Kentucky and heading for the barn

Kentucky - Pennyrile State Park, Sebree and Mammoth Cave

Our staying at Pennyrile State Resort Park was determined by availability. There were several Kentucky State Parks in more desirous locations, however they were all under some form of renovation and camping sites unavailable (at least in my determination on Reserve America). So This would suffice. it really wasn't out of the question for our purposes.

4 rows of levelers! look at the step up!

Pennyrile is nice and offers a great bathhouse with hot showers!

First order of business was to make contact with cousin Casey in Owensboro and confirm our arrival and itinerary. Next on the order of business. Visit the Webster County Library in Dixon and do some genealogy research. We are trying to pin point the location of the family farm. Since there is no longer any living relatives who can verify  the location (supposedly the house is long gone) I thought actually going to the  Library might provide some more data than is available on line. We arrived and I was able to make contact with the Librarian who is in charge of the Genealogy Section. After searching for about an hour, I did locate several deeds in our Great-grandfather and Great-grandmother's names. With this info, combined with a reference from the 1920 Federal Census, we went across the street to the County Courthouse. There, the staff was very helpful and just like the movie National Treasure, we had more clues but still not the prize!.  We could get in a general area, Southwest of Sebree, but the road names have been changed, making more exact findings difficult. We drove on to Sebree and got a feel for the area at least and upon arriving in the town, I did go to the 1893 bank.  This bank is amazing in that it is still owned by the original family, never closed and still has its original Teller Line, Marble Floors, Writing Station, Bench and Façade! There is a nice oil painting made off a photo of the bank at the time of its' opening in 1893. A strong chance grandpa was in there as a young man.

unchanged since 1893! Sebree Bank

Sebree Bank back in Grandpa's day

Sebree "ain't much of a gong concern" but the town has some nice neighborhoods and the people were very friendly. They go for Halloween decorating in a big way!

great decorating! 

that's one big spider!

Then, after driving around looking on some roads that seemed to be logical replacements for those mentioned in the deeds, we spoke with Casey and made evening plans (he is a few years younger than myself and still working at his dental practice). We agreed Cindy and I would swing by Dave's Sticky Pig in Madisonville and bring their delicious BBQ and sides to Casey's house for dinner. We did and it was amazing! We visited a few short hours, told stories and shared some fine Bourbon! Then it was time for the 1 1/2 drive back to camp. An approaching weather front could be nasty judging from the lightning flashes as we drove towards it. We made it back, walked CJ and were inside no more than 2 minutes when the rains started.

The next morning, we drove to Hopkinsville, timing our arrival to grab a nice wood oven pizza at Main Street Tavern for lunch. Outside there are a series of nicely done murals depicting local businesses.

Cindy heading in for lunch -nice murals, Hopkinsville KY

Then back out and on our way to our destination for the day, Casey Jones Distillery. A small, Moonshine Distillery, with a family history dating back to Prohibition and Moonshining. We joined a tasting and then took the tour through the small distillery and then headed back to camp. Worth while and fun. They were right in the path of the Solar Eclipse a few years back and have a product named after it. They also offer RV camping through Harvest Hosts.

Dave outside Casey Jones Distillery - nice truck

That evening we choose to dine at the Pennyrile Lodge Restaurant. The menu was fairly varied and we choose the Rib Eye (Cindy had the baked potato while I opted for the fried Okra!). The steak was OK for the price. I had a delicious piece of pie for desert.  The dining room had large windows that afford a view of Pennyrile Lake. Nice. Then over to the lounge to BLOG for a bit (grabbing WIFI) then back to CJ and the RV for the night.

Pennyrile Lake as seen from Lodge Dining Room

Lounge at Pennyrile Lodge - cozy!

Our last day in Kentucky was set aside to visit Mammoth Cave National Park. Located almost in the center of the state, MCNP has been visited by tourists since 1816! Over 400 miles of cave and "rooms" as large as 2 acres in size. The drive took us around two hours from camp and when we arrived, we signed up for different tours so CJ would be covered. MCNP offers many different tours. Mine accessed the cave at its original opening and was 2 miles and 500 + steps in duration. Along the way we saw the remains of the 1812 salt peter extraction pits as well as a 300 ft climb up fire tower type stairs near the end. Cindy's tour put her on a bus and she entered the cave through an air lock. Hers was shorter in length and slightly less steps. Both were very interesting and covered by our Golden Pass on admission fees - $7.50 each!

MCNP - over 200 years of tours!

Original entrance to the 400 miles of Mammoth Cave

200 year old remains of Salt Peter extraction to make black powder

early visitors toured with candles and lamps! left their names

Afterwards, the two hour drive back to camp and packing up for an early departure in the morning. A 400 mile day was planned to get us to eastern Ohio on I70. Our drive over through Kentucky and then up past Louisville and then Cincinnati went smoothly. There were some slowdowns at the two larger cities, but nothing of consequence. Then eastward for the final leg of the trip home. Wolfie's Campground (Good Sam affiliate) in Zanesville would be our last stop. Wolfie's was well maintained and in full on Halloween mode when we arrived. Inflatable decorations everywhere, Goosebumps II showing for the kiddies and trick or treat scheduled for the following evening. Fun stuff. We pulled in leveled up, connected to power and kicked back. 400 + miles that day and time to chill. CJ got several walks and then after some light surfing, bedtime.  The next morning we were up, packed and on the road just after 8 am. Back to I 70 then, through West Virginia (yes we played John Denver as we crossed the border) then on the PA turnpike at New Stanton and home! We arrived on a sunny afternoon around 3pm.

Sunset at Wolfie's - last night on the road

a bit foggy crossing the Monongahela into West Virginia

 sunny return to PA

This was a very enjoyable trip and again, we were able to take in many sights. Travelling lesser used highways can be enriching and less stressful and we would do that again when practical.

we traveled 5800 miles in the RV
we traveled 2000 miles in the Jeep
we visited 2 National Parks
we visited 4 National Monuments
we boondocked at Walmart 3 nights
we stayed at 1 City Park
attended 1 International event - Balloon Fiesta

our travels with a camper/RV

take care - CJ

Oklahoma, Missouri and Route 66

Oklahoma, Missouri and Route 66


We departed the KOA outside Amarillo after a bitter cold and extremely windy night. The winds were in the 25 mph range and the temps were in the 20's! It was so windy, I pulled in the sides that night to reduce the rocking and possible damage to the slide awnings. As we were heading out, Cindy noticed a propane smell outside and now our propane tank was almost empty. We had needed propane for heat the last 3 nights and thought we drained it, but decided to keep a tab on the odor (our fridge runs on propane while travelling). We drove a few hours on I40 East towards the Texas/Oklahoma Border, where we planned on switching over to old Route 66. We got on at Texola, OK and two miles later pulled in at the Tumbleweed Grill and General Store.  Before going inside to order lunch, (grilled onion burgers) we again detected a propane odor. I retrieved a bowl of soapy water and proceeded to test the various connections I could get to. All the joints for the tank,  water heater and fridge tested OK. Could it  be because the tank is low or ? We ate our lunch and looked around at other buildings in the area.

yummy and fun! Tumbleweed Grill

what once was - Rt 66 The Mother Road

Trying to solve the odor puzzle, we continued on. We drove a few miles to a Loves and filled the gas and propane. The smell persisted. Calling ahead we found an RV dealer, McClains in Oklahoma City that coud squeeze us in if we could get there before 5:30. It was 150 miles away and 2:30 pm! Back on I40 and up to the 70 mph speed limit and 2 hours later we were pulling into McClains RV! They were expecting us and quickly pulled Winnie in to the shop. 15 Minutes later, Lance Tate, the Service Advisor came out to me with the scoop. The flexible line feeding the propane stove/oven had cracked (age combined with moving the slide in the extreme cold temps? the night before?) They didn't have the part nor could they cap off the line so we could use the there propane accessories. He advised we keep the propane tank valve closed and only use electric heat and fridge until we got home and got Winnie to the dealer here. Not a big issue, we would be sure to book sites with electric for the remainder of the homeward trip. Lance recommended a Good Sam RV Park only a mile away and after informing us there would be no fee, we were on our way to our home for the night!

Saturday morning we hit the road before 7am. The overnight temps put a hurt on our heat pump to keep up and we fired up the RV, disconnected, stopped at the Valero on the corner and after fueling up were on our way East on I40 heading towards I 44. We traveled past Oklahoma City then hopped off to travel more of RT 66, specifically the town of Chandler. Chandler was well worth the visit - a lot of vintage buildings including a 1920's Phillips 66 cottage gas station and numerous 1920's buildings now housing modern businesses. We visited the coffee shop, Manvel Ave Coffee and had a good latte, a breakfast panini and a street waffle. Yummy! then after discovering we couldn't continue East with the RV due to construction, we returned to I44. Oklahoma has a very different approach to toll roads (44 is one of the) You pay the full amount and get a refund if you exit early? Weird -BTW: EZPass not welcome.

late 1920's gas station. Island for pumps in foreground. lift to the left

downtown Chandler, OK -part of old Rt 66

Manvel Ave Coffee breakfast

Nice Latte to start the day!

We caught a few more miles of Rt 66 before Tulsa and then veered off due East towards Arkansas and our eventual stop for the night in Southwest Missouri - Stagestop Campground, near Neosho. We have now RV'd in 48 out of the 50 state!  Only Hawaii and..... Rhode Island remain. To us that means camped and/or driven through in with a camper or motorhome.

Arriving at Stagestop was a pleasant experience. We had called ahead and the last site (there are only 16) was waiting for us. We pulled in, hooked up the power, ate dinner and ran a few loads of wash in their laundry. The entire campground was spotless, with a nice area for CJ. We would recommend a one night stay, the size and general lack of attractions in the area being taken into consideration.

We had a short driving day planned, mainly consisting of crossing southern Missouri on RT 60. Looking for attractions en route that may be of interest, we decided on stopping in Mansfield, Mo and visiting the  home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder of "Little House on the Prairie" fame. this is where she spent the majority of her adult life and where she wrote her books. An interesting house, almost perfectly preserved as it was turned into a museum within 3 months of her death. There is also the stone cottage she lived in briefly nearby. We were able to navigate in to the parking lot and park  (taking multiple spaces sideways) and the tour last 1 hr. A nice stop and a good way to break up the driving if you are in the area.

Laura Ingalls Wilder House - remarkably intact

well known author lived in Mansfield Missouri many years

Then back out to Rt 60 and our home for the evening, Camelot RV Park in Popular Bluff, MO. Again, this was just for an overnight, and with our dependence on electricity due to our broken propane line, the electric hookups were most welcome. (temps were staying in the lower 20's overnight this entire time). Kind of hilly, the RV leveled up ok, but Jeep was hanging on a rather steep grade. (I made sure Jeep's parking brake was on and the RV wheel chocks secure). While I setup, Cindy walked CJ over to the dog exercise area. (VERY SPECIFIC RULES ON DOGS) and we settled in for the night while watching TV! - American Pickers! We hadn't turned on the TV since leaving Home.

The next morning, clean the windshield, check tire pressures and oil level, disconnect, close up and down the road to Kentucky. Pennyrile State Resort Park, touching base with cousin Casey and a little genealogy research awaited. The drive took 4-5 hours and there really wasn't anything to pull over to see. We motored along, crossing the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers before pulling into PSRP mid afternoon. The road back to PSRP gets smaller and more twisted as you approach the park. At times, with the abrupt drop off on both sides, we were very glad to not meet a lot of on coming traffic. The park is very nice, well maintained and includes a lodge, mini golf course, lake, laundry facilities and other amenities. However, as was our experience with My Old Kentucky Home State Park, they really need to learn how to use a level! We backed in to our site and considered getting a different one. We stayed after checking out several that were available, but similar. We used 4 rows of leveler blocks on the passenger side and it was still not quite level, including the hydraulic leveler system on the RV. It was usable, but the first steep up was over a foot in height!  All in all though, a nice place. Great Showers!!!

take care - CJ

Santa Fe

Santa Fe

After the excitement of Balloon Fiesta, we headed up to Santa Fe and the off grid quiet of Black Canyon Campground in the Santa Fe National Forrest. A small (30+ sites), no water or power campground, Black Canyon is in stark contrast to what we had experienced at Albuquerque. Set in a small, steep walled canyon 7 miles and a thousand feet in elevation above the capital city of New Mexico, Black Canyon is a beautiful spot to spend a few days in nature. Note: BC is immediately next to Hyde Memorial State Park. There are tall pines and cool breezes and the campsites are widely spaced from each other. The entire facility appears to have been refurbished just recently and all the facilities including the vault toilets were in excellent condition. We backed in, leveled up and put the slides out. This was to be our home for almost a week. However an approaching cold front with temps in the teens and 25-30 mph winds would initiate our early departure.

Black Canyon Campground

Winnie at Black Canyon

We went into Santa Fe mid afternoon to shop for groceries (an event that happens every 3-4 days with a small RV fridge). We got some ready assembled meals as well as the basics, then cruised around Santa Fe briefly to check out the architecture. ( very cool, lots of old  buildings in various styles) then climbed back up the canyon to camp by late afternoon. A walk around the campsite with CJ, then dinner and settling in for the night. Heat was going to be needed as you could see your breath when I took CJ for his last walk. That meant running the propane furnace. No problem, however the blower motor will pull quite a few amps and necessitate charging either by solar panels or generator in the morning to maintain a full charge. (solar in BC is sketchy with the large pines). We stayed warm enough, but I felt sorry for the tent dwellers in the morning. Temps were in the low 30's and those outside when I walked CJ at first light were in heavy coats and hats. One camper, having a motorcycle for transportation,  didn't have the option of climbing in the car and turning on the heat for warmth. A campfire would have to suffice.

large selection of second hand boots at Encore

nice walking/bike trail near light rail line

We made breakfast, headed down again to Santa Fe, this time to visit the Library and publish a BLOG entry, then over to a local eater for some southwest cuisine in a dog friendly environment (check Bring Fido). La Choza provided us with a tasty lunch, fine service and CJ would go there again if the opportunity presents itself. It is located near the light rail line and a walking/bike path. After lunch, we headed into old town and the Governors' Palace. There, under a centuries old portico, Pueblo Artisans sell authenticated crafts such as jewelry, baskets and drums. CJ and I , after parking only a short distance away, did a quick look at the various wares, then headed across the street to the park. Cindy did some shopping and decided on a silver ring engraved with Native symbols (bison, sun, arrow and bear). While Cindy was shopping, CJ and I snagged an empty park bench. We were only seated a minute or two when an older couple approached and asked if they could sit there as well. Of course. We got to talking, and the woman asked where I was from. Pennsylvania. Where in Pa? Lancaster County. " I graduated from Lancaster General Hospital School of Nursing"! Again a small world. They live in Texas for the last 60 years! Cindy returned with her purchase, we bid safe travels to our new acquaintances and returned to camp.

Light Rail nicely done in Santa Fe

Turquoise Trail attraction - pretty desolate

Lunch time! - nice place, great food!

After another chilly night, we headed out to travel the Turquoise Trail. An older road, just East of I25, that runs through the area where they mined a lot of turquoise. It's pretty rugged country and the part that we explored was pretty forlorn. My hat is off to those who attempted to make a living there. Upon returning, we were monitoring the weather and decided that we would pack up and get headed East. The forecast was calling for lows in the 20's over night and 25-30 mph winds. I could see no sense sitting in the RV through that. So By dusk, everything was packed up for an early departure.

Native Craftsmen display their wares at Governors'' Mansion - Santa Fe

The next morning, we were closed up and I pulled the wheel chocks while Cindy started the RV. I gave here the go ahead and she move forward off the leveling blocks and as she did, there was a loud scraping noise! In my haste (not a good thing with RVs) I forgot we had put down the rear levelers!) They survived and passed a function test as well as did not show any error codes on the panel. WHEW!

With that situation in hopefully under control, we headed East onto I 25 for our last New Mexico destination - Las Vegas and the small museum there. During the Spanish American Was in 1898, a few of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders had come from that area and the town's museum had a small display of artifacts. We arrived right at the 10 am opening, I entered and got a brief tour (the entire space is only about 600 sq ft)  and returned to the RV. The high winds I mentioned above were coming and due to hit Las Vegas around 11 am. Time to make tracks! We experienced a bit of buffeting, but in a manner of 10-15 miles, we were pulling ahead of them and the rest of the day, until we reached our stop for the night, the KOA in Amarillo,  they were behind us. Once we got there, things changed dramatically!

my favorite President!

Our stay at Black Canyon was enjoyable and Santa Fe is worth a visit. If the weather was a bit more cooperative, we might have taken in a few of the museums. Mid September would be a better time for camping at those higher elevations (over 8000 ft)

take care - CJ

Albuquerque and Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque

After departing Ridgway State Park, we headed over to the Southwest corner of Colorado and then due South on US 491 into New Mexico. This drive takes you through a lot of Navajo reservation. It is a dry, rocky land that while beautiful in its own way, it is hard to imagine trying to make a living there.

At Gallup, NM, we turned East and hopped on I40 and drove until we arrived at our stop for the night - Walmart in Grants, NM. This was situated right off the exit. We always look for these brief stop over locations, Walmart, Cabelas, etc on Allstays to see if they offer overnight stays to RVers.  I went in and checked with the greeter and she said no problem (no big parties!) the store was clean and I picked up a few necessities while in there. Later, when I took CJ for his last walk of the day, around 9:30 PM, there were a dozen RVs in the lot for the night. Glad we got there early to get a good spot!

With no rush the next morning to move on to Albuquerque, we had an extra cup of coffee, cleaned the windshield, checked the oil and departed around 8:30. back on I40 East, pulling off at Love's just West of the city for gas and propane. We had several hours to kill before being able to check in at the KOA for the night, so we headed over to Petroglyphs National Monument. Located at the West edge of the city, a few miles North of the Interstate, this is comprised of several rocky ridges several miles apart. You park, get out and hikes several hundred yds to a mile or so, and along the ay, you can observe hundreds of petroglyphs! Some are quite noticeable and intricate. We had seen numerous petroglyphs in Arizona and Utah last year, but not in these quantities. To get to the various sites, we dropped the Jeep from the RV at the Visitors Center and went from there. returning to the RV, we fired up the generator, started both AC units and made a quick lunch. (the temp in the RV was over 90 when we returned at 12:30).

hundreds of Petroglyphs!

Now we could continue to our campsite for the night, the KOA located just off I40 East of the city. We arrived, checked in, followed our escort to our site, pulled in and connected to water and power. With full hookups, we took showers and later dumped out waste tanks before delivering our cargo to its destination.

When we left PA, we were given 3 cartons of family heirloom china to deliver to Cindy's cousin's sister-in-law in Albuquerque. Now, 6 weeks later, packages delivered. Carolyn and Peter treated us to a tasty dinner in gratitude for our efforts and we spent a pleasant evening chatting and getting acquainted. Of course, we hit them up on what to see and where to go in the area!

After a rainy, thunder filled night, we awoke around 6 am, inhaled breakfast, disconnected, pulled in the slides and headed out. Destination - The Balloon Fiesta!! We had a site in the newly added North RV lot, immediately adjacent to the launch field. A 20 minute drive up I25 and we were exiting and pulling in to await the 8am gate opening. The Fiesta opened the following morning, but with a 6am start, it is best to come in the day before and while we had a site, it is first come first placed! By 8:30 we were parked and setup in our home for the next 4 days. Just a gravel and asphalt lot, no hookups, but 75 yds away is the entrance gate and launch field just beyond that.

after almost a year of waiting - Balloon Fiesta!

Over 500 hot air balloons of various colors and some interesting shapes (including Darth Vader, Yoda, Angry Birds, Penguins and....Smokey the Bear!) are on site for this annual event. What started with 13 balloons in 1972 had grown to a major world event. We found out later (after observing the phenomenon several times) that Albuquerque has a unique air current pattern call the Box. This pattern allows the balloons to move in different directions depending on what altitude that are at. We would see balloons going South only to be coming back North minutes later! Really interesting.

After setting up the RV, we left the area to head into the city for the day (Fiesta not opening until the follow morning at 6 am with Dawn Patrol).  As it was approaching lunchtime, we headed to El Pinto or some local New Mexico food. Peter and Carolyn recommended El Pinto and we were not disappointed. CJ was allowed to join us on the covered patio. We would go there again if in the area.

El Pinto - very nice and not far from Fiesta!

Cindy on patio at El Pinto

After a nice buffet lunch, we headed over to walk it off at the Rio Grande Nature Center. The brief rains had abated and Cindy and I took turns enjoying the 1.5 mile hike over to the Rio Grande  and back. I saw several Road Runners on my hike.

Road Runners - BEEP BEEP

Not having any events back at the Fiesta, we kept sightseeing and drove into the heart of the city. Old Town was next and was very crowded and interesting. Many of the original buildings are now shops and in addition, in the center of the square, a local band was performing. Very nice. We kept going, headed to Knob Hill. An older, more traditional, if quirky neighborhood. Just not used to houses with flat roofs!

Our final stop before returning to camp, was Cabelas. My new hiker boots had ripped out and I had returned them back in August. I received my refund while on the road and this was a convenient time to get my replacements. I had worn the Cabelas brand for years, but now decided to try something different.  I selected  a pair of waterproof Merrills and so far I am very pleased.

Back at the RV, CJ got a long walk, we grilled dinner and settled in for the evening. A big day awaited us!

Saturday morning around 5 am we were awakened by the sound of several helicopters circling the area. Upon opening the front curtains, we looked upon the launch area bathed in the light of numerous generator powered flood lights. The 2019 Balloon Fiesta had started! The first item on the agenda is for a half dozen balloons (Dawn Patrol) to launch and check out the air currents aloft. This helps determine if conditions are suitable for the remaining hundreds of balloons to safely follow suit. We gulped our coffee, dressed warmly, bid CJ a "we'll be back" and headed out to the entrance gate. Passing through security, we purchased our entrance tick for the morning session, got scanned in and headed down to the launch field. On the filed, numerous balloons were inflated and many more in the process of being pulled out of their storage bags and getting ready to be inflated. A sizable crowd of several thousand was eagerly awaiting the "mass ascension" where approx. 500+ balloons launch in a very short amount of time. Many of the balloons were affecting a "glow" (where the gas burners illuminates the balloon like a giant lightning bug). We sat and ate our breakfast burritos (recommend don't get the green chile -too much of a good thing) taking in all this activity. It is a big deal. It seemed like it was a go! The green flag was up, but then to great disappointment, the green flag was down. No mass ascension that morning. We would have to wait until dusk  for more events (the mid day is pretty much quiet all week, even the vendors close their tents. We would spend the afternoon reading and sitting in the shade as the intense traffic this event generates precludes leaving the area.

Dawn Patrol - Glow

Around 6 pm we again made our way back to the launch field (again paying the $10 admission) to get ready for the "Twilight Twinkle Glow" As dusk approached, hundreds of inflated balloons began glowing randomly! a fantastic sight that is amazing to behold. Being amongst the balloons as this occurs is a feast for the eyes. You have to be there. (I was interviewed by the local NBC affiliate just before the glow began!)

Twilight Glow - go on line and look at videos!!

The glow lasted until full darkness set in and then in a matter of a few minutes, the balloons were deflated and packed away. We returned to the RV and prepared CJ for the fireworks launch that was about to begin immediately behind our camp area!! CJ made it through with the help of a doggie downer and his "happy hoodie". It was very loud, but only lasted about 15 minutes.

Sunday morning started the same way, but this time, the  "mass ascension" was a go!!!! We were down on the field and right in the midst of it!  Over 500 balloons, some larger than a small house, inflating and launching into the Albuquerque Box! Fantastic and we are told that this is the only place where spectators are allowed on the field. A bucket list item to be sure. It is hard to imagine the impact on your senses both visual and audio with hundreds of gas burners inflating these colorful air bags. Up they rise, into the box and so they travel back and forth rising and descending to catch the various currents. As things would down, we made our way back to the RV and CJ. Reading, surfing the net and relaxing consumed most of the day. I did wander back to the filed around mid day to view the car show. Small, but nice. Some interesting vehicles of note - 1968 GTO Hardtop (my first car), a very nice 1971 Dodge Challenger with a 426 Hemi, several nice late 1950's Chevy Pickups and a nicely restored 1965 Corvair Convertible.

takes a while to unpack and inflate!

Mass Ascension!

always a favorite

many character balloons as well

As dusk approached, we again walked back to the filed for another "glow". This time we went to a different area of the field to be among different balloons. Again a very exciting event. Then back to the RV to get CJ ready for another round of Fireworks (weekends only) CJ endured the booms as well as can be expected and we then settled in for the night.

Monday morning we again awoke around 5 am to helicopters overhead but we had a different plan for  the day. We opened the curtains and enjoyed the Dawn Patrol and launch from the comfort of our front seats! Eating breakfast and drinking coffee while the sky in front of us filled with the balloons. Way cool. Cindy was following the Fiesta   on her iPhone app, so we knew it was a green flag. The remainder of the day was spent relaxing, getting the RV ready to once again hit the road and of course, walking CJ. There were no Fiesta events scheduled for Monday night. However, due to the weather conditions from the weekend, the American Challenge Gas Balloon competition was on for Monday around 8 pm.


After supper, we walked over to the edge of the field to view the Gas Balloons, No colorful (mostly white) these balloons are filled with lighter than air gas - hydrogen or helium. There take off at set times and attempt to see who can get the greatest distance before having to touch down. This is a big deal, originating years ago in France. We set an alarm for later to make sure we were outside and watched when liftoff was scheduled. We watched from outside our RV and the first one left around 8:20, followed every few minutes by another gas balloon. Cindy had an app for this as well. By Wednesday morning, they were 1800 kilometers away heading towards the Great Lakes and Canada!

Tuesday morning, our last in Albuquerque and Fiesta, started the same. The Dawn Patrol, then a general launch with hundreds of balloons moving back and forth. However, as we sat and watched, some began coming down right around our RV! Within 50 yds behind us, several came down. Our neighbor ran out to assist and I got in gear and followed suit. Afterwards, the pilot, Gerry Graft, informed me that the nylon bag weighs 350 lbs and the basket with propane tanks, etc is another 300 lbs. A very interesting close to a very enjoyable and exciting experience.

morning view from our RV

some of these came down right behind us!

We finished closing up the RV, hooked up the Jeep and minutes later we were heading out and getting on I 25 North towards our next destination - Santa Fe!


if you are interested in the Balloon Fiesta, make your arrangements early and try to attend over one of the two weekends. It is a big, big deal and RV spaces sellout quickly.

take care - CJ

Ridgway, Colorado

Ridgway State Park - Ridgway Co

Leaving Mueller State Park we turned West on US 24, heading for US 50 and Montrose. Our route would take us through ranch country and up into the Rockies, eventually crossing over at 11000 ft at Monarch Pass. Winnie did the job , cresting at close to 40 mph! As this was a more direct climb as opposed to the severe switch backs we experienced last year when traversing Wolf Creek Pass, which we crawled over at 20 mph. We passed through Gunnison (where we went to a Rodeo last year) and an hour later arrived at Montrose. Here we swung South onto US 550,(rated as one of the most dangerous road in America, but more on that later) and a half an hour later we arrived at Ridgway State Park. We had stayed here last year on our big trip, but at the campground next to the river. This time, we had reserved a site up on the hill in Elk Ridge Campground. Our site, D87 would afford us a view of the lake and the San Juan Mountains! Ridgway SP is very nice and once again, Colorado has done a nice job in layout and maintenance.  Water is shared so you fill your tank then get to your site and power is 30 amp. This meets our basic needs. There is a very nice bathhouse and laundry facility located in the center of the campground. A coin changer is available for the showers and laundry.

after a long drive it's good to relax

downtown Ridgway - Park on immediate left

 Our first day in camp, we checked out additional sites, as we wanted to extend our stay and we decided on 137 in E Loop (more on that later). After setting up and leveling the rig, CJ got his first of many walks around the loop. Then we hopped in the Jeep and proceeded down into town to look around and do some grocery shopping. Ridgway is a quaint small town, widely know as the location used in many scenes for "True Grit" the 1969 John Wayne classic. Last time here, we did the town tour, this time, we planned on driving to the shootout meadow and farm locations. But, for now, we were very much content to just sit and look out on the mountains while reading.

The next morning, CJ and I took the  scenic loop hike and combined it with the Wapiti Trail hike.This took us down to the Ranger Station, where Cindy and Jeep were waiting. The ranger printed off the vehicle passes (one for each day) and we took a look around at the various taxidermy exhibits. Then back up to camp and more chillin'. We have modified our itinerary, removing a 500 mile swing into NE Arizona. In doing so, we had a full week to just hang here. This is a beautiful place and we plan of taking advantage of the surroundings.

BLOGGING takes time!

Monday was set aside to visit the Library to update and post the BLOG and that worked well. It took most of the afternoon as the process of retrieving the pictures and formatting them is a bit clumsy (at least for me).

With that completed, we were ready to begin exploring more of the area. Our last neighbors at RMNP told us to be sure to checkout Last Dollar Road. This 20 mile dirt road is SW of town on Rt 62 and takes you up through large stands of old growth Aspen and Pine and past the Farm used in the opening and closing scenes of "True Grit". The drive does require some ground clearence, and sturdy tires, and Jeep was in 4X4 to mitigate the washboard road surface. The Aspen were coming out nicely, and have and almost golden glow to them. Cindy took dozens of pictures, it will be difficult to weed them out! After driving back in several miles we came to the farm!

beginning of Last Dollar Rd, split rail fence goes for a long, long ways

Classic, typical Ranch Enterance

True Grit opening scene was shot here!

yes, we watched it while in Ridgway (you have to!)

Moving on, the road becomes narrower, steeper and rougher. Eventually you crest and begin a long steep descent towards Telluride. A great drive, giving Jeep a bit of a work out and us some unforgettable scenery.

no lack of vistas!

many large stands of Aspen on Last Dollar Rd

road does get a bit narrow at spots

Golden Aspen

twenty miles of views like this!

Grabbing a couple of slices of pizza at the Conoco station, we headed back to camp, an hours drive. Along the way, we pulled over and dropped the top on the Jeep. A great way to travel CO 145, through the canyon to SawPit and Placierville. Then up over the mountain and back to Ridgway and camp!

CO 145 heading North from Telluride towards Sawpit

The next day was to be a bit more involved. We could see Owl Creek Pass in the distance from our RV windows and the road leading there is well marked as you travel South into Ridgway on 550. Owl Creek Pass is not only a good foiliege route, it is also where the big Aspen lined Meadow is located beneath Chimney Rock. This is the scene of the big shootout near the end of "True Grit" (also the one campsite scene along the stream). The road starts off as a fairly civilized gravel road and remains that way for 2-3 miles. You pass several ranches and some upscale homes and then you start to climb. the road becomes more rutted, washboard like and narrower. The Jeep gets put in 4x4 to reduce the bouncing and on we climb. the landscape changes from brush to pine and Aspen and the grade becomes sharper (so do some of the turns). Large groves of Aspen are becoming golden yellow and the views become more impresive. After a little over 13 miles back in, we are over 9000 ft and there is the Meadow! For those who have seen the movie, it is instantly recognizable.

setting for shootout in True Grit

Duke camped here in True Grit

 We park get out and chat with some of the other folks checking it out. They point out the stream where the campsite is in the movie. We take some pictures and back in the Jeep to climb the last several hundred feet to Owl Creek Pass! over 10000 ft above sea level. We could take this another 20 miles or so over to Cimarron, but we have other plans for the day. The view here are well worth the drive and the road is not quite as severe as Last Dollar Road.

heading up US 550 towards Silverton -Aspen beginning to turn

US 550 between Ouray and Silverton

We descend into the valley and swing South when reaching US 550. The Million Dollar Highway. Considered one of the most dangerous roads in America. Passing through Ouray, we start our twisting climb, hanging on a shelf with a serious drop off for several miles as we climb towards Red Mountain. The aspen are numerous and probably about 30% at this time. The clear skies and light cloud cover add to the desire to capture as many images of the area as prudent. (thank goodness for digital photography!)  The Destination is Silverton, a late 1800's mining town, sitting at over 9000 ft and terminus of the Durango and Silverton Railroad. The D&S is a world famous steam train ride 40 miles up through the San Juan Mountains. There was one train sitting and puffing as we arrived, and another arrived within  minutes after we parked the Jeep. These 100 yr old locomotives each pull their vintage cars one round trip daily, allowing a 2 hr layover in Silverton so passengers can explore the town and get a bite to eat. We had visited here last year and returned to the same dog friendly pub - Bent Elbow. Cindy and I split a delicious burger and CJ had the fried egg (it was part of the burger). Then over to watch a third train arrive and a walk around Silverton. A one point , Silverton was a pretty rowdy mining town, with Brothels and Saloons making up a large part of the town. Today, it is a tourist destination, with many high end shops and eateries. ATV rentals are also to be had here as well, allowing visitors to explore the back country. CJ got some attention from the staff at Bent Elbow and several customers!

great Burger and Dog friendly - Bent Elbow!

right out of the Old West!

After our lunch and walk about, we climbed in the Jeep for the 45 minute return trip to camp. Many more photos ops presented themselves as we traveled to Ouray.

near Red Mountain on US 550

We have had several days to just relax and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather. Temps in the low to mid 70's and sunny are the norm ( Ridgway averages 243 sunny days annually). Several days we did not leave the State Park. Other days we go to the Library, check out shops in town ( the Café Ridgway a la mode has excellent ice cream!! I had the Bourbon Butterscotch twice - fantastic)

flecks of gold (aspen) heading to Camp Bird

One morning, after checking out on the web for things to go see, we decided on driving back the raod from Ouray to Camp Bird. Leaving US 550 just after the first switchback heading South, we entered the gravel road , pulled the Jeep into 4x4 and headed back the canyon, past Box Canyon Falls, towards Camp Bird - a former mining town. As with other trails, the going got rougher, the road steeper and narrower, but the scenery it afforded was beautiful. The total road is listed at about 6 miles. At 3.4 miles, we came upon the deal breaker. The road turned into a one lane wide, rock shelf with a blind turn! We've done some of these in the Moab on one way trails, but this is a two way trail!  I wasn't comfortable in going any farther. So..... backing the Jeep about 100 yds down the trail until there was a place to turn around was performed and we had a leisurly exit to Ouray and home!

80 acre Dennis Weaver Park - very nice!

2800 lb bronze eagle at center of DWP Medicine Wheel

Cindy tries out xylophone at Dennis Weaver Park

old RR bridge halfway between Dennis Weaver Park and town

One of the more well known residents of Ridgway was the actor Dennis Weaver - "McCloud" on TV or Chester on "Gunsmoke" for us even older folks. He lived in Ridgway for many years, right up to his death. The family dedicated a nature park next to 550 at the Northern approach to town along the Umcompahgre River. It offers several trails and a nice nature park, Dennis Weaver Memorial Park. Cindy and I place our stones at the Medicine Wheel and then CJ and I hikes the trail 1.5 miles into town. The trail takes you through a marsh and across an old RR bridge and brings you out at the town park right at the Library.

CJ has been getting 3-4 walks around the  camp ground loop daily, and Cindy and I have been consuming books while stopping to look at the San Juan Mountains from our campsite. A great way to enjoy the area.

As our stay at Ridgway State Park was coming to a close, we decided we would venture up to Montrose to was Jeep, buy some supplies at a larger grocery store and visit the Ute Museum. Located at the South end of Montrose on US 550, the Museum is first class and does a nice job of telling the story of the Ute, who inhabited the mountainous Rockies for thousands of years. There are artifacts, videos, a gift shop and examples of artwork displayed throughout the museum I would encourage everyone to taka an hour and a half to stop buy. The admission was heavily discounted by our AAA membership and Senior status. $7 got both of us in!

Ute Museum from Parking lot just of US 550

some of the many artifacts inside Ute Museum

decorated hide in Ute Museum

Cindy checks out a Tee Pee

We returned to this area because we enjoyed it so much last year and having seen the amount of Aspen that covers the mountain sides, we wanted to experience it in the Fall. We, Fall has now gotten here! We returned to Last Dollar Road a week after our initial visit, and it was magnificent. large patches of golden Aspen, some appearing as if they were electrically illuminated. If you get the chance, we highly recommend at late September, early October visit to the Rockies.

San Juan Mountains as seen from Ridgway State Park

As we packed up Wednesday morning, a fellow camper told us that they come the same week every year and that one year, there were 6 inches of snow at the campground! be prepared, the Rockies are well known for their unpredictable weather. After emptying our tanks and adding potable water, we exited our home for the last 12 days and headed South on CO 62 to Telluride and 145 to Cortez. At Cortez (only 5 miles or so from Mesa Verde NP) we swung Westward to eventually go due South on US491. The Journey from RSP to Delores, Co, was breathtaking. Some of the most vibrant and prolific yellows and occassional rusts and reds met us along the way! We took 140 pictures (no we won't bore you with all of them) but the beauty just continues mile after mile. And...mixed in with the Spruce and Pine, just wonderous to behold!

CO 145 South of Telluride

 tale care - CJ