Since the last post we took a little trip up into Colorado, hitting areas like Durango, Silverton, Crested Butte, Taylor Reservoir, and Leadville. Right off, let me say the trip was wonderful, in every way. The flowers were out of this world.
I have to say that the Columbine is on my short list of favorite flowers, they are beautiful!
Paintbrush has always been a favorite and I always thought they grew in a haphazard, here and there fashion.
I have always been wrong. This year we saw acres and acres of paintbrush, and they were various shades of red, yellow, orange, and even white.
We did back roads at all the places mentioned above and the rain cooperated with us almost all of the time and we used the wipers very little while we were deep in the woods exploring and stopping for the flowers and out of this world views. Most of the time the clouds were scattered and light enough that combined with the blue sky they only enhanced the views.
One place we wanted to go was to Clear Lake, a little alpine lake up high on S. Mineral Creek road where we were boon-docking near Silverton. We made it up to a water falls that we love, and there is always a marmot or two. A marmot was there and we got some good photos. M loaned me here big lens and I got some pretty decent shots. Just above the falls snow a major snow drift completely covered one of the switchbacks and we could go no further. We did get a few rain sprinkles while we were there and on the way back down the mountain.
The carpet tiles that I installed just prior to departure worked far beyond all exceptions. We did not need rugs to protect the rugs that protected the floors, which made for a much less cluttered area. We just ran the little vac as part of the departure routine and setup went went much faster at our evening destination. We both loved the carpet tiles and I would recommend them for anyone wanting to upgrade the flooring system in an RV.
The steps that I worked on before going also worked like a charm. Not only did they work like they should but not once on this trip did they hesitate when opening the door. For a couple of years they would not extend when the door was opened and we would have to close the door and reopen it, sometime two or three times. The only problem was after and long day traveling over a dirt/gravel road they did not want to close up all the way. I may try to come up with a type of mud flap to go in front of the steps and that may help a little. Colorado roads have Magnesium Chloride liquid compound, or something like that, on the dirt roads to bind the dirt and gravel together. It is great when it is dry. It packs like a hard surface and helps to keep the dust under control. Not so much when it is wet. It is very sticky and it clogs up the steps. I had to bang on them with a hammer and they oil up all pivoting points to get them fully operational. Will need to get out the pressure washer and clean and oil the really good this week.
The only real problem the RV gave up this trip was with the water heater. I replaced the drain plug back in '05 while working at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Well, I used a plastic plug, and it must not have been rated for the hot water system. On our very last day it ruptured after the water heated for out morning shower. I told M she could shower, if she hurried. I did not get to shower! When she finished, I turned the Water Heater Bypass valve to take the heater out of the loop. All other plumbing worked fine. Something to do next week!
The furnace also has a recurring problem that showed up on the trip. I will shut off before heating the interior, and not come back on. We have to turn it off and back on after a 3-5 wait. Something is causing it not to automatically reset. Something else to look at when I have time and get rested up a little.
