magnolia a little bit more time.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorAirforce GraduationTraveler

    Texas Bike Ride

    June 15, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    LET THE VACATION BEGIN!!!

    Texas! Cooper Lake State Park near Sulpher Springs Texas - just 127 miles inside the state border.

    We know we are vacationing when we unload the bikes. After an early start in Collierville and a long day of driving (that didn't really seem that long because we were having fun), we got here with time to get in a bike ride.

    Right off the bat, My Lovely spots a ROAD RUNNER! I missed it, but I didn't miss the opportunity to share a little bit of stupid trivia (a coyote can outrun a road runner - if only he could avoid the anvil %$@#?).

    The plan for this ride is to take the bikes to a trailhead and hike the trail -- but then the plan changes. We got to the trailhead, and My Lovely sees that bikes are allowed on the trail.

    Weeeeeell, a newfound favorite (after our trip to Gulf Shores), is trail riding.

    Dipping our toes in seems like the prudent thing here. The trail looks to be a bit more rustic, and there has been a recent rain, but we gotta do this. We ain't too old for this.

    Off we go - but "Slow is Pro". There were a few tricky spots, and you never knew what was around the corner, which made this ride totally fun.

    We got a little muddy. My Lovely is definitely "Sugar and Spice" but fortunately not always "Everything Nice". She not only rolls with the punches, but this is her type of adventure.

    We saw a paw print that may have belonged to a really big cat - I mean BIG CAT (see the pic).

    In addition to the mud, gravel, and bumpy tree roots in the paths, there were some beautiful meadows, interesting trees, and an awesome mushroom (again, see the photo).

    Such a nice start to the trip. A little wash down on the bikes, and the next adventure awaits.    Read more

  • Amy and Pat TaylorAirforce GraduationTraveler

    The Preamble - The Drive to Texas

    June 15, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Long drive, but very pleasant. We were lucky with only a smidgen of rain.

    I spent most of the trip writing a final BMT letter to Jacob and planning a possible Christmas skiing trip with the boys (if the stars were to align.

    Our letter highlights the level of pride we have for what Jacob has endured in BMT as well as what he has accomplished (Honor Grad. ..only 4 in his flight, 50 total out of almost 800 . ) Sharpshooter - the only perfect score) as well as how he has handled himself, the letter writing, the introspection, the big brother reaching out a hand to Sam, the sharing of his journey.

    As always a pleasant, easy and peaceful drive with My Lovely.    Read more

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