Thankful for "normal" conveniences

Living the high life...

50 amps

water

sewer

It has been a while since we had all three.  Living in the lap of luxury!

Over the mountains and thru the woods to Missouri we go...

After spending many hours researching campgrounds and bible camps to do missions work at, I thought I had a pretty good plan. We'd leave the Mesa Verde, Colorado area and spend the winter wandering around New Mexico, western Texas, back to parts of Arizona then north again in the spring to explore Utah and then Hwy 50 going east thru Colorado again for the fall.

But, what was I thinking?  Why do I even waste my time making plans?

My dear hubby sat me down one morning, about a week before we were set to leave Colorado. He told me that  he felt we needed to go back to Missouri. There was a camp there that we loved and they would be needing new camp hosts next fall.  Shae wanted to look into taking it over. It is on about 1500 acres with two beautiful lodges, four large pools, outdoor activities, and a five bedroom log home.  The wages aren't great, but we thought Shae might be able to keep engineering some to bring in extra cash.

When I heard him say, "I think we need to go back to Missouri."  I almost tipped over.  What about my plans for the grand adventure around the south and then west again?  Zion, Bryce Canyon, off roading in Moab and Colorado.  Visiting family in Texas, Arizona, and again in Colorado. I was hoping that maybe, just maybe we could rent a condo on a beach in Texas for Christmas!

Missouri!  I love Missouri, but I had no desire to go back.  We had just been there in May and it was only November.  We hadn't been gone that long!

I controlled my tongue and facial expressions.  I love my husband dearly and decided I really needed to consider what he was saying.  Here was a great opportunity to honor him and his ideas.  Boy, I must admit, it wasn't as easy as I would have liked.  I knew I needed to be open to this not just in my facial expressions and lack of words - but also from my heart. 

If honor is not from the heart - it is not honor.

We discussed the idea thoroughly and I never really liked the thought of going back, but I love my hubby and trust his judgement.  The camp we were going to was wonderful,  a great place for everyone in the family, except not everyone in the family was looking forward to going back.  Only Shae and Cody wanted to go. 

It was growing for all of us.  Trust.  Peace.  Love.  Joy.  One thing I have learned on this trip and in life is that our happiness should not depend on where we are camped.  Our happiness comes from the Lord.  Our happiness does not revolve around our circumstances but instead around our inner peace and joy.

So, off we went. The four day trip back to Missouri was a tough one, but we made it.  The fall colors were gorgeous and we were welcomed by so many wonderful friends and family. 

We rode our ATVs and UTV in the Ozark Mountains and hiked the trails that wind through the hills.

Seeing my mom is always wonderful.  She lives in the Ozarks and looks forward to our coming back every year.  Usually we all put on weight from her wonderful cooking. 

Brrr...it sure is cold!

We went from the beautiful Colorado aspen forests to the stunning Missouri fall colors.  But, all too quickly the leaves fell and now we sit here, in the cold, freezing our traveling rear ends off.

"Move!" You say.  I know, our home has wheels so why don't we just up and leave?  Head south, go to beaches or deserts.  That is what we have done the last three years.  Our first winter was spent in Florida, the next in Arizona, and last year in Texas.

We had planned to spend this winter in NM, AZ, and TX but things change all too quickly when you travel.  We typically don't make reservations.  Sometimes we get somewhere and love it so much we stay much longer than planned, but other times we leave ASAP because of terrible conditions at the campground.

We found one of the worst campgrounds in Kansas this fall.  We pulled in and had to jump from the door of the van to the steps of the camper because the spiny stickers were all over the ground.  The barbs on them were huge and quite painful.  They were long enough to stick through some of the kids sandals!

The kids had cabin fever but I could not let them outside because I knew they would get hurt a lot on these nasty little burrs.

The next morning we loaded up and left as quickly as possible and then checked all of our shoes, carpet, and beds for burrs.

Sometimes we stay at the best campgrounds.  My husband and I loved using the hot tub at the campground in Colorado.  After the young ones were in bed, my teens watching them, Shae and I would spend time together in the hot waters and relax and talk.  Our days were spent kayaking the Rio Grande and four wheeling in the mountains.  The scenery was amazing and our time as a family - priceless.

So, here we sit, unexpectedly, in Missouri.  It has been wonderful to see our loved ones and a few friends.  Hanna had her wisdom teeth out, Cody made knives, and we spent time with my mother.  But, now we are freezing and want to head south.  Thankfully, our camper is warm as can be.  The three electric heaters and our propane furnace keep it nice and warm.

Gas prices going up.  What to do?  Where to go?  Today the temperatures were wonderful and made us want to get south even more, to somewhere we can enjoy nice days all the time!

Still, we learn to enjoy everywhere we go.  Whether cold, hot, rainy, dry, high, or low, we try remember that happiness is a choice, not a place to go.

Camping with off-road vehicles

Recently a question came across the Facebook page for full-time traveling called Families on the Road. A gentleman wanted to know how campgrounds and state parks react to off road vehicles, ATVs in particular.


We have been traveling full-time for over three years and during that period we have hauled our off-road vehicles across the country. As we made the hard choices of what to bring on the road and what not to, our ATVs were something that had to come. Off-roading is something my husband and I have done since we were very young and is a family hobby we all enjoy. It was hard to imagine traveling to so many beautiful places and not get to experience from the seat of a four wheeler.

There is something different when you experience nature while being in it rather than driving by it in a vehicle or taking the same tour that hundreds others have taken that same day. Sure, we do those things, but sometimes we come across a place that is only accessible by off-road vehicle and that is when the fun begins.

Before I get all weepy eyed telling you the wonderful adventures we have had together in the wilds of America, I will get to the logistics of traveling with off-road vehicles.

This is how we do it.

We have a 42’ Toy Hauler fifth wheel camper. The back end of the camper comes down to form a ramp that we can drive our ATVs into. The room is 8 ½ by 12. The floor is rubber and has places for tie downs to attach. We payed the extra money to get a gas tank that is under the back room. It has a nozzle to put the gas into the ATVs. I must admit, we rarely have used it. I don’t like to have gas fumes in our camper. Call me crazy, but I like all our brain cells. I think my husband and son have lost enough siphoning gas out of our van for the ATVS.

When we started our trip we actually used the garage area to store our ATVs. After we had our last child we decided to take them out and make that back room into a permanent kid’s room. It has carpet on the floor, toys everywhere, and school books on the desk.

We bought a second vehicle, a 15 passenger van, which I drive. It hauls a 16’ flat bed trailer with four ATVs, 4 kayaks, a Kawasaki Mule, and bikes. My husband is a master at putting them all on like a puzzle. Tie downs, straps, and more straps are used to hold everything snuggly in place. He checks and re-checks each strap before we head out and at every stop to make sure it is safe.

My husband drives a Dodge Dually one ton pickup that pulls our camper. I drive in front of him with the van and flat bed. He stays behind to make sure the trailer is pulling right and everything is secure.

Not all campgrounds like two vehicles and two trailers. But, most don’t mind a bit. They usually have a spot for us to park our extra vehicles.

State parks are different. Usually they charge per vehicle and trailer. Some have even charged per kayak and ATV even though we weren’t going to use them there. Needless to say, we didn’t stay at those.

National campgrounds are more tolerant. They usually don’t care if you park on the grass, how many vehicles you have or how many people. They almost always are friendly and courteous. Some have a two week limit but others do not. Camping spots are usually larger and more space in between.

As far as riding on state or national campgrounds – they do not allow it. No riding on their property. They do not mind us parking our flat bed with the toys on it but by no means are we to ride them around.

We try to always let them know that we have no intention of doing that.

So, sometimes we have to trailer our off-road vehicles and other times we try to camp near a national forest so we can ride from our camper.

Each state has different regulations as far as stickers required to ride there. Different counties have different regulations also so be sure to check out local laws before making your camping reservations.

I will put more posts on the particular places we have ridden. For more info right now check out my son’s writings. He has been writing for ATV Magazine for over two years now. He is on their blog at http://blog.atvmagonline.com/2011/10/25/atving-colorado-the-san-juan-national-forest/

This is a link to one of his many articles.

Now, to the cry me a river part of my post. I just have to write it, though. I want you to know why we go through the trouble of hauling these expensive toys across the country.

Life has never been easy for us. My husband was severely ill for 13 years with nerve damage to his face. When he was finally well, he decided to do this trip. Once again, life was not easy. Our first year on the road was really hard. That is why we did year two. The first year was not what we thought it would be so we wanted to keep going so we could experience the wonderful times on the road that we had sacrificed so much for.

We love traveling now, but it is still hard. So, when things get tough, we leave our camper and go into our huge back yard, the United States. When I jump in the Mule with my kids and we head up a mountain to explore this amazing country of ours, all the troubles of yesterday, today, and tomorrow just melt away. Nothing else matters when we are traveling down a road with the wind in our hair and the dust at our back. We never know what is around the next bend; sometimes a mud hole and other times the most beautiful aspen forest or mountain.

We have ridden in deserts, mountains, forests, and near lakes and rivers. I love to bike ride, but I cannot take six kids on bikes 40 miles around a mountain or desert in a day. Driving through the landscape in our van is nice but how much better when we can get off the main road and be in the landscape instead of just viewing it.

I pray that God would give us a treasure when we head out on an adventure. We might find a beautiful tree or a sparkling stream. Sometimes the treasure is a rock worn smooth by the wind or a deer that lopes through the woods. Treasures are to be found everywhere if we just slow down our busy lives and take the time to look.


We take rides high into the mountains and enjoy family time exploring this amazing country of ours.




Cody and Hanna found a hiking trail at one of our stops on a trail.



I can hardly wait for hunting season to be over so I can grab my kids and head out into the woods to learn about trees, fishing, hiking, beaver dams, deserts, drought, floods, and sun…by being in it, on our off-road vehicles.


http://blog.atvmagonline.com/2011/09/12/off-road-privileges-at-stake-in-south-fork-colorado/

http://blog.atvmagonline.com/2011/10/05/atving-colorado-the-rio-grande-national-forest/

http://blog.atvmagonline.com/2011/07/27/atving-colorado-the-rainbow-falls-ohv-area-part-1/

http://blog.atvmagonline.com/2011/10/25/atving-colorado-the-san-juan-national-forest/

There are more of his articles but this gives you a few to check out.  Also, read my new blog


and our website at http://www.smittysinfo.com/

More info to come....

4th of July in Oakley Kansas in the middle of the glorious wheat harvest.

After leaving Marysville, Ks, we went spent the night in Oakley, Ks.  It is a very small town on the way to the border of Colorado.  We happened to arrive while the wheat was being harvested.  I told the kids how blessed we are to live in a country where there is so much food. 

That night we celebrated the 4th of July.  The fireworks were so short and so small but we thought it was great the town still held them.  I loved it just as much as a big show.  So many towns don't have the money for a show but somehow this little town found a way to spend some money to remember our freedoms and how special they are.

As I stepped out of our camper to watch the fireworks with my family and numerous wheat harvesters, I was taken back by the thick smell of cow poo!  Wow!  It was so smelly!  I don't think we have ever camped anywhere it stunk so bad.

We all laughed and thought it would make for a memorable 4th of July!




Seeing field after field of precious crops brought me to tears.  I began to thank God for our country and the abundance of food He has blessed us with.



It was very surprising as we pulled into Colorado.  The landscape was extremely dry with almost no trees.  This type of terrain stretches for miles and miles.  There weren't many crops because of dry conditions.  Slowly, we made our way to the Rocky Mountains and finally saw Pikes Peak.  It was very exciting to see the famous mountain and our soon to be home for a month.

Colorado or South Dakota? Where to go? ...On to Colorado!

Sometimes choosing where to go next is very difficult.  It is not just about what we want to see or where we haven't been; we have many things to take into consideration and that can take a lot of time.

This summer we had to chose between Colorado and South Dakota.  Shae, my hubby, had talked about going to Colorado all winter.  He had never been there and really wanted to go.  So, after our time was up in Texas and then Missouri, we were ready to head to Colorado.

Sadly, the area we were planning on going to had wildfires.  I had lung problems when I was pregnant and we try to stay in clean air environments.  Smoke is not one of them.  Also, with the wildfires in Arizona, the wind was bringing the smoke north and into Colorado.  With all of these complications, we decided to give it two weeks to clear up and if not we would head to South Dakota and the Black Hills.

With the hot weather fast approaching Missouri we decided to head to Marysville, Kansas for a week and then make our final decision there.

Thankfully, the fires were almost gone and that put Colorado on the agenda for the summer.  We love South Dakota and were a little sad to not go back, but we had heard so much about Colorado we thought we better go.

There were two campgrounds we were considering staying at for a month.  The first one was in Canon City on Hwy 50.  It is called Starlite Campground.  The rates were extremely affordable and it has a pool so we were a little excited.  The only down side is that it is in high desert.  We really wanted to see the forests in Colorado. 

At the last minute we found the Krystal Kangaroo Campground in Manitou Springs, Colorado.  Some friends of ours were doing some volunteer work at a Nazarene Camp in Divide, CO. and told us about the Krystal Kangaroo.  We would have gone to the Nazarene campground for volunteer work, but it does not have full hook ups and is over 9000' up.  Our friends had us up for dinner and it is a lovely camp that I do recommend.

On to the Krystal Kangaroo.... Well, we were told it is nothing fancy and that is the truth.  I even found an opinion on line about the place that was not favorable.  But, the price was great and it was in an area we wanted to see.  The ride up to the campground made me a little nervous. Though, Shae had no problems with our huge camper.  He maneuvered it like a pro up the hills and corners to the campground.  Pulling in, we found the end spot that we requested.  I try to get a site on the end so we don't have neighbors on both sides.  The kids can get a little loud so it is better to have some privacy.  As we were deciding if the spot would work, the camp host came down.  She looked a little nervous as she saw both vehicles, camper, flat bed, four ATVs, four kayaks, seven bikes, and then six kids hiking around.  I reassured her we were respectful and good neighbors.  Someone had told us the camp hosts were not nice but I must disagree whole heartily.  She was such a nice lady.  We hit it off right away and felt at home almost immediately.  I find that if you just give a person a chance to shine, they will.  She was very welcoming and friendly.  The campground does have rules which we tried to obey.  I think as long as campers obey the rules and try to be respectful to the owners and neighbors, we can leave having a great time - for everyone. 

While the guys were getting the camper pulled in, the kids and I were at the van.  Suddenly, a deer just walked out of the woods and right up to our van!  It wanted food!  Later we were told the deer there only like potato chips and popcorn.  The kids were hilarious as they stood in shock at the deer approaching our van.  I know that all wild animals can be dangerous so I told the kids to get to the other side of the van and I politely shoo ed the deer away.  It went around the van and to Cody who loved the visitor.

The excitement didn't stop there!

The camp host told us that there are two mother bears and cubs that frequent the campground.  There is also a mountain lion that comes in that area.  At this point I was thinking about leaving, with all of the kids, I don't like to be in the "wild animal" situation.  But, we decided to stay and give it a try.

About 30 minutes after arriving we hear the camp host calling to us to come to her home.  I put the kids in the van and drove the 100' to the front of her house. 

There they were....mama and baby.

We were so close to them, but in the safety of our van.  Mama decided to walk closer to us and the camp host walked to the van quickly.  We all know very well the dangers of a mother bear.

I was thankful we were in the van as she decided to come closer.

Mama bear didn't get too close and went back to her cute baby.  The kids loved seeing the bears.  What an amazing experience.  It was great because we were in the safety of our vehicle with a can of bear spray in a bag in the middle.  Otherwise, I would have had a heart attack.

And so begins our adventures at

Krystal Kangeroo

Manitou Springs

and

Colorado.

The Pony Express Rides Again!

Traveling this great country brings such amazing experiences.  Getting to enjoy the actual place where the Pony Express got its start.  Of course, the actual riders began in St. Joe, but Marysville is where so many of the important historical events happened. 

There is still the real Pony Express Barn that has turned into a museum.  I love taking the kids to the actual location where history happened.  Instead of just reading it in a book, which we do also, we get to hike, walk, explore, and study the original places.

It is not a huge museum, but very informative.  I recommend everyone go to this wonderful town and please, don't miss this museum!



Cody enjoyed looking at the knife making equipment since he makes knives.




The museum has fun things for the kids to play on.



Josie just loved the real Overland Express Carriage



Quite the qualifications!



Historic Trails Park in Marysville, Kansas

My earlier post talked about staying in the city park in Marysville and the wonderful Pony Express Museum.  I would like to share more of the numerous memories we made in such a small town.

We made the short drive to the Historic Trails Park.  There are plaques that describe the different historical trails that passed through Marysville on the way west.  There is the Morman Trail, Military Trail, Oregon Trail, California Trail, Overland Express, Pony Express, St. Joe, and Otoe-Missouria.

There is also a model of the original ferry that crossed the Big Blue River there in Marysville.  The Donnar Party crossed here and the first person, the mother-in-law died at this location. 

The park isn't far from town and doesn't take long to check out and is a great history lesson.

Camper cooking and what we bring in our kitchen

I write for numerous blogs and would like to share one with you.

My latest blog post on http://www.campercooking.blogspot.com/ is about what I brought in my camper kitchen.

It is very informational as to what I use and packed back up after being on the road.

I hope it helps!

Enjoying Time in Marysville, Kansas



The city pool in Marysville is perfect.




The little old sod house made us appreciate our camper more.



The huge bullet at the Veteran's Memorial in Marysville, Kansas



The city playground is the best in the country.




Interesting sign at the Veteran's Memorial




The Koester House is a great tour.




We went to the Courthouse Museum.  It is great and affordable.



Naomi by the lion references by Laura Ingall's in one of her books, at the Koester House Museum.



Tytus enjoying the ice cream at the city park picnic and party.

 I remember people saying to me, "Why in the world would you want to go to Kansas?"

I challenge anyone that might think there is nothing to see there, to give it a try.  One of our favorite towns in the entire country is there, Marysville.

We left Missouri, heading west, and stopped in Marysville, Kansas.  We had been here two years earlier and were so excited to come back.

The city offers free camping in their city park, but limits the stay to five days.  Really, that is long enough to see all of the attractions, but not long enough for us.  We like it so much there!

It may be a small town, but it has huge history!

This was the first home station for the Pony Express.  Their museum is not too big, but full of information and fun.  Our kids like to play on the pretend ponies and in the carriage.



 

Gabriel and Tytus riding on the Overland Express Carriage.