June 2021 Travel Log

June 2021 Travel Log

June 2021 • Travel Log • Arizona to Colorado

June 3rd

We departed Homolovi State Park this morning and headed out for Outback RV in Mancos CO. We had wonderful weather for the trip and a beautiful drive.

Traveled North to 2nd Mesa on the Hopi reservation and then East. This is most definitely a beautiful part of the reservation. Abounding in multiple deep colors, rock formations that are outstanding as well as canyons and the mesas. If you have not been down this route, it is one for the bucket list.

We arrived at Outback RV and met Bill, the owner of the property. Bill is a kind-hearted man that makes one realize why this is such a great way to live. His park is surrounded by the beauty of Southern Colorado, with a great view of the sleeping Ute mountain. Located close to Mesa Verde National Park, Lowry Pueblo, Hovenweep National Monument, it should provide us with a wonderful base from which to explore the area.

The park is surrounded by BLM and great mountain biking trails and hiking.

June 4

Had a quiet morning getting ready for the day. Cindy made breakfast and we both got showers, filled water jugs and loaded the backpack for the day.

On today's agenda is Hovenweep National Monument. The route that the map brought up, we found ourselves driving through the large alfalfa growing areas. A truly gorgeous drive with the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.

Arrived at Hovenweep and took the tower loop stroll, gathering in pictures galore which will share in a slide show presentation. The Hovenweep area came about in the 1300s, and parts of the structures are still standing after all this time. Truly awe-inspiring quality building. We could learn a lot from these builders to create lasting quality.

Upon leaving Hovenweep we took in Lowry Pueblo, saving ourselves a long journey tomorrow, as we were so close to it today.

Lowry Pueblo is another old structure that dates back to the same era as Hovenweep, with the exception that this feature has a kiva. A very interesting area here around the town of Cortez CO.

From here we went and checked out Mcphee reservoir. The reservoir actually covered up the town of Mcphee when it filled up. The water level was way down when we visited, but it is a large body of water even as low as it was. If visiting the reservoir, there is a high outlook above the lake, giving an expansive view of the lake as well as the surrounding countryside. Chloe also got a chance to play in the water, which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Returned to the RV at Outback RV, had supper and prepared for tomorrow's travels.

June 5

Today was a lay back and relax a bit day. We went to our destination, Lowry Pueblo, yesterday, so had no big plans for today. After a leisurely morning, we headed out to check out Dolores for the day.

Our first stop in Dolores was the EsoTerra Cider facility. We did a tasting on a flight, and both Cindy and I decided that hard cider is not our thing. Also had a sandwich for lunch from there.

Upon leaving the Cidery we drove up Dolores canyon for about 20 miles, turning around at Stoner CO. Beautiful drive as the road follows the Dolores river, which we stopped at pull offs to take pics and vids.

Came back into Dolores and checked out the free railroad museum, which was neat. It featured the Galloping Goose that was used in the area to deliver mail, cargo and passengers.

We next went to the River Walk park and enjoyed walking along the Dolores river as well as sitting on the park benches and listening to the river flowing below us.

Our last stop of the day was the Dolores Brewery. We each had a mug of their brew, Cindy: a pale ale, myself a Stout. Decent beer, but not the best I have ever drank. Also had a wood fired pizza which was good.

Headed back to home base at Outback RV and relaxed the rest of the evening in preparation of going to Mesa Verde tomorrow. We are thinking of doing the driving loop tomorrow and hikes on Monday.

June 6

MESA VERDE

Headed out to the park around 9am. Upon arrival, Cindy went to the bookstore and got herself some stickers and stamps for her national park book. Then we were off to the races with the massive number of people that were also there to check out this wonder.

We did the drive and stopped at the different pull-outs provided and captured photos and videos of the different sites. The geological features of the park are amazing, with the deep canyons and the vegetation. The views of the surrounding countryside are phenomenal, being able to see the snow capped Rocky Mountains to the east and north, with desert vistas to the west and south.

Having finished our explorations of the park, we stopped at Totten Reservoir on our way back to the RV. Chloe had a good time swimming and splashing, and it was a nice opportunity to just catch our breath after a whirlwind day of massive crowds. The temps during our stay have been in the mid 80's making the days quite pleasant.

June 7

Today was a quiet day. Ran into town and picked up a new compressor and brought the trailer tires all to the same pressure. Had lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Cortez would rate it a3.5 out of 5.

Used our Gas Buddy card at Maverick, which saved us .05 per gal.

Went up and did a short hike in the mountain bike area north of Outback RV and got a few pics of the RV park from the hilltop where we were hiking. Tomorrow we move on to Bruce Spruce ranch east of Pagosa Springs for 2 nights and relaxation.

June 8

We took off from Cortez about 8:30 and headed for Pagosa Springs. This road has a lot of elevation changes, both up and down. Needless to say, the pickup got a good workout. Though, going up Wolf Creek pass on the 10th, I am sure it will give it an even better workout.

Stopped at Walmart in Durango to pick up a few items that we needed. This is not a Walmart with an RV or large vehicle friendly parking lot, with it being extremely tight to maneuver.

In between Durango and Pagosa Springs, the Chimney Rock National monument was our next stop on this leg of our trip. We pulled into the parking area by the interpretive center and found out that we would have to unhook our trailer in order to go up to the actual monument. Being somewhat lazy, we chose to take pictures from where we were at.

Arriving at Bruce Spruce Ranch, we checked in and got the trailer setup. Spent the afternoon exploring and taking pictures, and finished out the day with BBQ bison burgers. A great way to end a fantastic day.

Bruce Spruce Ranch has numerous sites nestled just below Wolf Creek Pass and surrounded on 3 sides by gorgeous mountains. They have both RV and tent spots, as well as cabin rentals. RV sites have full hookups and the office has ice for purchase as well as laundry facilities. Priced at a reasonable price of $40 per night, it makes for a great spot with awesome scenery.

They also have private ponds for the fishing enthusiast, 2 catch and release fly-fishing only as well as 1 that you can use any bait on and keep up to 3 fish for a rate of $25. This evening the folks next to us with 2 young children caught their limit, one, which was around 23 inches. Needless to say, the youngsters were ecstatic.

June 9

Well today was wash day, so Cindy did laundry using the parks (Bruce Spruce Ranch) laundry room. They have 2 washers and dryers and one puts their name on the list and when it's your turn you wash. The best part is that they have clothes lines, so we got to dry laundry with the fresh smell of nature.

Wrapped up laundry, folded and put away, and then time to visit with fellow campers. Enjoyable times.

Late afternoon went over to the Treasure Fall parking area and hiked up to the bridge overlook area, got pictures, then went up to the viewing platform area which is the plunge pool area and got a few more photos as well as wetted down.

On the hike out passed a family with young children and one of the youngest girls told her mom "Look a cookie dog", as she pointed at Chloe. Guess it makes sense when you look at Chloe's coloration.

Upon getting back to camp, we were able to visit with our fellow campers. As with all things, our time here has come to an end at this stop, and we preloaded for tomorrow's journey to our next location.

June 10

Well, today is a travel day.

Hooking up the trailer was a bit of a challenge today as both the truck and trailer were at opposing angles to one another, but we got it done. Bruce Spruce Ranch has a few tight spots to get out of, and we are in one of them. Had to pull out onto the road and then back down the road to turn around and head out.

Wolf Creek Pass lived up to its reputation, making the truck work hard to gain the summit. Average MPG for the climb, a whopping 2 MPG. So the climb is 8 miles, which translates to 4 gallons of fuel to reach the top. Made up for it on the downhill side though, as we were showing 99 MPG.

There are 2 tunnels on the eastern slope of the pass. The first one that we came to actually had a snow melt stream coming down on it roof and cascading off of the roof. Quite beautiful.

The drive east of the pass is gorgeous, with the 160 following along the banks of a river, there is plenty of eye candy to behold.

Arrived at San Luis SWA and setup camp, then had to go to a local gas station to get the proper permits for the stay. The campground has power, no water and a dump station. Views of Great Sand Dunes National Park and the surrounding mountains are stunning.

June 11

Went to Great Sand Dunes National Park today. One very interesting and large sandbox.

To get to the dunes and be able to climb them, one first has to cross a shallow but wide stream of water. The water was quite cold to the tootsies in the early morning chill.

If you are a people watcher, this is a great place for it. Young and old running about and sliding down the dunes on sand boards, while others are climbing to the top of the highest portion of the dunes.

Chloe loved the dunes, running in the sand and even running down the slope pell-mell.

All in all, a definite recommendation from us to check this one out.

Did a bike rode on our electric bikes in the evening here at San Luis SWA, riding from the campground to the lake, just enjoying the evening and the scenery.

June 12

Today was our day for going to Zapata Falls. To get to the trailhead, one must navigate the twisting 3 mile or so rough dirt road, all uphill. They are currently doing some kind of road project, just not sure if they are preparing to asphalt the road or just cleaning up the drainage. The route off the highway is well-marked.

The hike into the fall is about a half mile, with a gain in elevation of about 300 feet. The fall itself is at about 9400 feet. The trail is strewn with large rocks, so watching one's footing is quite important.

Upon connecting with Zapata creek, you have to brave the cold water and go upstream into a cave, in which the waterfall is actually located. Man, this time of year the water is really cold, at least to Cindy and me. Having gotten the pictures that we wanted, we hiked out.

Getting back to San Luis SWA we stopped and walked Chloe out to the water and let her do her thing, playing in the water and running about as she loves to do. Mosquitoes were out in full force today, so make sure to bring repellant with you on your journeys.

June 13

Today was a quiet day for us. A day to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. I ended up spending the best part of the day working on photos and videos.

We are still at San Luis SWA, and completely enjoying ourselves. The views surrounding us are absolutely stunning. With the dunes to the east of us, with mountains for a backdrop.

Owing to the fact that I have an iPhone, and we have a Windows computer, a download of a program to allow them to communicate was required. Got the program downloaded and installed, and then began the arduous task of transferring the pics and videos from phone to computer. This took about 6 hours to accomplish.

With the pics and videos downloaded, I went to work putting videos together from our travels. Got 5 videos done.

It was an extremely warm day, which made the ac work overtime, in an attempt to keep up. To top it all off, the mosquitoes and deer flies are to be found in abundance here. This large population of blood suckers and biters made it quite miserable to be outside.

June 14

Well, today we started off with another visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. We braved the cold running stream that one must cross to get to the dunes. The crowds seem to be a bit lighter today.

I climbed one of the dunes while Cindy remained at the bottom with Chloe. Once I attained the top of the dune, Cindy let Chloe go to run up to me, and then I sent her back down to Cindy.

Chloe seems to enjoy the sand, however after a couple of trips she was a bit tired so we called it. Hiked out to the truck and loaded up.

Upon leaving the dunes area, we went down to the campground in the park and got a couple of 5 gal jugs of water to add to the fresh tank on the trailer.

Upon returning to the trailer, I added the water to the trailer and Cindy worked on cleaning up in the trailer for tomorrow's departure. Next stop is Colorado Springs to visit with Alicia and Brandon. Cindy's sister Elizabeth and Diane will be joining us for a small family reunion.

I spent part of the afternoon creating 2 more videos and also more clean up for tomorrow's departure.

June 15

Today was a moving day. Travel destination to us to Colorado Springs at the Golden Eagle Ranch RV park. Went north from the Dunes area to Salida, then east to Canyon City and up 115 to our current location.

The drive east from Salida followed the Arkansas River for a large portion of its length. Wonderful scenery as well as getting to stop and watch a few rafters headed downstream prior to Royal Gorge.

After getting setup, we headed over to Alicia and Branden's house. Went out to a taco trailer for supper, it was very good food.

Also got all the packages I had ordered from vendors, including my new phone. Will get it setup tomorrow.

June 16

Worked on getting my new phone setup while Cindy went shopping with Alicia. Also, today, Elizabeth Bryan and Diane arrived here in Colorado Springs.

June 17

Started today off with a visit to Garden of the Gods. This is a gorgeous area nestled in the Colorado Springs city limits. They have a very informative visitor's center, with displays of animals as well as raised relief maps and a nice store area. Ended up purchasing a cookbook as well as a fine book on mineral specimens. Toured the park via vehicle, taking pictures along our route.

Visited Manitou Springs after Garden of the Gods. Neat little area with multiple shops for every tourist's needs. Lots of folks out enjoying the day at all the places we visited today.

After our time spent in Manitou Springs, we traveled up a bit in elevation to scope out Cave of the Winds. This stop gave us wonderful views down into Manitou Springs as well as Colorado Springs. They have tours of the cave at the rate of $34 per person, which we did not avail ourselves of as a bit pricey for our liking. However, for a photo stop with lots of eye candy, this was a great stop.

After leaving the caves, we ventured down to Rocky Mountain Brewery for supper. Branden met us there where we all enjoyed good food, beverages and conversation.

June 18

Today we visited 7 Falls. To get this bit of fun started one must go to the parking lot where shuttles are provided to take everyone to the park. Upon arrival at the park, you purchase your tickets for entry as well as tickets for the tram if you don't wish to walk the 8/10ths of a mile to the main attraction.

The main attraction and challenge is the 224-step staircase to the top of the falls. Also, there is an observation deck that one can go up to with 180 steps or by way of an elevator that is accessed through a tunnel. The tunnel is wonderfully cool, with quite a few displays with storyboards and neat artifacts.

We did both of these attractions, with all going to the observation deck, and Diane, Elizabeth, Alicia and I tackling the 224-step monster up to the top of the falls. All provide awesome views and photo ops of the area and the falls. They also have zip lines available to the daring that are rated in the top 5 of the nation.

After finishing our tours and step challenge, we meandered back down to the shuttle pickup point and back to our vehicle.

Supper on this fine day was at the taco trailer with Branden, Alicia, Bryan, Elizabeth, Diane, Cindy and I. Good food was enjoyed by all. The specialty of this vendor is their street tacos, which are really delicious. The group of us were all tired from our last 2 days of adventure, so an early evening was called by all.

June 19

Enjoyed a day of visiting as well as a cookout at Alicia's and Branden's home today. The two of them are wonderful hosts, and we greatly appreciate them for opening their home up to all of us.

June 20

Today is our travel day from Colorado Springs to Prewitt Reservoir, east of Brush, CO. Prewitt reservoir is a Colorado SWA (State Wildlife Area) which requires a hunting/fishing license or a SWA permit for all adult members of the party.

We stopped in Limon CO for fuel and lunch then continued our journey. Being Father's Day, the reservoir was packed when we pulled in. However, we were able to find a spot to park for the evening. By nightfall, we were all by ourselves, and enjoyed an evening of thunder, lightning and rain.

Got some nice photos of the sunset and sunrise before leaving the area.

June 21

So today we get to travel from Prewitt to Lake Minatare. We enjoyed the drive, as being June, everything is such a beautiful green. Upon arriving at the lake campground, we checked in then made our way to our spot and setup. Lake views right from the back window of the trailer greeted us.

Getting a bit low on chow, we ran into Scottsbluff and took care of the grocery shopping. It is quite buggy here with an overabundance of mosquitoes, so one either smells like bug spray or stays indoors. Or option 3 is to do neither and let the blood suckers have a field day. We opted for the bug spray.

June 22

Today we ventured forth to the Scottsbluff Monument. Having never been here, I was impressed with the visitors center as well as with the monument. The views of the Platte River Valley, Scottsbluff, Gering, Mitchell and the surrounding area were wonderful.

Upon leaving the monument, our next bit of fun was to drive and show Cindy Mitchell, Morrill, Henry, Torrington, as well as where my grandparents and uncle's farms were when I was growing up.

What a change in those farms since the passing of my Grandparents and Uncle Henry. The house my grandparents lived in had been demolished and a plain Jane subdivision style home and been built in its place. The biggest shock was Uncle Henry's farm where the entire farmyard: home, machinery sheds, corrals and barn were completely gone. Only Uncle Bob's old place still had the home and buildings still in place.

Made for an interesting afternoon.

June 23

Today's schedule incorporates visits to Chimney Rock, Jail and Courthouse Rock, plus Carhenge. Chimney Rock was a disappointment as no trails for getting closer than the museum exist, making photos a bit challenging because of the distance. If a person has a limited amount of time, Scottsbluff Monument is a much better use of a person's time.

Jail and Courthouse Rocks are able to be driven up to, so that pictures are more easily obtained.

Just for kicks, we stopped in Bridgeport so that Cindy could sample food from Taco Johns. She had not ever eaten this swill, so now she can say she has done that.

Then onward to CarHenge located in Alliance. Upon pulling up, laughter was the only response I could give for this attraction. A person will have to go there for themselves to see what emotion it elicits. It's just a quick stop, but kinda hard not to take pictures. I would put it in the high priority to visit category if you are in the area.

Returned to the campground and trailer at Lake Minatare and spent the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for our next travel day, which is tomorrow.

June 24

June 25

June 26

June 27

June 28

So today was travel day again. We journeyed from Fort Robinson to Hermosa, South Dakota. Our journey took us through Wind Cave National Monument, as well as a short excursion through Custer State Park.

Our landing spot in Hermosa is just a nice little RV park off the main highway. Dinner was pizza at the local pizza joint.

June 29

Today's adventures include the local motorcycle Hall of Fame in Sturgis South Dakota as well as the Museum at Fort Meade, South Dakota. Later today we have to go into mailboxes and get our new address as well as all the current titling for the truck and trailer accomplished.

June 30

Today's journey began with going to get our drivers licenses. We left the trailer around 7 AM and drove down to the driver's license place in Rapid City, South Dakota. We were able to get our licenses switched over as walk-ins without an appointment set up.

Following our driver's license, we went over to Target and purchased ourselves a new toaster oven for the trailer and then returned to the trailer in Hermosa, South Dakota.

The rest of our day's journey included Crazy Horse Memorial as well as Mount Rushmore.

Crazy Horse Memorial has made a lot of progress since I was there in 2010 which was really cool to see. We took time to watch a few tribal dancers do hoop dancing, which was informative as they shared the background of the dance. On the downside, people are extremely rude, standing in front of others blocking their view after the folks showed up late to the show.

Watched the video presentation of the Memorial, checked out the museum, and that was the extent of our stop.

Mount Rushmore is never a disappointment, incredible is about the only way that I know to describe it. Did the President loop trail, taking pictures along the way.

Stopped at the Artist's Studio and listened to the ranger presentation.

We returned to the trailer and relaxed in anticipation of tomorrow's journey to Wyoming.

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