It wasn’t hard to leave Blueway this year – not only was it time and we were one of the few “hanger on’rs” but we were anxious to get back to the mountains.
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Travels Westward
We had 3 weeks to wander around on our way around and for a change decided to take all back roads and do the lower section of the US. Lower Florida, Arkansas (briefly), Mississippi, Texas then into New Mexico where the first stop was Carlsbad Caverns to experience all the the bats in flight. Bummer, bats are still in Mexico and will not made the migration north till May. We were still able to go into the Caverns which was a pretty decent hike I would say about 3-4 miles. Could have been longer but we cut it short. Pictures of the cave do not do it justice
Ok, so now what. Well, there is always Roswell, home of the only alien crash landing (suppositively). Roswell was just a small oil town before the Aliens showed up, then it boomed into a big tourist town. Now that all the hullaballoo is over, Roswell is a very tired, empty place with just a few “hanger on’rs”. One of them is the museum which we had to go through since we are here. Whomever the curator is or was was into documentation. Walls covered with all of the sighting reports, police reports, first hand accounts it was way too much for me. I am more of a visual person so I skipped all that and went for the demonstrations (there was only 1). Ty, on the other hand, reads everything, all of it while I find a chair and nap. If you ever want to discuss the Roswell Incident, Ty is your man.
We have ARRIVED!
Finally, we arrive for our jobs all happy and excited to begin. Joining us were 2 new host couples also excited and curious just what they had signed up for. Turns out this is a wonderful group of people that just meld together like we are long time friends. That is a good thing because we are all together for 4 months. So many nights of sitting around the campfire sharing stories, helping out with the host duties and watching their dogs and cats when they are away.
Immediately greeting us were 2 bull elks that frequent the camp last year – they have no fear of people and just come right up to camp
And Chet and Stone renewed their friendship
Visitors – we love company!
Florida friends, Candy and Gary, came and stayed at our sister campground, Marys Lake, then we did a couple of hiking trails plus toured them around Trail Ridge Road (highest continuous road in the US). Candy is so funny, she takes pictures of everything – makes for a slow go but I’m not in a hurry. Didn’t really know them when in Florida, but that has all changed now – great to meet new people.
Amy’s neighbor, Diana and Carter, came up from Boulder for a few days and stayed in our campground. They stayed in a tent! God Bless Them – it was cold at night when they were here. We acted as tour guides and took them around to all our favorite spots – we love doing that.
My nephew Fred and wife Martha briefly stopped by for lunch on their way from someplace to somewhere.
Cousin Stacey dropped in for a few days to visit with Amy.
Then of course, the family manages a few days here and there, got to watch Chet for a few days but I will tell you he was ready to go back home to Scotty where he doesn’t have to get up at 6am, hike, and not bark at everyone passing by. He is a good but funny dog and he definitely knows who/what he wants.
Hikes and TENT Camping – What?
Ty and I have taken some incredible hikes; it took us awhile to get our legs back in shape for the uphill grind; but so far, all the miles have been worth it!
Had to get away from the daily grind of camp hosting; had 2 days off and went up to Red Feathers Lake. Beautiful lake, no swimming, however lot of paddleboarders and fishing. We were pretty lazy the first day, just hung around. Next day after a peanut butter and jelly breakfast with my coffee (those who know me know I prefer not to eat pb&j’s but we didn’t really pack anything) we hiked. I swore after the Newfoundland trip that tenting was never going to happen again. Well…..
Animals – Wild Animals
Have been fortunate to see a lot of animals this year – more so than last. First were the young bull elks, who are now huge with big racks full of velvet, then momma elks strolled in with babies in tow. Next came the bull deer with their big racks full of velvet, and they love my geraniums! Momma deer with fawns. And moose! I almost ran into her and babies on my morning walk; then on 4th of July she and babies walked in the field in front of the campground. Turkeys and chicks pass thru occasionally.
There has been 10 bear sightings (Ty saw one) and 2 mountain lions – which neither of us saw but it was reported by campers.
Oh, the camping units that have come through…
The days of the canvas tent and a tarp to throw over it to protect it from the rain is long gone! Now you will see everything from hammocks with tent tarps, cars that have tents that come out the back to all sorts of trailers and trucks with tents attached in all manner. No two alike either!
Campers Say the Darnest Things
- Camper: I wish I could stay here forever – this is heaven.
- Camper: Can you tell me how to turn off my fire? I don’t see a button
- Camper: I am leaving this campground and never returning – I can’t stand all the kids yelling and screaming all the time. You complained about my dog barking why doesn’t anyone do something about those kids.
- Host: Stay back from the moose and her babies. Give her space. Hey staying back means coming back up here on the road. (Guy was taking pictures and was about 5 feet from her)
- Camper: love it here! Camping in the woods, it is so dark and quite at night. You camp host are the greatest with the best suggestion for things to do.
- Camper: did you see that? Did you see that big elk?
- Camper: shows Host a picture – what kind of animal is this? It a mountain goat – very elusive.
- Camper: can you help me set up my tent? I’ve never camped before.
- It is 9:30 at night, we are in bed, knock on door. Camper: can you sell me some firewood? No store closed at 8.
- Camper: I can’t start my car can you help me? Host: I will get the starter cables Camper: Never mind was using the wrong car keys.
- Camper: I loved the hike but why can’t they pick up after their horses?
- Camper: Honest, my rig is on 22 feet. We measure its 26 feet – too big for East Portal
- Camper: Could you come help me, my car is stuck. Host goes down to assest the problem which is the camper has backed car up a small incline right onto the tent pad. One of the back wheels is off the ground (you could spin it) the other is half on half off the railroad tie. Takes four men to lift and push to get the car off the tie and back down the hill.
- Host: hey slow down, speed limit is 5mph. Guys speeds thru so host gets into cart and follows. Turns out the guy’s 5-year-old is steering while dad works the pedals. They are practically doing wheelies in the park. Host stops them and explains can’t have 5-year-old at the wheel of car. The dad says to host: “ok – hey want a beer?”
Our work here is a cake walk
Like last year, I manage the store, checking in customers, selling wood and ice and other things that are packed into this tiny space and I also am a visitor guide telling campers how to get into the park with timed entry, where to hike, how to get into park without timed entry etc.
Ty drives around delivering ice and wood, helping people get settled into their sites. Handling complaints (barking dog), tidying up the bathrooms and doing what he loves best: talking to people and telling them his favorite hiking spots.
Bonus: When we work the afternoon shifts Ty does all the cooking! Yahoo
Living the dream we are!
Nothing more satisfying than watching a coffee pot perk in the morning!
Hiking the mountains and coming across Columbines.
Trying to hit your second shot, while Elk graze right behind you.
If we were meant to stay in one place
We’d have Roots instead of Wheels
Comments
One response to “May-July”
Best one yet Jane!