We're on board RoVer - Day 2

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Denver CO to Hot Springs SD
The Echterlings We're on board RoVer (the agreed upon name for our RV). We came up with that name because it is a Coachman Motorhome (24ft) with a Dalmation on the outside, and we are "roving" around, and RV is in "rover". RoVer won out over "Big Blue". The RV rental people in Denver were very nice and thorough in our orientation, including a video which the kids watched too and my daughter keeps repeating directions to me from such as "Take it wide daddy" and "don't back-up without a spotter". It took us about three hours from when we picked it up, until we had all our stuff unpacked into it and we were on the road.

Lisa got to drive it and said it was "fun" -- ok maybe she was not so enthsiatic. She did a great job for going 70 miles/hr for the first time in a big vehicle. We got the dishes to stop clinking against each other -- that was a great sucess. Our drive today took us mostly through Wyoming - about 6 1/2 hours. We drove through mostly prairie, but Wyoming also has some steep eroded plateas, mountains and some farms. We saw antelope, an old VW bus/camper on fire, and got to fill up for the first time - $75. This is certainly not my Prius.

We had read in the Denver paper that there was a forest fire in Hot Springs, SD - our destination for today's travel. 24 homes were destroyed and one person killed. We wound up driving right along the edge of the fire as we got here - we couldn't see the flames but drove through lots of smoke coming over the peak of the closest mountains and lots of forest fire crews including planes. That was all on the west side of town and we are staying about 5 miles east of town.

We had a change in plans about where we were staying, when we arived at the "Allen Ranch" which seemed neat (free intertubes for tubing on a small stream) and inexpensive for the area. Sometimes things are not always what they appear to be in the internet -- surprise! We decided to go over and stay at the local KOA which has wireless internet which allows us to post this and an apparently inexpensive all you can eat pancake breakfast. The people next to us are from Beaver, PA. Alot of strong winds tonight. That and the fact that we have no levelers make the RV do a little rocking. Lisa says it is just like being on a cruise in the cabin -- I don't think that was meant as a total compliment. We are all taking showers for the first time - we'll see if I can get the dumping of all the different colored waters right in the morning (black, grey etc). The kids were pretty good today - playing games, singing songs. They are kind of whiney now "tired" and argueing about who is going to sleep where the first night. We "gained two hours" out here which still leaves us feeling pretty tired in the evenings.

Tomorrow's plans are to go to Evan's Plunge (indoor hotspring fed waterpark) and maybe the Mammoth site of fossils. We didn't get a chance to do these today because it took us longer to get here then I tought. Tomorrow night then it is farther into the Black Hills to Rapid City to stay at my uncle and Aunt's.

So far so good. Good night!

Chris

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Comments

[Charlie and Lori J]

NIce photos
Glad you are having fun. The scenary looks wonderful. Where did everyone end up sleeping? And did you get the colored water figured out?

[grandma and grandpa e]

hello out west
I TRIED TO SEND A RESPONSE TO YOUR BLOG, BUT I'M NOT SURE THAT IT WENT. SO, HERE WE GO AGAIN. GINGER IS DOING WELL. NO PEOPLE FOOD. SHE TOLERATED THE BOAT ON SUNDAY WITH LUCY. IT WAS A LITTLE DIFFICULT GETTING HER ON AND OFF. IT HAS BEEN 100 DEGREES FOR THE LAST 3 DAYS. I GUESS THAT IS A HEAT WAVE, GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE TRIP IS GOING WELL. KEEP UP THE BLOGS. LOVE YOU, GRANDPA AND GRANDMA E

[Maria]

Reliving our vacation through yours
I'm reliving the drive through Wyoming via your picts. I'm glad you were still able to do the Black Hills despite the fire. There was one near Yellowstone when we were out there. Can't wait to hear about your first dump (RV, of course). Lisa -- you are a better woman than me. I didn't get behind the wheel at all. RoVer. Good name.

[Dave Raymond]

The house key?
Hey Chris and family, Looks like you folks are cruisin' Wyoming in STYLE! Tonight might be your close encounter of some kind or another. Hey, was wonderin' if you left my house key off or accidentally took it along with ya? I made 2 new house keys today, so no sweat if you still have it. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures. I sent your blog onto my mom and roommate Andy who both had some interest in knowing what you all were up to! Enjoy the trip! Dave

[Doodleloops]

We are getting your comments - keep them coming
hope it cools down soon. Nice stay wiht Uncle Bill and Aunt Phyllis. Thanks for watching ginger

[Doodleloops]

Key
Dave, I thought you said we should take the key with us so on the way back we could drop off your cooler etc. Sorry for the confusion. We wll safe guard it. If you give me your families e-mails I will add them to our list to get the e-mails directly. Chris