Posts from the ‘RV Trips’ category

Back to Ft. Caspar

Left Fountain, CO, just south of Colorado Springs at 7:45 a.m. – arrived Ft. Caspar, Casper, WY at 3:45 p.m. It was a good driving day with dry roads and just one spot by Cheyenne, WY with strong wind.

Bear and I walked the river walk at sunset.

The E-470 tollway around Denver makes Denver easy. I stopped at the Ft. Collins, CO welcome center for lunch and a long walk with Bear. Two fuel stops and 2 other walks at rest stops…a good and easy day driving the most miles in a day that I will for the return.

We have an easy day tomorrow to Billings, MT!

***notes about today: heavy smog from Pueblo to Denver, Chugwater: pricey fuel but easy access, Douglas KOA is open year round.

Parting shots

We gathered this morning to take photos before I left.

The last times we have visited we neglected to get photos of us… From the day I arrived, we said we needed to remember to get photos of us!

Us.

Bill and his Mother, Betty.

Mama, me and Dixie :)!

My folks, LB and Dixie, the gorgeous stone work around the main level woodstove and the beautiful paintings.

Parting shots.

A hard leaving. A going through the motions and heading down the road.

It was a clear, sunny day. The mountains were spectacular. The driving was easy. Snow around Del Norte and Monte Vista and frosted trees.

I ended early just south of Colorado Springs.

Bear and I slipped back into travel mode but I miss being with family. I miss the routine that felt so loving and warm and comfortable. I miss all of that as I enjoy the travel…as I look forward to each day on the road and as I look forward to being at my own home.

The moon tonight.

Parting shots.

Last evening, South Fork

From the front deck…the southern end of the front range…not sure that is correct but the mountains are magnificent.

This evening, even from a great distance, the rugged peaks stood against a picture perfect sky like a still life.

And then the waxing moon, shining through the bare branches of a front yard aspen against the sunset hues…a perfectly beautiful evening to cap a perfectly beautiful time with family.

Bear and I will point Wild Thing east and then north tomorrow mid-morning…headed for home.

Meet the parents

Yesterday (Wednesday), I took a long lunch and Bear and I went up to the ski area to meet my folks for lunch. Not a cloud in the sky, 20F which feels much warmer at nearly 10,000 feet altitude and new snow.

Bill, on his way in.

Mama, just after.

A good day on the slopes.

I love you guys :)!

I’ve had a wonderful visit. I’m looking forward to the trip home, to being home but I don’t want to leave… But, a good weather window exists and I’m planning on a morning departure tomorrow.

Nap day

RVing is hard work…plus, it was -11F (-24C) yesterday morning…chilly!! Just like doing things in high heat, being outside in the very cold zaps energy. Bear did not seem bothered by the super cold except for his feet…we will try some booties or mushers wax when we get home.

Louie reputedly went out for a few seconds and then retired to the sofa with LB. LB…he is the blankie dog. That is his blanket on the sofa and he has another in the dining area that he likes to arrange just so. So funny, each habits and likes :)!

Smarty-pants heard the camera… (actually phone camera for these)

…which didn’t disturb him for long.

This is the first photo I’ve taken of Miss Dixie that has been in focus. At 10 months, she is high energy and usually on the move, but today, even she slowed down after a few outings in the super cold.

Mr. Barely sleeps downstairs until early afternoon so I missed getting his photo. And he is probably the one that enjoys the super cold most. He and Karl – I think both most comfortable with very cold temps :) .

Scenes from Monday

5:00 a.m. Making morning coffee and Cranberry Orange Walnut bread. It was too early for Bear :)!

We woke to about 6 inches of new snow. This photo is after I cleared the roof of Wild Thing. Can you spot Bear on the dash keeping an eye on things?

The aspens – their white bark, reddish brown branches – beautiful with the evergreens and snow. The road is lined with aspen groves and if the deer are standing quietly, they blend in and you can easily miss seeing them. It is like a Bev Doolittle painting come to life.

The new snow and the calendar put me in a Christmas mood. Saturday afternoon, Mama, Betty and I went to a local Christmas bazaar. I found the carved nativity ornament and the moose & sleigh salt and pepper…perfect for a bit of Christmas on the road. (The moose had a broken antler which Bill fixed for me!)

Miss Dixie Lee and LB after their afternoon walk. They run and chase and play and probably get 10 times the distance out of a walk. They always arrive back first and sit on the hill together…

…waiting for Mama and Barely.

All of us home today…snow to be cleared, work and chores to do. After a gorgeous and productive day we shared the best pizzas! Crust homemade by my Mama – she, Bill and I each topped a crust. Betty prepped. We all ate and enjoyed and debated which we liked best with no consensus reached…all were delicious.

It was a perfect start to the week :)!