Early July 1 - 18 On the Road Again

Early July found us at home for a brief time. Long enough to wash clothes and pack the Artic Fox for the journey west. We left home on Sat. July 12. We had a very uneventful trip to Gratis, OH to visitwith Kathy and Tony. We spent Sunday morning at the world’s largest flea market, picking up a few items for our trip. Kathy and I went to a bead show in the afternoon. This will not be a surprise to anyone; I did buy some beads. Tony fed us well both nights. He sent us on our way.

Monday July 14th with a couple of the biggest, mouthwatering sandwiches for our lunch. We drove for many hours in very hot weather to arrive in Oxford, IA for the night.

Tuesday July 15th was another long hot day on the road. We made it to Lake McCounaghy. We stopped for steak dinner at Ole’s steak house in Paxton, NB. While we were dining a rain storm blew across the plains lowering the temperature a good 23 degrees, from 94 to 71. What a relief that was for us to sleep. Van’s Lakeview Campground was a little wet and very sandy with only a few sites that actually had a lake view, but it did beat the KOA next to the interstate.

Wed. July 16th was the longest day, well over 500 miles to reach DuBois, WY. Since we arrived so late in the evening we decided to stay at the KOA in town. $45!!!! And a lot of people. Sad news greeted us. Chuck Hanson, the campground host at Horse Creek, had a fatal heart attack the week before at the campground. I did see his wife, Betty, who was staying with her family at the KOA. She expressed that it was the way and the place that he would have chosen. Chuck and Betty, who were the volunteer hosts for over 20 years, will be sorely missed by all who camp at Horse Creek. Happy trails, Chuck.

Thursday, July 17th we made a brief stop at the butcher shop in town for some of their wonderful filets and sausages. Then it was up the valley to Horse Creek. We managed to get the site that has a lot of sun with a view up the canyon. It is very peaceful and quiet here. We met the new host, Jack. Setting up the screened canopy was a treat, since we had trouble remembering which pole went where. It is needed protection from the mosquitoes and the mid-day sun. A little fly fishing in the afternoon finally broke my 2 year drought of no fish with a good size trout.
Friday, July 18th was a sleep in day. The temperature dropped overnight; unfortunately we had not added the needed blanket to the bed. Once the sun came up, things warmed up considerably. Maggie led the way up the hill on a short hike. I was feeling a bit dizzy from the altitude. (No snide comments!) We tried to fish again but they were not cooperative today. Shep caught a couple before they quit biting. I finished a bracelet that is a commission piece for a 50th birthday present.