After a wonderful week in Colorado, hiking Rocky Mountain National Park and Larimer County Parks, we drove south to New Mexico. I will post more pictures from the hiking in RMNP soon, but wanted to keep you updated on our trip.
Yesterday should have been a short day. It was anything but. We were nearing Roswell, NM, (perhaps it was the aliens) when our rig had a blow out. Thankfully, there was enough of a shoulder to get the truck and fifth wheel off the road. The tire was a shredded mess, causing some damage to the rig (still drivable and livable). Thank God for our Good Sams, emergency road service - they sent us help and he took off the tire with help from John. It took over two hours, then we got into Roswell and located another tire, not wanting to drive without a spare. Four and a half hours after our blowout, we were on the road again.
We arrived in Carlsbad late evening, a little frazzled, very exhausted, hungry and thirsty. Fed and watered the cats first, they settled down quickly. Ate a quick meal before going to Wal-Mart for supplies. This morning the weather is comfortable, skies blue and cloudless, and we're getting ourselves organized.
Promise to get more pictures up soon from our hikes in Colorado.
Love to all,
VAL & JOHN
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of my favorite national Parks is Rocky Mountain National Park. If you've never been there, it has wonderful views, good hiking, photo ops galore and wildlife. The elk in the park are not nearly as shy as the herds in Glacier. There's also two great drives, Trail Ridge Road and Old River Road. Unfortunately, both are still closed for the winter, but may open for Memorial Day weekend. However, the snow the got yesterday has slowed down the plowing.
On Sunday morning, we hiked Deer Mountain with the hopes of reaching the summit (approx. 10,000 feet). It would be our first summit of the 2010 season. It's only a 1,000 foot gain on a 3.2 mile hike. Steady climb, challenging, but certainly doable. The biggest issue was the snow we hit about a mile into the hike. The north side of the trail was icy and deep at times. I really need to get trekking poles - anyone have suggestions as to what brand to get?????????
Thought of my Glacier chat buddies on this hike. You guys would have loved this hike. Sure wished you were there with us, but you were there with us in spirit! The views from the summit were awesome. To the east, you could see the town of Estes Park, the southwest, Storm Pass and the west, the continental divide. The weather was great, cool, but sunny with a beautiful blue Colorado sky.
All in all, it was an awesome day, and a super weekend. Here are a few pictures of the weekend...
John in knee deep snow.
View from the summit of Deer Mountain
John and me with the continental divide in the background.
Another view from the top. Storm Pass in the background.
On Sunday morning, we hiked Deer Mountain with the hopes of reaching the summit (approx. 10,000 feet). It would be our first summit of the 2010 season. It's only a 1,000 foot gain on a 3.2 mile hike. Steady climb, challenging, but certainly doable. The biggest issue was the snow we hit about a mile into the hike. The north side of the trail was icy and deep at times. I really need to get trekking poles - anyone have suggestions as to what brand to get?????????
Thought of my Glacier chat buddies on this hike. You guys would have loved this hike. Sure wished you were there with us, but you were there with us in spirit! The views from the summit were awesome. To the east, you could see the town of Estes Park, the southwest, Storm Pass and the west, the continental divide. The weather was great, cool, but sunny with a beautiful blue Colorado sky.
All in all, it was an awesome day, and a super weekend. Here are a few pictures of the weekend...
John in knee deep snow.
View from the summit of Deer Mountain
John and me with the continental divide in the background.
Another view from the top. Storm Pass in the background.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
We've continued our journey, leaving Texas and heading north and west to Colorado. One of my favorite places is Rocky Mountain National Park. Since we will be spending several months in Carlsbad, which is an arid climate, thought we'd get one last chance for some hiking in the Rockies, where the mountains still have snow and the mornings are cool.
Woke up this morning with a chill in the rig. Put on the fireplace (electric, but it did the trick). Sassy, my Manx cat was specially appreciative. She hates the cold. We drove from Loveland, CO up to RMNP. The main road was closed - something about a large boulder/rock falling on the road. Had to take a back road up, which was windy. Glad the 5th wheel wasn't attached to the pickup.
John took some pictures of the mountains. He's downloading them as I type. Look for pictures in a few days. Once inside the park, the wildlife didn't disappoint. We saw lots of elk, mostly cows, but a few bulls with their new velvet on their antlers. Then we got to see a few bighorn sheep cross the road right in front of us. RMNP's herd of big horn has had medical issues in the past (I don't remember what it is, but the herd almost vanished). It's good to see them again.
We drove around the park, doing short hikes here and there, and enjoying the fabulous scenery. The road across the park has yet to open. They claim it will open for Memorial Day weekend. They are plowing and repaving the road, which is the highest paved road in the USA. (Higher in altitude than Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP). Been across it several other times, if you ever get to Rocky Mountain NP, make sure you take the drive. It's beyond words...
We did a hike in the afternoon to Bierstadt Lake. One of the few hikes we've never done before. The trail up was fine, facing south with awesome views of Storm Pass. Once we were near the lake, which was surrounded by pines, the ground disappeared and was covered with snow! Plenty of it!! Knee deep at times!!! :) The Rockies in May!!!! Gotta love it.
The road reopened from the 'falling rock'. The pile of rocks that had been pushed to the side of the road was quite impressive. The pot hole that they filled - was several FEET WIDE! Glad I wasn't around when the boulder landed on the roadway.
Pictures soon... Need to hit the showers!
Val & John
Woke up this morning with a chill in the rig. Put on the fireplace (electric, but it did the trick). Sassy, my Manx cat was specially appreciative. She hates the cold. We drove from Loveland, CO up to RMNP. The main road was closed - something about a large boulder/rock falling on the road. Had to take a back road up, which was windy. Glad the 5th wheel wasn't attached to the pickup.
John took some pictures of the mountains. He's downloading them as I type. Look for pictures in a few days. Once inside the park, the wildlife didn't disappoint. We saw lots of elk, mostly cows, but a few bulls with their new velvet on their antlers. Then we got to see a few bighorn sheep cross the road right in front of us. RMNP's herd of big horn has had medical issues in the past (I don't remember what it is, but the herd almost vanished). It's good to see them again.
We drove around the park, doing short hikes here and there, and enjoying the fabulous scenery. The road across the park has yet to open. They claim it will open for Memorial Day weekend. They are plowing and repaving the road, which is the highest paved road in the USA. (Higher in altitude than Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP). Been across it several other times, if you ever get to Rocky Mountain NP, make sure you take the drive. It's beyond words...
We did a hike in the afternoon to Bierstadt Lake. One of the few hikes we've never done before. The trail up was fine, facing south with awesome views of Storm Pass. Once we were near the lake, which was surrounded by pines, the ground disappeared and was covered with snow! Plenty of it!! Knee deep at times!!! :) The Rockies in May!!!! Gotta love it.
The road reopened from the 'falling rock'. The pile of rocks that had been pushed to the side of the road was quite impressive. The pot hole that they filled - was several FEET WIDE! Glad I wasn't around when the boulder landed on the roadway.
Pictures soon... Need to hit the showers!
Val & John
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
We decided to continue our westward trip with some deviations. Haven't gotten to NM yet, we stopped in TX for a few days. Went to Palo Duro Canyon yesterday. Supposedly it's the 2nd largest canyon in the USA. It was very beautiful and we did a six mile hike to Lighthouse rock, which is a hoodoo. We climbed around there for a while, as it was a beautiful day. Pictures to follow. Having internet connection issues, so it might take a few days.
Not sure where we're going next... We'll keep ya posted.
Not sure where we're going next... We'll keep ya posted.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday the 13th
Don't know where to start today... The trek from Alabama started off OK, but the road conditions in Mississippi and Louisiana leave a lot to be desired. John did all of the driving today, as we galloped down the highway, John's complaining of being saddle sore. I felt bad for the cats as I was getting nauseated and I wasn't in a crate in the back seat.
Had hoped to make it into TX today, but traffic slowed us down significantly. Then an unexpected phone conversation from my boss! Turns out my background investigation got flagged... Since I'm pretty sure I'm not public enemy #13 (or any other number for that matter), I'm sure it's just another bump in the road. However, I'm told to expect at least a two week lag before I can start work - the government works very slowly.
I'm really bummed, as we're more than half way there. Not sure what we're going to do. We're still discussing our options.
I'll keep you all posted, but might not be posting daily as originally planned.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Could use them right now.
Val & John
Had hoped to make it into TX today, but traffic slowed us down significantly. Then an unexpected phone conversation from my boss! Turns out my background investigation got flagged... Since I'm pretty sure I'm not public enemy #13 (or any other number for that matter), I'm sure it's just another bump in the road. However, I'm told to expect at least a two week lag before I can start work - the government works very slowly.
I'm really bummed, as we're more than half way there. Not sure what we're going to do. We're still discussing our options.
I'll keep you all posted, but might not be posting daily as originally planned.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Could use them right now.
Val & John
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
and Away we go...
After spending another two hours this morning packing more stuff, we finally pulled away from the house at 10:30AM with five very UNHAPPY cats, each in their own crate. The first half hour we were serenaded by our quartet with various meows of discontent. Luckily they quieted down before we hit the interstate.
About an hour into our journey we stopped at a rest area where I took over the driving. This is the first time I've driven the fifth wheel on the highway - nothing like trial by fire!!! Traffic was steady, but not too heavy and soon I was getting the feel of the rig. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be and we did survive the 200 miles I drove it today. Thankfully, John handles all the hard stuff - on and off the interstate. He does it like an old pro (but don't tell him I said that!).
We arrived at the RV park a little after 6PM (Alabama time). Nice place, greeted by the camp host and helped us get settled into our site. Set up went quicker this time, despite being newbies at RVing, we're starting to get some of the stuff figured out. First priority was to get the AC on for the cats so they could get out of their crates. It's taken them a couple of hours, but they're starting to settle in for the night. Of course, they don't know more is to come tomorrow! :-p
Had lasagna for dinner, which we made last week and froze for the trip. Simple, fast, and delicious! John's got the VCR set us to watch a movie. I need a shower and am looking forward to a good night's sleep. Not sure how far we're going to go tomorrow... Need to check the weather. More soon...
VAL & JOHN
About an hour into our journey we stopped at a rest area where I took over the driving. This is the first time I've driven the fifth wheel on the highway - nothing like trial by fire!!! Traffic was steady, but not too heavy and soon I was getting the feel of the rig. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be and we did survive the 200 miles I drove it today. Thankfully, John handles all the hard stuff - on and off the interstate. He does it like an old pro (but don't tell him I said that!).
We arrived at the RV park a little after 6PM (Alabama time). Nice place, greeted by the camp host and helped us get settled into our site. Set up went quicker this time, despite being newbies at RVing, we're starting to get some of the stuff figured out. First priority was to get the AC on for the cats so they could get out of their crates. It's taken them a couple of hours, but they're starting to settle in for the night. Of course, they don't know more is to come tomorrow! :-p
Had lasagna for dinner, which we made last week and froze for the trip. Simple, fast, and delicious! John's got the VCR set us to watch a movie. I need a shower and am looking forward to a good night's sleep. Not sure how far we're going to go tomorrow... Need to check the weather. More soon...
VAL & JOHN
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
One more day
Tomorrow is the big day!
We spent most of the past weekend packing - never my favorite chore. At least we now have our clothes, kitchenware, and other belongings into the fifth wheel. I was surprised to see that things fit so easily - it does have great storage space. I'd like to say it's 'roomy' but a few months from now I might want to eat those words...
Trying to tie up loose ends at the house and saying goodbye to my friends. I keep reminding them its only for a few months, but they know I'll miss them too! Mom has moved in with her cats, and will stay here while we're gone. It's been a chaotic week with moving her things in and our stuff out.
The cats know something is up, usually when 'Grandma' arrives it means we're leaving on vacation. Little do they know on this extended trip, they're coming with us! :-/ Should be an interesting few days.
I will keep you posted on our progress. The RV parks were planning to stay at supposedly have WiFi... We'll see. If things go well, I will try to post each night after we're settled in.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We need them all and a little luck to boot.
Val & John
We spent most of the past weekend packing - never my favorite chore. At least we now have our clothes, kitchenware, and other belongings into the fifth wheel. I was surprised to see that things fit so easily - it does have great storage space. I'd like to say it's 'roomy' but a few months from now I might want to eat those words...
Trying to tie up loose ends at the house and saying goodbye to my friends. I keep reminding them its only for a few months, but they know I'll miss them too! Mom has moved in with her cats, and will stay here while we're gone. It's been a chaotic week with moving her things in and our stuff out.
The cats know something is up, usually when 'Grandma' arrives it means we're leaving on vacation. Little do they know on this extended trip, they're coming with us! :-/ Should be an interesting few days.
I will keep you posted on our progress. The RV parks were planning to stay at supposedly have WiFi... We'll see. If things go well, I will try to post each night after we're settled in.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We need them all and a little luck to boot.
Val & John
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Countdown begins
One week! Next week we will leave FL and begin our drive to Carlsbad NM with five cats and a fifth wheel trailer. Lots of things to do before we leave - too numerous to list and even think about. We're both excited, nervous, and eager to get started on our journey.
More to come soon.
More to come soon.
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