Colorado, cats and Canadians!

May 1, 2024

Hello from sunny Colorado Springs, Colorado, so nice we decide to extend our stay. We were also craving an extra day on the schedule with no plans and no travelling. John was looking forward to taking his Harley out on a few of the mountain roads. I was happy to clean, walk and read. 

Coloradans are getting high on more than just legal drugs and a John Denver tune. The backdrop of snow covered Rockies and incredible red sand stone rock formations paired with an average of 300 days of sunshine is a winning combination. 

There are lots of tourist stops that are worth doing, all close by and pretty much free. 

The highlight though is Mountaindale RV Resort where we are staying for three nights. Twenty minutes from downtown Colorado Springs, it is tucked into big beautiful pine trees at the foot of some large foot hills (if that makes sense). It is very peaceful and we feel right at home.

Our spot, # 79, is the best we have had since leaving Jupiter. It has both shade and sun, tons of privacy and plenty of room for me to let the cats out.

We quickly meet the only other Canadians staying at Mountaindale, and, they are right behind us in spot # 78! I wonder if they purposely put us together?  These fellow Canucks are a lovely couple from Calgary, Alberta, travelling in the direction we just came from. 

We get to chatting right away, trading road stories and tips for “where you are going” and “where we are headed”.  Day two we run into them while hiking around the Garden of the Gods. (check out the pictures below, stunninggggg!). We all walk together for some time, chatting away, taking in the scenery and agreeing on how great Colorado is.

For the most part, RV parks are friendly places, lots of “good mornings” and passing “hello’s”, maybe a few questions about "where y'all are from?" and "where y'all traveling to?" Running into fellow Canadians though feels like long lost family have arrived. 

Later the next day, back at the resort, we continue our “standing” conversations with the 78’s, feeling quite at ease talking more about our lives and family back home, retirement plans, and cats!! 

Mrs. 78 tells me about her cat who lived to be 21, are you shitting me right now?? She loves cats, and when I offer up Autumn, free of charge with a lifetime supply of food, she giggles but graciously declines. 

Her days of cats are over she says, and, with a slight smirk adding “It’s soooo nice to have total freedom”. I bet it is. 

It's interesting how we humans make connections, not really becoming friends but feeling like more than just acquaintances.  Happily standing around for an hour or more talking, laughing and sharing stories but not quite ready to commit to a sit down visit over a glass of wine or a casual meal. I am coining this level of connection “friendquaintances”. 

We never get to exchanging contact information, and, although we now somewhat frequently travel to the Calgary area, chances are we won't ever see these friendquaintances again.

 I do feel bad we didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, wish them safe travels ….and ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM 78!  

The Colorado Springs area does earn a spot in my must see destinations. The Garden of the Gods is ranked number 9 in the world as a top natural attraction, and it's FREE!  The drive up Pikes Peak, a breathtaking 19 miles reaching over 14,000 ft, is a mere $10 per car. We unfortunately didn’t get to drive the last few miles to the summit due to snowy and windy conditions, but it was still so worthwhile.

Until I write again, Cheers

Our beautiful spot at Mountaindale, and driving up Pike Peaks, which John later did on his motorcycle, on his own!

Below, pictures from Garden of the Gods, the one on the right kinda reminds be of the Bezo's rocket, just saying.

Definitely a rough life for these two.