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Posts from the ‘States’ Category

Sep 4

Waking-Up To Perfect

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Generally we try to avoid driving at night – especially when venturing into unfamiliar locations like a mountainous national forest.  But today, knowing that we would be venturing into a first come – first serve destination ahead of a what is sure to be a busy holiday weekend, we decide to go it.

Waking up this morning, it was clear that this boondocking spot about 90 minutes west of Denver is going to be awesome.  Clearly, I have a weekend full of mountain biking and trail running in my future.

Thanks @sethkhughes for the recommendation!

Aug 29

Unwinding

This afternoon Kelly and I said our goodbyes to South Dakota and began making tracks towards Denver.

As much as possible, we try to keep our drives under three hours, but at our typical travel pace, the destination would be a solid eight hours away.  Consequently, we would need to push much further than otherwise preferred.  About six hours later, we decided to lay up for the night in Cheyenne.

Following a quick stop to Chipotle, we let Lilly explore a local park, before settling into our overnight spot at the Sierra Trading Post distribution center.  Literally a giant parking situated next to the interstate, the location is purely functional. … and free.

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We checked-in with security staff and prepped trailer … then promptly retrieved our yoga mats.  We had about 45 minutes unwinding awaiting us.

Aug 27

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On Patrol

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Pushing west towards Colorado, we are back at our favorite Black Hills campground for the week.  Kelly is in San Francisco for the week, so it’s been just Lilly and me the past few days.  All is good through – I’ve been fortunate to have great neighbors supplying me with good conversation, they’ve fed me, and they have a big lovable dog that Lilly has completed ignored.

Speaking of Lilly … it seems she too has embarrassingly levels of adoration for this quickly campground – albeit less for its laid-back vibe and surprisingly nice bathrooms.  For her, this place is all about the field grasses steps from the camper.  Undeterred by aging barbed wire fencing, she is having loads of fun stalking field mice who dare enter her turf.

Fear not mice … Lilly and I are leaving tomorrow; the reign of terror will be ending soon.

Jul 20

Pesky Bugs

We’ve been settled at Big Sioux Recreation Area in Brandon, SD for the past few days and I continue to be impressed with South Dakota state parks – clean, well maintained, and offer spacious sites.

Kelly and I spent a lot of our youth in this area, so our time here has been busy catching-up with friends and relatives.  I must say it’s been nice to see so many people.

In other news … the heat has broken here in the southeast part of the state and now the bugs are out in full force.  Having been cooped-up for too many days in air conditioning, I was anxious to work outside while enjoying this nice campsite (electric only).  So, in an attempt to level playing field with pesky bugs I purchased this screen room last night ($45 at Walmart).

Because I wanted something highly packable, it is not perfect and only time will tell if this cheap product can withstand the rigor of regular use, but for now it seems to be doing its job helping to keep the bugs away.

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