Pikes Peak

Today was the day for the house battery upgrade and slide out cover repair on the motor home.  We were to be at the Pikes Peak Travel and RV center between 8:30 and 9 AM.  Since it is only a mile from our campground, we didn’t have a rush this morning.

They replaced our torn slide out cover which got damaged in the wind last week.  They also upgraded our house batteries to two instead of one.  Although they are not a Onan dealer, the only thing Gene wanted done to the generator was oil changed, so they did that as well.

View of Pikes Peak from our campsite

This was not a carefree experience and we had to take the motor home back over there when we discovered after we got back to the RV Park that they only put in one new battery and failed to put enough oil in the generator.  I’m not even gonna make any remarks about that stuff.

Since we didn’t do much today but sit in the car and wait [I think Peanut got tired  of waiting cause he went to the back seat and stretched out in his litter box (I have no remarks about that either)], and since we’re probably not going to go up to the top of Pikes Peak, I dug out some old pictures from our last trip up that magnificent mountain.

It was back in 2003 and we hiked up Pikes Peak.  We spent most of the summer in Colorado that year and did a whole lot of hiking.  We couldn’t begin to climb that mountain today because we’re no where near the level of fitness we were back then.

Pikes Peak rises to a height of 14,115 feet above sea level.  Being a 14er, it’s a popular mountain to climb.  The Barr Trail, which starts in Manitou Springs near the Cog Railroad, is the most popular trail to the summit.  Barr Trail is about 12.5 miles in length and gains 7800 feet in elevation.  This is a high peak and prone to afternoon thunderstorms.  The wise hiker will be off the summit and below tree line by early afternoon.

There are hikers out there that can do this round trip in one very long day, but we had no intention of doing that.  Most hikers just hike one way and either use a car shuttle or the cog railroad for the other direction.  Gene and I decided to make this a 3-day backpacking trip and hike both directions.

We started out early, but not at the crack of dawn like those hikers trying to get to the summit by noon.  It was probably 7:30 or 8, I can’t remember exactly.  What I do remember is the bus load of teenagers who arrived in the parking lot about the time we did.  We set off at what we thought was a pretty good pace, but were soon overtaken by 40-50 youngsters practically running up the mountain.  Such energy.  Pikes Peak is rated as a very difficult hike and most of these kids had never been off the sofa.  How do they do that?

About the halfway mark, we came to Barr Camp.  The mountain is within the Pike National Forest, but Barr Camp is a private concession offering food and lodging for the night.  We stopped there for a much needed break before continuing on our journey.

Our destination for the day was a shelter just below tree line about the 9 mile make.  We climbed and climbed and climbed and at every turn in the trail I just knew we would see that shelter.  As is typical for a summer afternoon, a thunderstorm came up.  This was the early part of August, we had worked up quite a sweat and our clothes were pretty damp.  The raindrops which just poured down quickly turned to hail.  Since we thought we were very close to the shelter, we didn’t stop to put on warmer clothes.  We did put on rain jackets but not gloves and ear muffs or another layer of clothing.  It was less than 30 minutes from the time the rain started until we reached the shelter, but that was plenty time to become hypothermic.  In the shelter, we got water on to boil for coffee or hot chocolate or something, and Gene got out of his wet clothes.  His hands were so cold he had difficulty with the zipper on his rain jacket.

A-frame shelter 3 miles below the summit

The storm didn’t last long, maybe 45 minutes.  We pitched our tent perhaps 30 yards in front of the shelter.  The clouds moved out and we had a fabulous view of Colorado Springs and I could have sworn we could see all the way to Kansas.

We were up early the next morning.  We left our tent and climbed the last 3 miles to the summit.  We took our typical slow, easy steps, gradually closing the distance to the top.  On this day, to mess with our minds, we didn’t have those couch potatoes passing us by, but rather the runners practicing for the Pikes Peak Marathon race.  Holy cow!!   These nuts were running, (and I mean running) repeats of the 3 miles from the summit to tree line and back again.  They didn’t just pass us once or twice; we saw some of these folks four or five times.  Really makes you feel old.

After checking out the gift shop and having a snack, we headed back to the tent.  We wanted to go down as far as Barr Camp for our second night out.  I really can’t remember if we camped at Barr Camp or if there was another backcountry camping area.  From the shelter to the summit, back to the shelter, then to Barr Camp would have been about 9 miles.  I’m pretty sure we didn’t go much lower than that on the second day.  That would have left just 6 miles for the third day back to the car.

I have very fond memories of that hike; even the hail storm doesn’t seem so bad now.  I could only find 5 photos of that hike.  One was of the mountain, but instead I have included the photo we took the day we arrived.  It’s much prettier with the snow on top.

Speaking of snow, it snowed on the mountain last night.  Not much, but a little.

That’s my walk down memory lane.  Thanks for tagging along.

Adjusting Plans

This has been a productive day.  We didn’t plan to be in Colorado Springs, but since we are we’ve sat down with maps, guidebooks, campground directories, and the internet along with our list of things that need to be done and come up with a whole new plan.  Yes, the ultimate goal is still Alaska, but we’ve made a few adjustments.

We originally planned to stop in Denver for a week or 10 days to have regular maintenance done on both the Ford and the Honda.  There is also an Onan Dealer in Denver where we were going to have the regular maintenance on the generator done.  It’s also time for Peanut’s annual check up.  Soooo, instead of stopping in Denver to have all that done, we’re just gonna do it here.

There were a couple of other RV issues Gene wanted to have fixed.  We only have one house battery and he wants to have two.  Driving in the strong winds on Saturday caused a small rip in one of our slide out covers, plus it doesn’t seem to be wound on the roller straight any more.  We want to get that repaired.

Gene has been on the phone calling around about the RV issues.  There are two Camping World’s in town, plus what appears to be a reputable Keystone RV dealership which has been in business for over 30 years.  Since we’ve never been very happy with service at Camping World’s, Gene started out by visiting the RV dealership and talking with the service department.  While there, one of the customers highly recommended the service department, so we have an appointment for Thursday.  They will also do the maintenance on the generator.  It only needs an oil change, I think.

Gene had already arranged for the oil to be changed in the motor home while it was in the shop for the engine problem. The Honda dealer can take the car tomorrow morning.  Now, all that’s left is to find a vet for Peanut.

This is the story with our engine problem.  It turned out to be a simple fix after all.  The whole problem was in the dash--some sort of electrical malfunction.  We were repaired and ready for pick up by 11 AM.  Whew--I’m glad that’s over.  Out of pocket we paid $84 and that was for the oil change.  Ford will pick up the tab on everything else, and maybe even our lodging cost for 2 nights.

I have not forgotten about our experience at the Shell station in Trinidad on Sunday morning.  They are located at exit 11 off of I-25 so they have one of those high rise signs advertising their gas prices.  On all the signs around the station as well as on the pump, they are selling regular unleaded gasoline for 3.74.9.  But, beware.  The octane level in their regular gas is less than 85 which is too low even for our little Honda fit.  Gene had to get the next grade which was 3.86.9.  At least we got to save about 18 gallons or about $70 worth by having the motor home towed a 125 miles.

Now, we are parked for a week at Wrangler Motel and RV Ranch.  It’d be a stretch to call this an RV Park.  It’s more like a trailer park full of old RVs.  It’s an old park and the person who checked us in (not the owner) says the owner likes the “rustic look”.  It’s not as bad as some places we’ve stayed and certainly no where near as bad as that place in Trinidad.  They have us up at the front; not in the back with all the permanent residents.  And I still have that great view of Pikes Peak.  It’s sort of the prominent feature on the horizon and there’s almost no place in town where you can’t see that 14,000 foot peak.

While we’re in town, we’ll do a little sightseeing.  We want to go to Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy.  Our main priority, of course, is to get these maintenance issues marked off our list.  We also want to just chill out for a couple days to relax from this very stressful ordeal we’ve lived through this week.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for tagging along.

Being Towed Saves on Fuel

We are thinking every positive thought we can come up with.

We were up and at um this morning.  Normally, I don’t do much about putting stuff away.  Oh, sure, I put the pictures away, and move the hand soup and lotion to the bathroom sink, and toss a few things in the kitchen sink, but I don’t worry about the toaster and coffee pot, or even the napkin basket on the table.  Things ride pretty well in our RV.  Today, however, I knew our tow truck driver would be driving a lot faster than we do and the front in would be sticking up at a nice angle.  I secured everything I could think of and it took a while.

Ford MH emergency service called right at the stroke of 8 AM and kept us posted throughout the morning on progress he was making finding a Ford service center which met all the Ford MH criteria.  They finally found a dealership in Colorado Springs which could take us today.  We were all hitched up and on the road by 11.

Our same tow truck driver we had yesterday was back this morning to take care of us.  He did another outstanding job today.  Halfway through our drive to Colorado Springs he pulled off the interstate.   We were nervous something had gone wrong, but he was only checking to be sure all his hook ups were still hooked up.

The service representative who will be taking care of our job met us in the parking lot at the service center.  That has never happened in all the years of having cars and trucks serviced.  We were impressed.  He took Gene right in and got everything filled out.  He even looked up hotel phone numbers for us.  We were using the Exit Now guide so we knew what lodging was in the area.  We were on our way to a motel within 30 minutes.

One of our main concerns for today was to have the drive shaft accompany us to the service facility.  We had notes to ourselves all over the RV and every time anybody called about the RV we mentioned the drive shaft.  I am happy to report that RV and drive shaft have been reunited.

To add a little spice to our morning, the air compressor failed.  Gene has always been diligent to monitor the air pressure in the tires and today was no different.  He especially wanted to be sure the pressure was correct on the rear tires since they would be rolling down the highway at 70 mph instead of our normal 60.  The compressor was not filling the tires even though t was running.  The thingy that attaches to the valve stem was not working properly and instead of putting air in the tire, it was allowing air to escape.  We really needed air in one tire then.  That resulted in another emergency service call to inform the towing service to bring along an air compressor.

We got settled in our motel room.  Peanut was scared and hid under the bed for a long time.  He finally got brave enough to come out and have his dinner.  Gene went off to Lowes to purchase a new air compressor.

It wasn’t long before I noticed ants in the room.  That’s not a good sign, especially with Peanut’s food out.  While we were deciding whether to ask for ant bait or have someone come spray, the toilet overflowed.  We spent the next 30 minutes moving to another room.

We haven’t slept out of our RV in a long time.  Just finding a suitcase was a challenge.  I had packed my stuff in Wal-Mart bags until Gene finally found the suitcase.  I hope I haven’t forgotten anything.  It’s hard to remember all the stuff you need when you are used to having everything you own with you.  The bed bug thing is a real concern, but I’m not thinking about that other than to check the beds and try to keep our stuff in a safe place.  After all, that’s not a positive thought.

The service representative says they still don’t know what the problem is.  We have oil, and plenty of it, and we have oil pressure.  That’s all good.  They have determined it is not the oil pump, which is very good.  They also determined it is not the electronic sender, which is what we were hoping it would be.  They’ll continue their search and call us tomorrow.

So here we are in a motel in Colorado Springs with snow-capped mountains out our window.  It turned out to be a beautiful day, by the way.  It was very cold last night--down to about 25.  We even got a couple snow flakes yesterday afternoon and a fresh layer of snow was on the mountain tops this morning.

That’s about all I know today.  Thanks for tagging along

Sunday's Adventure

This day did not go like any of our plans were written.  This was one of those adventures you really don’t want to have, but you know us.  We like to get the most out of every trip.

This story really begins on Saturday afternoon.  Just as we were getting off the interstate and pulling into Wal-Mart the “check oil” light started to blink.  That’s never a good sign, but at least we were where we were going for the day.  We parked and Gene let the engine cool down a little before checking the oil.  We had all kinds of oil--it was up to the high mark on the dip stick.  Then he started the engine and, behold, no “check oil” light and everything looked good.  As a precaution, however, just in case there was a leak, he bought another quart of oil at Wal-Mart to go with the spare we always have.

This morning, we pulled out of Wal-Mart and into the Shell station for gas--filled up the motor home and the car. Ouch.  More on that later.

We had decided to only drive about 60 miles toward Great Sand Dunes today.  Their weather forecast was not that good so we thought we’d just get a little closer and stay at a campground with full hook-ups to wait for the weather to improve.

We got on the interstate (I-25) northbound and drove 8 miles up to the next rest area.  There we called to be sure the campground we had selected was open.  Back on the interstate, we drove about 10 more miles when the “check oil” light came on and the oil pressure gauge showed low.  That’s never a good sign.  Gene immediately pulled over onto the shoulder.  After waiting a few minutes for the oil to settle, he checked the oil.  Still full.

Gene called the Ford Motor Home hotline and after a few dropped calls and a lengthy conversation, they sent out a tow truck.  We sat on the side of the interstate for perhaps an hour all together.  During that time, two state police officers stopped to investigate about 15 minutes apart.  Satisfied that it truly was an emergency and that we had things under control, they encouraged us to call if we needed anything and they returned to their job of keeping Colorado safe.

Unlike that time in Connecticut when we had a flat on the Everest 5th wheel and the emergency service sent out a mini van driven by a 12 year old equipped with a tire iron, this time we got a real tow truck and a driver/mechanic who knew what he was doing.  Although it was a sad sight, he had us hitched up in no time.  Then when he dropped us off at the campground, he help us get level.  That’s great service.  I don’t recommend needing a tow, but if you ever do and you’re in southern Colorado, Kelly is the one to call.

Wish I’d thought to make a picture of our drive shaft being disconnected.  That’s never a good sign.  Anyway, I didn’t, but that may be the story for tomorrow--where in the world is the drive shaft.  Last we saw it was in the tow truck and who knows which truck will come for us tomorrow.  We have notes stuck all over the motor home reminding us to ask about the drive shaft.

At this point, we really don’t know what the problem is.  After talking with the Ford service tech, they apparently think it’s some sort of warranty issue.  That’s good news, cause now Ford is happy to pay for the towing and the repairs.  Since we’re probably going to have to be towed to Pueblo, which isn’t just around the corner, we’re happy for Ford to pay the bill, too.

For today, Kelly Towing Service towed the motor home back to Trinidad and we’re in not so fine a campground behind the Budget Summit Inn.  It’ll do.  We have a great view of the snow-capped mountains and full hook-ups.  And Ford’s probably gonna pay the bill for here, too.

I’m sure you’ll agree--life doesn’t get much better.  Or maybe this is one of those “box of chocolate” moments.

Black Mesa, Oklahoma's High Point

Friday was our day for another high point adventure. Reaching Oklahoma’s highest point required a real hike of 8.4 miles round trip.  We haven’t hiked in a while so expected it to be more difficult than it really was.

Summit marker

We got an early start--leaving about 7:30.  On our way out of the park we saw our first wildlife of the day--10 mule deer.  About halfway to the trailhead we saw a group of four antelope.

Black Mesa in the distance

At the trailhead, we got suited up, or at least that’s the way it seemed.  The cool temperatures required a jacket and Gene even had on his gloves.  We also put on gaiters as a precaution against snake bite.  Dressed for whatever might befall us, we headed out.  The trail follows an old jeep road for the first couple miles.  It was wide and easy to follow.  However, there were numerous paths crisscrossing the area so the green arrows pointing the way were helpful. The day started out cool, but warmed up quickly.  We shed our jackets within the first mile of the hike.

The trail was an old jeep road most of the way

At every mile mark there was a bench.  The benches were nice for resting, but we especially liked having a mile mark to keep track of our progress.

After about 2.5 miles we began our climb to the top of the mesa.  We passed the 3-mile bench along the way which offered a great view of the valley below.  Once we gained the top it was smooth sailing for the last mile to the summit.

A monument of Oklahoma Indian granite stands at the summit.  Pictures were made, of course, and I signed the summit register.  At the summit, we were only 4.7 miles from the Colorado state line and a mere 1299 feet from New Mexico.  After a short break, we headed down.

Trail to the top of the mesa

It’s always exciting to go to a state high point and today was no exception.  However, I think the highlight of the hike was the ten antelope which dashed across the mesa about 50 yards in front of us as we were approaching the high point.  They were beautiful and we had the privilege of witnessing the event.  Of course, they were moving far too fast for me to get the camera out of the case, focus and get a shot, so I just stood there spellbound and watched as they turned and headed out of view.

Mile 1 bench

Actually, it was an easy hike.  Pretty flat for the first 2.5 miles, then the climb of 632 feet up to the top of the mesa, then a mile across the top which was ever so slightly uphill.  The trip back to the car, of course, was all down hill.  However, it was a busy hike with dodging cow piles in the middle of the trail and watching for rattlesnakes.  From a distance I kept mistaking dried up cow dung for coiled snakes.  I didn’t learn until afterwards that I should have also been on the lookout for mountain lions and bear.

We completed the hike and were back at the car in just over 4 hours.  We were real pleased with that, all things considered.  After showers, it felt so good to sit down and prop the old, sore feet up.

Once again, it was a very windy day here.  We have decided to leave in the morning.  Hopefully, Colorado won’t be quite so bad.

Wildlife count for the day:  15 antelope, 10 deer, 4 rabbits, and a lizard.  Thankfully, we didn’t see a rattlesnake.

That’s it for Friday.  Thanks for tagging along.

Oklahoma State Capitol

We managed to get so far out away from civilization yesterday that we didn’t have a cell signal.  No cell signal, no MiFi, no post.  Now, I’m really behind.  I’ll start the catch up process with our visit to the state capitol.

We went on Monday after visiting the Oklahoma City Memorial.  It was a cold, windy day so we didn’t walk around the capitol grounds.  It was a huge, grassy campus away from the downtown area.  It was even called “Capitol Park”.

The building is neo-classical style which we see so often in capitol buildings.  Construction was completed in 1917.  Well, almost completed.  They ran out of money before getting to the dome.  They didn’t get around to adding that until 2002.

They offer guided tours every hour during the day except noon.  Since we arrived about 11:30 we didn’t want to wait around until 1 PM for the next tour.  We went on our own with the help of a self-guided tour book.

We began on the 5th floor and worked our way down stopping in at both the Senate and House chambers, admiring the art work throughout the building, viewing the new dome, and resting a spell in the Supreme Court.

We completed our tour in about 90 minutes then headed home.  I had enough time to get the laundry done before we were to meet at Mike and Peggy’s.  Peggy prepared a delicious dinner for us ad we enjoyed our last night in Oklahoma City with our friends.

This trip has gotten us in its grip and we were anxious to get moving again.  We packed up and pulled out of Oklahoma City Tuesday morning.  Our first stop, of course, was at a gas station.  Monday, we noticed 7-Eleven had gas for 3.39.  It was just a couple blocks from our campground so we went there.  Over night the price had increased to 3.53.  We were there, so we got gas anyway.  As it turned out, Flying J, which had been 3.43 the day before was now 3.55 (diesel cash price was 3.93).  We still saved 12 cents per gallon at 7-Eleven.

We stopped at Washita Battlefield and then camped at Black Kettle Recreation Area on Tuesday.  That story tomorrow.

I was caught off guard with no cell signal.  This may happen more often.  If there’s no post, you’ll know there’s no signal.  Never fear; I will return.

Gene wants to add a final paragraph to today’s post, so here he is.....

First, let me say Mike Evringham is one fine fellow.  Mike checked out my house battery and eliminated some things from what drew it down of our last boondock.  It is in good shape too and was apparently undamaged by the event.

Second, Mike worked on plumbing.  My water heater was weeping a bunch of water.  He found the thermostat was not flush (no pun intended) against the side of the tank, and therefore the thermostat could not sense the heat and kept asking for more.  He reinstalled the thermostat and all seems well. I even learned how to do that.

And more.  In our looking about we found the converter.  Ok, Mike told me where to look.  And it is a 55 amp, not a 10 amp like I had thought.  My coach alternator is 125 amp.  I ought to be able to recharge a house battery!

So I am quite thankful Mike took the time to look into my problems and teach me a couple things.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for tagging along.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

Despite the wind that would just about blow you over this morning, we bundled up against the cold and headed over to the Oklahoma City National Memorial.  This memorial honors those lives which were changed when a bomb exploded outside the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building April 19, 1995.

Gates of Time

The memorial is located at the site of the Federal Building.  The Field of Empty Chairs is where the Federal Building once stood and the Reflecting Pool was once Fifth Street, where the rental truck containing the bomb was parked.

One hundred sixty-eight people lost their lives that day, nineteen of them children.  Like 9/11, most of us remember the shock we felt when we heard the news of this devastating event.  Today, touring the memorial, those memories came rushing back.

Field of Empty Chairs

We also toured the State Capitol Building today, but I think as a dedication to those killed and injured in the Oklahoma City bombing, I’ll just post the photos of the memorial and save the capitol building story for another day.

Murrah Plaza

A few words from yours truly,

First, let me say Mike Evringham is one fine fellow.  Mike checked out my house battery and eliminated some things from what drew it down of our last boondock.  It is in good shape too and was apparently undamaged by the event.

Second, Mike worked on plumbing.  My water heater was weeping a bunch of water.  He found the thermostat was not flush (no pun intended) against the side of the tank, and therefore the thermostat could not sense the heat and kept asking for more.  He reinstalled the thermostat and all seems well. I even learned how to do that.

And more.  In our looking about we found the converter.  Ok, Mike told me where to look.  And it is a 55 amp, not a 10 amp like I had thought.  My coach alternator is 125 amp.  I ought to be able to recharge a house battery!

So I am quite thankful Mike took the time to look into my problems and teach me a couple things.