Coaldale Colorado

We left Colorado Springs on the way to Great Sand Dunes National Park but since that is about 4 hours from where we were, we decided to stay about 2 1/2 hours away at Bighorn RV campground in a small place called Coaldale. Coaldale is southwest of Colorado Springs at an elevation of 6,550 ft. We followed 115 to US 50 passing Canon City through the Royal Gorge where the headwaters of the Arkansas river run.
Leaving Colorado Springs, we left behind fresh powder snow - it was not cold, being easterners, we think of snow as being cold (one would think?) but, the sun was out and we were in short sleeves.

It was a leisurely drive along route 50 and there are small towns along the way and the beautiful mountain backdrop.

The road lead between the mountains where the headwaters of the Arkansas River begin and there are numerous rafting outfitters - yet the river does not seem deep enough to do this here. The river is swift but at this time shallow and very rocky. It is a beautiful river hard next to the road with train tracks then hard against the river and then the mountain,

The land is sandy and rocky here with only pines and scrubby cactus along the hills. We saw no livestock raising here! The train tracks have grass growing on them and although there used to apparently be a scenic train through here, not anymore. That is a shame because it would have been an outstanding ride through the gorge. There are places where cars are on the tracks, orphaned and/or stored.

There were places we stopped to pick up some of the red sandstone and have a look at the flora. This is a scrubby cactus with many thorns but it does bloom.

Before arriving at Bighorn RV park, we saw the bighorn sheep. Here are a few pictures, they are wild but notice the tag on one - the herd is managed.

Catch and release is allowed in the campground which is adjacent to the Arkansas river. Buddy was at it again trying to catch something! Fishing across america!

There were geese along the river and in the air.

There is a tree at the river bank that I have never seen before and I do not know what it is - if I can find someone to ask before leaving here I sure would like to know. It is only us, another camper and the camp host here tonight and we leave in the morning for the Great Sand Dunes National Park. If anyone recognizes this tree - please say! 

That's it from Coaldale Colorado - Happy Easter everyone!