Adventures and Misadventures: From Sand Dunes to Ancient Cliffs

When Life Has Other Plans (As Usual!)

Picture this: We’re up before dawn at the Great Sand Dunes, caffeinated (well Stacey is) and ready to conquer the beautiful Zapata Falls before making our way east to Mesa Verde National Park. The mountain trail ahead of us was steep and long, but we were dreaming of those cascading waters and the perfect photo ops that awaited us.

Then my phone buzzed.

A text from our neighbor (Maureen) back home: “Saw a suspicious car in your driveway at 3:30AM…”

And just like that, our waterfall dreams came crashing down faster than we were hiking back down that mountain! Nothing like a potential home security scare to turn adventure-seekers into worried homeowners in 0.2 seconds. After several frantic phone calls and rallying our amazing support crew (shoutout to Tina, Mark, and Anne for always having our backs!), we discovered it was a false alarm. But hey, peace of mind is worth more than any waterfall view, right?

Mesa Verde: Where Ancient Meets Adventure

In less than four hours, we’d gone from the Great Sand Dunes to setting up camp at Mesa Verde National Park for our next three-day adventure.

That first evening, we took our bikes for a spin around the campsite to get our bearings, then settled in for something that promised to be truly magical – a “Dark Skies” presentation with four park rangers in the amphitheater. They’d even brought out three massive telescopes to show us the wonders of the night sky.

Mother Nature had other plans though (sensing a theme here?). The clouds rolled in just as we were getting ready for some serious stargazing. But honestly, learning about the incredible effort it takes for an area to become certified as a “dark sky” spot was just as fascinating. Did you know that light pollution has seriously impacted this precious gift? It’s not just about pretty stars – darkness is crucial for animals, birds, and even us humans. Something we should all be thinking more about in our increasingly lit-up world.

Early Birds and Ancient Architects

We became early risers by necessity at Mesa Verde – perched high on the mountains with breathtaking views that came with a side of scorching afternoon heat. But those morning views? Absolutely worth the early alarm!

One morning, we set out to explore some incredible geological features and I had the win for scoring reserved tickets for the “Cliff Palace” tour a month ago. Ranger Colin gave us all the details of this historical dwelling. This isn’t just any old tourist stop – we’re talking about a historic community where the Ancestral Pueblo people lived. Picture this: around 100 people called these cliff dwellings home from approximately 1190 to 1270 AD. The architecture is mind-blowing for the time period – they built these intricate homes within the alcoves of the canyons while still using the mesa tops for farming.

Fair warning: getting there involves traversing multiple steep stairs and layers. It’s super cool but definitely not for everyone. The ingenuity of these ancient people though? Absolutely incredible.

Afternoon Survival Mode

When those afternoon temperatures started climbing, we had our survival strategy down pat: retreat to the air-conditioned comfort of our RV “Reba” or the camp store for games, reading, laundry, and the all-important afternoon nap. Evenings brought cooler temperatures, campfires, and yes – s’mores every single time for Stacey.  No regrets!

Pro tip: You absolutely need reservations to visit many of these park campsites and tours. They fill up lightning fast. If you’re planning a trip, start planning yesterday!

Wildlife Encounters (From a Safe Distance)

Our animal watching scorecard included plenty of deer, turkeys, and crows. But the real stars of the show were the ones we were hoping NOT to meet up close – we’d been warned about a mama black bear with three cubs roaming our area.

Aspen and Willow (our four-legged travel companions) made it very clear they were not interested in making friends with any of the local wildlife. Their standard protocol: bark first, retreat to the RV second. For everyone else’s sanity, they sported their trusty bark collars to try to keep the peace around camp.

Did You Know?

Mesa Verde holds a special place in American history – it was the first national park in the United States dedicated to preserving the works of humans, specifically these amazing Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Established in 1906, it became a World Heritage Site in 1978. Pretty impressive credentials for our temporary home!

Colorado: You’ve Been Good to Us

As we pack up and prepare for our next adventure, we can’t help but feel grateful for everything Colorado has shown us. From sand dunes to ancient cliff dwellings, from false alarms to real discoveries, this state has kept us on our toes and filled our hearts.

Next stop: Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah – because we can’t get enough of these incredible Western landscapes!

Adventures at Great Sand Dunes: A Comedy of Errors and Epic Views

When RV life meets Murphy’s Law at North America’s tallest sand dunes

Night One: Setting Up Camp (And Our Lives)

There’s something magical about arriving at a new campsite and finally being able to *breathe*. After days of living like nomads in our trusty RV Reba, we had three whole nights to spread out, organize, and actually remember where we put the s’more sticks (spoiler alert: they’d be crucial later).

We even went full glamping mode and set up a little playpen for our pups, Aspen and Willow, creating the perfect makeshift patio under our awning. Picture this: two dogs living their best off-leash life while their humans sit back and watch nature’s own light show unfold.

And what a show it was! First came the mountain sunset – the kind that makes you question why you ever lived anywhere else. Then, as if the universe wanted to one-up itself, lightning began dancing across the clouds above the mountain tops. No fireworks needed when Mother Nature is putting on her own spectacular.

We capped off the evening with “Meet the Millers” – because nothing says “wilderness adventure” like watching a dysfunctional RV family on screen while living your own RV adventure. Meta? Maybe. Entertaining? Absolutely.

Day Two: The Great Battery Betrayal

Morning arrived with full sunshine and that crisp mountain air that makes you want to sleep with windows open forever. Todd dove into the park brochure (because someone has to be the responsible one), while I whipped up breakfast and we prepped our gear for the main event.

The Great Sand Dunes aren’t just impressive – they’re *intimidating*. We’re talking about the highest dunes in North America, some towering more than twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. Armed with our CamelBak backpacks and e-bikes, we embarked on the scenic 3-mile ride to these geological giants.

Those first couple hours of riding and hiking were pure magic. Aspen and Willow got to enjoy the air-conditioned luxury of Reba while we worked up a sweat exploring these massive sand sculptures.

But then… *the betrayal*. Todd’s bike battery decided it had had enough adventure for one day. No worries, we thought – we’ll just head back for lunch during peak heat anyway and pop that battery on the charger.

Plot twist: The chargers didn’t make the trip.

Cue the frantic searching. High and low, every nook and cranny of Reba got inspected. Nothing. Nada. Zilch.

The Great Charger Hunt of 2025

What followed was an epic quest worthy of its own documentary. Three different stores. Three different disappointments. Because apparently, in the wonderful world of modern technology, every battery needs its own special, proprietary charger that exists nowhere else in the universe.

The tech folks have really outdone themselves with this one – it’s like they sat around a conference table and said, “You know what would be fun? Making it impossible to find replacement chargers anywhere!” Mission accomplished, tech people. Mission accomplished.

As stores began closing their doors on our dreams, we retreated to camp, defeated but not broken.

Day Three: The Pup Cart Solution

The next morning brought a moment of brilliant problem-solving. Why stress about the battery situation when we could test just how far two bars of power could take us? Enter the pup cart – our secret weapon for transporting two very spoiled puppies who were about to experience the ride of their lives.

The good news: We made it to the visitor center! The hiking was lovely, the dogs were thrilled with their chariot, and for a moment, all was right with the world.

The bad news: Physics is a cruel mistress. Just as I was conquering the last hill before our campsite, my bike battery decided to go into early retirement. What followed was a heroic display of determination, featuring yours truly heaving, pedaling, and praying my way up that incline.

I may have parked right beside Reba, but I also parked myself in a reclining chair with an ice pack and a good book for the next hour. Some victories come with a price, and apparently, mine was a very achy back.

Tina to the Rescue (Sort Of)

Enter our hero, Tina, who volunteered to drive back to the abandoned homestead where we’d stayed previously – surely we’d left the chargers there! She was joined by our neighbor Anne in what was shaping up to be the adventure movie none of us signed up for.

For thirty minutes, they searched with the dedication of archaeological explorers. Videos were sent. Pictures were analyzed. Hope was maintained.

Then Anne, bless her logical soul, suggested checking places Todd might have actually stashed the chargers. You know, like a glove compartment or… *the tiny cubby above the door that neither Todd nor I had thought to check*.

There they were. Just sitting there. Judging us.

Celebration and Mysteries

Todd’s suggestion for a flashlight disco party was temporarily postponed by the discovery that we had no hot water. But our man is becoming quite the RV whisperer, and soon we were back in business.

Our final evening at Great Sand Dunes featured the perfect combination of pulled BBQ chicken sandwiches, aggressive biting flies, and a crackling bonfire. Thankfully, the cool mountain air eventually sent those pesky bugs packing – small mercies!

Onward to Mesa Verde

Tomorrow brings a four-hour mountain drive to Mesa Verde National Park. Will we remember all our chargers? Will the bikes behave? Will we discover new and creative ways to complicate simple tasks?

Stay tuned for the next chapter of our continuing education in “How to Turn a Relaxing RV Trip into an Adventure Series.”

*P.S. - The sand dunes really are spectacular. Just maybe bring backup chargers. And check all the cubbies. Trust me on this one.*

*Follow our adventures as we learn that the best stories come from the moments when everything goes just a little bit wrong.*

🚐 Greetings from 7,500 Feet Above Sea Level! 🏔️

Hello from the beautiful city of Monument, Colorado, where the air is thin but the views are absolutely THICK with beauty! We’re officially living that high-altitude life, and let me tell you – it’s been quite the adventure getting here.

Nebraska: Hot, Flat, and Surprisingly Pleasant 🌾

Our journey through Nebraska was everything you’d expect – pleasantly uneventful and scorching hot at 91 degrees! But sometimes uneventful is exactly what you need on a road trip. The miles flew by as we cruised toward our evening destination.

Mac’s Creek: Where Wine Meets Beer Magic 🍷🍺

Our second night brought us to the delightful Mac’s Creek, a winery-brewery that’s clearly figured out how to please every alcohol-loving palate! We struck up conversations with two fellow Harvest Host RV’ers over wine, beer, and some good charcuterie boards. And here’s the magical part – fireflies danced around us all evening as we sat outside like nature’s own little disco lights! There’s something about sharing stories under twinkling fireflies that just makes everything feel more special.

Colorado Reunion: Friends, Altitude, and Antisocial Dogs 🐕

Rolling into Colorado just after noon on July 4th, we were greeted by our dear friends Cheryl, Troy, Sam, and their two dogs. It had been a whole year since we’d seen them, and the reunion was absolutely wonderful! The only thing that would have kicked it to a higher level would have been to have Hope with us too but she and her boyfriend had other plans. (Ahh, young love at its finest.❤️)

Now, about those dogs… let’s just say Aspen and Willow discovered that not all four-legged friends are interested in making new buddies. Their dogs made it crystal clear that our furry girls were NOT invited to the welcome party! But honestly? Aspen and Willow were perfectly content lounging in the RV under the amazing trees on Cheryl and Troy’s acreage. Sometimes the best spot is your own cozy home on wheels.

High-Altitude Reality Check 🫁

Fun facts about life at 7,500 feet: The mountain views are absolutely breathtaking – literally! If you’re not from this region, prepare to actually struggle to catch your breath. The air is desert-dry, and Colorado’s weather is like a toddler’s mood – tiny bursts of rain followed immediately by blazing sunshine.

Pro tip: Pack those sweatshirts! It gets surprisingly chilly at night, but in the best possible way. We didn’t need any air conditioning at night, and sleeping under blankets in that crisp mountain air was pure magic. There’s something about snuggling up in the cool night air that just makes you sleep like a newborn.

Adventures in the Rockies 🥾🍻

These past two days have been packed with Colorado goodness:

**Low-level hiking** (because let’s be honest, high-altitude hiking is no joke!) Todd and I have to build up our stamina for sure but we are down for it!

**Brewery hopping** – Pike’s Peak Brewery stole our hearts with premium beers, stunning Pike’s Peak views, and wait for it… GOAT YOGA! Yes, we witnessed people doing yoga surrounded by adorable goats!

**Shopping in Colorado Springs** followed by an incredible sushi lunch

**Game night** with “Shut the Box” (competitive spirit alive and well!) Albeit the rising of our voices may have echoed to the top of the mountains which might have been more than Troy was in for. 😂

**Authentic Mexican dinner** because good food makes everything better and a little tequila never hurts!

**Fireworks with a mountain backdrop** – seriously, the fireworks looked tiny compared to these majestic peaks! A special thanks goes to the neighbors that invited up over to celebrate America’s birthday from their deck that sat high above the trees. 🇺🇸 

The Real Treasure: Friendship 💕

But here’s the thing that made this whole stop absolutely perfect – the conversations. There’s something magical about how distance can actually make the strongest friendships grow even stronger. Huge thanks to Cheryl and Troy for opening their home and hearts to us these past few days. Some of the best travel memories aren’t about the places you see, but the people you share them with.

Next Stop: Great Sand Dunes National Park! 🏜️

The road calls once again, and we’re headed to the Great Sand Dunes National Park! From mountain peaks to sand dunes – this country never stops amazing us.

Until the next adventure… 🌟

Todd, Stacey, Aspen and Willow

*#RVLife #ColoradoAdventures #RoadTripChronicles #Monument #PikesPeak #HarvestHosts #FriendshipGoals #GreatSandDunes*

Adventures with Reba: When Life Gives You Lemons (and Improperly Functioning Appiances), Make Wine Stops in Iowa

Cedar Covered Bridge

The Great Departure: Murphy’s Law Strikes Early

They say the best-laid plans are a recipe for success, but nobody warns you about the best-laid plans of RV adventurers. After a heroic packing session the night before with our amazing crew—Ann, Mark, and the irreplaceable Tina—we thought we had everything under control.

But sometime in the wee morning hours, our trusty refrigerator decided to stage a rebellion. Nothing says “road trip ready” like warm milk! Thankfully, Todd swooped in like the RV whisperer he is and fixed that situation. Crisis averted—or so we thought.

Rolling at 7:20: The Inaugural Reba Inspection

We  hit the road at 7:20 AM, spirits high and expectations higher. Our first pit stop? A thorough “walk around” inspection of our beloved RV, affectionately dubbed Reba. Like new parents checking on their sleeping baby, we circled around her with anxious eyes, making sure everything was still where it belonged.

After offering up prayers of gratitude and safe travels to our Heavenly Father, we set our sights on “sunny tropical Iowa”—because nothing says tropical like the Midwest in… well, any season.

Plot Twist: The Case of the Missing Screws

Just 30 miles from Ames, Todd noticed something troubling in the rearview mirror. Our back window had mysteriously become “latched” (which sounds much more dignified than “partially detached and flapping in the breeze”). A roadside investigation revealed the culprit: two screws had abandoned their post.

Ah, the glamorous life of RV travel! Nothing like an unscheduled Walmart store visit to add some excitement to your journey. At least we’re collecting stories faster than we’re collecting miles.

Winterset, Iowa: Mission Covered Bridges

Our destination? The historic covered bridges of Winterset, Iowa. Our mission? See these architectural treasures without getting Reba stuck on some impossibly narrow country road. The good news: we successfully navigated the area without requiring a search and rescue operation.

The bridges themselves were absolutely stunning—these 1800s masterpieces standing proud against the Iowa landscape. We managed to admire them from respectable distances, never actually needing to attempt threading a 25-foot RV through a bridge built for horse-drawn carriages. 

The only downside? Those gravel roads. Todd and I, both country kids turned city dwellers, had conveniently forgotten how gravel dust has a supernatural ability to infiltrate every possible surface. Reba now wears a fine coating of authentic Iowa soil, and we’re pretty sure we’ll be finding dust in places we didn’t know existed. But hey, it was absolutely worth it for those gorgeous bridges. “The Bridges of Madison County” view was amazing  

Furry Co-Pilots: Willow and Aspen’s Travel Reviews

Our four-legged travel companions, Willow and Aspen, are giving this road trip two paws up. They’ve embraced the RV lifestyle with enthusiasm, though they’re both convinced that the passenger seat is their personal throne.

Unfortunately, my lap has proven inadequate for accommodating two dogs simultaneously. What started as cozy cuddle sessions quickly devolved into a game of “musical dogs” with nobody particularly comfortable.

Covered Bridge Winery: A Silver Lining

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get more interesting, we discovered the Covered Bridge Winery. Perfect timing led us to a delightful wine flight just before they closed and I’m happy to report that Iowa winemaking has seriously stepped up its game. They had several of our Minnesota favorite grapes featured in their wines (Marquette and Fontenette).

Unfortunately, they had a private party booked that evening that we were shockingly not invited to so selected a couple of bottles for the road—purely for medicinal purposes, of course.

Evening Entertainment: Generator vs. Air Conditioning

As evening approached, Reba decided to provide us with more “learning opportunities.” Our generator apparently has commitment issues and keeps shutting off whenever we ask it to power the air conditioning. Todd channeled his inner mechanic and tried every troubleshooting trick in the book, but our generator remains stubbornly uncooperative with its air conditioning nemesis  

Fortunately, Mother Nature took pity on us and provided some natural cooling. We discovered that running the main engine gives us blessed AC relief. At least it’s playing nice  

It’s frustrating, sure, but we’re bound and determined to embrace every challenge this adventure throws our way. After all, the best stories come from the moments when everything goes sideways.

Nebraska, Here We Come!

We are now Nebraska-bound, armed with wine, determination, and hopefully a few more screws (both literal and metaphorical).

Keep us in your prayers, folks—at this rate, we’re going to need all the divine intervention we can get!

Stay tuned for more adventures with Reba, where every day brings new surprises and every mile teaches us something new about the art of RV living.