Arrived to Estes Park for work camp host duty on May 16 just in time for the weather to turn windy, cold, rainy and the occasional snow – got 4 inches in 2 days! Also, Wanda took this opportunity to have the furnace malfunction. RV Doctor could not come up from Loveland to service for a couple of days, and of course, it was during the coldest days – average temperature was 35 degrees. We managed by using a combination of the fireplace and a space heater. Biggest concern was the plumbing so we borrowed another space heater from fellow camp host and put that in the “garage” (underneath storage area) to keep the pipes from freezing. Also had to disconnect the water hoses connected to Wanda as it went below freezing for a few nights in a row. But hey, we managed, as we do, and it was a good opportunity to snuggle up. Then the mice found us and decided Wanda was warmer than their nest. Matter of fact we have dealt with mice on and off during the whole summer; every time the weather got a little chilly, the mice come in. All part of the Ty and Jane Great Adventure!
Work cart accident!!! Ty up to his usual shenanigans, first day riding around as camp host, was texting and driving and drove the cart up onto a log, high planning it. Some beefy young men campers tried to lift him off, but the cart was too heavy for 3 guys. Ty had to call our boss and explain the situation. Good thing Zenda likes Ty, or I think we would have gotten the boot. Z sent a heavy-duty truck with pulleys and they managed to lift and pull it off the log.
Play wise we did get in some in May, June and early July until Ty had carpal tunnel surgery, then just when he could hike a few miles his knee went bad and that ended hiking season. We saw plenty of animals on those hikes; moose, deer, elk, turkeys and one bear. We never tire of the mountains, streams, waterfalls or sunsets. Spent more time in Estes Park than years past, enjoying the local entertainment (John Denver look alike) and how the elk just stroll by.
It was a great summer, although very dry so no campfires, camp hosting – and it was a great crew (as usual ). Two host returned from last year and one new host came in. Tough being the newbie of the block. As usual, it is a tough job, the view from the office is to die for and work is three/six hours days on and three days off. Light housekeeping and escort duties for the guys and office for women. Best part of job is talking to the campers – they are here on vacation and just want to have fun; figure out where to hike; where are all the animal sightings. And we get to be the tour guides! Plus, some of our guest bring us treats – the other day we got blue berry stuffed with cream cheese French toast. Steve, one of the camp host, related eating this was a religious experience.
Plus, it is hard not to smile when deer walk into the camp especially in the evening when we are sitting around the propane fire.
September came up pretty fast; this year East Portal is open 10 more days than last year. We were glad for that since it is Elk Rut time and it is exciting to hear the bugles and watch the males round up the females, and perhaps a spare or two with competing males.
It is always a bittersweet day when leave on (September 23) and will once again be on the road for our 56th wedding anniversary (I was a child bride). Heading to Lake Minnetonka, MN to visit with the Rileys, then onto Kankakee State Park, Ill for a Fouchey Family reunion. After that a straight line to FL, store the RV till time to move it into Blueway for the winter on December 1. While Wanda rests, we will fly back to Colorado and Ty will have that bum knee replaced on October 26. There is a 6-week recovery period which makes it tight to get back to Florida by December 1. We will see what happens. All part of the Ty and Jane Great Adventure!
