End of the Trail

Hit the high road Saturday towards Joplin, MO.  Had tentatively planned to visit this area and then move on to New Orleans, that quickly changed when we found out another hurricane was predicted for the coast.  We new of one of Jeremy's friends that lived through the Jophin Toronado that had hit Joplin a few months back and he was very accommodating to show us around.  Our thoughts were - can we help.  Everything is still moving very slowly with cleanup and permitting process not to mention having to deal with the insurance agencies.  Well pray for Joplin's loses and hope things will move more quickly for them to re-build.  I've never experience such mass destruction and was very saddened for those in the path.

On a brighter note, the road trip that day was great.  We ventured off the hussle and bustle of the interstate system and choose a more rural route.  We even had lunch at the ole Walmart parking lot (that's because there are no rest areas on the back roads).  Found us a nice RV Park called "Red Barn", just a little further east of Jophin.  I was so hoping for a restful nights sleep without the trains rolling through town, but NO, we were awoken by  a local drunk at 5 am brawling out his frustrations what seemed like right our our front door.  I tried to lay still, hoping this idoit would not wake Buddy, but that didn't work.  Thanks goodness, the sheriff was close by. 

We spend another day in this area and visited the Casino next door in Oklahoma.  Didn't stay very long - to busy for us.  Labor Day we spent traveling another rural route towards home. Ended up at Kentucky Lake for the a nice evening. 

So Tuesday am, we made our way through Nashville, Knoxville with the rain coming down and then decided to visit Mandy in Asheville.  Stayed at the Bear Creek RV Park just a mile or so from where she lives.  Luckily she was just getting off work and was able to meet us for dinner.  We had a little Birthday celebration, since her birthday is Friday.

So Wednesday we just have 2 hours of driving and we're HOME!  but I'm already planning another trip!

Get the Heck (out of) into Dodge

We've had an such an experience today in the wild west of Dodge City....at least that is what it use to be called.  I had a real hard time finding anything WILD.   Not disappointed, just all the old building are gone....burned twice back when but the history is still abundant.  Got an early start this am beginning with a Trolley Ride, which was on one part of the Sante Fe Trail, through the town of Dodge and Fort Dodge.  Not alot of tourist this time of year.  We were the only one on the ride.  Yea for us!  Got reacquainted with the history of part-time Sheriff/Gambler/Gunfighter Wyatt Earp, Sheriff Mat Masterson, buffalos, cowboys, other gamblers, the railroad and where MY beef is being slaughtered!





Buddy trying to get a ticket for that Train....to somewhere.

I think they really are this big.....don't won't to find out.



My future dinner's!



Long Branch Saloon
Only bartender I could find!

Only in the west will you find cowboys buried with there boots on!

Dodge City here we come......

Most of the morning we spent catching up on bills, return phone calls etc.  Finally got an internet connection. Yea!  Buddy learned that the Santa school he wants to attend is in Denver and not Colorado Springs which he had thought.  Anyway, a phone call to them and some information for the future might put Buddy on a new career.

We got a late start and hit the road for a more southern route towards home.  Our designation for this evening will be in "Dodge City".  Looking forward to some exploring of the real west.  The ride on route 50 through east Colorado and Kansas is far better than the Interstate route of 70.  I have never seen so many herds of cattle in the stock yards.  Guess that's why they are called "Grain Feed Beef".



One of many, many, many stock yards along Hwy 50



Back on the Road

It's been awhile since I've updated here.....not alot going on and the internet has been difficult to work with.  I feel somewhat lost without the internet or TV.  We finished up at the ranch on more projects, boy, we could use another few weeks there.  Just alot of maintenance items to keep up with and Jeremy works alot so he's not much help.


View looking down to Cripple Creek



  Tuesday we packed up and headed to Cripple Creek, CO in the Pike's Peak Region.  I've never been to this area so we decided to stay an extra day and be a tourist.  The boom of the Gold Rush days put Cripple Creek on the map.  Buddy and I found a nice out of the way KOA Kampgound.  After setting up we headed into the town of Cripple Creek.  A real western astomphere but now all the hotels are Casino's.  I believe there are 13 here.  They bus in people from Colorado Springs and Pueblo all day and night long. We learned that they have herds of donkey's that roam the streets free.  The town takes care of them.  They were used back in the old days of mining to help haul.  We then found a nice restaurant in one of the oldest hotels there.  Of course, I had my steak dinner.



Main Street in Cripple Creek

 We headed over to another close by town called Victor.  This is one of the largest gold mining towns around and is still operating.  It's kind of odd though, the town itself is not weathly.  This is also the town President Therodore Roosevelt gave a speech to the people from the hotel bacony.  Buddy and Jeremy helped renovate this hotel 9 years ago when they came out here with Richard Wright.  Jeremy also got the shit whipped out of him at one of the local bars.  Guess the local cowboys didn't like inturders.  Jeremy also learned here that he could go to school to be an outfitter.




Hotel as it looks today!



From 14,127 feet

Pike's Peak or Bust!  A 3 1/2 hour train trip up to 14,127 ft.  I can honestly say I PEEED at 14,127 ft.  It was a wonderful ride up and when we did reach the top, it started sleeting.  Only had about 45 minutes to take pictures, pee again and visit gift shop.  We actually left one lady on top.  Guess she didn't believe the conductor that 3:20 was all aboard time and the train was leaving.  We heard later she had hitched a ride from a couple that had driven up the mountain.  We didn't see but a few mule deer on the entire route but the views were aswesome.  Pike's Peak is only ranked the 31st hightest peak in Colorado and derived its fame from it being the furthest east of the big peaks in the Rocky chain and it was the symbol of the 1859 Gold Rush from the slogan of the migration, "Pikes Peak or Bust".



Train that got us there!



Looking up at Pike's Peak

One of the specular rock formations in "The Garden of the Gods"

Finished the train trip and headed a short ways to "Garden of the Gods".  Interesting story behind this Garden.  The surveyor ran across these sandstone formations and told his partner that it would make a "capital place for a beer garden".  His partner said it would be a  perfect place for the Gods to assemble.  So the name remains but the beer garden never materialized.  Only got to take a few pictures there and visit the "Largest" gift shop in Colorado.  We were hungry and tired so we headed to a little shop we found that was suppose to be the "BEST" wines of Colorado and great bison burgers.  I'll give an A+ for the bison lasagne but I really didn't care for the wines.  Guess I'm just spoiled from the Oregon ones.  They had a large selection and a wine tasting, but still, I couldn't get into their grapes.

Beautiful Day

Woke up to a beautiful sunny day, again.  Life is good.  Headed out to ranch to finish some painting on our trim project.  Hopefully I'll get in some more practice with my glock.   Looking forward to grilling out tonight at our camp.  Steaks or Chicken?

What will today bring......

So far a peaceful day at the RV park.  Jeremy and Buddy went to Glenwood Springs for some business.  This will be our last day with Jeremy.  He is headed out tomorrow for his job as a hunting guide somewhere north of here.  We will hang around a few more days catching up on some last minute chores at the ranch.  Don't know where we are headed after that.  I have a feeling tonight we will do some celebrating.

Yes, we did some celebrating tonight. Celebration of Life!   Had a enjoyable time at the saloon and then went for Italian with J & J.  Excellent food.  Off to bed early.

Cattle Drive Day

Up and out early today to meet the gang at the Colorado River Ranch.  Jeremy and Scottie needed to move the cattle to another pasture and we went along to help.  Wasn't really that much of a help, just rode in the 4-wheeler and helped drive the critters toward Scottie who was the only one on the horse.  It really was a fun time - especially watching the bull get so upset when we separated him from the ladies.

Afterwards, a few cold beers and we're off to the lake trying our luck fishing. 



We ended the day riding up the canon and getting in some target practice with my new 9mm glock.  Awesome time.

Back to the ranch where Jamie and Jeremy prepared us an excellent dinner.  Jeremy's mashed potatoes are to die for and Jamie makes an incredible chicken catalina with sauteed veggies.  To top it off, Jamie made creme brulee....yum!  It's our favorite dessert.

Looking forward to my left overs for lunch.





Just Hangin

Sunday we rode up to Sweetwater Lake for Lunch hoping to do a little fishing.  Weather turn a little rainy and chilly - so we skipped that for the afternoon.  Entertained with some of Jeremy's buddies at the ranch and had a wonderful cookout - Frogmore Stew aka Low Country Shrimp boil. 

Found a humming bird in the house - guess the "Cat" really found it.  Everyone give it their best shot to help it.  Such a small little thing. 

Lindsey

Since Buddy's birthday is coming up soon.....we had a little celebration with Jeremy playing his guitar and homemade apple pie - thanks to the cook at Sweetwater Ranch.  And thanks to Jamie for arranging it.

River Day

This was so much fun.  Meet up with some of Jamie's family for an afternoon of river rafing/tubing.  This was only a class I and 2 (I really think the several rapids were only class 0).  But, it was a blast.  Only fell off the tube once.  The water is extreamely cold.....pretty much numbs ya.  Took our rod just in case and I lost both my spinners.....oh well, going to try more fishing tomorrow.

It was pretty cool to see this doe crossing the colorado river.  Thought there might have been more than one, but just her doing her thing.

Jeremy - our river guide and Buddy, the photographer and bartender.  Jamie and I just floated in the tubes soaking up the sun and beer.  Of course, we were tied up to the raft!

Lunch Break

Evening at the Demoliation Derby

Funny, Funny, Funny.......all those cars smaching in to each other and tearing up their cars.  It was good enterainment for sure!  Must have had the entire county there.  Made a great night for junk food and good ole Coors.

This and That

Just a few miles above Jeremy's "Red Squirrel" Ranch is a place called Sweetwater Ranch.  You can sit out on the deck and enjoy the scenery and have the best local Bison Burgers and homemade apple pie. We have plans to go on Sunday morning for a row boat ride....maybe do a little fishing. 

Work Mode

Past several days we've been working at the ranch trimming out windows and doors at the shop.  I've never done trim carpentry work before - guess I could put that on my resume.

The weather has been cool in the mornings and evenings but in the 80's during the day.  Enjoying the ole camp fire - but have to use a lot of mosquito spray.  Guess being close to the river draws them nasty things.

We've enjoyed several nights of cookouts at the campground. Went by Jamie's place last night - such a cute place in town.   Had a wonderful dinner at an Italian restaurant.  Enjoyed cosmo's and spaghetti with meatballs. 

We strolled over to the saloon for after dinner drinks.  Some real characters there.

Today for me is laundry day and catching up and maybe a little peace time.  Buddy is back at the ranch enjoying, I'm sure, some peace time for himself.  Tonight we'll experience the demolition derby at the fairgrounds.  Should be a hoot!

Settling In for awhile

Buddy has found him a new home!

A beautiful  Monday morning with a nip of cool air.  Today we road up to the ranch and did a little exploring.

Wish I had brought my paddle board now.  Might just rent one.   This looks fun!

Peaceful Sunday traveling through Kansas

Wind Turbins in Kansas.....hundreds of them through out area.



Not much to see in Kansas! Turbins, Cow and a Train.



Another early morning to rise....guess we're both excited to get to Colorado.  This am was Egg McMuffins - and not from McDonalds but from Karen's kitchen.  We're on the road now and still have a few more hours of traveling through Kansas before we reach the CO line and then we have 4 more hours to go before we set up at River Dance RV Resort.  We'll make this our base camp, unless we decide to move the RV to Jeremy's Place.  That would be a real task - 10 miles of dirt road but it is beautiful county.

Near Vail

Have entered Colorado and will soon start the climb.  Traffic light on our side (West Bound).  Don't know what's going on with the East Bound.  Cars are backed up 20 miles or more.  It's been a nice scenic drive since we left the mile high city. 

We have arrived at River Dance RV Park and have begin setting up.  Think it will be a night out tonight....Oh, the temperature is 68 at 6:30 mountain time and will drop to 51 for the low.  Expecting mid 70's during the day tomorrow.  That will be a nice change.

2nd Day on the Trail

5:30 a.m.  are you kidding?  What happened to leaving out at our usual pace? 9 am or so. Guess Buddy was anxious to get going, but not until after I made Belgium Waffles with blueberries and bacon.  Yum! 

Actually got away at 7.  Traveled through TN, KY, IL, MO and some of Kansas.  Stopped for a picnic in Metropolis, IL and saw Superman.  He disappeared before I could get his photo.  The weather so far has been great - one small shower, just enough to mess up the RV and Jeep.



Sundowner Campground - mostly just an open pasture with a pond.

        We did 700 miles today.....I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my computer, droid, camera and my ipod to occupy my time.  I do, however, carry on conservations with the Captain, occasionally.  It was 7:05 pm when we arrived at Salina, KS to occupy a site at Sundowner West RV Park.  Dinner was all ready....thanks to the ole Crock Pot.  Ribs tonight! and another early evening.  Tomorrow we will arrive at our final designation - Gypsum, Colorado. 

Travel Day has Arrived

My Nagaivator Equipment! Road Atlas, Campground Book and The Next Exit Reference. 

We'll it's 9:01 am and I'm still at home.  Buddy is know where to be found.  Hum?  Guess it will be a later start today.  The RV is mostly packed - just need to put our clothes in.  So if all goes well, we should be in Clarksville, TN by the early evening. 



Off we go.....







Headed out at 12:02.  We had turkey and tomato sandwiches in route.  Paul had given us some home grown tomatoes for our travels.  Buddy said they are terrific.  I don't do raw tomatoes.   I put my meatballs and sauce in the crock pot for dinner later.  No grilling tonight.   So we arrived in Clarksville, TN at the RV Park at 6:40.  Got everything put away and a had a great spaghetti dinner.  Beautiful full moon we have.  Off to bed at 9:30.....at least I did.

and Yes I do cook.....with wine of course.