Camping 2024

Since Chad can't come with us to Illinois and Michigan, he and I went camping earlier this week on his regular days off. We went to Vega State Park here in Colorado. It was beautiful! 

We arrived Sunday night, set up, and tried to sleep amongst the loud neighbors and wind trying to tear down the tent for which we had no stakes. 

The next morning, I scavenged empty campsites for stakes and wood. I was able to find 4 stakes which were just enough for our needs and a lot of fire wood. 

After a delicious breakfast, we decided to take his paddle board and my kayak on the lake. The conditions were perfect. We were out for about an hour before we decided to get out, delayed out watercraft, and explore a bit. 

That night, a big rain storm came in, and we bugged out as quick as we could. Since it was rather late and driving straight home was not a safe (I won't drive that tired), we found a hotel in Rifle, CO to stay the night and headed the rest of the way home in the morning. 

Overall, I would say this was a great trip. We had fun on the lake, had great conversation, learned more about each other, and had an experience we won't forget. I love these adventures with this amazing man!

Camping with Friends

 Thursday afternoon, I left with some friends to go camping at Dewey Lake I the Red Feather Lakes area. One friend had a camper that we brought up, and we had a plan to go paddle boarding that night and the next day. We planned this for several weeks. Unfortunately, the weather did not agree with our plans. 

As we drove up, the rainstorms came in. There was rain and snow and more. By the time we got up there, it was only 45 degrees. We were all wearing sandals and were cold by the time we were done setting everything up. The decision was made to turn on the heater in the camper and play games. 

I loved Thursday night. Sitting at the table that would later be my bed, eating good food that one of the ladies brought up and carefully prepared, playing board games, laughing, and talking was the highlight of me week. 

The following day, we got up and tried to make a plan for the day. A fire was built with wet wood and the help of a fire starter log from our neighbors. We had a delicious breakfast prepared by one of the other ladies and hot chocolate in cute mugs that I brought. At this point, the other three ladies decided to go paddle boarding. My board was accidentally left behind, and I was already very cold and struggling to get warm. I decided to sit in a camping chair and crochet near the shore. It was a bit lonely, but I felt like a made the right decision. I would have taken way too long to warm up after going into the water. Even though I know this, I am sad that I didn’t get on the water. 

After a delicious lunch, we drove around in the mountains for a few hours before we were on our way to dinner and home. I was dropped off around 8:30 or 9 last night. It was a long day. My daughter and husband called me as we drove home. My body was tired. My emotions got the best of me at one point. In the end, I was glad to have gone and glad to be home. 

Great Sand Dunes National Park

For the past few years, Chad and I have taken have taken trips just the two of us. In 2021, we went to Mesa Verde National Park while Sean and Noel were at their dad’s house, and we paid Eric to take care of the dogs and taxi Noel to and from band camp. Last year, we went to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore (my favorite so far) as Sean stayed home with the dogs and Noel was with her dad again. This year, we headed down to The Great Sand Dunes leaving Sean with the dogs while Noel was gone again. I like that we are getting to know each other without the kids since they have been always been a factor in our relationship and are turning into adults before our eyes. 

We have been talking about seeing the sand dunes for a couple of years, and we finally were able to book a one night camping trip this year. We were lucky to get the spot because they fill up fast. We actually had to book it six months in advance. 

When we got there, we set up our campsite and relaxed for a bit. There was a moment when Chad was exploring before other people got there that there was such peace that I was able to just let the stillness wash over me as the only sounds around me were the squeaks of the chipmunks. I needed that so bad and didn’t even realize it until I was there. When Chad got back, I took a few pictures before we set on our way to the dunes. 

The dunes were bigger than I had imagined. The highest one was over 600 feet according to the information in the visitor center. We climbed the smallest one, and it was exhausting and amazing all at once. The sand was the finest sand I have ever seen which meant we sunk a bit with each step making each step harder than a typical hike. Once we reached the top, we sat down and let the wind wash over us. I took joy in seeing the footsteps of others blow away quickly. We stayed there talking and taking pictures until the wind gusts got a bit too strong then hiked back down. At this point, we realized that there wasn’t much more to do. 

Later that night, we went to the amphitheater where Ranger Patrick did a show about the stars and dunes on other planets. I didn’t know there were dunes elsewhere, but the pictures from NASA were real. At the end, the ranger turned off all lights and showed us constellations. It was so dark that we could see more than I have ever remember seeing. I think it was the first time I saw the Milky Way. I was also able to take the clearest night sky picture I have been able to take with my phone. This presentation made the entire trip worth it. 

Exhausted

Today has been an exhausting day. It all started with me having very little sleep last night. Then, I was reminded that Noel and I still needed a few things for camp, and we are leaving tomorrow. It was also necessary for both of us to get some laundry done. I also had to meet up with the other leaders at Costco to get the food for the next few days. 

I decided the easiest thing to do was get off at 1pm to start getting things done before I had to meet up e we it’s the others at 4pm. My boss was ok with it as long as I made up the hour later today. Thankfully, Chad installed the washer and dryer so we didn’t have to go to the laundromat. (It’s amazing how he sees the necessity when he is facing the possibility of having to go for the third time.). He also ran a load for me while I was running errands. In the end, I was not done running around until almost 9pm, and I still had to work for about an hour. It has been a long, tiring day. I hope I get enough sleep over the next few nights to be of use and have the patience I need to be around teenagers for three days.  

This is 45

I spent a few years dreading turning 43 and 44. I didn’t want to be the same age as or older than my mom, but it is  better than the alternative. This year I let myself enjoy my birthday. I get to live longer than my mom and enjoy things in this life she didn’t have to opportunity to experience. 

This year, we went on a camping trip at Jackson Lake which is only a lost 45 minutes up the highway from us. We got there Sunday night and came home Tuesday (my birthday) which was the perfect amount of time. Chad, Noel, and I spent a few hours in the lake before lunch on Monday while Sean found a hiding spot in the trees to read. After lunch, I played card games with Sean while Chad and Noel went back to the lake. Those of us in swimsuits ended up sunburned and dehydrated, but we were better enough by bedtime. After we were all settled for the night, some raccoons unzipped our car top bag and stole our remaining breakfast food (the rest of the food was put away in the car). This made our decision for us to leave first thing in the morning rather than hang out at the lake for the morning and get fast food on the way home. Overall, we all had fun including the one that would rather read than play in the water. 

That night, we met up with Eric and his girlfriend at Red Robin for dinner followed by games back at home. I love my kids and love having them around me the most. 

I don’t know everything that will happen at 45. I know I will graduate from college with my bachelor’s degree in Marriage and family studies. I am excited to find out what else is in store for me!

Kids Leaving

Every year since the divorce, my kids have gone camping with their grandparents. The first year, I went for the first night and left them when I had to go back to work. Since then, I think their dad went one year, but they usually go without their parents. 

I love that they get to spend time with their dad’s family in this way. It is like a family reunion of sorts and has been their main vacation every year. They always come back with new stories, and they have seen places I hope to go some day. 

Tomorrow morning, Eric will be coming to pick up his brother and sister to embark on this year’s adventure. They aren’t going too far this year, but they will still be together.