As I wrote you in the last blog, I want to get this out to you every Sunday. That puts more pressure on me to get things together in a quality way quickly–a good thing. We are off to Rocky Mountain National Park today, you will hear more later.

September 5, 2016–After the last week in the wilderness, Tina Miller and I are back to another Walmart parking lot to spend the night. We were up to about 10,000 feet, got very cold at night about 2.7c (37f). Now, back down to 5,000, it is much more comfortable, about 23.8c (75f).

We went from the mountains and trees to a semi-desert/prairie; more and more wondrous lands to capture our attention. Into Colorado now, much beauty–along with gas pipelines–just did not fit.

Sep 6–What a fantastic day! Well, we did wake up in a Walmart parking lot, so that is not so good, but the day went on to become fabulous. We went about 20 miles down the wrong road at first, but that was alright, this road turned out to be the wrong way for where we were heading, but the scenery was well worth it.

On this diversion we did see a farm stand with fresh produce, we acquired much.

In referring to the map we saw a small marking for a National Park—Black Canyon of the Gunnison. My expectations were not high for this place, after all, we have been seeing, but was I in for a surprise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaHE41qrKoU

We stopped at the visitor’s center and saw some photos; my visions for this place were starting to change. On the drive, we saw a very deep canyon with a river at the bottom—the Gunnison River. We drove to the end of the seven-mile trip down the south rim—it just got better and better.

We decided to drive to the end, where, we were told, there were picnic tables there. I have not had such a pleasant meal in such a long time. We made sandwiches with things we just bought at the farmers market—chicken Salad, lettuce, tomato, avocado and we split a small watermelon—a delicious feast.

A great meal in a beautiful park, warm weather, the sounds of wind and birds, the smell of pine, in the company of a wonderful person–who could ask for more.

While driving, we both agreed that this is an experience we will never have again, going to these places once more, that is. There are so many other places to go and see, we are on our way.

As I have written once before—experiences are much more important than any amount of money you may have—but it is up to you, you are the one who has to make the experiences happen—so start now!

As far as experiences, you don’t have to go to a National Park or Forest to have them, even a local park will do. My friend, Daniel Powell, knows this well. He does travel much, but he makes the most of everywhere he is.

We learned about how this area was built, initially because the earth thrust up the land. Then, through volcanoes and the river carving away more of the rock, this large and beautiful canyon was developed through millions of years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_LPCQqKzXM

They put many informative signs around the park; it was a great learning lesson, too. We discovered various layers when you look across the canyon at the other side, there are layers that, we were told, are from millions of years ago, and some that are billions of years old.

When I hear of people who, according to their bible, think the earth is only about 6 to 10,000 years old, it makes no sense to me. Hard for me to comprehend how these people can think like that way and still live.

On through this paradise, we stopped at one overlook and three buzzards seemed to be doing a show for us. They were riding updrafts of wind and flying closer and closer, remarkable to see.

You see the photos, quite nice, yet when you see this place live is amazing.

Sep 7—We saw on the map The Great Sand Dunes National Park, and, since we are planning on going to most (all) the national parks, we had to.

As we are driving I am typing this on a laptop which is plugged into the cigarette lighter, so is being charged by the van battery. Right now I have to go see more fantastic sites, so, bye for now.

Currently, we are passing over the continental divide, once again, and here it is 10,149 feet (3.09 kilometers) in Height.

After surmounting this pass, we drove through more severely scenic mountain areas to reach The Great Sand Dunes National Park. But, it was as we expected, not much to see. I was hoping there might be some forests nearby and such, but you could just look out and see dunes. Quite interesting to see, I much say. Strange to see part of the Sahara Desert at the base of a forest, quite perplexing how this got here.
At least we can say we’ve been there, so can you:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWvE0sBCuVc

Funny to be in Colorado, we are seeing official marijuana stores. We recently read a story about how the pot sales business is really taking off and is making millionaires out of many who are selling.

Sep 9—Last night we slept on some BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land at no charge, many others camping here, too. Right on a river, it really us quite nice to find this place. It’s funny, right next to this tremendous place is an RV Park where you pay quite a sum to stay the night when right next door here it’s free.
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And, today we went to see Jennifer Dempsey and Joe Lobeck and http://www.thesalidacircus.com/ — what wonderful programs they have put together. I coached Joe some on his juggling and that felt good. Here is Joe >> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php…

Now we are going through more beautiful mountains toward Rocky Mountain National Park. We just went above 10,000 feet once again; way up here.

Passing through lovely mountain lakes, pristine forests, exquisite streams, delightful rivers—just can’t get enough.

Sep 11—We spent the night at a campsite right on a big and beautiful late last night. We find places to stay fairly easily. As the sun rose and broke over a mountain peak, it was an enchantment for my eyes. Bring warm and light in the morning stillness, something most of us take for granted. But, out here in the wilderness the rising of the sun is magical.

What a perfect time to release the fiftieth edition of my blog–just now going into Yellowstone National Park.

As we were entering by way of the north gate, things changed as we went into the world from years ago, a fantasy world of wilderness (except for all the tourists.) We saw that the park is basically divided into a northern loop drive, then one to the south–the north awaits–

Here we go!  

As we are driving the fall colors are starting to show–orange, red, yellow–such a pleasure for the eyes, and, this is the perfect place to see the changes. This park is kept very nice, yet, too many people passing through. And, this being a Monday and Tuesday, I can’t imagine what I would be like in a nice summer weekend, bumper to bumper traffic for many miles, I would presume.

Four million people a year take the drive through this magnificent park, yet, we who are staying to the road are missing so much. You see, there is much more that can be experienced in this huge park. I would love to return to take a couple weeks of long walks with a backpack holding my stuff and sleep in the outskirts and mountains of the park to see what others won’t.

Tina keeps smelling natural things in the park that I cannot smell (you might say, “I smell bad?”.) I think this is from my brain injury from years ago; the nose does not work right. I feel that I am missing out on so much, but, when you don’t have it, you don’t know what you are missing, so I am alright.

August 29–After entering through the north gate, right away we were in the Mammoth Hot Springs. Bubbling water and steam in many areas, so strange to see.

At the entrance is the Roosevelt Arch, and then, as we entered, we came upon a herd of Pronghorn Sheep as a welcoming party. Then we saw boardwalks winding through the ever changing travertine terraces. We did the drive through the upper terraces.

At Norris Geyser we saw a variety of geysers and hot springs, quite dramatic they are. Quite an attraction for guests at the park.

We followed the road quite high into overlooks, and down into meadows and lakes where we saw many ducks and swans.

On to roaring mountain, where the heat and steam escaping the mountain is quite loud, and sometimes, I read, it has been heard up to four miles away.

There are five towns (well, kind of town like) located within Yellowstone, one of which is called Mammoth Springs. Restaurants, food stores, hotels, post offices, gas stations, everything you would need to live, at twice the price as outside the park. So, we did not spend much time in these towns.

There are five different ways to get in and out of the park. Each of the entrances has all of the above (I can tell they do like money from tourists.)

Rivers, lakes, forests, geysers, hot springs, animals, and waterfalls are in front of us, here we go further in. We saw more animals at The National Bison Range, but these lands hold so much.

We went to see Swan Lake, and we actually saw two swans on the lake. These brilliant birds were thought to be going extinct, but they are now making a comeback.

A nice drive, yet some of the drive was closed because of ongoing road work A park ranger said that with the newer vehicles the roads are too narrow. But, you know these Americans, the bigger the better (oh boy.)

This drive held so much, it is hard to remember all we saw. A park ranger said every day there is something new—in this ever changing park. As we were driving, we decided to exit by way of the northeast gate; you would not believe what awaited our eyes. The Bear Tooth Scenic Highway was spectacular. We drove up to a height of over 10,000 feet, way up there, though many switchbacks, but we did not see any snow patches, though.

A special thing, a fox walked across the road right in front of us, we could tell by the big bushy tail. Did not have time to take a photo, sorry for that. And, out in the distance, we saw many pronghorn sheep eating what they could.

Also in this upper loop, we saw a wild goat, a species introduced into the park and they are competition for the native bighorn sheep and native mountain goats. Sounds like some idiot a couple of their goats loose In the park and now they are causing problems (now, remember to keep your goats at home.)

Then down to Cody, Wyoming to spend the night at Kmart, which was right next to a McDonalds, where I could go online in the early morn the next day. For dinner we did a special treat for us, we went to a nice restaurant and shared a bison steak, which I’m told, is much healthier than cow (mow—I had to say it.)

August 30—Back into the park by way of the east entrance, and, look at that, tremendously beautiful High Mountain peaks all around us.

As we were going in we noticed a sign saying, “hard sided camping only”, meaning no tents. With the bears in the park, you have no safety in a tent—the bears will gobble you up. A disappoint for me, we did not see any bears in Jellystone Park (hey Yoggy), I was hoping so much we would. I joke with Tina often that I want to find a bear and play pat-a-cake with said bear.

As you arrive in through this entrance, you run right into Yellowstone Lake, a huge natural lake. In this lake, you can see many natural hot springs here and there. I don’t think this is a lake you would want to go for a swim in, you might turn out hardboiled (but then again, you may like that.)

Then we stopped at Le Hardys rapids, we were hoping to get a glimpse of a grizzly bear we heard was eating on a bison carcass, which the day before two bears were fitting over. However, when we got there, the buffet was already over. Where this carcass was, rapids were everywhere on the river, looking like it would be difficult for any boat to maneuver through.

We went to see the upper and the lower falls, which are in, what they call, “The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.” Magnificence is a word that comes to mind, what a display if power these falls held. The walls of the canyon were such a beautiful array of color. After a short walk in, you start to hear the falls, then before you, water is nonstop going over the edge, how beautiful.

On each side of the canyon, because of the river flowing, though, the canyon walls get higher and higher. And, the way the sides are cut out, it looks spectacular. Red and blue color running through the rocks with white like marble made this a feast for the eyes.

And, I cannot leave off “Old Faithful”, such a big part of Yellowstone, that had to be a part of our trip. Going off about every 91 minutes, we got there with about 35 minutes to go. Then the rest of the crowd started showing up, I could not believe the big crowd that was there by the time the geyser blasted, and for a Tuesday.

It went off, not too big a deal, but good to see it once again. I was in the park in the eighties and witnessed.

August 31—Directly below Yellowstone is Grand Teton, and grand it is. There had been a fire to the south of Yellowstone, which we had to drive through to get there, what was left looked devastating. For the Tetons you simply drive on one road and see the majestic mountains off to your right (driving from north to south.)

What a wonderful experience, if you ever get the chance, you must go. Until then, there are many videos on YouTube that will show you the sites.

September 1—This was a day of driving from the Tetons to Rock Spring.

September 2–Currently we are driving on The Sheep Creek Geological Loop, this is amazing. Around every corner is a different landscape for the eyes, just keeps getting better and better. From red rocks to very large boulders to green trees growing to pine forest–how surprising. But, being Wyoming, this state is a collage of colors, magnificent.

We had stopped by a park office and she suggested taking this loop, I am so glad we did. 

The whole time we only saw one truck, a great thing to see, us alone in the wilderness. But, I am wishing we did more hiking in woods. Longhorn sheep are the only wildlife we saw. We were going to pass by this area quickly but got captured by the visual delicacies that it contained.

September 2-4—On the map, we saw The Flaming Gorge Scenic Byway and had to take the drive, boy, am I glad we did. The whole drive was quite beautiful. We drove to Spirit Lake, were we put up for the night.

This campsite was right on a breathtaking river and woods all around.

This trip is quite an amazing anthology of experiences that will last a lifetime, I am glad you are along for the ride.

In the last blog I had written that I am going to start posting this blog every Sunday, today is that day, here you go. I also write that my daughters, April and Jasmine, said they will write to me every Sunday, too, I hope they follow through.

Last night we awoke to a large thunderstorm, which kept us awake for a time. In the morning, as we were departing, in a meadow we saw a moose! His large antlers sticking up, I had to think of Bullwinkle.

Heading toward Colorado next, you will hear more soon.

My apologies for the delay in getting this next post to you. We have not been traveling, so not much to write about. So, b

Back to writing, I know it has been awhile, sorry for the delay in keeping you up. Tina and I have been parked at her mother’s house. Tina had some doctor appointments in the area, and Tina’s mom is currently in the hospital. At 94 years old, she is getting up there. And, she still lives alone with only Tina’s sister to help.

Actually, Tina’s mom was born in this house 94 years ago and never lived at any other locations. I have never heard of anyone living in one  place so long. Also, she has a cat, as you might know, I am allergic to cats, so it is hard for me to be in her home. Not hearing well and not seeing much, I am surprised she has been able to live in her home so very long all by herself.

Also, my computer had to be sent back to Lenovo to get repairs, so we have to stay in the area until I pick that up. Hoping it will be back in a week or two. And, Tina has had her car parked at her mother’s house for some time (while we were traveling) and squirrels ate electrical wires in the engine, so, we have to wait until that is finished, too.

We haven’t been traveling, so not much to write about. Already getting tired of city noises and city life, we need to return to the wilderness as soon as possible.

First, I have to say, I had many words written for this next blog. I was working offline in a fabulous wilderness area and somehow I highlighted much text, the next time I typed it erased all that was highlighted. So then, I thought if I clicked on “Discard” it would get rid of the recent changes, but it deleted the whole blog, could not find it in the trash or anywhere. So, I am starting anew, going from memory. I did have some good words for you, hoping I can meet the level with this set of words. Yes, I learned something.

Using memory can be difficult for me, a challenge?

Through talking with some other travelers (other people who travel and live in their vehicle I will call “travelers”) we learned of welcomehome.org. Seems like a hippy type gathering, many people there, why not. I will write of that below.

June 10-14–Back to Delaware State Forest in northeast Pennsylvania. What a beautiful area, glad we returned. We went from one campsite to another, each as was lovely as the next. These are free campsites and quite all are quite secluded.

Then, we stayed in the Quakertown, Pennsylvania area for a time for doctors’ appointments and preparing for our long adventure in the world.

June 23-26–Off to Campground in NY State, Balsam State Park. A nice free campsite on a lake, yet, we were here for the weekend, so, many showed up. Some loud generators to make power were running (seemed like constantly) and someone was blasting music, I went and asked him to turn it down, which he did (a little.) So, a nice campground, yet, I did not like the people here. Cigarette butts and trash all around, this is the worst campground we have been to.

The people, too, seem to not be all with-it. Much drinking, smoking and loudness we did witness. So many mindless minds abounded? I even heard from someone who saw someone with a chainsaw cutting down young trees for fuel for their fire—disgusting.

In the afternoon on the 25th a forest ranger showed up and went down by the water where people were fishing. I went up and talked with him, asking exactly what he does, he said he just checks to make sure everyone is alright and checks for fishing licenses and if the fish are too small to keep.

I complained about not liking the control that people are under in this country, he made some excuses. Then, I ask him why he carries a gun and if he has ever used it, he said no and that it is, “just in case”. I let him know I thought it was ridiculous (glad he didn’t use it on me.)

June 27-28–Off to the Adirondacks! And back to Hapgood Pond Campground.  Looking toward the north on the map, we saw some beautiful places to visit. We stayed at this campground once before, and liked it, so, here we are.

After that terrible time at that last campsite with all the people, we discovered one of the best places we have been at through freecampsites.org.

June 28–Earlier I wrote about the Rainbow Gathering (welcomehome.org) We decided to stop by a few days before, knowing that the event occurs from June 1-7, with July 4 being the biggest day. With only one road going in and out, hard to imagine how the expected 10,000 people could enjoy the event.

This was days before the start, there were already many cars parked on this road; people had to walk quite a ways into the goings on. In fact, because of the line of cars parked on one side of the road, cars could not pass each other and one would have to back up to a place that’s safe to pass. Remember, this is a National Park and wilderness and trees lined both sides.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr4k2A0I1fs

Tina and I agreed that this was not planned very well.

We decided not to return when things started. We saw things were not really too organized, and, once the thousands of people showed up, there would be no where to park to sleep in the van. I could see if you brought your own tent and living stuff you could just park your car, hike in, and not return or drive your car for a week.

We heard that you could park some ways away and that there were shuttles to drive people in, but I cannot imagine a bus/shuttle trying to pass another vehicle on this small road, and, there really is no place to turn around once they are in.

So, off we went on our way. 

June 29-July 2–We drove some kilometers in on a dirt road, five or so. The road ended at a lake, after driving down a long steep part of the road. We could tell that not many people come to this area, it was wonderful. At first the van had trouble climbing back up this step incline; the tires spun on the gravel and rocks. I backed up to the level earth, made a run for it, and we succeeded in ascending back onto level ground.

On our way out we saw some road/paths that lead to the side. We took one of these and found they were to campsites, excellent. The best we found had a fire ring, one meter high level stumps for tables, and someone even put a toilet with a seat a ways away. In fact, being so remote, this was one of the best campsites we have stayed in. (and, compared to the last, this was heaven.)

July 2-3—We actually paid for a campground, North Bay Campground, a whole $18, expensive for us. They have showers and wifi, so we were pleased. So easy go get here, it attracts many. But, we like real “remote” camping, like the last place we were at.

July 4-5—Off to Sugar Hill State Forest in the state of NY and Sugar Hill Campground. There are many big motor homes and they have stables here (for some reason.) There are a number of horses and, I am told, one guy has been staying here for three weeks and goes riding with his wife daily.

July 18–Still waiting for my computer to return from being repaired, then we will be on our way west. Once again, sorry for the delay in getting this most recent post out to you. We will be back on the road soon again and more words will fly your way soon.

Also, I would love to hear from you, but, please don’t delay like I did.