Saturday, June 20, 2020 Excited to get to Rocky Mountains National Park, we were up at 6:00 and off by 7:00. Tom filled the fresh water and emptied the grey/black water so that we’re starting out full/empty for the next 5 days. We had less than 300 miles to make today in three states: Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado. The surroundings began somewhat flat, and then became more rolling with definite mountains in the distance. Today’s drive brings back many memories of the trip to drop off/pick up Caleb at Ft. Collins, CO where he completed an Internship in 2010. Tom and I made the trip twice, and Sister Johanna and I also made a trip out just to visit him. In addition, we went right through Loveland where the 2020 International Airstream Rally was to have been held – cancelled due to Coronovirus! As we turned away from Interstate 25, our route took us through Thompson’s Pass -- a 35 mile stretch of rocky canyon and fast mountain river, with many twists and turns. And just like that – we were in the Rocky mountains! We reached the town of Estes Park, gateway to the Rocky Mt National Park, at 11:30 and hit a grocery to stock up before entering the park. (No entry to the store without a mask!) We ate a quick sandwich and followed the signs towards the park. Admittance to the park is ONLY if you have camping reservations or a pre registered visit pass; the line was very long at the check-point where they turned you around if you didn’t have your papers! We were admitted, and the campground was just 3 miles past that. This next part of the story is a big UH-OH! We made it all the way to Moraine Campground . . . just to find that our reservation didn’t start until tomorrow! With the campground full there was no choice but to head back to Estes Park and hope we could score a campground! (On a Saturday night, just down the road from Rocky Mts. National Park!) We did – at the Elk Meadow RV Resort – a sandy, gravely, dusty uphill road with pull-throughs cut close together. It has all of the amenities/hook-ups – for $70/night – but it just isn’t pretty! On the positive side, it would afford us the opportunity to check out the town of Estes Park! Estes Park is headquarters to the Rocky Mts. National Park, and has a population under 6,000. You would never know that because it has new construction, shopping, hotels, restaurants, plazas, and attractions, making it look like a big-city town. Although I shopped the downtown district several times just 10 years ago, nothing is as I remember it! I would compare it to Gatlinburg! Late afternoon we walked the streets in masks, and went into a few stores . . . bought nothing! On the way back to our campground we stopped at Smokin Dave’s BBQ hoping to pick up some buffalo smoked ribs to take back to the camper. It was too busy and carry-out orders didn’t seem to be a priority! Back at the Silvermine I cooked a chicken breast and cooled it in the freezer and used it to make a large chef salad! Perfect. Tomorrow we look forward to moving into our campsite in the Rocky Mountains National Park!
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October 2021
We don’t go camping any more . . . we go ‘streamin’ ! The “SIlvermine and His” is our 2018 25' Airstream Serenity with Salsa interior and front twin beds., and ‘streamin’ is the name we use to describe our adventures. Stream along as we document everything from weekend trips to longer summer excursions and full-blown vacations. You know what they say: if you’re not in an Airstream – you’re just camping!
Tom & Ella Brown |