On the road again

Tuesday 17 Sept.  Well we finally made it out of Horsetooth but not out of Colorado.  We finished packing, hooking up and pulled out at 10am.  A very windy day(20-25mph)  and the first 20 miles or so were terrible fighting the wind.  Once we turned east on highway 34 we had a tail wind and all was

Nice CG in
Wray, CO!

good.  A not so long drive to Wray Colorado was nice.  As we travel across route 34, how bland eastern Colorado really is.  We arrived in Wray (pop 2345) at 3pm and temperature of 100 degrees.  The humidity is really low but it is still hot.  We settled in and started looking for place to eat dinner and yes there is more than one, six actually but if you take out fast food and sandwich shops there were two left.  We went to Creekside Tavern, nice place but not a lot to pick from so we settled on pizza and it was pretty good.  Tomorrow we will hit the other place.   We drove around town(2 miles each way) then back to the house.  We walked Rudy and surprisingly the temperature drops quickly  as the sun sets.  Diane was finishing the Blog last night when she noticed an email from the renters.  Thinking it was about this months rent, she opened it, but the news is they are moving out.  Needless to say, it was a restless nights sleep, need to change all our plans and re-group.

Wednesday 16 Sept.  Here we are with all day to spend in Wray.  We went to the Wray liquor store looking for wine but didn't like either brand they had.  We did wash the car stopped at the grocery store and walked through the town parks.  The Wray museum was bigger and more interesting than we ever thought it would be.  The lady running it was very knowledgeable she highlighted several things to us.  One was the story was how they managed to have a 150 year old piano that was left in an old sod house because it wouldn't fit in the owners new house and was discovered by a man out duck hunting.  And the other was artifacts from an Indian battlefield (Beecher Island) just outside of town and they still hold a reunion with descendants from both sides.  We headed back to the camper cooked the steaks we bought at the little grocery store, they were fresh and very good.  We had to wait until the sun started to set before grilling as the temperature was still reaching almost 100 degrees.

Thursday 17 Sept.  We were pulling out of campground by  9:30 but stopped for diesel fuel and
were back on the road by 9:45, this included waiting for the longest train ever.  We are heading to

WaKeeney, KS
KOA CG....not bad!!

WaKeeney along I 70 which should have bigger and better services/selections than in Wray.  Another very warm day and wind picked up as we drove so we stopped at the first campground on our list pulling in around 3pm local time.  The campground is a KOA, nice,  the usual close sites, but at least you can walk around.  We did a quick drive through town, only to find out that it's smaller than Wray, just our luck.  It was 90 again, but if you walked slow and find the shade whenever possible, it wasn't bad walking.  Once the sun started to go down, so did the temperature, so 2 or 3 more trips around the CG with Rudy...I think more for us than for him.  By 7:30 the campground was almost full including several high end campers the biggest a 2015 Newell(a million plus rig) and it is towing  a Hummer H3.

On the Road back to PA,
Brad, Diane and Rudy

The end at Horsetooth Reservoir!!

Thursday, Friday and Saturday was work as normal.  Thursday we were pretty slow, so a little packing outside for Brad. while I scrubbed and cleaned inside (him and Rudy stayed out of my way).  Friday we had over 40 campers coming in, so lots of site markers, a couple of questions, but all in all it was a fairly quiet Friday.  Saturday I headed to town to pick up some supplies while Brad finished washing the outside of the Moho.  It was a hot day, so I think I made out on the that deal.

Now Sunday was a bit more interesting, we headed down for our last visit with Shari and family and it just happened to be McKayden's Birthday, so they are doing a 'Chopped' meal for her.  Now I have seen the TV show, but the ingredients that McKayden picked made this interesting.  We had an appetizer which consisted of Spicy 'Sriracha Peas(Chili Garlic Coated Green Peas), ginger snaps, cheese, and wraps.  The teams were, Shari and Makira against Matt and Maddie, with Nana, Pappy, McKayden and Matthew as judges.....yes we had to taste it.  Matt and Maddie won that round, then for the second round, we had oriental noodles, chicken, bean sprouts, and donuts.  Now on this round, Matt ended up on the phone and left Maddie on her own, so Shari and Makira won that round.  That took most of the afternoon, so a quick piece of cake, ice cream and the opening of the gifts and we were off.  The kids had soccer at 4:30 and it was almost time for them to leave, so we headed out for a slow ride home, back roads the whole way, and were still home early enough to have a fire and enjoy the evening at home. 

Rudy's new seat beside Brad.   Our last fire at Horsetooth.

Monday was a lot of packing and re-organizing inside and out, cleaning and laundry.  We turned over our computer, CC machine, Jet-pack (wifi hot spot), radio and the container of stuff related to camp hosting and officially went off duty about 2:00.  Roger stopped to pick the stuff up, sat and talked for about 30 min. and we said our good-byes.  Back to our chores, but about 5:00 we quit, we were exhausted from trying to remember where everything went.  Brad started the fire, while I poured us a glass of wine and just as we settled in, Cathleen stopped in to say good-bye and drop off some fresh tomatoes and frozen corn, yum.  She visited for a little while then her and her husband headed off to go fishing.  We settled back in by the fire, a few more visitors with questions and looking for camp sites, so we helped them the best could and sent them on their ways.  We finally got to sit and enjoy our wine, while Brad cooked sausages on the fire.  It was our last night at the Horsetooth Reservoir, so most of the fire wood is gone and we managed to enjoy the evening.   Just out of curiosity I did some checking and they have dropped the reservoir 30 feet from the middle of July until Sept 15, when we left....no wonder our little inlet is dry!!

Where did our water go, the green roofed building is in both pictures, one with water, on after the 30 foot drop!!

Glad to leave, but sad at the same time.  Thanks, Diane, Brad and Rudy!!

Happy Labor Day

Monday 7 Sept.   Happy Labor Day to everyone!!  We were heading to Shari's early today.....but like most of days it was almost ten until we left the camper.  I just can't figure out why we are always so late.  Anyway,  we arrived in Coal Creek Canyon just after noon, talked for awhile, checked out the new roof, and the layout for a possible garage.  Sometime around 3:00 Matt started the grill and put the corn ears on and strong thunderstorm rolled in complete with hail and a 20 degree temperature drop.  It only lasted 20 minutes or so and Matt finished cooking and everything was great.  Steaks, corn on the cob with all the fixing and of course Madison's home made guacamole dip.  We headed home about 5:30, stopped for a cup of coffee and finally arrived here at 8:00pm  (late night out for us). 

Tuesday 8 Sept.   Once again the temp dropped to the low 40's I wore jeans to walk Rudy but by ten I was hot.   Diane headed in town for the weekly shopping trip hitting three or four stores.  I really wanted to go with her to enjoy the shopping maybe next time.  I stayed home waxed one side of the motorhome.

Wednesday 9 Sept.   Just another routine day of packing cleaning and organizing.  Shari came up for the last load of fire wood and the kayak.  We treated her to wings for the Canyon Grill from just up the road and we were not disappointed.  The bed of Matt's truck was completely full of wood and we had to put the kayak on top and tie it down.  They certainly made out well with firewood from us working.  I guess that the way it goes, we work kids get the benefits.  Just sausages on the grill for dinner and off to bed. 

And the fire wood is down to a tiny pile!!

Thursday 10 Sept.  Today was special and not because I took the car in for an oil change.   Diane loaded the free windows 10 on the computer.  First it took several hours to download and a few more for her to set it up and find our favorites list etc.  I stayed outside and out of her way,  self preservation on my behalf.  She finally came out smiling.  She hooked up our new Verizon  hot spot and had windows ten working.  We had a late lunch and all seem well the last thing was to update the blog with some pictures.  Well let me tell you as that job progressed(or not) there were a lot of sounds(not good) coming from inside the camper.  But eventually she prevailed and all ended well.  Diane had some wine(big glasses) as I cooked chicken on the grill.  The day ended well and we sat by the fire until almost nine pm.

Brad, Diane and Rudy

Almost over!!

Wednesday 2 Sept.   I hate to say it but we had to get out our flannels(well I did) and sweatshirts as the temperatures dipped into the low 50's this morning.   We headed into town to get and return things for our departure.  First was Wal-Mart, then Lowes, Lunch at a Greek diner, seven eleven for cash, Home Depot, then Rite-aid, Wine store, and finally grocery store.  It took us almost 5 hour until we were back,  I can't believe it takes so long to do so little.  It sure is nice having the new refrigerator we bought some family packages of meat and vacuum packed it smaller bags.  Burgers and fixing for diner.

Thursday 3 Sept.   Back on duty today but not much activity we had only four check outs and six check ins.  Not to waste our time we are cleaning packing and reorganizing for our trip.  We removed the  foil reflector from the windshield today only of find two month's of dirt and cobwebs.  Diane cleaned for over an hour yet some will have to wait until we get rid of the county's computer and associated equipment covering the dash.  And just as we were discussing our first stop on the way back.  Diane's phone rings and they now re-changed there undecided not quite sure minds and are desperate for her to work on Sat. and Sun.   So now she has another next to last and last day of work to look forward to.

No Water left in from of us.....how sad

Friday 4 Sept.  The lake is still being drained at almost a foot per day.  The water is now so far away from the camper that we can't  float in the water and yell for another beer.  So I deflated all the tubes and loaded them in the car to take to Shari's, then Diane called Shari and she didn't hve room for them, so I re-inflated them all and put them out for a mini moving sale.  We were expecting to be very busy today, but as it turned out it was a fairly calm and slow day.  We had a tri-tip roast in the crock pot for dinner, YUM YUM. 

Moving Sale, No Takers!

We gave the stuff away!!

Saturday 5 Sept.  Diane is off to her second next to last day of work. This morning she wasn't sure why she agreed to work two more days.  I am handling the camp ground easy today with no check ins or check outs.  Had only one action all day.  We have had a few rain shower over the last few days but I am still watering the road at least once a day.  The low humidity just dries the road as soon as the showers pass.  Spent the rest of the morning cleaning and rearranging street side storage bins and under the bed storage.  Diane finally arrived home at 2:30 and was exhausted,  A small snack and a short nap and she was as good as new.  We decided hot dogs over the fire since we had that afternoon snack.  She put the dogs out to thaw and I started the fire and just as we were ready to start cooking a customer show up with a long story about her site.  We called the rangers to come figure it out and Rudy was going crazy with all the people here so we had to put him inside.  It took about 20 minutes  to get everything straightened out and amazingly Rudy was being quiet.   Once they all left I brought Rudy out and Diane went to get the hot dogs.  She yells out and asked if I put two back in the freezer, we pause,  I head to the camper and Rudy won't move.  I had to drag him over he didn't stand up until I got to the steps.  You can guess the rest of story under the table Diane finds the remain of two hot dogs.  By now Rudy in coward down hiding behind Diane's, ears back flat with the 'I just couldn't help myself' look.  I tried to scold him but Diane is laughing to hard.  Now we know why he was so quiet when we put him inside.

Rudy now has his own
chair and is loving it!

Sunday 6 Sept.   Diane's last day of work again (this time she means it).  I'm holding down the campground while washing the front of the motorhome.  Again not much action everyone is staying another night getting ready for Labor Day.  A lot of people asking why they are draining the lake so fast.....nobody knows the answer but the level keeps dropping 10 inches a day.  Diane came home around 3:30 we made a trip around the park said goodbye to a few of the regulars that we got to know.   Back to the camper, happy hour with ourselves(boo-who) and just sat by the fire for awhile.

Brad, Diane and Rudy

Lynne's visit and Zip Lining in the Rocky Mountains

Rudy trying to
ignore the deer in
the yard!!

     A lot of excitement this week.   We had our normal shift of camp hosting and things have really slowed down.  We are still full on the weekends (Friday, Saturday) but we are only averaging 12 or so campers per night during the week.

 

 

     But then Lynne came to visit on Tue. the 29th for a 4 day visit with Diane.  They had a great time visiting Estes Park on Wednesday,  some shopping in Fort Collins on Thursday and the big one was a six stage zip line event in Conifer Co on Friday.  It was a exciting time, for the first stage they had to walk up hill for 20 minuets or so at 9000ft.  Diane was quite winded by the time they arrived at the starting point but she made it.   Diane and Lynne were just a little over the average age of the group which was 27.   After the zip line they went to a hotel in town so they were closer to the airport for Lynne to catch her plane on Saturday.  I picked Diane up from the rent a car office around noon and she was still all pumped up about the zip line ride and the overall visit with Lynne.

 

Lynne on the take-off
 of the longest Ride

Diane coming in for
a safe, fun landing!!

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 They are still dropping the water level a foot each day.  The water level is now down over 30 feet from when we arrived and most of that as been the last three weeks. It seems so strange to have to look down to see the boats and that the marina is so far away from the parking lot.  On Sunday Diane worked her last day as a 'gate keeper' and will be turning in her paper work this week.  I've broken down and packed away the fishing rods, cleaned up all the debris from working on the refrig. and generally reorganizing the storage bins.   Starting to get excited about leaving and moving on.  We have decided to end our work here on the 12th, visit Shari on the 13th and hit the road on the 15th.  Have no idea where we our going yet just that we will head toward Tennessee to meet our friends Buddy and Teresa.  Then will head back up to good old PA. to visit with family and friends

 

     Shari, Matt and family will be up Labor day for a cook out and pick up another truck load of fire wood that we have accumulated in the last two weeks.  We will then visit with them on the 13th to say our farewell for this trip.   

 

Brad, Diane and Rudy

      

Refrigerator In, off to Estes Park!!

A lot has happened in the last ten days we will try to hit the highlights.  We are now down to less than two weeks to work here at Horsetooth Mountain.  The refrigerator is in hooked up and bolted down, OH YEA.  It was not an easy task after ripping out the old one, rebuilding the cabinet, hours of research on the new one, removing passenger seat and grab handles we still had to get the new one delivered and through the door.  The delivery guys showed up Friday and like a whirlwind they flew in and out in less than 15 minutes.  Now, I had to sign that they may damage the motorhome, they may damage the refrig, that they didn't drop it before they took it in.  They won't level it because it is in a motorhome and lastly they wouldn't hook up the water because it is plastic. But, They did get it in.  And we were happy.  It took several more days to get it bolted down and the water line hooked up.  The job is now complete.

 

All the food loaded from
the small frig.
Now I can shop

In, leveled and anchored
down...we are ready to move again!

 

  

 

A visit to Estes Park

   We finally took a day and went up to Estes Park Wednesday.   It was a very nice day and we enjoyed it immensely.  we visited the other county park(Hermit) it is a really nice campground spread out over the mountain top a about 9000ft.  We were pleasantly surprised we how well we did at the high elevation.  We had lunch at the Pie Shop in down town Estes it was ok.  Took a drive out route 7 towards Longs Peak and stopped at several interesting spots.  We headed back down around 3 o'clock but had to stop at this little coffee/rock shop we spent an hour walking around drinking a coffee and finally left around 4.

Turkey's at the Hermit Park
Camp Ground in
Estes Park, CO.

Beautiful Window in this
Old Stone Church just outside of Estes Park, CO.

 

Long's Peak, still snow
on the Mountain Top!!

Stopped to get pics on the way
down from Estes.

Found this mountain
stream as well!

 

   We have been slowly packing, cleaning up and generally get ready to leave.  A person just forgets how much stuff needs to be packed/rearranged after a four month stay.  The dust is still terrible and now we are getting a thick haze from the forest fires out west.  We are getting excited to be done and move on.  The first stop will be Golden to spend a good weekend with Shari and family.  After that we are not sure where we are heading.  We would like to be back in PA. by the middle of October if not earlier but who knows.

 

   Back on campground duty Thursday.  Brad worked the campground and Diane went to town for groceries.  Friday we were busy with almost 40 check ins and check outs.  We did manage breakfast on the grill and steak and mushrooms for dinner.  Saturday was a another busy day Diane worked the booth, Brad the park and in between Shari and family stopped in for lunch during a break in McKayden's soccer games. 

 

    The rangers made a huge budget error so they let all the seasonal rangers go and cut the gate attendants hours to less than half.   That is good for us, Diane is home today and has just one more day to work, now she can help with the camp hosting again.  Matt stopped up today after McKayden's last soccer game to pick up his canoe and the fire wood we collected.  The wood was more than he thought as we filled up his truck completely.  Chicken wraps for dinner tonight and then shopping tomorrow for Lynne's visit this coming week. 

 

Brad, Diane and Rudy

Ready for the refrigerator!!

Friday we were back on duty and it was Larry and Sue's last full day with us.   It was so sad as we watched them carefully pack the last of their belongs.  It was a very busy day with a lot of campers checking in and out.  One exciting thing, we saw a mother bear with two cubs just across the inlet from us.  The head rangers stopped over to see Larry and Sue before they left and to check with us for the up coming schedule.  We will work Thursday thru Sunday and the rangers will do Mon, Tue Wed.   We had our last happy hour  which ended with hugs and handshakes. 

 

Saturday I had campground host duty while Diane worked the gate house. Larry and Sue headed out around 10 am heading to Colorado Springs for there first stop.  Their site looks so odd all cleaned up and empty.  I was to busy with the work, so not much time was spent on the cabinet wood.  I'll have to get at it tomorrow.

Sunday was very busy day at the lake for Diane at the gate house with her second highest total.  A really nice morning so after walking Rudy and a couple cups of coffee, I put the first coat of finish on the trim pieces.  I tried to put the second coat of finish on this afternoon with 90 degrees and a strong wind it dried so fast you can see the brush strokes.  So I'll have to sand it down again and try Monday morning to put the last coat of finish on.

 

Just waiting for the new
refrigerator!!

Monday after putting the last coat of finish on the trim we went to look at the frig, it is a dent and scratch model and it looked good.  The soonest we could get it delivered is on Friday, so we got that scheduled.  We had lunch at a little Mexican place, tried the taco's, they were OK but we don't need to go back.  When we got back I began working full speed getting the cabinet ready for the frig.   By the days end it is almost back together just some finishing touches tomorrow.

 

Tuesday the cabinet is finished and we now removed the passenger seat so the frig will fit in the door.  So we put the seat where the dog kennel was, the kennel where our shoes and wine was stored, that stuff went on top of the removed seat.  But now we can only open the tiny frig door half way.  You must get on your knees lean over sideways to get stuff in and out of the frig.  The good news is, we only have to survive until Friday.

A lot of wood gathered
over the summer!!

Wednesday, Shari texted to say the older girls will be up later tonight to camp for the night and then her and the rest of the kids will be up Thursday for lunch and to pick up the fire wood that we have collected over the summer.  Diane spent most of the day in town trying to find ham slices or a store that would cut slices from a ham.  About 3 hours later, and no luck she changed the Thursday menu and bought some marinated Tri-Tips.  So a search of All Recipes and we decided we would have wraps.  It has been a long day, this AM we got a call from Ellen, John isn't doing well at all, and it just kind of soured the whole day, but we pushed on.  The kids finally got here about 8:00, set up camp and provided for themselves.  We did have the Rangers remind that to make sure the fire was out before they went to bed, and by 10:00 we both we in bed and asleep.....no noise from the girls

 

Brad, Diane and Rudy