On the road again
Wednesday – 7/9
Another big drive day today. It will be a little over 500 miles from Tetons to Estes Park.
We set the alarm for 4:45AM and pulled up camp by 5:00. We had to drop the rental car off at the Airport about 45 minutes away, then backtrack to our route.
The original route that the TomTom gave me (and all the other mapping software) took us south of Jackson and through the mountains. A lot of switchbacks and narrow roads. This cut off about 100 miles – but will be much tougher driving.
I went onto the Good Sam RV site and did a trip there. It suggested taking a more northern route. I played with the route on the TomTom and away we go.
We need to make it to Loveland to pick up the rental car by 6:00, so we decided to leave early to give ourselves plenty of time. There were no rental cars available in Estes (all booked up), and I would rather pay the same amount and get something newer in Loveland.
On the way to the airport, we need to stop in the road 3 times for wildlife. There are whole herds of white tail deer, bison and elk on the road. This is the time of day to see wildlife up close for sure. I pull very slowly into the herd while honking my horn. They do not seem to be very intimidated by this big RV.
After dropping off the rental, we headed back north, then east. This route is much flatter and easier to drive. There is hardly any traffic, and we are able to make good time. I saw two moose cows running through a swampy area off to the right. These are sights you don’t see on your daily commute to work.
We drive for hours without coming to any town. We do pass through a couple that have population of 300, but nothing with a gas station or any other amenities.
Jackson called up front, and seems to be bothered by the driving. We stop along the side of the road. I know there is some population here as there is a mailbox where I pull off, but can’t see any homes in sight.
After resting for 15 to 20 minutes we head back out. Rest of the trip is uneventful, but beautiful.
We pull into Loveland around 3 and pick up the rental, a Jeep Liberty. We then head up into the mountains to Estes. It is a beautiful drive along the Thompson River. A lot of switchbacks.
We pull into the KOA. The park is nice, nothing special. The sites are tiered and just gravel and no trees. Also no fire pit. I had hoped to have a fire here. But it is clean and the people here are nice.
We set up camp and string the lights. I sit outside and cook some burgers and enjoy a beer while looking out over the mountains. It’s nice to be able to sit outside again.
Another big drive day today. It will be a little over 500 miles from Tetons to Estes Park.
We set the alarm for 4:45AM and pulled up camp by 5:00. We had to drop the rental car off at the Airport about 45 minutes away, then backtrack to our route.
The original route that the TomTom gave me (and all the other mapping software) took us south of Jackson and through the mountains. A lot of switchbacks and narrow roads. This cut off about 100 miles – but will be much tougher driving.
I went onto the Good Sam RV site and did a trip there. It suggested taking a more northern route. I played with the route on the TomTom and away we go.
We need to make it to Loveland to pick up the rental car by 6:00, so we decided to leave early to give ourselves plenty of time. There were no rental cars available in Estes (all booked up), and I would rather pay the same amount and get something newer in Loveland.
On the way to the airport, we need to stop in the road 3 times for wildlife. There are whole herds of white tail deer, bison and elk on the road. This is the time of day to see wildlife up close for sure. I pull very slowly into the herd while honking my horn. They do not seem to be very intimidated by this big RV.
After dropping off the rental, we headed back north, then east. This route is much flatter and easier to drive. There is hardly any traffic, and we are able to make good time. I saw two moose cows running through a swampy area off to the right. These are sights you don’t see on your daily commute to work.
We drive for hours without coming to any town. We do pass through a couple that have population of 300, but nothing with a gas station or any other amenities.
Jackson called up front, and seems to be bothered by the driving. We stop along the side of the road. I know there is some population here as there is a mailbox where I pull off, but can’t see any homes in sight.
After resting for 15 to 20 minutes we head back out. Rest of the trip is uneventful, but beautiful.
We pull into Loveland around 3 and pick up the rental, a Jeep Liberty. We then head up into the mountains to Estes. It is a beautiful drive along the Thompson River. A lot of switchbacks.
We pull into the KOA. The park is nice, nothing special. The sites are tiered and just gravel and no trees. Also no fire pit. I had hoped to have a fire here. But it is clean and the people here are nice.
We set up camp and string the lights. I sit outside and cook some burgers and enjoy a beer while looking out over the mountains. It’s nice to be able to sit outside again.