Soooo…last I left you I diverted and went to Great Sand Dunes National Park…I had arrived early enough that I had time for a couple hikes, grilled and was looking forward to some photography the next day… BTW, Rob had to cut his trip short and is heading home...family stuff..but as he said we will hardwire a trip to Yellowstone.
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| (c)Horst Kelly Photographer |
But the Best laid plans….next morning got up and checked the weather report..rain, rain and more rain….of course how often are the weather folks correct. There isn’t too much else to do at the Dunes..Photography, hiking or veggin in the camper….now what..
Maybe a Moose Drool is in order, its 5 o'clock somewhere…decision was made to run from the storm…but which way…West or back East to l-25…I didn’t feel comfortable trying to scale Wolf Creek Pass in a t-storm towing a camper. So Chicken Little decided to retreat and head back East ….a couple hours and I was at Lathrop State Park just west of Walsenburg, Co. It’s a super CG, 3 loops, pull through, electric, etc…..I planned one night which would give me time to regroup….again, and figure out what to do…BTW, did get rain this pm and calling for more on Saturday.
Options are as I saw them to go south then west to Monument Valley, Arches, Slot Canyon, etc and probably forego Tetons, and Yellowstone as the weather window is closing on those places within the next 30 days or so….head north to Cheyenne,WY and then head west to the Tetons…or go Home...which I seriously considered.
Decision was to go to the Tetons and hopefully on to Yellowstone and then head to the Southwest…
Left Lathrop at about 0730…got to l-25 and started heading north…nice ride until Colorado Springs…and from that point until Ft Collins it was bumper to bumper…both directions…Denver was a zoo and its not even noon on Saturday….why the traffic…maybe the area had a sale on marijuana this weekend..
Did see numerous signs that said “don’t be buzzing and driving”…what can I say..
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| (c)Horst Kelly Photographer |
Got to Cheyenne about 130pm, staying at Terry Bison Ranch Resort…what a place, but the price was right with Passport America…not a place I would normally choose, plus I think they now cater to the oil folks as about 70 percent seemed to be in a permanent setup….in addition they have all sorts of entertainment for the kids…BTW, did have a rain shower most of the afternoon..it just keeps following me .
Tomorrow my plan is to get to l-80 north until Rawlins, then take US-287 to Riverton and bed down there… about 270 mile drive and Monday go the rest of the way to the Tetons….have not made any reservations….we’ll see how that plays out…
Was able to take a couple photo’s of the Sand Dunes before the weather set in….Until next time…Happy Trails..Horst sends
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| (c)Horst Kelly Photographer |
As you head back south keep in mind that the Apache Kid Wilderness in New Mexico has free boondocking all over the place and is the least used Wilderness in the USA. I bet there are parts of it that have not had more than a couple of pictures taken of it. It is a favorite wandering area of mine and has been the topic of many of my blog entries. Not too far away is T or C and very very nice Cedar Cove RV Park for under $200 a month with full facilities.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barney...I am trying to figure out how to develop my trip to the Southwest and your input helps a lot...when are you planning on leaving Gavinland and where would you be heading???..Keep in touch and safe Travels....Horst sends
DeleteA Moose Drool, or two, always helps with the decision making. A few years ago, we found most all the cg's in both the Tetons and YS had plenty of vacancies after labor Day. Love the photo's.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that there are cg's that have something open...will know tomorrow...BTW, as I recall you and Wanda stayed at a CG outside the East Entrance of Yellowstone, looked like a super spot...do you remember any specifics..take care...and when do you Guys start you next adventure?..Horst sends
Delete3 mile campground. Three miles from the East gate of YS. There's two or three cg's along that section of the North Fork highway. All NFS. I think I remember one even having electric, but not sure as we didn't stay there.
DeleteAt least you can keep moving! Monument Valley always a good choice. Happy travels. We need to meet up, spending the winter in Texas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to visit the Blog..I'm enjoying catching up on your Journey...Tomorrow the Tetons....can't wait...safe travels...Horst sends
DeleteHorst, great pictures of the Dunes! I just returned home. I did buzz by La Veta and took Scenic Hwy 12 up to Cuchura. Kind of a nostalgia trip for me as a good friend had a cabin between the Spanish Peaks that I often frequented growing up. It is a very special area. Safe travels on the balance of your journey!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by..tried to call you the other day, but I guess we had some dead zones....I arrived at Riverton a little while ago...tomorrow the Tetons...hopefully I will be able to get a camping spot..Sure sorry we weren't able to connect...do you think Flint Hills may be something that could work??..take care and keep in touch ..Horst sends
DeleteThanks on the photo..it was a nice setting I had at the Park...Its been one heck of a ride so far...but I guess that's why they call it an adventure...take care and you two be SAFE...Horst sends
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new listing with Hitchitch.com.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't looked ...thanks Barney..I am honored..Horst sends
DeleteLoved the dune photos, especially the one with the little Casita in the foreground.
ReplyDeleteKeep on wandrin'. :)
Thank you Sharon...its a place very unique..like no other dunes I've been to..and I do enjoy the campground...Hope all is going well with you are Ron!!...Horst sends
DeleteHorst, it seems that I am having trouble posting comments on your blog, I have tried twice but it seems to not go through. Anyway, Good call heading to Yellowstone and the Tetons...they are most awesome!! You can always head back through areas of the southwest on your return when the weather is not as threatening.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels!
I'll check my Blog to see if I can come up with anything...thanks for taking the time and being "persistent"...I never tire of the Tetons and Yellowstone area....hoping for some good weather....take care..hope to see you Two on the road one of these days....Horst sends
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