Denver CO--A Friendly Place!

My friends in Denver, Anne and Bill, make this a very friendly place.  They welcomed me and my RV into their house and driveway with open arms.  Though I had planned to stay in my RV, Anne insisted that I stay in their newly-remodelled Guest Room.    What a treat to spread out and take a long shower and shampoo--and an electric blanket too!



Anne and Bill are friends from Frank's and my first cross-country trip in 2001.  They and Frank met on the AOL-hosted online Prostate Cancer Support group and we stop and visit with them whenever we pass near Denver, unless they are out travelling around themselves visiting friends and family.

Cassie and I met their new doggy, Murphy, who is part Shiba Inu and part American Eskimo.  I wish I could embed a sound .wav of Murphy's bark; it is like nothing I have ever heard before from a wild or domestic animal.  When it hits exactly the right pitch, wine glasses break, so we drank out of plastic goblets.  (Ok maybe that's a little bit of an exaggeration)

Later, the dogs got cozy with Anne after getting over an initial spat where Cassie, once again, tried to assert dominance over her kingdom!  She is becoming much too possessive for my liking and had to be corrected a couple times.

Bill fixed us his specialty--fireside breakfast!  Wow was it cozy!  He even warmed up the plates.










Not only can Bill cook, he helped me do some stuff on the RV that was a real godsend!  I had broken the slider/catch mechanism on one of the major tableware drawers and had to store the drawer in the overhead cabinet, wasting precious space.  I knew that the part needed to be replaced and probably special-ordered but Bill FIXED it!  He also improved on the production of my countertop over the range but adding custom U-bolts to keep it from moving during travel!  He also helped me learn how to "read" my batteries so I would know if I needed to add water.  He was an enormous RV Friend!

In the evening, we chilled and watched TV with the dogs hovering looking for laps and snacks.

We ate Mexican last night and I had a FINE dinner and we shared a pitcher of Marguaritas.  Anne ended up spilling one all over her and Bill but fortunately, it was at the end of the meal.  We had a great time but perhaps the rich food, and overimbibing kept me from sleep last night and I am feeling a bit foggy today.

I am beginning my trek down a very lonesome stretch of road toward Albuquerque.   The weather forecast for the Balloon Fiesta is FABULOUS!

Parkin' the RV in Idaho/ Utah/Colorado

The past three days have been about drivin' the roads of Idaho, Utah and Colorado.  Pretty drives but the DOT's of these states don't make it easy for RV'ers to pull over and rest.  Signs posted everywhere and virtually NO overnight parking permitted on any square inch of ground unless you pay the big bucks for a campground.

So, I did in Downey, ID.  Paid the big bucks and had to go 4 miles off my route and do a double back--that's a gallon of gas!  On the website, it showed 49 RV sites and a nearby laundry and restroom with showers.  Upon arrival, there was No One There except some guys digging a ditch for some upgraded electric lines.  The property was huge, so off I trekked in search of a warm body.  I finally found the caretaker, who said they were closing for the season.   I was told that the laundry on the map was for Employees Only and the "Guest Laundry" was at the far edge of the property and keep under lock & key.  Not coin operated.   I said "Not for me" and indicated I would be leaving!

As I was in the process of unhooking from the site I was already hooked up to, the lady came back and said she would schlep me and my laundry up to the washer/dryer room in her golf cart.  I said OK and gathered up my stuff and she took me down to the third floor of the main building to what smelled like the dungeons of hell.  Ok, so I put the wash in and hoofed in back to the RV.   At first I thought it was "complimentary" because no coins required but later when I paid for my spot, she charged me $3 for a single load.

Then, some people came in and said I was in "their spot".  Ok, let's see...49 sites and I am the only one there.  Hmmm, I sweetly asked them if they could'nt possibly choose another one as I had already set up for the evening but they refused.  They called the Manager and she admitted that they had reserved the spot I was sitting on and I would have to move.  So, I did.  And she schlepped me back up to the laundry to start the dry cycle.

By this time, I am highly suspicious of everything on the property so I asked her if there was hot water in the shower because I wanted to get a shampoo.  She said "Of Course, but it's coin-operated and 50 cents per minute!  Yikes!  She said I could always use the hot springs pool and shower free afterward.  Ohhhh that sounded pretty good but then she added the hot springs pool cost $6.  At this point, I am pretty pissed but am still dependent on this woman's golf cart and goodwill to get my laundry back to the RV.

I also made sure I used THEIR electric to heat my water and THEIR water to fill my tank so I could get a hot shower. 

Next morning, happy to be leaving, I looked for the dump in the usual place near the exit of the campground.  I found none.  Then I looked for a dumpster.  I found none.  There was a sign saying there was a dump in Downey (no details about where).  There was a recyclable bin and I set my small bag of garbage on the lid.

I had to go back to Downey anyway to get back on my route.  I saw no signs for a trailer dump and drove through the only two gas stations in town looking for a dump.  Boy, do I not Heart Downey!

Next morning, I found a pretty Rest Area and had a HOT breakfast!  

It was a difficult  drive enroute to Scipio,UT via I-70 through Salt Lake City.  SLC seems to last forever so I treated myself to a "new" Cracker Barrel salad and an extended rest since there was wifi there.  For overnight, I found a big parking area adjacent to a gas station to park with 4 other RV'ers and One Big Ass Boat accompanied by a pilot car!  It was so big it blocked out everything in sight from my window.

Next day, travel.  No services for 110 miles and gas cost sky high.  They put up signs everywhere warning you of certain death if you ran out of gas before you got to Green River, UT. 

Some nith fellas travelling with their puthy kitty took this picture.

Utah has some very pretty Rest Stops but you have a climb a small mountain to get to them.









Finally, I am in Colorado where things went from bad to worse.  I ended up staying in sleazy rest area/truck stop (one of those new private/public partnerships that have become popular as the states run out of money to maintain Rest Areas).  After arriving at 7pm just as it is beginning to get dark, I noticed the ubiquitous sign saying No RV parking!  Disgusted, I started looking for a spot in the little town and found one in the Staff Parking Lot at the school. 

It is just amazing; as you go through the interstates, you see more RV dealers in Idaho, Utah and Colorado than anywhere else I have ever been, but they don't want RV's to actually PARK.  Just pay your Sales Tax and get outta sight unless you are willing to stay in the older, crappy little parks that charge $40 night and then nickel & dime you to death with extra services like a hot shower and entrance fees!

Ah, but the good news!  Today, I arrive in Denver at my friend's house, Anne & Bill.  They are old friends that Frank met on the internet chat group for prostate cancer and we visit them whenever we are out west.  They are letting me stay parked in front of their house!  YAY!  They have a young dog and fenced in backyard so Cassie and Murphy can run and play together while we adults have our wine.

After that, I continue down the  road to Albuquerque and am being welcomed by Tuna, Laura and their kids Little Tee and Christopher!  They are also letting me park on their property!  YAY!  I am looking forward to spending time with them before I get parked at the Balloon Fiesta on Friday.

Journey to Yellowstone

This has been not only a physical journey in my moho but also a spiritual and emotional one.  The last 48 hours have been emotionally exhausting in the extreme.   Never in my life have I felt so completely disconnected and irrational. 

I have found many reasons to delay my arrival at Yellowstone;  I suppose on some level I was aware that this was going to be a life-changing visit.   But, I had no idea what I was in for.  This has been harder on me than the day Frank died.  I have not eaten in 2 days.  Even Cassie is "off her feed" and we are both having GI troubles.  She senses that her leader ain't right in the head.  I had a minor meltdown 2 nights ago and Theresa called and talked me off the ledge.

I finally left the state park around 1pm (more delay as checkout was noon).  Enroute to the Madison CG where I had reservations for 2 nights.  I saw no bison, no elk, no coyotes, wolves or bears.   I saw one  bald eagle. 

So, I bagged my bald eagle, which are really hard to get and at least equal to a wolf photo.  I spent about 30 minutes waiting for the mighty bird to turn his head to a profile AND have an opening in the tree that would not obstruct the shot.

Checked into the campground and was immediately overcome with bone-deep fatigue.  I could hardly move and even though the day was glorious and warm, I went to bed.  I decided to postpone the task of locating  the place where I wanted to spread Frank's remains until the next day.

By 4pm I was distressed by my self-imposed delays and retrieved the box containing the cremated remains.  I had not yet opened it at all so did not expect to see some of the contents which mainly had to do with ID.  I removed a metal ID tag and attached it to my key chain.  Tearfully, I placed the contents in an inconspicuous container so as not to arouse any questions by park staff and began the hike to find Frank's place.  It took him a lot of effort to walk here in the morning with his coffee and I knew he loved it.





Along the way, I stopped in the Park Bookstore and they had a CD Listening Station with headsets where you could listen to samples of music before buying (another delay!)  Naturally, I found one I LOVED called Journey to Yellowstone and began to cry buckets.  I left quickly to continue my hike for a spot that I thought suitable for Frank.

Hiking along the river, I spotted a small herd of elk!   I planted myself down on the bank of a river 20 feet from the herd and talked to them for a while, explaining that I was looking for a place where Frank could view the wildlife that came to the valley river to drink.  They listened politely but seemed more interested in chewing their cud and protecting their yearlings from the sudden appearance of a rutting Bull Elk.

I took several photos of spots but could not make myself release Frank's  remains.  I think this is the log he  sat on to drink his coffee from a slightly different angle.

All the spots were beautiful and these photos capture the Madison River valley where Frank found such peace.

Finally, I found Frank's final resting place where I thought he would be content.  Frank was a Buddist and believed that the mindstream continues after a person dies and that he would "be back" in the Beast Realm.   This is a place where wildlife hung out, the campground is off to the left so he can watch the RV'ers and even had a good shot of a satellite TV signal should he ever have the opportunity.    I took a very deep breath, imagined my own primal scream and scattered Frank's remains down the hillside.







Here is a statement that reflects what Buddists believe about life and death: 


Life is a journey.
Death is a return to earth.
The universe is like an inn.
The passing years are like dust.

Regard this phantom world
As a star at dawn, a bubble in a stream,
A flash of lightning in a summer cloud,
A flickering lamp - a phantom - and a dream.

I could not stop crying afterwards and made myself nauseous.  I forced myself to go up for the Ranger Night Chat at the amphitheater and cried all through the presentation, which was about what the wildlife does to get ready for winter.  I found it a strange parallel to my own life where I feel like my dangerous, empty season is approaching and I had not prepared for the perils of winter life. 

Interestingly, it also explained why there were no animals around.  The climate change had caused high summer temperatures to be extended by two weeks and the animals had already migrated to higher, cooler elevations to eat their preferred high-fat/calorie diet to prepare for winter.  I forgot to take a flashlight and got lost in the dark campground on the way back but finally found my moho spot.

I had a ton of wood that I had transported from Lake Tahoe, so I decided to make a campfire.  It was a truly masterful campfire!  I burned the cremation storage box and bag.  I cried all the while and looked up at the inky velvet nightime sky where it seemed the brightness of the stars equaled the blackness of the sky.  A rutting bull elk bugelled somewhere in the distance.  It was peaceful.

Early this morning around 5:30am, I decided to leave Yellowstone--vowing never to return.  I drove in the dark to a nearby turnout to go back to sleep until daylight.   The thrifty side of me returned back to the campground to get my night's prepaid reservation fee refunded. 

On the way out, I bagged my mighty Bull Elk!  Cars were stopped along the roadway and the photogs were out in force and it was only 8:30am!  I parked in the turnout and saw the big bull elk and was pleased that he had such a fine rack!    This is the only animal I really wanted to see during this visit to Yellowstone; the Bull Elk rarely makes an appearance until rutting season where their hyped-up testosterone makes them do all kinds of stupids things (hmmmm...is there a cross-species similarity here?)

Suddenly, the elk began to travel in a straight line directly toward me.  He was moving at an uncharacteristically fast pace, as though he had purpose.  I brought the window down and Cassie and I both watched as the elk came directly toward us and passed by within 10 ft.  Naturally, I got the photo and toyed with the thought that perhaps Frank had already come back in the Buddist/Hinduism Beast Realm...



As I write, I realize that it is therapeutic for me to recall my journey and say a private and meaningful final goodbye to Frank.  I know the tears are not over yet, but something in my life is complete now although  I still feel like crap.

Tomorrow, I begin travelling south toward Albuquerque, my final destination stop of my trip before returning to Cape Coma.

Almost there...

I decided to spend the night at Henry's Lake State Park in Island Park, ID about 20 miles outside Yellowstone.  I had no services last night and I really wanted a shampoo and a long shower.   Especially after my stop to wash the RV; I just happened to see a car wash with an outdoor shower so I pulled in to get the bugs that were plastered all over the front off!  Yuk!  However, I ended up getting soaked to the skin in the process and a bit grimy too.

This place is fantastic--unbelievable!   This is the approach overlooking the lake and campground.  On arrival at the guardhouse, a woman about my age gave Cassie a dog biscuit and signed me in.  Ranger Janine and I chatted and found we had MUCH in common.  Her husband is disabled with cancer and she wants to get a small moho and travel after he passes away.  We chatted for about 15 min as the campground is "off season" and not busy.

Here is my site nosed out to the lake.  Ranger Janine gave me the best site in the campground!   It is very windy and there are whitecaps on the lake.  It's 66 degrees and feels wonderful.  I have water and electric HU.

If the wind dies down tonight, I'll use some of my Tahoe wood and make a campfire. 

I stopped at Walmart on the way for last minute provisions, ice and "granny gear" ie warm outdoor clothing.   Also extra wine.   Do you think the tag on the face mask makes a fashion statement?

It's hard to believe I have free wifi, but take a peek at this!  Wow--out in the middle of NOWHERE!


That's all for now

Tahoe to Idaho

We built a huge campfire on our last night in the campground; of course, we had our favorite beverages nearby.  Cassie occupied her stroller (helps keep her contained and clean).

Our final day in Tahoe was beautiful; I didn't want to leave!  We did a little shopping...a little RV cleanup and laundry...and a little gambling "for the road".  We decided to go to Bill's Casino again because they had lots of penny video machines and we were essentially now playing "off budget".




Sue's machine suddenly froze..just like a computer loaded with the Vista OS.  So, I turned on my Service light...and waited...and waited.  After 10 minutes, I looked around and didn't see any operations staff on the floor.  I then pushed the Help lights on ALL the machines around me.   Still nobody came!

 Sharon then went off in search of someone and was unable to identify any management staff and noone at the Security Desk!  She finally found a lonely bartender who warned her not to pick up the phone at the Security Desk or she would be arrested!  As you can imagine, this got my panties in a bunch!

Sharon then took my place at the frozen machine and I went off in search.  Still no staff or Security but apparently the bartender alerted management of a possible security threat and two mean men came to talk me off the ledge.  By this time, I was steamin' mad!  Not only had the machine captured my pittance and refused to allow me to play or cash out, but no one came to help when summoned for 20 minutes by a dozen machines...AND my sister was threatened with arrest if she attempted to summon Security!   My panties are On Fire!!

The "excuse" was that we should understand that an employee did not show up for work!  Of course, that attitude enraged me and I began to speak in an enhanced tone of voice, saying that we were females unaccompanied by men or firearms and there were many little old ladies on the floor oblivious to the fact that the casino had NO Security!  I told him he should be ashamed of his excuse and the Gaming Commission might be interested in his casino's lack of security.  The Security Guard who finally made an appearance looked scared!

Finally, the one mean guy offered me a free drink (to get me to shut up?) and I said NO I NEED TWO DRINKS and so do my friends!   Immediately, my machine was fixed and we all had two drinks AND the guy came over and gave us a tip on the best game to play to maximize winnings.  Five free drinks later times 3 women, Sharon won the top line on a maximum bet--$403.95 on her dime machine.  She also won a shot of top shelf tequila.

Woozy with booze and winnings, we retired back to the room that Sharon & Marilyn had gotten using Marilyn's casino birthday coupon.   I gave Cassie her bath, we took a snooze and then Sharon treated us all to a seafood buffet on the top floor of Harrah's overlooking Lake Tahoe.  Wow, whatta way to end our Tahoe vacation!

Next morning I dropped Marilyn off at Reno airport and continued on my journey to Yellowstone.  At the last possible moment, I changed my route to a small state route to avoid the crappy Bonneville Salt Flats drive to Salt Lake City.  Very happy with decision as I had the road to myself.  The bad part is that I began thinking of the sad task ahead and spent much of the ride trying to focus through blurry eyes.

This is a nice photo of the Snake River at Twin Falls, ID which I hiked a bazillion stairs to get to.

I am in a relatively classy Casino Travel Center north of Pocatello within an easy drive of Yellowstone tomorrow around noon.

This is how I warm up my coffee mug on a cold morning--like this morning.  It is sitting directly in front of the furnace blower vent.

  I changed my mind again and am going to Henry's Lake State Park just 20 miles from Yellowstone.  It has services and wifi and rates are very low off season.  It is supposed to be really pretty.  I guess I am delaying going into Yellowstone...

Tally Ho to Tahoe!

The girls packed our gear in whatever space could be found in the RV and stored the rest in Sharon's Prius and headed for Lake Tahoe.  None of us had ever visited there in the fall, between the summer and winter tourist seasons and were looking forward to our laid back trip.  

It was an "on and off" rainy travel day and I had to use my wipers several times.   Suddenly, my windshield wiper "exploded"--I thought perhaps it had been hit by a rock.   On inspection, it  was hanging on "by the thread" and I tried to reposition it and continue on.  Fortunately, it was the one on the passenger side.  Unfortunately, it would not stay on so I finally had to remove it and then had a second problem--the bare metal wiper holder would be painfully scratching my windshield any time I needed a wipe.

So, I looked around for something to cover it up that would put when in motion, and finally settled on my pink, foam hair roller.   That is the pink thing in the photo.   This worked like a charm.

We stopped at Granzella's Deli, a semi-famous tourist attraction.  It has RV Parking, 3 different stores with shopping and other ususual foods and stuff.  We ate amongst many dead animals and animal heads that had been positioned on the walls.   It doesn't seem like an appetizing decor but apparently no one complains.

Our site was roomy and cozy and we set up our chairs and beverage tables.  I noticed that someone had left firewood on a nearby site and asked the adjacent camper if he knew anything about that and he said that they had left and I could also have all his leftover wood.  We filled up Sharon's Prius trunk twice, rented a fire-ring and will be having wine by the fire on our last night-tonight.  Additionally, there is sufficient wood for me to take to Yellowstone.

The weather has been awesome and usually warm.  The morning temps are around 60 degrees but in the daytime, the temps have been mid-70's and really comfortable for being out and about. 

However, that morning 60 degree "got me" the first morning--I forgot and put the electric heater on and we made another pot of coffee.  Of course, we blew the fuse and had to go out and buy some fuses but still not not get the power back.  So, I asked the handyman from the campground to check the power box and he found it was "loose" and replaced the plug.  Still...no power.  We checked everything we knew how to.  Out of options, I called for Mobile RV Service and he had me operational in 5 min.  He knew the problem--the inverter had tripped.  The inverter is located under my bed.  I am $95 poorer but I shall remember to check the inverter in the future.

You can only imagine what the inside of an RV would look like with 3 women and a dog inhabiting it.  Marilyn is sleeping in the cabover and though one cannot "sit up", she has the most space to spread out in.  However, she does have to climb a ladder to get there.  Sharon is on the couch and fortunately, is a side sleeper who curls a bit, since the length is only 67 inches.

The front of the cab is full of all the excess bedding/blankets/pillows/towels and clothing.

Here is Sue having a primal scream at the condition of her RV.

One of the initial "stops" is a traditional one in Tahoe for Sharon & Marilyn, the local Smoke Shop which has many beautiful and custom glass-blown pipes and stuff.  I had to step out as I was getting a headache from the lack of oxygen but Sharon found a pipe that had a likeness of her husband, Norm, and got it for him.  Many have said that Norm looks like Jerry Garcia.

We stopped at a Winery and had a wine-tasting but rejected their kind offer of a bottle of wine for $22 in favor of our Costco twin-pack and various other vintages for about $7/bottle.  We plan to polish a couple bottles off tonight.

 Naturally, when one is Lake Tahoe one must hit some casinos, so we have been making the rounds and taking the free offers for new players and playing with their money.  Marilyn had a birthday this month and was eligible for a free dinner, cocktail and other spiffs.  Theresa------we found a "Deal or No Deal" machine and I took these pics especially for you.

Very realistic game and actually we had a lot of fun with it.

We also played mucho nickel video poker and ALL of us ending up getting 4 of a kind.  It was a good gambling day in Tahoe.

Our last day is tomorrow and we have to leave the campground because their rates are ridiculous at $58 off  season.  Sharon got it through her timeshare points for $3/night.  Sharon and Marilyn have taken advantage of her Birthday coupon and gotten a heavily-discounted room at one of the casino hotels.  I will also be able to park there and use their facilities though I will stay in the RV overnight with Cassie.

A Very California Wedding

The day was cloudy until we approached the wedding site!  As Helena readied herself for the wedding, she rejoiced when the sun finally came out!

While we waited for the ceremony to begin, the Flower Girl, Claire, chased bubbles.




















                                                                                                                
The bridesmaids gathered in their beautiful pastel gowns..                

 ...and men in Mexican Wedding Shirts.











Bella was also in attendance in her gown. 



















 
The ceremony began.  The bride and groom, Helena and Drew, had spent hours designing their wedding.  

 They chose to have their attendants read cards that they had sent to each other throughout their 3-year courtship during separations, both physical and emotional.  

They selected and read poems that reflected their understanding of the love they found with each other and the love they hope for the future.  

There was laughter as Drew flubbed a line in his poem ...

 ...and tears as Helena spoke of the first time she knew she was going to fall in love with Drew..

They gave each other surprise gifts which meant something special to the other.  

In these ways, they declared their love for each other and the wedding was unique and enjoyable. 

Finally, the couple became Mr & Mrs with the traditional kiss...

...and the untraditional dance off the wedding podium!

Helena and Drew chose to release a group of butterflys after the ceremony, in honor of a patient of Helena's that touched her deeply.  The patient's daughter presented the butterflies and participated in the memorium.

A memorium was established in the entrance for the people in both families that would have wanted to be attending the wedding, including Frank and my mother and father.  It was a very touching gesture.

There was a yummy banquet; the Flower Girl especially enjoyed the homemade fudge favors placed at every plate.

The young boys conspired at the food table, ignoring the carefully-wrapped chocolate vagina favors in the basket.

The bride and groom danced their dance 

This was the most personal and emotional wedding I have ever been to.  I don't think there was a dry eye in the crowd as Drew & Helena promised their love to each other.  



















Tomorrow, my sister Sharon, our friend Marilyn and me will drive to Lake Tahoe.  We changed our plans to go to Yellowstone NP because of the distance (1300 miles), limited time available and closure of the major road linking the loops in Yellowstone.  Following our Tahoe vacation, I will drive on to Yellowstone NP and scatter Frank's ashes in Madison Valley, his favorite place.