September 2013 Trip - Day 8

September 10, 2013
Day 8 - Golden, CO (Denver area) Day Trip to Loveland Pass, Keystone Resort, Lookout Mountain and Buffalo Bills Grave/Museum

Still a day late:  I'll try to get Day 8 & 9 done this evening so I can catch up.

First an update on Don's truck.  He took it in to the Ford dealer on 9/10.  They said it was going to be awhile so he rented a car.  Late in the day he found out that "turbo" was out and the rear end was having problems....MAJOR repairs...MAJOR bucks...I told Anell not to walk where that black cat walked but nooooooo....she wouldn't listen to me.  I did go around it's path.  Enough about the truck.  It's in the shop and it's getting fixed.

We went to Loveland Pass first thing when Don got back from the Ford dealer.  It's heavy, misty rain all day but we persevered. On the way there we stopped in Idaho Springs for lunch at Tommy Knockers.  Food was again good.  Harry was going to share something with me but decided to have a burger instead.  I had crispy chicken on 2 belgian waffles soaked in maple syrup.  I ate half and then the sweetness got to me.  I brought some of the chicken back for Pierre.

Loveland Pass was really nice and Kim and I climbed up all the way up.  Here's the pics to prove it!!!

The three amigos freezing to death

Don and Anell

We three "kings"?!?!?! 

Ruth and Kim on top!!!!

View from the top

As you can see we were in the clouds and the weather just deteriorated from that into a cold, misty rain.  We continued on to Keystone Resort where most stores were closed until November.  There was one open and we toured the entire store.  They had some great items.  A chair I'd love to have two of in my living room was only $3080 EACH.  There were also some great candles about the size of Circle E Candles and they were just $60.  :~{  I found a lovely silk dress for only $675 and so on and so on and so on.  I told Kim that these were Kim Kardashian prices not Ruth Stevens prices!!!   Well not even the Starbucks was open.  So we left and went on to Lookout Mountain.  Again we were pretty much foiled by the weather but while there we went on the the Buffalo Bill Museum and Gravesite.  The best thing there was we finally came upon some home made fudge.  

Well it was time to head back to the home base.  Don heard from the Ford people and the truck may be ready Wednesday afternoon.  We needed to do some wash.  I've already washed a couple of loads of towels and undies in the onboard washer dryer but I don't like to wash permaenet pressed in there because of the wrinkles they get.  Anell and I headed over to the laundry and finished our chores.  Kim wasn't feeling good as she has a urinary track infection so we let her rest and went over to Anell's to fix some pulled pork sandwiches and have an evening laugh or two.  Sometimes you've just got to laugh to keep from crying.  So ends another day.

September 2013 Trip Day 7

September 9, 2013
Day 7 - Golden, CO (Denver area) Day Trip to Breckenridge & Leadville, CO

Next Day - Monday was a very busy day.  We had spent the night at the Golden Clear Creek RV Resort but we couldn't get in the larger RV park until Noon.  I called about 10 a.m. and they said the two previous occupents were gone and we could come on over...music to our ears.  We got all set up and didn't even take enough time to set things out so we could get on the road to Breckenridge and Leadville.

About half the way to Breckenridge Don's truck started bumping and snorting every time we went down a hill.  Then it would clear up as we went back up the next incline.  This went on continuously so we all started praying we'd make it to our destinations and back home.

We finally made it to Breckenridge which is a beautiful mountainside town. Harry took most of the pics and I'll add some here now.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge

Wildflowers

Downtown Breckenridge

We had dinner at the Euro Deli and three of us thought it was terrific and the third thought it was an expensive appetizer.  Great stuffed cabbage, bacon potato soup, potato and cheese pierogies and spinach and cheese pierogies.  It was delish.

We walked the main street and browsed the shops and Anell actually found some great rusty/red earrings.  The guys walked the pups and all had a good time.  Then we're off to Leadville.

 
Looking for homemade fudge                                 Pierre asking Harry..."Well are you coming or not?


Second trip for Harry and I to Leadville and I have to admit the only thing I can really say about Leadville is that I have been to the highest town in the US.  Leadville is at 10,216 feet.  It's just not as cute as Breckenridge or most of the smaller historic towns here.  We walked a block of so and looked in one shop.  Couldn't find any fresh made fudge so we left.  We needed to get back so we could eat dinner and Harry and I could go to the airport to pick up my cousin, Kim and her son-n-law to be, Robbie.

I cooked some linguine and heated the Bolognese saouce with meatballs and some peas and Anell made some baked zuchinni and a salad and garlic bread.  As soon as it was ready we ate and Anell and Don picked things up while we went to the airport.

Kim and Robbie's plane was delayed because of weather so we had to wait about an hour.  This was our first time to meet Robbie.  He's a sweetie.  We dropped Robbie off at Buckley Air Force Base and headed home to settle in for the night. We're excited that Kim has come to join us on this trip.

I know I'm running late and tomorrow I'll try to catch up.  Day 8 will be about our trips to Loveland Pass, Keystone Resort, Lookout Mountain and Buffalo Bill's Grave/Museum.

We've been slowed down a bit by the rainy weather but I will catch up.

September 2013 Trip Day 6

September 8, 2013
Day 6 - Castle Rock, CO - Golden, CO (Denver area

LATE:  It's been a very busy day today.  Jellystone Park was celebrating Grandparents Weekend and since today was Grandparents Day they had a free for the grandparents sausage and pancake breakfast. We enjoyed it very much and then started trying to find out which park we would be able to get into tonight...Golden Clear Creek RV Park (CC) or Dakota Ridge RV Park (DR).  DR was booked for today but could give us side by side sites tomorrow.  CC could give us two electric only hookups today and maybe full hookups tomorrow.

We arrived at CC about 11:45 and spent the next 30 minutes trying to park a 40' motor home and a 34' 5th wheel and truck each in it's own Matchbox car parking spot.  The park is lovely.  Right by Clear Creek with trails, intertubing, etc. but it is very small.  They may be able to get us on full hookups tomorrow and they may not.  We chose to go take a look at DR and Don & Anell said yes the minute we drove in.  The lots are so much more spacious.

I had a little fun with the staff...told them I wanted to be parked next to my previous neighbor from 2004 again>>>>>>here it comes.

Matthew McConaughey was our back door neighbor when we stayed at DR in 2004.

The staff was flabbergasted as none of them had worked there at that time.  They had heard stories about Matthew McConaughey staying there but not they had seen proof.  This picture was taken right after he completed filming "Sahara" so he had the long, darker hair as it had been for that roll.  Can honestly tell you he is quite a down to earth person from Texas who was raised in the same area I was raised.  Harry and Matthew spent over an hour talking and when he came in to tell me who was there and that he was waiting to eet me.  I quit the house cleaning and started showering and primping.  When we got back to Matthew's he was sweet, posed for pics and was a lot of fun.  When I asked when he was leaving he replied in just a few minutes.  Checkout time was 11a. m. and i was almost 2:00 p.m.  He stayed after check out so I could meet him.  Enough about Mr. McConaughey.

CC is a lovely park but has only 33 spaces and they are very close together so we chose to move to DR tomorrow around 11 a.m.

We stopped and had lunch at Jack in the Box and then headed to Colorado Springs to see Garden of the Gods.  I think it becomes more beautiful everytime I see it.  Didn't have time to go to Pike's Peak so maybe later this week we could go back & hit Pikes Peek.

Here are a few of the pics that I took today and of course, Harry will be posting his.

September 2013 Trip Day 5

September 7, 2013

Day 5 - Royal Gorge, CO - Castle Rock, CO (south of Denver)

7:55 a.m. - Another beautiful sunny and crisp day in Colorado.  Just saying hello before the day gets going.  This leg of the trip will be approximately 3 hours.  Anell is thawing her pot roast out for dinner tonight.  Entire menu to follow tonight.  Time to go get dressed, make the bed and pick things up for the ride.  Anell is baking cinnamon rolls and I'm cutting up cantalope that we bought off the melon truck that was parked at the family restaurant we stopped at in Raton, NM on Thursday.  We've got fresh bananas and nectarines that we got aat a market in Cripple Creek, CO on our adventures yesterday.

Later family and friends.
Ruth

Here are some pics of the Royal View RV Park which we highly recommend.

Entrance

Firepit area 

Garden areas

Quite an uneventful day today but also quite relaxing.  When we left Royal Gorge our plan was to travel from Royal Gorge to Golden Co today but we found out early that we would not be able to check into the Clear Creek RV park in Golden today.  This park is run by the city of Golden and it is right on Clear Creek.  Ruth's cousin Kim recommended  we stay there and thought we would like it.   The only hitch is you can not make any reservation until the morning you will arrive there. This morning when we called they could not accommodate us but should be able to tomorrow.  We have to call at 8 a.m. or we could miss out again.

 t

We had to quickly come up with plan B.  After contacting several RV parks from Colorado Springs to Golden we settled on a Jellystone park in Larkspur near Castle Rock.  I won't be posting any pics of it tomorrow...we're in an expensive park and right next to a railroad track that has trains coming by almost constantly.  At least the train is not blowing the whistle.  We had a short ride this morning, arrived here at Jelly Stone set up and had lunch.  It's been very hot and windy today so we've been taking our meals inside.  We played clean he fridge for lunch and finished up the ribs, I added a little brisket to that and we also finished our mashed taters.  Did a lot of snacking trying to finish up some of the dips, etc. from the beginning of the trip to make some room in both fridges. After lunch we had a nap which we have not done since we started the trip.

 We are all settled in and watching the LSU game and relaxing and enjoying each others company. Also watching the dogs play and as usual when Pierre's had enough he jumps up on the sofa or in someone's lap and leaves Emi begging him to come play. Geaux Tigers.   Well the Tigers posted a big win tonight and we're now 2 & 0.  Now will be the Saints beat the Dirty Birds?  I hope they end up with 1 in the win column.

Right before half-time I took Anell to see the historic district of Castle Rock as well as the real Castle Rock.  The town is a real mixture of quaint little restaurants in older buildings and many have outside courtyard dining. We drove by what use to be Dave & Kim's house on Sapphire Pointe.  Still looks the same but it was really hard not to pull up in the drive and go in.  It was a little sad because we've had such good times in that house with them and the girls.  Anell liked the little town and the homes and even the gorgous outlet mall but what was really most impressive  for her is the Lowe's done in a gorgeous Craftsman style and it's huge.

Anell thawed some roast beef out for dinner.  It was delicious on pistolette rolls.  She pulled out the chocolate cake that everyone has kept reminding her about but she kept forgetting about it and served it for dessert.  For once I abstained from the cake.  We'll see how long that lasts.

We'll be back tomorrow with more pics and stories.  Should be a little more exciting than today. We'll be calling the RVPark in Golden at 8 a.m. tomorrow hoping to get some spots for the next several days.  We'll see how that goes.

Tomorrow starts our adventure in the Denver area.  We have a lot we want to see here in the Denver/Colorado Springs/Estes Park areas.  

Until tomorrow WHLS news is signing off.  See you.  

Harry & Ruth

September 2013 Trip Day 4

September 6, 2013

Day 4 - The Royal Gorge - Golden, CO (Denver area)

Today was as eventful as yesterday was uneventful.  During the early morning hours Anell and Don heard the eerie pop and they appeared to have electrical problems.  When Don got up this morning he actually had to plug the coffee pot in the dining/living area of the lounge as opposed to the kitchen area.  After Harry took the pups for their morning walk he returned to help Don work on the RV.

Here is Harry's update with a few of my thoughts thrown in and some of his pics.



The day did not start too good. Don heard a pop early this morning and we did a little troubleshooting and found that the battery charging device was fried so we bypassed it and thought the batteries would last until we got to Golden Co on Saturday. We got that problem licked then I started cooking up some bacon, hash browns with onions and Anell made some good old cat head biscuits. We ate breakfast and left the RV park about 10:30 a.m. 

This started our 1st adventure of the trip and it was an adventure or maybe a misadventure. We first went to see the Royal Gorge Bridge and of course due to the fire on June 11 2013 it was closed to the public for repairs. The fire burned over 5000 acres. We spent about an 1-1/2 hours riding around sight seeing around the Royal Gorge. We then decided to go to Cripple Creek, CO which was supposed to be about 35 miles away. We had a map but it was not marked very well.  We struck out for Cripple Creek down Hwy 50 for about 50 miles which was a very nice ride through a canyon with the Arkansas River on our side all the way. We were looking for land marks that would show us where to turn for Cripple Creek but could not find them. We then decided to hook up the Garmin and see what was wrong and where we were.  By this time we were not sure exactly which highway we were still on.  Well this is where the adventure begins.  Come to find out we were on the wrong highway so we had to go back almost  to where we began and start over. 

Just saying the trip down what turned out to still be Hwy 50 is a nice trip and glad we went but it will not take to you Cripple Creek. We had lunch about 2 p.m.at Buffalo Bill's BBQ on Hwy 50. the food was OK but not TJ Ribs if you know what I mean. By the time we got back to our starting point is was going on 3:30 and we had the GPS all dialed in and were off the Cripple Creek...AGAIN. We were hitting our landmarks on the map and the bitch in the GPS told us to make a left so we did and went up this dirt road for about 4 miles and the bitch said we were there and of course we were not. We turned around went back to where we turned and the Bitch told us to go on another dirt road so we did that for another 4 miles and it was not Cripple Creek.  She said it was but she LIED. Went back down the dirt road and then saw a sign that told us that Cripple Creek was 4 miles down a paved road so we went that way and we finally got to Cripple Creek.  The whole trip we laughed and cutup and had a grand ole time. The GPS bitch keep trying to send us away from Cripple Creek so we showed her we turned her off. It only took us about 8 hours to do what we had set out to do in about 3 hours but we had fun and the moral of the story is get a good navigator who was me and don't trust the GPS. Now I had an reason I was not a good navigator I am always the driver so I don't have those skills LMAO. All kidding aside we had a really good time with some good friends.

Now the rest of the story remember when I said we though the batteries in Don's 5th wheel would last until Saturday... well they did not. When we got back to the park a few lights and the bedroom air conditioner were the only things working.  Needless to say it was more than a little warm in the lounge/kitchen/dining area.  We did a little more checking to find out both batteries were dead so we went and got a battery charger and will use it until we can get the onboard charger repaired so all is well.  

Ruth and Anell heated the ribs that I baked Monday and added some brisket to it; Anell made a terrific salad and Ruth mixed up some spiced up mashed taters and we had a nice hot dinner in our nice cool bus while their 5th wheel cooled off.  Now we're going to bed and heading to Golden, CO tomorrow.  More mountains, water falls, aspens, wild life and much more will be seen. Stay tuned and  I will keep you posted as it happens on WHLS news  & updates. Signing off for tonight.

Harry did this so well with just a few minor corrections from me that I think I'm going to see if he wants to co-write this blog for me instead of us duplicating the effort.

Thanks for joining us on our September to remember.

Ruth & Harry

Harry, Ruth & Pierre overlooking the gorge

We finally made it to Cripple Creek

Don getting busted by the little girl.  (This was Anell's idea)

Eating ice cream in Cripple Creek

Harry reliving his youth.  He rode the tiger for at least 5 minutes and didn't get busted.

Royal Gorge Bridge

Sunrise over the Royal View RV Park

September 2013 Trip Day 3

September 5, 2013
Day 3 - Amarillo, TX - Pueblo, CO (The Royal Gorge)

Ready to leave Amarillo.

Pierre's ready.

Stevens Bus is ready.

Mosley's RV is ready.

Well this day went quite good.  Since we sat down and planned our route together the night before we didn't listen to the GPSs trying to take us different ways.

There were very few towns between Amarillo and I 25.  VERY few and they were VERY small.  We decided to wait until we got to I 25 before stopping for lunch.  We finally made it to Raton, NM which was at the intersection of Hwy 87 and I 25 and we were headed to the Dairy Queen (which will be referred to as the DQ from now on).  When we got there it was next door to a family style restaurant and all four of us opted to have a REAL sit down hot meal.  The food was home cooked and very good and of course they had a gift shop which Anell and I perused and decided it was a little on the high side.  They did have a large stained glass peacock and I HAD to ask the price and as the lady was going to check she said she thought it was aroud $225....I said that's ok don't bother...she said well maybe it's around $179...I still said thanks but don't bother.  It was pretty but NOT that pretty.


We made it to Pueblo which my very dear "YAT" friend, Anell, had a little trouble pronouncing and it became PWEBlo with emphasis on the PWEB.  We were actually just passing through Pueblo and headed west on Hwy 50 to the Royal View RV Park in Royal Gorge, CO.

We made it in about 4 in the afternoon thanks to gaining an hour due to MST.  The park is extremely nice with a gravel base all over and gardens around different areas.  The lots are nice and wide and we have picnic tables.  We were actually suppose to be in a really nice shady one with trees on both sides of the lot but couldn't get the satelite to work so we traded spaces with Don & Anell.   They had a tree only on one side...well it still wouldn't pick up Directv because the tree was still hanging over the satelite.  Oh well! Who really wants to watch tv when there is so much else to see.  Looks like we'll be using our table on our lot to sit and visit and/or eat since it's right in the middle.

We can see the Royal Gorge Bridge from our park but there is an even better view UP a trail so we decided to mosey on UP, UP, UP the hill to get a better view and take some pics.

Royal Gorge Bridge from hillside

Harry trying to get Pierre & Emi to pose

He had a little success, but not much

Don, Anell & Emi

Looking down on part of the RV park

The weather is excellent and we sat out eating snacks of about 5 or 6 different cheeses, crackers, and the rest of the fruit tray.  We actually ate so much we decided to skip dinner and head to the DQ in Canon (pronounced canyon as it has the squiggly line over the first n) City.  For those of you unaware as we were this is Blizzard month and you can buy one blizzard and get a second one for $.99.

When we returned to the campground we were all worn out...whether from the ride/drive, the hike, the early mornings or whatever we were all ready to hit the sack.  Well nighty night.  Wishes for a good day tomorrow.

September 2013 Trip Day 2

September 4, 2013

Day 2 - Terrell, TX to Amarillo, TX

OK...this will be hard to believe....I was up at 7 a.m. with a goal to leave the park by 8:15 a.m. and we actually left out at  8:08 a.m.  Fixed my coffee and a couple of boiled eggs right before starting out.  Didn't even take a nap today but a couple of times I came close.

This was our morning of misadventure.  Last night we forgot to coordinate our GPSs so we'd be going the same way.  We started out ok...Harry was leading and as we're going through Dallas we miss the turn off so we go down the road to exit and return only to miss it the second time.  Don and Anell caught the turn so we went on down the road and the3rd time was a charm...we made it.  Then we're going through Dallas and our GPS tellis us to turn west and Anell and Don are going straight.  I call Anell but her GPS is telling her to go north....so ok we go north.  Then later on our GPS tells us to turn west on I 30 but Anell's says to go straight and continue on TX 114 so we do.  Well as soon as I got out of my mouth that the road was a good 4 lane highway we hit construction and then a 2 lane highway and that's how it was until we're almost to Wichita Falls where we finally got on Hwy 287.  At least this was the only GPS screw up for Day 2.  We decided to sit down tonight and coorinate our GPSs and plan where we'll stay in Pueblo, CO tomorrow night.

We decided to have a good lunch in Wichita Falls but in following our trusty GPS we can't get to the restaurant we saw as it was one of those "you can't get there from here" scenarios.  So we see some signs that there is suppose to be a good restaurant in Vernon, TX.  We exit in Vernon and we're going through the center of the business district but not finding any restaurants.  I spotted a small cafe and there was room on the street to park the two RV's so I got out to see if it was open and ran into a local who I asked for directions to a nice sit down restaurant where we could get a good meal.  He told me that there was a good Mexican Restaurant and gave me directions to it.  Well we followed his directions to a tee and found no hospital, McDonalds or Mexican restaurant but the road brought us back out to the highway and as we turned to get on it we saw McDonald's in the distance.  We made it to that road and found the Mexican Restaurant...a fast food "Taco Casa" but it was  "a sit down restaurant".  The gentleman had actually followed us to make sure we found it.  We had a fairly good meal...at least it was hot and wasn't a sandwich.

Back on the highway we find our way to Amarillo and our RV park is actually just two exits after we get into town.  The Amarillo Ranch RV Park is very nice so another good one.  I start out in Anell's RV and Don came over to see Harry in ours.  Us girls decided to get the Atlas and the GPSs and go get the guys working on the trip.  So now we all end up back in the Stevens RV where we look and plan our route until Don said it was time to go back to their RV and have a sandwich.  So tonight we've planned our route, know which RV park I'll call in the morning to make our reservations for  the next two days so we're all set.  Good night, sleep tight and maybe tomorrow we'll take some pics to share.  So far all we've seen is dry, cracked Texas soil, scrub oak tree and mesquite.

Ruth

Our Adventures on the Road September, 2013

September 3, 2013

Day 1 - Walker, LA to Terrell, TX (just wast of Dallas)

We begin....up and moving around early but did take time to enjoy at least half a cup of tea before getting started.  Needed a little caffeine to get me going.  We got away on time (9:00 a.m.) and went to Port Allen to meet Don and Anell Mosley, our friends from when we lived on the river.  We're all really looking forward to this trip.  The plan is Colorado where we'll do some touring and my cousin Kim will meet us there the night of the 9th.  We'll tour the Estes Park/Golden area a couple of days and then head to Rapid City, SD where we'll spend several days exploring that area before heading to Yellowstone for about a week.  We'll work our way down to some of the parks in Utah and then Durango, CO.  Finally, back through New Mexico and Texas where we'll visit family in Wichita Falls and take Kim home to Conroe and visit our Houston relatives.  Eventually we'll make it back home, that is if Taylor will allow us to move back into the house.  It sure is nice to have an almost 22 year old housemate to take care of things when we're gone.

Our only misstep was when I set the GPS to shortest distance and she took us off the Interstate at exit 523 instead of 506.  We traveled down Hwy 80 until we came to FM 429N.  Big mistake...we needed FM 429S.  After getting to a place where we could turn around I called the RV Park and found out that we couldn't take FM429S from Hwy 80 because our big rigs would scrape bottom on it.  They were nice enough to give us another route to get to them which worked out well.

It was really hot all day and it was still extremely hot with no breeze when we arrived in Terrell.  The Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park was really nice and both Pierre and Anell's dog, Emi, really enjoyed the dog park.  It was too hot to sit outside and we all gathered in our bus since Harry had started the A/Cs while we were still riding so we sat in it while Don & Anell's RV cooled down.  We keyed down and talked about the day and enjoyed our chicken salad sandwiches and fruit and cheese dessert.  Good start to a long trip.