We’ve been on the road since the first, traveling from Texas to Colorado, but I haven’t felt compelled to write about my experience until now.
In the rush of partying, packing, and preparing to leave I overextended myself and ended up getting sick the day before our departure. So, I spent the first few days of our trip resting and focused on getting well. Then, as I began to feel more like myself, I started to fully enjoy our new life in the wilderness (and the freedom of being outside of cell phone range). With campfires to be built and trails to hike, communicating with the outside world was the last thing on my mind.
Finally, today, I’m feeling like I’ve done so much that if I don’t start writing it down I’ll never remember it all. So, a summary:
May 1 – Drove from Austin to Littlefield, TX where we stayed in a free RV park courtesy of the city. With unlimited water and electricity this was a great place to chill out, get settled into RV life (figure out where all my clothes go), and recover.
May 4 – Arrived at an $8/night campground in Santa Fe National Forest, NM. This place is absolutely gorgeous and totally worth the fee as staying in the campground gave us access to some amazing hiking trails. We had a crystal clear stream, huge pines, clear skies, and plenty of firewood. On a particularly adventurous day we took the 8 mile hike to the top of Hermits Peak which provided us spectacular views of neighboring states at around 10,000ft. We indulged in our time at the summit with a snack, a geocache hunt, a nap, and some juggling & wanding time.
May 7 – We encountered some high winds and cold temperatures on our way toward Utah and decided to stop early at the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Stop, NM. Totally free with views of the gorge, this was an ideal place for an unplanned stop. The strong winds kept me inside for most of the day but died down just before dinner and Yair was able to coax me outside to see the gorge from the bridge – a spectacular view.
May 8 – Drove through the mountains and a snow storm (stopping to throw a couple snowballs and see how Catty Arbuckle likes snow – he doesn’t). This was a day of varied landscapes, weather, and activities. In the afternoon we arrived at Pagosa Springs, CO and paid the $12 to bathe in hot springs at Overlook Mineral Springs Spa – totally worth it. This was one of my favorite experiences of all time. A dark, candle-lit, speak-easy-esque building with several pools of different temperatures, roof-top pools with a view of the river and mountains, and bar service. There is nothing like a glass of cold white wine while you soak in a hot tub. This place was romantic and so relaxing. Leaving, we felt refreshed and buzzed with positivity. After, we walked a block to find The Rose Restaurant – a local diner – where we devoured a turkey bacon wrap (so good). Huge clouds loomed overhead sometimes threatening with thunder and sometimes breaking up to reveal the bluest sky I’ve ever seen. We hopped back in the RV to a free campsite near the Piedro River between Pagosa Springs & Durango. Where we hiked, shared some New Mexican beer, made a campfire, played some very loud music, danced, juggled, wanded, and fell asleep to the sound of the river.
May 9 – Drove into Durango where we tackled some RV issues (the cover to the outdoor “entertainment center” (a couple tiny speakers and outlets on the side of the RV) blew off somewhere on the drive and needs to be replaced, tire pressure was down, and we got gas (both kinds) and water). We also loaded up on groceries at Walmart where we discovered beer at 3% and no wine. Yair asked around and found a liquor store nearby that happened to be very well stocked. As I ogled the selection of porters and stouts (at last!) Yair chatted up the clerks and soon we discovered that we were only a few blocks from Ska Brewery. Feeling adventurous, we drove over to inquire about a tour. Tours were not available but tasting flights were and I helped myself to some delicious brews. Later, we arrived at another free camping spot in BLM land outside of Mesa Verde National Park with a great view of the mesa. Yair investigated an Elk skull, finding a bullet lodged inside. I practiced archery, tuned my violin, and went for my first run since getting on the road.
Today we go to the Mesa Park for a tour and may continue on toward Utah.
