Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Monday, September 28, 2015
Trip Summary
Well now ... this was a fun trip. It was also our 11th
“long” trip and our 26th camping outing to-date.
Travel Trivia
We drove 6,701 miles (6,195 miles towing) and got 12.3 mpg on this trip.
The total for the past 8 years is 80,018 miles driven (65,501 miles of towing) and 311 trailer set-ups.
This trip was different in that we did far fewer trailer-less excursions than in the past. The trailer was connected to the car 92.4% of the time ... which explains the drop in fuel economy.
Special Sights & Experiences
* Smoke-filled valleys and ash fallout in Montana
* A dust storm in western Washington
* Surprise connection and lunch with Cheryl Patchet in Hood River, OR
* Visiting with family in Oregon and Colorado
* Discovering Lassen Volcanic National Park
* Returning to the Arches National Park
Disappointments
* Missing a connection with our friend Adele Amos
Problems
* Trailer tire tread separation
* Damaged driver-side mirror
Our Next Trip
Alaska keeps bubbling to the top in our discussions. Maybe.
We drove 6,701 miles (6,195 miles towing) and got 12.3 mpg on this trip.
The total for the past 8 years is 80,018 miles driven (65,501 miles of towing) and 311 trailer set-ups.
This trip was different in that we did far fewer trailer-less excursions than in the past. The trailer was connected to the car 92.4% of the time ... which explains the drop in fuel economy.
Special Sights & Experiences
* Smoke-filled valleys and ash fallout in Montana
* A dust storm in western Washington
* Surprise connection and lunch with Cheryl Patchet in Hood River, OR
* Visiting with family in Oregon and Colorado
* Discovering Lassen Volcanic National Park
* Returning to the Arches National Park
Disappointments
* Missing a connection with our friend Adele Amos
Problems
* Trailer tire tread separation
* Damaged driver-side mirror
Our Next Trip
Alaska keeps bubbling to the top in our discussions. Maybe.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Day 44 - Knightstown, IN to Columbus, OH
This was a short trip on a nice day.
The Route
Drive east 141 miles on I-70.
About the Day
It was sunny all the way to Columbus. Winds were light, but steady. The temperature reached the mid-70s.
Apologies to Yogi Bear ...
We were pretty negative about the campground yesterday. It was dark when we arrived, the site utilities were virtually inaccessible, they played loud music until after 10pm and we were tired.
Sunlight and a good night's rest offered a more pleasant view.
A welcome sight ...
The I-70 highway surface is noticeably better in Ohio than in Indiana.
An unusual sight ...
This thin cloud formation looked like a view of icing on a cake from below.
We arrived in Columbus at 1:30. It took 2 trips and 2 ½ hours to unload the trailer.
It feels good to be home.
The Route
Drive east 141 miles on I-70.
About the Day
It was sunny all the way to Columbus. Winds were light, but steady. The temperature reached the mid-70s.
Apologies to Yogi Bear ...
We were pretty negative about the campground yesterday. It was dark when we arrived, the site utilities were virtually inaccessible, they played loud music until after 10pm and we were tired.
Sunlight and a good night's rest offered a more pleasant view.
 |
| Heading out |
 |
| The campground has nice grounds and a lake. |
A welcome sight ...
The I-70 highway surface is noticeably better in Ohio than in Indiana.
An unusual sight ...
This thin cloud formation looked like a view of icing on a cake from below.
We arrived in Columbus at 1:30. It took 2 trips and 2 ½ hours to unload the trailer.
It feels good to be home.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Day 43 - Davenport, IA to Knightstown, IN
Some things changed today.
The Route
- The morning sunshine turned to afternoon gloom and light rain.
- We left the well maintained I-80 for a rougher ride on I-74 and I-70.
- We entered the eastern time zone.
- We set up in the dark for the first time on this trip.
The Route
We took I-80 from Davenport to I-74 just south of Moline, IL. I-74 provided the route across Illinois to Indianapolis where we connected with I-70. Knightstown is about 35 miles east of Indianapolis just off I-70.
About the Day
The travel was uneventful. Illinois is really flat and offers scenery similar to Iowa.
We found it difficult to find a suitable campground as we drove. The miles slipped by and our stopping point kept moving eastward as we considered the options.
It was a long (357 mile) towing day. Only 140 miles remain for our drive home tomorrow.
The Campground
Though we don't fit the demographic, we stopped at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park outside Knightstown. It was at the right place at the right time. It's one of our least favorite campgrounds.
Things of Note
Ohio State 38 - Western Michigan 12
We'll be home tomorrow.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Day 42 - Greenwood, NE to Davenport, IA
Yesterday we drove with some concern toward ominous rain clouds. Today we drove toward sunny skies and enjoyed it so much we logged the 2nd longest daily drive of the trip.
The Route
I-80 continues to make this part of the story very simple. We drove 342 miles on I-80E and stopped in Davenport.
About the Day
I-80 continues to be well maintained and traffic flowed smoothly. There was lots of truck traffic.
Scenes along the way ...
Iowa farmland scenery provided much of what we saw in Nebraska.
A little fun ...
We stopped for gas and lunch in Shelby, IA. We learned that, like a lot of pigs, The Corn Crib is a really fun place to eat.
The Campground
We're staying at Interstate RV Park just off I-80 on the western edge of Davenport. It's pretty, nicely designed and very busy this weekend.
Tomorrow
Ohio State plays Western Michigan ... Go Bucks! We'll be on the road somewhere in Illinois.
The Route
I-80 continues to make this part of the story very simple. We drove 342 miles on I-80E and stopped in Davenport.
About the Day
I-80 continues to be well maintained and traffic flowed smoothly. There was lots of truck traffic.
Scenes along the way ...
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| The Mormon Bridge over the Missouri River looks a lot like an Erector Set. |
 |
| The Missouri River from I-680 |
Iowa farmland scenery provided much of what we saw in Nebraska.
 |
| We entered Iowa just after crossing the Missouri River. |
 |
| A familiar scene of the day. |
A little fun ...
We stopped for gas and lunch in Shelby, IA. We learned that, like a lot of pigs, The Corn Crib is a really fun place to eat.
 |
| The Corn Crib - from the outside (the entrance is a silo) |
 |
| Carol met this man ...... (think mannequin) |
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| They displayed lots of antiques and stuff. |
The Campground
We're staying at Interstate RV Park just off I-80 on the western edge of Davenport. It's pretty, nicely designed and very busy this weekend.
 |
| Site #75 |
Tomorrow
Ohio State plays Western Michigan ... Go Bucks! We'll be on the road somewhere in Illinois.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Day 41 - North Platte, NE to Greenwood, NE
We traveled across most of Nebraska today. Nice things happened. It was a good day.
The Route
We drove 250 miles from North Platte to Greenwood on I-80.
About the Day
We left North Platte in sunshine with the possibility of catching up with the rain showers that moved across the state yesterday.
Leaving Holiday RV Park ...
Penny's Diner ...
We've looked longingly at Penny's Diner each time we've stayed in North Platte, but never stopped there until today. It's a 50's style diner that's open 24 hours a day. Our breakfasts were good, the experience was fun.
The Trip ...
Traveling on this part of I-80 is boring. The landscape consists of gently rolling fields. The scenery is enhanced by color contrasts brought on by weather changes. The highway is well maintained.
The Archway (a.k.a. The Great Platte River Road Archway or Kearney Arch) was designed by a Walt Disney Team as a museum of and monument to Nebraska's and the Platte River valley's role in westward expansion.
We could see weather develop in the distance.
The Campground
We made it to Pine Grove RV Park and Campground and got set up before heavy rain showers arrived.
The campground is OK. The sites are close together and the access roads are narrow. The grounds and facilities are nicely maintained.
Tomorrow
We'll continue on I-80 into Iowa tomorrow and may stop at Amana.
The Route
We drove 250 miles from North Platte to Greenwood on I-80.
About the Day
We left North Platte in sunshine with the possibility of catching up with the rain showers that moved across the state yesterday.
Leaving Holiday RV Park ...
 |
| Site #28 |
Penny's Diner ...
We've looked longingly at Penny's Diner each time we've stayed in North Platte, but never stopped there until today. It's a 50's style diner that's open 24 hours a day. Our breakfasts were good, the experience was fun.
The Trip ...
Traveling on this part of I-80 is boring. The landscape consists of gently rolling fields. The scenery is enhanced by color contrasts brought on by weather changes. The highway is well maintained.
The Archway (a.k.a. The Great Platte River Road Archway or Kearney Arch) was designed by a Walt Disney Team as a museum of and monument to Nebraska's and the Platte River valley's role in westward expansion.
 |
| You can't miss the Archway Memorial |
We could see weather develop in the distance.
 |
| We're dry at the moment, but someone's getting wet. |
 |
| Something's brewing to the north as we pass through Lincoln. |
The Campground
We made it to Pine Grove RV Park and Campground and got set up before heavy rain showers arrived.
 |
| This picnic shelter is next to our site. |
 |
| Site #107 |
The campground is OK. The sites are close together and the access roads are narrow. The grounds and facilities are nicely maintained.
Tomorrow
We'll continue on I-80 into Iowa tomorrow and may stop at Amana.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Day 40 - Golden, CO to North Platte, NE
What a difference a day makes. Yesterday we climbed mountains, drove through deep canyons, and viewed broad valleys. Today ... gently rolling fields and gazing ranges filled the horizon.
The Route
We drove 280 miles by leaving Golden on I-70E, taking the I-76 exit just north of Denver, following I-76 to its end at I-80 in Nebraska, and taking I-80 to North Platte.
About the Day
We enjoyed bright sun all day. The temperature made it to the mid-70s. We followed a rain storm across Nebraska, arrived in sunshine, and were greeted by wet highways and standing water.
Views along I-76 ...
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| There are lots of grazing cattle |
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| And windmills |
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| No mountains to climb |
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| Our last view from I-76 |
The Campground
This is our third stay at Holiday RV Park. It's a nice park with practical amenities and an attractive price.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Day 39 - Glenwood Springs, CO to Golden, CO
Today was full of ups and downs. They were expected.
The Route
We drove 145 miles east to Golden. The route was simple ... get on I-70 at Glenwood Springs, get off I-70 at exit 259, and drive 2 miles on US-40 to the campground.
About the Day
It was gray and cool until we crossed to the eastern slope of the Rockies. The sky was clear and the temperature was pleasant by the time we got to Golden.
The drive along Glenwood Canyon was dramatic in that we followed I-70 deep into the canyon and the westbound lanes were elevated.
Though the pictures don't show it, the trip was slowed by lots of orange barrels, cones and construction projects. Work at the Eisenhower Tunnel alone reduced traffic to one lane each way and created long backups.
This route presented beautiful, dramatic scenery. We passed huge homes overlooking the canyons and got to see the land of the rich and famous as we passed Vail, Copper Mountain and Breckenridge exits.
The Campground
We're staying at Dakota Ridge RV Resort on the outskirts of Golden. We learned during our first stay here to expect a very nice stop. They didn't disappoint us.
Evening Fun
We stopped in the Denver area to visit Carol's brother-in-law, Stu Horowitz. Stu stopped by around 4 and we began an evening of catching up.
On the recommendation of a park receptionist, we went to dinner at Table Mountain Inn in Golden. The experience was delightful. The atmosphere, the service and the meals were outstanding ... the conversation was pretty good, too.
FYI - the statue is of a small boy helping a small girl mount a horse. It's located on the Corner of Washington Ave. and 13th St.
The Route
We drove 145 miles east to Golden. The route was simple ... get on I-70 at Glenwood Springs, get off I-70 at exit 259, and drive 2 miles on US-40 to the campground.
About the Day
It was gray and cool until we crossed to the eastern slope of the Rockies. The sky was clear and the temperature was pleasant by the time we got to Golden.
The drive along Glenwood Canyon was dramatic in that we followed I-70 deep into the canyon and the westbound lanes were elevated.
 |
| Leaving Glenwood Springs on I-70 |
 |
| We took the low road. |
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| The canyon walls close in sometimes. |
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| Hanging Lake Tunnel |
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| The route descends into wide valleys |
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| Aspen brighten the mountainsides. |
We climbed some really high passes. The Vail Summit is 10,603 feet and Loveland Pass is 11,158 feet at the Eisenhower - Edwin C. Johnson Memorial Tunnel. We could barely maintain 35 mph on sections of the Vail and Loveland climbs.
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| Descending into Vail |
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| Descending Vail Pass |
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| Yipee! |
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| We reached our last high summit. |
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| And down we go. |
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| Central City is the back way to Nederland. |
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| Ahh ... our last tunnel of the day. |
Though the pictures don't show it, the trip was slowed by lots of orange barrels, cones and construction projects. Work at the Eisenhower Tunnel alone reduced traffic to one lane each way and created long backups.
This route presented beautiful, dramatic scenery. We passed huge homes overlooking the canyons and got to see the land of the rich and famous as we passed Vail, Copper Mountain and Breckenridge exits.
The Campground
We're staying at Dakota Ridge RV Resort on the outskirts of Golden. We learned during our first stay here to expect a very nice stop. They didn't disappoint us.
Evening Fun
We stopped in the Denver area to visit Carol's brother-in-law, Stu Horowitz. Stu stopped by around 4 and we began an evening of catching up.
On the recommendation of a park receptionist, we went to dinner at Table Mountain Inn in Golden. The experience was delightful. The atmosphere, the service and the meals were outstanding ... the conversation was pretty good, too.
 |
| Carol and Stu ... just horsing around. |
Monday, September 21, 2015
Day 38 - Moab, UT to Glenwood Springs, CO
Sunny weather continues to enhance our sightseeing ... and the sights changed a lot today.
The Route
UT-128 from Moab to I-70 is designated the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway. It is scenic and should be considered a 45 mile drive "you don't want to miss". We took it, got onto I-70 near Cisco, crossed into Colorado, and passed Grand Junction, Clifton, Parachute, Rifle and New Castle. We stopped in Glenwood Springs 203 miles later.
Along the Way
The terrain changed drastically as we traveled northeast.
UT-128 followed the Colorado River most of the way.
The terrain levels off as we leave the Colorado River gorge and approach the northern end of UT-128.
Scenes Along I-70
The Campground
There are few campground choices in Glenwood Springs. Glenwood Canyon Resort turned out to be a great selection. They offer rafting, a zip line, a ropes course, a rock climbing wall, bike rentals and tours.
We met two campers from San Diego with an unusual car tent.
Tomorrow
We'll connect with Stu Horowitz, Carol's brother-in-law, in Denver.
The Route
UT-128 from Moab to I-70 is designated the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway. It is scenic and should be considered a 45 mile drive "you don't want to miss". We took it, got onto I-70 near Cisco, crossed into Colorado, and passed Grand Junction, Clifton, Parachute, Rifle and New Castle. We stopped in Glenwood Springs 203 miles later.
Along the Way
The terrain changed drastically as we traveled northeast.
UT-128 followed the Colorado River most of the way.
The terrain levels off as we leave the Colorado River gorge and approach the northern end of UT-128.
Scenes Along I-70
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| Entering I-70 from UT-128. |
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| Mt. Garfield outside Grand Junction |
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| Tunnels are fun |
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| Approaching Glenwood Canyon |
The Campground
There are few campground choices in Glenwood Springs. Glenwood Canyon Resort turned out to be a great selection. They offer rafting, a zip line, a ropes course, a rock climbing wall, bike rentals and tours.
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| Site #303 |
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| There are lots of trees. |
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| The Colorado River runs by it. |
We met two campers from San Diego with an unusual car tent.
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| These campers are having a great adventure and attract lots of attention. |
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| A closer look at their unique tent. |
Tomorrow
We'll connect with Stu Horowitz, Carol's brother-in-law, in Denver.
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