highdesertranger
R.I.P HDR
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how did you get that raccoon to pose? highdesertranger
Van-Tramp adventures 2016
- Thread starter Van-Tramp
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Van-Tramp
Well-known member
highdesertranger said:
LOL, that sh*t is funny right there
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
Hanging in Longmont for a week
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/hanging-in-longmont-for-a-week/
After four straight weeks of camping in the wild, a planned stop in civilization in what I now consider my home town; Longmont, Colorado. Longmont has been on the schedule for a long time, primarily because my son turn’s 18 years old this weekend, and graduates high school later this month. It also happens to be my home Moose Lodge which I had not had the opportunity to visit this past year as we were in Alaska. Even with civilized camping, complete with 20 amp power, we did not sit on our butts playing video games for too long. We got out an about pretty quickly…
[img=620x330]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Left-Hand-Brewery.jpg[/img]
The first thing to do was to visit Left Hand Brewery (we were here last year) and get our growler filled and to sample a few of the new additions on tap. We found yet another great Porter that hit the spot. Kerri and I agree that Porters are hitting our B-spot (see what I did there? B, for beer, instead of G?) when we have an urge for a dark beer. Nitro, of course, just makes it better and Left Hand has some fantastic creamy and smooth Nitro beers. Yum!
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9168-1024x577.jpg[/img]
Button Rock Preserve’s (just outside of town in the foothills) Sleeping Lion trail was one of my first hikes upon moving into the Longmont area an I have hiked it numerous times since. I recall that the hike just about killed me. I eventually hobbled back to my vehicle and didn’t hike for weeks after. My hiking persisted, over time, and nowadays those distances are done before breakfast. Both Moose and Byron joined us for the hike out to the Reservoir and back, knocking out just over 4.5 miles in good order. Byron, even with his bum leg handled it like a champ. Moose, as usual, ran around like a madman and urinated on everything (that’s my boy).
[img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Photo-Apr-08-7-21-12-PM-150x150.jpg[/img] [url=http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Photo-Apr-08-7-16-09-PM.jpg][img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Photo-Apr-08-7-16-09-PM-150x150.jpg[/img][/url]
Still Cellars movie night was next on our to do list. Kerri and I have have been here once in the past and loved the vibe, and drinks. With a Facebook notification that Monday night would be movie night – Royal Tenenbaums – we jumped at the opportunity to see the one and only Wes Anderson flick we had not yet watched together. A few cocktails had to be put in their place during the showing, and Kerri adopted yet another bottle of booze for her closet. She is still working on rebuilding her bar since the Alaska trip where booze was scarce through Canada and Alaska.
The next morning, before work, we set out to get in a quick hike. Unfortunately, the trail I had planned was closed (Why? I do not know). Hall Ranch, a Boulder County open space, was right down the street so there we went. I have hiked or biked numerous times, but it was better than just turning back to start off the work-day. It turned out to be only a 2 mile hike, but it was a nice day-starter.
From there the week turned into a blitz of work, chores, honey-dos, and hanging out with my son when I had time. Our stay consisted of parking at the Longmont Moose Lodge. Just what all full-timers look for; an asphalt parking lot, with numerous neighbors in close proximity and the sounds of inner-city traffic and sirens whispering us to sleep each night. I am thankful for the Lodge, but more anxious than anything to get up that mountain and back into some trees.
On the plus side, I did get to rejoin my gym and start working out again. It’s been more than a year and a half since my injury that caused me to stop working out, and I am super excited about getting back into it. In fact, I am off to the gym right now… see ya!
Additional photos at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/hanging-in-longmont-for-a-week/
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/hanging-in-longmont-for-a-week/
After four straight weeks of camping in the wild, a planned stop in civilization in what I now consider my home town; Longmont, Colorado. Longmont has been on the schedule for a long time, primarily because my son turn’s 18 years old this weekend, and graduates high school later this month. It also happens to be my home Moose Lodge which I had not had the opportunity to visit this past year as we were in Alaska. Even with civilized camping, complete with 20 amp power, we did not sit on our butts playing video games for too long. We got out an about pretty quickly…
[img=620x330]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Left-Hand-Brewery.jpg[/img]
The first thing to do was to visit Left Hand Brewery (we were here last year) and get our growler filled and to sample a few of the new additions on tap. We found yet another great Porter that hit the spot. Kerri and I agree that Porters are hitting our B-spot (see what I did there? B, for beer, instead of G?) when we have an urge for a dark beer. Nitro, of course, just makes it better and Left Hand has some fantastic creamy and smooth Nitro beers. Yum!
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9168-1024x577.jpg[/img]
Button Rock Preserve’s (just outside of town in the foothills) Sleeping Lion trail was one of my first hikes upon moving into the Longmont area an I have hiked it numerous times since. I recall that the hike just about killed me. I eventually hobbled back to my vehicle and didn’t hike for weeks after. My hiking persisted, over time, and nowadays those distances are done before breakfast. Both Moose and Byron joined us for the hike out to the Reservoir and back, knocking out just over 4.5 miles in good order. Byron, even with his bum leg handled it like a champ. Moose, as usual, ran around like a madman and urinated on everything (that’s my boy).
[img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Photo-Apr-08-7-21-12-PM-150x150.jpg[/img] [url=http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Photo-Apr-08-7-16-09-PM.jpg][img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Photo-Apr-08-7-16-09-PM-150x150.jpg[/img][/url]
Still Cellars movie night was next on our to do list. Kerri and I have have been here once in the past and loved the vibe, and drinks. With a Facebook notification that Monday night would be movie night – Royal Tenenbaums – we jumped at the opportunity to see the one and only Wes Anderson flick we had not yet watched together. A few cocktails had to be put in their place during the showing, and Kerri adopted yet another bottle of booze for her closet. She is still working on rebuilding her bar since the Alaska trip where booze was scarce through Canada and Alaska.
The next morning, before work, we set out to get in a quick hike. Unfortunately, the trail I had planned was closed (Why? I do not know). Hall Ranch, a Boulder County open space, was right down the street so there we went. I have hiked or biked numerous times, but it was better than just turning back to start off the work-day. It turned out to be only a 2 mile hike, but it was a nice day-starter.
From there the week turned into a blitz of work, chores, honey-dos, and hanging out with my son when I had time. Our stay consisted of parking at the Longmont Moose Lodge. Just what all full-timers look for; an asphalt parking lot, with numerous neighbors in close proximity and the sounds of inner-city traffic and sirens whispering us to sleep each night. I am thankful for the Lodge, but more anxious than anything to get up that mountain and back into some trees.
On the plus side, I did get to rejoin my gym and start working out again. It’s been more than a year and a half since my injury that caused me to stop working out, and I am super excited about getting back into it. In fact, I am off to the gym right now… see ya!
Additional photos at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/hanging-in-longmont-for-a-week/
masterplumber
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Tell your son congratulations! Those are big milestones in a young man's life, and in the lives of his parents.
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
Our mini-noitacav
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/our-mini-noitacav/
Sure, most people would consider our nomadic lifestyle as already a vacation, and the low-stress life of living full time on the road does not necessarily beckon us to take a dedicated vacation or anything. But we did anyway, a reverse-vacation – from nomad to sitting still – a Noitacav.
Last year when we dropped into Silver Plume for a visit to Dram Apothecary, Kerri and I were seduced by the nearly ghost town ambiance that is Silver Plume. OK, sure, the fine drinks of Dram may have played a roll but we were seduced nonetheless. When Dram announced that they bought another building in town and were converting it to a 3-room lodge, Kerri was fast to jump on the Kickstarter campaign, locking us in for a 2-night stay when the rooms were completed. One room had been completed and we set a reservation for a weekend we knew we would be in town anyway. We would abandon the dogs at sitters for the weekend, giving us a weekend fully to ourselves – a vacation of sorts.
[img=474x293]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9171-1024x634.jpg[/img]
It was obvious when Kerri opened the door to the Lodge that she loved it. I could see her ear-to-ear smile even though she was facing away from me. We spent the next half-hour gawking at the place, just soaking it in.
[img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9189-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9174-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9170-150x150.jpg[/img]
That evening we set off to the bar for some drinks, conversing for hours while sipping away. The place was crowded, as in all seats were in use, but the feel of small town tavern was not swept away. As we set off back to the Lodge we had realized something was amuck. Two drinks each, that was it, I swear. I’m a light-weight when it comes to alcohol so for me to be drunk after two drinks is common place, but Kerri was hammered! We stumbled the block back to the Lodge, fell through the door laughing, and spent the next hour questioning each other on how much we had to drink.
[img=645x364]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_3211-1024x578.jpg[/img]
The next morning we woke to a slight hangover (even Kerri!). With no plans, we hung around the room for the morning. Just cuddled up on the couch enjoying the warmth and quiet. It was quite possible that we would not even get dressed or leave the room the entire day…
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9172-1024x682.jpg[/img]
… but we did, to tour Historic Georgetown, just down the road, and drove up the mountain to Guanella Pass just for kicks.
Afterwards we enjoyed a few hours playing video games before taking down a fine Kerri-preppared steak meal with a few more drinks, washing away any final signs of the earlier hangover.
Our final morning we woke to a coating of snow outside the window, perfectly finishing off our mini-noitacav adventure. Two full days without the dogs, no work to be done, and no plans for hikes or other outdoor adventures. Just being lazy and enjoying each others company – undivided – for a weekend. I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.
[img=474x283]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9182-1024x612.jpg[/img]
More images at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/our-mini-noitacav/
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/our-mini-noitacav/
Sure, most people would consider our nomadic lifestyle as already a vacation, and the low-stress life of living full time on the road does not necessarily beckon us to take a dedicated vacation or anything. But we did anyway, a reverse-vacation – from nomad to sitting still – a Noitacav.
Last year when we dropped into Silver Plume for a visit to Dram Apothecary, Kerri and I were seduced by the nearly ghost town ambiance that is Silver Plume. OK, sure, the fine drinks of Dram may have played a roll but we were seduced nonetheless. When Dram announced that they bought another building in town and were converting it to a 3-room lodge, Kerri was fast to jump on the Kickstarter campaign, locking us in for a 2-night stay when the rooms were completed. One room had been completed and we set a reservation for a weekend we knew we would be in town anyway. We would abandon the dogs at sitters for the weekend, giving us a weekend fully to ourselves – a vacation of sorts.
[img=474x293]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9171-1024x634.jpg[/img]
It was obvious when Kerri opened the door to the Lodge that she loved it. I could see her ear-to-ear smile even though she was facing away from me. We spent the next half-hour gawking at the place, just soaking it in.
[img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9189-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9174-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9170-150x150.jpg[/img]
That evening we set off to the bar for some drinks, conversing for hours while sipping away. The place was crowded, as in all seats were in use, but the feel of small town tavern was not swept away. As we set off back to the Lodge we had realized something was amuck. Two drinks each, that was it, I swear. I’m a light-weight when it comes to alcohol so for me to be drunk after two drinks is common place, but Kerri was hammered! We stumbled the block back to the Lodge, fell through the door laughing, and spent the next hour questioning each other on how much we had to drink.
[img=645x364]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IMG_3211-1024x578.jpg[/img]
The next morning we woke to a slight hangover (even Kerri!). With no plans, we hung around the room for the morning. Just cuddled up on the couch enjoying the warmth and quiet. It was quite possible that we would not even get dressed or leave the room the entire day…
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9172-1024x682.jpg[/img]
… but we did, to tour Historic Georgetown, just down the road, and drove up the mountain to Guanella Pass just for kicks.
Afterwards we enjoyed a few hours playing video games before taking down a fine Kerri-preppared steak meal with a few more drinks, washing away any final signs of the earlier hangover.
Our final morning we woke to a coating of snow outside the window, perfectly finishing off our mini-noitacav adventure. Two full days without the dogs, no work to be done, and no plans for hikes or other outdoor adventures. Just being lazy and enjoying each others company – undivided – for a weekend. I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.
[img=474x283]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9182-1024x612.jpg[/img]
More images at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/our-mini-noitacav/
Sabatical
Well-known member
Lovin your adventures!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
Our first backpacking adventure
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/our-first-backpacking-adventure/
Well, we finally did it. We went backpacking after a long time talking and dreaming about it. With a scheduled trip for the Memorial Day weekend already planned, we set out to pick up all the gear we needed while being parked in the metro area. We ran all over Boulder, Longmont, and Fort Collins between REI, Jax, and Sierra Trading Post, along with a dozen or so packages from Amazon (special thanks to the Longmont Moose Lodge for allowing us to ship so many things to their door), and after 10 days or so we had all that we needed to get out on the trail… but Memorial Day weekend was still more than a week away… so we changed our plans (we do this a lot), and took off this past Saturday afternoon instead.
An hour’s drive up the Rocky Mountains, just outside the Rocky Mountain National Park boundary, is the North Fork trail that I have traversed many times in recent years; first when I backpacked into the National Park to Lost Lake, and most recently on a day-hike in 2014 with Moose. I knew the area well, knew of multiple camping sites sprinkled around, and knew the distance would all be suitable for a first backpacking trip to test the gear and ourselves.
[img=225x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-3-32-53-PM-225x300.jpg[/img]
Kerri, dead on the side of the trail half way up the hill. She was revived, of course.
After parking the truck at the trailhead and donning the heavy packs, the four of us started the 3 mile hike into the national forest. Unfortunately, thanks to the 2013 floods, the first mile of the trail, as it follows the North Fork Big Thompson River, had been washed out. The work-around was an immediate 600 foot climb over a hill then back down the other side where we met back up with the original trail. I’ve done the climb before, and it is no fun, and much less fun with weight on your back. The afternoon heat did not help, and Kerri and I both struggled, stopping multiple times, but finally made it past the biggest hurdle on the trail. We celebrated at the top with a family photo to commemorate the trip.
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-2-57-33-PM-1024x577.jpg[/img]
With another 2.5 miles still to go, we continued, but the first half mile and climb took it’s toll on us. The trail continued up hill, though at a slightly less deadly angle. We huffed and puffed, and took many rests, while ever so slowly creeping up on the area with the established dispersed camping locations, making it with abundant time left in the afternoon to setup camp and relax.
We had planned to test-erect our tent on flat, dry ground before going on our first backpacking trip, but with the compressed timing it was scrapped from the to-do list. Since we had more than enough time in the day, we took our time, thinking out placement, angle, and area preparation to the max. We followed the instructions, with only a couple ‘WTF’ moments, but the tent took form easy enough. It was only then that we realized that our assumption of a single-door at the head of the tent, facing the direction we chose, was not the reality. Instead, our tent has two doors – one on each side, not the head – and neither were facing the direction we initially planned. Well, now we know…
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-5-16-50-PM-1024x577.jpg[/img]
Meal preparation, dining, relaxing, and a few sips of whiskey all came in quick succession. Some hot chocolate capped the night as we prepared to call it a day.
[img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-5-43-40-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-5-08-37-PM-1024x577.jpg[/img]
Next thing we knew the sun was in full set and we were dead tired. The dogs, who had been off-leash and running around like the crazies they are, were done in as well. Even before sunset Moose had been begging to lay down on my lap or go in the tent for the night. So, we got the dogs settled in to their respective places (not in the tent, but under the rain-cover) and bags, then did the same ourselves… only to then realize that we both needed to pee – argh! Dress again, pee, undress, get in bags… OK, no ready for bed.
[img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-8-06-59-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img]
Day-2 was exploring around the area on foot, a bit of lounging and reading books, a quick nap, then off to gather water and reclaim my beer from the river a few hundred yards away for a big dinner with a – quite literally – Rocky Mountain cold Coor’s Light. A wannabe mountain man, like myself, could not ask for a better life in my opinion.
[img=474x266]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-5-23-16-PM-1024x575.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-9-02-37-AM-1024x577.jpg[/img][img=474x370]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-3-12-17-PM-1024x800.jpg[/img] [img=474x430]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-7-48-26-PM-1024x930.jpg[/img]
[continued below...]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/our-first-backpacking-adventure/
Well, we finally did it. We went backpacking after a long time talking and dreaming about it. With a scheduled trip for the Memorial Day weekend already planned, we set out to pick up all the gear we needed while being parked in the metro area. We ran all over Boulder, Longmont, and Fort Collins between REI, Jax, and Sierra Trading Post, along with a dozen or so packages from Amazon (special thanks to the Longmont Moose Lodge for allowing us to ship so many things to their door), and after 10 days or so we had all that we needed to get out on the trail… but Memorial Day weekend was still more than a week away… so we changed our plans (we do this a lot), and took off this past Saturday afternoon instead.
An hour’s drive up the Rocky Mountains, just outside the Rocky Mountain National Park boundary, is the North Fork trail that I have traversed many times in recent years; first when I backpacked into the National Park to Lost Lake, and most recently on a day-hike in 2014 with Moose. I knew the area well, knew of multiple camping sites sprinkled around, and knew the distance would all be suitable for a first backpacking trip to test the gear and ourselves.
[img=225x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-3-32-53-PM-225x300.jpg[/img]
Kerri, dead on the side of the trail half way up the hill. She was revived, of course.
After parking the truck at the trailhead and donning the heavy packs, the four of us started the 3 mile hike into the national forest. Unfortunately, thanks to the 2013 floods, the first mile of the trail, as it follows the North Fork Big Thompson River, had been washed out. The work-around was an immediate 600 foot climb over a hill then back down the other side where we met back up with the original trail. I’ve done the climb before, and it is no fun, and much less fun with weight on your back. The afternoon heat did not help, and Kerri and I both struggled, stopping multiple times, but finally made it past the biggest hurdle on the trail. We celebrated at the top with a family photo to commemorate the trip.
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-2-57-33-PM-1024x577.jpg[/img]
With another 2.5 miles still to go, we continued, but the first half mile and climb took it’s toll on us. The trail continued up hill, though at a slightly less deadly angle. We huffed and puffed, and took many rests, while ever so slowly creeping up on the area with the established dispersed camping locations, making it with abundant time left in the afternoon to setup camp and relax.
We had planned to test-erect our tent on flat, dry ground before going on our first backpacking trip, but with the compressed timing it was scrapped from the to-do list. Since we had more than enough time in the day, we took our time, thinking out placement, angle, and area preparation to the max. We followed the instructions, with only a couple ‘WTF’ moments, but the tent took form easy enough. It was only then that we realized that our assumption of a single-door at the head of the tent, facing the direction we chose, was not the reality. Instead, our tent has two doors – one on each side, not the head – and neither were facing the direction we initially planned. Well, now we know…
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-5-16-50-PM-1024x577.jpg[/img]
Meal preparation, dining, relaxing, and a few sips of whiskey all came in quick succession. Some hot chocolate capped the night as we prepared to call it a day.
[img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-5-43-40-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-5-08-37-PM-1024x577.jpg[/img]
Next thing we knew the sun was in full set and we were dead tired. The dogs, who had been off-leash and running around like the crazies they are, were done in as well. Even before sunset Moose had been begging to lay down on my lap or go in the tent for the night. So, we got the dogs settled in to their respective places (not in the tent, but under the rain-cover) and bags, then did the same ourselves… only to then realize that we both needed to pee – argh! Dress again, pee, undress, get in bags… OK, no ready for bed.
[img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-8-06-59-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img]
Day-2 was exploring around the area on foot, a bit of lounging and reading books, a quick nap, then off to gather water and reclaim my beer from the river a few hundred yards away for a big dinner with a – quite literally – Rocky Mountain cold Coor’s Light. A wannabe mountain man, like myself, could not ask for a better life in my opinion.
[img=474x266]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-5-23-16-PM-1024x575.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-9-02-37-AM-1024x577.jpg[/img][img=474x370]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-3-12-17-PM-1024x800.jpg[/img] [img=474x430]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-7-48-26-PM-1024x930.jpg[/img]
[continued below...]
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
[...continued from above]
The following morning we loaded up on coffee and breakfast before starting the long process of cleaning, drying, and packing everything up for the hike back to the truck. It was Noon before we got moving, but we both agreed that the hike back was much easier on us. Not only was it slightly downhill the majority of the way, the weather was much cooler.
Still, we had to climb that 600 foot hill again at the end of our hike, and we were both very worried about that. As it turned out, it was much easier the second time around. Not only were our muscles warmed up after 2 miles of hiking to get the the hill, our lungs were more acclimated to the altitude after two days at 8200 ft elevation. In the end we had no problems getting back over the hill. We were still very chipper when we loaded up into the truck and drove back towards the Airstream waiting for us back on flat ground.
For those that have read this far, I leave you with a few remaining images…
[img=228x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-3-26-06-PM-228x300.jpg[/img] [img=225x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-3-25-06-PM-225x300.jpg[/img] [img=225x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-9-22-40-AM-225x300.jpg[/img] [img=225x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-4-03-12-PM-225x300.jpg[/img]
[img=474x491]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-8-20-30-AM-988x1024.jpg[/img] [img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-3-14-43-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img] [img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-23-12-13-06-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img] [img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-3-19-25-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img]
Many, many more images at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/our-first-backpacking-adventure/
The following morning we loaded up on coffee and breakfast before starting the long process of cleaning, drying, and packing everything up for the hike back to the truck. It was Noon before we got moving, but we both agreed that the hike back was much easier on us. Not only was it slightly downhill the majority of the way, the weather was much cooler.
Still, we had to climb that 600 foot hill again at the end of our hike, and we were both very worried about that. As it turned out, it was much easier the second time around. Not only were our muscles warmed up after 2 miles of hiking to get the the hill, our lungs were more acclimated to the altitude after two days at 8200 ft elevation. In the end we had no problems getting back over the hill. We were still very chipper when we loaded up into the truck and drove back towards the Airstream waiting for us back on flat ground.
For those that have read this far, I leave you with a few remaining images…
[img=228x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-3-26-06-PM-228x300.jpg[/img] [img=225x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-21-3-25-06-PM-225x300.jpg[/img] [img=225x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-9-22-40-AM-225x300.jpg[/img] [img=225x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-4-03-12-PM-225x300.jpg[/img]
[img=474x491]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-8-20-30-AM-988x1024.jpg[/img] [img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-3-14-43-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img] [img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-23-12-13-06-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img] [img=474x356]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Photo-May-22-3-19-25-PM-1024x768.jpg[/img]
Many, many more images at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/our-first-backpacking-adventure/
ViaVacavi
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2015
- Messages
- 181
- Reaction score
- 0
I haven't had time to read through the entire thread yet, but from the last couple of pages, I really like how you guys break things up. Getting away for a short reverse vacation, getting some tent camping in even though you have a place to sleep. Variety is important, and those lucky enough to live a nomadic lifestyle have more opportunity than most to take advantage of opportunities to add variety to their life. Good log!
rvpopeye
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2015
- Messages
- 5,239
- Reaction score
- 5
I made one of those doggie sleeping bags for my dalmatian many years ago ,,,,,she positively LOVED it ! I frequently would only see her nose sticking out ......... It brought back good memories THX for the pics , as always.
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
The most original Ghost Town in Colorado
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/the-most-original-ghost-town-in-colorado/
A short drive up the mountain Beuna Vista, Colorado, past a horrific looking commercial host spring resort, is the town of St Elmo, the “most original ghost town in Colorado” (their words, not mine), founded in 1880. It is also touted as Colorado’s “best preserved” ghost town, and while that may be true, it is a perfect example of how *not* to treat a registered National Historic Place.
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9274.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img]
The town, which consists of one main street about 100 yards long (there are other streets with residences), could be a cute ghost town preserved for future generations to see the history of a Colorado mining town. Instead, it is a tourist trap complete with a cheesy souvenir shop, a fucking hot dog cart (seriously), and street parking. Yep, you can park your car/truck/van right in front of that historic building, ensuring no one else can see anything but your ugly ass car/truck/van. And hey, if you are hungry you can drop in the local-run hot dog cart for a $4 wiener, or drop in the general store for more wiggly-eyes-glued-to-sticks “art” or buy some sunflower seeds to teach your kids how to hand-feed the local squirrels or deer to ensure the death of – and the death of the future generations – those very animals. Who thought this stuff up?
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9275.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9276.CR2_-1024x576.jpg[/img]
The buildings themselves are cool and all, but the holiday traffic of tourists, and the mindset of the locals running the place, made for a bad experience. It is very possible that if we had arrived on another day things would have sat better in my stomach, but this weekend showcased only the ignorance and greed of people instead of an amazing historic place. I would still recommend a visit if you are in the area, but do so on a Tuesday afternoon, not Memorial Day Weekend.
[img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9281.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9278.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9329.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/the-most-original-ghost-town-in-colorado/
A short drive up the mountain Beuna Vista, Colorado, past a horrific looking commercial host spring resort, is the town of St Elmo, the “most original ghost town in Colorado” (their words, not mine), founded in 1880. It is also touted as Colorado’s “best preserved” ghost town, and while that may be true, it is a perfect example of how *not* to treat a registered National Historic Place.
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9274.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img]
The town, which consists of one main street about 100 yards long (there are other streets with residences), could be a cute ghost town preserved for future generations to see the history of a Colorado mining town. Instead, it is a tourist trap complete with a cheesy souvenir shop, a fucking hot dog cart (seriously), and street parking. Yep, you can park your car/truck/van right in front of that historic building, ensuring no one else can see anything but your ugly ass car/truck/van. And hey, if you are hungry you can drop in the local-run hot dog cart for a $4 wiener, or drop in the general store for more wiggly-eyes-glued-to-sticks “art” or buy some sunflower seeds to teach your kids how to hand-feed the local squirrels or deer to ensure the death of – and the death of the future generations – those very animals. Who thought this stuff up?
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9275.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9276.CR2_-1024x576.jpg[/img]
The buildings themselves are cool and all, but the holiday traffic of tourists, and the mindset of the locals running the place, made for a bad experience. It is very possible that if we had arrived on another day things would have sat better in my stomach, but this weekend showcased only the ignorance and greed of people instead of an amazing historic place. I would still recommend a visit if you are in the area, but do so on a Tuesday afternoon, not Memorial Day Weekend.
[img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9281.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9278.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9329.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img]
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
Weston Pass – National Historic Auto Tour
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/weston-pass-national-historic-auto-tour/
Kerri and I took a drive last Sunday, not only to spot a couple boondocking spots for Campendium.com, but to take the Weston Pass between Fairplay and Leadville. Weston Pass Road was originally a 16 mile wagon road between the two towns in the late 1800’s. Now it cuts through the National Forest, past a few private ranches, a Forest Service campground, some nice boondocking along the river, and a 11,000+ foot peak. We were unable to make it over due to snow still blocking the road… not that they gave us that information 14 miles earlier when we started up the road – but we spotted numerous old cabins as we neared the top.
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9339-1024x576.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9340-1024x576.jpg[/img]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/weston-pass-national-historic-auto-tour/
Kerri and I took a drive last Sunday, not only to spot a couple boondocking spots for Campendium.com, but to take the Weston Pass between Fairplay and Leadville. Weston Pass Road was originally a 16 mile wagon road between the two towns in the late 1800’s. Now it cuts through the National Forest, past a few private ranches, a Forest Service campground, some nice boondocking along the river, and a 11,000+ foot peak. We were unable to make it over due to snow still blocking the road… not that they gave us that information 14 miles earlier when we started up the road – but we spotted numerous old cabins as we neared the top.
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9339-1024x576.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9340-1024x576.jpg[/img]
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
Boondocking in Buena Vista, CO
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/boondocking-in-buena-vista-co/
It feels good to be out of the city and back into some mountains. At just under 8,000 foot elevation, Buena Vista – or just outside BV – has been our home for the past week. I’ve passed through here a number of times, but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to stick around, and I must say I am impressed, not only with the town itself, but the country surrounding it.
[img=474x245]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9357.CR2_-1024x529.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9358-1024x577.jpg[/img]
Thanks to Tripp and Megan, who introduced us to a great boondocking spot. We arrived on the holiday weekend to not only a full area, but luckily a spot reserved for us (they were leaving the next morning after our arrival). When the crowds went back home to their 9-to-5’s we mostly had the place to ourselves. The Arkansas river keeping us company with the ever present hum of the nearby rapids.
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9375.CR2_-1024x576.jpg[/img]
The dogs had ample time, and room, to play the days away. Each day we had no less then four separate fetch sessions and with a substantial number of bones laying around, the pups always had a new treasure in their mouths.
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9342.CR2_-1024x683.jpg[/img]
[img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9350.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9356.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9348.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img]
From here we base-camped to visit the old ghost town of St Elmo, and took [most of] the National Historic Auto Tour up to Weston Pass, as well as a few visits into town to eat and drink a Thursday night away… we are crazy huh?
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9361-1024x682.jpg[/img]
One thing did happen on our second day in the area- as you can see from the image above, the dirt road down into the boondocking area is very tight. It is not possible for two vehicles to cross paths on this road, so some care has to be taken before traveling up or down. From the top you can see all the way down, and from the bottom you can see all the way up it. On one occasion, after I had already started down a good way a woman in a BMW decided to start her ascent without looking up the road. I flashed and flashed and flashed my lights, but she ignored. We met, nose to nose, about 3/4 way down (1/4 way up for her) at which time I came to a stop and raised my hands into the air all while displaying the what-the-****-where-you-thinking expression on my face. She promptly double downed her idiocy and drove herself right off the cliff (two tires off the ground, high-sided on the edge) instead of backing up the 100 yards necessary to let us pass. Since I know from previous knowledge that you simply can not fix stupid, I squeezed past her, and drove on to camp, leaving her there to learn an important lesson. Not that I could have helped in any way at all since we carry no tow ropes to have pulled her out of the predicament she put herself in. I can’t believe I used to drive a BMW myself.
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9346.CR2_-1024x577.jpg[/img]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/boondocking-in-buena-vista-co/
It feels good to be out of the city and back into some mountains. At just under 8,000 foot elevation, Buena Vista – or just outside BV – has been our home for the past week. I’ve passed through here a number of times, but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to stick around, and I must say I am impressed, not only with the town itself, but the country surrounding it.
[img=474x245]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9357.CR2_-1024x529.jpg[/img] [img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9358-1024x577.jpg[/img]
Thanks to Tripp and Megan, who introduced us to a great boondocking spot. We arrived on the holiday weekend to not only a full area, but luckily a spot reserved for us (they were leaving the next morning after our arrival). When the crowds went back home to their 9-to-5’s we mostly had the place to ourselves. The Arkansas river keeping us company with the ever present hum of the nearby rapids.
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9375.CR2_-1024x576.jpg[/img]
The dogs had ample time, and room, to play the days away. Each day we had no less then four separate fetch sessions and with a substantial number of bones laying around, the pups always had a new treasure in their mouths.
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9342.CR2_-1024x683.jpg[/img]
[img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9350.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9356.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img] [img=150x150]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9348.CR2_-150x150.jpg[/img]
From here we base-camped to visit the old ghost town of St Elmo, and took [most of] the National Historic Auto Tour up to Weston Pass, as well as a few visits into town to eat and drink a Thursday night away… we are crazy huh?
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9361-1024x682.jpg[/img]
One thing did happen on our second day in the area- as you can see from the image above, the dirt road down into the boondocking area is very tight. It is not possible for two vehicles to cross paths on this road, so some care has to be taken before traveling up or down. From the top you can see all the way down, and from the bottom you can see all the way up it. On one occasion, after I had already started down a good way a woman in a BMW decided to start her ascent without looking up the road. I flashed and flashed and flashed my lights, but she ignored. We met, nose to nose, about 3/4 way down (1/4 way up for her) at which time I came to a stop and raised my hands into the air all while displaying the what-the-****-where-you-thinking expression on my face. She promptly double downed her idiocy and drove herself right off the cliff (two tires off the ground, high-sided on the edge) instead of backing up the 100 yards necessary to let us pass. Since I know from previous knowledge that you simply can not fix stupid, I squeezed past her, and drove on to camp, leaving her there to learn an important lesson. Not that I could have helped in any way at all since we carry no tow ropes to have pulled her out of the predicament she put herself in. I can’t believe I used to drive a BMW myself.
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/IMG_9346.CR2_-1024x577.jpg[/img]
highdesertranger
R.I.P HDR
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2012
- Messages
- 22,892
- Reaction score
- 89
great looking spot, great pics, and a great story about stupid. highdesertranger
masterplumber
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2013
- Messages
- 1,277
- Reaction score
- 0
You're in one of my favorite areas of Colorado. I've had the same issue with Westin Pass - the snow at the top stays far into summer. Another great drive is Cottonwood pass over to Taylor Reservoir and the town of Tin Cup - Kerri will kill you if you try and take that pretty truck over Tin Cup Pass to get there. The cemetery at Tin Cup actually makes a great stop - dates back to the mining days but is still in use with newer graves also. It is on several knolls and each one is for a different group - Protestant, Jewish, Catholic, and Boot Hill - which seems more for unaffiliated rather than outlaws. There is also one sad statement of the old days back in the trees where a loan Black servant woman's grave sits all alone.
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
Ah, yes. We took Cottonwood Pass to get to Crested Butte a few days ago, and Tin Cup is on our radar to visit, for sure.
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
Jumpin Good Goat Farm
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/jumpin-good-goat-farm
Before leaving Buena Vista we dropped in to take an afternoon tour at the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy. Kerri likes goats… but even more so she *loves* baby goats (preferably in pajamas), so it was a give in for us to go. I really do not need to say any more do I?
[img=300x271]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9469.CR2_-300x271.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9436.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9422.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9449.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9397.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9390.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img]
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9389.CR2_-1024x576.jpg[/img] [img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9377.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img] [img=474x205]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9461.CR2_-1024x442.jpg[/img] [img=474x176]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9407.CR2_-1024x380.jpg[/img]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/jumpin-good-goat-farm
Before leaving Buena Vista we dropped in to take an afternoon tour at the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy. Kerri likes goats… but even more so she *loves* baby goats (preferably in pajamas), so it was a give in for us to go. I really do not need to say any more do I?
[img=300x271]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9469.CR2_-300x271.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9436.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9422.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9449.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9397.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img] [img=300x300]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9390.CR2_-300x300.jpg[/img]
[img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9389.CR2_-1024x576.jpg[/img] [img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9377.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img] [img=474x205]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9461.CR2_-1024x442.jpg[/img] [img=474x176]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9407.CR2_-1024x380.jpg[/img]
Van-Tramp
Well-known member
Going higher
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/going-higher/
We left Buena Vista’s 8000 foot elevations to burrow deeper, and higher, into the Rocky Mountains. Deeper and deeper… deeper and deeper (see Office Space reference) to Crested Butte, Colorado, a place I have driven past many times, seen the photos of the wildflowers every summer, but it had never made my itinerary before this year. Happily, that is all in the past now that we boondocking in Washington Gulch.
On the way we had to conquer the 12,126 foot high Cottonwood Pass. We had the choice of Cottonwood or the 11,300 foot Monarch Pass and the extra miles. We chose the shortest, though tallest, route from point to point with a little more risk. Kerri’s 1/2 ton pickup has hauled the Airstream for many years, but a climb over the Continental Divide is always one to be wary of, especially when you are on a County Road as opposed to a State Highway or Interstate.
Fun fact; the Continental Divide is simply the mountains dividing the country based on which way the water will flow down those mountains. Basically, any rain/snow fall on the East side of the mountains will flow east, and any rain/snow on the west will flow west. Oddly enough, this was something I learned only after I started traveling in 2010… damn public schools.
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9479.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img]
So, anyway – Crested Butte – We arrived and Kerri picked her spot in the green sea of wild grasses and skunk cabbage (PS – do not eat, poisonous, danger!) sprinkled with more than a few of the early-bird flowers to the mountain side. Here, we setup camp and got right into a cowboy super, complete with pit fire cooked kabobs, while the sun set behind us.
So here we now sit, in top of a small hill, surrounded by trees, grass, millions of flowers, a few small creeks, and of course the mosquitoes that come with this environment. Kerri is stuck inside most of the day – she is mosquitoes cat-nip – but once the sun sets I can get her out for a few minutes of nature before bed time. Our plan is to be here two full weeks. We will see…
[img=474x266]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9489.CR2_-1024x575.jpg[/img] [img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9510.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img] [img=474x186]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9485.CR2_-1024x401.jpg[/img] [img=474x207]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9509.CR2_-1024x447.jpg[/img][img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9494.CR2_-1024x577.jpg[/img]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/going-higher/
We left Buena Vista’s 8000 foot elevations to burrow deeper, and higher, into the Rocky Mountains. Deeper and deeper… deeper and deeper (see Office Space reference) to Crested Butte, Colorado, a place I have driven past many times, seen the photos of the wildflowers every summer, but it had never made my itinerary before this year. Happily, that is all in the past now that we boondocking in Washington Gulch.
On the way we had to conquer the 12,126 foot high Cottonwood Pass. We had the choice of Cottonwood or the 11,300 foot Monarch Pass and the extra miles. We chose the shortest, though tallest, route from point to point with a little more risk. Kerri’s 1/2 ton pickup has hauled the Airstream for many years, but a climb over the Continental Divide is always one to be wary of, especially when you are on a County Road as opposed to a State Highway or Interstate.
Fun fact; the Continental Divide is simply the mountains dividing the country based on which way the water will flow down those mountains. Basically, any rain/snow fall on the East side of the mountains will flow east, and any rain/snow on the west will flow west. Oddly enough, this was something I learned only after I started traveling in 2010… damn public schools.
[img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9479.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img]
So, anyway – Crested Butte – We arrived and Kerri picked her spot in the green sea of wild grasses and skunk cabbage (PS – do not eat, poisonous, danger!) sprinkled with more than a few of the early-bird flowers to the mountain side. Here, we setup camp and got right into a cowboy super, complete with pit fire cooked kabobs, while the sun set behind us.
So here we now sit, in top of a small hill, surrounded by trees, grass, millions of flowers, a few small creeks, and of course the mosquitoes that come with this environment. Kerri is stuck inside most of the day – she is mosquitoes cat-nip – but once the sun sets I can get her out for a few minutes of nature before bed time. Our plan is to be here two full weeks. We will see…
[img=474x266]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9489.CR2_-1024x575.jpg[/img] [img=474x316]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9510.CR2_-1024x682.jpg[/img] [img=474x186]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9485.CR2_-1024x401.jpg[/img] [img=474x207]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9509.CR2_-1024x447.jpg[/img][img=474x267]http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_9494.CR2_-1024x577.jpg[/img]
highdesertranger
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