8-30-16 - Heat Escape - Day 19

                                                         
                                                                  Good Morning

 We started the day off with a great breakfast on this beautiful morning. Now it's time for a ride. We left around 11 am, it was sunny and 57 degrees.  It was a great day for a ride.

We got in a light rain when we were on Monarch Pass. We stopped and shopped at the summit, then continued on to Poncho Springs (Crossroads of the Rockies) and had a picnic lunch.

                                                                       funny sign

The ride back was along Hwy 285 to Saquach then Hwy 114 over the  North Cochetopa Pass and then back to camp.  We had the rain gear on and off most of the ride but luckily never got much rain.

                     We saw several deer, a young coyote, and a herd of big horn sheep today.

It was 73 degrees when we returned to camp.  We sat in the shade for a little while, then the temperatures started dropping.  We built a nice campfire, and cooked bream that Clyde, Sherry, Lauren, and I had caught a few months ago.  Man, those fish were good.

                                                                  It's what's for supper

                                                                   Goodnight
                 

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/SX5o19a1TsqjgNke6

8-29-16 - Heat Escape - Day 18

                                                    Morning, cool and cloudy start to the day


We woke up to a cold, cloudy, day.  We took a ride to Gunnison and looked around in Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods store this morning, waiting for it to clear up.

George and Lisa got here this afternoon.  They have been traveling for the last couple of weeks and stopped here for a couple of nights before they head home.  They brought sunshine with them.

                                                               the arrival

We ate a quick lunch and took a ride.  It was beautiful when we left.  By the time we got to Taylor Lake, it started sprinkling.  We put on more clothes and continued with our ride to Crested Butte, and more rain. The mountain tops had some snow on them, that wasn't  there  a few days ago.

                                           
                                                    along the road to Taylor Lake

 It rained on and off and it was COLD.  Lauren said he was going back to Taylor's Sporting Goods and buy him some long johns and he wasn't going to take them off until he was back in Texas.

                                                   Cold and rainy at Taylor Lake

Lisa cooked hamburger steak.  A good hot supper, after a cold, rainy ride, really hit the spot.  Another beautiful double rainbow appeared and for the first time since we have been in this area, we actually had a beautiful sunset.

Hopefully, Mother Nature will give us some warmer prettier days for our next week here.



Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/UJZLjosEcV9nNDQG6

8-28-16 - Heat Escape - Day 17

                                                                Not much of a sunrise

 We wanted to sleep in this morning, but decided we would rather get up early so we could watch the sunrise.  Unfortunately, Mother Nature covered the mountain with a cloud.

We took a beautiful ride to the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison along Highway 92.  Six miles before we got to the park, the road turned to gravel.    This road was better than some paved roads that we have been on.

We really enjoyed watching the rock climbers at the Balanced Rock overlook. (I can 't imagine wanting to do that.)  We had a nice picnic lunch overlooking the canyon, then continued our journey to  Delta and Montrose before making it back to the campground.

We kept skirting the rain.  We got lucky.

                                                       Ominous looking clouds

We saw 4 deer as we left the campground this morning at 10:30 am.  They looked like they wanted to go with us. We saw a total of 7 deer today, one was a nice buck.

I washed a load of clothes when we returned.  It was the most beautiful view that I have ever seen from the door of the laundry room.

We were gonna grill some pork chops, sit by a fire, and call it an early night.  Mother Nature again changed our plans with a thunderstorm.  We cooked the pork chops inside, turned on the heater, and watched the satellite TV.  But we did call it an early night.


Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/Pk45QwvLLYYPmDzN9

8-27-16 - Heat Escape - Day 16

                                                                  Good Morning

We slept past the sunrise this morning. It was probably a pretty one, since we woke up to a gorgeous day. Fernykat tried to get  me up at 6 am so we would't miss it.

We had a leisurely kind of morning then took a ride to restock.  The Gunnison Walmart has to be the smallest one we've ever been to.

The big highlight of the ride to Gunnison was seeing a buck mule deer standing alongside the creek.  He was a beauty.

We were planning on taking a motorcycle ride when we got back from shopping.  Mother nature changed our mind when she started raining.

The rain stopped about 3:30 pm.  It was 55 degrees and  cloudy, so we decided to ride in the truck to Curecanti Creek Trail at Pioneer Point.  It was about a 6 mile drive from the campground.

It was supposed to be a 4 mile round trip strenuous hiking trail that would take approximately 3 hours to hike.  It was every bit of 4 miles, it was a really strenuous hike back up the mountain, but it only took us 2 hours round trip.  It was a very beautiful trail following a creek with waterfalls to the Gunnison River   It was so peaceful and beautiful along the trail to the river's edge.

 We saw our first snake in Colorado on the trail on our way back  Luckily, I had picked up a stick at the river to to help me hike back up the rocks.  I realized when I saw the snake, that I may need the stick  for a weapon. Lauren was taking pictures, as I gripped my stick ready to defend myself.  Thankfully, it was a nonpoisonous snake, no weapon needed.  The snake  was as ready to get away from us as I was from him.

We signed the hiker log at  4:30 pm beginning the trail.  When we returned  at 6:30 pm, 2 park rangers were there picking up the hiker log.  They were very nice and informative.

When we returned to Pioneer Point, we walked to the lookout.  It was amazing to look down at the river, the trail, and the scenery that we had hiked.

                                                               The trail along the creek

                     
                                                                Hiked to the little sandbar

We thought today was going to be one of those laze around kind of days.   After over 4 miles and 88 fitbit flights, (an elevation change of 888 feet), and my wobbly tired legs, I realize that it was not.

When we returned, we lazed around for a little while sitting by a campfire enjoying the spectacular views, until it was time for bed.

                                                               Goodnight

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/zyoM7RUfbhDrAqXY8

8-26-16 - Heat Escape - Day 15

                                                   
                                                     Morning from Blue Mesa Rez

It was 41 degrees this morning. We got up early in the hopes of seeing a beautiful sunrise.   It was too cloudy. We cooked a good breakfast outside, then took a 4,4 mile, 59 flight, (according to fitbit), 2 hour hike at the Dillon Pinnacle trail.  The views were breathtaking.

After lunch we rode the Harley to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  The National Parks are celebrating their 100th birthday this weekend, that means free entry.  It was a very pretty ride.  East Portal Road was extremely rough with a 16 degree grade down to the river.  We were both glad to get down the hill.

Terry caught some rainbow trout, that's supper.  We cooked them a couple  of different ways.  Needless to say, I ate baked beans and salad.

After dinner,  we saw a  double rainbow. It is ironic to see a double rainbow after having rainbow trout for dinner. It was one of the most beautiful rainbows that I have ever seen.  Judy and Terry are heading home tomorrow.  It was the perfect ending to our trip together.

We had  a nice, cool, dark night that was perfect for our campfire.

We started off today with a great breakfast, then took a beautiful hike, we had a beautiful day for a motorcycle ride with beautiful views, we saw a gorgeous double rainbow, then sat by a campfire.  It don't get much better than this!

                                                            Double Rainbow

                                                        First Campfire of the trip

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/bLt523Nx7R3LkNTP8

8-25-16 - Heat Escape -Day 14

                                                               Home for a few days


We moved 14 miles west today, to an awesome campground, Blue Mesa Escape.  We are at the top of the hill, (or on the side of the mountain),  overlooking Lake Fork and Dillon Pinnacles on the Blue Mesa.  This is our home for at least the next 12 days.  We have all the amenities we need, including electricity, water, sewage, fire pit, and breath taking views. Not to mention, we have data and phone service here.  There are only 10 full hookup campsites in this campground, and it is about half capacity.

This is the first campground since we left the Rez, that we we can build a campfire.  The campground owners supplies us with wood, all they ask for in return is a donation to pay for gas for the chain saw.

Fernykat couldn't wait to go outside today,  She explored all around, wallered in the dirt, and ate grass.  We have the Fernykat approval!

When we got here today, we  thought we would set up camp, and take a ride.  We got caught up in the moment and didn't go anywhere until late this afternoon.

Tonight, we traveled East to Gunnison Lakeview RV Park to eat  dinner with Judy and Terry.  Had a great visit and a great dinner.

The ride back home was a little rainy and windy.   When we started up the hill to the campground, we saw three deer, that posed for a picture.

It was too windy to build a campfire, so we went inside and  turned on our little electric heater, Fernykat got right up against it absorbing all the heat.  I had to pick the heater up off the floor before she caught on fire.

It is very quiet and dark here tonight.  With  no street lights, it is almost like boondocking, except, we have all the amenities we need.  We will be sharing our little piece of paradise with 9 othet campers.  This is out kind of place!!

                                                   
                                                              It's COLD!!!!

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/shUGVtCRfk7kwyoKA

8-24-16 - Heat Escape - Day 13

It was like a sound machine last night listening to the rain peppering on the top of the camper.  Only better, it was the real deal.

We got up around 7 am this morning.  I expected to pull up the shades and find a dreary cloudy day.  Boy, I was wrong.  The sun was a shinning, but it was a cold 45 degrees.

We stayed inside playing on the computer until it warmed up.  We took a 5 mile, 30 flight hike in the Centennial State Wildlife Area.  The only wildlife we saw was a rabbit and chipmunks.

We decided to check out another campground closer to the dam.  We rode our Harley up the steep, dirt road to a campground with 12 campsites with an amazing view overlooking the Blue Mesa.  This looks like our kind of place.

We left Blue Mesa Escape Campground and decided to check out a couple of boondocking sites around Crested Butte.  We got wet three times before we got back to Gunnison Lakeview Campground.  Needless to say, we parked the Harley and got in the truck for the ride to Crested Butte.

It was a very, scenic, bumpy, dirt road to the primitive campsites.  It was 52 degrees, with rain on and off, and a little bit of hail.    We saw deer, a coyote, and a bunch of chipmunks.  We have decided that these sites would be great in a tent or small camper,  We think we will stay closer to civilization.

Terry and Judy took the leftover boiled shrimp and made twice baked potatoes.  Awesome way to eat potatoes and leftover shrimp.  Tomorrow is move day for the McLaurin's, we plan to move a few miles down the road for a different view.

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/65GusYDRpdFRHSDY9

8-23-16 - Heat Escape - Day 12

We are camped at Gunnison Lakeside RV Park. We had to unload the Harley yesterday before we parked, if we wanted to ride while we are here.  And, we wanted to!

Last night was the first time in a long time that it was cool enough that we didn't run the air conditioner or  fan.  It was also cool enough that Fernykat had to get in the bed with us for warmth. Her loud purring woke me up. She got right between us, and every time I had one of those hot flashes and kicked off the cover, she would playfully nibble my foot.  She is loving this cooler weather as much as we are.

We decided to take it easy today. We woke up to  a cloudy, 54 degrees this morning.  After lounging around for a while drinking coffee with the heater on, we decided to take a hike.  We walked across the road to the boat launch, then on to a primitive campground.  It was a great day for a hike.  We returned back to camp after about 3.5 miles.

Terry and Judy went to Taylor Lake so Terry could check out the fishing.  Terry saw the first moose he has ever seen in Colorado.

We took a ride close by on the Harley, cause the chance of rain was pretty high today.  We had a pretty ride and returned home about an hour and a half later.  When we left it was cloudy.  The lake didn't look as pretty as when we were here five years ago.  While we were riding,  the sun came out, and we saw the true colors of the Blue Mesa.

 We have iffy air TV here, so Lauren hooked up the satellite dish after we returned from our ride.

We had bought shrimp on the coast last month when we went to IP with Anita.  We boiled shrimp, potatoes, sausage, and corn.  Lauren and Terry got soaked by the rain before they could get the shrimp cooked.  Luckily, we have plenty of room inside and we have an electric heater.  It was pretty darn cold to be cooking out.  We all enjoyed those gulf coast shrimp and fixings. Even though, we had  to tough the cold, wet, elements to cook them.

We all wanted to escape the heat, and we got our wish.  Stan ,the campground owner, told Lauren yesterday that the change of weather here  is not for the faint of heart. It is rainy and  bone chilling cold tonight for these rednecks!! Maybe, next time we might need to specify a little milder change of climate.

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/QsBJ7nqH1XfU9Nm66

8-22-16 - Heat Escape - Day 11

                                    During our walk this morning, prairie dogs were playful


We finally made it to Gunnison after a six day lay over in Pueblo.  We had a beautiful day with a very scenic ride along Highways 50, 285, and 114. We saw plenty of big horn sheep, a few pronghorns, and a few deer along the way. We traveled  205 miles today. We took the long way around to avoid Monarch Pass.  In other words, we are CHICKEN.

We are set up at Gunnison Lakeside RV Park.  It was in the mid 70's when we got here around 3 pm. After we got set up, we had a shower and the temperatures dropped to the low 50's.   I can see the beautiful Blue Mesa out the side window of the camper as I am typing this blog.  When we got here, Ferny had to come outside.  It has her approval.

We aren't sure how long we will be here, we will just take it day to day.

                                              rode alongside a river most of the way

                                                                self explanatory

                                                                    Bighorn sheep

                                                   
                                                                Home for a few


Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/2NA5DLCjdcsvvzen9

8-21-16 - Heat Escape - Day 10

We had another good day around Pueblo. The pronghorns are getting closer for our viewing in the mornings.  We also saw about 10 quail as we were leaving the campground.

 We took a ride on a windy mountain road to Bishop's Castle in Rye, Colorado.  It is a castle that one man has been building since 1969.  It is a very unique place.  Lauren and I climbed up the narrow winding staircases to the globe.  Well, Lauren made it to the globe, I chickened out.  It is a lot more difficult climbing narrow winding stairs wearing bifocals instead of contacts.  Not to mention, I'm a little bit scared of heights, especially when the floor is a little shaky.   I kinda crawled a few of the steps.  As Lauren was waving to me from the globe, I was white knuckled hanging on to a beam. It was fun but I have to say, I was relieved when we were back on firm ground.

We got back early and decided to lounge around this afternoon.  It was a sunny 85 degrees.  I just had to go get in the pool.  I think it was colder than the Pushepatapa Creek, but it felt good.  I finally found a cure for my hot flashes.  With the low humidity, I could barely swim from one end to the other. I'm glad the water wasn't over my head.

Judy and Terry cooked some good ole taco soup for supper, they simmered it all day in the crock pot.

Although, it was not in our plans to stay in Pueblo, we have had a great time while we are here.  Hopefully tomorrow, we will make it to Gunnison.

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/fWpotA8tozkdkebu5

8-20-16 - Heat Escape - Day 9

The thunderstorms we had last night brought us a cool, crisp 52 degrees this morning.

We slept late this morning, (7 am), then took a nice leisurely stroll around the campground, watching the prairie dogs, watching us. We saw an antelope way out in the horizon.

We got a call from Andy at the Chevrolet dealer yesterday to stay close to the phone today.  They had a mechanic coming in on a Saturday to put the third radiator in our truck.  While we were stocking up at Walmart, we got the call.  Finally, we have the truck back.  Three times was a charm.  We took a ride to Howard, Colorado to test the new radiator.

It was a beautiful ride with mountains on one side of the road, the Arkansas River on the other side of the road, and great friends with us in our truck.  And, we saw big horn sheep, (we think).

After a few hours, we came back to Haggard's RV Campground.  It is the first evening that we have been here that it has not rained.  We grilled a burger, cooked french fries, then saw an amazing sunset.

We should have been in Gunnison four days ago, but we are fortunate.  We are with our great friends, we found a good dealership that always kept us informed, we are at a nice campground, we saw one of the most awesome sunsets tonight, so far the radiator is not leaking, and we have escaped the heat!

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/qUXJ8DZPHYUrc4uz6

8-19-16 - Heat Escape - Day 8

                                                         Prairie Dogs this morning



We will be here at Haggard's RV Campground until at least Monday.  The Chevrolet dealer has worked hard trying to get us back on the road.  Unfortunately,  both new radiators they put in the truck leaked.  We have been wanting to become full time RVers.  At the rate we are going, we may be already.

We met Judy and Terry about 25 years ago at a golf tournament, we instantly became friends. We have encouraged them to go on with their vacation, but they won't.  So we spent another fantastic day touring around in their truck.  We rode through Phantom Canyon, a narrow dirt road with a bunch of washboards, switchbacks, and fantastic scenery.  We went through the mining town of Victor then to Cripple Creek, as a bonus, we just happened to find a biker rally at Cripple Creek. It was cloudy, breezy, and 58 degrees.

We are enjoying our heat escape!!

                                                                  Storm this evening


Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/k7xfwHp7xVNz572H6
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8-18-16 - Heat Escape - Day 7

                                             Morning from Haggard's CG Pueblo West, Co.


It was a nice, cool, breezy morning to watch the sunrise.  Believe it or not I got up at 6 am and left Lauren in the bed snoozing.  He is about as wore out, as Fernykat was yesterday.

We had another day to rest up while a second radiator was being put in the truck.  We took a ride to the Garden of the Gods and to Canon City.  Pretty nice views along the way.

                               Garden of the Gods, Grey Rock center, Pike's Peak in back/right


Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/h7SBf3Ltdk5pgaG98

8-17-16 - Heat Escape - Day 6

                                                            Baby Quail

We are staying another night at Haggard's RV Campground in Pueblo West, Colorado tonight.  The truck will not be repaired until tomorrow.  We went to sleep after a beautiful sunset last night and woke up to a beautiful sunrise this morning.  Life is good!!

We took a nice walk around the campground trail this morning. We had a beautiful cool morning with clear views of Pike's Peak and the surrounding mountains.  We came back to find Fernykat asleep with her paws covering her eyes.  This traveling cat is wore out.

We spent  the day sightseeing.  We had a very enjoyable walk at the Pueblo Riverwalk, then took a ride to Lake Pueblo State Park.   We saw mule deer, ospreys, and quail.  The baby quail and baby deer were so cute.  We enjoyed our late lunch/early dinner at the Pourhouse Bar and Grill.

It was warm again today, but as it did yesterday, an evening shower came and cooled us off.  Judy said she thought we must be in Kansas, because the campers were rocking and rolling from the wind.  Luckily it was not a bad storm.

                                                                 4 points

                                               
                                                            Watching us

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/TGYErCvhf3Ui8NBfA

8-16-16 - Heat Escape - Day 5

                                                                 Lake Trinidad

Last night we  thought $31 a night was high for just an electrical hookup at Lake Trinidad State Park.  We got up this morning, took a nice walk around the campground, and realized real quick that we got our money's worth. The views were Awesome!

Lauren was right, it wasn't a skunk we smelled last night. In Judy's defense of having a nose that knows smells: she had never smelled sesame oil.  Oh well, after washing the spices twice that the sesame oil had spilled on, we still have the smell, just not as bad.

We had planned to go to Gunnison, Colorado today.  After a few miles, we had one of those lights on the dashboard of the truck come on.  After further investigation we thought everything was okay, but to be sure, we decided to have it checked out.  The nearest dealer was Spradley Chevrolet in Pueblo, Colorado.

The couple hour drive from Trinidad to Pueblo was extended almost an hour after we were stopped on I 25 because of an accident.  A  truck pulling a  bumper pull camper was overturned in the road blocking the interstate.    Kudos to the people working the scene.  It was cleared up in about 40 minutes and we were able to go on our way.

 We are staying at Haggarad's RV Campground in Pueblo West, Colorado tonight. We have views of Pikes Peak from the campground. Nancy, that made our reservation, is awesome.   As many times as we have stayed in campgrounds, this was the first time we got a walk through of a campground.

We made record time setting up the camper and getting to Spradley Chevrolet .  They are keeping the truck overnight so they can clean off the antifreeze on the motor, and monitor it.  As Brandon, AKA mayor of Timberlake would say, There ain't nothing wrong with that, is there.

This is one of those unplanned stops, but as I have typed before, we don't like having a schedule.
We love spontaneity, but prefer not to have the truck in the shop.

It is a little warmer in Pueblo than yesterday.  It was 89 degrees today. But Terry said, "its a lot cooler than Gulfport."  After the thunderstorm tonight, it cooled off dramatically.

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/xqBPZhtUxwFm88K49