070727- Colorado

Friday, July 20, 2007
the weather this week has been entertaining. The mornings are always bright and sunny and a great sight to wake up to. The afternoons have been overcast with large dark gray clouds pushing the big white fluffy ones out of the way. Then the wind picks up, and gives us the sensation of being on sailboat in a good wind. Actually kind of invigorating. The anticipation of rain finally ends in a light sprinkle, which doesn’t even stop people from walking the grounds.

Wednesday July 25, 2007

We have finally gotten our courage up to leave this lovely place and move on. Our last evening meal was a potluck dinner (everyone brings a different dish) and we all share. Peter and I were invited to dinner even though we didn’t cook anything (Peter has influence and friends in high places here), and there was an abundance of delicious items.

Broiled salmon, Shepard’s pie, delicious chicken and the hit was a buffalo meatloaf. Salad, side dishes, and home made cookies and cupcakes for desert. Quite a meal.

We had a terrific time here at Blue Mesa in Gunnison, and met some very nice people. The staff, volunteers, and guests were all very kind and helpful and we were grateful. Especially Bert and Anita.

Before setting the Beast in motion, we did our usual pre-flight checklist and perfunctory duties.
A walk thru and visual inspection from back to front of the interior to make sure all compartments, doors, drawers and equipment are secure. This is especially important for the refrigerator and freezer door. We did have an incident once when it was not closed with a reassuring “click” and we had a mess to clean up.

Once in the pilot’s seat, we check our mirrors to make sure our retractable step is in, and our outside assist bar is folded flat. We log in the time of departure, the inside temperature, our gas gauge and altitude reading …. turn on our dependable GPS, find a clear radio station to listen to, plug our hands free earphone into our cell phone, and take one last look at the map. We are going about 120 miles to Canon City and expect to arrive in about 3 hours. (peter likes to stop at the rest stops to check his P and Tree mail).


I know what you are thinking – this guy is really efficient. Well mon ami, we made one slight error. We calculated the distance, but neglected to take into account the height of the mountain. We started at about 8,000 feet elevation, but we had not yet crossed the Continental Divide. On previous trips we had crossed the “Divide” unceremoniously, depending on which state we were in. However, this time it was the highest we have ever encountered, and it made its presence know quite dramatically. The pinnacle was at Monarch Crest, and after hours of slow but steady climbing, sometimes at 35 MPH, we had reached 11,300 feet.
Of course there was a souvenir shop there.

Needless to say, the climb and the crest were a sight to behold. The amazing realization, that regardless of how high we were, all around us were mountain peaks high above us, some with permanent snow and ice caps.

The remainder of the day was literally “downhill”, but from out last experience, we did not race down riding the brakes. We took it slow and let our engine control our decent at a safe speed.

With most of our day and our plans gone, we stopped for an early dinner and found a friendly Wal-Mart to overnight at.


Thursday, July 26, 2007

The plan for the day … take a train ride thru Royal Gorge. We arrived at the station, and opted for the gourmet lunch. We had to be lifted on an elevator device into the train car since the stairs were too differcult to climb.
The dining car was quite attractive and elegant, and a far cry from the barren and basic dining car of Amtrak which we experienced on a previous trip to San Francisco.

Our route was a slow, winding excursion along the Arkansas River, thru the Royal Gorge, and under the Royal Gorge Bridge, which is the highest suspension bridge in the world. As we meandered along at a pace of 12 MPH, we were treated to the handiwork of nature as well as a constant parade of river rafters negotiating the river and her rapids.

The dinner was a terrific serving of Oso Buco, and an outrageous dark chocolate cake for desert. Of course Peter shared the meal with me, and we got to take home the bone for his desert.

With a few hours of daylight left, we visited a nearby museum which was actually a prison in earlier times.
Each of the 30 some odd cells were filled with memorabilia and exhibits and we used a pre-recorded audio tour to navigate.

Peter did not seem anxious to enter the cells. I think it may have reminded him of his previous incarceration at the shelter.

With our brain, imagination, and belly well fed, we returned to Wal-Mart for quiet evening “at home”.
Oh yes, Peter did really enjoy that bone.

Till next time,

070718 Colorado

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

As we traveled from Grand Junction which is at about 4,500 feet to Gunnison, which is about 8,000 feet, we were treated to a grandeur of scenery that was a pleasure to drive thru. The Beast took the climb in its stride, but we did have to down shift and take it a little slower than usual. We didn’t mind, it gave us a chance to be more of a tourist and take it all in,

Blue Mesa RVP is a sight for sore eyes. The temperature is in the 80’s and it goes down to 60 at night.
We got a handicap site close to the clubhouse and the activities schedule includes some cookouts, entertainment and some game nights.

The guests and staff are very friendly and of course Peter is the center of attraction, especially for the kids.

Peter has found a few favorite spots to P&P and the temperature is comfortable enough for him to sit outside the Beast instead of under it.

As our scheduled week came to an end, we decided to extend our stay for another week. We aren’t in any hurry.

We did find some interesting attractions about a day’s drive from here in Canon City, that we will plan on visiting. One is a western town call Buckskin Joes, and the other is a 3 hour train ride thru Royal Gorge. Sounds like something to look forward to.

Peter isn’t as young and spry as he was when we started travels but he won’t accept growing old gracefully.

Ever once in a while he’ll start to limp or favor one of his front paws. Sometimes he picks up a stone or burr and other times it his arthritis acting up. When it comes to being macho, he is the king. When I try to get him to let me look at his paw he gets defensive and stubborn. I tried to explain that I am actually a foot doctor and he’s In good hands, and I even showed him my medical license. That was a mistake … when he saw the word “RETIRED” he pulled back his paw , shook his head “NO”, and started pawing thru the yellow pages and asked me how to spell veterinarian.
I gave him a pork chop bone left over from our pork chop dinner and he forgot the whole episode.

Till next time.

070710 Colorado

Monday July 9, 2007

Left Green River, Utah for Grand Junction, Colorado.

The highway departments must be working overtime putting up new signs, because now there is quite a bit of information to read about what to expect at the next exit. We usually look out for tourist spots, monuments, or museums.

today it is a dinosaur museum. We had the time, and knowing that these places are usually air conditioned, we had another incentive. It was fairly new, not to large, but very well displayed and enjoyable.
From Peter’s view I could see that look in his eye “so many bones, so little time”. He actually behaved quite well, and the children enjoyed petting him as much as he enjoyed being petted. I was very proud of him for not barking or even flinching when one of the animated creatures came to life and roared.

The temperature has not lessened much since we left Vegas, but there is a general Haze in the air from all the fires going on in Utah. It’s so bad that my photos aren’t as crisp or clear as they should be for this area.
We are stopping in Grand Junction, Colorado for a couple of days, and then high into the Rockies for a week.

Till next time

070709 UTAH

Utah
Thursday July 05, 2007

I don’t know much about the rest of the country, but where we are it’s like an oven set to roast. Vegas has new highs ( over 115) and as we pass thru the northwest tip of Arizona and into Utah it didn’t seem to let up. Our next destination is high in the Rockies, at about 8,000 feet, at Gunnison, Colorado; another AOR club campsite with WiFi, paved roads, handicap spaces and great scenery.

Today, I felt like giving Peter a new name – Dennis the Menace.

From the time we rolled out of our slot, he was restless. He couldn’t find a place to get comfortable. First he attacked an empty plastic water bottle and destroyed it, and then he was all over the Beast. He was in the front seat, then on the couch, then in the isle and then he wanted to hide under my legs and then look out my window (while I am trying to stay on the road). Try pulling sixty pounds of pure muscle from under the dashboard with one hand while trying to steer with the other. I finally had to pull over and give us both a rest.

Of course, as soon as we stopped, he runs to the door and expects to go out. Figuring this may calm him down, I hook up the extra long leash and open the side door. He jumps out, realizes it’s 20 cooler in the Beast (with the a/c on) and with his feet getting fried on the hot asphalt, he jumped back in.

No sooner than we get up to traveling speed (about 65 mph) he decides to get a better view by jumping on the dashboard on the passenger side and walks across to my side. There he is, standing on all fours, between me and the windshield, as I try to look between his legs to see where I am going. I’m certainly glad there were no Highway Patrol cars in the vicinity. I slowed the Beast to another stop along the shoulder, pull him down, and tried to get angry with him, but he just looked t me with that – “I’m having fun, how can you be mad at me” look, and I had to laugh.
However, the rest of the morning, he was on a short leash, attached to the inside hand rail, with just enough room to get to his water bowl and the couch.

We filled up with gas early in the day (50 gallons) and paid $3.01 per gallon. We felt good about the price until we hit Arizona, where it was $2.95, but felt better in St. George, Utah where it was $3.31.

For those of you who have small gas tanks, you probably don’t know that most pumps strop at $75 if you use a credit card. Besides that, if you try to use the same card again, you may get a rejection, so sometimes we have to use 2 different card just to fill up.

We overnited at a Super Wal-Mart in Cedar City, Utah, and when the sun went down, we commandeered an electric shopping cart and cruised the isles. It was late, quiet and the only trouble we had was dodging the stocking crew as they refilled the shelves. Back to the Beast, and good night’s sleep was had by all.


Friday July 6
Cedar City, Utah

By comparison, Peter was as much of an angel today as he was a devil yesterday

As early as 8am we could feel the heat of the day rising. It was 85 on its way to 100.

WE stopped at my favorite roadside fast food place … Arby’s. Nothing fancy – just some beef and cheese on a roll and a chocolate shake to wash it down. As I was standing in line, waiting to give my order, I heard this little voice in my head asking me if this is really what I wanted. It was the Nutrisystem Mind Police. I gave then a definite YES and the last sounds I heard were a sigh and a moan. I’m sure there will be payback later, but for now, it was great.

Regardless of the heat, the view out our big windows is spectacular. Mountains and Mesas of all different shapes and sizes and colors. The vastness of untouched territory baffles the mind when you are used to living in crowded cities with constant traffic and insidious noise levels.

The scenery is breathtaking.
It should be described as Nature’s Art Gallery.

WE overnighted at a Flying J, in a corner away from the diesels with their motors always running, and sleep well.


Saturday July 7
Richfield, Utah

For the weekend, we pulled into a Good Sam campsite in Green River, Utah. Paved roads, WiFi, level sights, easy hookups, nearby doggie walk; we are both happy.


Sunday July 8,
Green River, Utah

Late in the afternoon, a Really big wind storm hit our park suddenly and we rocked and rolled for a few minutes and then it passed.

Didn’t think much more about it till later when I was going to take Peter for his nightly walk. It was late , very dark and I usually leave my rolling walker outside by the steps. Much to my surprise when I discovered the walker was gone. Knowing that RV people are not thieves, I quickly deduced that the prior wind storm must have blown it somewhere. It was 10 PM, pitch dark, except for our porch light and my cap light (it clips to the brim of my cap), and using a backup walker, we searched the area. Fortunately, it had been blown in to a nearby vacant space and it was still upright. Peter helped me pull it back to the Beast and then we continued our walk. Another lesson learned. From now on, I attach a bungee cord to my walker and the outside handrail.

Till next time,

070705 Pahrump-2

July 05, 2007
Pahrump – 2

The temperature has been 100+ most of the days and cooling down 10 degrees at night – so a few adjustments and habit changes had to be made. We sleep with the a/c on at night – have a late breakfast and then head for the rose garden.
It a lovely grassy area, surrounded by weeping willow tress that offer lots of shade and there is a pleasant breeze that is constant and reliable. I usually read or listen to the radio, while Peter usually sleeps on the grass – he never remembers to bring a book. The hot asphalt and concrete are uncomfortable for him to walk on so we try to stay at the few grassy areas.

In the afternoon – we retreat to the clubhouse where we might engage in conversation with fellow travelers or watch TV in an air conditioned library. That’s code talk for napping.

With a terrific restaurant on the grounds – part of the winery – we try to resist eating too many meals there – not on my Nutrisystem diet. Every other day seems to work for us.

Last night, while doing our usual evening patrol, the Batmobile died a noisy death. It started sounding like a clothes dryer full of loose change and then it went silent and rolled to a stop. Fortunately, we were not too far from the Beast and Peter even help with the pulling, as I pushed from the back. The next morning Peter has this snicker on his face … now when I say we are going for a walk, we both walk.

Originally, we were leaving on July 2nd, but they announced a July 4th picnic for the group, so we extended our stay. Peter loves hot dogs and hamburgers and figures he can beg a bellyful.

Between calling all the scooter stores in Las Vegas and using the internet, my search for Batmobile repairs resulted in one store that was changing locations (call us next week), one store that sends their repairs out to Cerritos, California, and one that had a mechanic who was going on vacation for a week. Looks like Peter is going to be my exercise coach for a few weeks. Maybe we will have better luck around Denver.

The July 4th picnic was moved indoors at the clubhouse because the temp was over 110. We had plenty of food, fried chicken, burgers, hotdogs and all the fixing’s. Some Karaoke singing for the brave, and great cake for desert. Peter was not disappointed.
Till next time