The starting point for the last leg of our initial journey…

Today we drove from Hot Springs South Dakota to Buffalo Wyoming, about a 3 1/2 hour drive. \240 The roads were good, but it was windy and a lot of hills. \240 Our gas milage was really bad!

The highlight was seeing a lot of pronghorn and two herds of wild horses, about 5 in each herd. \240 Beautiful! \240 I have been wanting to see wild horses, and have not been able to go to the locations. \240 Then there they were, in the middle of nowhere! \240I wish I’d gotten photos.

About an hour out of Buffalo we hit some rain, which turned to snow! \240 The first we have seen since leaving Colorado. \240 I have always loved snow, but after a winter down South, I missed Florida!

Our last day in Buffalo. \240 Despite the snow forcing us mostly indoors here, I like the town. \240 It is small, about 5000. \240Easy to get around, compact. \240Old, but nicely kept. \240 They seem to have most everything you could need, like a hospital and most services, but they are also a fairly short drive from Casper and Gillette, much larger towns. \240 The land is hilly, with trees and grasses - much like South Dakota. \240 We passed plains, but Buffalo bumps up to small mountains.

Last night was fun. \240 We went to a theater here to see the newest “Downton Abbey”. \240 The theater was very small. \240 2 screens, and ours held perhaps 200 people. \240 Obviously the people all knew one another and were chattering about an upcoming Trump Rally in Newcastle WY. \240 They seemed very friendly.

Oddly, they have a huge (1 acre) free public pool in a park here. \240 Too cold for now, but it looks really pleasant.

Today we are going to explore the town more. (*We later saw the pool, the artists shops, the wool mill, and the Occidental bar and hotel. \240 The Occidental dates to the late 1800s, and famous patrons included Teddy Roosevelt, Calamity Jane, Butch Cassidy, Buffalo Bill, Earnest Hemingway. \240 Hemingways book, “A Farewell to Arms”, was written about this area. The bar and hotel are very authentic, including the original furniture, bar, and decor.)

Tomorrow, off to Billings Montana.

News shows are talking about possible Deisel shortages. \240 Not just expensive, but unavailable. \240 That would leave us stranded, without a car for even groceries. \240Scary. \240 Glad we are heading soon to home turf. Hoping it won’t get that bad. \240

Our furthest north point today. \240 We had a nice easy drive from Buffalo.

This is the first camp that we have been to before. \240 Perhaps 20 years ago, we took our kids on a long drive from Colorado, through Montana, into Canada, then down Washington, Oregon, to California, then home. \240We had stayed in this campground, in a cabin. \240And here we are again! \240 This has “grown” since then, bigger and fancier. \240Pool, hot tub, miniature golf, nice treed grounds far from the highway…

Not sure yet what there is to do in Billings. \240 We’ll see! \240 My Dad used to have a sales route that took him to Billings periodically.

So, for the first time in our year long trek, we have some history of our own here!

Just checking in. \240 It has been a quiet week, though mostly pleasant. \240

This is a very nice campground. \240 Friendly people, pretty grounds, cliffs and the Yellowstone river nearby. \240 Quiet here, too. \240 A nice store and even a food truck with great breakfast burritos.

But, Jim is putting in long hours and we haven’t seen much of Billings except for a few restaurants. \240 The good news is there isn’t much here to see, in terms of tourist attractions.

I did a lot of laundry one day, and was so pleased to have good machines. \240We had the last few laundries that didn’t do a good job, and the clothes were still dingy. \240Ah, the simple joys when I finally get good results!

My stomach has still been “off”. \240 Wondering if I have an ulcer. \240Trying to eat carefully and figure out what sets me off. \240So far, caffeine and alcohol are both no-no’s, as is greasy food.

Tomorrow my prescription is all gone, so hoping I don’t get an “acid rebound”, which can happen. \240 I’m so over feeling ill. \240

The pool opened today, which was wonderful. \240Being Memorial Day weekend, it is suddenly busy and fun. \240It was finally hot - in the 80’s.

Jasper and I were outside a lot. \240 Jasper always gets attention when I have him on a leash. \240He saw a little dog today, went right up to him and gave the dog kitty kisses!

Found out some wonderful family news today, but I am sworn to silence until the news is spread.

Sunday - moving to Yellowstone!

Here we are, near Yellowstone, in Livingston Montana.

What a beautiful drive it was. \240Rolling green hills, with snow crowned mountains in the distance. \240 Cliffs and wildflowers. \240A storm coming in, with white and dark clouds competing, as the land lay in shadow and sunlight. It was supposed to rain all day, but we made it to our camp and got set up before it began.

It was an easy drive too - except for 3 miles of construction where the road was torn up and full of potholes. \240 No fun in an RV - and still annoying in the truck, later, going into town. \240We were planning to get an alignment on the truck Tuesday in Bozeman. \240 Just hope we won’t rattle the alignment “out” again as we go to and from our campground.

The campground is more remote than our usual and gorgeous. \240 But it has a nice store and pool, too. \240 We are about 45 minutes from Yellowstone. We had planned to spend the day in the park tomorrow, Memorial Day, but the weather may force us to wait. \240 It is supposed to rain hard all day, completely overcast, with snow on the higher elevations! \240 I just hope Jim can take another day off work. \240 This job is not as flexible as Raytheon was.

I also learned my Mom was hospitalized again today. \240 This time for high blood pressure and low oxygen levels. \240She will be there a few days.

Nothing seems simple anymore. \240 We try to take it day by day and see what God gives.

Today was supposed to rain all day, and I wasn’t feeling well this morning.

But the afternoon cleared up, and I was doing better, so we drove into Yellowstone National Park. \240We drove in the north entrance, and saw the Mammoth Hot Springs, and walked around it. \240Never been there before, and it was really unique and pretty.

Then we drove to the Norris Geyser basin. \240 We did a hike, but there are many more trails (continued after photos)

Went to Yellowstone Hot Springs today.

Kind of cloudy and a little rain, but still glorious to soak in their big outdoor tubs, looking up at the green hills (with Buffalo on them!) and the freshly snow covered mountain peaks. \240 It really helps my neck and anxiety issues that apparently come with GERD.

Jim especially liked going from the cold 65 degree pool to the hot 105 degree pool, over and over. \240They also had a path with rocks, and one side was hot and one side very cold - to massage your feet.

After the pools, we went to The Old Saloon again - literally the only restaurant nearby. \240 But good food, good ambiance. \240 Talk about authentic, old west!

Awesome day in Yellowstone. \240 We did the upper loop, from Mammoth Hot Springs to Udine Falls, Wraith falls, Tower, Roosevelt Cabin, the Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls, and back to Norris geyser basin, where we did the mile and a half loop ( a few days ago we did the .6 mile loop, the porceline basin).

The weather was much better - green and gorgeous- though we did get some rain in the afternoon. \240 There was snow on the highest peaks - not on the road, but carved 5’ deep in places!

Best of all was the animals! \240I got some great close up shots of Buffalo, elk, perhaps 1 was a moose but can’t say for sure. \240But for all time best - a mama bear was snoozing beneath a tree with her two cubs above, in the tree. \240 There were about 50 tourists and photographers watching, who had seen her near the road. \240The cubs came down, and Mama headed our way. \240 The park rangers kept urging people back. \240 We got in our truck, and Mama and her babies were grazing and playing just in front of us! \240So cute! \240 We had about a half hour “show” as no one was allowed to drive with the babies so near. \240 Awesome!

We ate in the town of Gardner on the way home. \240It was late and we’d done a lot of driving and walking. \240Tired!

Tomorrow we move to the West Entrance to Yellowstone, and will see the lower loop; the more touristed side with Old Faithful and other sites.

Will add photos once I get them off my camera…

Cheers! 😁

Arrived in West Yellowstone after an easy drive in beautiful country. \240 A pleasure all the way! \240 Emerald green springtime and some of the bluest skies we have seen - lots of cloud and rain in our last camp.

Technically we are in Montana, but the park entrance is considered Wyoming.

We are near the town of West Yellowstone, a small tourist town. \240 It has restaurants and lots of tourist shops.

Tomorrow should be our last day in the park, as we see the lower loop. \240 Should be more crowded and have the more popular “must sees” like Old Fairhful. \240 Far less driving than the upper loop we did, praise God!

If we run out of time, we can do something one evening after Jim works. \240 They have an imax here showing “Top Gun” that we may see, and a nice pool at our campground. \240It will be a busy week here!

Had a great day in Yellowstone. \240 It was a rainy day, but we managed to NOT get rained on when we were walking the long boardwalks around the geysers. \240The rain made some of our photos dreary, but gave others drama.

This is the more commercial side of Yellowstone, and there was a long wait at the gate into the park but we’ll worth it. \240 I’m sure the crowds were much less due to the rain, and being a Monday. \240

We saw a lot of animals. Elk and Bison in abundance, bears and deer, perhaps a moose. \240(Hard to tell at that distance!)

We watched old faithful blow, and saw many other geysers, hot pools, and mudpots. \240 We also went over the continental divide to see Lake Yellowstone. \240 There was snow about 4-5’ deep at top, so truly “fire and ice” in our sightseeing. \240

Another full day! \240 We moved this morning from West Yellowstone, and drove the long way to avoid mountain roads as much as possible. \240 So we went West into Idaho, then South back into Wyoming. \240 We had a 10% grade on the mountain pass we couldn’t avoid. \240 Colorado’s worst grade we have done was 7%! \240 Scary going down a steep, long hill with that much weight behind you!

But we arrived safely, set up quick, then went into Jackson to see the city, eat and shop. \240 \240We also rode the snow king ski lift for a fabulous view of Jackson and the Tetons.

Back at camp, we enjoyed the hot tub then had a quiet evening.

Tomorrow, more nature driving - into the Tetons, to see the wildlife and scenery. \240I admit we are getting burned out on all the long drives. \240We are tired, and it is expensive for diesel…but we are here and may not get another chance. \240 I know we’ll enjoy it.

We are only here until Tuesday, then on to Lander Wyoming. \240 Boring might be exactly what we need!

This was our day in the Grand Tetons. \240 Unfortunately it is supposed to rain much of the day, but it is the only day we can do this due to Jim’s job.

First we saw the Ski area. \240 Turns out the one was saw in town was Snow King, not Jackson Hole. \240 This was bigger and richer - stores, condos, restaurants. \240We debated taking the Gondola up, but as it was expensive, AND raining, AND we didn’t want to take time away from the Grand Teton Park, we went on.

We saw the town of Moose, antelope flats, and Mormon Row. \240 This area is known for bear, moose, and elk but I think they were all hunkered down for the rain. \240 Nada. \240Still, beautiful scenery! \240 Mormon row is known for their famous barn with the Teton spires behind it. \240A very famous scene, on goodness knows how many calendars.

A lazy day today, resting after yesterday…. We just heard Yellowstone has had bad flooding. \240It has ruined the roads and torn out bridges in many places we visited. \240 The town of Gardiner, not far from Mammoth Springs and our Livingston campground, is isolated with damage on both sides. They have no electricity or water. I wonder if our campground in Livingston was damaged, as the Yellowstone river (already flowing full when we were there) flows right next to the campground?

God has been so good on this year long adventure, keeping us one day ahead or behind several significant storms. \240 I strongly feel He has watched over us.

Interesting day. \240We began in Jackson, with green valleys and a fresh snow. \240As we drove, in three hours we went to brown, desert-like canyons and sandstone cliffs. \240 Completely new climate. Yat least the drive was easy. \240We were a little concerned with rivers to cross due to the Yellowstone floods, and the fact that all streams are very full - but no problem.

Our camp in Lander Wyoming is little more than a stone parking lot, overlooking a valley with a golf course. \240 Not much to do here but that is OK. \240 We need to catch up and rest.

When we arrived, we had to hitch/unhitch about four times. \240 The first time, we were in the wrong space (no one was in the office when we arrived). \240 So we moved down the row. \240 Then we couldn’t get our RV to “level” because the lot itself wasn’t level. \240So we would move the RV a few feet forward/back and try again to level. \240 Third time worked. \240Yeah! \240 Very windy out, and we wanted to get inside.

We arrived in Rawlins, one day ahead of schedule, to avoid driving in the wind. \240 This is definitely one of the least favorite camps I have been to. \240 Rawlins is dust and sagebrush and smells like gas from their refineries. Our campground has all we need, but no ambiance whatsoever. \240Just dust and rocks.

We have several days here, and Jim happens to have time off, between projects. \240 After months of driving and playing hard, this is his chance to relax before Colorado and family visits.

We have had a lot of wind, some rain, some hail.

We went to a movie downtown for fun.

Well, here we are in Cheyenne, Wyoming. \240For the first time in a year, we feel we are “home”. \240We know this area. \240 We are off I-25 again. \240 Fort Collins is so near!

We are camping at a large bison ranch. \240 You can take a narrated train tour or a horseback ride to see the herds. \240There are restaurants onsite that serve (naturally!) Buffalo.

Tonight we ate in Cheyenne, for Jim’s belated Fathers Day meal. \240Believe me Rawlins had no “nice” restaurants. \240 We DID ago see a movie, though, our last night in Rawlins.

Rode the train around the bison ranch today, and got to feed them by hand! \240They have scratchy tongues like a cat.

Afterward we had a nice meal on the grounds here.

Well, here we are in Colorado. \240Back to the first campground outside of Colorado Springs that we went to. \240(April 25, 2021- 14 months exactly!) Our first “known” location in over a year! \240 We have completed our nationwide loop!

What a year! \240Many “highs” to treasure. \240But also - exhaustion. \240After a while the “tourism” can feel a burden. \240If you are tired or sick you still feel the need to explore, because you may not have the chance again!

We feel decidedly mixed being so near “home”. \240Nearer our loved ones, but also nearer old pressures…no longer feels like an adventure traveling. \240But not sure if we are ready to give it up and settle down, or where…

While here, we want to check out housing in Northern Colorado - and see my Mom, sister, and perhaps old friends here. We hope to help my sister too, who has borne so much with helping Mom.

Tomorrow is my Moms birthday. \240 Grateful to spend it with her, given all her health challenges this year.

Today was my Moms 89th birthday. \240 We met her at a restaurant, where she enjoyed a Marguerita. \240 Then we went to Linda’s house to open her gifts, have some cake. \240Bethany’s family joined us. \240 Jim and I showed her some pictures from Grand Island, then we played cards. \240 Jim won, with me a close second…

The day passed all too quickly.

Home now, the old concerns are pressing heavily on me. \240 Worries about my Mom’s finances, Jim’s Moms finances,(both lasting as long as they need); Amy, us finding a house, (sometime) selling the RV…All the work and expense involved… predicted shortages…

Trying to give it to God and live each day as it is given…

Happy 4th! \240 Last night we did small fireworks at Rex’ home, per our old traditions. \240 It was fun - Linda and Rex, Grandma Robbins, Andrew and Bethany and Wells, plus Jon and Bethany, Addy, Sophia and Olly all present (plus us). \240We had hamburgers and chatted before hand.

Tonight, after a day in the campground, we will meet again to see the big community fireworks.

Just checking in. \240 Haven’t written much this week as I wasn’t feeling well. Dumb GERD. \240 Can’t wait to see my Doctor.

We had Linda and Rex up to visit Wednesday night, at the RV park. \240 We taught them shuffleboard, and played a round of mini golf. \240We ate out.

Tried the pool here one hot day, but the water was very cold.

Lots of phone calls, reading. \240Walks around the lake.

Found out about another “interesting” RV neighbor - they have a 240 pound pet pig 🐷 in their RV! \240In Wyoming, a RV neighbor kept parrots! \240All kinds of fascinating people!

Tomorrow we move to Loveland.

In Loveland now. \240 It was a short ride from Fort Collins but a little difficult due to narrow construction zones.

The bigger issue was the heat, about 100 degrees! \240Hard to prepare the RV to travel, and then hook it all up again, in such heat! \240It took most of the day for the AC to catch up after being “off” while we drove. \240Nasty!

Our RV park is near Grandma Robbins’ former house. \240 Tomorrow we are going there to see Rex’ work on fixing the leak in her house that ruined the floors. \240They just put in new carpet… I think drywall and cabinets come next… All ruined by a little valve leak on her refrigerator.

We will also pick up Moms car. \240We are considering buying that. \240 But if so, it changes our RVing because we will always need two drivers, two gas bills, and paying more at the RV lots. \240It has me driving in many areas I am unfamiliar with, and I wouldn’t be able to help Jim navigate the RV or hop out to help “spot” tight fits.

Also, we must be careful about our legal “domicile”. \240 If we still claim Texas, the car would have to be registered THERE, and have an @ir inspection. \240 It would have to be done in Livingston, the first time, as that is our address. \240Livingston is near the Louisiana border, a fair distance.

Or, we give up RVing, and register in Colorado - which means Colorado taxes for Jim again. \240(Texas has no income tax). \240But Colorado has no RV mailing address, so I’d have to find someone to handle our mail until we find a house…

Big decision, as we are not yet sure if we are “done”… But if we stay in the RV in Colorado Springs or Montrose, it would be great to have a second car so I can get out while Jim works. \240 The price would be good…

We also plan to spend time with Mom tomorrow…

Oh! \240And now, besides my GERD issues, I think I have poison Ivy from our time in the park on the 4th. \240 Linda has it too… my feet and ankles look terrible and itch fiercely! \240

Had a really nice day.

A long talk with Amy, then a nice swim (no one else in the pool) on a hot day here in Loveland. \240Felt so good to exercise. \240

We Met our RV neighbors, a nice couple from Scottsdale Arizona with a class A RV (most expensive I have yet seen, 1.2 million! \240I’d love to see the inside of it! ) and they have a monkey and 2 dogs with them!

Finally, dinner out with our old friends from when we lived in Loveland and attended church together, Rick and Nancy. We showed them our RV. \240It was wonderful to catch up with them. \240 We have had many similar life experiences, and have the same opinions on the church and politics and the future, so talking was blissfully easy and the evening \240over far too soon. \240 Today it is so rare to have people you can be transparent with…. I am truly thankful for them.

Tomorrow, helping organize Mom and looking at another Assisted Living being built near her.

Primal scream…

Hard days. \240Late last night Jim’s Mom had a crisis, that involved hours on the phone.

Next morning my Mom had a crisis that involved hours and a full-family intervention. \240 She may be asked to leave her Assisted Living. \240Harsh words were said that are hard to let go of, though completely untrue.

Just tired. \240 Several meetings to follow this mess.

Seems like this has been going on so long, along with other major conflicts in the family… most are not directed at us, but we are so tired if all the strife and drama.

Now “home”, the chickens are coming home to roost. \240 Even buying a home sounds like an ordeal with the prices of homes and gas, and I’m sure lending is harder to come by. \240Plus projected food shortages, gas shortages and power outages.

Oh joy. \240 Bring it on, world. \240

Leaning on Jesus. \240 Come Quickly, Lord!

Our time here ends tomorrow. \240I haven’t written much, but our time was spent visiting Mom, Rex and Linda mostly. We spent a lot of time too talking about Moms care and looking at alternative Assisted Living homes. \240 I researched regarding Moms home insurance concerning her leak, VA benefits, and Covid policies for Colorado Assisted Living. \240Talked to an ombudsman, Kate P, regarding Mom’s hitting incident at Brookdale. Lots of restaurants, too.

We also saw our old friends, Rick and Nancy Henry and Sam and Lisa Butler.

Tomorrow we leave for Straussburg, East of Denver. \240 Our last stop before completing our tour of the USA in Colorado Springs.

We arrived safely; but for a short drive it was a little harrowing! \240 Loveland to Denver on 1-25 had a lot of narrow lanes and bumpy pavement. \240 At least the potholes weren’t bad, but whenever we get that much bouncing bad things can happen. Straussburg is east of Denver Along I-70.

Then our GPS routed us wrong to our campground. \240 It took us into a rural neighborhood that was very bouncy dirt roads and steep hills. \240 Took us about 45 minutes extra, circling the drain, until we figured it out and \240got the correct route.

Finally got here. \240Looks like storms are coming in. \240 Campground is OK but poorer than we are used to. \240At least it has a pool!

Setting up, our living room slider will only go out part way. \240 So we must get a tech out, again. \240 This slide has been muley for months. \240I am guessing all that bumping misaligned the gears.

That means, it is halfway out. \240I hope rain won’t come in, and we can keep the cool air in. \240 It also means Jaspers litter box is inaccessible. \240 We found an empty pan and more litter but wIll he use it? \240Guess we find out….

Oh, the joys of RVing…

Today we had a tech come out. \240Our slider was stuck partway out. \240 After 2 hours, he was able to push it in - meaning we can, at least, travel - but a real “fix” will be expensive ( good thing we bought an extended warranty!) and likely, take weeks for an appointment to fix worn parts.

In the meanwhile, half our living room has disappeared. \240 We have to squeeze between a wall and a recliner to even get in the room. \240 We had to move Jaspers litter box so he can access it, so it is in the middle of the kitchen…. At least we can still use our TV and do all we need to.

Had good news today. \240 Windish moved up the inspection of our slider to Aug 2nd, which means it will be done much sooner - assuming they can get parts!

We had a wonderful evening with our friends Kirk and Sheryl Rothe. \240We met at a restaurant in North Field, about 1/2 hour away. \240We are always on the “same page” with them, and it was wonderful to fellowship! I only wish I had thought to get photos!

Our last night “away”. \240 Tomorrow we return to Colorado Springs and many, many, many upcoming errands! Medical, dental, financial, car maintenance, haircuts…plus visits! \240(Can’t wait to see Amy and my grandkids!)

Our big trip is completed. Wow, what a ride!

At least I won’t miss the Strasburg camp. \240It is generally the poorest and most trashy of all our travels. \240 They have all we need; hookups, laundry, a small store; their pool is pleasant and the staff friendly. \240But there is nothing nearby save two restaurants which look terrible but manage to have pretty good food. No grocery, no entertainment in Strasburg... The train and 1-70 are a little too close, noisy. \240Grass, between RVs usually, is nonexistent. \240It is weeds, rocks, dirt and dying trees. \240Our neighbor, a long term resident apparently, has cinder blocks, plastic tubs, junk, and a crudely made wooden stair outside. \240 He walks his dog at 3am shining the light in our bedroom…

Next we will soon turn our attention to where to buy a home and live. \240 Likely Colorado Springs or Montrose, at this point. \240I think we will first RV in Montrose again for a season to have a longer “trial period” before we decide. Hopefully that will also let home prices stabilize a bit.

The call to be with our church, old friends, closer to my mom and sister, and Amy and the grandkids is strong, but so is the desire to grow older in a little town. \240To have a fresh start, among more conservative people, the smaller homes I favor, and far saner traffic. On the road, we always felt better in little towns. \240We like “simple”.

I admit I will miss the RV travel, exploring the unknown. we had amazing adventures I will always remember. \240

But it is also tiring. \240After a while, the museums and restaurants and sights all begin to blur.

If we continued, we would slow our pace so we could enjoy the tourism and the people we meet without rushing. \240It would make it easier to handle repairs, doctors, haircuts, and keep up with family. It would also cost far less, with less deisel and discounts at campgrounds. \240We could even work in campgrounds to earn free boarding.

Earlier, we thought we would RV this winter in Arizona, and had nice stops planned. \240I am a little sad to let that go.

But increasingly, the world seems a dangerous place. \240Colorado feels safer, among people and places I understand. \240In more normal times, I may have chosen Florida or Tennessee to live and flown to visit family periodically. If ever we had to leave Colorado that would still draw me. \240 But it is so far from everyone… and I suspect travel may be curtailed, either by economic necessity or government edict.

We appreciate any prayers for good decisions, and good timing. \240We felt God guarding our steps on the road manny times and know He will continue to lead us. \240And you!

Here we are! \240 Full circle. \240Back where we started. \240Colorado Springs!

So far, my reactions are mixed. \240 Ugh, the traffic! \240But, First “familiar” places in a year! \240We actually know where to go for restaurants, services, directions, shopping, and people we trust. Actually feels a little odd to NOT be always re-orienting.

But now, the chickens come home to roost. \240I am not focused on new adventures, but what comes next? \240I compare now to our Monument years and come to grips with some of what we lost. \240Bittersweet. All is different now. \240 \240New job for Jim, loss of mine. \240 Loss of Tobey. \240Loss of old neighbors and routines. So much churn in the news, in the US and in our expectations.

I feel even I am different. \240More confident, more interesting, ( I hope!) and more inclined to take my challenges to the Lord first. THAT is a big plus!

I realize how often before I was too hurt and \240“needy” at times to make good friends; but also that it is good to get away from several that backstabbed me over my years there. Time to start afresh.

The future has arrived but what is it?

A productive day. \240I saw Dr. Clothier about my neck and stomach issues. \240He too thinks it is GERD, nothing more. \240He doesn’t think I need further tests - just a longer course of meds to heal my throat and stomach. \240And lifelong avoidance of any trigger foods…. A diet personalized to me alone.

We also swam today, had root beer floats at the campground, and walked around a nearby lake.

Tomorrow we wake early, and move our rig next door so the dealer can assess our warranty claim on the non functional slider and order parts. \240Hopefully, given shortages, that won’t take too long. \240 We had allotted about a month in the area.

As the RV should be “gone” most of the day, we then take our cat and the computer for Jim’s work, and hang out at Amy’s house. \240I get to swim with the Grandkids while Jim works. \240

Then pick up the RV, hook up the truck and drag it literally next door to our camp. \240Unhitch, re-attach the hoses. \240Tedious, but I’m grateful to get it in quickly! \240

We are in Larkspur. \240 It seems funny to be “camping” so near our old home.

We arrived at JellystonePark and there was an RV in our site number. \240 Took a while to straighten that out.

Amy, David, James and Josiah arrived about an hour later. \240 They are staying in a cabin here.

This is a BIG RV park. \240 Really sprawls. \240 So many here rent golf carts to get around. \240

We wanted to go to the water slides, but they were closed due to storms. \240Oddly, the pool was still open so Jim and I swam with the boys while Amy and David relaxed.

Then we went to their cabin, and tried to roast marshmallows but their gas fire wasn’t working right. \240

So we gave the boys the gifts we had picked up in our travels.

Tomorrow is Amy and Josiah’s birthday. Really hope the weather cooperates as we are supposed to get a lot of storms. \240The boys REALLY want that water park and I would hate to disappoint them. \240

Fun, fun day! \240 Today is Amy and Josiah’s birthday (34 and 4)

We woke early, and went to breakfast at the camp cafe. \240 Then Jim and I took the boys to the water park slides, and the pool. \240 They both had a ball. \240We swam for nearly two hours.

Next we went to the mining station. \240 The boys each had a bag they purchased, and they had a structure with running water that you could sluice in a pan to reveal your “gems”. \240They loved it! \240 We were the last ones there, so we played in the water a while, sluicing the sand at the bottom for any gems that had been overlooked.

Next we climbed a tower in the camp. \240 Then Jim went to rent a golf cart for the remainder of our stay. \240 Big camp, lots of walking. \240 I enjoyed joyriding in the cart. \240 The boys liked it, and we drove them “home”.

We all went in and opened gifts for the birthdays.

Then Jim and I went to lunch. \240We rode to our RV to rest a bit.

The Rediger’s all have colds, so we really wore them out!

Still at Yogi Bear campground. \240 Got a major cold from the grandkids, so today we are watching a prophecy conference online.

Tomorrow we take Jasper to the vet for exam and tooth cleaning. While he is…busy…we are also,planning to return some stuff to our storage unit, such as our dog supplies and some books - and pick up what we may need to replenish. \240 A hard task, as our unit is so full that we must move a lot to access each box.

We Also learned that our former home is going to be listed for sale! \240 Tempting, but no. \240 I miss it, but it is not what I want to retire into.

(The owners moved, and we went in our back yard the next day, thanks to my next door neighbor telling us. \240The trees and weeds were way overgrown. \240They had taken out our carpet and put in vinyl wood plank flooring. \240They had repainted… \240we didn’t want to rebuy…)

We have a townhouse we are interested in, in Colorado Springs. \240But we have not yet settled between Montrose or Colorado Springs. \240 And, our house money is not yet available, released from our one year term…

I grow anxious to have a home base once more. \240 But we were told prices may go down dramatically in the next year or so, which makes it worth waiting for. \240Also, should the nation further divide lefties and righties, it may change where we want to be. \240 For now, the RV is enough.

…and, here we are again! \240 This KOA feels like home by now. \240 We have been here so often! \240 They all know us, and we were given their very best site for our three week (or more, depending upon the slider repair) stay. \240

We already got wild with the wet hay wagon - Jim squirting the kids with our hose with glee! \240

Then we did the hot tub. \240 RV life does have its privileges. \240

Yep, still here in Fountain. \240 We have kept busy, seeing Amy and various doctors, getting the truck repaired… our big wait is the parts to fix our slider. \240They are coming, we hear, and we are waiting word of when to bring the RV to the dealer. \240 When we do, we must pack for staying at a hotel with Jasper. \240 We must also pack valuables we don’t want to leave with the RV. \240We expect to be in a hotel about 3 days.

Another stop we must make is taking our RV to get a “skirt” made, since we will soon be camping in colder weather than we have yet. \240That too will take a few days.

We are supposed to move towards our next destination on the 3rd of September. \240 Hope we make that!

Housing? \240 We still want to decide Montrose or Colorado Springs. \240 I have seen some nice properties online in both areas, but nothing that makes me want to jump in. \240Besides, our money is not available for another week or so, when our fund matures. \240

Big holding pattern! \240

Well, waiting continues. \240 We were supposed to leave tomorrow originally - so that isn’t happening. \240They still have not had parts come in to fix our RV. \240 Should be any day now.

Our Dr visits and financial wrangling are all done. We have been looking at houses in the area.

Jim has enjoyed playing for our church again.

Our big news - yesterday we bought a car! \240Another Honda CRV, so I can get out while Jim works or has the truck. It was interesting. \240 Usually this lot has hundreds of cars on the lot. \240Now, perhaps 50, due to shortages. \240 We knew what we wanted, and they had TWO to choose from - though this was a Honda dealership and the CRVs are very popular. \240One was new and one used. \240 We chose used, with low mileage.

We figure whether Montrose or Colorado Springs, we need a 2nd car. But this does mean we are winding down. \240I love RVing and would love to have continued another year or so.

But honestly, it’s getting scary out there with shortages, high deisel prices, and the rising anger in the nation. \240And, Jim’s new job has said they want him to come into the office rather than remote work…and the project is one he liked, when working with Raytheon. \240 A system he has worked on before.

So it seems we are being drawn in. \240 We have been praying God guide us, and believe He is. \240

Watching and waiting for next steps.

Well, we are still in Fountain, waiting for our RV slider to get fixed. \240 No word yet on parts. Today we should have been off to Pagosa Springs, had our RV not needed repairs. \240Yet here we sit.

We have enjoyed visiting Amy. \240We have been driving our new car. Lots of new gadgets to learn.

And, oh! \240We bought a house! \240

Seems like God keeps bringing us back to Colorado Springs. \240 Jim’s new job is requiring him to come into the office here. \240It is a good job, and worth keeping until retirement. Amy, pregnant, really wants us nearby. \240I was torn between the practicalities of being here, where we have roots - and really, really wanting the small mountain town of my dreams. I guess circumstances pushed me over the ledge.

We bought in Wolf Ranch, on the East side of Colorado Springs. \240We wanted closer to Amy, work, and our church. It seems like an up and coming area… and the home has the most awesome view of Pikes Peak! \240

I’ll miss Monument, the friends, the wildlife, and good shopping - but with the higher prices and too fast growth there it was not what we wanted.

This is our first USED home. \240 We saw a lot of real “fixer uppers” on the market. And, with the tight market here and high costs, it is not YET the house of my dreams. \240It will need some work, mostly the yard and some decor choices and cleaning. But, it checks off most of our boxes - and after a LOT of house hunting, we are happy with it. \240 We close in early October.

I’ll be very sad to end our RVing. \240Jim says he is ready. \240The open road, the new adventures - make me alive! \240I have had so much fun this year. \240How I wish we could do that with Jim retired, and a slower travel schedule.

But parts shortages, Deisel prices, and scary news all make us want to have a home base again, too. \240We really had to buy before Jim retires, or before lending gets harder (interest rate hikes, changes in lending requirements).

Anyway, we are shaking up our whole life - again! \240 And I will be back to sorting, cleaning, and selling to downsize once more…

….unless Jesus returns first! \240 Hey, I can hope for the ultimate trip!

Know anyone who wants to buy a wonderful RV?

We close on our new house next week. \240Our RV will go into storage after being winterized, until we sell it or decide to keep it - or trade for a smaller RV - \240for shorter trips. \240 So far, Jim’s new job is going well. \240I keep busy in the RV with the flurry of paperwork and errands from buying the house and car, and preparing for our moves. \240Then it will be unpacking, buying new furniture, changing our address, etc. \240Busy!

I thought a fitting end for my blog would be to show you where we all went, and listing what I will miss about RVing, which I will below. \240 \240We are doing the right thing for hard times coming, but I will grieve the freedom and adventure…

Craziness. \240We are officially no longer living in our RV. The adventure ends. \240If we keep the RV it will be for shorter trips only. \240I am really sad to end this, so prematurely due to all the circumstances.

We bought our new house in Colorado Springs on 9/27/22- that is, we closed then.

We were planning to move our stuff from storage on 10-15-22, then move from the RV itself by the end of the month. That would give us a little while to settle the house, and come “home” to the RV to rest.

Then life happened.

Remember that our RV needed a slider repaired? \240 We took it to the dealer on October 3rd , after the parts finally \240came in. \240We went to a hotel as it was expected to take a few days. \240 Then we called the dealer today, October 7th, to find out when we could come get our RV and take it back to the RV park.

The tech told us the repair was done, but the RV electric converter was somehow damaged. (“Oopsie?!!!” - it WAS fine!) \240They would need to wait (again) and get parts! \240 AND the electricity is completely out in the RV! \240 (We can’t live in it with no electricity!)

So now I need to come get all of our food from the freezer-refrigerator! \240And, \240enough clothes and stuff to last us until the movers come! ( I had only packed for three days…)