Log 5 of Albion (and other travels)
This is another collection of selected e-mails during our RV trip through the Rocky Mountain States during the summer of 2000. These were sent via our cell phone hooked up to the computer. Again, these have not been completely edited for sentence structure or grammar, but merely relayed here for the convenience of our friends.
7/12/00 Subject: On the Road Again--Wyoming
We've been traveling now for about a week and a half, but it's time to take a bit of a break and keep in touch. Thought we'd never actually get on our way, but finally did get out of town on July 2nd. We stayed long enough to join some of our cruising friends help some other cruisers, Bub and Faye (Okoke Chak Chak), celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary...and what a great party it was! Made it all the way to Hood River the first day where we met my brother and wife for dinner and a nice catch-up visit. Then it was time to get serious and get some miles under us. We headed east to Idaho and then on to Yellowstone. Many years ago we made the trip from Portland to Yellowstone overnight...we took a little longer this time spending a couple of days in Idaho along the way. Then, three days seeing Yellowstone along with all the other hoards of tourists. Once we left Yellowstone, the pace seemed much more relaxed. We spent several days at an RV resort below Jackson Hole (Thayne). We even had time to dust off the golf clubs and play a round at the park we were staying in.... ugh!! Are we ever rusty... actually we both did manage a few good shots, but never put enough together on any one hole...so our scores will remain our secret. We went for a delightful raft trip on the Snake River. It was just us, a river guide and a family from Holland. The three little girls were so much fun...they didn't speak a word of English, but conveyed their excitement and enjoyment of the trip perfectly. Then we headed further south and east into Wyoming, dodging some thunder and lighting storms and exploring areas along the way like, Fossil Butte National Monument. We enjoyed a full day in the Flaming Gorge area of the Green River. I think we really enjoyed it much more than Yellowstone due to the lack of people and the diversity of the geologic areas. We have followed much of the Oregon Trail (going the wrong way, I guess) and have crossed the Continental
Divide so many times we have lost track. Today, we spent some time seeing South Pass City where most of the pioneers passed through the Rockies on their way to the Oregon country, the California gold fields, or Utah and the great salt lake. We are still in southeastern Wyoming (Rawlins), but plan to head into Colorado probably tomorrow. There is so much there we want to see and then on to Utah and some of the national parks we got snowed out of last spring. Sure hope the gas prices hurry up and drop a little!!! Well, that's what we are up to, would love to hear from all of you to know what's happening with you. Keep in touch!
Molly
7/22/00 Subject: Colorado Springs
We are in Colorado, right now in Colorado Springs. Had planned to spend about four days here, but have already extended our stay to eight and may stay even longer. We really like it here. It is a beautiful country and lots to do and see. We spent a night in Fort Collins and had dinner with friends from Portland who Brent used to work with, then three days in the Denver area seeing Rocky Mt. National Park. We visited with some cruisers we had met in Puerto Vallarta who have an RV park near the park. Also toured the US Mint...no free samples. Couldn't pass up the Molly Brown House and also the Coors Brewery...free samples there! Here in Colorado Springs, we have been to Garden of the Gods, top of Pikes Peak via the COG Railway, Air Force Academy and had a chuck wagon dinner at Flying W Ranch. We may take in the Renaissance Festival today. Still on our list to see is Cripple Creek, some fossil beds, Seven Falls, Will Roger Memorial, Olympic Center, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, etc, etc, etc, also need to find time to kick back and relax. After we leave here, we will spend a while longer in other areas of Colorado, and then move on to Utah. Weather has been warm...although every afternoon there is a thunder and lightning storm. Had a real good one in Denver. Rained like I have never seen it rain in Oregon. We were in a Wal-Mart lot and it quickly became a lake. There were flash flood warnings everywhere. We were quite happy to be snug in the RV and did not venture out into the storm. We have had storms here every day also, but so far nothing like the one in Denver. There are updates on the TV as to where the severe conditions are, and we grab the map to determine what county we are in. We have so far managed the whole trip in Wal-Mart parking lots, or Coast to Coast parks. We are in a real nice C2C camp now just a few minutes north of Colorado. Springs. It's called Colorado Heights Campground Resort and is an undulating forested park with open areas, swimming pool and hot tub, trout pond, miniature golf, and movies every night at the clubhouse. If you're ever in the area make sure you stay here. So far everything's working great. That's about all the news from here. Keep in touch.
Molly
8/3/00 Subject: Still in Colorado--Montrose
Still in Colorado, spent over a week in Colorado Springs. Really liked it there. Lots of things to do and see... and a beautiful area. We are at least back on the west side of the Rockies now, but not yet out of the every afternoon thunder and lightning storms. Little wonder that the whole western US is mostly ablaze. We get very little rain except up in the mountains, but you can count on a good lightning show every day. It's been hot also. Can't remember a day under 90 degrees. Heading south tomorrow as the fire is finally out in Mesa Verde N.P. and it will be reopening. That was one of our must sees this trip. Not sure what we will get to see in Utah as there are lots of fires there also. Played golf today. Argh!!! Perhaps it was the altitude, but I really don't think that was the problem. Looks like there has been some good weather back in Oregon. I'm feeling the need to get back and get to the coast...there's just not a lot of water here. Spent a couple of nights along the Arkansas River at Texas Creek and that was nice. While staying there we went back into Canon City and took a train up the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River. Later we went up to the top of the canyon and Brent took an aerial tram across the Gorge, I walked across the bridge! From here we drove up the backbone of the Rockies through Leadville (Molly Brown's stomping grounds) and down through Vale to Glenwood Springs. We made a day trip up to Aspen from there with the car and had lunch. Next day we drove the RV to Grand Junction where we were going to spend the night, but decided to go on south to Montrose. Another car day trip was up Gunnison River to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison N. P. (just recently named by Clinton). We also made a car trip over the hill to Silverton (an old gold mining town) and really enjoyed it.Guess that should catch your up on us. Keep in touch. Love,
Molly
8/10/00 Subject: Moab, Utah
Finally made it out of Colorado...the "must see" Mesa Verde became a "won't see" at least not this year. The park reopened briefly last Friday. We drove down to the area on Friday...only to notice a big plume of smoke over the park. We drove up to the entrance gate to check it out. The woman there assured us there was nothing to worry about as that fire was outside the park boundary and did not pose a hazard. If anything did happen, she said there would be at least a 24-hour notice to evacuate. She noted there were huge traffic jams as it was the first day they were re-opened and there were no entrance fees. That didn't appeal to us so we opted not to go into the park that day and decided to wait a few days while seeing other things in the area. Fire, it seems, knows no boundaries as that fire did indeed invade the park and they had to evacuate that afternoon. One can only imagine the frustration the firefighters must have had with the roads jammed packed with tourists. We were quite happy not to have been part of the chaos! The park is now closed again until further notice. While there in Durango, however, we decided to take the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge steam train up through the gorge and back. So we got to see Silverton again and a beautiful (albeit sooty) train ride through the San Juan Mountains. We spent the night at an Indian casino RV park and entered Utah the next day with a stop at Four Corners. I got to put my foot on the corner of four states at one time! Utah is much different than we found it last year when it was snowing. We are in Moab right now. This year, it is HOT! We spent a night in Blanding and saw Natural Bridges...no snow this year. We spent the last two days seeing Canyonlands 
N.P....WOW! So far, this is our favorite place. Every bit as impressive as Grand Canyon, but without the hoards of tourists. From here we will go further west to Capitol Reef, Escalante, Bryce and Zion N.P.'s. Sure have appreciated the geology courses we have taken to have just a tad bit of understanding how this all came to be. Guess we are getting ready to hit the road again. Am told I need to practice driving a bit more and learn to hook up the toad! Gotta go!
Molly
9/5/00 Subject: We're back!
We are finally back in Oregon...spent about a month in Colorado and then another month in Utah and Nevada. We are official residents of Nevada now...hopefully to save some $$$$. Saw most of the national parks we wanted to, except Mesa Verde. It was still on fire. It was probably the one we were most looking forward to seeing, but will have to wait for another trip. We really like Colorado and are looking forward to going back again. Next year, though, I think we may go to Alaska while my niece is still there. Brent has a boat delivery this next week from Bodega Bay to Astoria. He is planning to leave on Thursday AM to drive down and leave there maybe Friday evening. Then it should take three to four days to get back.
Molly
This is another collection of selected e-mails during our RV trip through the Rocky Mountain States during the summer of 2000. These were sent via our cell phone hooked up to the computer. Again, these have not been completely edited for sentence structure or grammar, but merely relayed here for the convenience of our friends.
7/12/00 Subject: On the Road Again--WyomingWe've been traveling now for about a week and a half, but it's time to take a bit of a break and keep in touch. Thought we'd never actually get on our way, but finally did get out of town on July 2nd. We stayed long enough to join some of our cruising friends help some other cruisers, Bub and Faye (Okoke Chak Chak), celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary...and what a great party it was! Made it all the way to Hood River the first day where we met my brother and wife for dinner and a nice catch-up visit. Then it was time to get serious and get some miles under us. We headed east to Idaho and then on to Yellowstone. Many years ago we made the trip from Portland to Yellowstone overnight...we took a little longer this time spending a couple of days in Idaho along the way. Then, three days seeing Yellowstone along with all the other hoards of tourists. Once we left Yellowstone, the pace seemed much more relaxed. We spent several days at an RV resort below Jackson Hole (Thayne). We even had time to dust off the golf clubs and play a round at the park we were staying in.... ugh!! Are we ever rusty... actually we both did manage a few good shots, but never put enough together on any one hole...so our scores will remain our secret. We went for a delightful raft trip on the Snake River. It was just us, a river guide and a family from Holland. The three little girls were so much fun...they didn't speak a word of English, but conveyed their excitement and enjoyment of the trip perfectly. Then we headed further south and east into Wyoming, dodging some thunder and lighting storms and exploring areas along the way like, Fossil Butte National Monument. We enjoyed a full day in the Flaming Gorge area of the Green River. I think we really enjoyed it much more than Yellowstone due to the lack of people and the diversity of the geologic areas. We have followed much of the Oregon Trail (going the wrong way, I guess) and have crossed the Continental
Divide so many times we have lost track. Today, we spent some time seeing South Pass City where most of the pioneers passed through the Rockies on their way to the Oregon country, the California gold fields, or Utah and the great salt lake. We are still in southeastern Wyoming (Rawlins), but plan to head into Colorado probably tomorrow. There is so much there we want to see and then on to Utah and some of the national parks we got snowed out of last spring. Sure hope the gas prices hurry up and drop a little!!! Well, that's what we are up to, would love to hear from all of you to know what's happening with you. Keep in touch!Molly
7/22/00 Subject: Colorado Springs
We are in Colorado, right now in Colorado Springs. Had planned to spend about four days here, but have already extended our stay to eight and may stay even longer. We really like it here. It is a beautiful country and lots to do and see. We spent a night in Fort Collins and had dinner with friends from Portland who Brent used to work with, then three days in the Denver area seeing Rocky Mt. National Park. We visited with some cruisers we had met in Puerto Vallarta who have an RV park near the park. Also toured the US Mint...no free samples. Couldn't pass up the Molly Brown House and also the Coors Brewery...free samples there! Here in Colorado Springs, we have been to Garden of the Gods, top of Pikes Peak via the COG Railway, Air Force Academy and had a chuck wagon dinner at Flying W Ranch. We may take in the Renaissance Festival today. Still on our list to see is Cripple Creek, some fossil beds, Seven Falls, Will Roger Memorial, Olympic Center, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, etc, etc, etc, also need to find time to kick back and relax. After we leave here, we will spend a while longer in other areas of Colorado, and then move on to Utah. Weather has been warm...although every afternoon there is a thunder and lightning storm. Had a real good one in Denver. Rained like I have never seen it rain in Oregon. We were in a Wal-Mart lot and it quickly became a lake. There were flash flood warnings everywhere. We were quite happy to be snug in the RV and did not venture out into the storm. We have had storms here every day also, but so far nothing like the one in Denver. There are updates on the TV as to where the severe conditions are, and we grab the map to determine what county we are in. We have so far managed the whole trip in Wal-Mart parking lots, or Coast to Coast parks. We are in a real nice C2C camp now just a few minutes north of Colorado. Springs. It's called Colorado Heights Campground Resort and is an undulating forested park with open areas, swimming pool and hot tub, trout pond, miniature golf, and movies every night at the clubhouse. If you're ever in the area make sure you stay here. So far everything's working great. That's about all the news from here. Keep in touch.
Molly
8/3/00 Subject: Still in Colorado--Montrose
Still in Colorado, spent over a week in Colorado Springs. Really liked it there. Lots of things to do and see... and a beautiful area. We are at least back on the west side of the Rockies now, but not yet out of the every afternoon thunder and lightning storms. Little wonder that the whole western US is mostly ablaze. We get very little rain except up in the mountains, but you can count on a good lightning show every day. It's been hot also. Can't remember a day under 90 degrees. Heading south tomorrow as the fire is finally out in Mesa Verde N.P. and it will be reopening. That was one of our must sees this trip. Not sure what we will get to see in Utah as there are lots of fires there also. Played golf today. Argh!!! Perhaps it was the altitude, but I really don't think that was the problem. Looks like there has been some good weather back in Oregon. I'm feeling the need to get back and get to the coast...there's just not a lot of water here. Spent a couple of nights along the Arkansas River at Texas Creek and that was nice. While staying there we went back into Canon City and took a train up the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River. Later we went up to the top of the canyon and Brent took an aerial tram across the Gorge, I walked across the bridge! From here we drove up the backbone of the Rockies through Leadville (Molly Brown's stomping grounds) and down through Vale to Glenwood Springs. We made a day trip up to Aspen from there with the car and had lunch. Next day we drove the RV to Grand Junction where we were going to spend the night, but decided to go on south to Montrose. Another car day trip was up Gunnison River to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison N. P. (just recently named by Clinton). We also made a car trip over the hill to Silverton (an old gold mining town) and really enjoyed it.Guess that should catch your up on us. Keep in touch. Love,Molly
8/10/00 Subject: Moab, Utah
Finally made it out of Colorado...the "must see" Mesa Verde became a "won't see" at least not this year. The park reopened briefly last Friday. We drove down to the area on Friday...only to notice a big plume of smoke over the park. We drove up to the entrance gate to check it out. The woman there assured us there was nothing to worry about as that fire was outside the park boundary and did not pose a hazard. If anything did happen, she said there would be at least a 24-hour notice to evacuate. She noted there were huge traffic jams as it was the first day they were re-opened and there were no entrance fees. That didn't appeal to us so we opted not to go into the park that day and decided to wait a few days while seeing other things in the area. Fire, it seems, knows no boundaries as that fire did indeed invade the park and they had to evacuate that afternoon. One can only imagine the frustration the firefighters must have had with the roads jammed packed with tourists. We were quite happy not to have been part of the chaos! The park is now closed again until further notice. While there in Durango, however, we decided to take the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge steam train up through the gorge and back. So we got to see Silverton again and a beautiful (albeit sooty) train ride through the San Juan Mountains. We spent the night at an Indian casino RV park and entered Utah the next day with a stop at Four Corners. I got to put my foot on the corner of four states at one time! Utah is much different than we found it last year when it was snowing. We are in Moab right now. This year, it is HOT! We spent a night in Blanding and saw Natural Bridges...no snow this year. We spent the last two days seeing Canyonlands 
N.P....WOW! So far, this is our favorite place. Every bit as impressive as Grand Canyon, but without the hoards of tourists. From here we will go further west to Capitol Reef, Escalante, Bryce and Zion N.P.'s. Sure have appreciated the geology courses we have taken to have just a tad bit of understanding how this all came to be. Guess we are getting ready to hit the road again. Am told I need to practice driving a bit more and learn to hook up the toad! Gotta go!Molly
9/5/00 Subject: We're back!
We are finally back in Oregon...spent about a month in Colorado and then another month in Utah and Nevada. We are official residents of Nevada now...hopefully to save some $$$$. Saw most of the national parks we wanted to, except Mesa Verde. It was still on fire. It was probably the one we were most looking forward to seeing, but will have to wait for another trip. We really like Colorado and are looking forward to going back again. Next year, though, I think we may go to Alaska while my niece is still there. Brent has a boat delivery this next week from Bodega Bay to Astoria. He is planning to leave on Thursday AM to drive down and leave there maybe Friday evening. Then it should take three to four days to get back.
Molly
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