Buying The Rockies

Last evening, I was watching Buying Alaska. When the last episode ended, it switched to another show by the same producers, Buying The Rockies.

It is the same format as Buying Alaska, but the focus was on the Rocky Mountains that stretch from Montana down to New Mexico. The episodes I saw were in Colorado.

According to IMDb;

Follow unconventional house-hunters as they set out to buy their piece of the American in dream in log cabins amidst the Rocky Mountains.

Here's a snippet of an episode I watched last evening:

Happy Veterans Day!

 

Campground Reviews Posted

Above, Moab KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since returning from the 12-day trip to Wyoming, Montana, Utah, South Dakota and Colorado, I have campground reviews posted at RV Life Campground Reviews.

During the trip, we stayed at eight campgrounds, most of them were KOA Kampgrounds.

The KOA Kampgrounds were (in order of stays):

• Moab, Utah
• Vernal, Utah
• Cody, Wyoming
• Deadwood, Wyoming
• Hardin, Montana
• Devils Tower, Wyoming
• Colorado Springs, Colorado

The non-KOA campground:

Eagle RV Park, Thermopolis, Utah

To access RV Life Campground Reviews, go here. 

Poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

Above, at camp at Basecamp 550 in Ridgway, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer

When will one decide to hang up the RV key?

At 71, I noticed during the past few trips that I didn't have the stamina for 400+ mile drives. I was able to do so without batting an eye before. These days, I have gone at least half way and stop for the night before pressing on.

I have chalked that up to getting a lousy night's sleep the night before. It could also be that age is catching up.

This is the topic of a new RV Travel poll: Who will decide when to hang up your RV keys?

They begin with:

“It’s time.” That’s what dear RVing friends recently told us. My first thoughts, I’ll admit, were selfish ones. “Who will play cards with us on rainy days? Spontaneously join in a last-minute motorcycle ride? Or take my husband fishing?”

Recovering from the unexpected announcement, I wondered how our friends arrived at the decision to stop RVing. I thought about our own eventuality. Who will determine when it’s time to hang up the RV keys?

To participate in the poll and to read more, go here. 

Poll: Do You Enjoy Visiting 'haunted' or Spooky Locations?

Above, the grave of Bela "Dracula" Lugosi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Travel has posted a poll asking, Do You Enjoy Visiting 'haunted' or spooky locations?

Personally, the only place I've been to that may qualify as a spooky location was the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. Other than that, I can't think of any other place.

When I was 15, I worked at a convalescent hospital as a dishwasher when I saw a metal dessert cup move by itself on a counter. But that was at work and not on a trip. 

Above, Cedar Hill Cemetery in Ouray, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I did take a Dearly Departed Tour of cemeteries containing celebrity graves about ten years ago. 

The poll begins with:

During your RV travels, do you enjoy visiting “haunted” or just plain spooky locations? These could be old cemeteries, old, haunted mansions, abandoned mental institutions, old jails/prisons, or anything else along those lines.

If you do enjoy visiting those kinds of places, do you seek them out on your travels, or do you only visit them if you come across them along your route or at your destination?

There are many places around the U.S. (and world!) that claim to be “haunted.” Have you ever visited a haunted location and had a ghostly or creepy experience?

To read more and take part in the poll, go here. 

11 Crucial Tips For High Altitude Camping

Above, at the Ouray, Colorado KOA Kampground. Ouray is at 7,792 feet in elevation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My RV travels have been varied. 

I have camped at sea level (or close to it) and in higher elevations. I have had no problems with either, but that's not to say that others (or myself) may encounter issues with higher elevations.

That is the topic of an article in RV Travel. They provide 11 crucial tips for high altitude camping.

They begin with:

Life on the road brings all sorts of surprises, especially when exploring the mountains in an RV. Bob and Karri from Life Redesigned know this firsthand after three years of crossing the country from north to south and everywhere in between. Their latest adventures at Black Canyon National Park in Colorado inspired a list of the most important things every RVer should know about high-altitude camping.

Altitude doesn’t just change the view; it affects everything you bring with you. RV engines, generators, appliances, and even your own camera notice when the air gets thin. Less oxygen means engines and generators have less power, making uphill climbs and regular tasks tougher. Travelers may feel it, too, with breathing getting harder and simple activities becoming more tiring.

To read more, go here. 

Surviving Wolf Creek Pass

Above, at a pull-out after traversing Wolf Creek Pass. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2016, I drove a cross-country trip to Metropolis, Illinois to attend the celebration of life for actress Noel Neill (the original Lois Lane) in the RV. 

While on the trip, I made some detours to such places as Graceland in Memphis, the Lincoln Library & Museum and gravesite in Springfield, Illinois and the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kansas, just to name a few.

The route going west had me on U.S. 160 through Wolf Creek Pass. The road itself was no problem, but it was very windy, enough so that I considered pulling over and waiting it out. But I pressed on to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. There, I treated myself to some coffee and some dessert. 

RV Travel has posted an article on Wolf Creek Pass by Nanci Dixon. It includes C. W. McCall's song video, "Wolf Creek Pass".

It begins with:

My husband and I drove our 40-foot motorhome towing a pickup truck down one of the most dangerous highways in Colorado, Wolf Creek Pass, and lived to tell the tale. This pass has a switchback curve at the top and a 200-foot drop-off. Forget the guardrails here, you’d go off the cliff!

Before we drove the pass, Googling Colorado US 160 brought me to the Colorado Department of Transportation article about runaway and rollover semis on Wolf Creek Pass. 47 semis in four years went over! Not the most convincing or calming…

 To read more, go here.

Campground Bans Tents After A Bear's Visit

Above, a mother bear and her cub in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As far as I know, my campsites never received a visit by a bear while I was camping in a tent or in an RV. 

I have camped in bear country a few times. One can tell by the signs and having a bear-proof food storage locker at the campsite. 

Above, the bear-proof food storage locker at my campsite in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

However, recently some kids sleeping in a tent in a Colorado campground received a midnight visit by a black bear. Nobody was hurt and the kids took the incident in stride.  

RV Travel posted an article on the incident.

They begin it with:

When a black bear poked its nose—and claws—into a tent where two kids were sleeping at Difficult Campground near Aspen, Colorado, the U.S. Forest Service decided that “difficult” was a little too “on the nose.” The result: an emergency ban on tents and other soft-sided shelters at the site, effective immediately.

To read more, go here. 

KOA Kampgrounds Changes Cancellation Policy

Above, Ouray (Colorado) KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I've never had to cancel a campground reservation. But I did have to change the dates of one as a friend came down with Legionnaire's Disease, which forced the change. The campground in question was not a KOA Kampground.

KOA Kampgrounds has changed their cancellation policy that travelers should be aware of.

RV Travel has posted an article on this policy.

They start it with:

If you have plans to stay at a KOA, heads up! Once known for its flexible cancellation policy, the big campground giant quietly changed all that last fall. Need to cancel your reservation? KOA’s cancellation policy could cost you dearly.

To read more, go here. 

John Wayne Day In Fort Worth, Texas

Above, yours truly with Patrick Wayne outside of Ridgway, Colorado in 2022.

John Wayne Day is this coming Monday (which is also Memorial Day) and there will be several events at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The events mark the 118th anniversary of John Wayne's birth.

According to FWToday:

Next Monday, May 26 marks John Wayne’s 118th birthday, and the party is just getting started. Kick up your boots and get ready to celebrate Hollywood’s favorite on-screen cowboy with a series of events in the Stockyards.

One of the events is a special screening of The Big Trail (1930) at the Modern Art Museum. Son Patrick Wayne will make a special guest appearance. I am pleased to see that Patrick is out and about, considering he is now 85. I met him at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons outside of Ridgway, Colorado in 2022.

For more information on the events, go here.

KOA Announces Four New Locations For 2025

Above, Ouray, Colorado KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally, I plan my RV travels with campground stops along the way. Usually, those stops involve KOA Kampgrounds.

Some people love KOAs, some don't (for whatever reasons). I happen to like them as they are usually pretty consistent and I know what to expect. Also, I accumulate bonus points for discounted stays.

During my recent trip to Quartzsite, Arizona, I stayed a couple of nights at two KOAs (Flagstaff and Holbrook). I picked up a 2025 KOA Kampground Directory for planning my upcoming trip to Wyoming and South Dakota.

According to RV Travel, KOA has announced four new locations for 2025.

They begin with:

Here’s what’s new at KOA for the 2025 season: four exciting additions—two entirely new campground builds, one rebranded gem, and an existing site refreshed under new ownership.

From the Black Hills of South Dakota to the shores of Lake Ontario, these campgrounds bring KOA’s signature comforts to regions both iconic and off-the-beaten-path.

The new aforementioned KOA in the Black Hills of South Dakota may be a destination this summer.

To read more, go here. 

This reminded me, I just renewed my KOA membership. 

Colorado Leftists Pass Gun Ban

The Rocky Mountain version of Commiefornia, i.e., Colorado, has passed anti-gun bills that will ban some rifles, handguns and shotguns. 

The American Thinker reported:

Now, the People’s Republic of Colorado has passed an anti-liberty/gun law that couldn’t be a clearer violation of the Second Amendment. The bill passed the state Senate on a 19-15 party line vote and went to the House where D/s/cs hold a 43-22 majority. The House quickly passed it and Governor Jared Polis is expected to sign it. The bill bans many of the most usual, common and popular American arms:

The bill defines a “specified semiautomatic firearm” as a semiautomatic rifle or semiautomatic shotgun with a detachable magazine or a gas-operated semiautomatic handgun with a detachable magazine. The bill prohibits knowingly manufacturing, distributing, transferring, selling, or purchasing a specified semiautomatic firearm; except that a person may transfer a specified semiautomatic firearm to an heir, an individual residing in another state, or a federally licensed firearm dealer.

The language is purposely vague. All semiautomatic handguns are arguably “gas-operated,” allowing Colorado to restrict Coloradans to revolvers. The only currently manufactured semiautomatic handgun that might escape is KelTec’s ingenious new PR57 which has no detachable magazine and loads its twenty 5.7X28mm rounds from stripper clips. Apparently, Colorado D/s/c legislators aren’t aware of that one, but they'll surely include it later.  

Clearly, the bill is unconstitutional, illegal. Colorado’s D/s/c legislators know this, and know they’ll have to spend untold millions of taxpayer dollars to defend a law that will inevitably be struck down. They also know it will take years for the case to reach the Supreme Court, which may or may not grant cert, waiting for another or more similar cases to become “ripe” before considering their issues. This could leave Colorado’s law on the books for at least two years, giving law enforcement officers not burdened by consciences or fidelity to the Constitution an opening to harass and arrest the law-abiding. It will also give equally unscrupulous judges the ability to fine and imprison gun owners for exercising their Second Amendment rights.

To read more, go here. 

Durango Train Schedule For 2025 Released

Above, the Durango train at High Line with the Animas River 400 feet below. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although we're near the end of February, it is time to plan one's summer vacation trip.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has announced their Summer 2025 schedule. There's several different train trips to choose from.

Above, the Durango train at the Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

From the official website:

Embark on an Incredible Journey Through the San Juan Mountains

For a truly unforgettable step back in time, enjoy a leisurely trip to yesteryear riding 3 1/2 hours each way on this train while spending a nearly 2 hour layover in the historic mining town of Silverton to enjoy the sights, shopping, food, and libations that Silverton offers. We’ve been in continuous operation running trains on this 45-mile branch of the original Denver & Rio Grande Railway since 1882. Much of the scenery remains unchanged since those historic days. There’s no cell service or Wi-Fi throughout the Animas Canyon so you’ll be unplugged from the modern world. Soak in the views, listen as the steam whistle echoes through the canyon, hear the vintage locomotive work to pull the train up the grades. If you long to unwind and enjoy Colorado nature at its finest, this is the trip for you.

Above, the Durango train in Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whatever excursion one chooses, it is a great ride. Who knows, one may even get to see Sasquatch!

To see the schedule and book a trip, go here. 

Grit Series In Moab, Utah

A little while ago, I found out that the John Wayne Cancer Foundation won't be holding their Grit Series marathon in Ridgway, Colorado this year. 

However, they are holding one in Moab, Utah on September 27.  Moab works for me as it is only six miles further than Ridgway (on a different route). 

Molly at the John Wayne Cancer Foundation said that I won't be disappointed in Moab. It has been decades since I was last in Moab.

She sent me a map of where the marathon will be held. It looks like it is near the Colorado River off Highway 128.

Road Trippin' With Matt Davis: Utah and Arizona

Above, West and East Mittens and Merrick Butte in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since National Plan For Vacation was just the other day, here's something that people should consider.

It is a video on visiting Utah and Arizona by Matt Davis on 10 WJAR.

They start with:

We’re back on the road with Travel Expert, Matt Davis. In our cross-country trip, Davis gives us his top recommendations when traveling through Utah and Arizona.

In this segment, Davis shares that Utah is actually his second favorite state to travel through, other than Hawaii which is his first choice!

One reason behind his love for the state of Utah are all of the beautiful national parks there, including the Arches National Park and the Canyonlands National Park. When it comes to sighy-seeing in Arizona, one of Matt Davis’ top recommendations is the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Another recommendation is of course the Grand Canyon.

To see the video, go here. 

RV Clubs: Are They Worth The Cost?

Above, camping at the Ouray KOA Kampground last September. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Around 1987 (give or take), our family had a Starcraft pop-up camping trailer (a.k.a. tent trailer). We tried out the local Starcraft camping club to see what it was like.

We attended some camping trips with the club and found the members friendly. But it wasn't too long that we traded the trailer for a micro-mini Class C motorhome. So that ended our club membership.

These days, I belong to Good Sam and am a member of Kampground of America (KOA). I use their benefits like their 10% discounts and bonus points. 

For some RVers, an RV club may be one's cup-of-tea. For others, not so much. 

RV Life has posted an article on the pros and cons of joining an RV club.

They begin it with:

Tackling the RV lifestyle by yourself can be tough and isolating. If you feel this way, you’re not alone. Over the long history of RVing, organizations and communities have formed to deal with the ups and downs of RV life. Nowadays, these are known as RV clubs, and they can be a major pillar of support for anyone who wants to join.

Of course, if these clubs are so great, why doesn’t everybody sign up? Like everything, there are pros and cons to joining an RV club. You need to pay recurring fees in order to gain the benefits, and sometimes it just seems like you’re getting enough bang for your buck. However, most people find that it’s a worthwhile investment.

The main thing you need to do is identify what type of RVer you are and select a club that provides worthwhile benefits. There are lots of options, and some people even join multiple clubs instead of just one. Today, we want to explore the potential perks and drawbacks of RV clubs as well as some of the best ones you could join.

To read more, go here. 

25 Years Ago

Above, my dad and I in 1993.

The other day, it occurred to me that I will be at the same age as my dad next year when he passed away 25 year ago today.

He passed away from lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. He had it for about two years. 

That is why I decided to help the John Wayne Cancer Foundation with their Grit Series half marathons in Ridgway, Colorado. The first time I was there, I was talking with Patrick Wayne and mentioned that we both had the commonality of losing dads due to cancer.

In memory of my dad, I have also made donations to the Foundation. I have also done so in honor of Wellington "Bill" Wilson and Mike Hobbie, who also were casualties of cancer.

The John Wayne Cancer Foundation targets their efforts in cancer research and the training of oncologists. The JWCF funds novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients' outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness and support. 

Above, following my dad's funeral at Riverside National Cemetery.

It is hard to believe 25 years have passed. 

Forrest Gump Point At Monument Valley

Above, a view of Monument Valley from Forrest Gump Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my mini-vacation in September that took me from Ridgway, Colorado to Monument Valley, I took a route to Monument Valley that I hadn't taken before.

I came into Utah from the east and after entering the state, I headed south on U.S. Route 163 to enter Monument Valley. This route included Forrest Gump Point that was a few miles from the Monument Valley KOA Kampground where I stayed. 

According to Fat Man Little Trail:

For those of us who were enthralled with the majestic journey of a simple man from Greenbow, Alabama, Forrest Gump Point is a must see moment. The spot is where the long bearded Gump finally got tired and decided to go home.

The real spot is just outside of Mexican Hat, Utah near the entrance of Monument Valley. Nineteen miles from the Arizona border on US-163 is where you will find the spot that is marked by a green road sign. Either side of the two-lane highway has a few pull-offs to park. Local stands also sell memorabilia around the highway. Much like the movie, there isn’t a ton of fanfare for the location, and the surrounding beauty steals the show from the official spot.

I made a brief stop at Forrest Gump Point. As expected, other tourists also stopped there to take photos. Unlike some knuckleheads there, I did not stand in the middle of the highway to take pictures. At the Forrest Gump Viewpoint, there were Navajo vendor stalls selling jewelry and other trinkets. 

I only saw the movie Forrest Gump once when it first came out, so I vaguely remember the Monument Valley scene. 

RVing Addresses Top 3 Senior Concerns

Above, horseback riding in Monument Valley in September.

From tent camping with my family or Boy Scouts to my current Class C Winnebago, camping has been in my life. 

Now that I have reached the septuagenarian age group, I can easily see why keeping active betters one's overall health. 

Back in September, I took a RV trip to Ridgway, Colorado to help with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation's Grit Series marathons. From there, I headed over into Monument Valley in Utah for some more camping. This included horseback riding from the KOA Kampground I stayed at. This was the first time in fifty years I've done so. I joked afterwards, "Ask me in ten years if I can still ride a horse."

RV Travel has posted an article on how RVing addresses the top three concerns for seniors. If one is still in their fifties or sixties, it may be a worth a read.

It begins with:

As people age, anxiety can become a common, often overwhelming, experience. Anxiety in older adults can stem from a combination of health, social, and financial concerns. I’d like to make the case that RVing positively addresses these concerns—especially for seniors, but really for everyone. Read on to find out why.

To read the article, go here.

Libertarian Party Suing Over Voting Machine Leaked Passwords

Oh-oh, some sh*t is going down in the state of Colorado over voting machine leaked passwords. The Libertarian Party is suing.

Colorado: Leaked Passwords = Lawsuit https://t.co/4LKXmUE9FM

— Rasmussen Reports (@Rasmussen_Poll) November 1, 2024