camping Archives - Tena Stetler

Oct 26th Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Travel Tuesday

Glad you stopped by grab a peanut butter cookie and a mug of hot chocolate. Then take a peek at our Travel Tuesday featuring Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado one of our very favorite camping spots.

Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado spans the Continental Divide and encompasses protected mountains, forests and alpine tundra. It’s known for Trail Ridge Road and the Old Fall River Road, drives that wind up majestic mountain scenery, pass tall aspen trees and rushing rivers. Trail Ridge Road is a beautiful drive, but not for the faint of heart. Sheer drop offs and hair pin turns are the norm, but well worth the drive. The Keyhole Route, a climb crossing vertical rock faces, leads up Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain. One of my favorite hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park, is the trail surrounding Bear Lake which offers views of the peaks, and the flora and fauna are lush and beautiful. There are benches along the lake’s trail to relax and enjoy the view. Trails leading to Emerald Lake and Mirror Lake are a little more of an exhilarated hike, but well worth it.

In the winter snow shoeing around Bear Lake and other areas is wonderful. Cross country skiing areas are also available. We went up there for a day trip for my birthday in January and had a fantastic time.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National in Colorado is one of our favorite camping destinations. The sites are primitive, meaning no electric, sewer, or water. There is water available throughout the campground just not at the sites. But still if you are prepared to dry camp, it is a beautiful serene spot. Where we usually park there is a full meadow out our front door. Great viewing of elk, moose, bear, and deer. We had an eight point bull elk wander right into our site. Quite a surprise when I opened up the front door to him standing not more than three feet from me. Our dog had an absolute fit, which in turn caused our parrot to scream a warning, but the elk didn’t seem to mind. Eventually, he went on his way.

A quick gander at my featured read this week, Mystic Maples! A great escape from the winter doldrums! While you’re here, take a look at my paranormal romance/mysteries.

Earth/Fire witch Mercy Rose’s insatiable curiosity always gets her in trouble. After a break-in at her Colorado flower shop, and a court battle that comes to a screeching halt in her favor, she arrives at Deerbourne Inn for a much-needed getaway. Looking for peace and quiet, she finds just the opposite in a startling handsome but mysterious man and his dog.

Silvanus Forrest’s gypsy/fae heritage is a double-edged sword. The land he inherited from his parents is rumored to be enchanted. But when Mercy discovers the truth, his well-ordered life unravels, and they’re catapulted into the past to right a wrong. Along the way their lives intertwine, and they discover the true meaning of family and love. Will they change the past in time to save their future?

A peek between the pages of Mystic Maples: The hook.

It was a beautiful summer evening lit by a full moon. What harm could come from simply popping over to Mystic Maples, digging my toes into the earth and see if there is any truth to the rumors? She shrugged. Sis wouldn’t have told me about it, if she hadn’t thought it worth investigating. Right?

She toed off her shoes, pulled off her socks and straightened. With a snap of her fingers she left the room without a sound and landed smack dab at the edge of the maple trees. Glancing around, she could see the house in the distance and the outline of the sign. “Good, I’m in the right place.” She wandered farther in among the trees, the dirt beneath her feet was cool. Wiggling her toes deeper into the earth, she felt the warmth of the day and something else—a connection.

Several trees had a slight glow to them, then it was gone. Am I imagining…She raised her arms out from her sides and turned her face to the starlit sky letting the magic surge through her. It had been almost a year since magic of any kind called to her. It felt so good, she was lost in the moment.

Suddenly a male voice broke through her revelry. “What are you doing here?”

Her heart thundered in her chest. She hadn’t heard a sound. Yet, there he was standing not three feet from her, hands on hips, and glaring at her.

Until next week, don’t sweat the small stuff, and remember it’s all small stuff! LOL

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged camping, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, RVIng, Tena Stetler, Travel Tuesday by Tena Stetler with 2 comments.

Dec 29th 2021 My Favorite Photos – Part Two

Take a peek at the second installment of 2021 My Favorite Photos. Though 2021 was a very rough year, we still managed to get in camping and enjoying the beauty nature offers. Which resulted in some of 2021 my favorite photos. Do you have favorite photos taken in 2021? Share in the comments, please.

Fireworks from Fort Carson as seen from our campsite at Cheyenne Mountain State Park . A great concert accompanied the fireworks!

Wow! After the pounding rain and thunder storm a bright rainbow emerges just over our fifth wheel in Cheyenne Mountain State Park

So quiet and beautiful view from our riverside campsite in Pleasant Valley RV Park in Howard, Colorado. Lots of wildlife, ducks, geese and various others to watch. Our visit there was September 0f 2021. Perfect weather too. LOL

Leaf Peeping in the Rocky Mountains near Cripple Creek, Colorado, end of September 2021. Such gorgeous colors. A really cute little path through the aspens it was wide enough for at ATV but not a one ton truck.

Halloween my favorite time of year. Pumpkins we craved and the little one we grew ourselves. No idea why it was so small. LOL

Time to put your feet up and relax with an audiobook A WITCH’S QUANDARY. Be whisked away from your ordinary world in to a fantasy, romance, mystery adventure. you may never want to leave.

A Broken Engagement leads to the discovery of stolen magic and malice with a little blackmail mixed in. Can they weather the storm?

Gale’s engagement is off because she refuses to leave her thriving business in Ireland to follow Dillon to Scotland. Her family and friends are on the emerald isle. Yet, when Dillon returns with the whole story and asks for her help, she must follow her heart.

Becoming a Solicitor, then partner in the family law firm was never Dillon’s dream. Now it’s his nightmare. Called to Scotland, his father demands he take his rightful place in the firm or be disowned and disinherited. Something is terribly amiss in the firm and family.

During Gale and Dillon’s investigation, they discover the enforcer for the Demon Overlord is also delving into rumors the firm is acting illegally. Magic has been stolen, someone is being blackmailed, and a member of the Witch’s council is corrupt. If Gale and Dillon want a life together in Ireland, they have to unearth secrets threatening to destroy the firm and family in Scotland.

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A Witch's Quandary, Aspens, Audiobook, camping, Favorite photos 2021, FIreworks, jack-o-lantern, Paranormal Romance/Mystery, pumpkins, rainbow, RV Park, Tena Stetler by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.

Jan 19th Steamboat Lake, Colorado Destination For Travel Tuesday

I hope your New Year is off to a fantastic start. This week Travel Tuesday takes a peek at Steamboat Lake, Colorado.

Kayaks parked for the night a campfire started for dinner and s’mores.

Lake surface smooth as glass.

I can’t wait for warmer weather and camping/RVing. We have to make our reservations six months in advance to get spots in Colorado’s State Parks. So guess what I’ve been doing? LOL We spend most of our weekends from spring to fall traveling around in search of a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. This year I thought it’d be nice to share the places that we’ve enjoyed.

Steamboat Lake is one of the true jewels of Colorado. Steamboat Lake State Park has something special for everyone. Whatever your preference, well-deserved relaxation and recreation awaits you. We love kayaking on the lake. Especially along the no wake areas. Early morning and at dusk, you can find an amazing amount of wildlife lakeside in the deep grass or on the shore.. Blue Herons, ducks, a variety of fish, and river otters just to name a few.

Hahn’s, Peak frames the breathtaking scenery of Steamboat Lake State Park offering family fishing, camping, picnicking, trail and boat recreational opportunities. A full-service marina and swim beach provide amenities for active water play.

Several campgrounds inside the state park provide a relaxing area, and great views around the lake offering a spectacular opportunity to immerse yourself in the clean, crisp air and true Rocky Mountain living.

Winter comes alive with snowmobiling, ice fishing, and peaceful cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Ten camper cabins down by the marina welcome adventurers for a cozy night.

Full Moon Reflection over the lake

Serenity

Dawn Mist

Flora at lake’s Edge

Kayaking with the pup.

Great Blue Heron

I hope you’ve enjoyed this first installment of my Travel Tuesday Blog and will return week after week to see where we’ll be next. I’d love to know what you think. Please share in the comments.

Winter doldrums got you down? Escape into a heart warming fantasy Mystic Maples for only 99 cents!

Earth/Fire witch Mercy Rose’s insatiable curiosity always gets her in trouble. After a break-in at her Colorado flower shop, and a court battle that comes to a screeching halt in her favor, she arrives at Deerbourne Inn for a much-needed getaway. Looking for peace and quiet, she finds just the opposite in a startling handsome but mysterious man and his dog.

Silvanus Forrest’s gypsy/fae heritage is a double-edged sword. The land he inherited from his parents is rumored to be enchanted. But when Mercy discovers the truth, his well-ordered life unravels, and they’re catapulted into the past to right a wrong. Along the way their lives intertwine, and they discover the true meaning of family and love. Will they change the past in time to save their future?

Posted in My Say What Blog, Travel Tuesday and tagged camping, Colorado, Full Moon, Relaxing, RVIng, Steamboat Lake, Travel by Tena Stetler with 7 comments.

Dec 26th Travel Tuesday-Coming in January! Camping Fun Galore!

Coming in January, Travel Tuesday. Posts about our adventures along with Taco parrot, Mystic chow and Sammie turtle camping, traveling, a favorite places to camp like Steamboat Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Lake Tahoe and the Grand Tetons.

Published weekly or every other depending on my deadline schedule. Don’t miss Travel Tuesday! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year where hind sight really is 2020! LOL

Steamboat Lake, Colorado just before sunset

Lake Tahoe among the lodge pole pines. Zephyr Cove.

Rocky Mountain National Park turning of the Aspen trees.

Camping anyone?

Looking for Tuesday Travel adventures without leaving home? Be swept away from your ordinary world into a fantasy romance with a touch of mystery you’ll never want to leave. A Demon’s Witch Series or A Witch’s Journey Series will fit the bill! Take a peek.