WYOMING TO COLORADO AND BACK AGAIN

We managed to squeeze in a visit to the Wyoming State Capitol in Cheyenne, crossing it off our list, before heading south to Colorado.

Every since leaving Helena, Montana we’ve been in the smoke of the numerous forest fires.  It was the same in Colorado with a large fire west of Fort Collins. We holed up in an just so-so RV park in Greeley primary as a base for a bike ride along the Poudre River Trail and a visit with my sister, Jude, in Denver.  The Bike trail is a paved trail running from Greeley to Windsor following the aforementioned river for 18 miles from start to finish.  I rode this trail some years ago and it was time to return.  Last time there was a coffee shop along the way, this time nada.  Still a great ride mostly in the country.  After a visit with my sister, we were planning on heading west, over the Rocky Mountains to and area in Northwest Colorado, a place we have never visited before.

The fastest and most scenic route would be Hwy 14 following the Poudre River, but it had been closed for sometime due to the fire.  We were aware of this, but not to worry, we could cross on Hwy 34 through Rocky Mountains National Park.  But as luck would have it a new fire closed that highway.  The next option was to return Laramie and head south from there to our intended destination, but you guessed it another fire sprung up in Wyoming blocking our intended route.  So we did manage to get to where we wanted to go, by going further west from Laramie before heading south.  The silver lining in our new route was the we were west of all the fires and seeing blue sky for the first time in weeks.

We spent a couple nights in Rawlins, Wyoming, a town with a mixed vibe.  You drive down the Interstate Business Loop, and is seems that every other business has gone under.  More than a couple of old motels are closed down and is different states of repair.  Some are derelict and seem that the owners just abandoned them.  Weeds growing up in parking lots, broken windows, door falling off their hinges.  Then along the old historic Main Street, many business seem to be thriving.  No more run down buildings, restaurants doing business.  It’s as though one street was just abandoned and another was revitalized.

We paid a visit to the old Wyoming State Prison, an took a guide tour.  Opened in 1901, it was in business for 80 years till 1981.  First built with stockade like wooden walls, they we easily breached as evidenced by a mass escape in 1912 when 30 inmates escaped through the walls.  By 1915 the wooden walls had been replaced is the current cement walls.  Another improvement was the addition of hot water in the original Cell Block A in 1978.  In 1907 Anne Bruce was the last female prisoner to be held the the old prison.  She was convicted of killing her father after putting poison in a pie she baked.  In her confession, she states, “....While I was in the act of making the pies a feeling or wish came over me to kill someone....”

As I write this, we are staying in an city park in Meeker, Colorado.  With three RV spots with electrical hookups and really fast WiFi, it is situated in town with the White River running by.  Nice spot for $20 a night.  Just outside of town is the Flat Tops Scenic Byway which follows the White River into the mountains and then continues over the Flat Tops.  The 82 mile road is paved for the first 30 mile or so, the rest being a good gravel road.  The fall colors were in their full glory, causing us to stop numerous times for photos.  If you’re ever in this part of Colorado, I highly recommend this drive.  Really beautiful.

Today is a down day for being a tourist as I have once again drawn the short straw and will be spending the morning doing the laundry.  Tomorrow the journey south towards home continues, but with 3 weeks left, we intend on going slow.

AND WE CONTINUE

While in Riggins, we took the opportunity to take a drive along the Salmon River as it descends through the canyon.  Beautiful scenery for 20+ miles till roads end.  Not much going on in the little town of Riggins as it’s existence is dependent on sports fishing and river rafting.  Since the  pandemic business has fallen off considerably.

We were sorry to leave our idyllic camp spot on the river, but being a popular spot it was reserved for someone else.  So we headed north and made a stop in Coeur D’Alene for a quick resupply and a bike ride.  After a trip to Costco we continued on to Libby, Montana for a three day visit with Cathie’s brother Rod and his wife Mary.  They live just outside of town on about 10 acres of forest overlooking Granite Creek and the mountains beyond.  Deer and turkeys are common visitors in the yard.  One morning this little fawn was caught sneaking up on our satellite dish.

Rod stays busy in his position as Commander of the local VFW Post.  The town of Libby is big enough to have a Ford Dealership and since the truck just turned over 100,000 miles it was time of service.

After catching up on old times, we headed east to glacier country as in Glacier National Park.  All the campgrounds in the park were closed because of....you guessed it, the pandemic, but as luck would have it we knew someone who lives just outside the park boundary.  Cathie’s x-sister-in-law Holly lives in Hungry Horse at the entrance to the park.  She and her husband volunteer at the Glacier Bible Camp, which besides a lodge and cabins, has an RV park which Holly arraigned for us to stay.

Our arrival at Glacier was planned for after the Labor Day Holiday.  We figured there would be fewer people about.  Our first clue of the crowds was that we had to wait in line to get in the park.  Then the only road open was the Going to the Sun Highway.  A steep and narrow road to the top of Logan Pass.  When we arrived at the top, the visitors center parking lots were full and the staff was blocking entrance.  So, we turned around and headed back down the hill.  We noticed on the way down, there were no cars coming up.  When we arrived at the park entrance we found out why.  They had closed the park because it was so crowded.

It’s sad to say that many of our National Parks are over run with people, making a visit less appealing, to us anyway.  We have been lucky enough to visit all the Parks in the Western U.S. before they became over run.  Our favorite, Zion is especially crowded, but the tram system they have there works pretty good, but other parks are a traffic nightmare.

I did manage to get the kayak wet again in a beautiful little lake outside of the park.  I was the only one there....Nice.

Helena was our next stop and we were driving south on September 11th.  We saw these firemen paying tribute to those lost on the terrible day, standing in front of the Sealy Lake Fire Station.

As Helena the Capitol of Montana, it was on our list of State Capitols that we hadn’t visited.  Not many people about but the doors were unlocked so we gave ourselves a tour.  We explored every floor, checking out the House and Senate chambers, the old Supreme Court and peeking into most of the unlocked doors we could find.  Many states have guided tours of their Capitol buildings,  but.....you guessed it...due to the pandemic a guided tour was not in the cards.

On our way south we made a stop at the Battle of the Little Bighorn National Monument.  Of course the visitor center was closed, but the driving tour was open.  If you have ever read anything about the battle, actually being there and seeing the landscape really helps bring it all into focus.

Continuing south into Wyoming we first stopped in Casper where I found a really nice bike trail along the Platte River.  About 8 miles in length, it made for a great ride round trip ride.  I usually like to take a coffee break about halfway but the only place I found was a golf course.  The restaurant was closed, but the staff in the pro shop took pity on me and made me a pot of coffee...on the house I might add.  Further south we stopped in the small town of Wheatland to pay a visit to some of the Oregon Trail sights in the area.  The Trail generally follows the Platte River as it begins across Wyoming.  Near the town of Guernsey is Register Cliff, a sandstone outcropping where pioneers carved their names.  It’s difficult to pick their names out due to the numerous people who have since carved their names in the soft sandstone.  Near by, where the Trail leaves the Platte River you can still see wagon ruts in the trail.  We followed the trail east to Fort Laramie National Monument where surprise, surprise the visitor center was actually open.  All that remain of some of the Fort’s buildings are foundations and partially standing walls, but many have been restored, with period displays inside.

And finally to conclude our visit to Wyoming, Laramie, the home of the University of Wyoming where our grandson McKyle attends.  Cathie could hardly contain herself as she got to spend the next 4 days keeping him from his studies.  Actually in all fairness, our son Gary was here also. so he and Kyle went hunting so that cut in to Grandma’s visit.

KYLE’S DECORATIONS

As I post this, I am a little behind on the blog....but as I have said before, it’s my blog and I’ll post when I want to.

ROLLING RIGHT ALONG

We’ve been on the road now for 3 weeks so I figured it was time for a post.  We haven’t had any adventures so to speak, it’s been pretty calm.  But here’s an update.  We left San Diego at oh dark thirty (4:30) and headed up I-15 with our first stop in Beaver, Utah.  Our usual overnight when we are heading north.  After the first day we tend to slow down.  Our first real stop for a couple of nights was at Payson Lakes, just outside of Provo, Utah in the Wasatch Mountains.  Nice forest service campground with space available durning the week.  Weekends it’s booked solid.  Nice and cool at 8500 feet while the valley below was in the high 90’s

PAYSON LAKE SUNRISE

Most of you that have and experience with RV’s are familiar with Day/Night Shades.  Most RV’s come with them.  Over time the interior strings that make them go up and down wear out.  Ever try to re-string them?  Well, don’t.  An almost impossible job.  Over the last couple of years we’ve replaced them with residential shades that you can purchase at your local Home Depot.  Of course the old shades usually fail when in use, like on a trip.  So a trip was in store to Home Depot.  I spent and afternoon replacing shades.  I was under the impression the we were on a vacation.  Anyway the shades a great improvement over the old.

Continuing north, we took the scenic route over the Unita Mountains where we boon-docked for a couple of nights.  We had been here in the Spring staying with a friend who has a cabin nearby.  Spied lots of deer plus a moose in the meadow next to our camp.  Also took the opportunity get the kayak wet in one of the many lakes.  Beautiful country which I am sure we will return to.

PADDLE IN THE UNITAS

I hadn’t planned on doing any hunting on this trip, but it seems some mice had taken up residence in our RV.  Probably would have left them alone, but asking me to move my feet out of the way when crossing the floor was just too much.  So I got out the traps, shared some of my peanut butter and the hunt was on.  In three days I had bagged 9 of the little buggers, which seems to have eliminated the entire family.  Pretty sure they traveled with us from home, entering the RV via the power cable.

BAGGED THESE THREE IN AN AFTERNOON

Our next stop was in Twin Falls, Idaho where we stayed in a nice country park, Rock Creek RV Park.  About 20 sites, first come, first serve, for $20.  A park right in town in the bottom of a gorge with Rock Creek rushing by.  It is here in Twin Falls where the Salmon river cuts a deep gorge through the volcanic rock.  Spectacular view of water falls and the river below.  There’ even one you can walk behind.  Early one morning I took a bike ride along the gorge on a beautiful paved bike path which follows the south rim for 8 miles.  A great way to watch the sun rise.

While on the bike ride I noticed Elevation 486 a restaurant with outside seating with views of the gorge.  So I convinced Cathie that we should go there for happy-hour.  When we arrived, there was a 30 minute wait for a view table.  Hey, we go time so we waited.  When we were seated, our table had been taken by some interlopers who bypassed the hostess.  The staff made no attempt to re-seat them at an inferior table which we got instead.  Now I usually don’t complain, but when we got our bill, I asked to see the manager.  She was very apologetic agreeing that they screwed up.  To make it up to us, she invited us to return for dinner on her, with the best table on the patio.  We had a great slow and enjoyable meal, so sometimes it pays to speak up.  Great food and views as the sun went down.  Thank you Rhonda.

Elevation 486

Continuing towards Northern Montana via Idaho, we happened on a gem of an RV park in Riggins, Idaho.  Riverside RV Park is small with only 15 spaces.  What it lacks in size is far outweighed by it’s location.  Most all the sights are right on the Little Salmon River.  Step out your door, put your chair out on the lawn, and watch the river rushing by.  It would have been nice to go to sleep with the sound of the river, but the air conditioner drowned it out.  It was hot mind you.

Riverside RV Park

I did manage to get a hike in, beating the heat by leaving early.  What follows is what I posted on Facebook, so some of your might have seen it.

So I wanted to take a hike so I asked a local about the Rapid River Trail.  He tells me it’s a nice trail, but adds, “watch out for the rattlesnakes, lots of rattlesnakes”...I’m scared of rattlesnakes.  So I figure I’ll go early when it’s still cold and before they get look’n for food.  So I walk about 5 miles and never once did I see a rattlesnake.  Then I’m walking along and I got to thinking, maybe the rattlesnakes see me...or some other critter sees me.  Perhaps a deer, hey is that bear shit?  Are the bears watching me.  What about mountain lions.  Could be a number of dangerous animals out there watching me.  I did finally see a deer, but on closer inspection it was a log.  Finally I did see some other life on the trail and he offered me some of his jerky...nice fella.

I am about a week behind on the blog, we’ll try catching up next week.  So stay tuned.....

BLUE LIVES MATTER

I’m pissed.  In recent days these fine officers gave their lives to protect us.  Too many have left us and where’s the outrage?  These brave officers can never be replaced.  They leave behind their families, their bothers and sisters in law enforcement and the communities that they served.  These men and women gave to the citizens they served and did so without hesitation.  They answered the call.  Where’s the outrage?  

Politicians and the media jump to conclusions at each police involved shooting, spread misinformation and fan the flames in their communities which leads to demonstrations, sometimes violent, by a whole bunch of misinformed folks.  Why aren’t they this upset when a police officer is killed?  Well it doesn’t fit the narrative.  It just makes me sick.  Where’s the outrage?

I get pissed with the knee jerk reactions from organizations like the NFL, NBA and the rest.  Putting the name of a criminal shot by the police on their helmets, before all the facts are in.  Where’s the outrage over the loss of these who served?  What the hell is wrong with our society when the deaths of these officers don’t get attention that these murders deserve?  Are these officers lives less important than any other human beings?  Where’s the outrage?

DETROIT OFFICE RASHEAN MCCLAIN

HIS LIFE MATTERED, WHERE’S THE OUTRAGE?

ST LOUIS OFFICER TAMARRIS BOHANNON, HIS LIFE MATTERED, WHERE’S THE OUTRAGE?

TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION POLICE OFFICER BRYAN BROWN, HIS LIFE MATTERED, WHERE’S THE OUTRAGE?

CLEVELAND DETECTIVE JAMES SKERNIVITZ, HIS LIFE MATTERED, WHERE’S THE OUTRAGE?

HEY, WHAT’S WITH THE EXTRA PASSANGERS

Well, we got off to an early start, which is our usual custom when leaving town.  After 550 miles we were far enough away from California to actually enjoy buying fuel.  At around $2.27 a gallon, travel becomes much more affordable.  After an overnight in Beaver, Utah, we continued at a much slower pace and climbed up the Wasatch Front to Payson Lakes.  The campground is very popular on the weekends with all the sites full, but on a Monday we had no problem snagging a spot.

PAYSON LAKE SUNRISE

Our first evening we heard some strange scratching sounds in various cabinets in the RV.  Suspecting we might have a mouse in the house, I set a couple of traps.  The next morning we had two kills.  Well that got um.  The following morning I got up early and upon turning on the lights, a couple more scurried about.  So, now it was war.  I didn’t appreciate the additional passengers who weren’t paying their way.  We went to the local WalMart and bought more traps and over the next two nights it was touch and go.  The current score is 9 to Zip.  With the RV sitting for a while, it seems that Mickey and Mini took up residence and raised a family.  We’ll keep you updated on any additions to the score.  It is satisfying, laying in bed at night and hearing “scratch, scratch, snap” as another one bites the dust.

MICKY, MINI, AND SON

We made a quick run on the Mirror Lake Scenic Highway on our way north with a stop long enough to to get the kayak wet in Mirror Lake.  We were here in the spring but the highway was closed due to snow so we decided to detour off the interstate and take the slow route.

MIRROR LAKE

We are now in Twin Falls, Idaho for the next 3 nights, so we have a little time to explore as it is our first visit here.

SNAKE RIVER GORGE 

Stay tuned to see who wins, me or the mouse. 

WE'RE GOING TO SPAIN......JUST NOT NOW

Our trip to Spain scheduled for September was cancelled and we all know the reason.  We had the tickets and lots of reservations, but since British Air doesn't fly from the US anymore we had no way of getting there.  Probably a good thing as the virus is making a comeback over there.

So not being ones to sit around doing nothing for too long, we're heading out in the RV, leaving on Sunday for places north of here.  This time we're selecting states where one can eat inside a restaurant, that also offer beautiful scenery, hiking possibilities and cheap gas.  So the latter means we won't be touring around California.  Here's the plan: Utah as usual, but to some new places, Idaho, Montana, with a stop to see Cathie's brother.  Next up Wyoming to visit our favorite collage student at the University in Laramie.  Then Colorado, back to Utah and finally Northern Arizona to check out some potential areas to re-locate in a couple of years.

We (I) hope to be on the road for 6 to 8 weeks spending ample time to explore some new areas.  But as is our custom when we travel, things could change at any moment and we might see a road that needs exploring.  We know were we are going for the first week, but after that we'll figure it out as we go along.

Since there's nothing exciting to report yet and if you haven't already heard, we got a new car. So to keep you entertained,  you can  Read About it Here