I had promised to do a wedding in Fort Collins, today. I would have come down yesterday, but with the continued rain and flooding I waited until today. When I left Wheatland, skies were clear and I settled in for a nice ride. Creeks that run under the Interstate were swollen since we also had…
My heart breaks for the people in the Colorado flood areas just south of us. The news gets worse everyday, with more rain on the way. I was shocked to learn that up to 12″ of rain fell in parts of the Front Range. That is normally the yearly total for rain. This part of…
Each trip becomes easier, in terms of putting up and taking down Half Moon—until today. My tasks take longer and seem difficult. Then, I try 10 times to get the van backed up just right, so I can hitch up the camper. Then, I have to fiddle with the hitch clamp. With everything ready to…
Back at the campsite after my trip to Buffalo, I explore by foot the meadow where I am camped. When in National Parks and Forests, people often do not wander more than 50 yards from their car, which is about 1.5 average city blocks. I vowed a long time ago to not be a part…
I come back to the Bighorn Mountains because the other places I am considering expect rain. For my last outing, I entered the Bighorms from Sheridan (Hwy 14), this time, from Buffalo (Hwy 16). I drove up on the the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, into a more southerly section of the mountains. The terrain appears…
The official Cowboy Era occurred from 1866-1886 (http://www.blantonmuseum.org ). That final year, 1886, is well known in these parts as the end of open-range ranching due to a severe winter that resulted in heavy losses. Around the same time, the Homestead Act of 1862 fostered the rise of smaller, family-operated ranches, which further reduced the…
Work is demanding right now so I was due for a little surprise, something to make me smile and remember that life offers up simple joys. My gift announces itself in the blinking green light on my Internet hot spot. 4G service has come to town. When connected at the paltry 3G, the flashing light…
August is gone again. I am not ready for the garden to fade away; I got started late so am just now getting into the swing of things. Yet, September has its own blessings for those of us who live in the Rocky Mountains: Sunday afternoon drives to see the Aspens Migrating birds Cool nights…
I decided not to camp over the Labor Day Holiday. This is a peak time to pickle and start fall garden chores, so I labored my way through the day. Next weekend (Mon-Tues) I will be out again with Half Moon for another adventure. I am trying to make my back yard a fall/winter bird…