So, the journey has begun. The ole Yoterhome is running fairly strong, with the exception of a few minor details… like keeping warm at night. The furnace doesn’t want to fire up when it’s cold outside, which is inconvenient. While I can’t keep the inside warm, the engine is plenty warm. I’ve conceded to the fact that sometimes I’ll just have to go 30, or even 20 MPH over these mountain passes in Colorado and sweat the whole time… oh well. Tiny engine pulling a home packed to the walls don’t necessarily make for smooth sailing, but I think I’ll manage just nursing Skippy along. Oh, I decided to name the Yoterhome Skippy, after a character in a book series that I’m currently listening to while on the road, Expeditionary Force. Skippy is an ancient alien artificial intelligence device, in the shape of a shiny beer can. He’s the most advanced and powerful computer in the universe, and a world-class asshole, but he has the best intentions for saving the human race from alien invaders that want to mine the planet for resources. That’s why I find it an appropriate name, because although my yoterhome will get me to my next destination, it won’t make it easy on me.
My first stop leaving out of Farmington, NM, was Priest Lake, CO. What an amazing free campsite that was. It was empty all weekend save for a few fisherman coming and going, and a few college kids from Cortez who stayed the night next door, and I was happy for the company, big shoutout to you guys if you end up reading this, thanks for the hospitality. As much as I enjoy talking to the dogs, it’s mostly a one-sided conversation.
After 3 nights at Priest Lake, one fish, and countless squirrel chases, I made massive headway on my journey, and drove about 10 miles into Telluride. After an amazing jalapeno popper cheeseburger and a cold beer, I decided that I didn’t really feel like leaving T-ride, because it’s such a beautiful little Colorado town that I haven’t seen in a few years. So, I sucked up a $28 campground fee (with internet and a shower) for a night. That day w
e hiked up Bear Creek Falls, which was fantastic. It’s a nice campground (Town Park Campground) within walking distance to town, next to a river, but the dogs don’t appreciate the restrictions on free travel due to the proximity of the neighbors.
Next stop after filling up on water, propane still looks good, and I haven’t had to poop in my car yet so no dumpage, is near the Gunnison River on the Red Creek. This place is quiet, and a little warmer, all in all a great place, except for some scary-looking poop on the road. It looks like it was from a huge dog, except with fur in it…. The part that worried me was that there were multiple piles of dooky, and the piles contained poos of different ages. This makes me think that there’s a big kitty out here patrolling the road every once in a while, slightly disconcerting. I don’t think Sierra will much care for seeing those kind of cat videos.
