Colorado Continued

Even though Colorado got off to a "rocky"  start (yeah, I know...), it ended up being one of my favorite places.  There is something majestic about seeing the mountains on the horizon. I really wanted to see the Hanging Lake, but was disappointed to see the "no dogs"  sign.  The sign gave a short explanation for why they didn't allow dogs.  After some consideration I decided that Porter was not a risk for any of their reasons- and we had come this far so my mountain goat-dog and I trekked the uphill trail to the top of the mountain.  Totally worth the risk- the lake was stunning.  On the way down I noticed that my newly acquired sun glasses had fallen out of my pocket.  I couldn't believe it.  So all the way back down the mountain I stopped each passerby to ask if they had seen them.  Nothing.  As a last resort I made a couple of lost sunglasses signs and left them just outside of the restrooms.  With low expectations of ever seeing them again I set off for Boulder.  About half way there my phone rang- someone found them.  I don't think I've ever thanked anyone so many times in such a short time before.  Even better? they lived near Boulder and were going to be available the next day.  That's twice on this trip that people have gone out of their way to help me out.  In Boulder we stayed with extended family who happened to be able to take us in on a last minute request. I've never met such a friendly and kind hearted couple as Cindy and Dave. Thanks to our amazing new hosts, Porter and I went to see the Garden of the Gods and ventured all the way up to 14,000 ft on the summit of Pikes Peak.   I was almost sad to leave Colorado, but then I got into Utah.  It's not quite as majestic but just as breathtaking to be surrounded by mountains.  Right now Porter and I are sitting in a local dog friendly coffee shop where I thought I'd just sit and catch up on "Walking Dead" while I enjoyed a latte. I should have known that Porter would be a conversation starter though, because everyone wanted to meet him and eventually one person decided it might be cool to say hello to me as well.  This person happens to be moving to Washington soon, so I've already got a familiar face to look forward to.  Small world, huh?