2012 Year in Review

In late May, early June we took a European river cruise.  It was truly a 'trip of a lifetime' and couldn't have been more wonderful.  We flew into Paris and back home from Prague.  We saw lots of river towns, each with its own castle.

We stopped at the American Cemetery and Memorial in Luxembourg where over 5000 Americans are buried.  It was a heartbreaking experience.

After returning to the states, we left for our summer RV travels in the middle of the June heat so we zoomed uphill to Flagstaff, then east to New Mexico.  On the way we stopped at Petrified Forest NP with its lovely petrified wood . . .

And Painted Desert.

After enjoying some time in historic Santa Fe, we moved to Antonito, CO, to ride the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.  What fun!

 Then it was on to one of my favorite places, Salida, Colorado, where we hung out awhile.  But the next calendar picture is Clear Creek Reservoir, north of there.

Eleven Mile Canyon in central Colorado was well worth a visit..

And we explored the always impressive Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.

During our stay in Denver, we drove up Mt. Evans which is known for two things.   It's the highest paved road in North America and it is populated with very tame mountain goats.

We spent a total of two months in Colorado, so Ron purchased a fishing license.  Here we were staying right along the Colorado River.

We hiked up to scenic Lake Agnes.

Next we moved on to Utah where we enjoyed six weeks, beginning with Flaming Gorge NRA.

We admired the foliage at Fish Lake.

We finally made it to Cedar Breaks National Monument.

And we enjoyed hiking and biking in Zion National Park.

We rounded out the year with Thanksgiving at Kelli's in San Diego and Christmas in Yuma with the WINs.