Van-Tramp adventures 2015

Van-Tramp · Apr 14, 2015

April 7 - Vanless
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/vanless/

That is it, today is the first day that I am officially without-van. Big Blue has been put into storage for at least 6-months. Do not worry, this has nothing to do with the recent family emergency, although it is happening a month early due to that situation, and no I have not sold Big Blue.

At any rate, the decision to store Big Blue was made many weeks ago. Kerri and I decided that we will be making our way to Alaska this summer, as a couple. There was no good reason to bring both our rigs for that long of a drive, and the van was the easy decision to leave behind. This is not the only reason of course. As Kerri and I have grown closer, the van has grown further out of my life. On April 5th I have officially moved in to the Airstream – which means my clothing have finally made the move.

To my fellow van-dwellers; The Airstream is a much easier (and luxurious) life, and even though I have enjoyed all the time together and will always have fond memories of van-life, please accept my [temporary?] resignation from van-life. And to my fellow Airstreamers; Many of you have met Big Blue (and its failing paint job), and yet that has not stopped you all from welcoming me into the family. In the past 3-months I have grown to love this particular Airstream and I look forward to future travels as an Airstreamer. With that said, I have no plans of purchasing a Mac or iPhone.

Big Blue and I have been to 12 different states, 66 different National Parks, Monuments, and Historic places. We have driven nearly every mile down the Pacific Coast, and just about every paved mile of road between the Rockies and the Sierras. Big Blue has drank 5038 gallons of gasoline over 64,000 miles since March of 2010, and has never left me stranded on the side of the road. Even if we never get to travel together again, Big Blue has been the best stead a nomad could ask for. Farewell for now… (que up the tears)

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Van-Tramp · Apr 14, 2015

April 8 - Another trip into Rocky Mountain National Park
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/another-trip-into-rocky-mountain-national-park/

On Monday, we took the afternoon to tour the East side of the Rocky Mountain National Park. Kerri has never visited the park so it was top priority for a day-off activity. We waited for a weekday to have less of a crowd, but it may have been overkill since we are so far out of season for most visitors to the park. Even though the weather was very sunny and warm, the wind did pickup enough chill from the mountaintop snow to keep us from doing anything too adventurous.

Normally, herds of elk can be seen during peak tourist season which will start in about a month, but this week we only spotted two small females… in town. Big Horn Sheep are also often spotted but they too stayed out of view crushing all the expectations of wildlife viewing I gave Kerri leading up to this day. (Pics from previous visits)

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We did conquer the 1/2 mile hike around Sprague Lake which sits at 8,200 feet so the trail was mostly dry with only a few slushy parts in the shade. Snow still covered anything above 9,000 feet meaning that Bear Lake – one of the most popular places to visit in the park – was under snow and ice. The couple hundred feet of trail leading out to the Bear Lake view was so icy that it required extra special attention to prevent falling at every step. Kerri mastered some duck-waddle-walk to at least keep the height of any fall to a minimum. I used my extensive Colorado-living-experience in ice-walking to pull it off, with only a few “whoa” and “”oof” remarks coupled with wildly swinging arms, without falling once. I am certain I impressed her with my ice-walking abilities.

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Van-Tramp · Apr 14, 2015

April 10 - Still Cellars
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/still-cellars/

Still Cellars is a distillery housed in an off-beat industrial area of Longmont, Colorado. Longmont is not even a very hip place, so when suggested to me by a blog reader(thank you Janel!) I took advantage to setup an evening out at Still Cellars. Considering how much Kerri enjoys her booze it was an easy win on the brownie-points, but I have to admit my own excitement about it too.

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We entered through the nondescript front door to a darkened room with only a bar, a piano, and three tables which were already occupied by other patrons. Unsure how to proceed we sauntered over to the corner of the bar and ordered the “taste the spirits” sampler. This would give us both a sip of each of the five products made from scratch in house by the two owners (Jason and Sadye). Now, I am no connoisseur of alcohol – my beer of choice was PBR or Coors Light until recently when I joined the dark side; Mmm Guinness – but even I could taste something unique in the Vodka and even more so in their Whiskey. I won’t try to impress anyone with talk of “woodsiness” or “finish”, but this casual drinker may have just found himself a whiskey he can enjoy straight-up around a camp fire.

Before leaving Kerri wanted to try a cocktail so we shared a Créme d’Orange which tasted just like my favorite Popsicle flavor (Dreamsicle, orange and cream). I guess I like my drinks on the girly side, but I was one happy dude with the atmosphere and the drinks at Still Cellars. We agreed that we will make a return visit next week before leaving Longmont.

Van-Tramp · Apr 14, 2015

April 11 - Classic Video Games & Pinball
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/classic-video-games-pinball/

There was a time when I would mow a lawn each week, grab my $7 payment and ride my BMX bike to the nearest arcade and blow every last hard earned quarter on Galaga or Space Invaders. Over the years, my tastes developed to include pinball. In my late teens PC games became my thing and even now it is not only my preference for gaming, it is also my livelihood.

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When visiting Oskar Blues in Lyon’s earlier in the week we learned that they have more than 25 classic video games in it’s lower level bar, and a change machine right there too! Kerri and I tossed back a few brews and quarters to relive some of the glory days. Eventually we settled in to a dual on 2-player Tetris in which I won only 1 of 4 games played. The sounds emitting from this tiny room brought back many childhood memories. Kids nowadays will never understand what an old-style arcade was like back in those days. They were *the* place to go hang out with cool kids… like me.

On Thursday night Kerri and I went back to Oskar Blues for another quick drink, but mainly to go next door to the Lyons Classic Pinball which has 37 pinball games from the 60’s to modern day. Kerri got to play her favorite (Adam’s Family) while I sampled a few others including the Playboy Pinball game (not very good). We finished the night after 10pm playing a very modern Wizard of Oz pinball game. The entire time I was there I was expecting my Mom to come breaking through the door to yell at me, “get home now!” any second.

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Van-Tramp · Apr 14, 2015

April 14 - Left handed
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Way back in February while boondocking outside of Ajo, Arizona Kerri and I ate dinner at the 100 Estrella Restaurant (pretty much the only restaurant in Ajo worthy of more than a single star). There, along with our food, she ordered a “Nitro” Milk Stout from the bar which went down something akin to drinking a beer-milkshake; smooth, creamy, and oh so refreshing. I went as far as to pickup two mason-jars of this same stout so we had some to share in the following days back at camp (it wasn’t as good days old). It was only then that we learned that it was made by Left Hand Brewery based in – now get this – Longmont, Colorado!

Left Hand Brewery made it on our list of must-see places that day and we have been picking up 6-packs ever since. This past week we have been camped only 1 mile away from the brewery, and patiently waiting the day we had scheduled for a visit and tour. We sampled all the beers they had on tap before setting out with the well-buzzed group for the 45 minute tour. I learned the difference between “Nitro” and “CO2″ beers and why I liked the creamy smooth tastes of the Nitro beers more. Finally, before heading back to camp, we picked up two Left Hand Stout Glasses to remember the day.

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Almost There · Apr 14, 2015

So now we can call you 'Airstream-Tramp'....

Doesn't have the same ring to it somehow...

Pics are beautiful, can't wait to be able to get on the road!

BC is beautiful while you're on the your way to Alaska. If you're interested in living museums don't miss Barkerville on your way through.

Van-Tramp · Apr 14, 2015

There has been a discussion among friends about the name. I proposed "Air-Tramp" but nothing has really stuck.

Van-Tramp · Apr 22, 2015

Everything is Golden

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The past days have been spent finalizing the errands that brought me to Longmont to begin with, the largest of which was getting the ol’ Datsun repaired so Timmy had a vehicle to wreck drive for the summer. The Datsun was finally completed on Friday, just a single day before our scheduled departure North. We thought we were free to re-start our adventures…

…sadly, our Harvest Host option fell through, thanks to multiple days of rain and snow in Colorado (and ensuing mud), turning what would have been a cool couple days camping on a farm into scrambling for a new place to camp for the week. Kerri had wanted to stay in Golden Colorado – right on the river – where she had stayed a few years back but it was fully booked two weeks ago. This week there was a single opening so we grabbed it and hauled on over.

So, all is Golden and Golden is where I will be for the week, drinking Coors for sure.

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Van-Tramp · Apr 23, 2015

Van-Tramp · Apr 30, 2015

Buffalo Bills Grave & Museum
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/buffalo-bills-grave/

Lookout Mountain watches over our camp in Golden, Colorado. Just up that mountain (if you can dodge all the bicyclists along the way) is the William F Cody (aka Buffalo Bill) grave and Museum. Kerri and I agreed that when Buffalo Bill wished for his body to be buried here that a paved walkway and droves of tourists were not what he was talking about.

Besides visiting the old grave, we took a stroll through the Museum where I caught Kerri trying to rope a calf. Take a closer look and you will notice that the horse has some very short legs.

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Van-Tramp · Apr 30, 2015

Fine drinks and a fine town
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/fine-drinks-and-a-fine-town/

It is all about the company you keep and this day only backs that argument up. When offered to accompany a cocktail aficionado to where that person has been looking forward to going for some time, you accept. I did, and rewarded I was.

Dram Apothecary was the destination, and it lives up to all the fantasy you can imagine leading up the visit-day. It is quaint, classy, and unique to the bone. Fine drinks and an amazing vibe beckoned me to linger for another drink even though I am only an infant when it come to cocktail knowledge. Of course it helps to go to such a place with someone as amazing as the woman I am blessed to be with, and for that same person to be said aficionado.

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Although the evening was gloomy, even with a few tiny snowflakes floating down from time to time, we walked the town of Silver Plume, Colorado and 1880’s mining town. Kerri was quickly falling in love with the town’s look and feel and I was not putting up much a fight. No roads in town were paved and most of the buildings appeared derelict, but look past what the majority of society would see and Silver Plume becomes a gem overlooked by the thousands passing by on Interstate 70. Who knows, one day we may just have to settle down, and Silver Plume might top that list.

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Van-Tramp · Apr 30, 2015

Going to Grand Teton
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/going-to-grand-teton/

I knew it was a little risky to start moving North so early in the season, but we had spent the last four weeks in RV parks and the options in Colorado for boondocking is very slim at this time of the year. Instead of waiting around for the weather to clear up, we made the leap to go straight to Grand Teton National Forest. There was still a good risk of snow and mud on the ground, but the weather showed increasingly more rain and snow in Colorado and Southern Wyoming than what was happening at Grand Teton, so the choice was made.

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It was not a simple task as the mileage forced us into a two-day drive with an overnight stop in a lesser of two evils type of place: a rest area on the interstate. Honestly, the rest area worked out well, with the worst being the idling of a truck all night which was not such a big deal.

The second day of driving brought us deep into Wyoming’s North West. From Rawlins, WY it is roughly 225 mile of beautiful farm land leading up to forests and a crossing of the continental divide before we dropped into the Grand Teton area.

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Our first view of the Tetons, only 20 miles to go

Once here we found the Forest Road to my favorite boondocking location in all the USA – lacking snow and significant mud – and setup camp. Our moods, while not bitter to begin with, quickly changed to a more relaxed and happy state now that we were in the forest and away from the RV parks of the last month.

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Overnight temperatures dropped into the low 30’s giving frost free range to cover the land, and the Airstream, the next morning… but only until the sun cleared the trees and warmed our little meadow to comfortable temperatures for the work day.

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4GNomad · Apr 30, 2015

Awesome pics Tramp... Thanks for the share.

akrvbob · Apr 30, 2015

I'm going to Grand Tetons next, but not till June when the weather will be much better. Right now I am at Moab, UT boondocking on BLM land and the whether is just about perfect! I love Jackson, but it's just too early.
Bob

Theadyn · May 1, 2015

Grand Tetons is definitely on my list of 'must see', will get there some day. Thanks for sharing pics.

Enjoy!!!

Van-Tramp · May 2, 2015

Roughing it in the Grand Teton Forest
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/roughing-it-in-grand-teton-national-forest/

It is a funny feeling; not looking forward to moving onto the next location. That is the reality of this place to Kerri and I, we have been looking forward to the Teton Forest for months and now that we are here we are happy to sit idle for as long as we can.

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You may be surprised to hear that since unhitching the Airstream back on Monday, the truck has not moved. Just like us, it has done nothing for four entire days. I can’t really say we haven’t done anything, it is just that it did not require the truck to do those things. After work we might take a small hike and explore, or enjoy happy-hour cocktails or stout, and if all else failed a night snuggling in the warm confines of the Airstream watching a downloaded TV show or movie has been perfect. It wasn’t all sitting around though; I did do a little wood chopping (I have an ax) and re-strung my kayak, something I have wanted to do since I bought it.

We have discussed moving up to the Upper Teton View area once the road clears of snow, but we are still unsure if we will. Yes, the view is second to none, but that same view will attract others. With neighbors comes responsibilities, such as keeping to dogs on a leash or the blinds lowered. Down here on Lower Teton View there is little room for any neighbors leaving a full 1+ acre all to ourselves which the dogs are loving… and the view is still mighty.

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On Friday morning the truck was finally cranked up to drive the 1/2 mile to the Cunningham Cabin Historic Site, an 1880’s homestead in the Grand Teton National Park, which we snapped a few photos of before start our work days.

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Friday afternoon finally brought me into town proper (Jackson) to acquire the proper permits for the kayaks to get their “feet-wet” come this weekend. Oddly enough, each kayak must be pass state “invasive species” inspection which consists of simply paying a $15 fee (per craft), going through a near-background-check, and then… no inspection at all. Basically, I could have every invasive species you could imagine stuck to my kayak and as long as I pay the $15 (and provide my DOB, SSN, weight, eye color, etc) I pass the inspection. Then, to top it all off, the National Park has a kayaking permit requirement too; another $10 for another sticker and another non-inspection. No worries, we get to kayak in Grand Tetons!

masterplumber · May 2, 2015

I took a canoe up there last time and I had to do the invasive species inspection for Yellowstone Lake. They actually checked there, although only briefly. My understanding is it's a bigger issue with motor boats as zebra muscles can be living in the cooling pipes. They also asked me what waters I had had the canoe in, in the last year, and then checked that against a data base of known contaminated waters.

Van-Tramp · May 7, 2015

Kayaking Jenny Lake

http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/kayaking-jenny-lake/

Since I began thinking about buying a kayak/canoe I’ve pictured it on Jenny Lake. For me, she has been the iconic lake to explore. I realize that this is not necessarily true, but to someone that knew nothing of kayaking, or lakes, Jenny was my lake-romance.

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Jenny Lake was our first kayaking conquest in the Teton area. First thing Saturday morning and we were in route to Jenny and plopping ourselves in the seats of our kayaks shortly after. The adventure consisted of us paddling 2.5 miles around the lake before settling in on beach on the West side of the lake. From there we attempted to connect to the established trail and hike up to Hidden Falls (I have been there, Kerri has not) but the snow, and my failure to bring anything more than a pair of tennis-shoes, prevented us from making to short hike.

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Instead, we paddled a hundred yards to the ferry-dock, tied up the ‘yaks, and settled down for a hot lunch of Kerri’s homemade chicken noodle soup, cheese and crackers, washed down with a pair of Left Hand Good Juju beers cooled by the lake itself.
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The trip back to the truck was, what is becoming a usual thing, against the wind but we did make it without no real difficulties to complete our first lake in the Grand Teton National Park.

Van-Tramp · May 7, 2015

Kayaking Jackson Lake

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We double-downed on the kayaking by hitting Jackson Lake following yesterday’s ‘yaking on Jenny Lake. We knew Jackson Lake would not let us down with the “trail” mingling among the many inlets, channels, and islands between Coulter Bay and Half Moon Bay.

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We started early to avoid some foretasted thunder storms in the afternoon. The early start provided us with glass-like water on our way out of Colter Bay and as we turned South, hugging the banks on our left. Some of the most amazing views are splattered in this small stretch. Our eyes are overwhelmed with the mixing of water, land, trees, snow-capped mountains, and the big sky. It would be tough to fit any more into the scene.

Before reaching Half Moon Bay, we ran into a shallow channel which forced us to portage the two kayaks the 150-ish feet to deeper water on the other side.
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Soon after, we arrived in Heron Pond (not accessible without another portage) which was our destination. The East side of Heron Pond was included in my first ever hike in the National Park with Timmy back in 2010. This time we beached on the West side of the pond, looking back across the pond and to that very trail from five years ago.

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The plan was then to paddle around some of the islands, into the main body of water, but as we started that way the weather started down our side of the Tetons. Staring down the barrel of Mother Nature, we chose to turned tail and paddle back the way we came – the shorter route back to the truck.

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My experiences of past hikes made it an easy decision and it was the right one. In the final half-mile we caught the wrath of the storm with rain, wind, and some pretty big waves (for kayaks). The only plus-side was that the wind assisted us by giving a nice push towards our finale. Cold and wet, we emptied the kayaks and loaded everything back onto the truck, just in time for the storm to blow past and the sun to reappear… oh well.

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One cool item found on our way back was a large set of bear prints in the mud where we twice portaged. Kerri was not very comfortable with it, but I had to hang around long enough to grab a photo…

Van-Tramp · May 7, 2015

Deep into a second week in Grand Teton

http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/deep-into-a-second-week-in-grand-teton/http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/deep-into-a-second-week-in-grand-teton/

After the kayaking adventures of the past weekend the weather came in to rain on our parade, so to speak. The work week has been just that, work-work-work which is not necessarily a bad thing. A few days of hard work allows more play time come the weekend where we hope to get back on the lakes, even though there is a threat of rain on those days too. Until then, allow me to keep you entertained with some of the photos taken in recent days while still roughing it in the Grand Teton National Forest…

[img=474x266]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_3418-1024x575.jpg[/img]
No-name drink by Kerri (it did have bacon infused bourbon and smoked salt)

[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_3395-1024x577.jpg[/img]
You just can’t beat the views here

[img=474x241]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_3453-1024x520.jpg[/img]

Byron & Moose having a little play time

[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_3462-1024x577.jpg[/img]

Snow clings to the Airstream

[img=474x712]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IMG_3458-682x1024.jpg[/img]
The morning after a light snow my pile of chopped wood soaks it in

Van-Tramp adventures 2015

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