Colorado here we come!

Here's photo proof we finally made it to Colorado. We no longer have an empty spot in the middle of our states visited map.

Before we left Cheyenne, we went to Target and Safeway to pick up a few things as we didn't know how far out of town we would be at our next stop. When we left the RV park, it was warm, sunny, and no wind. By the time we got back, the wind was blowing significantly and the temperature had dropped. We got our groceries put away, slides pulled in, hooked up, and we were off. Surprisingly, a short ways in to Colorado and the wind died down so that helped the fuel mileage as we weren't driving into a headwind.

Here is a shot of a metal cutout of a lone bison looking down from the hill. We thought it was a nice sight.

Ah, a view of the Rocky Mountains from Interstate 25 - I can feel a John Denver song starting in my head right now.

We pulled into Riverview RV Park with Rick and Y pulling in behind us about five minutes later. We were given side-by-side sites where our front doors look at each other. It is like we have a private courtyard between us. We are about 8 miles from every convenience you could ask for so we didn't need to do any shopping yesterday. After getting set-up, we all were starving so we drove into Loveland to get a bite to eat and ended up at Cracker Barrel.

Upon our return to our rigs, I was able to get some laundry done in between visiting. John and Rick talked generally about what we wanted to see but we really need to get some tourist information; that will be on the agenda for tomorrow. Late afternoon, the wind really started to blow and we had some really strong wind gusts. It was the kind of strong wind that usually brings a heavy downpour of rain but we only got a few sprinkles. The temperature is suppose to drop 20 plus degrees tomorrow and then return to nice weather on Friday. Looking forward to seeing Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Cheyenne, WY

Rick and Y were out and about doing some mega shopping so we went on line to see what was in Cheyenne to see. About then my sister called. She had seen a story on the Buffalo Round-Up on the news and wanted to know if we had attended or where we were. When I told her we were in Cheyenne, she got excited and asked that I look to see if there was still the Hitching Post Motel in town. Back in the late 50's, my dad worked on missile projects and we spent about four months in this motel before moving on - my mom, two sisters, myself, and a cat. The motel had raised rocking horses that I loved being put on. I already knew that the Hitching Post was still around because there was an ad on the map handed out by the Terry Bison Ranch. I told her I would go check it out and here is a picture of their sign. No resemblance to the pictures I remember seeing of the motel. Sadly, the motel appeared to be recently closed down.

Custer has their Custer Stampede Auction to coincide with the Buffalo Round-up where they auction off painted/decorated large fiberglass molded Bison, table top size Bison, and other related artwork. Apparently, Cheyenne does something similar but with 8 foot boots. that are painted by local artists depicting Wyoming and Cheyenne's history. There are eight of them located throughout the town. We saw two but was only able to get a picture of one. Kind of cool I thought.

When headed out to go to Sierra Trading Post's outlet store, we drove past this large array of satellites. It sparked our curiosity because there was no identification as to what or to whom they belonged. After going online, I learned they are "the heart of EchoStar's Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) ... array of highly technical, state-of-the-art satellite communications." This was just some of them as their were a bunch more near a large building complex.

After cruising the town a while, we lost interest and headed for home. After dinner, we went over to Rick and Y's and played cards until we called it a night.

On the road to Cheyenne, WY

We were on the road around 9:30 after saying our goodbyes to Travis and Cindy who left a little before 8 a.m., Steve and Michelle who were leaving the same time as we were, Helen who will be spending the winter at the campground, and Paul and Sandy who came down to say goodbye as Paul had to work at the car rental store today. Isn't this lifestyle wonderful when you get to be touched by such nice people.

After sitting stationary for five months, you double check yourself on all the items that need to be done before you pull out on the road. I think both of us had some jitters but they soon disappeared and we were excited to be back on the road.

We had to deal with road construction, bumpy and wavy roads, and a strong headwind once we got on Interstate 25 heading south. Nothing like a strong headwind to cause you to suck fuel! We saw a lot of Pronghorn sometimes in groups of 20 or more.

As we approached this outcropping, we both commented that from a distance it looked like a small Devils Tower. Once we got closer, it was apparent that there was no resemblance whatsoever.

We thought this offered an interesting scene.

We got pulled into the Terry Bison Ranch ahead of Rick and Y around 4 p.m. This RV park/Guest Ranch sits about seven miles south of Cheyenne. The southern border of the park sits on the Colorado border. Rick and Y pulled in a while later and where in the process of getting set up when John took this picture of our two rigs side-by-side. For everyone who thinks we have a big truck, check our Rick and Y's - their truck makes our look not so big!

After visiting for a while, we got in their Jeep and headed to dinner. We had lots of good conversation. When we returned to our rigs, we went over to Rick and Y's and played a game of Shanghai (Rick won) and packed off to bed a little after midnight. A nice start to getting "On the road again".

Final work day at Fort Welikit

We worked our final work shifts here at Fort Welikit Family Campground were rather uneventful. John cleaned fire pits and stood up picnic tables on the loops that are being shut down first, pumped propane, and other odd jobs. The campground has only 19 paying customers most of whom will be leaving tomorrow or on Tuesday so not much going on there. I did collect fees from someone who came in last night after the office closed and collected fees for propane sold - not a particularly busy day as you can tell, which allowed me to get the blog caught up!

It is exciting knowing that we will be back out on the road seeing new sights but in no way do these feelings detract from the wonderful summer we have had working at Fort Welikit. We met so many nice people (co-workkampers and guests), the weather was perfect for us (mostly), and the campground owners (Paul and Sandy) were super to work for. Our first workkamper experience was wonderful. So much so that when Paul offered us the same work schedules and site, how could we refuse, so we will be returning to the beautiful Black Hills and Fort Welikit next May for another fun-filled camping season. I know we said we wouldn't return to the same place twice . . . what can I say, we love the area and the jobs were great. So for those of you who wanted to visit the area while we were here and didn't, you will get a second chance next year.

Preparing to leave Custer, SD

On Thursday, we spoke with Rick and Y via Skype to coordinate our meeting up near Cheyenne, WY. We told them that we were leaving on Monday instead of Tuesday so we will be meeting up with them a day earlier than originally planned.

Earlier in the day, we took the kayaks off the truck so that we could put the cockpit covers on and then positioned them on the truck in their traveling location. Another step done in preparation of leaving.

John worked on Friday so that we could go to the Arts Festival at Custer State Park on Saturday. Most likely we won't go to the Arts Festival but one never knows.

On Saturday, we picked up all outside items, took down the king pin stabilizer and the rear stabilizer, and happily found that we still have room in the basement and bed of the truck after being stationary for almost five months. Once we finished picking up everything outside we could for now, we went over to see Larry and Geri Gustafson (Broken Arrow Campground) to say goodbye. They will be closing up the campground on October 5. After a visit north to Minnesota, they too will be on a southern heading. We were shown their toy hauler which is nice and cozy. Besides their quads, Geri is wanting to take their kayaks so she was interested in our setup. Larry and Geri work so hard during the campground season that it is really nice seeing that they are able to get away and enjoy some play time. We are hoping to have our paths cross when each of us are in Arizona after the first of the year.

Once back at the rig, we washed the truck. One can't travel with dirty vehicles, you know. I know, I know, after one days worth of travel, we are going to have bugs splat everywhere but we must start out clean. The fifth wheel roof got swept off and the sides dusted. We are practically ready to go but first we both have to work our final shift on Sunday. Soon, we will be "On the road again" - yee haw!

Spearfish Canyon

We had been hearing on the news about how Spearfish Canyon was near its peak of color and decided to take the drive as the canyon is very scenic. Must admit that we were a little disappointed as we expected far more dramatic contrast than what we saw. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

An interesting item to the day was that we had just gotten off the freeway after leaving Spearfish, when we were pulled over by a South Dakota Highway Patrol officer. What did we do???? It seems that John broke a SD law we were not aware of "at that time". The officer was very cordial and let John off with a warning. First time experience for me and John said it had been more than 30 years for him since he was pulled over. The rest of the evening was uneventful . . . thank goodness LOL.

Fall is certainly here in Custer

First day of fall and you better believe it! It is gray, overcast, and much cooler. Must be another indicator telling us it is time to hit the road. I am just amazed at the short seasons when compared to our so called seasons in California.

When we got up this morning, the area stray cat was planted at the base of our tree and bird feeder. Sort of reminds us of the milk commercial but suited for cats - Got Birds? I hope if he/she nails one that we don't find any remnants. Actually, the cat is very loved starved and almost jumps circles in trying to get you to pet it which I did very hesitantly at first.

As we didn't want to remain housebound, we decided to take our last drive through Custer State Park's Wildlife Loop. The grass is now mostly brown - took all summer - and the trees are changing color.

We were most interested in what was going on around the Buffalo Corrals as we were still undecided about attending the round-up. After seeing the huge parking areas they made and the fact that the bison had all been herded up somewhat near the corral entrance, we mutually agreed that we really didn't want to attend and would much rather hit the road a day early.

As we came out of the Wildlife Loop, we saw these deer and more at the small pond near Game Lodge Campground.

Just after we saw the deer, we came across the female (ewes) Big Horn Sheep on the lawn just west of the Game Lodge. They weren't at all bothered by our being there. In fact, one of them walked right up to the side of the truck expecting handouts we suspect. I leaned over John to take a look and I looked right into big yellow/brown eyes; very neat. When she realized we weren't going to feed her, she walked away.

While watching, we got some entertainment provided by the ewes. The following pictures are self-explanatory. We felt privileged in getting to watch their antics.

Visiting the Wildlife Loop for the last time and getting to see the Bison, Pronghorn, Deer, and Big Horn Sheep was a nice way to start wrapping up our stay here.

A short play week

As the past weekend was a rainy one, John was kept from working so his work days were Wednesday and Thursday. That certainly limited the amount of playing we could do this week. No matter, we still got in some kayak fishing. A couple of good days and then Friday was a blow-out. John caught two and I caught zip, nada, nothing. Other people on the lake were catching fish while they were jumping around us, John and I just couldn't entice them. John tells me that there are days like that when fishing. I guess I have been spoiled!

With John tied up working during the middle of the week, it was a rather long two days for me. I get a lot of domestic work done. Mine as well make good use of my idle time.

I'm hoping that next week we can get some geocaching done as the GPS is all loaded and ready to go if I can get John interested (he is into fishing right now). We've got to get a couple more finds under our belts before we head out.

Speaking of heading out, we are starting to look forward to moving on. Not sure why other than we know our time here is coming to an end as we are still loving all things in the Black Hills. All along we planned to stay until the 29th of the month so we could attend the Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park. After talking to numerous people, the Roundup is sounding less appealing and not what we envisioned - traffic jams, approximately 12,000 people, unless you get to sit in the grandstands (not many seats) you most likely won't see anything, and you will be stuck there from early in the morning until around noon when the buffalo are totally corralled. This doesn't sound like fun to either of us so we will use Monday the 28th for preparing to move the following day.

As I write the blog, I am watching Paul (owner), Jim (handyman), and John (workkamper) move an old building on a flatbed trailer to the back area where there is tent camping sites (were is a camera when you need it?). The cabin will ultimately be used as a dry cabin for camping. after it has been spruced up a bit. Right now, however, the electrical wires for the park are posing a small problem for them due to some vent or something sticking up on the roof. Well, they took care of the vent problem! John is riding on the toolbox guiding Paul who is driving - thank goodness they are moving slow. They are now out of sight so what I can't see can't bother me.

Well, that pretty much wraps up our lives this past week . . .

Beautiful day and rememberances

After two very wet days over the weekend, we had a beautiful day to enjoy today. John and I took care of some calls we felt needed to be completed and then decided to go fishing. We decided not to go until after lunch as the fish around here are not early risers. Travis and Cindy headed for Sylvan Lake around 10:30. We wished them luck and told them we were going back to Center Lake where we have had better success.

We were on the lake around 1 p.m. John and I tried casting all types of lure but they weren't biting. I decided to change lures and try trolling. Success was had!! I caught eight while John caught four. After the second catch, John asked me what lure I was using - a spinner. Soon he was using a spinner and caught a fish. He kept going back to casting but every time I yelled "I've got another", he would go back to using a spinner and trolling. Today was my most successful day fishing. John said not only did I out do him in quantity but quality as well. Oh, I also removed the hook from one of my catches all by myself. Both of us survived I'm happy to report.

After we got home, we lounged around outside with both of us saying that our arms were feeling the effects of trolling so much. I don't know how many miles I paddled today but I was almost in constant movement for over three hours. Travis and Cindy stopped by on their way home to say that Cindy had caught two and Travis had caught one - a 17 incher. They were happy with their results but think they might be going back to Center Lake soon.

On another note, with the news that actore Patrick Swayze passed away from pancreatic cancer caused me to reflect on my mother's death as she also died from this awful cancer over 10 years ago. I remember my mother's oncologist saying that there was no cure and to hope that she went quickly as it is a very painful way to die. Blessfully, my mom did pass soon after diagnosis. Patrick wasn't so lucky. Rest in peace Patrick as your suffering is over.

Enjoying life and fishing at Center Lake

The week here in Custer was a lovely one. We went out fishing three out of the five days this week. We actually enjoy Center Lake over Sylvan Lake as it isn't so busy with tourists and is a bit larger. Here is a picture of a part of Center Lake aimed toward the small boat dock taken from John's kayak. No big boats allowed on this lake.

Here is a picture of Travis and Cindy fishing near the rock formations. None of us, except for John, had much luck this day.

Here I am doing my best trying to catch a darn fish . . . they weren't too interested in anything I cast to them this day. No matter, I simply enjoy being out on the water with just the sound of my paddle slapping the water - so incredibly peaceful.

When we had loaded up the kayaks, we were standing chatting with Travis and Cindy in the parking lot when we saw this young buck bound down the hillside towards us totally unaware of us standing there. The young buck looked like his legs were on pogo sticks as he literally bounced along. I think we all got a lot of pleasure watching him.

John and I went up to Rapid City on Wednesday were we had to stop at Scheels and Cabela's (of course). Well, the salesman at Cabela's sold John three lures that were supposedly "the bomb " here in the Black Hills. Not according to the fish in Center Lake on Thursday. I did have a funny experience in that I had read about trolling on a lake for trout on the internet so I thought I would give their recommendations a try. Nothing was happening so I paddled over to John to ask him "so, how will I know when I have a fish on the hook?" when I only got the word so out when wham, I had a fish on the hook. I guess now I know how you know - lol. The timing was very funny in my opinion.

The weather on Friday was going to be very windy so we decided it would be a good time to hang around home. I decided to rearrange my kitchen cabinets, got rid of some items that haven't been used in almost two years and then I was off to the bedroom where I got rid of some shoes and clothing. Soon I had a stack of items in the living room ready for donation. My organizing frenzy got to John as he was soon organizing his basement. I guess you can officially say we are starting to get "hitch itch" when we start cleaning and organizing in preparation of getting back out on the road.

Saturday proved to be a wet mess. John got rained out of his Workkamper duties for the day. My hours have been switched to Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. what with the limited staff the campground has now since all the other Workkampers have flown the coop (we sure do miss their smiling faces). As John wasn't working and we had quite a few items taking up space on the loveseat and floor, we decided to drive up to Rapid City to drop the items off at a thrift store. We thought it was raining in Custer but in Rapid City it really poured. After a stop for lunch and some shopping at Target, we headed home where it was considerably drier. John had to use the kayak's bilge pump to get all the rain water collected in the cockpits out. It was quite the sight watching John pump the water out while the kayaks were still on the roof of the truck. We really had accumulated a lot of water in the boats.

Rick and Y gave us a call on Skype. They are about 15 miles from West Yellowstone and are having such a wonderful time that they are planning on staying two weeks instead of one. It was really nice hearing from them. They have become quite the geocachers with something like 70 finds (some international - found in Canada). Glad we introduced them to something they really enjoy doing.

Tomorrow weather's is iffy so John may not be able to work his shift again. We will have to wait and see. The bad thing is that John will have to make up the time during the week (bummer).

Goofing off in the Black Hills

We did a first and went fishing from the kayaks on Wednesday. I've got to say that was a lot of fun. We went with Travis and Cindy (fellow workkampers). We headed for Deerfield Lake but it was way to windy to put the kayaks on the water so we headed back and went to Sylvan Lake. - the wind hadn't been blowing at home when we left. Everyone caught fish except for me (poor me). Travis' catch of the day was a 20 inch rainbow trout; that was one big fish. What I did get was one heck of a sunburn on my knees. My white legs haven't seen the sun in ages and then I subjected them to several hours of sunlight. I had forgotten how miserable sunburns feel. Won't be repeating that experience again any time soon!

On Thursday was our trip up to Rapid City to get some shopping done. It always turns in to an all day affair.

Friday, John and I headed out to Center Lake to try out our new fishing rod holders for the kayaks. They work great. We had a great time on the water (another pretty lake) catching fish. John caught and released 13 while I caught and released 8. I told John that he beat me in quantity but I had him in quality as I caught a 16 inch and 18 inch trout. Most of the trout where in the 10 to 14 inch range. We finally called it a day when we heard thunder rumbling, wind picked up, and the sky darkened. Nothing really came from the threatening skies at the campground.

Upon our return to the campground, we went to the office to share with Cindy and Faye our fishing success. Faye and Marshall had never fished at Center Lake so with the incentive of our leftover worms, they are headed there tomorrow. We hope they have as good a time as we did.

The campground will be 50 percent full what with the Labor Day weekend; the last hurrah for the season. So hard to believe that it is September already. Time sure flies when you are having fun.

Fishing and birthday celebration

The number of campers has really decreased since school started. Paul says that what the campground gets now are newlyweds and nearly deads. From the calls I took over my workshift last weekend, I would have to agree it would appear that way.

John and I went fishing at Sylvan Lake on Monday. The weather was beautiful but we got skunked. I did get to watch a small trout chase my hook in as I was reeling in. Here is a shot from one of our fishing locations.

Today we went to Bismark Lake with Travis and Cindy (fellow workampers). It was the first time that we actually fished from our kayaks. We really enjoyed the experience. It is so peaceful being out on the water with the only sound being the slap of water from your paddle. We watched an Osprey come in land on top of a dead tree stump. He sat there for a couple of hours before he took off. There were ducks on the water as well as turtles sunning themselves on logs. So very peaceful. We caught a lot of Perch and John caught one Rainbow Trout all of which were released back into the water.

Later in the night we headed off to Alpine Inn to join in the birthday celebration for Faye. Here is a picture of the birthday girl. She was moved to tears that we all joined her and Marshall in celebration of her birthday. Her actual birthday is tomorrow but it was celebrated tonight as she has to work in the office tomorrow.

Almost all of the workampers were able to attend except for Jack and Karen who had office duty tonight. They were missed. Here is a shot of all attendees looking towards Faye.

Here is a shot of the other end of the table - 14 of us had a good meal and good conversations.

It will be the last time all of us are together before everyone starts heading out. Jack and Marion leave on Thursday, Faye and Marshall and Terry and Sharon leave on Tuesday after Labor Day, and Jack and Karen leave on Thursday. That pretty much leaves Helen, Travis and Cindy, and John and I. The park will seem very empty when everyone departs. This has been a fun group of people to get to know. It will be sad to see them leave. We wish everyone safe travels and hope our paths cross somewhere down the road.