Colorado Summer
– July 27, 2017 –
What a whirl-wind!
We have been enjoying a couple of weeks of hometime, visiting friends and family in Colorado. In true Hooper and Whistle fashion, it has been an adventure every step of the way! I am not sure that the recap can be made with a quickness. It was a very full and enjoyable time.
We delivered our last load to Henderson, Colorado before making our way to Colorado Springs for a quick stop to get the paperwork on our new-to-us hunting truck. We have added a 1986 CUCV OD Green Blazer with a 6″ lift to our vehicle collection. With the primary duty of this one as the hunt truck, we wanted to come back to give it a thorough shakedown before relying on it during hunting season. As our time and travels with it went, we are very glad we did because we found a few minor things that wouldn’t have been fun to deal with in the cold snowy mountains. After saying a very quick hello to a few people, we continued on our way to Salida, Colorado to see Grant’s parents, sisters and their families and all our ‘stuff’!
Our first outing with the Blazer took us up Cottonwood Pass for an overnighter in a tent along Cottonwood Creek. We met cousin Mike and Alyce at a most perfect spot they had picked out! Such gorgeousness with the creek rushing next to us, the perfect amount of shade with a view of the beautiful blue sky and mountain tops all around. The Blazer did great and we had a most enjoyable time just hanging out in the beautiful Colorado mountains!
Happy truck in the mountains. Us on a sunny and bright day along Cottonwood Creek.
Kelly considering mermaid possibilities.
Cousin Mike, Alyce, and Grant along the creek. Our camp!
Fourth of July
Tamale making (thanks for the awesome lesson Misty!), learning how to smoke ribs (Memphis Kelly in training), parade watching, church ice cream social (complete with Abe Lincoln) and fireworks literally right over our head! Seriously, they launch the fireworks from S Mountain and we were parked right at the base on the Hooligan side of the river. The whole day with the whole family!
Such a patriotic family! We even got to meet Abe!
Kelly’s first ever smoked bbq ribs. Only in mountain towns can you see snow in a parade in July!
They were this close! No zooming needed!
Blue Mesa
For Kelly, no vacation would be truly a vacation without a day on the water! That’s the way it goes when one grows up in Michigan. So off to Blue Mesa Reservoir with those who didn’t have to work and the boat owners (thanks Bob and Susan!). We had a beautiful start, then had a smidgen of rain and the smallest amount of hail, then clear again. Next, in true Colorado fashion, an afternoon storm rolled over the mountains. We are happy to report no sunburns were acquired and a swim by Kelly was had, sadly no fish were caught. All this time the Blazer was rocking (literally, right Noah and Maggie?!) and doing great! So for our next adventure we decided to take a trip into the mountains.
Captain Noah and the crew out on Blue Mesa Reservoir
Maggie enjoying the views. We love the little coves.
Grandpa and Maggie. Noah and Maggie rockin’ out in the Blazer.
Grant relaxing on vacation.
Mountain Passes
We headed out west, taking Hwy 50 to Old Monarch Pass. Neither one of us had been over this one. We were somewhat surprised at how smooth and maintained the old pass was, we expected a 4 wheel drive road. After completing Old Monarch, the plan was to head back over Marshall Pass. However, we stopped into the little store and saloon in Sargents and the girl working suggest we take Tomichi Pass. She said that it was real pretty, but we wouldn’t be able to make it all the way over due to too much snow at the top still. Pffft…all we heard was a challenge! So off we went… That’s when the Blazer decided to have attitude. Three quarters of the way up it had its fill. It just quit. Fuel was the first issue, we had plenty but it wasn’t making it to the engine. The ignition module was the second problem. Long story short,we got the Blazer home (thanks dad!) and made the necessary fixes.
Our start up Old Monarch Pass. I just love the color contrasts of Colorado.
Yes, that is snow……in July!
Just another spot on the top of the Continental Divide, such beautiful views!
Heading up Tomichi Pass and seeing several spring crossings!
Mojo is having a great time too!
Our next adventure took us to Colorado Springs. The big truck (aka – semi) needed some preventative maintenance. Short on time due to some unforeseen Blazer attitude we still were able to fit small and short visits with more family and friends. We got to visit with our cousin, his kids, and their kids! Such a fun treat seeing the three generations and playing with four to seven year olds! Sorry for those that we didn’t get to see, we weren’t avoiding or intentionally leaving you out. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Bill and Jean for your never ending hospitality and love!!
Lunch with friends Mark and Jessica. Reconnecting in person with a high school friend, Julie
3rd generation of cousins.
Once we finally got both trucks ‘happy’ we headed back to Salida. Our last day was spent having a family potluck. Family from Buena Vista, Golden, Idaho, and Oregon were able to meet up for yummy food and great stories!
Uncle Bruce from Idaho, Keenan and Lily from Oregon. Uncle Dave and Aunt Linda from Golden.
We enjoyed our time and we are now back in the saddle! Speaking of which, they are new saddles! We purchased and installed ISRI seats while on hometime. For our fellow drivers, this is the company that makes the Minimizer seats. They are identical except for the name stitching for less money. Feel free to message us for more information.
Once again we apologize to all those we wanted to visit but weren’t able to connect with, you know who you are!
Until next time…..