From Cody to Durango - just one week, but an eventful one!

Boy, have we had a wild ride since we pulled up stakes in Cody! After cruising through Thermopolis at midday (lovely town, awesome hot springs), we noticed a few rain drops hitting our front window. Denny accelerated a bit and we thought nothing of it as we left the raincloud in our dust. Later that evening as we settled in for the evening news in Casper, WY, we listened to the story of the tornado that touched down in Thermopolis....just at the time we'd passed through.

The next day we were bound for Cheyenne, WY. Halfway along, I noticed a sign that promised a sighting of ruts from the historic Oregon Trail if only we'd make a detour. Denny, sweet and accommodating man that he is, sensed that I must take in this wonder. We made the journey, and though it added one hour's delay in our progress, we were impressed by what we saw. Later, back on track for our day's destination,
we came over a crest in the road and saw before us, as far as the eye could see, a black and bruised sky. Turning on our weather radio, we heard that there was a tornado warning for Fort Collins, CO (50 miles beyond us and where we planned to stop for lunch the next day with my aunt and cousin!). I exclaimed that 'I don't believe we are in Kansas anymore!' Anywho...long story short: the tornadic activity produced only heavy rain and hail. It turned out that the little impromptu stop to see the Oregon Trail ruts actually saved us from setting up camp in a drenching rain - yea, me! Sometimes you must listen to your gut. : )

The next day, we went on to share a lovely lunch with my aunt Judie and cousin Cathy in Fort Collins before settling into Breckenridge for a few days. Judie is newly embedded in her home there and she played gracious hostess to our road-weariness. Cathy was a splendid surprise; always a delight!

When we arrived later that day in Breckenridge, CO, we were in awe of the campground we'd established as home-base for the next several days. Tiger Run RV Resort was paradise and, if we weren't actually in town for my big brother's wedding, we'd have reveled in the campground. As it was, we had an awesome time celebrating Mark and Patty's nuptuals for the next several days.

Patty came to Mark as a breath of fresh air. She brings out
the absolute best in him and we are so happy for them. They celebrated their love with a few friends and family over several days in Breckenridge playing golf, shopping, visiting a day-spa, and just enjoying the company of loved ones. The day after the wedding, most of us explored Vail together. Mark and Patty have wonderfully supportive
friends and family, and we know that they will be very happy!








Did I mention golf? Oh, well, in addition to playing, my mom (Sue) acquired some added instruction and my husband, Denny, channelled Ian Poulter while in Vail (see photos)!















After leaving the Breckenridge area, Denny and I were blessed with the sights of the village of Ouray, nestled in the Rockies, and the sometimes terrifying experience (to the passenger in the vehicle) of the extreme drop-offs as one careens the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton, CO. My oh my! Next time, I hope to be driving!! (no offense, dear husband!)




When we finally slowed to a stop at the campground just outside of Durango, we were met by the goofy creature known as the baby alpaca...recently shaved. I thought I'd arrived in "the land of Dr. Seuss!"









Over the next few days we'll be exploring Mesa Verde, enjoying a round of golf, and taking a ride on the steam train from Durango before dropping down into New Mexico for a few months. We'll keep you posted, so, until next time - God's peace!!

Surprise!

We awoke to a surprise snowfall this morning. The overnight temp was about 33 degrees. It's not warming up much today, but it should a bit tomorrow. In the meantime, we're hunkering down in our nice, warm home-on-wheels. We've cranked up our 'fireplace' and I'm baking cookies while we watch the final round of golf at The Memorial from Ohio!

Exploring Yellowstone and the Tetons

This week we headed west into Yellowstone National Park and revisited some favorite spots. Old Faithful was true to it's name, however, the ol' gal seems to be losing some of her umphff! She blows on schedule, give or take a few minutes, but the power of the shower seems definitely lacking since we were here 4 years ago. We weren't really disappointed, though - it is still a terrific sight! (Wouldn't it be weird, though, to witness the last burst?!?)

The Geyser Basin has an eeriness about it, especially when you see it on a cool, cloudy day. The steam can totally engulf you as you walk past a bubbling pot. There is an otherworldly feel to the area, and a pungent sulphur smell. There is no wildlife to be seen and the dead tree trunks lying near the craters look like dried bones. The whole area seems out of place in the middle of this lush national park!

Just about 15 miles away from the Geyser Basin, we encountered one of the many buffalo herds we saw on our visit. Funny, these animals always seem to be eating! You can get right up next to them to take their picture and they don't even notice you. They seem so lethargic. We did come across one frisky young fella that really kicked up it's heels and scampered about, though. We were amazed at his speed. The rest of the herd just kept on munching and were oblivious...




















We drove down to Grand Teton National Park to see the towering vistas and were almost skunked by the cloud cover. Just at the moment we were leaving the park, we saw the clouds clear enough for the peaks to peek out!



It is still early in the season up here, and there are frequent weather changes. As we head out on our almost-daily 'explores,' spring rains can quickly evaporate and cool temperatures mellow as the sun burns off the clouds. We must be equipped at all times with sunglasses and raincoats! Thank goodness for variety!

Until next time, enjoy yourselves - life is a gift!