BIG CHIEF RV PARK

When we arrived here at Big Chief RV Park, we really didn’t have a chance to look at our surrounding since we were preparing to make a trip to WI. But once we got back and finally looked around, Big Chief is not the most desirable RV park around, but it’s convenient since it’s so close to Amazon.com.

Big Chief RV Park near Coffeyville, is a fairly new park, so it’s really hard to make any judgment on the park itself.  There are no trees, although they have planted some young trees on some sites-it will be years before they will even provide any kind of shade.

Big Chief RV Park in Coffeyville, KS

It’s easy to see that the park has been done cheaply.  they didn’t tamper down the individual sites, instead they laid large rock base for sites.  The bigger RV’s and Motor coaches are having trouble when bringing down their jacks, for they sink deeply in the ground.  Although the park is not quite two years old-they already are replacing broken water lines…

The office is the manager’s home, a small mobile home on the premises.  The downfall to that is the fact that she smokes and so when you walk in you will get a lung full of cigarette smoke; although she has never lit up while in our presence.

The Managers office/home (poor Sharon...)

Now I’m not putting her down in any way, her name is also Sharon and she seems to be a very nice lady.  Some folks are a bit leery of her because she has the “rough” look to her and her “helper/assistant” also has a rough look to him.  But  again, they have been really nice to us.  As I stated it is a new park-so what does one expect.  I’m here because of the convenience to Amazon.com and the fact that I can walk to work.

One thing I notice, is that an RV has been left while the folks to off for a spell.  Her assistant every night drives around and makes sure all looks okay with their coach and I hope while we were gone that he did the same for us.

You will find outstanding power here, the one thing that was done right was enough electric to keep even the fanciest motor coach running smoothly.  The water is city water and the only problem we have found with it, is that they seem to bleach the line often.

There is a bit of false advertisement right now on their web page.  It states that there is showers on the premises.  The shower building is up and contractors are slowly working on it-but the showers are non-operable as well as the laundry facility.  Maybe by the work we are seeing-they might get it done in a couple of weeks-or at least we are hoping so.

The new shower & laundry facility (not completed yet)

There is not too many other RV parks around or nearby.  You have the county park which has added more sites to accommodate both Amazon.com and the refinery in Coffeyville, but only a few sites have full hook-ups and when we drove by, they are literally on top of one another.  At least here at Big Chief they are spacious  and long sites, which we like.  There is another RV park in town but it’s plum full of workers for the refinery.  Otherwise you have to venture out to either the State Park or there are two Corps Of Engineer parks with-in 30 miles or less.  I think we will stay right where we are. 

We did end up with a bad site at first due to a water break behind us.  But upon requesting another site-Sharon did assist us and got us a little better site for our little dog. 

  Our site here at Big Chief-Can't complain-not a bad site


One good thing about here for sure-we can have campfires, where you can’t do that inside the city limits of Coffeyville.  We probably won’t seek out a fire grille this year or wood, but maybe next year we will-who knows.

All in all we really can’t complain.  We try not to judge people by looks or the fact that they  smoke and we do understand that it’s still a new park with lots of work yet to be done on it.  And hopefully by the amount of money they receive from Amazon.com-the work will improve each year on the property.

A beautiful sunset behind us

We will stay here at Big Chief RV and give our support to this new park and the manager that is trying to make a go of it.  They are putting on a Bash on the following Sunday (16th) for all of us here.  They will be providing hamburger, hotdogs and ribs plus music.  All we have to do is bring a dish to pass plus our own drinks.  They are doing this to where both shifts can enjoy either before they go to work or like in my case when I get home from work.

Not sure what this slab will be used-maybe an office or rec hall....

TO BUSY 2 WRITE-Part Three

After a busy weekend and helping out both at Mom’s and at Steve’s place-when Monday rolled around, Brian got up feeling sick.  It’s once again raining and chilly outdoors.  Mom wants to go shopping in yet another town and it was decided that just the girls would go and Brian would stay at home and rest.

After making the trip we found nothing that was desirable to us and it rains the whole time.  We arrived back by early afternoon and Brian still isn’t up to par.  We were to go out with Steve & Diane and the boys to a local restaurant for $1.00 make-your-own Tacos, but with him not feeling good, we just decide to stay home.

By Tuesday Brian is feeling a little better and finishes up some odd-n-end jobs inside and I finish washing down inside cupboards for mom.

Wednesday rolls around and now it’s my turn to wake up not feeling so hot.  We are deciding if we should leave or stay one more day.  Not knowing if it’s partial to the water we decide it’s best if we head out and go as far as Des Moines, IA and then get a motel for the night.

Just before leaving I start throwing up…not a good sign, but I decide to push forward and head out anyways.  Saying good-bye to mom was a hard thing, but all in all it was great seeing her once again and reconnecting with family members.

We didn’t get very far down the road when I really turn for the worse, we could turn around or go a little farther down the road.  We made it as far as Rochester MN when I finally told Brian that I need to stop and get a motel.  Ms. Garmin found us a motel 6.  We choose that particular chain because they allow pets at no extra charge.  Brian told the desk clerk that I was sick and we needed a quiet as possible room.

I slept on and off for the rest of the day.  It appeared to be quiet, until all the construction guys came back then we had banging going on over our heads and the folks in the next room was blaring their TV so loud-we couldn’t hear ours.  Brian went and complained twice and the last time, they moved us to another room and gave us $11.00 off our bill-whoopee….

The room was a little quieter, but we could hear the people next to us as she coughed almost all night long.  One thing for sure-I will NEVER go back to that motel again!!

We got up early the next morning and I’m feeling better, the tummy has settled down and all I want to do is go home.  I couldn’t drink coffee and I was getting sick of drinking 7-up, but we made sure that we both stayed hydrated for the trip home.

We got back to Coffeyville late that afternoon.  Once we got unpacked we finally got a chance to look at our surrounding and poor Leah really didn’t have a decent yard.  It was either piled with large rocks or mud.  We went to the office and asked for another site.  We were moved to a much better site. 

Now I have just a few days to rest up and get to feeling better before I start on Sunday with Amazon.com….hope I can make it!

TO BUSY 2 WRITE-Part Two

After a days rest at Brian’s mom, we now was getting ready to see Brian’s other brother,John and his family. John and his family are Vegan/Vegetarian, so mom worked on dishes that she knew they would eat and I made up a veggie tray.

John and his family have recently moved back to Monroe, WI and had about approximately a 3 hour travel time up to mom’s place.  They arrived late morning and the day began.  They have two children, ironic their oldest daughter is also named Leah.  Then they have a son named Joshua.  I immediately was fascinated with Leah’s long hair and oh what I would take to have just half of it!
After lunch we all took a walk. We mostly had clouds with peaks of sunshine-but at least the rain held out for us and it wasn’t cold.



Soon the visit had to come to an end, for John doesn’t like to travel at night; which we don’t blame him.  It was nice to finally meet Oneida (John’s wife) and finally have a conversation other than on Facebook!



Friday rolls around now and mom is eager to go garage saling.  Rise and shine early and off we go in search for sales!  Mom found some good bargains and I found some clothes (which I probably don’t need-knowing the limited space we have-but ah well).
Okay, now that we are rested and the family re-uniting is done with, it’s time to get some work done that Mom wants Brian to do.  She wants a coat closet turned into a pantry for more storage space.  Brian has a new helper-Zachary.  together they worked very well together.



At one point Brian even gets hurt on the job!  No worry-not too serious and it’s determine that he would live.



Mom lives on Steve and Diane's property where they have placed a single wide mobile home for her to live comfortably in.  The property lies just outside of Nekoosa WI on 80 acres.  Trails have been made around the property for a nice leisure walk.  Mom had found a special place along a small creek where she said she would love to have a bench placed to rest and to think.  So we purchased her a bench and again Zachary helped Brian put it together.  Once hunting season is done-the boys promise to place mom’s new “Thinking Bench” where she wants it.

Because they live out in the country-campfires are whenever one wants one.  So that Saturday night I wanted a campfire.  We bought hamburger and brats and special Mrs. Mike’s Potato Chips (from our hometown-Freeport IL) and a picnic we would have with a campfire.  One problem-it decides it wants to rain…but it didn’t stop us one bit!  We all had a great time and allow family to once again reconnect!



Steve & Diane rely a lot on wood for heating in the winter time to help on cost.  It’s the boys job (since they are old enough), to get dead wood, cut it, split it and stack it.  Since I had experience on the splitter and something I enjoy greatly, the following Sunday I got to help out by splitting wood.  Brian finally got on the action as well and before the days end-they had their last row completed.



We did take a break when Dian fixed a wonder Turkey and Dressing dinner for all of us.



You know-it’s great to be with family once again…..

TO BUSY 2 WRITE-Part One

Working my last two weeks for the Colorado State Park wasn’t what did me in, but the past several weeks….

Leaving the Park early on Sunday Morning of the 19th of Sept., we traveled as far as I was able to go; landing our feet for the night at a Wal-Mart parking lot in Colby KS. getting up refreshed and ready to get back on the road early the next morning allowed us to make good timing and ending up in Coffeyville late on Monday afternoon.

After getting the Motorhome parked-barely; we kept the slide in and just plugged in so that we could run the AC-since it was a bit on the warm side.  As tired as we were, we re-arrange the car and packed it up for a journey to WI.  We would leave our motorhome behind and travel only by car.  By doing this we could travel at a lot faster speed.  We would be camping out at Brian’s Mom for the duration of our visit. 

This would be the first time ever leaving our home in one state while traveling to another, but we had no fears since most around us were other Amazon workers and a few refinery workers and the manager lived on premises as well.

I think we finally crashed around 8:30 or 9:00pm that night, with the thought that when we awoke the first time we would head out for WI.  That would be around 1:00am and once again were back on the road by 1:30am-with the car loaded to the gill.

We had mostly two lane roads until we reached near Kansas City, then we would jump on the Interstate and would run Interstate all the way past Tomah WI, where we would once again be on two lanes for the remainder of the trip.  Driving at night we ran into very little traffic.  The only fear I had at that time was running into any drunks coming home from the bar….

It was nice being able to travel faster and I could stay at the posted speed limit, which made up time for us.  Between 7am and 9am we found a casino that did breakfast buffet and by then our tummies were growling.  Knowing it was an Indian Casino, we knew for sure it would be good food.  However that was about the worse meal we could ever ask for!  The food was cold and I think the one item was to be Corn Beef Hash-but not sure, for it didn’t taste like it.

Anyways, another long haul and by 3pm we pulled up into Brian’s moms place-tired and exhausted and ready to call it quits on the driving for a while.  She was so glad to see Brian, since it’s been a very long time!  Time to bring out the Rum & Coke and sit back for a long visit.  Ruby (Brian’s mom) even joined in on a drink.  We soon then met two of Brian’s nephews-Zachery & Christopher.  We couldn’t get over how much the boys look like their dad and uncles-you defiantly can tell they are Scofield boys! 

Leah soon had a new name once Brian’s sister-in-law, Diane, came over.  She started to call Leah “Skippy”….Leah took to almost everyone right away, except for Brian’s brother, Steve and Christopher.  Christopher liked to “pick” on her, so she would bark at him the most.  She soon learned to get along with Zachery-until he would put on his camouflage clothes-then for some unknown reason, she would carry on around him.  Soon Zachery had Leah eating out of his hands!



We would have a day’s rest before Brian’s other brother, John and his family would come for a day’s visit. 

The next morning we awoke to cooler weather and rain.  Since not much could be done, we decided to run into Wisconsin Rapids and get poor “Betsy” (our car) a well deserve oil change.  Mom said that the Chinese restaurant was really good, so we took her out for lunch.  Ironic as it was, we had just sat down, when I looked over at the buffet and I recognized a lady from Circle T Park from Mission TX!  So naturally I had to go over and say Hello!  Her husband use to bring me lollipop suckers when I use to call Bingo at that park! 

It now appears we are in for a long haul of rain….wonder what we will manage to get done….

COLORADO STATE PARKS

After spending over 4 months first as a volunteer and then as a Park Attendant for the office, I have learned the ins and outs of the day-to-day operation of the park. Like the Federal parks, you get friendly people and then you get those that come across to you as very grumpy and Parks and Wildlife. Years and Years ago, they were one, and then separated and became two different agencies. Now with budget cuts and state funding being taken away from them, they are once again merging.

Along with those changes came some other changes. Since State parks will no longer get any state funding and now will be self-supporting. Prices had to change as well. This time they change the prices to the Senior Citizen’s of Colorado. They have a deal for state residents over 64 years of age called the Aspen Leaf. An Aspen Leaf annual pass use to cost only $35.00 and a second one $15.00. You could purchase a lifetime pass for $175.00. Effective July of this year all that changed. Now the Aspen Leaf Annual Pass is $60.00 ($10.00 off regular price) and the second one is $30.00 ($5.00 off the regular price). The lifetime pass went up to $300.00. Now that’s a HUGE jump and I have to agree with the elders of Colorado-it wasn’t fair to raise the prices the way they did. Also if you have an Aspen Leaf Pass-your camping was also reduced. Sun-Thu you use to get almost half price on camping now it’s only $3.00 off camping fees.

Needless to say as hard as the State Parks try to keep the price changes hush-hush so that they wouldn’t get bombarded with the Seniors buying the life time before the price change-I am glad to announce that their little secret got out and the state wasn’t prepared for the rush! At our park I can’t even begin to count how many we sold in the month of June. I know the main office in Denver and Littleton has those figures. All I know is that on the last day of June I sold everyone that was left in the office. Since prices has changed-I have only sold two life time passes….And I have notice that since camping prices changed for the Senior Citizen of Colorado-the numbers did go down on camping as well.

We have traveled across several states-spending most of our times in Federal Parks instead of State Parks, we still learned the prices of the state parks. And I have to say that Colorado is the most confusing one we have seen thus far. We have had several others that have come in and said the same thing. You have your camping fee plus your daily entrance fee-unless you have an Annual pass; then your entrance fee is waived. If you don’t have the Annual Pass this is how the fees will go: A basic tent site, you will pay $16.00 + $7.00 each night equaling $23.00. Electric sites are $20.00 + $7.00 each night; equaling $27.00. And full-hook up sites will cost $24.00 + $7.00 each night; equaling $31.00 each night.

If you should come in after the office is closed, there is self service to register. You have to fill out two permits, one for your daily pass and one for camping. Now if you're thinking of skipping out-think twice about it. One during peak season-they have a ranger on to late and generally that ranger won’t hesitate to get you out of bed to go register and pay for your camping fee, plus he has also written down your license plate number. And if by chance that ranger don’t get you, the state parks have volunteers that also will write down your license plate number and turn it into the morning ranger. If those two don’t get you, I almost guarantee that the morning ranger ( and they do come on early), will get you. Failure to pay for camping and daily pass could cost you more than what it was all worth! We have come into a few with no camping permit and our ranger made sure that they registered before leaving the park and I’m sure those that tried-won’t try again.

Colorado State parks are well kept and hope with all their budget cuts that they will be able to keep the parks beautiful.

Only 4 days left before we hit the road once again. Which means this is our last week working here for the Colorado State Park in Grand Junction CO. The park was slow this past weekend, but gearing up for one last hooray-Wine Fest. We are full with reservations starting to come in today.

Brian has done everything to get both the car and the motorhome ready to roll. He has washed and waxed, checked tire pressures, check fluids in both engines and check batteries. We are as ready as we can be. Only thing left to do is load the canoe on the car and hook the car behind the motorhome.

I am working OT this week, finishing up at noon on Sunday. We will have the motorhome sitting up at the office ready to roll once I finish. Plan is to get only to Denver to spend the night before heading towards Saline KS, where I will go for a drug test for my next job adventure-Amazon.com

This last week of work has been a lay back week for all of us here at Island Acres. One of the Seasonal Ranger and the other Gate Attendant are only here on the weekends now, for they are back into college. So we took a few minutes to take photos of us here at work.

L to R: Sharon (Park Attendant), Amanda (Park Attendant), Julie (Boss/Supervisor), Brian (Volunteer/my Hubby), Duain (Seasonal Park Ranger), front: Zach (Seasonal Park Ranger)

And of course we have to horse around just a bit…

No need to worry, customers came first!

Although we had our issues and some problems, we did for the most part enjoy being here at the State Park and the staff that are posted, were awesome to work with. Both Brian and I will carry their faces in our memories and hope to keep in touch with them.

One thing here, we didn’t seem to get to know the campers like we have in the past in the Midwest.

All in all it was another good adventure under our belt and we look forward to the next one.

WHERE WERE YOU?

It’s been 10 years ago now that our country was attacked.  Like Pearl Harbor, I think this will be branded permanently in our brains forever.

So I ask you my friends this question:  Where Were You 10 Years Ago?  I will never forget where we were and what we were doing…

It was a bright sunny morning, we had just finished working for a private campground in Ortonville, MN.  We stopped a few nights in Sioux Falls, SD where I just bought a new refurbished computer for the first time.

After leaving Sioux Falls, SD, we  headed for the Power Loop District Campgrounds near Columbus NE.  when we got there the sky was grey for a day or so.  On Sept 11, 2001, it was a picture perfect day with perfect temps and lots of sunshine.

As I sat at our kitchen table trying to figure out how my new computer was to work out, Brian was watching Good Morning America.  He told me that something was going in New York and thought a plane had just hit into a building.  He got up to go to the bathroom, I got up to watch what was happening when I saw the second plane hit the World Trade Center. 

From there on, it just seemed like time just froze!  We had no cell phone at the time, no way to communicate to our daughters.  I was so scared that I wasn’t sure what we should do.  the TV was kept on as we watched the towers collapse, a plane hitting into the Pentagon and the 4th plane crashing into a field.

a few hours later a deputy stopped by and said that we are in lock down. Which meant we could not move our rig until further notice and to stay put.  We were allowed to drive the truck into town. We had been told that the President Of The United States was bunkered down somewhere in the state of Nebraska.  Later that day we went into town to find an American Flag, and none could be found.  We also was able to call our daughters and let them know we were safe and to tell them we loved them very much.

That night the stars were out bright and not a plane in sight was flying our skies. It really gave you an eerie feeling to look up and see no flashing lights, wondering what destination people were heading. 
There was a gas station just up the road from the campground and the next day cars were lining up all the way back to our campground, trying to fuel up.  All other gas stations in town was empty and those that did have fuel was jacking the prices up past $5.00 per gallon.

Days later we finally got the okay to travel on.  So we hitched up and scooted closer to our destination in Texas.  As we left the town of Columbus, we notice hardly a flag flying and all I remember is how sad we felt.  As we drove we kept the radio on for any further news bulletin.

When we finally did arrive to our destination in TX we were greeted with an huge American Flag on the gate and that made me feel proud to start working for the Corps of Engineer.

That day seemed like yesterday and one I will NEVER forget.

So my friends take time to remember those that lost their lives for no reason what-so-ever and for ALL of our Heroes; past, present and future.

AUGUST

The month of August is known for the “Dog Days Of Summer”.  It’s usually the hottest month around, making everyone feel lazy.  It’s also the month before fall where everything starts to change.  School goes back into session, temps start to drop to cooler weather, reminding us that winter is just around the bend.  The leaves start to change their colors

But for now we must contend with getting through the month of August.  It’s now at the end and only a day or two left and once again, it’s time for changes. 

I use to like August once upon a time.  The month use to mean that our County Fair back in IL was gearing up for another promising year.  I would start gathering my plastic canvas projects and get them ready to enter into the Stephenson County Fair, wondering if it would take a ribbon.  Our county fair would work hard to bring in country stars to perform at our fair and the price was very

reasonable.  We have seen stars like, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Statler Brothers, Loretta Lynne, and Toby Keith just to name a few.  Our girls would go with a group of their friends and ride on all the rides until they couldn’t ride anymore.  They even help shut down the fair in the evenings.  Then the last day Brian and I would enjoy the Demolition Derby, our favorite was when they brought in the compact cars.



Oh those were the days of August that I use to look forward to.  But now, August just seems to drag on and on…oh, if only I could turn back time…But I wouldn’t, you know…

GRAND JUNCTION, CO

We have now spent well over 4 months here at Grand Junction CO.  What do we think about it?

My personal humble feeling is this:  although we did meet a lot of good folks here in Grand Junction, I do not think it would be a choice of where I would ever really want to settle down. Why?  Again, we have met a lot of nice folks here, but on the other hand we found it to be not the friendliest places either.  Going shopping, if you smile at someone, they look at you as if you have just done something wrong.  While we spent seasonal summers in Mountain Home AR, if you smile at someone, they would smile back at you and even may say “hello”.

We notice that you also have to be a more defensive driver, because you just might get hit or rear-ended.   Since being here, we nearly missed getting reared in by another driver not paying attention, and there fore causing a chain reaction of cars getting hit, with us just barely getting missed by the car behind us.  One minor injury caused in that accident.  We had another incident where I noticed a truck out my rear-view mirror swerving in and out of cars, nearly hitting us.  If I hadn’t taken the shoulder-he would have hit us.  Again on another occasion a vehicle decided to make a right-hand turn from the far left side of the road-way, almost hitting the car next to us and us!

The cashiers at the store makes you feel like you shouldn’t be in their lane checking out and are annoyed that you did check out with them.  There is even one checker at one of the Wal-Mart that will freely give you her opinion; whether you want it or not.  We have learned to avoid checking out with her whenever we see her as a checker.

Now I’m not totally putting down Grand Junction for there are some positive and upbeat to it.  When I needed to get my foot checked, you just don’t call a doctor and get in.  So I ended up going to an Urgent Care Center with Community Hospital.  They treated me well and acted as though I was a human being, not just another sick person or a statistic.  When I was able to get to a foot surgeon, I ended up going to Patterson Ankle & Foot specialist and the Doctor that I had did a wonderful job getting my back on my foot again.  She was awesome and if ever I had to go again-I would go back to her.

We did give Grand Junction a lot of business this summer, with my foot surgery,  to finding a good dentist, going to Midas to fix our A/C and breaks on the car.  Buying a new computer, and  last but not least, buying at the local department stores.

There is also many things to see and do while in or near Grand Junction.  You have the National Monument (which by the way, if you own a dog, they are allowed in the campground, but not on any of the trails) and the Dinosaur Museum is not far from the West entrance.  The Book Cliff mountains and Mount Garfield (which you might find wild horses on the back side) are spectacular to view, the James M. Robb Colorado River State Parks (Island Acres, Connected Lake, Corn Lake & Fruita), Palisade Wineries (That do Peach Festival in August and the Wine Festival in Sept), and don’t forget to take the tour up onto the Grand Mesa where there is over 50 lakes, a visitor center along with resorts, camping and hiking trails.  Also if you plan your trip maybe at the right time, you just might get in on the Country Jam in June or the Rock Jam in Aug that goes on near Grand Junction.

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter, it’s a beautiful place to check out and explore and the landscape is amazing.  I wish we would have had more time to do more things, but we didn’t.  So that means sometime down the road, we will need to come back again, but this time to explore more and work less.

COLORADO RIVER AT NORMAL

Since arriving to Island Acres, we watch as the Colorado river rise, putting everyone on alert to flooding.  They feared that the Day-Use area would be the first to go under and then maybe a couple of our campsites.



Then at one of our sister park, the berm broke away while a park ranger was checking for stability, causing for an emergency shut down to any trails along the river banks.  The park ranger was safe and was able to pull himself back up.

Now that the snow run off has stopped and the rain being sporadic, we finally are seeing the Colorado River for what it is, with a constant motion and ripples.  Rocks and boulders are starting to appear once again.  Rafters are back out having a good time. 

water rushing over the rocks as they show their appearance

Great Blue Heron perched on a rock in the Colorado River

The Island where bears have been known to cross over and come over towards us.

Unfortunately the River still continues to claim a lives.  In one incident a down tree was across a big portion of the river, causing many to divert.  Not knowing if the tree was the actual cause of the drowning or not, authorities decided not to take any more chances.  So calling in the bomb squad, clearing the area, the tree became an instant debris field, which has now been cleaned up.

With the river going back down to normal, we have been told that bears will cross over in a couple of sections, so I wonder if I will finally get to see one?

ANOTHER CAMPING EXPERIENCE

A while back we did our first camping trip up on the Grand Mesa.  We tried to get near Bonham Lake, and couldn’t.  Upon finding the “perfect” camping spot it started to storm-forcing us to sleep in our small Chevy Tracker.  The next day we found another camping spot, got set up enjoyed a great lunch, and then comes yet another storm, followed by several more behind that one.  Making our first outing a very wet camping experience.

Knowing that our time is winding down, we still wanted to try again to camp on the Grand Mesa. So packing up on Saturday night, making arrangements to get off work one hour earlier, with thunder head clouds looming close by once again, we took off for our second camping adventure on the Grand Mesa.

The last time we did this trip, we turned into what we thought was a driveway to someone’s home in the Grand Mesa National Forest, but turned out to be the maintenance yard for the forestry and that the road actually comes around to the North end of Bonham Lake.  This is where we found the perfect camping spot.



There was only two downfall to the spot we choose, but we soon learned to live with those minor imperfection.  One was chasing cows away from our site.  The other downfall was we were down winded from the maintenance yard where apparently they use it and run a generator from 8-4. 
Even though we had looming thunder heads close to us, we only got a sprinkle late the first night after we went to bed.

who was ever in this spot previously was gracious enough to leave us some cut down wood and along with what we brought, we had plenty to keep fires going for the two nights and to warm our bodies in the mornings.

So, after setting up camp, we walked around and talked with a fellow camper who brought their 5th wheel in.  It was then time to start a fire, only to learn that the matches we brought with us had a bad striker and could not get a matches to light!  Brian even tried to get the match going by using the cigarette lighter in the car and it still wouldn’t stay lit.  After several failed attempts, he finally walked down to our fellow campers to see if they had some “good” matches.  While he was gone, I got the cig lighter going, ran over to the campfire, lit the match and manage to get the wadded up paper to finally light!  So when Brian got back I had a wonderful camper fire going and was doing the “dance”.  I was really proud of myself!



We ended up with several unwanted guest towards dusk and had to chase them away-cows!   They were invading on us and it was time to head them in another direction.  An hour later, here came another group of cows.  Our campsite must have looked appealing to them, and once again we had to chase them away.  Did I mention I hate cows?….

We were awoken the next morning to first a bird called that sounded like a puppy crying and then those dump ole’ cows mooing and bawling.  It was very chilly and a camp fire was needed to help warm our bodies while the coffee was being brewed. 
Upon going for a morning stroll, we looked back at our nice camp site and once again the cows were coming up behind us.  We walked back and decided that they were far enough behind and didn’t they would invade our site while gone. 
We took the hiking/OHV trail for a mile or two and then decided it was time to head back before we did get ourselves lost.  We were surrounded by combinations of Aspen and Pines. 



Upon returning back to our campsite, those cows were getting very close to us once again.  So Brian went to chase them away, however one bull was going to stand his ground and I was beginning to wonder who was going to win.  Brian blew the air horn and I guess the bull didn’t like it-so he turned around, leading the rest  of the herd to follow him.  We no longer had anymore issues for the remainder of our stay with the cows.

With the weather being perfect and the sun out bright we decided to take the canoe out on the lake.  This would be Leah’s first time in our canoe and we wonder how she would do.  She kept hanging on the edge, trying to bite at the little waves we created.  I was so worried that she would jump out.  We took her leash and strapped it the middle seat.  Brian told me to let her go and if she did jump in, he would rescue.  sure enough before long I heard a loud splash and as I looked back she was swimming in the cold water!  Brian scooped her up and for the rest of the ride, the canoe felt it was hitting bottom as she shivered.  I bet she doesn’t do that again!

For the remainder of our time, we did have thunder clouds loom by and some really loud thunder, but never any rain and our trip was spectacular and the most enjoyable camping experience we had thus far.



We did forget some vital essentials like; paper plates-we ate cannibal style and loved it.  We forgot our suntan lotion and got burned like a lobster.  We forgot knives-fingers worked great (clean ones-mind you).  The worse were our matches-but other campers came to our rescue.

Who could have asked for anything better?  We hiked, canoed, sat by a wonderful camp fire, cooked on the fire and just enjoyed each other’s company with no TV, cell phone or computer.  I think more couples should do this….

CANYON WINDS

Sitting between two canyon walls can create unexpected winds what seems like they come out of nowhere.

In the springtime, the winds would kick up and I could sit up at the office and watch the waves on the small lake.  At first they would be going in one direction and just like drop of a dime-the winds would switch direction.

As we fade in and out of the Monsoon season, once again, the winds are unpredictable.  The last several nights between 6:30 and 7:30 pm out of nowhere the winds would kick up as if a storm was coming in-but we received no rain or storms.

The other night as we were sitting and relaxing the winds again kicked up out of nowhere and rolled through the canyon walls.  As we looked at each other and wonder what the heck-when I looked out and see the diesel pusher’s just across from us, awning taking flying lesson! 
Knowing they were an older couple and they had just got home from the peach fest, I told Brian that they need our help.

As we went over here was two older gentleman and one lady trying to keep the awning from flying over and doing any more damage to the motorhome.  So Brian and came to the rescue to help out.
As we were trying to help and figure out what to do, I notice that his awning over the door was the next thing to take flight, so I suggest that we hold the one down while he puts up the other awning.
We finally manage to get the awning somewhat rolled up and the arms down.  The good news is that the group he was with was having an awning guy come out the next day and he would have that guy look at his to see what he could do until he got back to South Dakota where he was from.

Later on, while outside talking to our park ranger,this gentleman came over to us with a bottle of wine.  He told us that we would not find that wine anywhere around here.  It was called Red Ass Rhubarb Wine. 

The awning guy did come out and got his awning fixed up enough for him to get back to South Dakota where he will probably have to have a new one put one.   So all was not lost to this crazy canyon wind.  The next morning, a camp host brought up a tent that almost landed into one of our fishing lakes.

THE GROSGROVE FIRE

As we were coming back from our quick two day trip towards Denver, about five miles from our campground, we noticed an orange helicopter coming down towards the Colorado River.  He stayed down for just a minute, then up he went, with his snorkeling looking thing handing down.  As we notice him going towards the cliffs, we then also notice the smoke rising.

Our first comment was how close was it to our campground!?!?  Brian was able to get some pretty good shots of him going back towards the fire.



As we got off the at our exit (47), we say yet another helicopter coming down right near Island Acres Day-Use area.  I was able to pull off and get some awesome pictures!





As days go by we learned that the fire is behind the Small Bookcliffs on BLM land where the wild horses roam.  The fire was caused by  lightening from several days back and was left to burn.  Pinion and Juniper trees are not native trees/brush to this area and was overtaking the natural vegetation that is vital to the wild horses; therefore the fire would help restore the vegetation.  The wild fire was in no immediate danger of personal property or the State Park.

I went on the Internet and found a very interesting article on the fire.  They had several hot shots staying up there to maintain the fire and to make sure it did not get near any private property.  The only way to get to this fire was either with 4 wheelers or by air.  the guys that were up there had to have their meals dropped in by plane.  They received one hot meal and two cold meals per day.  They were ready and considering starting back-fires to help keep it under control.  We are not sure if they actually had to do that or not. 

One night while at work, the glow and the smoke really looked scary, and it appeared it would come over the cliff towards the park.



The fire never did get close to us.  However, with the winds kicking up, they did start to get concern that it was heading towards private property, and then the rain came and knocked the fire down.  The fire is now 100% contained and the wild horses are safe once again.

TRIP TO THE ROCKIES-Part Three

After a somewhat restful sleep at Lake Dillon, we got up and headed out.  I slept ok, but Brian was worried about me, so he didn’t sleep very good.  Anyways when we woke, the temp had to be near 40 degrees and tearing down camp became very cold on our hands.




In our haste the night before, Brian accidentally spilled what coffee grounds we had, so we had no coffee to help warm us up until we got to a gas station.  After fueling the car and our tummies with hot coffee, it was time to adventure on back home.  My breathing went back to normal and the wheezing had stopped-but I still felt low key and low energy-but I wasn’t going to give in.

As we headed westbound on I-70 the temps slowly warmed up.  It was time to shed the jogging outfits and put on shorts, and finally put more than coffee into our bellies, oh and of course-feed Leah.

We made a stop at a rest area that also was the entrance to the Hanging Lake Trail.  We had all good intentions of hiking on this trail.  However, first sign we saw said no dogs allowed on the trail!  Well that sucked, for we obviously could not leave her in the car either!  So the trail would have to wait for another time….We do understand why and the reasoning why dogs are not allowed on the trail, and therefore will by by the rules.

So back on the Interstate heading homeward bounds.  Next rest stop and pull off was fascinating to us.  We discovered where they put in for rafting on the Colorado River and was fun to watch them get ready to head down the river.  This was called Grizzly Creel Rest Stop.



We had to laugh at this one poor guide.  He was trying to get those on the right side of the raft to start paddling-and all they wanted to do was wave at us while I took their pictures.  The river guide had to do everything from keeping them from going in constant circle with no help from his crew mate!  It was funny, and they did finally headed downriver-in the right direction.

Next stop was back to Rifle where we picked up a pizza and headed towards Rifle Gap to rest and eat.  After a rest, we headed to Rifle Falls where we finally was able to hike a little and even taken our little girl with us.






Wished we would have grabbed our flashlights our of the car.  We knew there were some caves, but not sure how far they really went in and without flashlights and having Leah with us-we didn’t explore any farther than the entrance to the caves.

After walking a while, I was once again feeling not so good and it was just time to head back home.  I think with the elevation I may have developed a sinus infection.  We will do this trip again, when we have more time to allow are bodies to adjust to the elevation.  It’s trip well worth and hope that others enjoy the beauties of the Rockies as we sure did!

TRIP TO THE ROCKIES-Part Two

After turning back around at the Georgetown exit, it was time to head towards Breckenridge, where we will try to find us a camping spot for the night.  The descend downwards was a long haul and the road construction made it even harder-specially to truckers.  We actually had one trucker just ahead of us that had to use the runaway ramp.  We think he was having more engine trouble than brake trouble.
We couldn’t help but laugh at the signs on the Interstate that stated something like this:  “Lost brakes?  don’t take the exit, the road ascends just ahead…”  I know it’s really not funny, but just sounded funny.  The other sign that caught our eye was:  “Truckers don’t be fool, descend for another (number) of miles.”

We decided that we will have no trouble taking our  motorhome through the Rockies.  the worst descend for us will be in the heart of Denver-or so we are told, but I think we will be just fine.  So now comes some fun time…..

You could easily see that the town of Breckenridge was not only a college community but also a richly ski resort community.  You saw no run down homes, and again all carried the Swiss Alpine looks.
After carefully reading the instructions to the Lower Chrystal Lake, and taking only two wrong turns, we finally found our destination and found it-disappointing.  According the directions and usage guide-it stated “mildly busy”.  To us we would think a few cars, and some hikers-NOT!  The parking lot was over flowing.  We put the car into 4-wheel drive and went just in a little ways deeper into the Crystal Lake area.  Found a camping spot, but wasn’t totally sold on it.
Time to grab a snack and then hike further on up-maybe in hopes of finding the Crystal Lakes and maybe another camping spot.





As we walked, we kept ascending, making our breathing a little labor.  We only went so far and decided that this just wasn’t the spot for us.  time to look at the map and maybe find another camping spot.  It wasn’t quite noon-so we still had plenty of time to find something.

We continue farther down on HWY 9 with intentions of taking a loop cross country on 4 wheel drive.  I knew we would find a camping spot along the way that would be remote and quiet for us.
As we kept ascending up hill we wonder what we were getting ourselves into when we came upon Hoosier Pass on the Continental  Divide!  I was so excited to be on the divide and wanted to explore the area a little.

As we walked around, we found the perfect campsite that would suit us just fine.  It was time to set up camp for the night and hunt down some wood.  Wood finding was easy, for many fallen pine tress were on the ground-dead from the beetles.



Now it’s time to hike up the Continental Divide and be in the heart of the Rockies.  What an awesome experience!!!



The view was so breath taking that I had to stop and take constant pictures.







As we walked, we kept climbing higher and higher, and decided that our lungs and heart needed a rest, so back down to our campsite we headed.  Sure wish we had more time to spend in this area, but we would need our bodies time to rest for the height of the elevation that we were on.



After finishing cutting our wood, starting a campfire it was time to get something to eat and just sit back and relax.  As we are relaxing, I finally realized I had lost my watch.  The watch meant a lot to me, since Brian bought is special for me over 17 years ago.  But I think when I picked up Leah, the clasp must have come undone and therefore was lost at the Continental Divide.  There was no way we were about to climb back up to find it.  So it was a sad time for me…

As the evening went on, my breathing started to get more labor, my sinus completely shut down and my face started to swell a little.  Brian said I was getting paler by the minute and then I started to feel sick.  If I got up, everything would spin.  It was decided that I was getting altitude sickness and we would need to get to lower elevation.  Thinking our camping trip was done and we would head back home, I really felt sad that this had to happen.  Poor Brian had to pack everything back up on his own and we had to head on down.

As we got down to Lake Dillon, about 1000 feet lower, I was already feeling better.  I told Brian I would feel fine if we would spend the night at lake Dillon.  I would rather camp there than try to drive all the way back to our park in the dark.  So we found a nice spot at Lake Dillon on the White
I think if we would have more time at the higher elevation and rested before exploring,  I would not had that trouble.  But we were on a short time schedule…

Part Three will continue on our saga heading back on I-70 Westbound-homeward bound.