Mi amigo on Phil’s with the Sleeping Ute Mountain in the background.
Since our last trip to Cortez we’ve been wondering if it was really that great? And was Phil’s World really that much fun? Maybe it was just that our stop before Cortez was so disappointing, that anything was going to feel great. As time goes by the tales grow taller and the memories fonder. You are almost afraid to go back for fear of it not living up to the pedestal you’ve place it upon.
Those were silly thoughts! If anything, Phil’s World was even better than I remembered. We wish we could magically transport all of our mountain bike friends so we could share the joy together. The group would be so high, and not from legal marijuana, but from feeding off each other’s endorphins, laughs, beers, and camaraderie.
This was originally going to be a four-night stop, but after one day we added three more to make it a lucky seven. The KOA Cortez is an extremely well ran business. It’s not often any operation impresses us. They are very detail oriented. And do all the little things correct, like remembering names. It’s a pleasure to give them our money, coming from me there’s no higher praise.
Last year was not a fluke.
Amelia with Shawn & Bernie, the two brothers that own the KOA Cortez.
One of the sweetest and shadiest spots at KOA Cortez. Site 28
A beautiful Rocky Mountain Penstemon on the Boggy Draw Trail outside of Dolores, 20 minutes from Cortez. I absolutely love this pic, perhaps my all time favorite.
Amelia clearing The Elbow on Phil’s.
Not everything is Buffy Saint-Marie at Phil’s, especially when you get to some of the outer loops like Ledges.
A Palmer’s Penstemon in Mesa Verde National Park.
Just another beautiful meadow. Maverick’s Loop, Boggy Draw area.
I really can’t tell you why, but I get the biggest kick out of watching everyone get a golf cart escort to their site. It’s like a parade every afternoon. Different folks, different RV’s, license plates from everywhere. It’s a great way to pass the late afternoon early evening, after a morning bike ride and nap!
One last observation, either we ran into a lot of people behind the times, or god forbid, fanny packs are coming back.
Okay, the Cortez blog was all done, I was going to review it once more and then post it. The next thing you know a crazy wind came busting through the campground. We had a bunch of laundry on hangars hanging on the awning. I’m yelling at Amelia, she’s half dressed, (not just out of the shower, but recently out of the shower) with all my might I’m holding on to the awning. She comes out to help and then all hell breaks loose. CRASH, the rear kitchen window shatters into a million pieces.
Ugh, it was such a great day.
Damn!
What a huge mess, glass everywhere.
Jim, a great asset to this KOA, was on the spot to help out. Bernie brought a shop vac over, and an old golf cart windshield. Jim helped “install” the windshield and left me with a roll of duct tape and some cardboard.
Amelia and Jim in front of our janky rear window. We were raving about this place before this accident, now we are really raving about it. Great people that really helped us out.
Monday morning we will make a few phone calls, but the remainder of the trip is up in the air.
Stay tuned…
Greg & Amelia's Airstream Adventures 
bummer! otherwise sounds like Cortez was awesome!
Freaking out over the smashed window! Glad you both (the 3 of you) are ok! Cortez sounds great!
Where was Sara when the window exploded??? Changing her name to Dorothy and calling you Uncle Henry and Amy is now Auntie Em!
Great pictures and fun stories!
Love to you all!
Love the photo of the Pensternon on Boggy Draw Trail!! Gracias!
Oh no! I am sorry that your window broke. Hey. This is Pauline Linhart from Red Mesa, AZ. My husband, John, and I met you two at the KOA campground in Cortez, CO this summer. We just went there this past weekend again. We love that place too:). I just wanted to finally drop you a note. I don’t have any plans to visit San Diego yet. If you email me, I will send you my phone number. Thanks!