I’m headed to my folks – South Fork, CO – close to being ready and expect to roll by 11:30.  Already above 80 here in Mesa Verde – I’m still struggling with voice and throat closing at night so headed for my Mama’s house and a bit of pampering – plus cooler temps and maybe some of this throat stuff is allergy which might clear??? – I am ever hopeful.

Arrived at my folks approx 3:40 to wonderful temps in low 80’s and nice breeze. 

Between Durango and Pagosa Springs, CO is Piedra River Valley and Chimney Rock.  I’ve visited both with my mother on previous visits.  Stopped at the little Chimney Rock gas station/store/restaurant/rv park for “old times sake” and to take some photos…

The drive through Wolf Creek Pass is gorgeous – a long pull up but beautiful out the window.  There is a wonderful rest area at the summit – there was snow!  Got out for a long walk with Karl and allow trans to cool (high trans temp warning about .5 miles from the summit) – easy down to South Fork.  The other direction (east to west) would be tougher down – more curves and grade.

Wolf Creek Pass Summit

So, Ibaimo (Bob) commented the other evening that neither of us would forget Mesa Verde, CO – 2007… shortly after Bob arrived, he fell and cracked a rib which stuck him here for a little over a month not able to do much of anything.  I arrived to meet, visit and do some joint touring – only to get so sick that I spent most of my first 5 days quarantined in my own motorhome.   Actually, we have laughed a bit about it already but for my part, I think it will be funnier a few months down the road!  I am feeling a lot better and hopefully well on my way back to 100% – thanks to all who sent “Get Well” wishes.

“I’m Bob And I’m Moving On” (Ibaimo) moved on this morning – mixed feelings on my part- I’m glad he felt well enough to roll to a new place and start exploring, but I will miss a new good friend.   As others in ORS have experienced, spending time with one or several members is always a special time.  Happy Trails and Safe Travel Ibaimo!

Relapse yesterday…visited the Dr. – got drugs – better today!  Still no voice but once again, feeling better.  My confidence is shot though – yesterday caught me completely off guard…so staying very quiet so as to let the good bugs defeat the bad bugs for good!  So…pretty boring in the “what I did today” department.

Hit 90 today after starting the morning at 50.  Things clouding up to the east like maybe thunderstorms in the mountains.

A pleasant 46 overnight headed for a forecast high of 92 today – thankfully it takes awhile to get there and starts cooling quickly in the evening.

I’m feeling a bit better but not up for touring.  Dogs must be walked so did get a couple of photos on our morning walk… The RV park has goats, a donkey, 2 miniature horses and a miniature mule courtesy of the donkey who used to be in the same pasture as the mini-horses.  Also 3 regular horses, one with a filly about a month old.  Photo below of horse and young’un is not from the park – up the road there are several more “babies” and this is one pair.  Karl is fascinated by the goats – one of the goats will come up to see him, the other makes a try and then runs back.

So part of this trip – the stopping near Mesa Verde NP on the way to my folks – was not only to see the park and do the San Juan Skyway drive with ORS friend Ibaimo, but to relieve some of Ibaimo’s “cabin fever” – sitting and waiting to get better from the cracked rib… do a couple of excursions together.  Ironically, I got a nasty bug and for the first time in 6 years feel sick enough to just stay in bed.  We did make it to Mesa Verde yesterday and I have some photos but have not felt up to dealing with them.  Will catch up when I can.

Was down to 46 overnight – just passed the hottest part of the day at 85 – between Cortez and Mancos, CO  just outside the entrance to Mesa Verde NP.

From yesterday at Mesa Verde National Park:

Got up at 3 a.m. and it had cooled to 72…opened up – by 5 a.m. it was 69 – now it is 71 on it’s way to close to 100 – supposed to be low 90’s in Mesa Verde.  It is sunny, but hazy. 

We should be rolling by 8:30 latest and with 175 miles on a 2 lane and one gas stop – hope to arrive Mesa Verde 1:30-2:00 latest.  Will be glad to park and sit for a bit… 3-4 days of making miles and I get ready to sit.

Route today: 70 to 191 through Moab – 491 at Monticello into Cortez, CO and then 160 to Mesa Verde.

 Arrived Mesa Verde at 12:30…set up, took Karl for a walk and spent some time visiting with Ibaimo (ORS friend) – Photos later.  Monticello to Cortez is a beautiful drive – things turn much greener approaching and in Colorado.