Dogs allowed Archives - Tena Stetler

Jun 20th Camping- Colorado’s Mueller State Park

After promoting the spectacularly-fun and successful release of my fifth book, A Warlock’s Secrets, second in the Demon’s Witch Series, which culminated on June 14, 2017, it was time for Mueller State Park, and a camping trip to reset my circadian timing, it was off just a skoosh! Spending quality time with family, friends and pets (yep took our parrot, Taco, Chow dog, Mystic, and Sammie the box turtle) can recharge your mental and physical batteries. Besides you sleep better in the great outdoors. It’s a proven scientific fact, you know.

Our absolutely excellent camp site was toward the back of Mueller State Park up on a hill with lots of room to roam! The sunset was fantastic, setting the azure sky ablaze in orange, red and yellow fading to purple and blue fringing the few scattered high clouds. We didn’t get any sunset pictures because hubby and I were at the star-gazer program in Mueller park’s visitor center’s parking lot! Dang it! Knowledgeable individuals set up several telescopes for us to see the stars. Saturn and its moons were breath-taking. The speaker told us to follow the arc to Arcturus, the fourth brightest star in the night sky, and drive a spike to Spica. It’s a star mnemonic to remember the stars locations. LOL And of course we located the popular Ursa Major and Ursa Minor better known as Big and Little Dipper and several other constellations. Astronomy is one of several interests my hubby and I share.

The next morning, after letting Sammie out for a bit, we hiked the newly opened to dogs trail starting at Grouse Mountain Trailhead. We were pleased to discover nearly a month into the trial of dogs on the trail at Mueller, the path was pristine, no trash, and no uh…mmm… deposits left by canines. The sign-in sheets at the trailhead were overflowing with signatures of people from all over the country enjoying the beautiful scenery with their dogs.

After a fun day of hiking, we cooked hot dogs and brats, plus baked beans over the campfire. No the beans didn’t fall through the grates; we put them in a pan. LOL Then we sat back and listened to the chirping crickets, scurry of possible foxes or deer in the underbrush, and the far off yips of coyotes, as we roasted marshmallows for s’mores. In the star strewn sky, the Milky Way along with several of the constellations was clearly visible. We even spotted a few satellites zipping across the sky and one falling star. Star bright, star light, first star we see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight. Made a wish. No wonder camping is good for you!

Sunday was Father’s Day, Mystic and Taco attempted to assist hubby in preparing breakfast of fried eggs, cinnamon rolls, hash browns and orange juice. Yup, he likes to cook while we’re camping, so I let him. Then it was time to pack up and return to the cement jungle. Sigh.

Upon arriving home, we discovered a baby wren stuck in our backyard porch light. Hubby got out the ladder, dismantled the light fixture to release the little bird to its noisily awaiting flock and parents. So glad we got home when we did, poor little guy was scared to death.

Well, there you have it… our adventures of Father’s Day weekend. I hope you all had a great Father’s Day. Check back next week for more adventures! LOL Have a great week!

Posted in My Say What Blog and tagged A Warlock's Secrets, astronomy, box turtle, camping, chow, constellations, Demon's Witch Series, Dogs allowed, Eclectus, Father's Day, Fifth wheel, Mueller State Park, parrot by Tena Stetler with 3 comments.

May 30th Cheyenne Mountain State Park Camping! Where’d You Go?

We had a relaxing and fun Memorial Day Weekend. Spent it camping in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. We arrived on Friday afternoon, set up our fifth wheel, put out the camp chairs and went for a hike. Most trails in the park are an easy and fun hike. Upon returning to the campsite we started a blazing campfire roasted hot dogs and brauts then later marshmallows for S’mores. A little guitar music as we enjoy the city lights.

The next day Mother Nature rained all over us, but we were not deterred. Morning hike then chased inside where it was popcorn and movie night. Yep, that’s why we camp in a fifth wheel trailer. The rest of the weekend was sunny and warm, steaks over the campfire with baked potatoes. Then S’mores of course. Perfect camping weather! Now the wonderful news!

I’m so excited, finally all my letters, forms in suggestion boxes, and answers to surveys for the Colorado State Parks & Wildlife system were answered! Yippee! Colorado State Parks & Wildlife Department is doing a three month trial allowing dogs on certain trails in Cheyenne Mountain State Park and Mueller State Park. That little tidbit made our day as well as our dog’s! In Cheyenne Mountain State Park as of June 1^st dogs are allowed on these trails Acorn Alley, Bobcat Way and Raccoon Ridge. The trails connect to park’s campground, where dogs are already allowed.

In Mueller State Park, as of June 1st dogs will be allowed on portions of Homestead Trail and Black Bear Trail leading out of the campground.

The trial period could be extended into the winter, if it’s deemed a success. Of course it will be a success! Even better, it could become a permanent policy. Music to our dog’s ears! We have been advocating for allowing dogs on Colorado State Park trails for years. Steamboat Lake already allows dogs on their trails and we love it!

The caveat is visitors with dogs MUST pick up after their dogs, bag stations have been installed, so there is no excuse. It’s completely in our hands to see it’s a success! We got this.

There is nothing more exciting than hiking a trail with your canine companion. So PLEASE, pick up after your pets. If you see someone who needs a little nudge to pick up after their dog, hand them a bag and say THANKS! Let’s make this a permanent policy.

***Next week – We take a look at the Great Horned Owl family that have taken up residence in the Lowes Home Improvement Center in University Village Shopping Center in Colorado Springs! Don’t miss it!