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T2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser Journeys
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T2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser Journeys

The stories from our short getaways around Colorado … with a quick dip in and out of Utah. Czytaj więcej
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    12 maja 2022
    Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel

    Prepping for the 2022 RV Season

    11 maja 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    We've only been back from our EuroCrossing and Turkey trip for a day and a half. But we're already preparing for a short getaway with the RV. We won't be going far ... just up to Denver.

    The Phoenix Cruiser is all shiny after Mui gave it a bath this morning. He has also de-winterized the rig in preparation for tomorrow's departure. There's more to do, but we'll take care of much of that while we are at the campground. For now, all that remains is to load up some food fixings and clothes to get us through the few short days we'll be gone. Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel

    DETECTED!

    15 maja 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F

    If you were wondering why there were no footprints from our Denver getaway with the Phoenix Cruise, wonder no more. The trip didn't happen!

    Mui and I both tested positive for COVID-19. Yup ... after managing to avoid the dreaded virus for two years, we fell victim to the Omicron variant ... likely to the latest version of the variant as that is the one most prevalent at the moment. And also the most contagious.

    Where and how we were infected is impossible to track down. We are vaxed and boosted, and masked up indoors and in crowded places throughout our overseas trip. We also tested negative on Sunday in order to fly back to the USA on Monday. Since symptoms can take anywhere from 2-12 days to show up, I guess we will be left wondering about the source of the infection.

    The short story is that I tested positive Wednesday night with a home antigen kit ... and again Thursday morning. Mui was negative both times. We went to the UC Health lab and had PCR tests done Thursday. Friday afternoon we got the results ... "DETECTED" ... for both of us.

    We're both feeling fine. Mui was a bit sluggish and slept most of Thursday, but had his energy back by the next day. Other than that, our symptoms are not unlike that of a cold ... a very mild cold at that. We seem to be improving daily.

    The takeaway from our virtual doc consult is to quarantine for five days, and if we are feeling better, we can break quarantine provided we mask up. If we are not feeling better, we continue to quarantine for another five days. After that, we're in the clear. No testing is needed. In fact, the doctor said not to do a PCR test because even though we'll no longer be contagious, the test may show us positive for weeks to come. We'll probably break out a home antigen kit for our own peace of mind, though.

    So, what have we been doing since testing positive? Making plans for other RV getaways and polishing plans for our fall road trip. That means that eventually footprints will begin showing up.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel

    Curious?

    17 maja 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    On the last trip I was posting on FindPenguins (our European Crossing and Turkey adventure), I noticed that there seemed to be a problem with email notifications.

    I wonder if the problem is persisting with this trip — or any others to which I might be posting footprints. I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a comment to let me know if you are seeing notifications and whether they are through the app, email, or both.

    (The photo I've added to this post explains how notifications are supposed to work ... either through email or the app.)

    OH! And by the way ... COVID-19 wise, all is well with Mui and me. Fairly symptom-free at this point ... 6 days into being "DETECTED."     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Forecast map for the snowstorm ... we're within the bracketed area — Colorado Springs, CO.
    Re-winterizing the Cruiser — Colorado Springs, CO.The first bands of snow are already falling — Colorado Springs, CO.

    Snow!

    20 maja 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ 🌧 37 °F

    It's really not unknown for it to snow in Colorado in May.

    While the snow, and the rain that is forecasted to follow on the Plains, have pretty much put the kibosh on our loose plans for an RV getaway, we're not complaining. We really need the precipitation to help with the drought ... and with the wildfires that are burning around the state.

    Here's the deal for this snowstorm. The white stuff was supposed to arrive after 1:00p, but we've already had some light bands come through. Nothing is really sticking at the moment. But that is expected to change.

    For the area we're in (see the bracketed portion of the forecast map), the forecast calls for anywhere from 8" to 18" (for readers who use the metric system, that is 20-45 cm). Will we get that much? We have to wait and see.

    The good news? The snow removal team contracted by our subdivision will be clearing any accumulation of this wet and heavy snow, so Mui won't have to break out the snowblower ...🤞🏻

    In the meantime, Mui's had to re-winterize the Cruiser this morning since nighttime temps are supposed to fall below freezing for a few nights. No need to borrow trouble when the process is pretty easy to do with this rig.

    Can we say lesson learned? Unless we're leaving Colorado for warmer climes, we should plan on keeping the RV winterized through May!

    P.S. Update on our COVID-19 situation. We remain pretty much symptom-free. What with the snow and all, we'll quarantine through the weekend since it will be no hardship to do so. And then ... resume life as before ... masking up when we are around people.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Spring snowstorm 2022 — Colorado Springs, CO.
    Spring snowstorm 2022 — Colorado Springs, CO.Spring snowstorm 2022 — Colorado Springs, CO.Spring snowstorm 2022 — Colorado Springs, CO.The HOA asked us to shake off the excess snow from the trees — Colorado Springs, CO.Spring snowstorm 2022 ... not much on the driveway — Colorado Springs, CO.By mid-afternoon, most the snow on the driveway is gone — Colorado Springs, CO.Skies are brightening with blue skies in the aftermath of the snowstorm — Colorado Springs, CO.Oh, oh ... more snow this morning ... but most of the snow from yesterday is gone — COS, CO.A collage of memories from the 2019 spring storm ... same dates as this year — Colorado Springs, CO.

    Aftermath of the Spring Snowstorm

    22 maja 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ 🌧 36 °F

    It really is a good thing that we did not get caught out on the road in this storm. Canceling our loosely-planned RV getaway was the right thing to do as digging out would not have been fun!

    It snowed all afternoon and into the night on Friday, 20 May. And much of the day yesterday, though the big fat flakes that were falling throughout the storm had changed over to “snow dust” by the time I took most of the photos yesterday morning. I measured 8 inches of compacted snow … the official reports for our area say we got 12 inches.

    And now, on Sunday morning, it’s snowing again … big fat flakes flying about. But nothing is sticking. We expect this second snowfall to be a non-event.

    Oddly, we had a snowstorm on May 19-20 three years ago as well. Exact same dates. Facebook reminded me of that storm yesterday. It was a bigger event … with much more accumulation. Even the pavement and driveway were packed. I’ve added a “reminiscence” collage of that storm to this footprint … but you can see more from that storm @ this link … https://eenusa.smugmug.com/COS-Life/Spring-Storm/.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Our Phoenix Cruiser is de-winterized and chomping at the bit to get on the road.

    De-winterized ... AGAIN!

    4 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    With an RV getaway on the very near horizon, today Mui de-winterized the Phoenix Cruiser ... again. The freshwater tank has been disinfected and filled. The propane tank is topped off. Provisioning for our short trip is completed. Clothes are hanging in the closet and tucked away in cabinets.

    We have recovered from our bout of COVID-19 ... the reason why the first getaway of this RV camping season was canceled.

    The weather forecast has no snowstorms or hard freezes for the foreseeable future ... the reason why the RV was re-winterized and our second getaway of the season was canceled.

    Fingers crossed, and the weather gods willing, we hope the third time is going to be the charm!     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    One last engine check ... all A-OK — Colorado Springs, CO.
    Taking a different route to Sylvan Lake ... good idea to check the route — Colorado Springs, CO.Pikes Peak in all its glory as we set off under blue skies — Colorado Springs, CO.Just above the trees on the left you can glimpse the red rocks of Garden of the Gods — COS, CO.

    Last Checks & We’re Off

    5 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 68 °F

    One last engine and oil check.

    One last route check with the RV Life GPS app.

    And we’re off.

    Our destination is Sylvan Lake State Park some 200+ miles away … up in the mountains by Eagle, Colorado. We’ve never been before, but the photos look promising. Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Lunch on US24 — Colorado.
    A "we're stopping for lunch on US24" selfie ... yes, it is a bit windy — Colorado.The peak that has more snow on it is West Buffalo Peak (13,324 ft) — Colorado.

    Lunch Break on US-24

    5 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    On this trip up we are taking the scenic US-24. When we found a nice big pull out we decided to stop for an early lunch with beautiful mountain scenery.

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    The snow-frosted Rockies are off in the distance — Along US-24, Colorado.
    1"Little House on the Prairie" — Along US-24, Colorado.Mount Princeton — Along US-24, Colorado.Beautiful mountain scenery — Along US-24, Colorado.Beautiful mountain scenery — Along US-24, Colorado.Mount Elbert is the highest peak in this range — Along US-24, Colorado.Beautiful mountain scenery — Along US-24, Colorado.Mount Bartlett (left); followed by Clinton Peak and McNamee Peak — Along US-24, Colorado.Phoenix Cruiser's favorite stop ... at the Clinton Gulch Reservoir — Along US-24, Colorado.A "we stopped to enjoy the Clinton Gulch Reservoir" selfie — Along US-24, Colorado.1Panorama of the Clinton Gulch Reservoir — Along US-24, Colorado.An amazing sentinel of mountains behind the reservoir — Along US-24, Colorado.Another selfie ... from the opposite side of the reservoir — Along US-24, Colorado.

    Oh So Scenic!

    5 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    I-70, the more direct route to Eagle, is one of the more scenic interstates we’ve driven during our travels. But places to stop and enjoy the beautiful scenery are limited.

    Not so on US-24. There are plenty of places to pull over and stop … enjoy the landscape … savor the moment. And that’s exactly what we are doing as we make our way to the junction with I-70.

    (I am taking some photos through the windshield as well … otherwise, we might not make it to our campground before nightfall.)

    *** I checked the map when we got home on 9 June and we did not go all the way up to I-70 via US-24. Once we were north of Leadville, the GPS apparently routed us up via CO-91 … aka the Top of the Rockies. I’m guessing this was due to the trucker’s Garmin GPS Mui uses and the unit considers us a truck … a long one since Mui has the toad included in the overall length.

    Thus we connected to I-70 earlier from Copper Mountain instead of from Minturn as we did in 2020.

    I’m glad we were routed up via the Top of the Rockies as we would otherwise have missed the splendor of Clinton Gulch Reservoir. On the other hand, it means that we still have to try driving the RV north from Leadville on US-24 one of these days. Maybe in 2024 as I don’t see how we can squeeze in another RV getaway between everything we’ve already got planned for 2022 and 2023.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    A "we've arrived at the Sylvan Lake Visitor Center" selfie — Eagle, CO.
    Verdant landscape at the Sylvan Lake Visitor Center — Eagle, CO.Columbine ... Colorado's state flower ... Sylvan Lake Visitor Center — Eagle, CO.Mural at the Sylvan Lake Visitor Center — Eagle, CO.A bobcat is part of the nature display ... Sylvan Lake Visitor Center — Eagle, CO.A beaver is part of the nature display at the Sylvan Lake Visitor Center— Eagle, CO.This rundown cabin was a halfway house (inn) ... Sylvan Lake Visitor Center — Eagle, CO.

    Sylvan Lake State Park

    5 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Following our meandering sightseeing, we eventually reached the junction with I-70 and headed west. Sylvan Lake State Park’s address is in Eagle, Colorado. While you need to drive through the town, the park’s visitor center is, in fact, some 9 miles away.

    Before there was a park here, there was first a homestead. And later a “fur farm” … fox and mink. There was also an attempt to establish a fishing resort. But that venture failed. Zurcher Lake, which was developed for the would-be resort, however, survived the seizure of the land by the IRS in 1962. After the Colorado Game and Fish Department took over the land, the lake was renamed Sylvan and the state park was formed in 1987.

    I learned about this bit of history from the brochure I read at the visitor center while we waited our turn to purchase an Aspen Pass, which covers a year’s worth of park fees (otherwise $9/day) and also gives us a small discount on the camping fee.

    The beautiful, lush green scenery around the visitor center promised more of the same down the road, so once the pass was purchased, onward we continued to the campground.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    With no utility hook-ups, settling into site 22 takes just minutes — Sylvan Lake SP ... Eagle, CO.
    2Not a bad view at all — Sylvan Lake SP ... Eagle, CO.

    Dry Camping at Elk Run

    5 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    The Sylvan Lake campgrounds are five miles up a dirt road from the visitor center. The road was hard-packed but full of potholes, so the going was a bit rough. But we’re veterans of the dirt roads of Alaska, so we did fine.

    We’re in site 22 in the Elk Run Campground. We’re dry camping here for four nights. For those not familiar with the terminology, dry camping means that we have no utility hook-ups … no water, no electricity, no sewer. No worries, though. We are self-sufficient. Solar panels float our house batteries … supplemented by our generator when necessary. We have a tankful of fresh water … and our grey and black tanks (for sink/shower and toilet water, respectively) are empty.

    There is no cell signal … no wifi. We are unplugged from the world … except that we’ve got a clear view of the southern sky … which means that our satellite TV is working. So, we have entertainment for when we are not outdoors.

    The campground is situated at 8,500 feet … give or take 100 feet, depending on where your site is located. It is in a scenic high valley surrounded by mountains clad with trees. There are lots of aspen stands amongst the pine trees. I bet this place is gorgeous in the fall when the aspens turn golden yellow.

    Since lunch was early, we had dinner early … eating indoors at the dinette because the windchill made it a bit too crisp to sit outside. Fingers crossed well have better luck in the days ahead.

    The sun is now out and inviting us to take a quick walk down to the lake. Time to live in the moment!     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Off to the Lake Shore Loop ... but first we have to walk across the dam — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO
    Canada geese walking across the dam — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Looking towards the campground from the dam — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.A "we're set to begin the Lake Shore Loop" selfie — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Love the reflections — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.At the far end of the lake ... the halfway point of the loop hike — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.A "making memories" selfie — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.1The lake from the water level — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.View from the inlet of the lake — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.More Canada geese ... this time in the wetlands — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.The lake from the day use area — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Colorful blooms along the Lake Shore Loop ... Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.

    Lake Shore Loop

    6 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    We woke up to the pitter patter of rain on the Cruiser’s roof. The rain was gentle and rhythmic…signaling that it would not last long. Nor would it make a muddy mess of the trails that one can hike from the campground.

    It was 9:30a before we got going … the rain over … the temp up to 53F from the 45F we woke up to. We chose to do the 1.4-mile Lake Shore Loop today … more a walk rather than a hike. The scenery along the way was beautiful … mountains; trees in every shade of green; a still lake that served as a mirror at times. We encountered very few people along the way … most fishing from the shoreline. It was a peaceful walk with frequent stops for photo ops.

    We had some wildlife sightings along the way … Canada geese … a fox that was running around the tree line … hummingbirds buzzing around. Those sightings we enjoyed. What we didn’t enjoy were the bugs that were swarming … at times a black cloud that we had to walk through … so thick that we could hear the hum of their collective wings. The good news is that they weren’t biting, and they were mostly in the sunny areas … there was enough shade and breeze that we didn’t have to endure them for the entire length of the trail.

    Despite the swarms, we really enjoyed our walk/hike … a great start to our three days of being unplugged here at Sylvan Lake State Park.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Afternoon tea on the patio of Site 22 at the Elk Run Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.
    1View adding to our pleasure during afternoon tea — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.View adding to our pleasure during afternoon tea — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.View adding to our pleasure during afternoon tea — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.

    Afternoon Tea Al Fresco

    6 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    We were hoping to have dinner on the patio, but it didn’t seem like that was going to be possible today. So, while the sun was still out, and before the wind really picked up, we enjoyed afternoon tea outdoors instead. Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    We start the West Brush Creek Trail by the wetlands behind the dam — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.
    Beaver Lodge and Canada geese ... West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, COReflection ... West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.1Reflection ... West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.1West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.One of the meadows the West Brush Creek Trail goes through — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.A "making memories" selfie ... West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.2Feeding frenzy (no idea what they are) ... West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, COColorful blooms on the West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Crossing the creek at Bear Gulch ... West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Crossing the creek ... West Brush Creek Trail — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Scenery as we return via Forest Svc Road 400 — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Ruins of the Upper Dice barn and shed from FSR400 — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.Scenery as we return via Forest Svc Road 400 — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.

    West Brush Creek Trail

    7 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Pitter-patter … pitter-patter. The rain fell during the early part of last night. But by the time we went to bed, the rain was no more. Stars were twinkling in the sky.

    We woke up rested, and after an easy morning, we were ready to tackle at least a portion of the West Brush Creek Trail … definitely more of a hike than yesterday’s walk around Sylvan Lake.

    Technically, the trail starts at the day use area up by the visitor center. The 5.8-mile long trail ends at the Sylvan Lake Dam. We started in reverse and hiked 2.1 miles from the campground to Bear Gulch. There were some up and down portion. Some steps in the steeper sections. If one starts by the visitor center, there is an elevation change of some 1,000 feet. Starting at the dam, the section we did had an elevation change of just a few hundred feet. Overall, we felt it was an easy hike. And no bug swarms … which made the hike all the more enjoyable.

    Rather than returning the way we had come, at Bear Gulch we crossed the bridge and returned via Forest Service Road 400 … the hard-packed dirt road to the campground.

    11,093 steps later we were back at the campground … slightly weary … but happy to have made the most of a delightful blue-sky day with temps around 68F. Even more so, we were happy to be settled back at our place before the seriously gusting winds really picked up.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Wine and snacks on the patio of site 22 @ the Elk Run Campground — Sylvan Lake State Park, CO.

    Wine and Snacks Al Fresco

    7 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    We returned from our hike around 2:30p. Our delayed lunch meant that we weren’t very hungry when dinner time came around.

    Instead, we enjoyed snacks and a bottle of Mon Reve, a Montepulciano red we picked up from the Lucien Arkas Winery in İzmir last year. Luckily, the gusting winds died down long enough for us to be able to enjoy our wine al fresco

    Cheers!     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Panoramic view of Sylvan Lake and the campgrounds — Along FSR400 ... White River Natl Forest.
    A "making memories with Sylvan Lake as a backdrop" selfie — Along FSR400.1Sylvan Lake with the return leg of the Lake Shore Loop below — Along FSR400.A road closed to traffic makes for a good hiking path — Along FSR400 ... White River Natl Forest.The Sylvan Lake inlet to the left — Along FSR400 ... White River Natl Forest, CO.Sylvan Lake — Along FSR400 ... White River Natl Forest, CO.This aerial scene of the lake is on the front of the SP brochure — Along FSR400.Colorful blooms along FSR 400 ... White River Natl Forest.Where the headwaters of Sylvan Lake have pooled ... White River Natl Forest.Snack break at the headwaters of Sylvan Lake ... White River Natl Forest.

    Hiking Along FSR 400

    8 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    After a good night’s rest, we woke up to clear blue skies. It was only 37F at 6:30a … but the temp rose to 43F within an hour … faster than it has in the past few days.

    Bundling up, I sat out for a bit to read. Good thing I did. Otherwise, I would have missed the mule deer that came charging out of nowhere, running through our campsite so fast that I had to wonder if there was a predator in hot pursuit. If there was, it was nowhere to be seen and the deer quickly disappeared.

    We left the Cruiser around 9:30a. Our plan was to hike the Sneve Gulch Trail … 5.2 miles in/out … with about 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

    When we got to the trailhead, however, we decided to save our energy for a meadow hike we had in mind for later and opted to follow along Forest Service Road 400 instead. It was closed to traffic. It was wide. The elevation gain was gradual … only about 300 feet to our turnaround point. And it had the one view we were really interested in seeing … an aerial look at Sylvan Lake.

    We stopped to have a snack at the pond formed by the muddy headwaters for Sylvan Lake. Then, instead of retracing our steps, we found a narrow path through the forest … ¼-mile down to the inlet of the lake. The bug swarms were out in thick clouds again, so we didn’t dally once we got down to the Lake Shore Loop. We had our photos already … and had somewhere else to be as well.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Heading to the Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.
    An unidentified log cabin at Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.A glimpse inside the log cabin at Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.White blooms at Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.Rusty springs @ Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.Old Barn and shed at Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.Mui checking out the ruins at Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.Checking out the shed ruins at Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.Through the shed window at Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.Still standing ... but for how long ... at Upper Dice Place — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.

    Ranching in the High Country

    8 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    On our way back from Bear Gulch yesterday, we spotted the ruins of some log cabins in the Borah Gulch Conservation Area … part of the non-fee section of Sylvan Lake State Park. Noting that there was a break in the barb wire fence line near the group camping area, we put a hike through the meadow to the cabins on our agenda for today.

    According to the signage, there were periods of gold mining in the area. But it was agriculture that drove the valley’s economy from the late 1800s through the 1950s. The cabins we walked over to check out date back from when the land was acquired by the Dice Family … who ran cattle here. The ruins sit just off the banks of West Brush Creek. Not sure exactly how old they are, but the buildings are visible in a photo of the meadow from the 1930s.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Turkish green beans and rice for lunch — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.

    Lunch on the Patio

    8 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    For the first time since we set up camp at the Elk run Campground at Sylvan Lake State Park, the wind gave us a break earlier in the day. Hence an al fresco lunch today.

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Turkish wine anyone? — Sylvan Lake State Park ... Eagle, CO.

    Wrapping Up with Mon Reve

    8 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    With the wind gusts far more manageable this afternoon, we were able to spend most of our time on the patio.

    Afternoon tea first … followed by wine and snacks in lieu of dinner. We finished up the bottle of Mon Reve Montepulciano that we opened yesterday.

    What a great way to wrap up our stay at Sylvan Lake State Park!     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Emptying the grey and black tanks before we leave Sylvan Lake State Park — Eagle, CO.

    Back Home from Sylvan Lake

    9 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    With severe thunderstorms forecasted for this afternoon, we didn't want to get caught on the road traveling back home from Sylvan Lake.

    So, we opted for an early departure and a more direct route via I-70E to I-25S. Mui even made sandwiches that we could eat "on the run" ... so to speak.

    We pulled into the driveway around 1:15p, took out the laundry and perishables, and Mui drove off to store the Cruiser until our next getaway.

    We loved Sylvan Lake State Park. It's definitely on the "must-return-to" list ... especially for a fall getaway.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Site 52 is in the B Loop of the campground — Chatfield SP ... Littleton, CO.
    Site 52 is in the B Loop of the campground — Chatfield SP ... Littleton, CO.Yummy banana spring rolls at PF Chang's — Park Meadows ... Lone Tree, CO.

    Quickie Getaway: Chatfield State Park

    16 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    And I really mean a quickie. We arrived mid-afternoon … here for two nights … check out Saturday at noon.

    Why such a short camping trip? Primarily because we couldn’t find a spot anywhere through the weekend. Father’s Day don’t you know! No matter, we’re here in the area for a couple of specific reasons and having the RV with us as a “mobile hotel” works out just fine regardless of the length of our stay.

    We left home after Mui’s annual eye exam and drove the 55 miles or so to Chatfield State Park … in Littleton, Colorado … south of Denver.

    This park and campground is very different from the one at Sylvan Lake.

    For one thing, we’re not in the mountains … though I can see some of the peaks off in the distance.

    For another … it’s hot, hot, hot … the temperature gauge was reading 96F when we arrived around 2:30p. Luckily, now at 7:30p, the angle of the sun is such that we have shade on the patio … and a light breeze. Without either, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy being outdoors.

    And finally, we’re not dry camping. The campsites here are FHU .. full hook-ups. For those not familiar with the term, it means that we have electricity (50A), water, and sewer connections at our site. We’re especially grateful for the electricity since we have to run the A/C to be comfortable in this heat.

    Once we settled into our site, we took off to do some shopping at Park Meadows … an open air shopping mall in nearby Lone Tree. Apparently, it is the largest shopping mall in Colorado. I got lucky and found a few things I was looking for. Mui not so much … though he did buy some shorts … an unexpected and welcome find.

    Seeing as we were at Park Meadows, we decided to have dinner at PF Chang’s. We started off with our usual — the chicken lettuce wraps — but were disappointed that they are now serving them with a different sauce with a mustard base. Our wrap up, however, was delish … banana spring rolls served with a scoop of pineapple coconut ice cream … yum, yum!     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Fresh shoots for breakfast — Chatfield SP ... Littleton, CO.
    Al fresco breakfast anyone? — Chatfield SP ... Littleton, CO.Ejoying breakfast on the patio — Chatfield SP ... Littleton, CO.A cuppa or two ... brewed Turkish tea — Chatfield SP ... Littleton, CO.Naptime after breakfast? — Chatfield SP ... Littleton, CO.

    Al Fresco Breakfast @ Chatfield

    17 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Today promises to be another hot, hot, hot day. The orientation of our campsite essentially means little to no shade for most of the day, so we’ll be bearing the brunt of the heat when the temps rise.

    Right now, however, it is comfortably cool. We have a bit of shade with the awning at the moment, and a light breeze. That makes it nice enough to sit out and enjoy the patio this morning. In fact, a light fleece jacket didn’t go amiss earlier … discarded now.

    To make the most of the cool hours, we had our breakfast al fresco … accompanied by a rabbit enjoying some fresh shoots at our site … and birds singing for our entertainment.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.
    Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.Immersive Frida Kahlo — Denver, CO.

    Art , Food, and Friends

    17 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ⛅ 81 °F

    A quiet morning enjoying the little bit of shade we had on the patio at our campsite … cooled off by a steady, light breeze.

    Lunch … indoors at the dinette since it was way too hot on the patio by the time the noon hour came around.

    And then it was time to head up to Denver for an immersive art exhibit … this time featuring the art and life of Frida Kahlo … “… the Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. …”

    We thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit … captivated by the colors and the music that accompanied the images. Admittedly, it helps to know a bit about the artist’s life history to make sense of the influences on her art.

    I thought that this quote of Frida’s, painted on a wall at the exhibit hall, was a good description of what we experienced … “They thought I was a surrealist, but I wasn’t. I never painted dreams. I painted my own reality.”

    (More photos from the immersive exhibit are at:
    https://eenusa.smugmug.com/North-America-US-Can…)

    Back to Chatfield State Park for a couple of hours … and then out again, This time for a dinner date with friends … old and new. We met up with Sonia & Boris (old friends) and Amy & Brian (new friends) … two couples with whom we will be sharing a seagoing adventure next year. We met at Ted’s Montana Grill in Littleton … good food; even better camaraderie with what seemed like nonstop chatter as we all got to know each other. Sorry … forgot to get a group shot before we all went our own way.

    And now, we’re back at our campsite … wrapping up a delightful day. I was hoping to sit out on the patio, but the smoke from the campfires around the campground is too thick … my throat is already scratchy and raw. Too bad!     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel

    Back Home from Chatfield SP

    18 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    Like most people, we love having blue skies and sunshine when we are traveling. That said, when the temps rise into the 90F range, we don't complain much when clouds help to filter the heat.

    That was the case this morning. There was a solid block of high clouds in every direction ... the wind gusting strong enough to rattle the awning at times. Nope ... no complaints. We got to sit outside for breakfast and remained on the patio to read until it was time to break camp for the noon check-out deadline.

    The sun was out and blasting its heat by the time we were ready to pull out of our site and begin the short drive back home.

    Chatfield SP is a very big park ... a large reservoir … several smaller bodies of water ... 26 miles of trails. We did not take advantage of the hiking opportunities this time since it was so darn hot. Nor did we explore the park and its various amenities. But we liked what little we saw of this state park and plan to return another time ... hopefully when the weather is cooler.

    In the meantime, our drive back home was uneventful. The Cruiser is tucked into its storage site until our next camping trip comes around.     Czytaj więcej

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  • Two to TravelT2Ts 2022 Phx Cruiser JourneysTwo to Travel
    See the tent on the right ... that's where we would have been camping. (Photo from Fall 2020.)

    Farish Canceled

    22 czerwca 2022, Stany Zjednoczone ⋅ ☁️ 73 °F

    The Farish Recreation Area is a “mountain resort” operated by the US Air Force Academy. It’s up in the mountains near Woodland Park, Colorado … at about 9,500 feet. We camped there a couple of times in 2020. It’s a good place to escape the summer heat. So, we made reservations for a quick getaway in early July.

    Well, it wasn’t meant to be. We got a call today to tell us that the site we booked is no longer designated as a campsite. Why? The office manager at Farish didn’t know. All she could say was that the order came down today … details pending.

    She offered us a choice of two sites. One would have been a dusty turnout by the side of the road down to Lake Grace. The other would have been near a cabin … already booked, so we wouldn’t have the solitude we were seeking from this getaway.

    So we canceled for a full refund.

    I’ll look for a spot at one of the Colorado parks for one last summer getaway, but campsites are hard to come by during the summer months.

    The more likely outcome is that this cancelation just might have pulled the curtain down on our summer getaways with the Cruiser. If that turns out to be the case, then the next time the Cruiser will roll will be in September when we go on our fall road trip.     Czytaj więcej

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