Category: Bear

Although about 33 miles shy of our original destination in Colorado Springs, CO, we are comfortably parked for the night just south of Castle Rock, CO in Jellystone RV park in Larkspur, CO…maybe 30 plus miles south of Denver.

It was the toughest driving day so far, although not horrible, just tiring. I waited until 8:30ish to leave Casper as it was 14F this morning and with the rain to snow thing I thought a little warming of the road might be in order. Bear and I had 2 nice long outings on the river walk before leaving which left me ready to do the miles with only short breaks so as to arrive Colorado Springs before dark.

At first, I thought I’d made a mistake as the road was bare and dry but about 80 miles down the road, the temperature dropped and I had about 20 miles of ice…then icy spots off and on, wind off and on although thankfully the wind was mostly hitting me from behind or on my right rear. I dearly hope that it helped my gas mileage as gas was .70/gal higher in Colorado!!!

We arrived at the Colorado Welcome center in Ft. Collins, CO about 1:30 for a break before tackling Denver.

Above…Bear with the Front Range in the distance. Blue sky, few clouds but a bit hazy.

Traffic picked up just as we approached Ft. Collins and continued until we hopped on the Denver E-470 tollway/bypass which we had mostly to ourselves. We rejoined I-25 south of Denver with 60 miles to our hoped for destination but only 25 to my fallback. I fell back and stopped at Jellystone RV Park in Larkspur, CO – was just tired and that extra 30-35 miles seemed a bit much AND would have us arriving at dusk if not full dark.

Jellystone is a kind of goofy park with questionable roads and not too level sites. I am level enough to keep the refrigerator “safe” but listing a bit to starboard and stern – I can’t get fully level without unhooking the Jeep so making do :)! AND mega $$ to boot at $50.55 but only a $7.00 break for electric only so I took full hookups so I can top water, dump tanks and arrive at my folks tomorrow ready for a 10-14 day park.

I hear tell that a turkey dinner may be in the making for my arrival… I’m ready…Bear and I just finished the last of the ribeye.

The morning was beautiful and colorful as Bear had a run around while I hooked up the Jeep.

We rolled out about 11:30…an hour later than I hoped but I did not rush the departure chores or saying good bye to Mr. Bob.

Mr. Bear took his Captain duties seriously and we arrived Missoula on time to visit with friends who are here for the Winter.

First day out – wonderful! It is good to be on the road.

Bear is doing very well and seems comfortable with the travelling routine. We are seeing more dogs than our normal routine so I have high hopes that we will make some progress with socialization…especially as “Grandma and Grandpa” have 3 dogs and a cat…hoo boy :)!