The night was wet and windy. The tent leaked. Oliver shook with the cold. It was not the best of first nights for an extended trip like this.

From Stunner Pass campground, we took NF250 down through Jasper, passing many a wide meadow along the Alamosa Creek. Yet again, a drive of 40 miles took most of the day since I stopped, stretched, took photos and drank a beer with my picnic lunch.

That afternoon the dogs ran free, no one was about, the roads were empty and wildlife hid in the trees.