Our first stop was at the Georgetown Loop railroad. A beautiful ride - and not too long. A lot of history.
The reason it's called the Georgetown Loop is because the valley it runs up is too steep to go straight, but too narrow to do switchbacks. So they created a loop where it goes around and then crosses over itself, as you can see in the following photo.
Then on we went toward Glenwood Springs. The next morning, we took a GORGEOUS hike up to Hanging Lake. It was only a couple miles to the top, but they were pretty treacherous miles... full of rocks and steep grades. Oh, but it was SOOOOO worth it!
There were plenty of places to stop for a rest...
But not for long, as this is what was waiting for us when we reached the top:
Needless to say, photos would never do it justice. On the way down, we were so proud to pass all the people going up who would look at little Maddox and say, "He made it all the way to the top?" to which we smiled and said, "Yes, all by himself!"
The trip down also brought about a hiking mascot. Morgan held him for a long time until he finally felt comfortable enough to come out.
Okay, enough of that gorgeous hike... we've got lots more to do. We took a trip up to Adventure Park and found something new this time - a Spelunking Box! This thing was wild - a huge "box" with slat sides so you can see in/out, and it's basically a maze to train people how to go caving... or to see if they can HANDLE it! 
I was small enough to be able to do it, but I didn't get 3 feet in there before I made the kids behind me get back out so I could escape! I could already feel my heart pounding and didn't want to get in the middle of it and panic!
The boys (all 3) loved it, though, and went through it many times.
While at the park, we also tried out some mechanical bull riding!
After the park, we took a swim in the hot springs... what a GORGEOUS place...
And then we had a special dinner for the birthday boy.
Our last adventure for this trip was to rent some bikes and go for a fun ride through the canyon. The original plan was for the older boys to ride a tandem, me ride solo, and Michael to pull Maddox in a trailer. Well, the tandem was too big for the older boys - and even too big for me in the front, so the only way it would work was for Michael to pilot the tandem, which forced me to pull the trailer. Whew! Let's just say I burned a few calories that day... been a long time since I pulled a kiddo on a bike.
Overall, a wonderful, wonderful trip... like all of ours usually are!Michele
sounds like a fabulous trip! You all look so relaxed and happy
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