Living the Dream

Canada’s Rocky Mountains

July 23, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

07/02/19 – 07/03/19 After an uneventful crossing into Canada. We made our way up Kootenay National Park. We had hoped to stay at the Radium Hot Springs but the campground there was full. We did get to see an group of male big horn sheep as we drove the road to the campground. We ended up at Mcleod Meadows Campground about another 28km into the park. The weather continued to be a bit damp but it did clear up enough for us to enjoy a hike out to Dog Lake. The next day we hoped to make our way up to Banff National Park and Lake Louise but as we got closer the traffic was horrendous and the crowd were insane. We drove into the town and found some fuel and drove right back out. We never did get to see the lake as there was no parking and the masses were being shuttled by large buses everywhere. We will try and come back during the off season next time. We left the Disneyland atmosphere behind and headed into the park where the scenery was outstanding. It was still a bit stormy but made for some amazing vistas as we drove the long road through both Banff and Jasper National Parks. The Canadian Rockies and Columbia Ice fields are a sight to behold. We camped just outside of the park in the town of Hinton in the Parking lot of Freson Bros. Market. They allow campers to stay for free. Sierra and I found a nice field about a block away where we could play fetch. We stocked up on a few groceries. Prices here seem high but then the Canadian dollar is 1.26 to our US dollar.

Eureka!

July 23, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

06/30/19 – 07/02/19 Eureka! City Park is were we stayed for the next couple of days as 07/01 is Canada day and so the border crossing was expected to be very busy due to the long weekend. It is situated on the Tobacco River and has a wonderful trail open to biking and hiking. It also has a nice little museum across a footbridge to the Tobacco valley Historical Village. We got some laundry done and used the free shower at the visitors center. We also did a nice long bike ride up to the Kootenai Lake along the tobacco River Trail approx 15 miles. Mike was able to break out his tire patch kit and help Jim fix a slow leak in one of his trailer tires. Sierra and Slim our two canine companions agreed that one of the best things about camping in town is the Ice Cream Truck that came by selling Frosty Paws just for dogs along with fudgecicles for the hoomans.

Glacier National Park

July 22, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

06/26/19 – 06/29/19 Our Caravan, now complete, hit the road and traveled to Deer Lodge, Montana where we stayed a night at the fairgrounds. Cost $5. Two more couples, friends of Jim and Jackie from Parker AZ also met us there. They were driving a Class A and brand new large Class C Motorhome with all the bells and whistles. They too were going to AK to visit family but only have 6 weeks to complete their journey and so they will be putting on many more miles per day than our group. J & J also have another couple who are doing the trip ahead of us and are reporting on road and weather conditions on our route. The weather through Canada has been wet and there are some fires causing smoky conditions in AK. It is nice to have other run a bit of interference for us to help us with our decisions on which routes to take and interesting things to see along the way. We headed up to Glacier National Park passing many bright yellow Canola fields and spent the next few days camping just outside of the National Park at Emery Bay Campground on the shores of Hungry Horse Reservoir. We were able to split a double campsite with Bob and J & J were able to snag the last non-reserved site. Many of the sites at this campground were empty but had reserved signs on them. The people that reserved them just never show up. Many campers were turned away when space was available. We spent the next couple of days touring Glacier National Park, we drove the very narrow, “going to the Sun Road”, up to the summit and back. We also walked the lovely “trail of the Cedars” recommended by Larry, our camp host. The park was very busy this time of year and we had difficulty finding parking everywhere we went. I spent a lot of time shooting pictures from Jim’s truck. There were so many beautiful waterfalls and rivers and creeks with bright blue snow melt. I was able to capture a good picture of a big horn sheep at the summit. The scenery along this road was stunning. We passed a bicyclist near the summit and when he stopped at the top we found out he was 81 years old. Good for him! We also took the next day and inflated our kayaks and paddled out on the lake. Sierra, our new sweet little retriever was not too sure about the boat initially and jumped out on our first trek but after hauling her back into the boat, soon relaxed and enjoyed the ride. Jackie and I have begun our Cribbage tournament and we also involved the guys in a round of Mexican Train Dominoes and Ladders. Let the games begin!

Our Caravan is complete!

July 22, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

06/25/19 Jim, Jackie, & their dog Slim arrived on schedule and we were able to snag Campsite #4 right next to ours for them to move into. I sent them a map of our location, however google maps, in its infinite wisdom, decided it would direct them via that long loop that we had taken with Bob the day before. They called us when they reached the top of mountain and had nearly given up after 6 miles of very rough road. We explained they were on a loop and had come in at the far end. They were only about another ½ mile from the site and we encouraged them to press on as they were almost there. They arrived exhausted but intact and were rewarded for their efforts by Slim who jumped out of the truck and immediately found some human excrement left by inconsiderate former campers to roll in. After a bath for Slim, we toasted their arrival and the beginning of our adventures together. The next day we were able to meet up with Kirstin and Steve again and were treated to a beautiful 9 mile hike along the String lake trail. They even provided us with delicious sack lunches for our trek. The mosquitoes were voracious if we stood still for too long, so we took pictures and kept moving on up to our lunch site at Trapper lake. As we strode along the lakeside trail we got to see deer, Moose, and a very friendly and curious Marmot who was kind enough to pose for pictures. After our hike Kirstin and Steve took us up to Jackson Lake and the Coulter Bay Visitor Center where Steve introduced Mike one of the managers who had also previously worked on St Thomas and who now runs the boat tours out of the Marina there. If there is a Marina Mike will find it. Perhaps you’ll meet Captain Mike on a future trip to the Tetons……who knows?

Meeting friends in the Tetons

July 22, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

Grand Tetons

06/20/19 – 06/26/19

Happy 10 year anniversary Michael and thank you for this wonderful trip. I can’t think of a better anniversary gift. We carried on north to the Grand Tetons. We will wait for Jim, Jackie, and Slim Goodenberger to complete our little caravan. We had seen an intriguing review of Shadow Mountain, a free campsite in the Bridger-Teton National Forest that looked out at the Teton Range. The road was advertised as rough but we decided to give it a go anyway. Mike and I took the lead and Bob waited at the bottom of the Forest Service Rd for our report. It was definitely more for 4WD vehicles but we took our chances and were rewarded with beautiful views. It only cost us the loss of a couple of our favorite ceramic mugs that flew out of the cupboard and a container of blueberries that had to be cleaned out from behind the couch when our fruit hammock collapsed on the drive up. We initially had found a spot with great views on top of a ridge but the winds had started blowing pretty good and rain and lightening were in the forecast. I just hoped it wouldn’t be too much as I’m not sure we could make it out with the road muddy or more washed out. Fortunately the weather was not as bad as predicted. We spent the next few days exploring the town of Jackson Hole and had lunch with our Neighbors from Beaver Circle Michael, Addie, Juniper, and Tuba who have been living and working here. (They too are renting out their house in Pagosa). Tuba was our dog Dede’s best friend in the neighborhood and would often come down to our house to play with her. Bob was again our taxi and tour guide and took us on a drive along the Teton Park Road. We stopped at the visitor center and Jenny Lake. Mike who recently confirmed with the USCG that his captains license had been renewed, inquired as to if they were ever in need of boat captains for the tourist boat across Jenny Lake. (Keeping our options open…?) On the way back, we took the long way around the 8 mile forest service loop rd that led back to our camp…the entire road is pretty bumpy. We were also able to connect with our dear friends from St. Thomas, Kirstin and Steve Biery, they are working for a contractor that handles the concessions for the Park Service. They are provided lodging while they are working here this summer and then will return to Edwards, CO to work in Beaver Creek over the winter months. It is wonderful getting to reconnect with dear friends.

Flaming Gorge

July 22, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

Flaming Gorge, WY

06/19/19 – Traveled north to Flaming Gorge Nat Recreation Area to spend the night. We read on freecampsites.net that there was quite a bit of free dispersed camping along the shores of the Flaming Gorge reservoir. We turned off and headed across a rather barren landscape through a maze of numerous dirt roads that all lead down to various points along the shore, some passable and some not so much. We really did not know which of these roads to take and even if we could turn around but we took our chances and were momentarily stymied when we found ourselves on a high mesa overlooking the lake. There was a very steep incline that would have taken us down to the shore from there but I couldn’t see driving our little RV or Bobs trailer down it to the shoreline. We back tracked and started down another of the maze of dirt roads on one that looked more promising albeit very bumpy, when we fortunately met a gentleman out walking who directed us to a safer, flat, graded road that we were able to take down to the shoreline without incident. Whew! After some jockeying of rigs and making sure we would not sink in the soft soil we settled in. The scenery along the shore had a desolate beauty. The sun was hot but the wind was fierce and so we were not able to put up our awnings. We slathered on the sunscreen and spent the afternoon, taking walks and throwing the ball and/or stick for Sierra who’s main passion, besides food, is fetch. As night descended we were visited by more that a dozen ghostly apparitions gliding across the lake in front of our camp. It was almost too dark to make them out but they turned out to be a flock of white Pelicans. What a lovely way to end the evening. Thanks for stopping by!

Dinosaur National Monument

July 12, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

06/18 – 06/20 We traveled north up to Dinosaur National Monument. We stopped at the Visitors Center outside of Dinosaur, CO but we were told the actual excavation site was on the Utah side of the Monument so after a bite of lunch we went around to the Utah side and were able to secure a couple of nights at the Campground there right along the Green river. Bob has been our taxi as well as our comic relief on this trip and ferried us around to the numerous petroglyph and historical homesteading sites throughout the park. This is the only place with lizard Petroglyphs. We had to hike a little ways up to the cliff face but the artwork was outstanding. We were then gifted with a beautiful sunset at our campsite and enjoyed a great hike along the river in the mornings. The amount of Dinosaur bones still on display at the excavation site is a wonder. We were also able to see how much of the mountain had actually been removed. Many of the full skeletons seen at museums came from this site. Way Cool!

Colorado National Monument

July 12, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

06/17 – Spent the night at the Colorado National Monument Campground outside of Fruita, CO. I never knew this place existed. The rock formations and the rim rock road that runs along the top of the cliffs was not to be missed. The weather was very rainy off and on but made for a beautiful drive. The red rock sandstone cliffs were amazing and we pulled out to take a few photos before we finally made it to the visitors center. Bob started me on my Passport to our National Parks and so I got my first stamp and sticker to commemorate the occasion. As it was already getting late in the afternoon we asked if there was availability at the nearby campground and there was. The camping fairies were with us yet again. We settled in and enjoyed a relaxing evening.

A New Journey Begins

July 11, 2019August 6, 2019bearcruzer

06/15 -06/17 North to Alaska. Well our Journey to check AK off the bucket list began on June 14th. We left our driveway the afternoon and drove a whopping 4 miles down to happy valley to meet up with our friend and fellow AK traveler, Bob Bishop and to say our farewells to the Happy Valley, happy hour crowd of friends. We headed out early on June 15 and set our first destination as Boggy Draw outside of Delores, CO. A favorite bicycling and camping spot to get back into the rhythm of RV life. We spent 2 nights there and although initially the weather did not seem too fair for bicycling, the rain stopped and we had a great day of riding. Sierra, a Nova Scotia Duck Toller, and a recent and welcome addition to our trip enjoyed the run along with the bikes as well and kept up beautifully. We have found our Water supply to be painfully small and so we are getting back into major conservation mode. We have also found that with our small Fuel tank and the weight of our gear, we will need to keep make frequent fuel stops as we head north. Feels great to be back traveling again even if it is land cruising. Looking forward to the many adventures ahead.

Off the radar!

August 8, 2018bearcruzer

So what ever happened to M & C and Dancing Dolphin?

Well life happens as they say. Don’t ask me who they are…… So much has happened in the 9 years since we set out on our adventures. We lived aboard DD for 4 years after arriving in the VI and both took jobs there on the Island. I worked as an MA for a great Dr. Mark Livingston and Mike continued working for Angel Electric. In 2012 we began planning our next adventure aboard DD. Many of our friends along with our employers really wanted us to stay in the VI and made it abundantly clear that we would be sorely missed. We sat on the Deck of DD with a cocktail and as so often happens we began a rousing round of dreaming and scheming. We asked ourselves what would keep us in the USVI? Mike’s answer: # 1 – Well maybe if someone asked us to watch a really nice villa. My response: That would be nice but #2 it would have to be on the water. Mike: and #3 preferably on a bay where we can moor Dancing Dolphin. Me: and #4 it would need to have a separate bungalow or apt so we wouldn’t have to move if owners or guest came in……and finally #5 It would need to be a paid position so we can continue to replenish the cruising kitty with freedom chips. Be careful what you wish for…….within 3 weeks of stating out loud that intention, I was waiting at the Ferry terminal on St. Thomas. I happened to meet and strike up a conversation with a local Attorney. He learned about Mike’s skills as an electrician and my background in the Medical field. We chatted about our life aboard DD and a few days later he contacted Mike and asked for a number to contact me directly. I must admit it was a bit unnerving to get a call out of the blue from someone who I had not given my information to. He asked me if Mike and I had ever had any Caretaking experience. “Well yes as a matter of fact we have.” He explained that he was the Attorney who represented the owners of Great St. James Island and that they were looking for a couple who might be interested in managing the Villa there. The job entailed managing the 167 acre Island, a 5 bedroom Villa, including pool, tennis court, Caretakers bungalow, Solar System, Reverse osmosis water system, 2 power boats, 2 private docks, and a parking area on St. Thomas. It was an amazing offer and it was being handed to us if we were interested. I asked the Attorney to give us a few days to think about it and he stated he would return in 10 days from Denmark where the owners lived. If we were interested we would supply him with a resume and proceed with a phone interview with the owners. I hung up the phone and marveled at the way the universe likes to play with us. If you want to make god laugh tell him your plans. Needless to say it was an offer we couldn’t refuse. It met and exceeded all of our wishes. We became the caretakers of Great St. James Island and spent another 3 years in the USVI to the delight of our friends and my boss Mark Livingston as part of the negotiations for taking the job on the Island would be that I would continue to work on St. Thomas as an MA while Mike took on most of the Caretaking responsibilities on GSJ Island. We sailed DD over to her new home in Bare Ass Bay on the Island of Great St. James and settled into a routine of Caretaking and commuting to work via powerboat now. The owner and his family were wonderful and we really enjoyed working for them. We sold our beloved Catamaran Dancing Dolphin in 2015 as with our responsibilities on GSJ we just did not have enough time to spend on her and hoped she would carry a new owner on more adventures and create more wonderful memories for someone new. We spent 3 years Managing GSJ Island, entertaining guests, owners, and visiting family. While living and working on GSJ we acquired another member of our family, our dog, Dede. Another story for another post. It was a dream job and we loved our life there but as all good things do, it came to an end in 2016 when the Island sold and the new owners had bigger plans for it than a personal private Island getaway. When we found ourselves with the impending change of lifestyle we decided we would head back to Pagosa Springs Colorado to regroup and spend time with family. Mike has continued working as an electrician but is tapering down his workload after training both his stepson Sage and nephew Joe as electricians and separating his shoulder Mountain Biking. I have gone back to work for the Upper San Juan Health District as an MA for Dr. Brown who I worked with back in the early 2000’s. We continue to Dream and Scheme and have a few new adventures in the planning stages. I thought I would bring our many cruising friends and family up to speed with our current doings and will be posting some of our pictures and memories from our years on GSJ and our travels back to Pagosa Springs. It might not be as exciting as some of our previous sailing adventures but I hope you enjoy catching up. Love to you all.