We arrived in Cheyenne in clear weather, but it didn't last long! Craig scheduled the truck for an oil change and to check the batteries. The truck had been a bit sluggish starting up a couple of times and we wanted to avoid being stranded, especially with this cold weather! Craig shows that he still remembers how to use a snow scraper, even after 5 yrs of living in Corpus Christi.
The Chevrolet shop found that one of our batteries was completely dead, so we had been running on only one for awhile. Craig had them replace both batteries and the service department did a once over on the truck, so all is now in good shape for more miles!We spent the afternoon looking for snow gear for the boys. We succeeded in finding snow pants for the boys and snow boots for all of us. Before heading to Wally world with an extensive shopping list, we stopped for dinner at Sanford's Grub & Pub. We all enjoyed the eclectic auto garage/50's diner/sports bar theme in the restaurant and the food was great.
This is what arrived for Will off the kid's menu. Have you ever seen a kid's hot dog this huge?
Then, Craig burger arrived. He had ordered 'Kardiac Arrest' and it looked true to form. Let's see...there's fried pickles on the bottom layer, then working up the sandwich - 1/2 lb. beef, provolone cheese, onion rings and veggies on a kaiser roll. Garlic french fries on the side rounded out the tray. After relishing the truly indulgent dinner, the waitress asked if we were interested in dessert - perhaps deep fried OREOS?? We laughed and declined.
We were off to spend a couple of hours and tons of dollars at Wally world, and finally arrived back at the RV with a stash of groceries, thermal long johns for the boys, and thermal socks for everyone except the dogs.
This is what arrived for Will off the kid's menu. Have you ever seen a kid's hot dog this huge?
Then, Craig burger arrived. He had ordered 'Kardiac Arrest' and it looked true to form. Let's see...there's fried pickles on the bottom layer, then working up the sandwich - 1/2 lb. beef, provolone cheese, onion rings and veggies on a kaiser roll. Garlic french fries on the side rounded out the tray. After relishing the truly indulgent dinner, the waitress asked if we were interested in dessert - perhaps deep fried OREOS?? We laughed and declined.
We were off to spend a couple of hours and tons of dollars at Wally world, and finally arrived back at the RV with a stash of groceries, thermal long johns for the boys, and thermal socks for everyone except the dogs.The next morning, we packed a few school books and the new snow togs in the truck for the drive over to Rocky Mountain National Park.
The combination of the rugged mountains, evergreens, and stunning aspens were well worth the drive!
Trail Ridge Road that traverses the Continental Divide was closed early due to the snows already received in the area. We drove to an overlook area near the road closure and took the dogs out for a short walk. The walkways were packed with about 4" of snow and the wind was blasting us with a stiff breeze. We didn't stay long! 
The view of the vast expanse of the western face of the mountains was amazing.
Near the parking area was a snow filled area that was perfect for testing out those new snow pants and boots. The boys engaged in a small snowball war and found their feet and other important body parts to be dry when they were done.
We took another drive to the north and found more awesome scenery in all directions!
When we arrived at the lower elevations, we found this sizable herd of elk grazing. We finally spotted a grand sized bull (near the center of the frame). Those guys were all hiding when we were at Yellowstone several weeks ago!
The road continued through Estes Park, a charming area with tons of lodging opportunities, eateries and shops lining the main streets.
One of the major intersections was graced by this sculpture of big horn sheep and more of those showy aspens!
We continued on our way back to the RV park, leaving sunshine behind and meeting snow as we arrived. The temperature is supposed to be a record low of 12 F! We'll keep you posted on how we weather the cold.
The combination of the rugged mountains, evergreens, and stunning aspens were well worth the drive!
Trail Ridge Road that traverses the Continental Divide was closed early due to the snows already received in the area. We drove to an overlook area near the road closure and took the dogs out for a short walk. The walkways were packed with about 4" of snow and the wind was blasting us with a stiff breeze. We didn't stay long! 
The view of the vast expanse of the western face of the mountains was amazing.
Near the parking area was a snow filled area that was perfect for testing out those new snow pants and boots. The boys engaged in a small snowball war and found their feet and other important body parts to be dry when they were done.
We took another drive to the north and found more awesome scenery in all directions!
When we arrived at the lower elevations, we found this sizable herd of elk grazing. We finally spotted a grand sized bull (near the center of the frame). Those guys were all hiding when we were at Yellowstone several weeks ago!
The road continued through Estes Park, a charming area with tons of lodging opportunities, eateries and shops lining the main streets.
One of the major intersections was graced by this sculpture of big horn sheep and more of those showy aspens!
We continued on our way back to the RV park, leaving sunshine behind and meeting snow as we arrived. The temperature is supposed to be a record low of 12 F! We'll keep you posted on how we weather the cold.
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My parents and I saw a small black cub run across the road in front of us riding back down the Rockies, and that same trip we saw some elk, too. I really enjoyed Estes Park. I tried to get my parents to go on the chairlift with me, but they would not. They claimed it was "too expensive," but I have a feeling they were just scared. ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!!! Aren't the Aspen trees gorgeous? I love them! I especially love these pictures 'cause you are in the part of the country where my son is stationed....he's Air Force. He and is family live in Greeley, CO...so he commutes to the base for duty. As Lauren mentioned above Estes Park is beautiful!!!! When I visited my son and his family last...we went up there. Don't know about taking the 5ver up there, but driving the truck would be fine. There is a lot of history in and around Cheyenne, WY. Have fun and stay safe and warm!
ReplyDeleteMy son Tom is stationed here and although I can't believe it...he is due to retire after 20 years. Where DID the time go?????
ReplyDeletehttp://www.warren.af.mil/