We left Dubuque on October 1, the day after my last day of work. I really did enjoy my job there, but was ready for our next adventure. Our first overnight stop was in York, NE. We stayed at York RV campground. This is a new campground that has only been open a few months. It has the potential of being a nice place. However, it is still in the beginning stages. It's basically a gravel parking lot with all pull thrus and full hook ups. The WiFi wasn't working yet, and there were no picnic tables or grass. They took off a couple of dollars, but we thought it should have been half price until it is completed. Next time we will stay down the road.
La Cocina Mexican restaurant in York, NE. All the booths had a design of some sort like this one. FYI, don't be in a hurry when the Huskers are playing. The staff were glued to the television.
The next day we drove as far as Larkspur, CO. Since we were so close to Adam and Mary in Castle Rock, we decided to pay them a visit. We also wanted to see little Macy whom we had not yet met, and also see Alex who is a teenager now. We stayed at Jellystone RV Park for the night. We had a very nice visit. They're a fun family.
I believe this is Castle Rock. Hence, the name of the city.
Our view out the front window of our motorhome at Jellystone in Larkspur. Beautiful!
Adam, Alex, Mary, Macy. Such a cute family.
After we left Larkspur, Kirk and I drove to Colorado Springs where we stayed a couple of days at Garden of the Gods RV park. Now remember, this is autumn in October and the leaves were gorgeous. The Aspens were in full color. The first day we drove to Garden of the Gods which was amazing, Florissant Fossil Bed National monument, and Cripple Creek. We had planned to drive to Royal Gorge, but took a back road which no longer existed. Anyway, did not make it to the gorge, but did see some amazing scenery.
Balanced Rock at Garden of the Gods.
Thought this was cool.
This was an unplanned, yet pleasant surprise on our road trip
Horned sheep outside of Cripple Creek
The beautiful aspens.
More aspens.
Okay, I just couldn't get enough pictures of these.
Driving into Cripple Creek
Outside of Cripple Creek at a gold mine....with some beautiful aspens surrounding it.
Colorado has one of these everywhere....just a different name. Zoom in and read the small print.
On our second day, we took the trip to Pikes Peak. We were so excited to drive up to the Summit. We weren't sure we would be able to do it as the ranger had told us that the last run was closed due to high winds. However, she did say the winds were dying down and it could be opened by the time we got part way up. Fortunately, they did open it and we were able to drive all the way to the top. One thing to remember, the air is very thin at the top. Over 14,000 feet.
The road going up to Pikes Peak Gorgeous.
Crystal Reservoir on the ride up to the summit. A great place to fish.
About half way there. Another beautiful sight.
Not there yet, but look at that road and the view.
High atop the summit. It was so cold. I believe around 11 degrees. I was getting lightheaded. Kirk was already there.
Another view from the summit. We would have liked to taken a selfie, but we were just ready to get back down. You know Kirk was feeling bad when he let me drive ALL the way down.
October 5th, we left Colorado Springs and headed to Pueblo Acoma, NM. We stayed at the Sky City Casino RV Park which is about 45 minutes west of Albuquerque. We had wanted to stay in Albuquerque, but found out the annual balloon festival was going on and so, there were no available sites in any of the rv parks. Well, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The casino park was only $19 a night, all pull thrus, and a very nice park. We also took the Sky City cultural center tour. Very worth the small amount it cost. Acoma Pueblo atop a mesa is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the nation. There is no electricity or running water up there. About 10 families continue to live there. Many were selling their wares during the tour.
A beautiful site on our ride to the cultural center.
The only tree at Acoma Pueblo town on the Mesa
Years ago this was their water source. It now just hydrates only the very few animals that live up there.
One of the traditional hornos, a mud Adobe oven used for baking. Still work, but only used a few times a year now for special events
Mission San Estaban Rey in the background. We were allowed inside but could not take pictures.
A beautiful view from the village on the mesa
This is the only original window made from stone by the Acoma Indians. You can't see in or out of it, but it does allow light to enter.
Our site at Sky City Casino. We had a great view of Mount Taylor a stratovolcano , which you can't see in this picture.
We finally arrived at our destination in Surprise, AZ on October 7th. Sunflower RV resort. Getting ready to check-in. It was only 95 degrees. :)
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