Prospector Campground Breckenridge July 1-5, 2023

We camped at Prospector Campground that sits right next to Dillon Reservoir.  We were right next to Breckenridge, Keystone, Dillon, and Frisco.  The drive up on July 1st took forever due to traffic.  We all had to stop to go potty and Lola saw that as an opportunity to eat 3 of our breakfast burritos.
We were circled by Swan Mountain.  They allow paddle boards and kayaks in the reservoir but no swimming.  The water temperature is about 42 degrees.
We were sitting at about 9,000 feet of elevation in the White River National Forest.  There were so many things to do that we felt like we could have stayed there forever.
Because I made our campground reservation in January, we got a pretty nice spot with lots of shade.  A lot of trees had to be cut down because of pine beetle infestation.
Our campground had easy access to Old Dillon Reservoir trail  which has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. The Old Dillon Reservoir was built in the 1930s to supply water to the original town of Dillon, which is now covered by the new Dillon Reservoir. 
Marion, Carly, Camilla, and I all had a blast exploring this trail and collected wood for our campfire.
Camilla loved making shadows on the ground with me and Lola.
Since the kids and I camped here 5 years ago, we had to take a picture in the same spot.  It is crazy how much they have grown!
On the 2nd day, Marion, Carly, Lola, and I went paddle boarding in Dillon Reservoir while everyone else mountain biked.
The Dillon reservoir supplies water for the City of Denver. 
It was a bit windy so we couldn't stand up, but we loved trying to paddle through the waves.
The mountain views were spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.  
There are 10 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation.
We went into Breckenridge and had dinner at Breckenridge Brewery.  Of course everyone was there for 4th of July weekend but I had so much fun people watching.
I loved to walk around at night and get pictures of the sunset.
You’ll be greeted by a colony of chipmunks scrabbling among the rocks at Sapphire Point.
Sapphire Point shows off Colorado in spades, with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks.
We hung out there for a while to feed the chipmunks and enjoy the view.
It was very hot up there.  I feel like there are only 2 temperatures in the mountains, Hot and Cold.
Grandpa Tom came up to visit us and made the trip so much fun.
He brought his kayak and we went to the other side of Dillon Reservoir to launch at Blue River Arm.
While we were all out there paddling, we heard a loud scream and we saw Marion and Camilla got tipped over.  Camilla jumped back on the board upside down and let Marion freeze.  I went over with my paddle board and Grandpa went on the other side with his kayak so we could help Marion up.  She was such a good sport and laughed about it.  Sadly, Marion's phone didn't survive.
The water was so blue and clear.
Lola has become so comfortable on the paddle board that she just jumps right on without permission.
Connor broke one of our paddles because he is just too strong.
Afterwards, we went into town and bought rolled ice cream at Stir Pan Creamery.
Then we walked down and got all of the stuff for Connor and I to race in the Independence Day 10k.
I had asked the whole family if anyone wanted to do the race with me and Connor said, "Sure!"
Neither one of us were really trained for the race but we were both excited to see the beautiful views.
It was absolutely breathtaking views on the run race course.  It made up for the 1,200 feet if climbing we had to do.
After the race, we went to the 4th of July Parade and also saw the start of the mountain bike race, Firecracker 50, which supposedly takes about 5 hours to complete.
Lloyd said him and the kids will do the mountain bike race next year, so it looks like Breckenridge might be our continued destination for the 4th of July.
The girls absolutely adore their Aunt Marion and think she is the coolest Aunt.

Connor beat me at the trail race by 3 minutes.  He said that we can't really compare anymore because males are so much bigger and stronger than females.  I agree!

The 50-mile Summit County trail system was perfect for me to road bike on.  The first day I biked up to Saphire Point.  The second day I biked to Breckenridge and the third day I biked to Silverthorne.

We spent so much time sitting around the campfire and enjoying each others company.
The kids all know how to set up their own tents, start a fire, cook on the stove, collect firewood, and take everything down.
It is bittersweet for me that I have passed the love of camping down to my entire family.  
Lola now has her own coat, lifejacket, tent, and sleeping bag.
Lola loves camping the most because she gets so much more food than she does at home.

 

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