Tag: Garden of the Gods

When I was younger – probably around 11 or 12 – our family drove to Colorado Springs to visit some of my Dad’s relatives. We had taken many road trips as I was growing up, but this trip was different because I’d never seen mountains before. I think that was the trip that sparked my desire to travel. Returning to visit some of those same relatives was meaningful and felt like a full circle kind of moment.

On our way to Colorado Springs, I stopped in Denver to tour the Molly Brown House Museum. Historical house tours are my jam because it intrigues me to see and hear how people lived, especially courageous women like Margaret Brown. (In another life, maybe I’ll be an anthropologist or maybe I was one already.)

There’s something about a butler’s pantry that just speaks to me.

We took advantage of our Boondockers Welcome / Harvest Host membership again in Colorado Springs. I enjoy these stops along the way where we can stay in a neighborhood and have a chance to chat with the hosts. While this spot was convenient, it was also hosted by really kind people who showed me around their beautiful backyard and had a whole container full of different sites to see in the area. We exchanged stories about kids and grandkids and being on the road.

Being able to connect with family was the primary reason for my visit to Colorado Springs. My Dad’s cousins are warm, inviting people who took time for a driving tour, a hike, and a homemade meal. It was good for the soul.

This trail is near their house, and we grabbed a quick hike to view the Garden of the Gods before dinner. Breathtaking.

While it was a quick visit, it was meaningful in so many ways, and I am thankful we were able to catch up and keep those family connections alive.

Travel to Kansas

Leaving Colorado, I knew I was headed into the Midwest, which is completely different terrain than what I was getting used to with my travels in the West, but it’s what I know – what I grew up in – so there was a tug at my heart to get back there.

The BW/HH place where I stayed was getting work done on their driveway, which wasn’t an issue when we backed into the drive, but on the way out, I definitely scraped the bottom of Estella on our way out. Other than the noise it made, I didn’t think much of it. Hindsight is 20/20, and I probably would stop in the future if it happens again, but I didn’t this time.

When I stopped to grab something to eat, I was leaving, and I heard this noise. 🍫 I wasn’t sure it was coming from Estella because it was a relatively busy location, but as I drove a bit further in the parking lot, it started to sound like it was us. 🍫 🍫 So, I parked again, and I started crawling around the RV. I’m sure I was quite the sight because the problem wasn’t obvious if you just look at Estella. 🍫 🍫 🍫 Apparently, when I drove out of that driveway, I popped one of the hooks to a bracket and had been dragging it on the road for awhile. 🍫 🍫 🍫 🍫 I was able to unhook it, so it didn’t drag. I did some research on what that bracket “holds” and felt ok about removing it, so I did.