The Gentle Tease of Spring



From a peak in Breckenridge, Colorado

I’m not really sure where to begin after the past few weeks! It doesn’t seem too often when I can’t find a topic worth mentioning but in this case I could go on for hours. No worries, I won’t put you through that but let me tell you this has been a pretty awesome month. Though, I’ll admit – I think we are both beginning to be eager for springtime temperatures & maybe some more sunshine.

It seems like just yesterday we made the transition to living out here on the land. Before we knew it winter would be showing us signs of new life beginning to spring forth all around us. Don’t get me wrong – I know that winter is not even near over but things are changing. Slowly the forest is showing an interest in waking from its winters nap. The birds have become more abundant. They are not afraid of us at all. They treat us as if we are part of their family. The moose have become plentiful again as well. They have become curiously strong in their desire to no longer avoid us and our little area here. However, we do have yet to see them walking around outside the kitchen window although their hoof prints have shown that they have already done so a few times without our noticing.

I am proud to report that we have finally grown acquainted with this new life and for the first time can step back and see some of the areas we have grown in because of this decision to “learn to do things the hard(er) way).

In the beginning it was pretty intense. Who knew what would become of us. Human popsicles to say the least and that’s not even mentioning the mechanics involved in (as the Bee Gee’s would say) stayin’ alive which did not prove to be the easy way out of throwing your money into some landlords pocket.  (sorry for the run on but you get the point)

It was busy. Very, very, verrryyy busy. There was never a full nights rest. There was a little withdrawal associated with unlimited use of H2o. There were semi-scary unknowns. But it was so refreshing. Inspiring. Calming. Awakening....but mostly Beautiful.

Now we have come to a place where we rest more, play more, worry less, focus better, and to be blunt we just have this whole thing down pat. So its nice! Its nice for the breather.

The snow is getting deep around us. The little path we clear to get up here has quite abruptly grown to  at least 4 feet on each side of the drive. Not much more room to push the snow to so we keep our fingers crossed that some will melt off before more dumps down ;)

Last week we were able to winterize the camper for the first time to go to Colorado for a short but wonderful road trip. Brandon returned around 11 pm the night before we left and like a champ drained the tanks while I loaded up the jeep. We did our first anti freeze flush (and the other winterizing fixins) and it went surprisingly smooth convincing us that from now on when we feel like going somewhere for a day we just will! Yes folks, it was THAT easy. So easy we wondered why people would pay to have it done.

We locked everything up and headed south the next morning. We were both pretty tired but also very excited which fueled us. (I later found out that I actually drove the first shift)…so yes a little tuckered out but so ready for a few days away!  We drove straight through, experienced an amazing real gourmet sub sandwich from a little place in Idaho (ruined us on subway for.ever.) and by dark we were in the beautiful state of Colorado. It was amazing. My first real shower since earlier last year was AMAZING! I actually almost passed out from the steam. It would have been a wonderful faint. The next morning we made our way to Breckenridge where I resided for a short time along with some very dear friends of mine nearly a decade ago. I loved seeing Brandons excitement as he, for the first time, saw the incredible Rockies of Colorado.



On The Scenic Loop


It was so fun that we decided to keep driving that day and did an additional 5 hour scenic loop on the most BEAUTIFUL road we have ever traveled.



Brandon on top of the mountain



Over the next couple of days we snowboarded (at elevations over 12,000 which was awesome).
We lost our entire change jar plus some at the local gambling town of Central City (and not in between the seats of the car either we were going for that jackpot), and on our final night in Colorado we stayed at the elusive Stanley Hotel. I’ve always been a fan of the Stanley and part of my birthday present was to stay there. Upon arrival to our room I mentioned to Brandon that it had taken me 15 years to find a person who would stay there with me, his respond, “I don’t blame them!”  This place is said to be one of Americas most haunted hotels and definitely had a very eerie “feeling” throughout. Especially in two rooms -  one of which we slept in - Room 1209 of the Manor House.


We explored the old establishment like crazy that night, taking hundreds of photos and covering every inch we could find. We returned to our room, ordered room service and passed out. I think being awake for 48 hours (thanks central city) was actually a lifeline for getting at least a semi-decent nights rest.
 


Not to say it was without its scare though. TOTALLY creepy place! Lots of bangs all night, lots of heavy stomping up and down the hall allllll night (very loud) until the second our alarm went off at 4am.  We never seen a soul! But again, thanks to Central City we were able to sleep through most of the construction in paranormal’ville until it was time to head home! Stanley was awesome by the way. We both said, “Coolest hotel we’ve ever stayed in!” and we will definitely go back next time we are in the area.

It was a long drive home of almost, dare I say, “Not so excited to come home” mood floating around the jeep. We both agreed we had not wanted that time to end. It was priceless.

De-winterizing the camper upon return was a breeze. We poured some water through, lit the pilot and hit the sack. Before we knew it we were back to the daily grind!

Things have become hectic around the homestead. With springtime lurking I know there is not much time left to solidify building plans! Construction loan is one of the biggest things on the list this month & I realized right away that this would be no walk in the park but will be well worth it in the end.  Then we get to design our home! And I think we all know what happens next and it doesn’t include a summer of nothing but swimming, snorkeling, & camping! ;) We’ve braced ourselves and are eager to get the project underway. It has been a dream of ours and will be nice to have accomplished.

Well, in short (or not so short) that is the update on what we’ve been up to! Hopefully this finds you well, prosperous, and having a great winter!

From a chilly little camper home in the mountains of Montana,

Peace out!

Mental Note worth mentioning of the week: Never leave light on, not even accidently, when leaving your camper for 4 days. :)