Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Colorado

We decided to do a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It was a bit of a drive but we were close enough that we just couldn’t pass it up.

Upon entering the park, the ranger checking our annual park pass greeted us with an enthusiastic, “Well hi-de ho there adventurers!” This Ranger gave us the best welcome we have received on our RV adventure. I think more conversations should begin with that phrase. If you see me in person, and I start with that phase, you’ll know where I got it from. Despite the wonderful, warm greeting, K still wasn’t in the mood for this outing today. Alas, with a family of 5, it’s nearly impossible to please everyone. On any given day/adventure/outing, at least one of us is invariably being dragged unwillingly, along for the ride.

Tomichi Point Overlook

S noticed a patch of wild oats that was covered with ladybugs.

*panoramic photo by E

Gunnison Point Overlook

I didn’t know that there were so many colors of lichen (pronounced like-in). We spent the rest of the afternoon making “like-in” jokes. “I’m really like-in this view!” You can imagine that we got a little carried away… lol!

Chasm View Overlook

K was delighted to volunteer to help the ranger model the climbing gear during the presentation.

The ranger read this great quote at the conclusion of her presentation:

Botany lesson: this is sagebrush ⤵️

*photo by E

Sunset View Overlook (obviously, not at sunset)

Isn’t this little guy the cutest thing you ever saw!?! We saw 2 adorable chipmunks near a picnic table looking for scraps. They were super skittish which is great news! Let’s keep wildlife wild folks. If you care, leave it alone.

Painted Wall Overlook

It looks like God used a paintbrush to make the stripes on this canyon wall.

The kiddos have fun doing “adventure poses” whenever we go for a “walk” aka “hike”.

The kiddos found this great chaise lounge slab of granite.

We completed our Junior Ranger workbooks and got our badges in one trip! Oftentimes, we have to make two trips or mail in our workbooks to get our badges. These workbooks are no joke! The ranger offered a choice between plastic and wooden badges, and B wanted a “shiny” one.

I’m going to conclude this post with the lyrics to one of our favorite songs, This is My Father’s World. We have seen some really awful things in the news this week and our hearts and prayers are with all who are suffering. To everyone affected in Gilroy, Southaven, El Paso, and Dayton, you have our deepest sympathies.

This is my father’s world

And to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings

The music of the spheres

This is my father’s world

The birds their carols raise

The morning light, the lily white

Declare their maker’s praise

This is my father’s world

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas

His hand the wonders wrought

This is my father’s world

Oh, let me never forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong

God is the ruler yet

This is my father’s world

He shines in all that’s fair

In the rustling grass, I hear him pass

He speaks to me everywhere