Trip #71 (2): To New York and Beyond (CT)

August 11 – September 9 , 2015
5700 Miles

Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut
Bents Old Fort, CO
Santa Fe Trail Ruts, KS
Dodge City, KS
Fort Scott, KS
Cuba, Hicks BBQ, MO
Graftons Amish Village, IN
Airstream Factory, Jackson Center, OH
Sirnas’ Market, OH
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, OH
East Aurora - Roycroft, NY
Watkins Glen, Finger Lakes
Seneca Lake Wineries, NY
West Hartford Mall, CT
Gettysburg Battlefield, PA
PA's Lincoln Highway (50)
Coffee Pot, Bendford, PA
Flight 93 Memorial, PA
Indianapolis 500 Museum, IN
Arrow Rock, MO
Lexington Battlefield, MO
Jesse James Home, MO
Watkins Woolen Mill, MO
Chrysler Home, Ellis KS
Boggsville, Kit Carson Home, CO

Tuesday, Aug. 11
Drove to Bent’s Fort. Camped at John Martin Reservoir. All day drive, 325+ miles

Wednesday, Aug. 12
Kansas - visit to Dodge City, and saw Santa Fe Wagon Ruts. Camped near Wichita at Cheney Reservoir, only ones in huge loop, gigantic oaks. Screaming cicadas. Warm but not killer. Loving the a/c. All day drive.

The touristy center of Dodge City, Kansas

Had to see this in Kansas!

Thursday, Aug. 13
Toured Fort Scott in east Kansas, camped in town at County Park. Neat old park, only ones there in very small campground. Again, glad for a/c.

Fort Scott restored officer's quarters.

Gunn County Park in Fort Scott. very old, like 1910...

Friday, Aug. 14
Drove awful interstates around the south of St. Louis, saw the arch from the Illinois interstate. Horrible roads, camped at Illinois' Eldon Hazlet Park. Huge park, huge lake, very busy. Another long day of driving.

Saturday, Aug. 15
Indiana, drove historic highway 50, old stagecoach road, you can tell… camped at Brown County State Park. Very old park, huge campground that was very busy. Spot given too sloped, had to re-setup in another, better spot. Long day of driving.

Actually nice enough to sit outside. At least while grilling.

Sunday & Monday, Aug. 16 - 17
Ohio - Jackson Center for Airstream factory visit, camped in the terraport. Got tour. Got some trailer tweaks. Met neighbors with similar trailer and had margs.

Tuesday & Wednesday, Aug. 18 - 19
Ohio, short drive to east of Cleveland to Punderson State Park for two nights. Again had to reset up - original site didn’t have 30 am for a/c. Pretty warm and humid here, no breeze, tried to sit outside, but ugh, went inside. Sarni’s Italian Sausage from local market, very good. Next day: Cleveland for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Great! Lunch at a trendy Taco place and then to a mall. Pretty area, hilly, country, farms, old houses.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland.

 
Thursday, Aug. 20
 Pa - NY: Went from Cleveland to Darien Lakes near Clarence in driving rain, on an interstate, pulling the trailer, along barricade walls and construction. Needless to say I think I held my breath the entire way. Darien busy and had to move spots, worthless staff at park office. Ended up moving twice for three days in one place. Got to Andreas Thursday night and met up with Becky and Tim, Maggie and all went out for delicious pizza. Came back and all helped create Barb's birthday menu ...and did laundry.

Friday, Aug. 21
Bec came to trailer at camp then we went to EA in separate cars (girls won GPS race). Bec couldn't check in yet so ran in to Bob and Cindy and went to lunch at Charlie's diner. Then the race was on to buy wine for the first surprise party at Andreas, fight traffic and be back by whenever. We did it, went to Meichenbaum house for staging… By now Vic and Bob in town, along with Mike C and Dave C and Joanna. After a short shocker that Michael H wasn't there yet, we piled into cars and drove over, walked around behind her house and with a singing alert from Vic, rounded the corner—totally caught her by surprise!

Saturday, Aug. 22
The main event, but B woke up very sick. Went to her house to check in, then went to lunch with dad, bec and bob and cindy at Brothers (sat inside on a beautiful day), then Bec drove us in her blue skate out to see the new campground to make sure it was ok. Did a little Main Street shopping , changed at the Hampton to be ready for the 5:30 surprise party at Wallenweins. Earlier I slipped in the shower and jammed my left little toe so limping around.

Happy Birthday Aunt B

Sunday, Aug. 23
Moved from Darien to Coulder Lakes to the south just 9 miles away, with a tour stop on King street so family could see trailer. Went to the Roycoft  art show and toured some of the old buildings and antiques like I always have to do. Spaghetti bash, looked around the attic, a hat photo shoot, played banagrams in teams with the kids, loudly. The peristyle was always the main gathering place.

Look, found some old hats in the attic. Just add wine...

After spaghetti Team Bananagrams!

Monday, Aug. 24
Dad came to see camp with Cindy and Bob, then we all went to Bar Bill for lunch, did some Vidler shopping. Dinner with everyone and Sue and Larry at old place in Orchard Park. Got custard on the way back, yum. Picked up knitting at B's and back to camp. Everyone whipped.

Tuesday, Aug. 25
Left for Finger Lakes thru back country roads, beautiful drives, gained some elevation. Stayed two nights at Watkins Glen State Park, can't believe he got the trailer into the spot—and a guy walked over and said "well done." But to make it easy when we left we went out the wrong way thru the loop but no problem, no oncoming traffic. Went back into and accidentally drove to the old salt mine, then after cruising around the old town saw the Cannoli Shop! Got four of the best ones I've ever had. They didn't last long.

Wednesday, Aug. 26
Did a morning walk of the park's canyon and waterfalls, very busy, not too warm but humid. Had on jeans but warmed up by the time we were done. Heavy gray skies continue. Later did three wineries, Pompous Ass, Glenora and Lakewood, stocked up with about 7 bottles or so.

Thursday, Aug. 27
Left for Connecticut, driving some country roads at first, then on to the interstate all the way. Harrowing as it was around new york city area… set up iPhone battery replacement for Saturday at Hartford mall. Camped in old neighborhood at Little City Campground in Higganum, very neat old area in a privately owned park. Went to Blue Coyote for dinner but not very hungry after our usual margarita happy hour. Neat old cemetery but never got to get into it.

Friday, Aug. 28 
In Connecticut Bill's friend PJ came over about noon and they chatted while I worked, then we all went to a late lunch at a place on the Connecticut River (Canoe Club i think), nice day to be outside.

Saturday, Aug. 29
Drove north to West Hartford to meet up with PJ for lunch at Plan B, great little place and said our goodbyes there and went to the mall. Battery and shopped at the world's slowest Macys. West Farms Mall, and it was packed. PJ mentioned an italian section so we drove more into downtown and found it, Mozzicato Bakery in an iffy neighborhood so we, of course, stocked up. This has to be the last time.

Sunday, Aug. 30
Drove from Hartford south toward coast (never saw it), busy interstate all the way to Gettysburg. 330 miles of HEAVY traffic, shitty roads and construction, and NY NJ drivers! UGH hated it, but made it in one piece thank God. Camped a half mile from Gettysburg visitor center at RV resort called Artillery Ridge. Great location, old place.

Monday, Aug. 31
After a visit to the visitor center for a CD, we did a full toured the battlefield. Monument after monument help tell the story of the Confederates attempt to get a foothold, but it wasn't to be. Dinner at Blue and Gray at the “diamond.”

At the Gettysburg National Cemetery

Gettysburg, the "High Water Mark"

Tuesday, Sept. 1
Drove the Lincoln Highway out of Gettysburg, missed the round barn store, damn. Too late to turn around without a fight... Drove a good portion of the Lincoln Highway seeing some great historic sights, and also stopped to visit the Flight 93 Memorial. Camped south of Pittsburgh at Charleroi at Pine Cove beach club, a private campground place with huge pool off the interstate. Hot out.

Pied Piper Roadside attraction of the Lincoln Highway, PA

Flight 93 Memorial wall section, with note of unborn child not in black.

Buck Creek SP

Wednesday, Sept. 2
More interstate driving, he likes it to gain ground, and fewer curves; I hate it cuz we miss everything, and did miss the Zanesville Pottery, didn’t know it was a big deal. This is why he likes driving the interstates -- truck don't stop… Got a very late start at 11 am cuz I had to work but made it to Springfield Ohio’s Buck Creek State Park, really nice, paved sites, elec $26. Too bad it's too hot to sit outside once again, but we did a short walk to see the lake. Saw some ladies feeding feral cats, some whitetail deer then eating the catfood, and a field full of robins and one bright red cardinal.


Thursday, Sept. 3
Today we toured the Indy Museum in the infield of the tracking Indianapolis. And hurrah the end of the all-day interstate. A small old-style area but packed with probably millions of dollars of winning cars! didn't take long to see but enjoyed it. It is blazing outside so museums are a prefect idea. Kept going west cuz there was time and ended up at Cecil M. Harden Lake and Raccoon State Park. We found a loop for ourselves and took the handicap spot! Far away from the campfires, which stink. People sit around campfires in 88 degree weather. Plenty of room today but they will be filled for the weekend. Tried to get to the lake thru the woods but when a skeeter was on me that was it, ran back up and out. Pretty reservoir with irregular shape, CCC work.

Friday, Sept. 4
Leaving the Raccoon Park area through farm after farm, we saw a covered bridge or two. 

Been trying to snap photos out the windows of the towns and homes. Today we toured the Lincoln Museum in Springfield. Didn't get into the library but that would have been interesting too. Upon the advice of a lady in Gettysburg who said this is the best museum she has ever seen, we decided to go, and so glad we did. The exhibits were excellent, it was like being in Disney. So many artifacts.

Lincoln's gloves the night of the assassination.

Pittsfield, IL City Park campground tonight, every other place full, a city campground. Came in the back way, on limestone rock to make a dust storm, panicked at the sight of a full campground, but a gal told us there was another loop further up. So thankfully there was a spot or two left for us. In the middle of nowhere and family-full for Labor Day. Again too hot to be outside so stayed in, cooked and watched a movie. I stayed in but apparently Bill and the trailer were the talk of the camp when he walked outside. Interviews.

Tight squeeze at the end of the bridge. Glad they waited, 3 of them.

Saturday, Sept. 5
Blazing hot by 10am as we were at the dump station… today we head toward Kansas City, and with some research and the help of History Here, I found several interesting sites and commanded a stop! Off the Interstate 70 (yes back on in parts), Arrow Rock, the location of the start of the Santa Fe Trail! And today they were having an ice cream fundraiser so we timed it perfectly: bill had lunch in the trailer and came along at exactly 2pm when the contest began -- and I went to the yarn shop (Three Irish Girls yarns discovery). Wish we had more time but it was a small place and wanted to get on to the confederate place. As it turned out, ran out of time, found a place to camp at Odessa (Country Gardens on the interstate, also a Cheese Shop), private off interstate, but paved and perfect, dinner at Mexican across the highway at the “outlet mall” and tomorrow we do the rest: Lexington Battlefield, Watkins Woolen Mill and Jesse James. Still blazing hot, not sitting outside.

Sunday, Sept. 6
Camped at Watkins Mill Campground after tour of Lexington MO Battleground historic house (didn't want to wait around for the house tour). Again blazing hot, but  after camp, drove the short 4 miles to Jesse James house, then Bill went to the lake and I toured the wool mill. I have no idea how anyone survived those 90s temps in a closed up brick mill but somehow we made it out alive, but barely. Insane heat. And they guy next to us had a smoky fire going all day and night in 90s weather. stupid.

Monday, Sept. 7
Camped at Ellis, Kansas, in a small city part, but it was on the water, elec and water AND wifi. Not bad. Very small little old RR town, and home of Chrysler boy. Saw his boyhood home. Went to the one little grocery in town and the flies kept me away from open produce…

Tuesday, Sept. 8
Camped at Martin Reservoir again (mosquito town). Drove over for a tour of Boggsville, an old Santa Fe Trail settle ment as well as Kit Carson's last home. very interesting, preserved as best they can. It was closed so we self-toured.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 - HOME!
Temps were cooling off by Alamosa, so good to be back!! And my cosmos are still just opening.

Trip #70 (1): The New New Trailer 27' International Serenity

July 7 – 21 , 2015

THE NEW NEW 27'  INTERNATIONAL SERENITY

Boise Idaho Trailer drop off and pick up: 2015 International Serenity 27 FB 
Idaho: Craters of the Moon
Montana: Bannack, Virginia City
Wyoming: Yellowstone & Grand Tetons 
Utah: highway driving...

Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Left for Idaho at 8:15 am. Drove straight through, towing the 25 for Lloyd Morris, the buyer to Ogden. Passed through Moab, only 78 degrees, overcast most of the way. At around 3pm decided to go on past Salt Lake City and fight the traffic now rather than in the morning. Stayed at a very nice Best Western with a park behind it with coy pond. Had dinner at Jeremiah's. Drove about 7 hours.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Breakfast at Taco Bell, ew, then back on the road early for another 7-hour day. Weather pretty fair, not too hot, rather boring ride through Mountain Home area. Many landmarks for Oregon Trail history which is interesting, Snake river crossings were very pretty. I’d kayak some of that smooth water. Wineries in this area but didn’t visit any, supposed to be sweet. Arrived at Airstream Northwest Adventures about 3pm or so. Found our unit in the garage getting the hitch installed. They parked our old one for Lloyd. Got to know Zonia in Service and got a room at the Best Western next door. We are in the town of Caldwell, a ranching community with a small college. Drove around to sight see, yippee, and later had dinner at a Mexican place, pretty good so ate WAY too much and to bed early. We are to meet for pickup at 10 am tomorrow.

Thursday, July 9
Bkfast with Keck family reunion at hotel, over to dealer for several hours. Got a familiarization tour from the tech, then waited for the wire transfer to complete, which it was soon. Also, Lloyd’s transfer came through around 10am as promised. This was a relief. Didn’t get out of the dealership until around 2pm, having to go back to the old one and get the last few things: license plate, boxes, hoses, etc. Finally, we are free to go and drove the whole 1.2 miles to the Ambassador RV resort for the night ($34/full). It was very hot, but the air conditioning worked well, as we tripped over each other trying to unpack. Soon we realized we needed containers, etc, so off for a three hour shopping BBB, Target, Walmart tour. Very tired, but now we have food. Didn’t finish until 11pm, and still not totally done, but at least ready to move on. Great lightning show outside as we went to bed, and fell asleep hearing a light rain hit the roof. I was out like a light…
Note to self: Dutch Brother’s Coffee. Seems to be a popular kiosk out here.

One last shot of Bill and his 25'. Had 37 trips in that trailer.

The old (left) and the new (hitched)

Before the rain.

Friday, July 10
Overcast as we left for Craters of the Moon National Monument in Carey, Idaho. Drove about 3 – 4 hours to get there. Arrived late but found a spot ($5/no hookups). Got set up,  decided to drive the 7-mile loop to see the lava (not too exciting), get back to sit outside and up comes a big storm, wind blowing the mat all over, so we get stuff put away and sit inside and have some margs and guac. Plans to grill are off so dinner was some lousy Walmart flatbread.

Saturday, July 11
Since all we’ve done is ride and eat, I forced a short walk around some trails before leaving. Interesting, but we’ve seen several of these kinds of parks before. Back on the road, heading for Bannack, Montana. Kind of a boring ride thru this part of Idaho, wide open land, no trees, ranches – a lot like the middle of New Mexico. Got on I-15 to head north to MT. Went for Bannack but being Saturday the small campgrounds at the park were full so we made a call to the KOA in Dillon ($41/full with cable in the monthlies) to hold us a spot, so we quickly ran in and out of several buildings (we were here back in 2000), snapping pics, then back out the steep way we came in. Dillon is a very small town, but had dinner at Sparky’s Diner, Bill answered Lloyd’s email about dealer suggested repairs (unnecessary), and soon bedtime. (Frenchie in camp, but we never officially met.)

"Road Agent" humor in Virgina City.

Sunday, July 12
Overcast skies in Dillon. Bill went to Ace and I’m typing this. Not sure where we are headed today, I think another ghost town, Virginia City. Pretty drive to Virginia City and Nevada City, still more ranchland but getting nicer (than Idaho). Had been to these two town about 15 years ago but not remembering V City as busy as this, or as commercial. Drove through V City and further up the road to find a nice campground with space, a nice small yet busy private campground ($31 elec and water, no sewer). Beautiful day tho windy, but was able to have a Napa Lunch, including an entire bottle of wine, which sapped the energy for the rest of the day. Bill siliconed the window seals. Then we drove to V City, walk around the shops and old buildings, then down the road to Nevada City, but now you have to pay to walk around those so forget that. But we did meet another Frenchie who surprised jumped up and gave me a kiss on the lips! How he jumped that fast with perfect aim is beyond me. Cute black and white. Drove around the mountains a little and up to Boot Hill, then back to camp for filet night and tons of vegs.

Monday, July 13
Left V City heading to Big Sky, drive getting much prettier, trees finally start beyond Gallatin Gateway. Stocked up at Rosaur’s supermarket and onto the windy, 39-mile drive on 191 to Big Sky. After Samantha gave us one wrong turn, we found Red Cliff campground ($12/electric, #16) and got a good spot just in time; popular place, tarilers keep rolling in. The river is in sight and barely any skeeters; good cuz we are here for three nights. Got all setup and Jim and Katy came over about 5 for inaugural margaritas and chips, salsa and guac. Good time catching up, Jim was just back from a scary plane ride to a remote fishing spot in north MT. After two rounds we headed over to the Corral about a mile up the road for burgers (it’s Monday!). Back home about 8:30, took a stroll around the big campground and to bed by 10:15.

Camp Big Sky along the River

Tuesday, July 14
Hiked from camp on the Elkhorn Trail about 4 miles total. Beautiful moderate hike that started along the river then moved up into windflower and mosquito country. The wild geraniums were a spectacular bright fuscia color, wanted to photograph them all. About two miles in we turned around and I watched all the bugs try to bite Bill all the way down. What luck I had on long pants and a jacket, it was cool when we started, but it was the best repellant. Later we drove to town in the meadow in search of wifi; no signal in our canyon camp. Found it at Blue Moon Cafe as well as a small little dog on it’s own that no one claimed. I finally called, at the urging of another customer, the number on the tag to find out his name is Loren and it lives in the neighborhood, though seemed to prefer staring down anyone with food. We also went to the new grocery Roxy’s, where I discovered a new salsa that we inhaled: Saltpica… Back at camp the excitement continued as I washed the bugs off the truck and he re-WD40’d the window seals so the windows will open more easily. (They don’t.) About 6pm we went to to the O’C’s for a delicious mojo pork dinner and did more catching up. Toured her beautiful rock garden with a nice variety of flowers, even columbine, penstemons and sedums. Capped off the night doing a short "my talking pet" video of Woody scolding Jim for leaving him in Nebraska. Cool day, a good rain while at their house so everything smelled great!

Wednedsay, July 15
Town day: Met at O’C’s to drive to Bozeman to pick up their other car at the airport. First stop was Thirteen Mile Sheep Ranch in Belgrade, a small farm and mill out toward the mountains. They are featured in one of my wool books. Was a very old area and they claim their log cabin home was built in 1862, the first house in the valley. The owner Becky was on jury duty so her husband ___ took us around the barn to show the various steps in processing wool. Very interesting, even to the men, because there was machinery! Meanwhile Katy and I picked thru the dyed and natural skeins trying to decide on color. We both ended up with two: hers dyed ($25.50/ea), mine natural ($18/ea), after many mind-changes… Next it was Cajun lunch at Zydeco, meeting up with their friend Bill Buckley, whom I had met a few years before when Katy and I lunched in downtown Bozeman. Lots of laughs, and a first: deep-fried bread pudding. We gals tried some but Bill finished it off, and paid the price: uncomfortably stuffed. Next stop was the MOR Museum for their T-rex and dino exhibit, very interesting, and pretty busy with kids. Finally got the car and stopped at the Chalet for bison sausage sticks before heading back to the house. Long day, everyone pretty tired and we went back to camp by 7pm, took a short walk in the campground.
Intermittent clouds and sun, mild temps, about low to mid 70s for a high. Very comfortable yet humid.

Thursday, July 16
Time for Yellowstone! Super early start (for us): on the road by 7:15 am. The race is on for a park camping spot, most everything is reserved, but Bill has read that Mammoth is first come, first served, and is the last to fill up, so we aim for that. But first, a dump stop in Madison campground, then head north. Right after Norris we hit the four miles of road construction! Slow but the waits weren’t too bad so we made it in time for a spot, #22 – on the lowest section right on the noisy road to Gardiner. (Tomorrow we will make the move  to #52, primo spot o’ the camp.) First time spending time in Mammoth area, far from all the animal action, except for the elk in town who rule the roost. As is our way, no hanging around, we got right out on a hike on the Beaver Ponds Trail, and it was gorgeous, loved it. The wildflowers and grass were up to my waist and shoulders in places. Not even bad mosquitoes. We had parked at the terraces, but the trail dumped out behind the lodge so we had to go through the village to get to the truck. About 5.5 miles. The village was packed, very busy with a global spectrum of picture-takers… Later Bill flew his kite from the hill across the street; cooked out, had intermittent cell signal so enjoyed that, on and off.
Perfect weather for a hike, very comfortable

Friday, July 17
Early in the morning Bill went back and forth and was able to secure the better spot he had scouted the night before so we hitched up and moved to #52 for two nights. Much better spot, quiet, better cell signal too. They say elk come through there but if they did we weren’t there to see it. Started with a drive to the east to Roosevelt Lodge for the Lost Lake trailhead behind it. Another nice day for a hike, three very steep parts, but otherwise not bad, about 3 miles. Takes you past the petrified tree so got to see that too. Then did the long drive to Artist Paintpots, which weren’t as exciting as the first time, oh well. Bill in foul mood so that always makes things so much fun, but we did a last stop at Norris Geyser basin for a quick peek, kinda stinky of sulphur so didn’t linger. On the way back to camp, kept on going to Gardiner for a quick grocery run so got to see a fleeting glimpse of the touristy little town. And also got some more of that great salsa!

Saturday, July 18
Beautiful morning, decided to do the Terraces before it gets busy – great idea. Not super exciting but had to see, lots of boardwalks over the feature. One interesting thing I learned on Facebook, was that a new thermal vent had opened under the pavement on the terrace drive so we found that right off. They closed off the highway as they decide what to do about it. Just a small hole, but it is hot and leaking water. Drove to the Lamar Valley, hoping to see some bison. Gorgeous landscape out there, a few bison here and there – two came across the road where we had had a picnic lunch the day before at the Yellowstone picnic spot. Started seeing more and more as we headed east until finally the valley along the river was loaded with them! Hundreds of them lounging around, more than

I’ve ever seen in Hayden—or ever. Stopped for lunch again along the Yellowstone river then walked up the path for overlook photos, very pretty. Late in the afternoon I walked the trail to town and did the village shops and museums (got the Yellowstone manual book) and Bill stayed to figure out more of the trailer operations. Big clouds were gathering but never got a big storm, just a few drops. Finally remembered to check the mountain across from us for bighorn sheep just as the sun was setting – and I found some!!! Small white specs but they were moving up there so def not rocks. At least four of them up there in a grassy spot. 

New leak under pavement at Mammoth!

Sunday, July 19
On to Grand Teton for the next two nights. Drove the muddy construction road again for another dump at Madison, and saw sandhill cranes, maybe two eagles?, Roaring Mountain steam. Campsites again filling up fast but after a phone call to find out Signal Mountain was full we went to huge Colter Bay, and after a wait in line did get a spot, #K-223, dry camping. A strange set up here, all sites are pull in so a tight fit down the road. Walked to check out the village, then took a walk along the lake back to camp, got some good bites trying to shoot a friendly bird. Decided to do the drive to town today, warm about 75 or so, hot in the sun. Town packed as always, searched for a place to buy sheets, and not finding any place, ended up at Kmart. Where the hell do these residents shop?? Anyway back to downtown for a little shopping and then yum mex dinner at Merry Piglets, with their weak but not too bad margaritas. Toured a photog gallery next door then off for home. On the way back on a different road, saw a small herd of elk, then with all the cars off to the side saw two bucks with huge racks, and an entire family of Japanese tourists running off toward them into the field. Brilliant. Wanted to wait for the goring, but Bill drove on.

Monday, July 20
Writing this a month later when the memory is eased… Camped this night in Salt Lake City at Utah Lake, and he is ready to get home.

Tuesday, July 21
Drove all the way today. Let the laundry begin.

RIP: Omar Shariff

Trip #69 (37): Denver with a Kayak

Colorado: Eleven Mile Reservoir, Cherry Creek, Dillon, Grand Mesa

 June 13 – 22, 2015

Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14
Two nights, June 13 & 14, at Eleven Mile Reservoir, about 50 miles west of Colorado Springs. Gray skies and some rain the first day, but was able to boat and hike on day two. No fish, not even a bite! Quick trip to Florissant National Monument to see ancient petrified redwood stumps. Had no idea those were there, very interesting. Passed a herd of bison on the road in to the lake. Place was PACKED on Saturday and emptied out on Sunday, all the weekenders going home. Very busy place in the middle of nowhere.

Monday, June 15
Short drive to Denver, arrived at Cherry Creek around noon. Still overcast skies, was supposed to rain but didn't, not much anyway. Here to visit Sue after her devastating diagnosis, so had lunch at their house and was glad to see her up and moving, albeit slowly and painfully. She is still healing from her surgery. Brought her a small stained glass piece and a crocheted afghan, which she used as she relaxed on the couch. Monday is their trip to the oncologist to find out some options. And for Independence Day they are hoping to have a small family reunion at Beaver Creek, if she is able.
Left there about 4, went to Office Depot for a new mouse which I forgot, back to the trailer to work for an hour, got a little rain, then out for Kohls shopping and dinner, which ended up at Old Chicago, the chain. never been before, it was OK.

Tuesday, June 16
Cherry Creek. Kayaked in the morning. no fish. boring res, kinda busy. Did some shopping and to Sue’s for dinner. She was not feeling too well so left early. Took a short walk at campground and storm was approaching. of course all we got was 10 drops.

Wednesday, June 17 -- Anniversary! 26 years o-m-g
Dillon Reservoir, no fish. Dinner at 5th Avenue in Frisco. Late Kayak trip, no fish, kind windy.

Thursday, June 19
Drove to Breckenridge, hiked to, or tried to hike to a lake. 11, 500 feet up. too high

Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 21
Vega State Park reservoir on the Grand Mesa. No fish. TONS of mosquitoes. Dinner at the “lodge” on Saturday. I stayed inside too many bugs. Starting to warm up, but we've got trailer under some shade, hence the skeeters.

Sunday, June 22 - Father's Day
Heat ran us down to Ridgway. Still hot there too. Tried for Grand Mesa (south) lots of nice lakes, but Big Island campground had no water yet -- AND TONS OF MOSQUITOES. buh bye. 96 degrees as we drove down thru Delta toward either Telluride or Ridgway. Ridgway won. for one night. fished. no fish, for us.

Trip #68 (36): Trailer Pickup: Down AZ, Up NM

March 10 – 19, 2015

Arizona: Superstition Mountains, Tucson’s Pima Air & Space Museum, Chiricahua Mountains, Ft. Bowie
New Mexico: Las Cruces, Mesilla, Chloride Ghost Town, Bosque del Apache (San Antonio Green Chili Cheeseburgers), Pie Town, Sky City Casino & Acoma Pueblo

Tuesday, Mar. 10
Left a 30s but sunny Durango morning for a drive to Apache Junction without Samantha! She has to go in for repairs to her map but I think we can find the way without her constant nagging. Finally drove down a new road through Holbrook (accidentally of course, but I was glad), and found some old Route 66 relics, like the Wigwam Motel built in 1950. 86 degrees in Phoenix area, we start peeling off the layers. Gained an hour from no Daylights Savings in Arizona, so had an early dinner at In n' Out Burger about 3:30pm. Picked up the trailer, sprayed off the dust and off to Dutchman for one night. Not as warm, perfect weather there for the evening as we watched the rescue helicopter make several runs at bringing hikers off the mountain. Found out the next am that someone had fallen 10 feet and messed up his knees. Then others said, "take us down too!" Apparently this is common for this mountain. After sunset went to Fry's to stock up. Spot #48 looks toward Goldfield.

This helicopter made at least 4 runs to rescue some hikers. One had fallen and the rest got scared and wanted out!

Holbrook AZ roadside

Wigwam Motel in Holbrook AZ

Camp Dutchman

OK these photos are not lining up....

Deceiving photo: Taken from up the road looks like we are in Goldfield.

Wednesday, Mar. 11
Perfect morning, nice to hear the birds singing. Stopped at Florence the way to South Tucson (north is better BTW) at a mexican pottery store for a shopping break. Heading to Tucson to get the trailer's heater fixed in the trailer so staying at a KOA on what I call Powerline Road. Huge campground, #1552, in a motorhome canyon. Went to talk to the service department and visited their new small Airstream store and got a new Airstream matt I've wanted for a while. Of course wanted mexican for dinner but don't know our way around here but ended up at El Charro downtown. Bill hates this place overtime, why do we keep going? But it was fine, just don't order a marg. I didn't, I had lemonade. Same thing.

Thursday, Mar. 12
The heater is now working again, so at $129/hour labor we decided to let it go. Besides, they would have also needed the truck with it all day for the Hensley hitch. So instead we went to the Pima Air Museum. Very cloudy day so not hot as we wandered all around the numerous hangars and outdoor field. Had a very informed volunteer veteran give us some good info on the B-24 obtained from India and a DC-3, he said the most important planein there he said, the most useful. There was a B-25 to show as one of Dolittle's Raiders. Very interesting. Great place, so much history and some great pics. Over the campground the warthogs were flying from the Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Had a mini air show.

Friday, Mar 13
Today's air show as we left were were the big loud fighter jets, so cool. Next stop Chiricahua National Monument. Took I-10 to Willcox, stocked up on vegs at Safeway and headed down to the mountains for the next two nights. Nice day, went from 75 to 65, but clouds building toward the west. Might we actually get rain? Found our spot #11 in camp, back in a corner and very sloped--this is probably the most we've ever had to lift one side (5 lifts), good thing we got a second set of orange things. Plus some wood. Looks scary up there but it's secure. While setting up a quick downpour hit. Then later another that lasted about 15 minutes that made us stay in a bit. Cooler too. Afterward the Mexican Jays appeared, loved their seed and peanuts and were flying in to take a nut from our hands. We drove down to the visitor center then up the 8 miles to the overlook. Fajita night and wanted to be done in time for the ranger talk, which we did. Kinda dull but right next door. Very tired after one margarita, and in bed by, yes, 8:30. Slept thru till 6:30. wow

Saturday, Mar 14
Beautiful day for a hike in the desert. Somewhat breezy, highs in low 70s. Trailer holding fine up there. Did some work. Left for Ft. Bowie about 9:30am, arriving to find what looked like two rangers at the trailhead, looking for joiners for their guided tour starting at 10 am. We decided to go along, only to find the first group had moved on and we were left with young Ranger Pete and Volunteer-in Training Rick all to ourselves. Turned out to be very entertaining—Ranger Pete talking to us as though we were 3rd graders, handing us flash cards of plants and asking us to READ ALOUD. Hilarious. Once we reached the spring, 1.5 miles from the trailhead, our tour was completed and we left our guides and climbed up the hill to the first fort, built 1862. Following that we moved on to the main fort area, where we ate our sandwiches and joined Rick for his tour at 1pm, again being the only ones. Turns out Rick has just arrived as a volunteer, former Marine, and he and his wife, from Las Cruces, are Pete's roommates. Pete, a former middle school teacher, has been here just 3 months, his last assignment being Denali Park in Alaska. So he's new learning the Apache history and plants. Probably would have learned more reading the signage, but since we've already done this tour, it was a different take. The winds increased a lot while there, and I got attacked from behind by a big blowing tumbling tumbleweed while standing still. I felt that, it was sharp. Russian thistle he said. Walked back on the high trail behind the visitor center so got a good overhead view of the fort, and walked over the fault line that makes the spring. Running low on gas we headed back about 4pm and hand-fed the Mexican Jays peanuts back at camp. Been going to bed early, but today I bought a book about the Butterfield Overland Mail at the Bowie visitor center, so anxious to read.

Sunday, Mar 15
Cool in the morning, on the road the usual time, temp was 63 as we drove through the valley out to Willcox. Stopped at Annie's Apples and Bill had some delicious apple pie a la mode, yes I helped a little, and I found THE CHERRY BUTTER! Worth the stop. Drove on into a strong headwind to Las Cruces, somewhat late in the day, after 3pm, stopping to stay at Hacienda RV, right off the Interstate. $28 for full hookups, plus cable that didn't work, not bad. Bill hooked up to cable in next spot after neighbor left, and it works fine. We got the bad one. surprise. Volunteer Rick had told us about La Posta ("la pasta") in Mesilla, so of course that was our first stop, and Mesilla turned out to be just a mile to the south. We should have ridden bikes, but never did. Too windy! Dinner at a very busy and very cool, rambling adobe La Posta, traditional food and a very tart margarita, very good food. Walking around the plaza a bit before, we find that Mesilla was a Butterfield station stop. Before we came home picked up Horrible Bosses 2 at McDonald's Redbox. It was hilarious!

Monday, Mar 16
Shopping day, among other things. Started the day working, then off to Mesilla for Talavera. Drove 1.5 miles west to Mesilla Bosque State Park hoping to see birds, but the only ones we saw were before entering along the Rio Grande -- a roadrunner and heron. But at the park's visitor station had a great chat with the volunteer, an older gent who knew his birds, and would you believe, the Everglades, too. Did a short walk on the paths behind the beautiful new visitor center, but only saw two doves. yippee. Too late in the day at noon. Back to Mesilla. Walked around the Plaza area again, getting pics, then had lunch at the Double Eagle Restaurant. Delicious! Best margarita in a ling time (a "classic"), the freshest chips ever, good salsa (not too burning hot like La Posta last night), split a chili cheese burger and soup and salad, let's call that dinner; very very good. Then on for more shopping! Got some gifts, got Bill a cool La Posta T-shirt, me a scarf. Later drove over to Las Cruces, pretty quiet over there in the downtown, but a very good old used bookstore, so I got two: one about a madame, and one about Tularosa and this entire area. The guy said it's very good read. And he was a very good salesman. Came back and did more work, then a trip to Walmart for vegs for next stop somewhere near Datil. Clouded up today which helped keep the temps down from blazing sun, tho probably still in the low 70s. Worked again before turning in later than normal.

Tuesday, Mar 17
Woke up temps in 50s and all clouded over. Wow, gray skies what is that? Time to move on today, probably past Pie Town and then near Datil. But things didn't work out that way. Our first stop was at Chloride ghost town, where you can camp but it's way out in nowhere land, which is OK, but it's is lousy weather, been raining on and off all day. After meeting the father, got a tour of the Museum and gift shop (got my father's day gift!) by the man's daughter, Katy, who is the history expert. Seems they bought a house there in the 70s, and over time bought more old buildings from the old silver mine town from 1881 and slowly turned it into a museum. She said the building was closed up for 70 years with everything still in it from back then, until they opened it up. Great old junk, the American Pickers would go nuts.  http://www.pioneerstoremuseum.com/Pioneer_Store_Museum.html
But we moved on and, finding out the route we were going to take north would be gravel, we went back out to I-25 and instead went to Bosque del Apache birding area for the night. Found a private campground here which we thought was closed but we called and it was open so for $25 got full hookups. About 4:30pm by now so no birding other than what I saw as we stopped the visitor center (hawks). Met the nutty owner here, says the place is for sale but still open. Chatted a bit about many things, including chili cheese burgers, with San Antonio just up the road, and saw him there later at the Owl Bar where we got yet another burger. We are going to have no arteries open when we get home from this trip. Home before dark, he watched TV and I read my new books. Till almost midnight. Wore and ate nothing green, except the chili.

Wednesday, Mar 18
Absolute gray soup out there this am. Crummy weather all around the area we hear. Should we stay or should we go? Go. But first, Pie Town! Rainy drive west on Highway 60 toward Pie Town, but Pie-O-Neer not open today so went to a cafe instead, which also had pie. Continued on toward Acoma Pueblo, passing some beautiful country, including the El Malpais area with its lava flows, and huge huge ranches. Spent the night at Sky City Casino, still raining. Cooked in, can't take the smoke in the casino or might have wagered a dollar. We were almost the last to leave the parking lot the next morning. Full hookups made it very convenient for sure, tho not scenic.

Acoma Pueblo

Thursday, Mar 19
Even tho it is cool and gray and rainy, we went to finally see Acoma Pueblo, about 15 miles from the casino. Took the bus tour up to the top, where a native gave us a very thorough tour, a bit too much info in the old mission church, more because I had dropped my glasses somewhere before entering and wanted to get out and look for them! Found them on the way out. A nice stray dog followed along with the tour, taking a nap at someone's feet on the dirt floor inside the massive old church. Fascinating cemetery out in front but no photos allowed. She told us they were buried several deep out there over the centuries. Did not buy any pottery along the way, only because it was so rushed I had no time to check it all out and decide. Their museum down below at the visitor center was closed for roof repairs so off we went, to head back home. By now the sun came out for the end of the tour but heavy gray clouds were all around for the drive home. Beautiful country there, coming north from Crownpoint area. Haven't been this way for a while. But ready to go back again.

Hmm, no body RIP during this trip.

Trip #67 (35): Southern Cal, Newport Beach to Encinitas

January 8 – 23, 2015

Thursday, 8th: Beautiful yet cold Durango weather as we left for Apache Junction and the 7 hour drive to pick up the trailer. Beautiful weather upon our arrival too, 65 cool degrees (yes I wore a jacket). The two Big Macs for $4.44 in Payson ruined our appetites so ate lite and went to bed early.

Friday, 9th: Hiked the base of the Superstitions for a few miles, went shopping, and later met Bill's old friend--35 year reunion--at Aunt Chiladas in Mesa. A late start, not leaving the trailer until almost 8pm. Beautiful HUGE moon rising on our drive back.
Saturday, 10th: Late start, four hour drive west into the middle of the California desert to Chiriaco Summit for free dry camping behind the General Patton Museum along I-10. Not bad: cafe and antique store here, quiet, seems safe... A few raindrops but not much. Another Airstream parked here so we figured it was safe. Met the couple, they live in Mexico but have leased out their house and now they are on the road for a year. You meet all kinds.

Sunday, 11th: A short drive to the coast, however, it was rain the entire way and day. Not a fun drive but Billy did good maneuvering on the slick roads. Arrived in Newport Beach about 1 pm, but told check in is not until 3 pm. However, the space was open so he let us in anyway. Yucky set up in the wet and mud, glad to get inside. All the trails in the mountains behind the campground are closed so no hiking here, just the beach down and across the Pacific Coast Highway. We are at El Moro Campground, part of Crystal Cove State Beach south of Newport. BEAUTIFUL area (once the sun came out), huge park and mall and Trader Joe’s within 2 or so miles. I think I could get a Mercedes and live here. So back to Sunday: Beth and Asa drove in from Chino Hills to visit, good sports cuz it’s a nasty day. Had a couple margs in the trailer, caught up on 15 years, then went down to Laguna Beach for dinner at Coyote Grill. Thankfully we had a designated drive in Beth! whew, that was a smart move... Great time, we will have to do this again sometime.

Monday, 12th: The sun is out! Time to dry out. Temp would reach the mid 60s. We rode bikes to the beach and north about a mile to see the circa 1930s Crystal Cove Cottages. Very cool old cluster of wooden homes, and a few restaurants, right on the sand which can be rented, if you don't mind people wandering all over. There's a whole older section not yet rehabbed, need to raise more money. Had a recovery shake at the Shake Shack and rode back to the trailer. Cleaned up and went out for a drive to the Balboa peninsula, not the island, then to the gorgeous Fashion Island, what a beautiful mall and area. Then to Trader Joes. Had burger night at the trailer -- the burgers we were supposed to have the day before.

Tuesday, 13: Today we move down to Dana Point, but have time to kill. So I have decided I want stronger binoculars so we went back to the mall but no sale, want to research more. Moved down to Dana Point, ugh, this ain't no Newport, ahem, and moved in to Doheny State Park on the beach -- California's first state park. It's old. But not too bad. Our spot is on the edge of the sand so that is nice, can hear the ocean roar below. One wave at a time. Drove around the first day as we always do, got some Nikon binocs at Walmart, but will probably return -- I want something stronger. These are 10x42, I think I want 12x50 but no one’s got them. Need them for shore whale watching. So far nothing.... tho they say they are running early this year. Walked to dinner over to the harbor to Harpoon Henry, hey it’s not Mexican! very good shrimp and wahoo tho.

Wednesday, 14th: Oh, BTW, the a/c fan went out in the truck while in AZ so today Bill took it to the dealer (2 miles up the road) and got a ride back. Also 2.5 miles up the road is the San Juan Capistrano mission, so we rode bikes up there to tour it, very beautiful for pic-taking. Lunch at Ruby’s diner on the rooftop (next time, try El Adobe), perfect day. Then we rode over to the Ford dealer and drove it home -- and they washed it inside and out! wow! gotta come here for the next service visit. Stopped at Ralph’s supermarket (I liked that one), sat for the sunset and had k-bobs tonight. There’s an El Torito over at the harbor.... just sayin’....

Thursday, 15th: Happy Birthday Owen. Nights are cool here, about 45. There’s no electric here at Doheny but we are getting by with the generator. Going to bed early a lot; we sleep like logs in this trailer, perhaps it’s the lack of oxygen with the windows closed up tight. Rather noisy here in the park, highway right over there, plus a train track, plus construction on the Interstate which is right over there, pile-driver starts up at 7:15 am. This is our last day here. Now we know. Did a short walk on the beach in the am, longer bike ride from here to San Clemente along the PCH, good bike trails around here. Cleaned up and drove up to Laguna to a toy store— Bill wants a new kite—which he got and now has to learn how to use. And I wanted a small succulent garden, which I found at The Plant Depot off Capistrano. Could go crazy with these, but got to get this home. Back at the beach Bill had many failed attempts to fly that new dive-bombing kite, and switched back to the pirate one, so easy to fly. Went to dinner at Olamendi’s, a Mexican restaurant on PCH I noticed on our bike ride. Checked it out on the web and found that Nixon used to go there. At 81! Food very good but the margaritas weren't all that. However the chips and salsa... yum.

Friday, 16th: Happy Birthday Aunt V! 45 degrees this am. Today we move on to San Clemente, but this time not on the beach, guess it’s up a hill in a state park. That’s fine with me, I’m not all beach all the time for sure. Our bike ride yday to San Clem had us in a neighborhood a block from the beach and seeing some very cute little homes all stacked up and looking good. Got a good feel there, liked it. (Dana Point, not so much...) Took a bike ride to the Harbor one last time, then up the steep hill on Golden Lantern, having to get off the bike and walk the last bit to the top. Bill rode it! Thought my lungs would bust. Moved to our new location for the next two nights, San Mateo Campground right next to Camp Pendleton. I hear helicopters. Campground pretty empty but would fill up for the weekend. About 1.5 miles from the shore this time, but we did the trail hike to the beach where of course, all the surfers are coming and going, right up until the sun is setting. They are committed. Stayed in for the night; Bill’s turn to cook! skettie nite.

Saturday, 17th: Took it easy today, was going to ride but never did. Instead did the car tour, driving into downtown San Clemente to walk around and get the lay of the land. Did some window shopping and got two little succulents, plus some neat ideas for more projects involving succulents, glass cutting, bird baths, stepping stones... Picked up a sammich at Billy's deli and had a little picnic at the beach, watched the surfers (there’s always surfers), and moved on again to the south, driving the length of Camp Pendleton and the state park across the street, which includes a nuclear plant. Don’t want to camp there! Tried to visit the pier, but no where to park the big truck, so got a pic. Back at camp I did some work until sunset. Then we met another old friend of Bill’s, Greg and Jane, for dinner, Mexican of course. El Rancho; tried for South of Nicks, but 1.5 hour wait there in downtown San Clem.

Sunday, 18th: About 50 this am. Time to move on down to Encinitas today.