A NEW COMPUTER

In the 11+ years that I have had to experience and learn all about computers, I never was excited about owning a new one as I was for the one I just got.  My very first computer was a nightmare experience and one would think I would have hung it up right then there, but I plucked along.
I started out with learning on the millennium edition with a quick transaction to the Windows XP-which I really liked. then they had to change it to the Windows Vista. I wasn’t impressed with Vista at all.  But now they have come out with Windows 7. The features that they have added really caught my attention and I knew I wanted a new computer with these features. 
There really wasn’t anything wrong with my “old” computer and I probably could have changed out the Vista to the Windows 7 on it.  But I have heard nightmare stories of others changing their computer from one operating system to another and had nothing but serious trouble-to me that wasn’t an option, since I can get short fused with a computer when all doesn’t go just right…
Brian agreed that since I got hired on with Amazon.com for seasonal work this fall, that I could get a new computer with my first paycheck.  But instead he surprised me recently when he said I could get it now.  Needless to say I was ready to go shopping for my new pc!
We went to several computer stores until I found one that worked for me.  Two of the places had the same thing and prices were pretty competitive to each other, but what sold me was the extended warranty at the one.  Just like clothing, food, cars and other items we purchase, there are several makers to computers.  Personally I’m very partial to the Toshiba brand.  So therefore my new computer is once again a Toshiba.

Toshiba Notebook

Now the fun part began-transferring from old computer to the new.  In the past I would back up on disc and use my memory stick to do the transfer. This process would take forever.  Yeah, I know there are other gadgets out there that would have made my life a little more simpler, but really-how often do you transfer from one to another?  In my case, not often.  So along with the new computer, I have decided that instead of backing things up on a disc, I wanted a hard drive back-up. 
Everything transfer nicely and all my stuff can be stored on the hard-drive back up instead of on several disc.  I think  I’m going to like this new computer and the back-up….

Seagate Hard Drive Back-up

SCAMS-BEWARE!!

Over the years and I got more and more comfortable with the usage of the computer and surfing the Internet the braver I got.  One day I got brave enough to purchased Brian a scooter.   Being a little nervous in doing this, I prayed all would turn out.  I had folks telling me that they order all the time via the internet and that it was safe.
It was safe and I learned to do more via the Internet.  We soon purchased more items over the internet and even started to pay some bills the same way.  Sometimes I do get skeptical, not knowing if what I ordered would cause me future problems like receiving spam mail, getting hacked, or would they steal my credit card?
We did get Brian’s credit card number stolen.  This was with a doctor’s office that we paid via internet-the person got caught and no damage was done other than Brian had to be issued a new credit card.
But never stopped us from continuing with our purchases or paying bills still via the Internet.  Now when it comes to software's, well I have purchased software's and had the disc mailed to me.  But never have I bought a software that I would download-until recently.  With my new computer I needed the new Microsoft Words, the “old” one that I have is now considered obsolete and no longer can get a validated.
So surfing the Internet, I thought I was at a reputable company.  They were by far cheaper than anywhere else.  So I purchased the download version.  It was agreed that it could take up to 24 hours for me to receive the download and the Product Key code, but also states it usually only take 5-6 hours.
5 hours turned into 8, turning into 12 ended up almost 24 hours later when I received the email with the download and the key number.  Because it’s such a large download and I have a slow connection, I needed to get to a faster connection.  Off to the nearest WI-fi and spent well over an hour to download the software.  Now it’s time to put in the product key-and ooops-I can’t!  It states that it’s the product key to that download.  I also soon learned that what I thought was Microsoft web page was not, but a software company out of Shanghai!
Another 24 hours laps with another email sent off with them emailing me yet another download and product key.  Here we go again back to the truck stop to download again.  This time the Product Key is accepted.  But now I have less than 30 days to register it or it will quit working.  So upon registering it-I'm unable.  After contacting Microsoft about this issue I soon learn that the product is locked up and cannot be accessed!
Guess what?  Yep I just got scammed!!!  Another email sent off-this time a very nasty email.  Now it’s time to take serious action.  They have my money and I have a worthless product.  Thank Goodness for a great bank.  Brian got with our bank immediately and they have scam hotline.  We got our money back in full from the bank and now they are going after the company.  they also got the Better Business Bureau involved. 
Lesson learned-I will never again buy a software that has to be downloaded. I will pay the extra few dollars and purchase this product at the store or have the disc mailed to me.
With all this said, I don’t want to discourage anyone from purchasing via the Internet, because I still will continue to do that. Here are one or two helpful tips when ordering on the internet:

• When I’m ready to order and putting in my information, I always make sure the web page I’m on is secured.
• After I have purchased an item on the internet, you should always receive an email with your purchase order and verification number and/or a reference number
• I always check my bank account/credit card account (via internet) to make sure the right amount was taken out and nothing more.  I continue to watch it until the item I have purchased is in my hands.
• You should receive another email with a tracking number on the shipping order-that way you can monitor where it’s at and when it should arrive to you.

My lesson in all of this, is that I will research to make sure I’m buying here in the US and not in another foreign country.

INEXPERIENCE CAMPER

 

The other morning, while trying to enjoy a cup a coffee, I notice a gentleman looking around our RV, eating a banana. Then he came to our door, but never knocked. So I went out to see what I can do for him. He wanted to know how to fill his RV with water. He was told not to fill it while coming through the Rockies. So instead of getting water while parked here at the State Park upon arrival, he has decided to get it before hitting the road to Utah.
I had Brian go out and explain it to him how to fill his tank with fresh water. Brian comes back in after a few minutes, to enjoy more coffee, when again I looked out our door window and stood this man again. Brian went back out to again explain the water fill situation. Upon talking to him for the second time, this gentleman and his family hasn’t even used the toilet, because they didn’t know how to use it….
Brian told this guy that we would be out and about walking shortly and if he was at the dump station, we would come by and assist him with his water fill. 15 minutes later, again, this gentleman was at our door for a 3rd time. He had parked in a spot behind us to fill his tank. He told Brian that he thought something was wrong because the water started to fill and a few minutes later, water started to sputter out at him. Brian try to explain to him that his tank was full and he needed to shut it off. He kept asking how does one know if their tank is really full….
I’m proud of my husband for his patience with this particular gentleman for I know he was starting to wear Brian’s patience thin. Brian however didn’t have the patience to tell this particular gentleman that there are some other things he should have checked out before heading out, for he knew if he got into with him, it would be hours on end….and we did have to work that day.
He did suggest to this person in purchasing books on becoming an RV’er…..wonder if he will take the suggestion?
Now I’m not calling this gentle “dumb” or anything, but I would just like to point out to any newcomers that is either thinking or has just recently purchased a new RV for the first time to just take these few steps to make their lives (and others) a little more pleasant:

• Take time to get to know your RV inside and out BEFORE heading out on that long trip.
  
• DON’T be afraid to ask questions to the Dealer or the person whom you bought the RV from. There is no such thing as a “dumb” question.
  
• Take short trips close to home and try EVERYTHING out to make all is working properly.
  
• Maybe consider purchasing some RV books before purchasing your RV. Determine what kind of an RV you want, whether it be a 5th wheel, travel trailer or a pop-up. Do you want slide outs or not? There is a lot to consider when purchasing a RV.
  
• And NEVER be afraid to ask another RV’er some questions-most will be glad to help you-but on that same note-don’t take up a whole lot of their time either; They are there to relax as well.
  
• If you’re not use to backing up a rig, take the time and find a huge empty parking lot and practice!
  
• Remember all rigs are built differently and will operate differently in all aspects-so don’t totally rely on how another rig is set up to function-thinking yours will work that way as well.

We enjoy and really don’t mind helping a newcomer along the way and we will continue to help others whether “working’ or just playing ourselves. If we can give a helpful advise and share our experience-we will be glad to do it.

CARVING ON ROCKS

As we travel across the great American land of ours, we meet so many interesting and talented people along 0ur route.
There is one in particular that really has caught our interest.  He works seasonally here at the Colorado River State Park/Island Acres and is in maintenance.  His name is Tim and several years back he had broken his esophagus-laying him up for months on end with nothing to do but sit, sit and sit.  After several days of twiddling his fingers, he decided he needed something to do.
We have seen many folks that paint on rocks as a hobby, but never have we come across where someone has carved into a rock like he does.  Not sure what had inspired him to try carving on rocks,  but he gave it a whirl and has come up wit some magnificent carvings!  He uses a Drummel wheel to do the carving.   Now, not just any particular rock will do, it has to be one in particular and only can be found between here and just inside the Utah line.  The rock is called oil shale or Green River Formation Rock.  It’s basically flat with layers after layers of sediment and is fragile.

Tim does this strictly as a hobby and nothing more.  He sits in the evening or on weekends, whenever he has a spared moment along with his loyal corgi at his feet and carves on the rocks.  Here are some of his work that he has shared with us.

A CAMPING ADVENTURE-#1

Several years back we tried tent camping and it just didn’t work out for us and so we gave it up with a vow that we would never try that again…

There are areas that we really want to adventure onto, and not a place that we can take our motorhome.  So once again, we bought another tent.  We also wasn’t so sure how our little Min Pin-Leah would take to sleeping in a tent.  She likes to prowl at night when she hears noises outside.  So this was going to be very interesting-least to say.

On top of the Grand Mesa lays the Mesa National Forest with many different Forest Service Roads and ATV roads.  there are also over 50 lakes to explore as well.  You have your pick to popular resorts to a desolated out of the place where few will travel.  The latter was what we were looking for.  It would be easy for a person to get lost with all the forestry roadways.  But with the help of a park ranger and maps, we knew approximately where we were heading.  So off on to our first Camping Adventure we go.  Right after work one day we took off, with thunderclouds licking on our heals, If  luck was with us, it would just be a quick thunderstorm, and be over and we would be able enjoy the rest of the evening.

As we got closer to our destination, we also could see the ominous dark clouds heading towards us.  We just hope we could get our tent up and settled in before it hit us.  Bonham Lake was our destination and as we came upon the first section to check out we liked the area.  However, to place our tent in just the right spot, we would have to be at least a 1/2 block to a block away from our vehicle and being in bear country, we weren’t sure we wanted to be that far away for the first time.  All the nice secluded spots were already occupied.  So we went farther down the road.

We came to a split with yet more options for other lakes.  We came upon Neversweat Lake and really liked it  even found a few spots that would suit us.   We did have to put the car in 4-wheel drive just to get up on the little hillside with the perfect view.

In the meantime, that thunderstorm was finally upon us with intense lightning and thunder.  We try to first set up a shelter for out tent with a tarp.  Brian was tying the tarp over our heads to trees and to our car when all of a sudden a bolt of lightning hit closer than I would have cared for.  I screamed and jumped into the car with Brian right behind me.  As the storm pounded us with lightning and thunder, and then pea size hailed started to rain down on us!  The tarp didn’t get tied down all the way and it started to flap in the wind-hitting the car on my side making a horrible noise.  At one point Brian try to go out and secure it, but with the wind and rain he was soaked in seconds.

Hail on the Ground

Brian trying to attach the Tarp-with no luck

We had no choice but to sit in the car until the storm passed through.  When it finally let up and we could get out, the temp had plummeted and it was very chilly.  We manage to get out our stove and warm up can soup to help warm our bodies.  As we looked around we were surrounded with mud and water.  It was decided that we would shift things around in our car and sleep in the back for the night.  Mind you that we have a 4-door Chevy Tracker with not much room, but we would make due for the night.

Lake Neversweat-after the storm

The next morning, after a very rough and cramped night, we got out and first thing first-make coffee!  Then it was time to explore a little to see if we really wanted to stay in this spot or move to some where else.  We came across our first problem of the day…we were on this little “island” and couldn’t get off without driving!  The small creek that we crossed to get to this hillside was now twice as large as the night before.
After being wet and muddy, we knew that Cottonwood campground was just a few miles away and although we really didn’t want to be in a “developed” area,  we decided at this time that was our only option. Driving just a few miles on the Forest Service Road, we found another small lake and a nice little area that we could put the tent and salvage the rest of the day.  The lake we choose is named Kitson Reservoir according to our Delorme Topo.

View from the one end of the Lake

Finally we have our camped set up and ready to go!  Now it’s time to hunt down some firewood.  We found this old dead pine tree that about a foot was sticking in the water.  We hand sawed it off, wrapped a rope around it and then dragged it back with the car.Now it’s time to cook a hearty lunch; Chicken cooked over charcoal, with fried potatoes…mmmmgood.  Oh no not again, another storm once again heading our way.  It’s a good thing dinner was just about done, but now we have to hurry to eat and get things cleaned up and put away before it hits us.  Thank goodness it wasn’t as bad as the one that hit the night
before.

Snow still lingers in areas

mmm-smell those potatoes frying

Rain lets up, it’s time to try and keep our campfire going.  Brian re-arranges the rocks, hand saws the dead tree in half and gets a good fire going.  As we try to put the rock barrier back around the log, I didn’t know that one of the rocks was used for cooking the chicken, so upon picking it up I managed to burn 3 of my fingers on my right hand….
Storm number 2 (or is it three?) builds and again rains down on us.  I don’t know how he did it, but Brian manages to keep our campfire going through all the storms.  In the meantime I’m keeping ice on my fingers-it’s the only thing that is soothing the pain.  Upon investigating it appears I will have one good blister on one finger and small ones on the other ones.  It’s not as bad as it could have been….
Storm lets up, sunshine at last…so it’s time to take a small hike and a little adventure.  But as we walk, we notice once again storm clouds building-time to head back to camp-bummer….For the rest of the day storms continued on and off making us dodge in and out of our tent.  And yet, the campfire keeps on burning.  I soon learned Brian’s secret-lighter fluid.

Brian adding fuel to keep the fire going

Our one and only visitor

The next morning upon rising, we see once again that we are between rain-after a little better night sleep, we decided to give up on the camping for this trip.  So we packed up early morning, without coffee and headed towards home.

We have decided with all the rain and mishaps, that is still was a nice adventure and we defiantly want to come back again to this area to explore.  We will just make sure that there is no rain chances the next time!  As for Leah, our Min Pin, she was on her best behavior and a true champ through all of this!  When we got home, all she wanted to do is sleep, sleep and sleep, as well as we did!

Collbran down under all those clouds

We will adventure again up on the Grand Mesa again for there is just so much to see.  Whether you like being alone or being around folks, there are many options to sight see  and explore up there.
so what’s our next adventure?  Will be in a couple of weeks as we want to check our Rifle Falls and Rifle Gap.

SCAMS SCAMS AND MORE SCAMS

I have written stories about my life traveling on the road, but today I have decided to change tactics and write about email scams and viruses-starting with Face Book.
I got onto my Face Book to see what my friends and family are up to and on the lower right side a message popped up stating that a friend has just tagged me in two photos.  So naturally I clicked on it to see what photo of myself was being tagged.  Come to find out it was a report card that he supposedly did of himself about his friends. 
The report card stated that I was shy.  All my friends know that isn’t true!  In no way am I shy, but rather more out spoken.  So naturally I had to let this friend know he had me pegged all wrong.

A good example of a Face Book scam!!  I blocked out the names and faces to protect the innocent….


As I’m reading FB, this friend got on and couldn’t figure out what I was talking about in responding to this report card.  Long story short-he didn’t even do this report card.  So either this friend,  me or both have just been scammed!!
Just the other day another friend put up a thing about FB starting to charge and that you needed to copy and paste that particular story to keep from getting charged.  I went to www.snopes.com and soon learned this was false.  So I try to get her from reposting this false statement.
Whenever joining a social network like Face Book or Twitter, you are at a much higher risk for scams, virus and other nasty stuff that can get into your computer.
I’m not saying don’t join the social network, but be VERY cautious about WHAT you share on these networks.  Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe while surfing on these social networks.

1. In the instance of Face Book, when joining, they ask you some personal questions like Birthday, marital status, children, ect.
   
2. You can put your birthday, DON’T put the year you were born.
   
3. You can put your significant other/spouse DON’T add your children’s name.
   
4. DON’T put your address, phone number or state of which really reside in.
   
5. Periodically go into your personal, those that have joined you as friends, will have their phone numbers listed-go in and delete the phone number!
   
6. many of my Face Book friends play games-okay-if you choose to play, just remember you are subject to many, many scams, spies, and God only knows what else!  You will probably get loaded down with junk mail in your email box.  Keep a good anti-virus protection and spyware software program going on your PC if you choose to play those games.
   
7. I also have friends that copy , paste and post many phrases, a good example of one is stating that a good friend will be there for you and if they are a true face book friend they will copy and paste on their post.  WRONG!   By copying and pasting “sayings” opens a whole can of worms-literally….So instead of copying and pasting, if it’s something that I like what they are saying, I will just simply hit the thumbs up on their posting.  More than likely a hacker started that phrase and now he’s got your number-sort of speaking.

Now there is an upside to all of this.  Social networking is a great place to communicate at one time with ALL of your family and friends.  A few years back during one of the hurricane disaster, FEMA was encouraging and trying to promote social networking like Face Book or Twitter.  During a time of disaster when phone lines are down or limited.  It’s an easy way for a person to quickly get on and say: “Hey, we are okay and safe”.  by doing this simple little step, helps keep the phone lines from jamming up and open for those that really need it-like the emergency crew.
I use Face Book to let everyone know what kind of mischief we have found ourselves in our travel.  This way all of our friends and family can keep a quick tab on us and follow us along as we adventure slowly across America.  I also post my blog web page on it as well. 
Continue enjoying your social network, but just be very, very careful who you are friends with and what information you share!

SNOWING COTTON

The 4th of July weekend just now behind us, and we had a full house.  As you look outside at times, one would swear it was almost snowing!!!  But that’s impossible for our temps are nearing 100 degrees.  So what is this white stuff that keeps flying around??

Haaa-choo!, Haaa-choo!  “God Bless You”, is the common phrase around the campground here lately as someone near you sneezes. Campers, camp host, and even our poor rangers are sneezing up a storm, You will even hear a dog start up it’s sneezing fit.  So again I ask yet another question, what’s causing everyone to sneeze around here?

Island Acres has lots and lots of mature cottonwood trees and this year, they sure are producing the cotton.  If only it could be useful, but instead it’s causing stuffy or runny noses for many folks, including myself.  It’s also not good for all the RV’s Air conditioners as they run full blast to keep cool on these hot summer days.  Including us, we see regularly folks on the roof to make sure that the cotton is not plugging up the fins on the AC’s or breathers of their RV’s.

They say that the state tree for Colorado is the Blue Spruce, maybe that should be changed to the Cottonwood Tree!
When you go outside, you might want to keep your mouth closed, or you could get a cotton mouth….sorry couldn’t resist!!!

A SURPRISE PARTY

Planning a surprise party for some one you just met isn’t always the easy thing to do.  But it is something that I like to do and if I can  add a little fun to it, than it makes it all well worth it.

One of our rangers that have been here at the Colorado State Park for many years is temporarily leaving us.  She first started here as working for maintenance, then started to help out in the office, eventually becoming a park ranger.  She has brought a sister on board and now a baby brother, both working in the maintenance area.

Heidi, Hope & Sam, are good kids (as we call them) and work very  hard.  They were raised in a strong Christian family setting and part of the reason why Heidi is leaving for a period of time is to do mission work, with Hope only being gone for a month.

They first are flying over to London where a family member is getting married, then they are sailing on a boat.  Hope will be back with us by August, when she also starts back up in College.  Heidi will be going on doing mission work for several months.

Of course we had to bring Hope in on the mix, only to find out what Heidi likes for cake and what she don’t like, not knowing that part of the party was also for her.

I had the great pleasure of making their cards for all  to sign.  Then collected money from volunteers and other workers.  One of our other volunteers ordered the cake through Sam’s Club and got the ice cream.  Brian and I took the remainder of the money and bought Heidi a Black Hills Gold Guardian Angel necklace and the rest was to buy prank gifts for both girls.  We bought them both pail and shovel to play on the beach, Pepto for sea sickness, arm floaties to float along the ocean, repair patch to “fix” the ship if it should spring a leak, eye goggles to explore underneath the ocean, a straw hat so they won’t burn their faces and Luau flowers.  they looked soooo cute!

 

Of course we had the surprise party on Sunday afternoon, and of all times, I got busy at the window!  Thank goodness for our program interpreter that was there to help us out.  All turned out great and  our Lake Manager, Pete, took time out from his busy schedule to come and say Bon Voyage to Heidi & Hope.

CAMP HOSTING

So many State and Federal Parks are always looking for good camp host.  But the question is: What makes a good Camp Host? 
Brian and I have done camp hosting at several state parks in Texas, Arkansas and now Colorado.  We have seen good host and some bad host.  We also seen camp host that have been in that position for so long in just one park that they start to become obsessive with their position and start thinking the park belongs to them.  We have this case going on right now in the park that we are in. The folks have been here for so long that they think they set the standard on how this park is run.
I remember one park host in particular in Texas.  He was a single gentleman and when we introduce ourselves to him, he greeted us in his underwear!  Then the park was getting ready for spring break and we started to get busy, we had trouble with the septic tank over running into one of the sites.  When the folks went to let this host know what was going on-they were greeted with the man wearing nothing but a Tutu! (no joke).  He had to be carried back to his camper, because he kept falling down-stone cold drunk!  Needless to say the manager gave him only 24 hours to pack up and get out of the park.  Leaving us to camp host a huge park by ourselves over spring break.
Being a camp host varies from park to park and state to state.  Most require at least 20 hours per week, per person for a campsite-most having full hook-ups.  Duties will varies as well.  But all requires good PR for the park.
Our very first camp host position was in Arkansas basically being a campground babysitter.  All we had to do was go through the park at least twice a day to make sure there was no vandalism.  But in other parks we have done trail maintenance, rake sites of leaves & debris, clean fire rings and help relocate bird houses.  We have also helped in the office/gate house; which is what we are doing right now.
To become a good camp host,

• you must first like to camp-of course, being outdoors and around other campers of ALL ages.
  
• You shouldn’t be afraid of  getting a little dirty or grimy.   Labor work might come into play, but they never require you to do more than you are able.
  
• Always remember when doing PR for the park, talk to the ones visiting the park, the way you would want to be treated as a guest.  Even if the camper/guest maybe breaking a rule or doing something wrong, coming across aggressively won’t get you cooperation from that party, but doing it in a friendly manner will get you a long ways- even with a difficult person.
  
• Remember-you set the example.  A clean campsite, dog on leash and following all park rules yourself, helps make it easy for others to follow.
  
• another camp host is NOT your boss, and only the ranger in charge should be telling you your does and don’t.  If you have questions about how another host is dealing with certain duties, let the rangers know-but make sure you have your facts in order.
  
• Remember, you as a host will see more, hear more and probably know more of what’s going on inside the park, than even the rangers, but communication is a key factor between host(s), visitors and rangers.  You are the ears and eyes and represent the park you are working in and only you can make it either enjoyable or miserable. 

That’s not going without saying that maybe there is a park where no one gets along and as much as you try to make it enjoyable it can’t be.  Then my advise to you is try to communicate with the ranger in charge of camp hosting, and then trying going up the chain of command if you don’t feel you are getting anywhere.  State Parks are becoming more and more self sufficient as state funding are getting cut.  Therefore they have to depend on visitors coming into the park.  If a park isn’t up to standard-folks won’t come to visit and then all goes down hill from there.  So it’s very important for all parties involve to work together to make happy campers keep on returning.
How long is too long in hosting in just one park?  In my personal humble opinion anything over 3-5 years is long enough. I personally feel it makes you become obsessive in that park and then you tend to want to “boss” the new host when they come in-making them feel uncomfortable.  That’s not saying you need to stop camp hosting, but maybe check out other parks to host in.  I look at it this way: when camp hosting, after a couple of years, a new scenery gives you a new outlook and allows you to explore new areas.
Camp hosting can be lots of fun with perks to it.  It gives you new areas to explore, and you only have to work just a few hours a day with 3+ more days off to do other things.  It allows you to meet new people as they travel through.  You can spend hours outdoors enjoying natures wonder.  Parks are looking more and more for new camp host as budget cuts affects them, so they rely on us to help them out.
If interested in camp hosting in a state park or federal park, simply Google the state you are interested in and then check out their web page.  A phone call to a particular park wouldn’t hurt either.  maybe if in the area, go visit the state park.  ask for either the Manager or for the ranger in charge of camp hosting. 
State parks are not the only ones looking for volunteers, there is also Corps of Engineer, National Forest, National Parks as well as State Forest & Parks.
Hope to see you down the road as a camp host-It can be fun and very enjoyable.

A FAMILY SEPERATED

Up early and adam as we started our day on one fine Wednesday Morning.  As we are checking campsites to see who is staying and who is leaving, we started in our B loop; which is the tent area.  One of our tenters comes up to us and said he just seen a cub bear walking on the burm trail.  We asked us to show us where the cub at. 

As I walked up on the burm, sure enough there was a cub walking on the trail as if nothing was amidst.  He did look back once to see if anyone was following me, and then just kept on going.

As volunteer and workers of the state park our first protocol was to get a hold of a park ranger.  Being it was very early in the morning and no park rangers were on as of yet, but maintenance was, we approached the maintenance guy and then he made the necessary phone calls while we went back to track the direction the cub was going.

the cub got chased up a tree at one point by barking dogs, came back down, and once again headed towards our B loop; which was still loaded with a group of overnight campers with lots of young kids.  Not wanting to have the kids chasing the baby, we tried our best to divert the cub away from that area, but he would have no part of it.  He looked at us as if he was in charge, and actually-he was!

 Although the pics are blurred, they are my first pics of  a baby cub!
He’s running away from us and right into the paths of lots of kids!!


We eventually lost track of him in the tall grass brush, so we had no clue as to where he actually was.  Then another one of our campers informed us that there was not just one cub, but two!  They had played hours prior to the chase in front of his camper.

The next question that everyone had…if we have cubs in the park, where is mama?  That kept rangers and us on edge through out the day.  The rangers had to contact the Dept. of Wildlife.  He came out and talked with us about the cub.  At first he thought it was last year born and wasn’t an actual cub-until he looked at my picture that I manage to get.

As the day turned to night, we advised campers that there are bears in the area and to keep their site clean of food.  As we went around later that night checking on the park, and talking with campers, one lady came up and said that there is a bear on the other side of the river pacing back and forth.  We later learned that it was mama to the cubs.  All of tenters were awaken through out the night with mama crying for her babes.
Almost of a week later and other than finding bear scat back near the water treatment area, there has been no more sighting of mama or the cubs.  We hope that somehow they have been re-united and have gone back to their homeland, away from the campground.

So what happen to separate mama from cubs?  We are all thinking that somehow upstream the babes fell into the river, after maybe a bank collapse from the raging rushing water.  They swam went downstream, ending up on the opposite side of the bank and landing near us.  Now if somehow we can get them to continue down river for another 2 miles, then maybe cubs could cross over at the Cameo bridge and get re-united with their mama.  Just so long mama doesn’t cross over to our side in the meantime.

By the looks of the scat, the cubs appear to be eating some vegetation, but they are a little on the skinny side-they need their mama back for proper nutrition.

A DEMOTION & A GRADUATION

Now isn’t that a strange combination: A Demotion & A Graduation.  I bet you are wondering how the heck the two work together in a title and a sentence.  Well I guess I better get the answer out.

First thing first, A Demotion:  Brian has been so helpful to both me and to the rangers in the office.  He is learning how the day pass works and now working on how the camping permits work.  He wants to eventually learn how the fishing license works, and I tell him that’s for me to do and for him to keep an eye on the window.  It’s no offense to him, but a major screw up on the fishing license could spell disaster.  I’m still leery on the procedure, but each time I do one, I get better at it, and I have learned how to back out of it, if I do screw up without charging the customer more money. 

Brian also has been working hard on cleaning the office/gate house.  It’s not like it’s a total messy place, but it’s obvious that no one has had the time to move things around and do a thorough cleaning.  For example our brochure rack was really dusty and dirty-but no more.  The office chairs had lots of grime, and now they are sparkling clean once again.  The doors looked like grease monkeys came in and out, now you can actually see the true color of the paint.  The rangers are liking him in the office to help out and also to do the cleaning that they themselves don’t have time.

But now this week-Brian has received a DEMOTION!   He will now be given a golf cart, a rake, a bucket, gloves, a pooper scooper and garbage bags and will have to go out and do really physical labor.  His duties will be cleaning campsites after campers leave, clean day-use area including the beach area and around the two fishing lakes, plus the two group day-use area after a schedule party has left the area.  He will split his duties with another camp host here in the park.  On top of all that he will sell firewood here at our site.

Brian up and early-ready to go to work

He's making sure the grill is ready for the next person to use

This is all temporary, mind you.  We have two sets of camp host, besides us here in our park.  Our one set has had some heart issue and was in the hospital for a couple of days.  He was fitted with a pace-maker this past week and the park rangers wants to give him a few weeks to regain his strength before going back to the hosting position.  So Brian (and of course I will help when ever I can) will be taking over their duties for now.  Once they are  back in the swing of things, then Brian will go back to office duties and if he’s good maybe a promotion….

Now as for the Graduation:  As I have written that I have had a foot issue with a cyst being removed a couple of weeks ago.  I have had to go back to the doctor a few times for re-checks and each time it’s been a little better.  Last week I graduated from a surgical shoe, to wearing my one pair of tennis shoes and the bandage from being thick to thin.  This week I now have graduated from the thin bandage wrap to simply a band-aide and now being able to wear my hiker shoes once again without pain.  Next week I finally go for one last visit where they will finally take out the stitches.  The doctor was impressed on my healing-as she said it carefully: “for someone of my age”….she really wasn’t saying that I”m getting “old” was she???

Still a little bruising around the toes.

An any case, the foot is doing great and very soon I will be back to hiking once again.  But for now, I’m just getting back into the swing of walking more than just a block.

RIVER HOLDIN STEADY

On Wednesday, The Colorado River crested and should be slowly going back down.  Fortunately not a lot of homes have been effected by all this flooding.

As for the I-70, it’s open but traffic limited to one lane both east and west bound between Fruita, CO and the Utah border.

The James M. Robb Colorado River State Park system-the river has made some impact in areas.  The park is divided up with Island Acres being east of Grand Junction, Fruita being on the west side of G. J. then they have Corn Lake and the Connected Lake in Clifton & the G.J. area.  Both the Corn and the Connected lakes had to be shut down earlier this week, due to the rising of the river.

As one of our rangers was at Connected lake, checking the Burm along the river bank, and it gave way and next thing he knew, he was in the river!  Fortunately he was able to pull himself back out, before the  current swept him downward.  He had waiters on that  quickly filled with water, this  ranger was very lucky.  Due to all of this, has prompted our lake manager to close all trails on the burms, including ours here at Island Acres.  We did find a few areas, where the river is starting to cut into the dirt wall, so safety needs to come first.  Our rangers here have been All busy placing barricades and closure signs on the trail.

On Thursday,(the 9th), the Levee at Connected Lake, was breached, causing the closure of the road into Connected Lake.  The park is predicting this will be short live and will have the levee fixed before too long.  with this levee breaking it has caused some flooding into a couple of homes nearby.

Although the river level is slowly dropping, we all are still not out of the wood with the flooding.  We are slowly seeing it going down here, but as the temps are warming up and there is still lots of snow that needs to melt.  they don’t predict the river to go down any time real soon.

Officials have closed the rivers to single chamber blow-up device.  The Colorado River is very popular for tubing, rafting, and kayaking.  the roller dam just above us is a popular place for “surfing’ and it’s been very active with lots of visitors riding the big surf waves it is creating.

the news media stated that if the river reaches 14 feet at the Cameo exit, then our park will flood out.  We didn’t reach that 14 feet-so the park is safe, and ready for lots of visitors to come visit us.

COLORADO RIVER A RISIN’

The spot that we have chosen to park in for the season here at Island Acres, normally does not allow us any view of  the Colorado River because of the Burm that was built.  But because of it’s rapid rising-we actually can see  the river  from where we sit.

Since the burm has been built a few years back, they have not had a flooding issue here at the park, but then the river hasn’t reached flood stage in a very long time.  They are looking for us to crest at 15 feet above normal.  With this burm-the river shouldn’t flood the campground-but the park rangers are a little nervous-not knowing how much this burm can actually up hold with the river rapidly rising and the rushing flow.  I guess by now, the park would have been flooded at various areas like the day-use,  the B-loop which is the tent area and a portion of A-loop.  So we all are sitting on the edge waiting to see what will or will not happen.
 You can see how close it’s getting to the Burm-this is in the Day-Use area
 This is just before the B-Loop and it’s start cut inwards.
This past Sunday Brian had to go for a special meeting.  I guess with the rising of the Colorado River, very few folks like to come out just up river from us and ride the roller dam down; which causes what they call a Big Surf-like a big wave in California.  If they are crazy enough to try it, then they may have to be rescued.  We as volunteer/worker, may need to assist park rangers where ever we will be needed.   They also briefed Brian on evacuation procedure-only if that should arise….
This is not a person, but a part of a tree that is floating downriver…
Also with the rising of the Colorado River, means road closures.  Yesterday they had to start diverting traffic on I-70, to lighten the traffic load over the bridge just past the town of Fruita & Loma and into Utah.  Now this morning they will completely shut down east bound traffic of  I-70.  That part of the Interstate rides low and when the river rises to the flood stage, debris tends to get trap under the bridge, making water to come over onto the interstate and creating a very unsafe driving conditions.  I feel for the truckers, for I-70 is the only Interstate east to west across CO & UT, now making the drive unto very dangerous roadways, creating truckers to get behind on their loads. 
They also may need to close down the Cameo exit, which is the next exit just past us, again, because once exiting off, it drops downward.  There really isn’t much off that exit other than a power plant, which isn’t in use right now, and a single ranch just down the road a ways.  many folks will take that exit to get back into the canyon where the wild horses are known to hang out.
All of this is caused by 200% snow coverage in the Rockies and high elevation this past winter, and warmer temps right now,causing a fast meltdown, creating flooding  not only in the Colorado River, but other small rivers and streams to go over their banks.
The good news to all of this, is that it eventually lands in Lake Mead; which may finally bring that lake back up to normal pool  level for the first time in years.
This year has been a crazy year not just for us in Colorado, but for others that have had to deal with other flooding in the Midwest,  deadly tornadoes, and raging out of control fires in Arizona.  Let’s just hope that the rest of this summer season gets better and not worse.

DOWNTIME

Walk, walk, walk-2 miles, 5 miles, 10 miles.  After working so hard in building up over the course of the winter to walk an average of 7 miles a day, with exception of 10 miles on some days.  Now I have to start all over in re-building.  But that  won’t happen until the 1st of July.

Even though the surgery I had on my foot was considered minor, it’s putting me in a downtime of 21 days of no walking or hiking.  For the first 4 days, only place I am allowed to walk to is to and from the bathroom and maybe to a chair outdoors later on-weather permitting.

For a person use to being on my feet and always moving around, I’m hoping that I don’t go completely bonkers during this down time.  I have the TV with only two channels for some entertainment or “noise”.    I do have many photos that I’m working into putting into videos, so that will help pacify a few hours a day.  I can catch up on emails and Face Booking, now that our Internet works here at the camper.  I am hand sewing covers for our seat cushion to protect against Leah’s claws; plus I have offered to put patches onto shirts & jackets for the State Park.   I have some books to read, and last but surely not least, I can just take a siesta here and there.  So there should be no excuse of me going bonkers-right?

But yet, I’m still not use to just sitting around and doing “nothing”.  I miss walking Leah, or just taking a leisure stroll with Brian or going adventuring in hiking.  when I do finally get the “permission” from my doctor to start the walking again-I know I will have to start out slowly to rebuild all that I have lost…

There is an upside to this down time:  I get catered to from a wonderful hubby, I don’t have to get dress, so therefore I get to stay comfy, and I finally have an excuse for being lazy for a few days!!

CELL PHONE BOOSTER

Sitting between the canyon walls, does not allow us very good access in using our cell phone.  If we leave our cell phone right by the one window and don’t move it-we can make and receive calls.  But it does make it awkward for trying to talk to someone.  Or we can walk around to varies areas inside the park to pick up a half way decent signal to make a call, but by doing this you have lots of background noise and no privacy.
Since I also use our smart phone as a connection to the Internet for the computer, that makes it even more difficult.  I have to be 3g in order for it to work.  Therefore we either have to run over to the truck stop just up the road and use their Wi-Fi signal or go over to our daughter in Clifton.  Going to our Daughter has worked greatly, but again we don’t run in every day so it make it a bit of inconvenience to use the internet.
We used a Wilson Antenna booster a few years ago while parked at North Padre Island, it worked for the most part, but wasn’t a 100% reliable, so returned it back to the store.  We haven’t needed a booster until now….

There is a newer version of a cell phone booster that is specifically for 2g,3g and smart phones and half the cost of the other cell phone antenna booster.  The booster is made by Wilson Antenna and can be purchased at any electronic/computer store like Best Buy; where we bought ours.  Radio Shack use to cell them around here, but discontinue for many claim it didn’t work. 

Has it worked for us?  Well Brian put it up yesterday, and I have been able to jump right onto the Internet, using the cell phone.  Then we fired up the computer and turned on the Mobile Hot Spot and walla, I had Internet once again in the privacy of our little home, using the computer! 

The true test was seeing how it would download files.  So I went to Brian’s Brother and Sister-in-law’s photo web page and downloaded some photos they took while on vacation to WI and it worked beautifully!  I mostly have anywhere from 3-5 bars and staying in 3g.

The next test to see how well it will download to my blog web page.  It’s June 1st, if you see this posted on this date-then it worked!  If you see it posted on June 2nd that means it didn’t work and then it will be decided if it’s worth keeping the booster…

We are limited to mobility, we have to stay at the booth in our motorhome, because it is tethered to a short wire that connects the phone to the antenna.  The antenna needs to be place on the roof onto something medal; which in our case is our a/c.   (note: because of the plactic covering over the a/c, we will need to purchase a piece of medal to make the magnet stick stronger.)                                                                                                                                                Brian has run the wire down into our one window,                                                                                                                                and then we put the cell phone in the cradle.                                                                                                                                                   

RAIN vs. WIND

Coming from and spending the majority of our lives in the Midwest area, it  is almost a given that rain is part of a holiday weekend.
As we worked the federal parks, when campers checked in with us, the first thing they would ask is it going to rain?  We would always put a smile on our face as we respond to them with this answer “of course-it’s a holiday weekend!” 
Sure enough sometime during the course of the weekend, a thunderstorm or just rain would pelt them and get everything all wet.  The worse would be on the Monday they would have  to leave and the rain would come-soaking everything as they try to pack up.  To a camper it would be frustrating, but to us gate attendants and cleaners, it would be glorious-for we could get the park back to shape early.
When we worked one of our parks where we had to clean as well as run the booth, we would almost pray for rain on holiday weekends or Sundays.  When rain was a threat on Sundays or holiday weekends, campers would pack up early and head out, instead of hanging out for the rest of the day, playing on the water or doing whatever.
As we are finishing up the first holiday to kick off the summer here in Grand Junction, we did have a slight chance of rain.  But rain wasn’t the thing that had campers scampering in the middle of the night for safety, it was winds.  We had  several campers in tent that ended up either sleeping in their vehicles or finding elsewhere to finish the remaining of the night out on Saturday Night.  Come Sunday morning as we walked around, fighting the high gust of winds, we found several tents completely destroyed.  We even found one tent that appeared to have flying lessons and ended up in the brush near the river.
We had sustain winds between 25 to 30mph with gust exceeding 55+.  Let me tell you, we felt those gust as they literally about blew you off the road!  Island Acres State Park is situated between canyon walls, so it creates more of a wind tunnel.  The winds started to kick up late on Saturday night and got worse throughout the night and all day on Sunday, letting up just a bit through Sunday night into Monday morning.  Yet the winds still can be felt as I’m still typing this.
By Sunday morning, even our own camper was rocking sideways.  As I said earlier, many tenters tents were either flatten or poles had snapped and broke.  As the day went on, the winds seem to get worse and now the pop-up campers were starting to feel the effect of the wind.  One of them received damage and had to move sites for more protection from the high wind gust.
As one of our rangers went out to due park check, she looked over the Colorado River and saw where the wind had created what one would think as a water spout.  She told us about it and she was amazed by it.
As the afternoon went on, we started to get some very frazzle campers coming off the interstate that just couldn’t handle the winds traveling anymore.  I was glad that the State Park here was able to accommodate these folks.  By late afternoon, the sun was under a cloud of dust, and as you look out, all you could really see what a thick cloud-all dust….
So if asking me whether I would prefer rain or wind, I would actually have to say if the winds are like what we saw the last 24+ hours, I will take the rain.

THE FIRST WEEK

The park was getting ready to start off the holiday weekend, and already was short handed at the gate house.  Although I have been hired on as the new Gate Attendant, paper work still has to be done so that I can get paid.  So until it’s all said and done, I’m still considered a volunteer.  The rangers thought it would be a good time to start training me for the position.
So on Friday Brian and I started working the gate house in the evenings.  Our first night was very busy and hectic-being it was the kick-off for the holiday weekend and to the summer.
I was assigned what is called a shift box which has my starting money and all the passes that they sell for the Colorado State Parks.
Talk about being thrown into the mix of it all during one of their most busiest time!  It was just a bit over whelming at first.  They have different passes that they sell that you have to learn what is for what.  You have your regular day-pass, then the Annual Pass, then Colorado residents that are 64 and over have a choice of the Aspen Leaf Pass; which gives them a discount.  And if that’s not enough then have a Lifetime Aspen Leaf Pass that can be purchase.  AND they have different types of Multiple Passes for customers with other vehicles.  If a customer comes in towing a vehicle, they have a pass for that as well.  Wow!  I think there is about 10 or more different passes to learn and not to get them mixed up or confused can be challenging to a newcomer-like me.
Besides all the  types of passes that we sell, we also do fishing and hunting licenses.  We also can register OHV, snowmobiles & boats!  I haven’t had to those yet, but have learned how to do fishing license.  Then there is  firewood to sell-which has to be kept separate from the rest of the money-and that can be a challenge!
We don’t do reservations here at the park, that has to be done either Toll Free or Internet=thank goodness!!
by the end of the night we both were exhausted.  Once we close the window, we still were not done.  Now it’s time to account for all the passes that were sold, fishing license sold, and campsites sold.  All came up as it should-except for some unknown reason I came up with an extra $25.00 ahead.  Not sure what happen.  It’s hard to say when there was several people with their hands in the till.
My second night, was requested by the ranger training me that Brian didn’t come in-she said it was too hard on her to train the both of us and since I’m the one actually going to be hired, it was decided that he should not help out.  We did feel for her, for the both of us bombarded her with lots of questions.  Oh and the ranger that was training me, has been in the maintenance field for 3 years, and this is actually her first year, first month as a ranger.  So we totally understand that she to was overwhelmed.
The second and third night went smoothly with everything check and balancing the way it should at the end of the night.  Brian did work in the office-cleaning on the third night.  I even have learned most of the passes and what they are for.  The downfall is some of the passes will be changing out the 1st of July as prices are being change.
The park rangers have been really great and very helpful.  They are not afraid to chip in when it gets busy.  They are there if there is any kind of problems.  It is mandatory here that whenever there is a Gate Attendant on duty, at least one ranger also has to be present within the park.
With my upcoming foot surgery, they are so willing to work with me so that I do what the doctor orders.  You don’t find that kind of support in any work place.  I think Brian and I are going to enjoy working the summer here at the James M. Robb Colorado River State Park-Island Acres.

GETTING SETTLED IN

We now have been here at the State Park for just a little over a week.  I think that we are settled in for the duration.  I haven’t been out to get any pictures yet of the area, for two reason.  One the weather has been very crappy and two my foot has been causing me some issues that soon will be corrected.

We have worked one day in the office, getting the feeling of what our job will be for the season.  Now I await for the Lead Ranger to hand me my hiring packet to fill out for the paid position.  I’m really excited about getting to work and starting to earn our stay here.

When we first arrived here, we temporarily had to go on temp site, waiting for a camper to get off of the site that was assigned to us.  Now, we have an option to move to yet another site if we choose to.  We have asked to stay where we are, for we have a nice site with a cover picnic table.  Also we can get two CBS channels and cell phone works sporadically.  So why upset the apple cart?  Also the view of the canyon that we have is really spectacular.

The park looks to be a busy weekend with it being Memorial Weekend.  Unlike the Corp of Engineer, where reservations are require to pay for 3 nights on holiday weekend and two nights just on a regular weekend. Here at the State Park, they can make reservation for one night, two nights or three nights or more; whatever they want.

I do look for Brian and I both to help out over the course of the weekend, since it finally promises to be a nice and warm weekend.  The two small lakes here are stocked with fish to be caught.  Unfortunately, the Colorado River won’t be any good to those that wish to cruise down on a floatation device.  In fact folks are being warned to stay off the river due t fast melting in high elevation and a raging river.

I don’t think we will be in danger of having to evacuate-or at least we hope not.  The State Park had build a brim to help hold the river at bay.   They are looking for a record high flooding from the Colorado River this year.  State Park employees will be keeping a very close eye on it all as the temps rise over the next few days.

VOLUNTEERING TO A PAID POSITON

As we are getting ready to volunteer in the office, we soon learned that two paid park attendants that were hired never showed up for work.  So this makes it short handed for keeping this particular state park running smoothly.

Brian and I worked one day learning the ropes of assisting the office.  While talking to the one park ranger, I made the statement that I would be willing to work 40 hours and get  paid.  She said she would talk to the Ranger in charge of hiring seasonal and volunteers.

The following day (Sunday), we have a mandatory volunteer meeting  up in the office.  So Brian and I went early to finally meet our “boss”, Julie; which we haven’t met yet.  She is a very bubbly and easy to talk with person.  We found her to be pleasant and I think we are going to get along great with her.  Anyways, I told her that I would be interested in the seasonal full-time position, while Brian would volunteer for our site.  She liked the idea, but it’s not all up to her.  She needed to get with the Senior Ranger and the Park Manager.

We received word last night at 8:30pm that I was hired.  I think they are impressed with the 10 years of us working with the Corp and knew that I would be dependable and reliable.

As for Brian, they say he will be the “gopher” for everyone.  Basically he will be helping me out in the office-answering the phone, helping me with the window and what ever else needs to be done.

What about my foot?  Well went to the specialist yesterday (Tuesday), it’s not a calcuim build-up but a cyst instead.  I might away on it’s own or it might just get bigger.  It’s on the tendon and that is why I have discomfort the way I do.

There are two options of treatment:  1) go in several times, have them lightly numb the area and then use an 18 gauge needle to see if they could drain it.   There would be no guarantee it would go away or it could make it build up faster with more fluid.  It is very, very painful, but the down time is only a week.   OR 2) I can go in and have them completely numb my foot,  put a tunicate just above my ankle, cut above and below the cyst and then completely remove the cyst.  Down time is almost 21 days.  Well, not all the 21 days.  Once the procedure is done, I will have to go straight home, keep my foot completely elevated for 3-4 days; which means no walking what-so-ever.  Then I can be on my foot on and off, so long as I elevated in between.  I will have to have stitches in my foot for the 21 days. 

the doctor thinks the latter would be the better option, due to the size of the cyst and the hardness of it.  So I’m schedule for June 2nd to have the cyst completely removed.  The park rangers are all aware of this, and are very willing to work with us.  In fact a few have already offered to help Brian in keeping me down for the 3-4 days!!

I’m excited and looking forward to this new adventure.

RAIN AND COLD

As we spent our winter months living in the desert, we only saw a little rain once or twice-if we were lucky.

But now since leaving Zion National Park, it seems we have seen our fair share of rain and the cold.  It was pretty to see the snow on the mountain, and even to say we were in some snow shower.  But now enough is enough….

Since arriving here at Grand Junction CO it appears it’s done nothing but rain and being cold.  The mighty Colorado River is topping over now.  Then they fear that the snow melt in the higher elevation could make things even worse.  If warmer weather does appear and makes the melting go faster, then we could be in trouble.

The James M. Robb/Colorado River Park haven’t shut down parks well over 11 plus years, and we hope that this is is no exception.  Even the water canals that go to the fruit farms are plum full.   In some way this is good, for this is the Monsoon season for this area. 

the upper Mesa which towers over us and the Interstate heading East towards Denver have been place in a Winter Storm Warning, where they already have had anywhere from 6-12 inches of snow with more falling in the last 24 hours and this is May 20th-not March.  We cannot see the snow from where we are sitting, but we can feel the cold.

Normally by now, Grand Junction should be in the lower 70’s for daytime highs, and yet we have to see that.  Our daytime highs have only been in the lower 50’s since arriving here.

I’m sure we will warm up-eventually…..And we will see the sunshine-someday…But for now-we will just muddle through day by day with what ever Mother Nature throws at us.

One thing is for sure-I’m glad I’m not back at Mountain Home AR for our good friends there are once again facing record flooding….

GETTING READY TO VOLUNTEER

We arrived early to the James M. Robb CO River State Park-Island Acres Section due to my foot.  The park rangers have been great in accommodating us.  We had plan on coming in and paying for our site until our official time of starting.  But they wouldn’t hear of that.  Instead, they are just going to put us to work early-and we have no problems with that at all.
When we first initially got the position of volunteering, our primary job was cleaning campsites after campers left and selling firewood.  Since then I guess there has been some changes going on in the main office and now instead of cleaning campsites, it  has been decided that we would actually be working in the gate house/office assisting the park ranger.
Since arriving here, the gate house hasn’t been open very much.  The first two days someone was in there after 12pm, with a few days being completely closed.  We have seen park rangers through the park, but they don’t run the gate house too much.  So I guess we will be train to operate their day to day duties in the office in assisting campers; something that we are very familiar in doing already.
The setting around the James M. Robb CO River Park-Island Acres is very pretty.  It sits along the Colorado River with 3 small inner lakes; two of which is stocked with fish and the one is solely for swimming.  We are situated between canyon walls.   I-70 running along the side, where we do hear the noise from the Interstate, but once you get use to that noise-it makes the visit very well worth coming.
We haven’t seen any form of wild life-yet-other than a large black and white kitty cat running freely around the park.  But we are told that we might see some wild horses, turkey, and lots of varies types of birds. 
We have met the other two volunteers that help keep this park clean.  They seem to be nice couples.  The one has been here for several years while the other one, like us, are new. 
Phone reception is sporadic and does not work at our site.  We have found two areas in the park where we can get a weak signal to make calls.  Occassionally the phone will ring inside our motorhome, but when we answer, we loose the signal.  So all of my blogging and Face Booking will have to be done outside the park when we go to our daughters place in town.

A BUM FOOT

Well, we only got to spend a very short time at San Rafael Swell in Utah.  As we arrived, got set up and was hoping to spend a little time there, once again my right foot started to swell.  Not only the swelling was a concern, but it was accompany with some minor pain and my toes going to sleep.
So now it’s was determined that maybe I needed a second opinion to find out what the heck is going on with my foot.  I’m really starting to miss my walking and hiking.
Anyways, we made our stay at the Swells short and moved onto Grand Junction CO.  We planned on parking at the National Monument until it was time to get our spot at the James M. Robb CO River State Park/Island Acres Section.
We arrived on Sunday May 15th, got parked, called our daughter, but forgot that she was at a graduation party.  So waited for her to call back, let her know we were in town.  Of course we all couldn’t wait to meet.  So we met at the McDonald’s in Clifton, (we would have went to her place, but she is cat sitting for her cousin while her parents are in town).  Lissi gets a phone call and we are all invited over to her cousins house for a bite to eat.  Sunday became a long day for us and everyone else.
Monday morning rolls around and now it’s try to find a doctor to look at my foot-again.  This town is crazy!  You can’t get into a regular doctor unless you go through urgent care or the ER first!!  So once again-urgent care it is…hopefully the doctor is better than the one back in St. George, Utah.
And it is.  The doctor was a female doctor that was concerned and willing to spend time to find out what was going on.  First thing she notice that I have some bruising on the underneath area.  Being morning, and not been on my feet, the swelling is naturally down.  Another round of x-rays shows that it is not broke or fracture, but a floating bone or calcium build-up.  The only freaking thing is a calcium build-up usually attaches to the bone and this one is not.  She couldn’t determine if the bone is what has caused the  bruising on the opposite side or not.  So now it’s time for a foot specialist to have this matter taken care of once and for all.  But for now I have to take it easy, keep it wrap during the day and take Aleve until I get into the foot specialist.  
I got in on the 24th of this month.  The first visit will be an initial exam visit.  Here it will be determine if the procedure can be done there in the office or if I will have to go over to the hospital.  We think the procedure can be done in the office-or we are hoping for that anyways.