Conflict at the Crystal Kangaroo

At first we were thrilled to be at the Crystal Kangaroo Campground, but after a few days, we were insulted and asked to leave because our RV is "unsightly" and all the neighbors were allegedly up at the office complaining about "all the stuff" in our windows. (Read:  small decals from my colleges, and the visible boxes in the front seat.)  Don't people have their own lives to worry about?

Needless to say, I took my money back and we left immediately.  The nerve!  Now, let's take a good look at the campground that was so perfect that we were considered an eyesore.

This tower whose purpose is unknown is padlocked and the steps have been removed.  It is falling apart, with extensive holes in the floor and ceiling and of course it sports that bea-ooo-ti-ful antique television antenna.

And there was a perfectly lovely swimming pool (heated, according to Internet research), filled with weeds and a layer of algae growing out of its crumbling walls.

And when we tire of swimming, we can have lunch al fresco in the perfect picnic grounds.

A short hike up the hill brings us to the (once) magnificent greenhouse, fallow now and filled with weeds like the pool.  What I wouldn't give to have a greenhouse like this on our own property...

A walk along the creek brings us to a very nice deck, where one could take in the sights and sounds of nature.  But although still sturdy, it is clear this has not been cared for for a long time.

And I don't think our RV stands out as an eyesore in this park.

To be fair to the land, though, this is a beautiful spot, filled with wildlife and I did get some lovely pictures. This first one is my favorite because it looks lonely and begged to be in sepia-tone.

And the views of Garden of the Gods were spectacular:

Bear scat.

I went for a walk one morning and found evidence of bears.

Bear print.

There was also a herd of mule deer grazing fearlessly throughout the campground.  Squirrels, raccoons, and other small mammals clearly lived there as well.








There were also tracks of rabbit, deer, and numerous birds.

Magpie and Mountain Bluebird

Magpie and Stellar's Jays

And this beautiful bubbling creek was the star of the show.