So, we tried the RV life. Meh, not sure it’s for us.

But we still had a great time on our jaunt to Colorado. Couldn’t be bothered to write a blog every day — I mean, we’re on vacation! — so here are the highlights:

RV Life.

• Driving:  So, this was one of the challenges. The trailer – while at 26′ is relatively small for RV life – was kind of too much for the F150. You need a SERIOUS truck to haul these babies around at normal speed and without all the buffeting that’s making it hard for me to type right now.
• The RV: The RV itself was pretty good, even though it seemed small at times. i think if it was bigger and we had it kitted out the way we want it, things might be different. It was nice to be able to make our own breakfasts and most dinners. And to have our favorite snacks and beverages always ready to go. But we can also do that in a house.
• RV resorts: The places we stayed seemed pretty nice. I mean, we have nothing to compare it too, but still, they were well kept and had everything we needed.
• Setting up: This part is no fun. You finally arrive at your destination and now you have to maneuver the truck and trailer into place, and some of these places are tight fits. Then, you get to level the trailer and get the jacks in place just so. Then you get the lovely task of plugging in the electric, the water and the — shudder — sewer hoses.  And inside, there are all the things you had to tuck away for the drive – now you get to pull them out and set them up. It doesn’t take a ton of time to do all this – maybe 15-20 minutes — but it’s tedious.  And you get to reverse all of it the next morning when you’re ready to leave.  We got used to it, but still — a rented house seems so much easier.
• Meeting people: RV people are generally a nice crew. They’ll rush over to help you back your rig in, and they’re quick with a hello and a wave as you walk by their campsite.
• Wildlife: We saw our share of deer and other assorted small wildlife in the RV resorts. And we got an email one morning that a bear had been spotted in the camp the night before. Reminded me of the last time we did a level of camping at the Yosemite tent cabins, and 7-year-old Alex did his sleepwalking thing and scared me to pieces.

Overall, this is about the most camping I’m willing to do at this point in my life. I was a Boy Scout mom, and I’ve done my share of tent camping. No more. But even though this level of ‘glamping’ was pretty OK, turns out I’m lazy and just want to pull up, haul a suitcase into a house and call it good. Sensing a theme? 😂

 

The Sights.

• Pikes Peak: “America’s Mountain” is well worth the trip to the top. The drive itself is gorgeous — and sometimes a bit scary — and would be even more amazing on a motorcycle. They’re doing a lot of construction on the summit right now so we couldn’t drive to the top; we had to take a shuttle van the last three miles. It was snowing when we got to the top so that was exciting!
• Garden of the Gods: A really beautiful and peaceful place. We took a tour on electric bicycles, which was great to see the main sights and get in a bit of exercise. We came back the next day to take a hike on a couple of the trails. So pretty!
• Florissant Fossil Beds: We had a nice hike on a couple of trails to see the many petrified trees. No fossils to be seen, though. Hmmmm.
• Cripple Creek: We were nearby so popped over to this famous mining town. Had lunch and noticed a coal-fired narrow-gauge train we could ride (the coal made the ride a bit … interesting. Have they heard of the ongoing climate crisis?). Biker is a sucker for a narrow-gauge train. So, off we went. Cute little 45 minute ride with some nice views of the mountains and the mines that make the area famous.
• Manitou Cliff Dwellings: These are a really nice and easily accessible set of cliff dwellings. We’ve done the big ones over in the far southwestern corner of Colorado, but these are really well preserved and bonus — offered another Biker favorite — an audio tour.

 

Traveling During COVID

Traveling right now is definitely different. You wear a mask everywhere you go. Many things are still not open, or are partially open. You’re generally a bit wary of people. And not everyone is as careful — it’s clear why we continue to have skyrocketing case counts.

We were able to go nearly all the places we wanted to go, and most were at least partially open. Although, sadly, another Biker favorite — the movie in a museum or visitor center — is not yet open as a general rule.

Colorado is beautiful, and we had a great time. Next time, though, we’ll rent a house and drive the truck while hauling a motorcycle. More our style.

Finally, for your viewing pleasure, I’m inserting a video Biker took when we came upon two very amorous muskrats in a little pond in a cute park we walked through in Manitou Springs. Background mood music provided by yours truly.