Fall Colors and Geocaching!

On a sunny Saturday in October, we took a trip up to the top of the Grand Mesa to see the fall colors, and to try our hand at finding a few geocaches.  Although most of the trees had dropped their leaves already, we had a great time finding caches!

Here's Hayleigh finding the first cache of the day.  This one was pretty easy to spot.

A view of a valley as we climb up to the top of the Mesa.  I think it's looking north.  But, I'm directionally challenged so who really knows?  I just like the view, and the white mountain peak down below.  It's not covered in snow, the rock is just white.  Pretty awesome looking, when all the other cliffs and peaks are reddish.

James finding the second cache of the day.  This one was a bit more challenging, only because we had to hike off trail a bit.  This was hidden by an old split rail type fence.  

One of the few aspen shots we took.  This area was one of two where we found a bunch of trees still with leaves.  I love how the gold in the leaves contrasts with the brilliant blue sky.

Heading to our next geocache, we spotted this small stand of  bright gold aspens surrounded by pine trees.  

The road loops around and climbs up, so this is looking down on that same stand of trees.

A view out across the valley below.  The white mountain is in the distance.

Our next stop was Island Lake, one of many lakes that adorn the top of the Mesa.  

And then we were off to find our next cache!

This one was hidden in a small stand of tall fir trees, a short hike from the road.  It was called 'Nice Place', and it's name was fitting!  

Our next cache... This one was our favorite of the day.  It's called 'Where's the Beach?'...

It's a shark, hanging in the tree!  

Since James and Hayleigh were finding them all, he said I could find this next one...

 I found it because he pointed it out to me!  He's pretty good at this!

This made me laugh... Here in Colorado, we don't fix the roads, we just let you know the road's damaged!

And, our final cache of the day... This one took a while to find, because you have to be little to see it!

I stood in this spot for a while trying to find it, and Hayleigh came over and spotted it right away.  Pays to be short sometimes!

And, thus, our day came to a close.  Next year we have to head up in the middle of September, even if it is still 90 degree weather in Fruita!  We did have a fun day geocaching and finding trails we want to hike.  We love exploring western Colorado!  And, as for geocaching, I think we're hooked!