After a big hike at the needles we shot back into Colorado to check out Mesa Verde National Park were we got to see how the native Americans used to live -in the side of the big ass mountains (cliff dwellings). A big day required a big american shake to cool us down...

Wow the Rocky Mountains are impressive. Awesome day hikes with grand vistas over the national park and hidden lakes tucked away high in the mountains, eating breakfast with massive elks, swimming in the freezing cold river (for about 5 seconds), original dude ranches (including the prohibition home brew kits) and amazing driving up to the peak and through the park. This place is very cool.

Our first footy (soccer) game had to be FC Dallas as we didn't get the chance to catch them over in Texas. Colorado Rapids hosted a very tame game of footy which ended 1-1. Great fun though tailgating and sitting with the Dallas fans... Aaron's tasting notes - the local Denver Pale Ale by Great Divide Brewing Company was a perfect refreshment for the game.

More awesome hiking around the very impressive Garden of the Gods Park.

Our first National Park - plenty of sand but no water. Huge sand dunes randomly located at the foot of the mountains. Great fun but super hard work hiking up those bad boys...