2022 October Staying cool in Rocky Mountains

   Wow, the heat wave covering most of the country and we are staying at elevation and keeping cool! 9- or 10,000-feet elevation is the magic numbers during a heat wave. There are so many places to do this and see new things. 

Leadville, CO is one of my favorites, boondocking directly on a creek that goes to the Arkansas river we have cool temperatures, sound of rippling water especially at night is soooo relaxing! I am getting lazy just chilling out at the campsite!

Another location near Florissant, CO - boondocking of course and on weekends the OHV riders descend on us, ok people to watch and talk to, glad when weekday arrives, and they all go home so peace and quiet once again.

Trip to Denver to pick up something ordered and replenish supplies was quite a ride. I had never driven I70 from Denver before. This route has a significantly long steep elevation grade! Fortunately, this trip I was headed east, and it was mostly downhill for me. I watched others on the long steep climb going west and know that my old RV a Rialta would not have made it. I love this new RV so much the transmission has capability to downshift 10 gears! I placed it in Tow-Haul mode and the transmission kept me withing the safe speed going down this long steep grade. Awesome machine!

While in Denver I realized that the trailer used for the motorcycles would be greatly enhanced by adding wheel chocks. Finding wheel chocks and long ramps used, I was able to modify the trailer so that it is much easier and safer to load and unload the motorcycles. Whew, I am glad I took a few days for this upgrade! especially since the newer motorcycle is 2 times the weight of the old one and I can walk it up under power so much easier and safer!

LARAMIE, WY

Having a few days before a doctor appointment in Denver we head out for Laramie, WY to see the murals in town and the Wyoming Territorial Prison from the turn of the century.

Having toured an old prison last year with brother Bob and family I had rather high expectations of this one. Not necessarily disappointed, but it was not the same as the previous one in Montana.

This prison had only operated for 30 years before being turned over to the University of Wyoming for agriculture research, later a private party purchased to make a theme park and that never fully came to fruition. The private party then gave it to the state of Wyoming who recreated from pictures and notes to recreate the atmosphere of the prison.

The building is still the same stone that originally built, there were layers of improvements over the years and one area they opened the subfloor to show how heat was moved through the building. Improvements during the prison period featured mechanical operators for opening multiple doors at the same time. Dining hall and guard living quarters also were improved to have guards sleeping quarters inside the prison. Previously they were in half of the wardens' house nearby.

The tour guide had allot of good stories to tell such as how many escapes, what happened to them, the wardens deal with the state that left over money from operating the prison came to him. Actually, not too bad because the warden would make sure the prisoners were fed and healthy so they could work and create items to sell, work a farm so they were self-sufficient. A broom factory, wood working shops created quite allot of income for the warden.

The most famous prisoner was Butch Cassidy, this was before his fame as a bank and train robber and the result of horse stealing. He was a good prisoner actually a Trustee. Not that this rehabilitated him of course. This is an interesting picture of his exploits, look hard at the legend to get the most out of it.

Pics of the prison buildings

Also onsite was static displays of a harness for draft horses, Shepard covered wagon - I like to say a very early RV.

Laramie was listed as having allot of murals in town and I rode the scooter around to see them and even with a map only found a few. Later when Tanya and I walked the town we discovered that they were mostly in alleyways and not on the main street. Not very comfortable walking along next to trash dumpsters to see the murals. I wonder how the artists painting them handled the odor?

These last ones were from the Moose Lodge and not in an alley. The majority of murals were more artsy in nature and not historic reflecting the city's past.

Invinson Mansion and Plains Museum. Was a good tour, showing the architecture and history of the mansion, change over to a girl's school - girls from rural areas that completed elementary school and wanted more education would come here to live and receive a higher education. Also the owner wife highly involved in the Weomans Sufferage Movement. Of not is the first weomen to vote was here in Laramie.

The first night we were here we had camped at a recreation area out of town alongside a lake. The afternoon Monsoon storm had very high winds, torrential downpours for a long time. Whew it was not really comfortable even though both Tanya and I love weather events.

The next night we stayed in town for the Lodge had once been a bank with drive through service and covered too. Another torrential downpour and we weathered it much better.

We like to try local foods wherever we are, here in Laramie we found - 

Delicious, and the Green Chili sauce can be added to any meal!

The weather for the next week is going to be much of the same for Monsoon Season is definitely here. We are contemplating returning to Denver and wait to finish doctor appointment before moving on.

2022 September CO, UT, NV, OR, Cattle Drive too!

  After spending part of June, all July, most of August in Colorado boondocking at elevation to stay cool, we thoroughly enjoyed this slower pace and relished the time here during the hottest times of the year. Taking this opportunity of down time, we also were able to set up some routine medical appointments and taking care of personal business.

Its nearly time to meet up with brother Bob and his family for our annual RV trip so we cross over to Oregon to stay at his place for a while. Of course, along the way we intend to have some adventures too!

Crossing the Continental Divide on 2 lane roads we see a different portion of Colorado, high plains with much different foliage. it appears that the east and west sides of the Continental Divide have very different climates and therefore different foliage. Much dryer on the west side and short juniper trees compared to the east side. Sagebrush and much less hay fields. Although the hay fields here did have irrigation where the east side did not. I had learned that the water on the east side is owned by the cities of the Front Range and is piped to the cities through the mountains. This gives a better understanding of why water is so critical in the western states and just as the news report that severe droughts in the west is changing the demographics.

Along the way we visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, what a remarkable place, A National Park that's not very accessible for it is so steep there are only a few places to access. We stayed one night in the National Park campground, and it is truly a Dark Sky area. beautiful views of the Milky Way! It's difficult to see the river in the bottom because it is so deep.

There was not any cell service here, and so little access, so we continued on after one night. The Gunnison is known as a Blue-Ribbon Trout stream. Appears to me this must be in the upper portions for several dams have created massive lakes prior to entering the Black Canyon and below the Canyon the river is quite large. Another time I plan to visit for the fishing, perhaps after we get starlink so Tanya can work.

Farther along our route I remember the Green River from fishing magazines but the area we passed through did not seem so hospitable for fishing. Farther up in the upper reaches must be the better areas of fishing. 

There is a very good museum in Green River demonstrating the history of the area. I got so much information from the display boards outside the museum that I was on information overload and did not go inside.

Along the way in Nevada there was a very cool tall sign.

Our route is through Utah and Nevada where we had never been before. It is part of the "Great Basin" and many small towns along the 2-lane highway. 

Near Winnemucca, NV we experienced a flat tire on the motorcycle trailer. Taking the motorcycle off to remove weight from the flat tire, Tanya limps along at 5 mph to keep from causing damage to the tire rim and I scooter up the road for a place to pull off the highway. 2 miles Tanya travels at 5 mph, I then continue scootering to find a jack to raise the trailer and remove the flat tire. I come across a couple towing a trailer and pulled off the road changing their own tire. I ask them for help and to stop down the road where Tanya can pull over. So nice having decent people that "do the right thing". 

The next morning, I place the tire on the back of the motorcycle, drive 50 miles one way to get a replacement. This worked out really well, by the time I returned Tanya had finished her work for the day and we were able to move on down the road!

Near Lakeview, OR we began to notice what appeared to be cow droppings on the highway, maybe it is mud from off road vehicles? There is too much of it on the road... its been over 10 miles of this???? Eventually we find ourselves in the middle of a cattle drive!

A young woman in a truck at the rear of the cattle drive rolled her window down and explained that they are moving the herd from summer pasture to winter pasture. This particular herd is 160 cows. Last week they had over 300 cows! She explains to pass the cows slowly, stay on the left side of the road for the most part. So that is what we did, sometimes a cow would stand in front of us and not move until her calf had crossed the road. We had quite a following of cars once we clear the cows. WE ARE PART OF A CATTLE DRIVE!

The road here has drop offs, fences that are normally used to prevent cows from crossing the roadway. Under this scene it helps to keep the cows ON the roadway, cool, I suppose this makes the cowboys work a little easier too. Curiously, the cowboys walk a good bit, I'm not very knowledgeable about horses, is this because ridding on the asphalt can hurt the horse? Maybe the cowboys just wanted some exercise?

Cows do move quite slowly, those cattle drives in the movies seem fun and exciting, from this observation it really must have been slow and boring.... Just my thoughts...  

Laundry and groceries in Klamath Falls, OR to get ready for extended Boondocking near Crater Lake for a few days. Although we had been here just last year, I rode the motorcycle around the lake and enjoyed it so much more. 

Arriving at brother Bob's house in Oregon City, OR he breaks out his huge Honda Goldwing and we take a ride together.

Tanya had a few days to visit Bob's family before having to return east for work related events. So, Bob and I spend time doing little projects around the ranch.

It's always a pleasure to hang out with my brother. During RV trips we both are morning people and get to chat with coffee early morning watching the sunrise. Here at Bob's Ranch, we tend the livestock (Lamas, peacocks, chickens) before taking on a project or maintenance. We also take on projects to my RV while here. It is very helpful to me that Bob has every tool needed for any project. And if the task occasionally needs more than one person then help is easily available.

The plan for this year's Fall RV Trip is constantly changing. Several months ago, Bob's RV had engine trouble (in Southern California), finally received the new motor and on test run it was bad also. The next motor has shipped and being installed now. If it is bad also, then we will cancel a family trip for this year. If the motor is good, then perhaps a short RV trip in the southwest states can be done. Bob's family has other commitments as do we and we will all just make the best of whatever works out. 

So, on that note, I leave you in suspense on where we go next because WE DONT KNOW! Hahahaha this is the life; does it matter what the immediate plans are? No. Just take it one day at a time and enjoy whatever it brings the best you can.

2022 June NM, CO staying cool

  June 2022. A relatively short drive to Taos, NM from Santa Fe, NM, we took what is called “the high road” passing through small scenic villages with glimpses of the Rio Grande River. A specifically scenic area that you would not want to miss is the Rio Grande Gorge National Monument. Today we saw the southern portion which also has campsites in “Santa Fe Ranch Recreation area”. This is BLM land with established campsites not boondocking.

As we take a turn along the road SURPRISE! Bighorn sheep

Rio Grande Gorge

No campsite available in the Rio Grande Gorge, so in Taos, NM we stayed at a casino, unfortunately the restaurant was not open due to covid. Nice and quiet night, horses grazing next to us, had asphalt to park on, so in the morning I finished installing the trailer jack. Now if we need to, we can disconnect the trailer!

Breakfast in Taos, you have got to eat local for the flavors are amazing! Then a quick drive through town for it is all shops and tourist stuff that do not interest us very much, then a drive along the “Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway.” I also happened to see this in Leisure Travel Vans (LTV) newsletter which makes it even better for us as LTV owners. Such a beautiful drive along mountain passes as high as 9767 feet elevation. Then through a high mountain valley with 2 towns, Angel Fire and Eagles Nest. Wow, such a beautiful drive through the mountains of New Mexico. A Vietnam Memorial (first National Memorial in US established by the father of a fallen hero) Further along the loop is Red Rock, a small village, ski lift (very tempting) and other tourist attractions. Stopping for an ice cream next to the Fly-Fishing shop, we walk and enjoy the scenery.

At the other end of the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is the Northern end of the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument with fantastic view of the Rio Grande Gorge! Oh WOW!

This is where the Fire River joins the Rio Grande River

Looking North on the Rio Grande River.

It is so quiet here, Tanya wants to spend several days, I’m not so sure I can sit still that long with nothing to do. So, we are taking it day by day.

A couple of days here with constant rain and cold, decided to go over the mountains to Colorado Springs where it’s less rain and warmer. Beautiful drive through the Sante Christo mountains, over a high pass. We noticed allot of RV going both directions, watched license plates and most were local Colorado.

Turns out it was Sunday so people were going home after the weekend. Another example of retired life, “what day is it?”?

After spending 4 days in Colorado Springs running errands, doing minor repairs, picking up Amazon orders its time to go to cooler climes. The weather was definitely warmer than Taos and no rain! I had a full day ride checking out the town and nearby Fort Carson Army Base, I love ridding the scooter around town!

Over the hill 1 1/2n hour ride to Pikes Peak National Forest, Badger Meadows Dispersed Camping area. Coming up is the 4^th of July weekend so I know there will be allot of 4 wheelers and dirt bikes ridding around. The first few days were really quiet and I welcomed watching all the OHV running around. After 3 days I felt ENOUGH ALREADY! Hahahahaha not so bad really, but I am missing the quiet.

 

Tanya and I got out for some hiking and scooter ridding. 

I made a longer trip and caught these signs that described the early days in the area.

We’ve spent 6 days boondocking in Pikes Peak National Forest then went into Colorado Springs for a few days taking care of eye exam, RV warranty work then back out to boondocking! Boy we love this lifestyle!

Today’s scooter ride I explored CR 72 through rolling hills following the Tarryall creek towards it’s origin. While cruising slowly at 35 mph, a herd of motorcycle riders pass me, spooked me and I realized I have slowed down considerably.

Another cool sign describes the area growth.

Arriving back at camp, we work on adding the Kelty tarp to help in the afternoon sun comes directly broadside to the coach. We wanted this spot because it has the best view of the valley.

I took the day for a scooter ride to higher elevation Cripple Creek, CO. This is the largest gold mine in the world! The 70-mile ride was spectacular until the end when a rain and hail storm caught up with me. I arrived home wet, cold tired ☹. But while it lasted it was excellent. Very curvy roads with such immense vista’s, I recommend it for a scenic route.

The motorcycle did not like it so much for it is an older scooter with standard carburetor’s and above 9,000’ the fuel air mixture was very poor, and performance was really lacking. At peak elevation 10,240’ it was really bad, struggling on the climbs, miss firing.

The town of Cripple Creek consisted mostly of casino’s The older storefronts remained, but it had been merged into one long building on each side of the road forming the casinos.

This is what the call a Frittatta here,

The story on this one is that a Coal Miner would make $3.00 a day high wages back then. The Ladies in this establishment would make $250. Per customer! WhooHoo what a profit!

For a tour, I preferred the Mollie Kathleen Mine; I did tour the mine itself where you go 1,000’ below the surface and they give demonstrations of the original method of drilling (by hand) and advanced method using air power. The original labor was burros until President Roosevelt felt it was cruel and inhumane to keep these creatures below ground their entire life and they would go blind. Then the method was air powered engines to move the ore carts.

Government regulations????

This is the lift that took us below ground.

Even 1,000’ below ground you must have an outhouse.

 Through the end of July we stayed in the Rockies keeping cool during a heat wave in the middle of the US. Mostly Boondocking west of Colorado Springs then errands in Colorado Springs and Denver before going up to Cheyane, WY for "Frontier Days".

Having warranty work accomplished in Colorado Springs at Van City RV was a good experience, their team of technician's, office staff were truly excellent at their jobs, pleasant to work with. I highly recommend them not only for sales but service. These items we brought were very minor, the LTV did an excellent job on building the RV. Some other manufacturers products did not work so well. The only one I have a complaint with is Carefree Awnings. The motor failed to stop properly when opening and failed to fully close. The adjustment was ineffective and in fact made the motor much worse. So after getting approval for warranty replacement of the motor we wait even more for Carefree to respond on ordering the motor.

I have had a total of 4 brand new RV's over the 30+ years I have been RVing. The LTV has had the very least of troubles of them all. AND it is not even the most expensive RV I have ever purchased!

After my previous Blog where I went to the Mining town at 10,200' elevation and my motorcycle would not perform a this elevation because it was a older model with carburation and the fuel air mixture will not work without changing jets in the carburetor. This was the final deciding factor to trade up for a larger bike, newer with fuel injection and capable of carrying both Tanya and I. I did online research to identify a bike that short people are comfortable with and we went to Denver, CO to check out the bike shops. Due to supply chain shortages there are very few new bikes available. Fortunately, there was a used bike that fit my needs very well.

2014 Honda CTX700. This is a "Cruiser" style of bike, highway speeds are very comfortable, very low vibration, responsive at higher and lower speeds as well as slow steady climbing up the mountain.

Tennessee Pass 10,454 elevation. I never do selfies and did not know that there is a function to change the text in pictures that reverses the text. :)

This is a route between Leadville, CO and Aspen, CO. Independence Pass was over 12,000' elevation!

Tanya had flown back to MD for Dr appointment and mother/daughter time. So, I spent a week in Leadville, CO and made 3 different scooter rides of increasing distance and complexity. The last here going over Independence Pass was a very steep, very winding road that had 2 hairpin turns at 10 MPH, also so narrow that 2 locations had traffic stoplights for only one lane available due to the narrow road. I am not at all afraid of heights, but this road I definitely felt vertigo! 

You can almost reach out and touch the snow.

Leadville has interesting museums to see mostly mining. The town itself has buildings with character too. The use of old barnwood make it look really interesting.

Having to return to Denver to pick up the title for the motorcycle I continued on to Cheyane, WY for "Frontier Days". The first weekend the Air Force Base where I stayed had their own demonstrations of historic military items such as tanks, jeeps from WWI and WWII, Vietnam. Also 1800 village in period dress, blacksmiths, EOD demonstrations (EOD- explosive demotion detachment).