Remember the game “Never have I ever?” Well, never have we ever had to change campgrounds due to Murphy…well, we did this week! More on that in a bit.
As we left the fabulous fall colors of Colorado, we set off to get some eastbound miles in. On our first day, still in Colorado, we drove through what seemed like the middle of nowhere—then suddenly, RV parks, motels, and restaurants popped up out of nowhere. Dave said, “I bet this is the Royal Gorge.” Huh? A quick Google check—and he nailed it! The Royal Gorge is a 10-mile-long, 1,200-foot-deep canyon in Colorado formed by the Arkansas River, famous for the Royal Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. You can walk the 1,257 wooden planks suspended 956 feet above the gorge, ride a gondola, zip-line across, ride the sky coaster or take a train ride. Dave remembers walking across the bridge when he was a kid, and that his parents wouldn’t. He said there is no way he would walk it now. We decided not to stop. A part of me wanted to see how far I could make it across, but I was good with pressing on—my heart didn’t need that kind of excitement.
Down the road, we enjoyed an overnight stay at a cidery in Penrose, CO—with a pizzeria right next door. The owner let Murphy roam off-leash in the small cidery, and of course, he gave his best ‘aren’t I so cute?’ look and managed to snag several treats. Another couple also camping at the site arrived with 3 basset hounds. They said we were all better off if their dogs stayed in their camper while we were enjoying our ciders. I was able to meet the hounds the next morning, named “Bess, Elenor, & Mamie,” after first ladies. Such cuties. Bess, the oldest, weighs the same as Murphy!
We pressed on, stopping first in Dalhart, TX, and then Weatherford, OK, for two quick overnights. Our next stop at Lake Fort Smith State Park, near Fort Smith, AR was to be for three nights. Notice, I said, “was to be.” It turned out the very tall oak tree next to Mini-T had decided it was acorn-dropping season. Since the tree was quite tall, when an acorn (or two or three) would land on top of Mini-T, it was not just a thud, it was a loud BANG. Although we didn’t pay much attention to it at first, once the three of us quieted down for the evening, “someone” was not happy with the noise. Once we tried to go to sleep, Murphy would get more concerned after each loud bang. At first, he jumped onto bed with us, laying near the foot of the bed, then after another acorn drop, he moved on top of my pillow. The next drop he was as close as possible to Dave, and after several more drops, he was sitting up shaking. Hoping the tree was far enough from the truck, Murphy and I relocated there to try to get some sleep (by now it was 11 p.m.). Since Murphy is used to sleeping the truck while we drive, he had no problem getting comfortable on the floor of the back seat, while I tried to sleep above him.
I returned to Mini-T a little after 5 a.m., where Dave shared he found another campground for us less than an hour away. There were many hikes in the area we were looking forward to, so we went out for a morning hike before heading over to our new campground.
Our next campsite was right next to a river, but unfortunately, the bank was a bit too steep for Murphy to jump in for a swim. We did find a spot for a quick swim at the park’s boat ramp. We had hoped to visit the US Marshalls Museum in Fort Smith, but it was closed the two days were there. Darn it. But we did find an ice cream parlor for a treat. Oh, I almost forgot. While on the road this week, our water pump failed. Dave to the rescue! In less than 10 minutes it was replaced–thanks to the spare he had!
Next, we are heading to my favorite Arkansas stop from last year… anyone remember what it was?
Sleep-deprived Brenda, Always carry critical spares! Dave, and thanks for moving campgrounds for me Murphy.
More interested sights to see! You folks are amazing.
You seem relaxed but somewhat in a hurry. Nothing like home after a wonderful trip. Thinking of you 3 weary but happy campers and wishing you a safe trip all the way back to Florida. Thanks again for the trip. Enjoyed every step.
Reta