Notes from the Mountain at Mese Verde
Yesterday we met our neighbors next door Peg and Pete and their dog Willie from Colorado. They are about our age and not full time travelers like so many that we meet. They left this morning for the Grand Canyon. Even though they were next to us there was shrubs between our trailers so our site is quite private with a nice view of the mountains.
After returning to our trailer last night we sat outside under the stars again and if possible the sky was even brighter than when we were at the Dunes. So many stars and I saw the milkyway like I’d never seen before. It was so incredible our universe is so big. After a while we got cold and came into the camper the temp this morning was in the 40’s but the sun is warm.
We are all settled into our site and are presently at the Laundromat in the park washing eight bags of dirty clothes in four washers. Life does go on even on vacation. I was very happy we didn’t have to go down that long curvy mountain road to the local laundry. One of the nice things about traveling in a motorhome is that after doing our laundry we simply went to the parking lot and made lunch right there looking out at the mountains. Then we drove about 20 miles in the park up and down mountains and around amazing hair pin curves on a two lane road to Spruce Tree House one of the preserved cliff dwellings. This is an amazing thing to see. The pictures don’t do it justice. After walking down a winding half mile paved trail at the mountainside a beautiful cliff dwelling is visible built into the side of the mountain under a rock overhang. Contruction was done in the 1200’s by the native Indians.
There was a short slide show with narration giving a lot of information about the natives and their life style. The whole community was abandoned after a 23 year drought when they just moved on. It is amazing that this happened in this area that would become the USA all before 1492 when Columbus paid his first visit.
Anyway life on the Mesa continues and we will write more tomorrow.
Love to all, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Finally, Notes from the Road Again
Hi to all:
We are now underway to our destination goal of Mesa Verde, Co.and are planning on staying for a week. There is a scenic loop North of that area (Route 145 to Rte62 and back on Rte 550 to 160) and we will take the bike out of the trailer and go for a ride, may be out a couple of days. While at the Park in Mesa Verde we will not have any hook ups so it may be difficult to send e-mail just as it was at the Dunes but we will do our best. We will take the laptop with us on the bike and maybe even find a WiFi during our travels.
We will shortly be at a McDonalds with WiFi so I will send this message from there. It is the same one we used last time.
Love to all, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
We are now underway to our destination goal of Mesa Verde, Co.and are planning on staying for a week. There is a scenic loop North of that area (Route 145 to Rte62 and back on Rte 550 to 160) and we will take the bike out of the trailer and go for a ride, may be out a couple of days. While at the Park in Mesa Verde we will not have any hook ups so it may be difficult to send e-mail just as it was at the Dunes but we will do our best. We will take the laptop with us on the bike and maybe even find a WiFi during our travels.
We will shortly be at a McDonalds with WiFi so I will send this message from there. It is the same one we used last time.
Love to all, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Notes From the Mountaintop
Hello again:
Today was an interesting day, we crawled out of our RV cave about noon to a beautiful day. Chriss looked out at the mountain top behind us and said “Lets go”. I looked him in the eye and said “What are you crazy”
but go we did and I am glad I am with that crazy man. We just started up the side of the mountain through the trees and brush, behind the last campsites and directly across from the Dunes. It was a steep climb on small to medium stones and small rocks interspersed with cactus and flowers. We saw deer scat and a small bear poop, and a large foot print I couldn’t identify. That takes care of the ground but it was the scenery that was amazing. We were above the top of the Dunes and could see the mountains behind them. The sun was warm and the breeze cool.
With our binoculars we could see the tops of surrounding mountains with what looked like caves. The birds were flying below us. Through all the trees we could see our motorhome as a little spec down in the campground and in the distance we could see the town of Alamosa and the Rio Grande River that flows through it. We made our lunch (2 sandwiches, a banana and two bottles of water) Once we got done ooh and ahh at the scenery we decided to eat lunch and found the neither Chriss or I had packed the sandwiches just a banana and two water bottles between our two packs. I later found the sandwiches in the refrigerator (we ate them for supper).
Anyone who knows me knows how I love trees. This was a paradise for me.
These were interesting trees. Junipers, some twisted junipers, and other fur trees none more than about 10 feet tall. The dead ones were as pretty and fascinating as the live ones. As the afternoon progressed we watched the weather change and Chriss’s experience as a pilot diagnosing weather problems came in handy. There were black clouds, grey clouds, 3 different rain storms coming down in the distance, increased wind speed and clouds moving in different directions. His diagnosis of the weather was interesting, my solution was :”Let’s get out of here” and that is what we did. We got to within 200 feet or our campsite when we felt the first drops of water on our faces. What lucky hikers we are… Anyway we were back in our camper eating our left at home sandwiches and tomato soup. When there was a knock on the door. It was our neighbor Kendall and her Dad, Don bringing us fresh made somemores. One with strawberry flavored marshmallows, Very Good. We already enjoyed a yellow squash right out of their garden and a piece of blueberry birthday pie from Collin’s birthday. What nice neighbors. Don, Holly, Collin and Kendall.
PS it is still raining hard. So glad we are snug in our camper but just in case you are wondering we do miss riding the motorcycle but not tonight.
More to come tomorrow, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
Today was an interesting day, we crawled out of our RV cave about noon to a beautiful day. Chriss looked out at the mountain top behind us and said “Lets go”. I looked him in the eye and said “What are you crazy”
but go we did and I am glad I am with that crazy man. We just started up the side of the mountain through the trees and brush, behind the last campsites and directly across from the Dunes. It was a steep climb on small to medium stones and small rocks interspersed with cactus and flowers. We saw deer scat and a small bear poop, and a large foot print I couldn’t identify. That takes care of the ground but it was the scenery that was amazing. We were above the top of the Dunes and could see the mountains behind them. The sun was warm and the breeze cool.
With our binoculars we could see the tops of surrounding mountains with what looked like caves. The birds were flying below us. Through all the trees we could see our motorhome as a little spec down in the campground and in the distance we could see the town of Alamosa and the Rio Grande River that flows through it. We made our lunch (2 sandwiches, a banana and two bottles of water) Once we got done ooh and ahh at the scenery we decided to eat lunch and found the neither Chriss or I had packed the sandwiches just a banana and two water bottles between our two packs. I later found the sandwiches in the refrigerator (we ate them for supper).
Anyone who knows me knows how I love trees. This was a paradise for me.
These were interesting trees. Junipers, some twisted junipers, and other fur trees none more than about 10 feet tall. The dead ones were as pretty and fascinating as the live ones. As the afternoon progressed we watched the weather change and Chriss’s experience as a pilot diagnosing weather problems came in handy. There were black clouds, grey clouds, 3 different rain storms coming down in the distance, increased wind speed and clouds moving in different directions. His diagnosis of the weather was interesting, my solution was :”Let’s get out of here” and that is what we did. We got to within 200 feet or our campsite when we felt the first drops of water on our faces. What lucky hikers we are… Anyway we were back in our camper eating our left at home sandwiches and tomato soup. When there was a knock on the door. It was our neighbor Kendall and her Dad, Don bringing us fresh made somemores. One with strawberry flavored marshmallows, Very Good. We already enjoyed a yellow squash right out of their garden and a piece of blueberry birthday pie from Collin’s birthday. What nice neighbors. Don, Holly, Collin and Kendall.
PS it is still raining hard. So glad we are snug in our camper but just in case you are wondering we do miss riding the motorcycle but not tonight.
More to come tomorrow, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
Friday, August 29, 2008
Still more notes from the Dunes
Well today was the day that we did it. We climbed the Dunes and honestly the long walk through the sand on the way to the base was harder to do at 8000 ft high than it was to actually climb the Dunes. At the base of the dunes is the Medano Creek. This time of year it is just a wide shallow trickle that we were able to cross without getting wet. Once we were up on the dunes there was a nice cool breeze. The sand was very fine and multi-colored, red, black and light sand color. Surprisingly once up there it was pretty stable if we stayed on the ridges of the dunes.
We were told the loose surface sand blows off the ridges and what is left is hard packed and relatively easy to walk on. The view was great and we could see our campground. The terrain up there was high ridges, and valleys in which small amounts of vegetation was actually growing.
We saw a storm approaching in the distance and came down off the Dune.
While walking in the park a little later we met a family with a pop up trailer that looked like it was the child of a Hummer very high, bright yellow with big tires. We stood and chatted for a while and they gave us a yellow squash from their garden at home. It was their son’s birthday and later in the evening brought a piece of blueberry Birthday Pie down to us at our campsite. What a surprise and what a delicious blueberry pie, berries the size of marbles.
The storm never materialized but it did cool off significantly. At this elevation it has never gone above the 80’s in the day with low humidity and down in the 50’s at night. We are still meeting very interesting people. This evening we met a man who has been traveling around the USA on his motorcycle for a year now and plans to continue for another year.
He is definitely a free spirit at 50 years of age he has only had seasonal jobs and has lived from Alaska working on crab boats to the Caribbean living on his own boat. His adventures provide great entertainment as we sat around our campfire tonight. His appearance does not lead one to identify his life style. He is clean cut, shaved and gives the appearance of an educated businessman. Very interesting to talk to.
Till tomorrow, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
We were told the loose surface sand blows off the ridges and what is left is hard packed and relatively easy to walk on. The view was great and we could see our campground. The terrain up there was high ridges, and valleys in which small amounts of vegetation was actually growing.
We saw a storm approaching in the distance and came down off the Dune.
While walking in the park a little later we met a family with a pop up trailer that looked like it was the child of a Hummer very high, bright yellow with big tires. We stood and chatted for a while and they gave us a yellow squash from their garden at home. It was their son’s birthday and later in the evening brought a piece of blueberry Birthday Pie down to us at our campsite. What a surprise and what a delicious blueberry pie, berries the size of marbles.
The storm never materialized but it did cool off significantly. At this elevation it has never gone above the 80’s in the day with low humidity and down in the 50’s at night. We are still meeting very interesting people. This evening we met a man who has been traveling around the USA on his motorcycle for a year now and plans to continue for another year.
He is definitely a free spirit at 50 years of age he has only had seasonal jobs and has lived from Alaska working on crab boats to the Caribbean living on his own boat. His adventures provide great entertainment as we sat around our campfire tonight. His appearance does not lead one to identify his life style. He is clean cut, shaved and gives the appearance of an educated businessman. Very interesting to talk to.
Till tomorrow, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Continuing notes from the Dunes
We considered the possibility of changing campsites, possibly one on higher ground overlooking the sand dunes. We walked up the hill to find another couple also considering making a change. We soon entered into an interesting conversation with them and admired their young golden retriever. After giving it some thought we decided to stay right where we were nestled in some shade tree with nice privacy. I decided to take the garbage to the dump and inquired where it was. “down the road a bit:, etc” so I started out to find it was about ¼ mile up and down hills, at 8000 feet you really feel that. I will think twice before I do that again.
Today was laundry day. After a hand wash in the camp laundry sink. The Horstman laundry rope was strung up and in the hot sun and low humidity after 15 minutes our clothes were dry.
Later in the day a wind storm developed. Chriss and I tried to secure the awning with additional line. We had quite a web going before we decided to give up and retract the awning. At that point a young woman walked up to our campsite and asked if we had any duck tape. It seems their tent blew down and incurred some damage. They moved to a site near us trying to get out of the wind. They had three young children and we pitched in to help set up their tent which was a difficult task in all the wind, which continued well into the night along with some rain. Now the next monrning it is beautiful again. We had a visit from the park host and two very sociable park rangers who sat and chatted with us after helping us move our picnic table and admired our motorcycle.
Bye again, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
Today was laundry day. After a hand wash in the camp laundry sink. The Horstman laundry rope was strung up and in the hot sun and low humidity after 15 minutes our clothes were dry.
Later in the day a wind storm developed. Chriss and I tried to secure the awning with additional line. We had quite a web going before we decided to give up and retract the awning. At that point a young woman walked up to our campsite and asked if we had any duck tape. It seems their tent blew down and incurred some damage. They moved to a site near us trying to get out of the wind. They had three young children and we pitched in to help set up their tent which was a difficult task in all the wind, which continued well into the night along with some rain. Now the next monrning it is beautiful again. We had a visit from the park host and two very sociable park rangers who sat and chatted with us after helping us move our picnic table and admired our motorcycle.
Bye again, Mom (Carol) and Chriss
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Great Sand Dune National Park, CO
Hello again:
Happy Birthday to Cathy (Chriss's daughter)
We started driving today at about 12:30 or so driving west on route 160. Traveled less than 100 miles when we came across Great Sand Dunes National Park. It's about 30 miles of sand dunes that are about 750 feet high. Although I have some pictures, of course it doesn't really do it justice.
We can stay here for $7 a night (It pays to be a senior citizen). We'll stay for 5 days so we won't have to try and find a place during Labor Day weekend.
We're going to be out of touch for the next five days or so. I'll send an update when we can get online again.
Here's an updated map of our trip so far.
Thanks to my son Tom for typing as I dictated last night’s blog to him at his home in NJ. We have no hook ups at the park but I will write a 5 day blog to send out when I can. This is a beautiful spot in spite of not having electrical or water hook ups. We run the generator to charge batteries but would not be very well thought of in the park if we ran it all the time. So we haul water in jugs and are very conservative with the use of the power. But in spite of that are very pleased with our site. Have chatted with many people from all over the USA they just stop and chat as they walk by if we are outside and we do the same. Last evening we met a young lady named Clair with her dog Ellie, she was kind enough to offer to take a picture of us and then we took a picture of her and Ellie too. Last night we went for a walk after dark, and this place gives DARK a whole new meaning. This whole trip has been a series of “WOWs” one wonderful scene after another. Last night’s walk was another one, I saw more stars out than ever before and the milkyway was very visible in the night sky. I even saw a couple of shooting stars. We just sat in our chair in the middle of the trail in front of our camper where our view was the best, away from any lights from the rest rooms. Unfortunately, we scared one of our fellow camper to death when he was walking up the trail. This same person almost bumped into another walking camper and since he also had heard the snoring thought he might have hit a bear and gave out quite an OHHH when they met. We all giggled. It was that dark. We also heard some snoring and were seriously wondering if a bear was near by when we realized that another camper near by had gone to bed early and was snoring very loudly, much to our relief. His poor wife, or maybe it was the wife..
Each night at 7:00 PM they have a lecture in an amphitheater regarding some facet of the park. Last night it was about weeds that grow on the dunes, we missed it but will go tonight and listen to a different topic.
Today we plan to investigate our surroundings. Not far from our campsite there is a trail down to the dunes and we plan to try it out soon. So I will return later and continue.
Bye for now, Carol & Chriss.
Happy Birthday to Cathy (Chriss's daughter)
We started driving today at about 12:30 or so driving west on route 160. Traveled less than 100 miles when we came across Great Sand Dunes National Park. It's about 30 miles of sand dunes that are about 750 feet high. Although I have some pictures, of course it doesn't really do it justice.
We can stay here for $7 a night (It pays to be a senior citizen). We'll stay for 5 days so we won't have to try and find a place during Labor Day weekend.
We're going to be out of touch for the next five days or so. I'll send an update when we can get online again.
Here's an updated map of our trip so far.
Thanks to my son Tom for typing as I dictated last night’s blog to him at his home in NJ. We have no hook ups at the park but I will write a 5 day blog to send out when I can. This is a beautiful spot in spite of not having electrical or water hook ups. We run the generator to charge batteries but would not be very well thought of in the park if we ran it all the time. So we haul water in jugs and are very conservative with the use of the power. But in spite of that are very pleased with our site. Have chatted with many people from all over the USA they just stop and chat as they walk by if we are outside and we do the same. Last evening we met a young lady named Clair with her dog Ellie, she was kind enough to offer to take a picture of us and then we took a picture of her and Ellie too. Last night we went for a walk after dark, and this place gives DARK a whole new meaning. This whole trip has been a series of “WOWs” one wonderful scene after another. Last night’s walk was another one, I saw more stars out than ever before and the milkyway was very visible in the night sky. I even saw a couple of shooting stars. We just sat in our chair in the middle of the trail in front of our camper where our view was the best, away from any lights from the rest rooms. Unfortunately, we scared one of our fellow camper to death when he was walking up the trail. This same person almost bumped into another walking camper and since he also had heard the snoring thought he might have hit a bear and gave out quite an OHHH when they met. We all giggled. It was that dark. We also heard some snoring and were seriously wondering if a bear was near by when we realized that another camper near by had gone to bed early and was snoring very loudly, much to our relief. His poor wife, or maybe it was the wife..
Each night at 7:00 PM they have a lecture in an amphitheater regarding some facet of the park. Last night it was about weeds that grow on the dunes, we missed it but will go tonight and listen to a different topic.
Today we plan to investigate our surroundings. Not far from our campsite there is a trail down to the dunes and we plan to try it out soon. So I will return later and continue.
Bye for now, Carol & Chriss.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Lathrop State Park, Co
Hello again with more notes from the road and a Happy Birthday to Chris (Chriss's son-in-law).
This morning stated out with more tire problems. Seems there were two holes. Only one got patched at Walmart. We asked at the campground and found a place in Trinidad that would fix our flat tire. although it took a long time we had friendly service at J&M tire by Mark and Randy and then we could continue on with our journey. We followed route 12 in a loop from Trinidad campground just outside of Walensburg CO, to Lahtrop State Park, CO. Route 12 is probably the most scenic road we have traveled in a long time. It started out in the mountains and just went higher. But the amazing part of it was the rocks. The rocks weren't actually mountains, but rather walls with places that you could see through. These walls were incredibly high. I have stood next to skyscrapers and didn't feel the incredible size that these rocks gave me. They just went straight up and up and up... Some of the walls looked like they were carefully stacked in place by man or machine, but nature put them there. Our highest peak today was 9,975 feet according to signs and our GPS. There were mostly fir trees on the mountains and what looked like white-barked birch trees, but were actually Aspens. We also passed a few pristine lakes. Blue and Bear Lake, Monument Lake and North Lake. All in places that made it look like an artist painted the scene. I will say one thing, the rangers were not very friendly, however, the front-desk people in every place we have been were extremely nice, usually went out of their way to help.
Tonight we are safely tucked into a state-run campground, more expensive than the national parks, but clean and nice.
Good night.
Love, Mom (Carol) and Chriss.
This morning stated out with more tire problems. Seems there were two holes. Only one got patched at Walmart. We asked at the campground and found a place in Trinidad that would fix our flat tire. although it took a long time we had friendly service at J&M tire by Mark and Randy and then we could continue on with our journey. We followed route 12 in a loop from Trinidad campground just outside of Walensburg CO, to Lahtrop State Park, CO. Route 12 is probably the most scenic road we have traveled in a long time. It started out in the mountains and just went higher. But the amazing part of it was the rocks. The rocks weren't actually mountains, but rather walls with places that you could see through. These walls were incredibly high. I have stood next to skyscrapers and didn't feel the incredible size that these rocks gave me. They just went straight up and up and up... Some of the walls looked like they were carefully stacked in place by man or machine, but nature put them there. Our highest peak today was 9,975 feet according to signs and our GPS. There were mostly fir trees on the mountains and what looked like white-barked birch trees, but were actually Aspens. We also passed a few pristine lakes. Blue and Bear Lake, Monument Lake and North Lake. All in places that made it look like an artist painted the scene. I will say one thing, the rangers were not very friendly, however, the front-desk people in every place we have been were extremely nice, usually went out of their way to help.
Tonight we are safely tucked into a state-run campground, more expensive than the national parks, but clean and nice.
Good night.
Love, Mom (Carol) and Chriss.
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