Summer 2016 Road Trip Stage 6

Racking up the miles through Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota

I could tell that the miles were staring to wear on us at this point. Tempers were short, moodiness was setting in, and the girls were starting to squabble with each other. We only had miles of driving ahead of us this day and we were looking forward to staying put in South Dakota for a while. Adjusting to a different motel each night, trying to find someplace to eat where everyone would be happy, and begrudging every potty or gas break added to the stress. I think this was the point when Scott and I started to have more serious conversations about getting an RV for future road trips.  Of course, that conversation took place before we actually reached the Rocky Mountains. Driving a small "not a van" and a Jetta wagon through the mountain passes was challenging enough. But the day we were there couldn't have been a worse time. There was a bike race going on that included over 3,000 riders! Instead of enjoying the majestic and breath-taking view, we were trying as hard as we could to keep from knocking one of the bikes over the edge of a cliff. THANK GOODNESS the main visitor's lodge and parking area was off limits to the bikers. We were able to get out of the cars, do some shopping, enjoy the views, stretch our legs, relish the cold, crisp air, see some pristine snow, and use the restroom. I think without that break we would have had a totally miserable drive.

Thank goodness there was very little oncoming traffic. 

Leslie did a great job driving through the mountains.

Leslie and Scott were driving through the mountains. I tried my best to get pictures without a bike rider photo bombing me. It was tough because they were EVERYWHERE.  I ended up deleting more pictures than I saved.

When we finally reached Alpine Visitor's Center, nerves were stretched to the limit.  But, the short amount of time we spent here was so enjoyable.  The height of the snow beside the parking lot was staggering! The grands couldn't believe it was really snow.  

The ride down the other side of the mountains was less stressful because the bike riders took a different route about half way down. Unfortunately, most of the beautiful vistas were behind us. We all agree it is a place we need to visit again. But, the next time we go, we will be checking the park events calendar to make sure they aren't having a stupid Ride the Rockies race on the same day!

The grands next to a snow wall!

I had to put this picture in. He was RIGHT ON THE EDGE
OF THE MOUNTAIN!! 

Going down out of the mountains wasn't nearly as tension filled. And, unfortunately, it wasn't nearly as beautiful. Still, I'm glad we made the trip. Honestly, who in their right mind would travel all the way to Colorado and Wyoming and NOT drive through the Rocky Mountains?

In all the years we spent traveling around the world with the military, we met very few people that were actually from Wyoming. I didn't really know what to expect while we were driving through. And, since this was a road day, we didn't plan on staying anywhere for very long. If I were to offer any advice to someone driving through the southeast corner of Wyoming, it would be this. If you see a place to eat, stop. If you see place to get gas, stop.  You won't have many options.

Seth

Maggie

Lusk, Wyoming

We drove north on US 25, then headed east into South Dakota. We passed through a tiny little place called Lusk. It was the cutest little town. I would have loved to stop but that wasn't an option. We were done with riding in the car! I think we were all excited to see the Welcome to South Dakota sign.

Sophie, Leslie, and Maggie

Scott

While we were in South Dakota, we stayed at a campground/RV park/resort called, Rafter J Bar Ranch in Hill City. One of the music teachers at my school is actually from Wyoming and had stayed there with her daughters. She highly recommended it and it really was a nice place to use as a home base for the next few days. It was clean and well maintained, had lots of tall pine trees, some cute cabins, a small camp store, and a pool. We spent a lot of time out on the porch of the cabin or around the fire because the weather was perfect. We kept checking the temperatures in Texas and weren't looking forward to going back to the heat.

On the porch at the cabin: Seth, Scott, Maggie, Sophie, Leslie.

The only downside to the cabin was the need to take ALL of the necessary items: bedding, dishes, games, camp chairs, bath linens, silverware, paper products, etc. We did make a trip to a local Wal-Mart once we got there to buy food. Once again, our thoughts turned to the many conveniences of owning an RV.

It's kind of unbelievable how our original plans for a trip to South Dakota ended up being such a long and crazy road trip. It was also hard to believe we were finally there! We had a lot planned for our last few days and were relieved to have a place to stow our luggage and plunder while we did some sight seeing. We were also glad to have a place to cook some meals and not be spending so much money on food!

Summer 2016 Road Trip Stage 5

Breckenridge, Colorado

     It might be hard to believe, but no one in the family learned to ski when we were living in Germany.  I don't think any of us were even remotely interested in learning. The boys did learn to snow board while they were going to college in Arizona. Then one year, Scott and Ryan talked Leslie into a snowboarding trip to Colorado. They all talked about how much fun it was and how beautiful the mountains were. Ron and I had always wanted to go, so part of the family decided to spend Christmas there one year.  It was a winter paradise complete with post card views of sparkling snow, crisp temperatures, bundled up people, and cold noses, fingers and toes. I don't believe Ron and I will ever go back there in the winter time. Our Texas blood is a little too thin. However, I was curious about what the summer might be like.
     When we were planning the road trip, Leslie found out that Breckenridge hosts summer fun camps for kids. We decided the girls would probably be ready for just a day of playing by the time we got to the middle of our road trip. Leslie found a hotel just outside of Breckenridge and we spent a day at the camp.
     They had a maze, bungee trampolines, alpine slides, zip lines, rope mazes, mountain bike riding, panning for treasure, and piles of snow to play in. The girls had a wonderful time. I think Seth was pretty bored; but, he never complained once! He kept me company while we watch the little ones play. Of course, Leslie and Scott had to try out a few of the rides. All in all, it was the perfect break for a road trip mid-point layover.

Riding up to the top of the mountain was a new experience for the grands.

I think the swaying and heights were a bit frightening for Maggie.

Sophie and Seth just seemed to take it in stride. 

Off to the maze. It was a team challenge between Sophie & Scott
and Maggie & Leslie.

Sophie and Scott came out first.

Maggie came out next; but without Leslie!

Leslie finally made it out!

After the maze, the girls tried out the bungee trampoline. It looked pretty easy but they had a tough time. Although they tried several times, neither of them managed to do any flips. 

I don't know who enjoyed the Alpine slide more; Scott or the kids.  Sophie wasn't big enough to go on her own; but Maggie was. However, Maggie will never win an award for speed. I think her overly cautious ride was a little irritating for one little guy that was stuck behind her. 

The rock wall was one of those experiences that illustrate how important it is that babies crawl.  Maggie skipped crawling and has never had very good coordination. Climbing the wall was a challenge for her. She gave it a try and that was all Leslie asked her to do.  Sophie got a little scared as she got higher and ended up coming back down.

While the girls were panning for treasure, we were able to learn a little about the background of some of the workers. Most of them share apartments and work there during the summer. There are a LOT of foreign students that work in the surrounding towns. We had so much trouble ordering a meal at Wendy's because the girl at the window spoke limited English. That was another time that we realized having an RV would be a smart investment. Just buying food for this crowd was a small fortune!

When we were planning the trip, I told the girls there would still be snow on the ground in the Rockies.  The first time we saw the snow, it was still far off in the distance. Once we started through the mountains, the kids got more excited. Unfortunately, the piles of snow at Breckenridge were very hard and dirty. They didn't seem to mind. 

The zip line and rope maze were the most popular events at the camp. That's the only place the kids had to wait in line. Luckily, we found a table in the shade! Otherwise, Seth and I would have been sunburned to a crisp! It took a while for the kids to get into their gear and receive instruction, but that helped the time in the line go by more quickly.

Seth was my buddy today. We just hung out and took pictures. I think he would have rather been playing video games at the hotel but he never complained once. I'm so glad he went with us. 

The last thing the girls did was the tube slide. The young man working at the bottom was so good with the kids. He kept them laughing.  I started to notice that kids would just go over and stand near him to talk to him after their ride was over. I have no idea who he was, but it is always heartwarming to see a young man work so well with children.

We left Breckenridge a little sun burned, very tired, and carrying a load of chocolate from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. We knew the next day was going to be a long one; driving through the Rocky Mountains and on into Wyoming would only be half the trip. Our final stop would be in South Dakota. I think we're all glad we spent the day just having fun.