West is best!

****We are changing the format of our blog. Since we have been staying in places for more days at a time, blogging day to day hasn’t been working out****

Boulder, CO May 9-13

After a day spent inside the camper avoiding the hail, we left Taos, NM. I didn’t think the desert was cold either but it sure was. We went straight to Boulder, CO to visit Ryan’s brother Corey and his girlfriend Dee. It was raining there, too… weird.

One morning, we headed out to walk the dog which turned into close to a 10 mile hike. Not really sure how that happened...? We hiked to the top of Bear Peak at around 8000 feet of elevation; something we are not used to. It was super steep and rocky, but so worth it. The view was endless since it was a bluebird day. We met Nick, from CT, at the summit. He was also road tripping. He pointed over to Boulder Peak, and asked if we were going to hike that one also. It was slightly taller than Bear Peak, and had been part of a forest fire in 2012. Sure... why not? It was a neat peak  - we had a nice distant view of a monstrous train cruising around weaving in and out of the mountains. 

Bear Peak

Boulder Peak - ONLY YOU can prevent wildfires!

Had to, had to, had to buy some bicycles today - and what better than a pair of Marins that we had ridden in Moab a few years back (and unridden since then)? This will prove to be a totally worthy investment for the trip - Thanks Randy!  

Matching Marins - how cute.

Did you know that you can quite easily exercise a psychopathic Weimaraner with an RC car that goes 30+ mph?  Well, you can.  And it’s a lot easier than going for a hike.

Visited an old friend while in Boulder, Taylor and her two handsome little boys.  Enjoyed some watermelon and 12 years of catching up on the front porch of a home in Boulder that I spent part of a summer at, many many years ago.  It’s always interesting to see old friends adulting (made up word) after so many years.  Emily and I are totally adulting, too! (you know - no jobs, no home, and driving around aimlessly!)

Eagle, CO May 14-16

So my flip flop fell inside a port-o-potty. Yes, inside! If you know me, obviously I left it there. If you really know me, you know I’m lying. Yup, I fished it out. I know, that’s disgusting. I was opening the lid with my foot because I didn't want to touch it due to germs. When I went to out my foot down, I hit it on the seat and the port-a-potty stole it! Fortunately the potty had just been cleaned, only a couple uses and my flip flop landed right side up. I know, that’s still disgusting but they are my only pair. 

Flip-Flopped right into the poo.

Corey’s buddy Dave, an experienced river dude (formal title), outfitted us on a big paddle raft for a bit of the Colorado River experience today. Pretty cool scene, and a riot to run some rapids. Nothing huge, but absolutely a good intro. Corey snapped a paddle with his brute strength as we were “threading the needle” in a narrow section of rapids.  A couple of necessary beer…I mean rest stops along the way, and plenty of sights to see.  

Big Dah - river dude.

brute strength.

Tested out the mountain bikes for the first time. With Dee, we hit up Bone Yard, a grueling 9 mile trail. Quite steep in some sections but ended on a sweet, much needed downhill. No one fell!  And I (Ryan) hucked my meat off some sweet jumps. Like being a kid again.

eye twins

Fruita, CO May 17-18

Before the cold set in, Fruita was beautiful! Free camping in public lands.

The cold found us again. Got down to 37 degrees with mixed precipitation. We may have watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy…..in one day…..the extended versions. I think that makes up for the 33 days of no TV. 

Yes, it snows in the desert.

The weather cleared enough for a bike ride. When they call it mountain biking, they really mean it! Is there such thing as off-road biking? As steep and tough as the trail was, the view was sweet and the exercise was great. Fruita turned out to be a really cool place, totally devoted to mountain biking. I think we’ll go back someday. We were anxious to get to Moab, UT before the weekend rush.

Emily shredding the North Fruita Desert

Moab, UT May 19-23

Moab is comforting. It’s the first place we have stopped at on our trip that is somewhat familiar. We came here a few years ago for some outdoor adventure. It sure is a popular place. If you like hiking, mountain biking, dirt biking, 4 wheeling, side-by-siding and jeeping then you need to visit Moab…. I mean, no, don’t come here. The place sucks. Absolutely horrible. Stay away. 

They also have zip lining, river activities and lets not forget Arches National Park! I don’t think we’ll make it to the park this trip. Been there; done that, but highly recommended…. I mean, uh…. stay away from Moab. Miserable. Did I mention there are big pits full of spent Uranium? (there actually are).  Stay away.

We hiked Coop out to Morning Glory Arch via the Negro Bill Canyon Trail (Google Negro Bill so I don’t have to explain myself). A quick 4.5 mile out n’ back along a stream. The trail was loaded with people but has great scenery and an arch at the end where people can rappel from. 

Negro Bill Canyon

Don't come here. So much Uranium.

Morning Glory Arch

Ryan managed to lose the camper keys for a couple hours. We were locked out of the camper and the cap of the truck, so pretty much everything. We had driven out to a mesa to hike Cooper and when we got back, the keys were no where to be found. We searched the truck multiple times, no keys. Ryan rode his bicycle down to where we parked for our walk, no keys. Finally he remembered putting the keys on the bumper of the truck and lo and behold….there they were. Stuck between the the bumper and the tailgate. We were lucky.

not a recommended key storage location

edge of the world

Today is Tuesday. We have been on the road for 39 days. I think we’ve gone from feeling like we have to move from place to place quickly to feeling like we never want to leave a place once we get there. I think we’ve adjusted to our “camping” lifestyle although some luxuries are missed such as clean laundry and showers that you don’t have to shut the water off to when lathering. There is something to say about simple living.

LaSal Mountains from Castle Valley

Possibly Arsenic water.

the calm before the storm

and after the storm... and Chappy's tent fail

most vivid rainbow ever.
instagram @dicksonsdoamerica for more

***

I (Ryan) went out on a ride with Corey and Brappy Chappy (actual birth name) yesterday (Monday?) on a renowned trail, Porcupine Rim.  Epic, epic, epic. Emily shuttled us way up into the LaSal Mountains, as we had left Corey’s BroMaster at the finish line.  I put my Marin through a major test, and it passed with probably a B+ average.  We’re talking about 30 miles with the add-on sections, most of which was technical single-track, with ledge drops after ledge drops. It felt as though my bike and body may explode at every ledgy section, but I managed to stay on the bike for most of the ride, with only two minor (nearly kissing a nice large rock, and hugging a Juniper tree) spills.  If you fall in some spots on this ride, prepare for a 200 foot fall and being vacuumed up with a shop vac.  Fortunately, I did not experience this quick-death scenario, as you probably know, because I’m typing this. Great, great day. Still rattled to the bone. Ready for more.

But Moab sucks, don’t come here. Ever.

LaSal Loop Road, the beginning of our Porcupine Rim ride.

high above the Colorado River

***

Moab has quieted down substantially since the weekend-end. Our next decision we are facing is “Do we leave Moab or do we stay here for Memorial Weekend, since we already have a camping spot?” Decisions, decisions. 

Decisions seem to be becoming more and more difficult to make. Where to go? What to do? What are we going to do when our trip is over? Should we work somewhere to make some money? Where do we want to live? It’s easy to say “whatever, man” until you’re in the hot seat. It’s almost like there are too many options! 

But… whatever, man.

40 days of flip-flops has its pitfalls. Call me Bilbo.

check out my "ghettooooo Dickson mod" for securing bicycles in the truck

Moab Rocks, jk it sucks - don't come here.

Fun with time exposure. Or Uranium poisoning.

whatever, man

Monday, May 8

I’m sitting here, typing in the near dark, in hopes that the three cow elk that were up the hill from our campsite will come back out to let us get a glimpse.  New Mexico (or this part, at the very least) is beautiful.  The thunder is rumbling nearby, and we’re in for some nasty weather. I’m sure the Elk know that, and they are trying to get some feeding in before they bed down through the weather.

Today was a full day. We awoke (in this absolutely beautiful setting) with the idea of doing a bit of a hike. We wanted to start somewhat small, as we’re at a much higher elevation than we’re used to.  Our highest summit at home is 6,288 feet above sea level, and that’s probably about where we’re starting at here.

(For the record, I just shined a light up the hill and caught a glimpse of glowing eyes…. likely Elk. Hopefully Elk!)

Devisadero (David Sedaris?) Peak was referred to as a “Locals Favorite” but the signs were awfully confusing… the hike was either 5.7 miles… or 11.4…. “Oh, well. Let’s do it.”  It was beautiful - views of snow-covered Wheeler Peak (highest in NM? 13,xxx ft) and Taos and surrounding desert areas. As it turns out, the hike was likely 5.7, which is probably a good thing, because Cooper seemed to be having a rough go of it… every time he decided to pee, he chose a Prickly Pear Cactus to stand on… silly dog. We arrived back at my truck to find that the cap had  been left open…. luckily nothing was missing.

View of Taos

::skip boring stuff::

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge! Woah! A steel bridge spanning across the Rio Grande Gorge, obviously, with the Rio Grande flowing below.  Emily crossed the bridge as I reluctantly followed behind, clutching the railing and squeezing my buttcheeks together the whole way (moaning with every step).  Each pedestrian overlook on the bridge also conveniently hosted a “Crisis Hotline” call box. Well played, New Mexico.  On the way off the bridge, some young punks were lifting each other over their shoulders in joking maneuvers of throwing each other over the railing. Get a job, kids.

well played, NM

We later found a very private little hot spring on the Rio Grande down a long dirt road, and a half mile hike into the canyon. It was more like a warm spring, but the water was crystal clear, in glaring contrast to the opaque brown Rio Grande just a foot away. It felt like bath water but who doesn’t like a good bath? Plus we were the only ones there!

"warm" spring

After a quick stop at Taos Mesa Brewery for discounted happy hour pints (dude, this brewery makes stellar beer), we found our way back to our campsite, and here we are, hunkered down in what seems like the thousandth thunder storm since our journey began, this time with some hail! Oh hail no!  The Elk are still grazing up on the hill, like badasses, and Cooper is passed out on his bed.

More coming soon - our usual blog update time has been filled with late nights in Boulder.

Thursday, May 4

The 4th is certainly with us!  We somewhat hesitantly departed OKC early this afternoon.  It’s tough to leave the creature comforts of a normal life… but, if there’s anything we aren’t aiming for, it’s a normal life.  Hanging out with Elizabeth, Casey, and their awesome girls was a great break from the grind of driving, camping, driving, camping.

We’re now in the “City” of Sanford, TX, population: 164.  The National Park Service operates a beautiful camping area all around Lake Meredith here, and the area that we are at 1) is free 2) has showers 3) is lakefront and 4) is all we could ever ask for.  We’re perched here, 150ft above the lake with a gorgeous view of it and everything around it.  The red clay contrasts with the enormous bright blue sky amazingly. 

The drive here was far less than interesting, with miles of straight pavement in front of us most of the way. The strong headwind was not helpful with fuel mileage. The most interesting sights were the rather disturbing cattle feed lots. I’ve always been a beef eater, but the sight of these shit-smelling meat farms is stomach-turning enough to make even myself question my eating habits.

Cheeseburgers

Emily and I went on a recon mission around the campground, and came back with a nice bundle of leftover firewood.  There are very few trees around, and absolutely NO dead fallen wood lays around here. We took great advantage of the likely law breaking that those previous campers had done before us. Thanks for the fire, ya crooks!

Not too shabby for a couple of nomads!

Anytown, USA

Industrious

The bad news is we were $9.88 over budget for the month of April . The good news is we have found $.16 in change on the ground so far, a dime and 6 pennies. We’ll be ahead in no time!

Friday, May 5

Woke up here on Lake Meredith this morning with a bright bluebird day waiting for us.  After a quick breakfast, we packed up in search of a hike, and were able to procure a map in the town of Fritch nearby.  We chose a hike through Fritch Canyon near Harbor Bay on the lake.  It’s been so long since we’ve been exposed to the high plains and desert-like terrain, the first half of the hike remained fairly interesting, as it seemed somewhat like exploring Mars, but with water and plants.  Beautiful panoramic views of Lake Meredith contrasting with the red rocks around the perimeter and plains grass with yucca plants and cactus made for a landscape that us Northerners are not used to.

shameless selfie

The second half of the hike began a bit less enthralling, as it was an out-and-back hike, with Cooper insisting on being in the lead, and all of the scenery was on repeat… that is, until we heard it… that sound… like a seizing meth addict shaking a baby’s rattle, and then we saw cooper darting forward and backward.  “COOPER! COME! NOW!” Emily and I simultaneously exclaimed… Yes, a three to four foot Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, in the middle of the trail that we had, just a half hour before, already traveled… in striking position!  We were able to reel Cooper in, likely MOMENTS before he would have been bitten, as he was within a foot or so of the snake, not sure of what to make of it.  We collected our thoughts, and decided what to do next, as that demonic serpent guarded our way back to the vehicle.  Listen, I’ve been wanting to eat snake since I watched cowboys feast on one in some old western movie, but I definitely didn’t have the tools at this time to feel comfortable with dispatching this beautiful snake in a quick and humane way.  A long, forked stick would have made me more comfortable, but here in the high plains, good luck finding a long stick of any sort.  The thought of smashing it with a rock crossed my mind, but I really didn’t want to put Emily through that, and as much as the thought of fire roasted rattlesnake was making my mouth water, I didn’t want to risk wounding the thing.  In the end, we reluctantly went off trail (WHO KNOWS HOW MANY MORE OF THESE THINGS ARE WAITING FOR US OUT THERE) and rock-hopped around the rattler’s station on the trail.  Pretty sure Emily is done with hiking in Texas.

Hey buddy.

After a quick dip in the lake (probably filled with all sorts of toothy critters) we packed up and headed back to our campsite.  And boy, does this area fill up on a Friday night. We’re currently sitting by the campfire listening to the soothing sound of an air mattress pump.. they’ll likely fill at least 4 air mattresses for all of the itty bitty (southern talk) people they have with them… they couldn’t have possibly completed that task in the daylight hours.

G’night!

Saturday, May 6…….3 Weeks!

We woke up this morning and dealt with something we have been avoiding. Ryan had put down some pergo flooring before we left, it looks great! While traveling one day, our butcher block fell and made a hole in the floor. We didn’t think much of it since my bee rug covered up the dent. But overtime I shake the rug out, there is a dark wet stain on the underside of the rug. The stain happens to be where the hole in the floor is and hole in the floor happens to push up dark liquid every time you step on it. We pulled up the pergo and cut out a square of the linoleum, the plywood is soaking wet.  Now what? We are hoping the Texas heat will dry it out a little. 

booooo

(Afterthought note from Ryan: I remember when we pulled in to our Virginia home, one of the drain point valves had lost a pin on the bumpy NY highways, and I believe a few gallons of water had made its way out… likely where the water came from. Hopefully no real damage has been done…. RUN IT!)

In an attempt to keep our minds off our rotting camper, we drove around looking for touristy things to do. We drove around in a canyon, checked out the amphitheater, walked to a river, and headed home.  We met a local couple at the amphitheater. They are building a screen for outside movies that the National Park will start presenting for free at the end of the month. Nice folks, gave us some ideas for NM. They seemed a lot like us minus the 5 children. He said, “We like the taste of dirt” meaning, they like to be one with nature. We can get on board with that.

River.... I think?? Red Clay makes the water absolutely opaque.

The “campground” closest to us is the last place we explored. Man, wish we went there earlier! It was on the beach! Why didn’t we go here earlier? We went back home, only 3 minutes down the street, picked up our LayBags and went back to the beach. We floated for about an hour, a much needed pick-me-up. No one else was really in the water. It is 90 degrees outside but the lake must still feel cold to these texans. To us New Hampshirites it sure felt good! We even saw people wake surfing…..with wet suits on!  Made me miss home a little. 

Doin' some floatin' on our UST SlothSaks

It’s 7pm, the sun is still high in the sky and it’s still in the upper 80’s. The wind makes it comfortable. We had left over chili thanks to Elizabeth, glad to not have to slave over a stove today. The sun will set around 8:30 and it will cool down real quick, I’m looking forward to it. Packing up tomorrow, headed towards Taos, New Mexico

Happy Birthday to Bubsie, my Dad! Sounds like he had a great day today. We miss and love you!

Also, we finished our first roll of toilet paper today! A roll never lasted more than 2-3 days at the house, this one lasted 3 weeks! Granted this toilet paper is like negative ply and we try to use other bathrooms at all costs.

Sunday Funday, May 7

It fracking stinks in Texas, let’s get out of here! (The gas pump stations around here let off a nice odor, not unlike flatulence) We pulled out of our Sanford Yake Campground site around 8:30am and headed west towards Taos, New Mexico. The landscape changed pretty immediately once we went over the border. A lot more trees and a lot less oil derricks. We drove straight towards the beginning of the Rocky Mountains. What a beautiful sight. 

Eagle's Nest, NM

We had found a free campsite online in Carson National Forest. It was only .55 miles off route 64 into Taos so we figured we would try there before anywhere else. We decided to take our bicycles down the dirt road instead of getting the camper down there and not having a place to turn around. Campsite #1 was taken, campsite #2 had a family hanging around it and the rest of the sites were either soaking wet or too difficult to get the camper into. On the way out, I asked the family if they were sleeping over. They were not, but it was obvious they were in no rush to move along and let us set up camp.

So instead we drove closer to town to see if anything else was available. I guess we are here too early in the season, all the other places were behind a locked gate. We decided to stop into Taos Mesa Brewing to think over the next move. Mmmmhmmm! Good choice! After a couple of beers at an altitude much higher than we are used to, we agreed to take our chances and venture back to our original campsite.

Good news! It was available! It’s a nice spot, certainly will do as base camp for the next couple of days while we do some exploring.  We’re in a valley of sorts, with thick evergreens on our side of the road, and a steep field and thin mixed forest on the other side, with Elk sign everywhere - it looks almost like a pasture!  We have hopes of waking up to some Elk in the area, but it’s somewhat doubtful, as we’re parked right in their stomping ground.

We'll take it!

It’s nice to be in the mountains again! 

You’ll be happy to know we found $.12 more cents on the ground today!