Stops #1 to #5 – Tony & Jess

We’ve provided insight for why we are on our trip, how we have executed the design and building, now it’s time to sit back and check out the journey itself.  We have already made it to 20+ stops, so we are a little behind. #sorrynotsorry

Here is an overview of our first few stops!

Stop #1 – Longmont, Colorado

Stop #1 was an easy one.  We left Golden late in the afternoon (rather frantically I might add) and breezed into a friend’s lovely home.  We were fed an exquisite Caesar salad with salmon, provided ample beer, and wine spritzers.  It was the ultimate start to the ultimate trip.  We lounged on their large front porch and mocked people at their crappy parking abilities.  Heaven.

They also were kind enough to provide us access to a welder for finishing touches to the truck.

While checking the oil just before leaving, we closed the hood (read: “Tony while Jessica shrieked”) on the power steering fluid cap and destroyed it.  We rigged a temporary cover and got a new one when we hit Idaho Falls.  Spoiler: the temporary one was able to make the journey.

This is where we lay out the drama.  We don’t want to be those people online who show you the perfect view in an attempt to display a perfect life.  The broken part triggered an onslaught of fighting (to give you perspective we were renovating two homes, moving, and trying to get everything packed all at the same time).  So while Longmont felt relieving in that we were “on the road”, the stress from the weeks of hard work and final throes of finishing definitely pushed us both over the edge.  We fought, we chilled out, we calmly talked, and moved on.

We ended up getting many more fabulous meals, porch time, and experiencing Longmont’s summer concert scene.   If you haven’t been to Longmont, it’s a fun Colorado town with fantastic views of the foothills and Long’s Peak.  And then we were off…hitting uncharted territory, Stop #2!

Stop #2 – Roosevelt National Forest, Colorado

Stop #2 we finally went rogue.  No real plan, just knew we were headed up Poudre Canyon.  We made it to roughly 10,000 feet above sea level, and because it was a Saturday afternoon we had trouble finding decent open campsites.

Worried about the sun going down, we frantically pulled into a National Forest spot that had more people than we would have liked, but we made the best of it.

We excitedly opened up the tent, our brand new camping chairs (we had chairs before, but they weren’t very compact), unfolded the table and assessed our new space.  Bee was frantic for some exercise, we played frisbee with her and then settled into playing cards and munching on our newly purchased groceries.

In retrospect, this place was pretty incredible.  Now that we are further into our trip, we’ve found we actually enjoy having a few other campers around us.  It gives us a little comfort knowing other folks are around, and sometimes we make new friends – but we don’t like it too developed either.  The next morning we made protein shakes and coffee.  It was Sunday so the whole front range of Colorado was evacuating the mountains and heading back to the city as we headed deeper in.  Once most folks were gone and we had our breakfast, we went for a quick stroll to the creek, Bee rampaged around, and we plotted our next steps…Stop #3.

Stop #2.5 – Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

On the way to Stop #3 we picnicked at Fish Creek Falls in Steamboat.  Everyone I’ve shared photos with of this locale was going pretty nuts, so I thought it required a special call out.  Check it out!

Stop #3 – Forest Road 103 between Craig & Meeker, Colorado

We were ‘sworn to secrecy’ on the exact location, so the map isn’t dead on, but most folks are smart enough to use google, we’ll leave it to you.  When we got here, it felt like this is why we started the trip.  We didn’t see a soul for two days.  We hiked, we swam, we played games, made fires, and chilled.  After months of ramping up, selling and renovating houses, etc., it was the perfect deep breath.

The Trip between Stops #3 & #4

Our path to Flaming Gorge Reservoir took us through Dinosaur, Colorado and Vernal, Utah.  Upon heading north out of Vernal, we followed Highway 191 and then veered west on Highway 44.  Along two of these highways we saw some of the most beautiful rock outcrops and views that we’ve seen a while.  We took very few photos because frankly, they don’t do it any justice.

Stop #4 – Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Wyoming

While Jessica had been through here because of work, she hadn’t camped it and just remembered seeing RV’s and tents around.  Tony did his magical Google camp search and found an incredible place complete with beach, diving areas, and deep, refreshing, cold water.  Bee was covered in fine grained sandstone powder for most of the stay.  She was thrown in the water right before we left and immediately placed in the vehicle in an attempt to keep her clean.  We did some biking and exploring.  It was GORGEous. (get it??… hahhaahah)

Stop #5 – Pinedale, Wyoming

One of Jessica’s colleagues told her we should check out Pinedale, Wyoming.  This was the first official campground we went to.  To go from dispersed camping to official campground can sometimes be a little jarring.  You are used to being quiet and keeping to yourself, and then you are suddenly surrounded by people and noises.  Since we were starting to get to serious bear country, we opted for a traditional campground.  The campground we stayed at in Pinedale was nicely separated, we had our first toilets, and an incredible lake with views.  They also have a boat ramp and plenty of access to the Lake.  If you are more of the mind of a traditional campground, this camp was beautiful (no shower, laundry, etc. – just pit toilets and water).

To be continued!