DAY 81: Hogwash....We Didn't See Any Flying Saucers......

DAY 81:  Aztec, New Mexico - September 18, 2010

Hogwash......We Didn't See Any Flying Saucers........

Today we said goodbye to our new friend Chuck and then we headed out on the trike looking for new and exciting adventures........and boy howdy did we find them!

We found ourselves right smack in the middle of Flying Saucer country..........we found ourselves in..............AZTEC, NEW MEXICO!

Never heard of Aztec, New Mexico??  Me either; we were just out looking for Italian food, but as it turns out, aliens supposedly landed here on February 13, 1948.  Supposedly three radar units tracked a falling UFO at which time, Secretary of State George C. Marshall requested a search party be dispatched from Camp Hale in Colorado.  A helicopter team found a crashed 30-foot flying saucer in Aztec and recovered 2-12 (was is 2 or was it 12???) badly burned humanoids.  They stored the saucer, as well as the 2-12 bodies, at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.  It is said around these parts that flying saucers are still seen in and around this area quite often!

Hummmmm........Chuck and I were right there in that area and we didn't see anything that resembled an alien spacecraft....

We never did find any Italian food, but we did find a Chinese food restaurant that looked good....plus, Chuck was getting awnry from not having eaten for 30 minutes, so we pulled up to "Wonderful House Chinese Restaurant" in Aztec just a titch past 3:00.......We look over the menu and see that their lunch special ended at 3:00.  Well, in Texas, they would have gone ahead and given you the lunch special pricing.......but not in Aztec!  No-siree.......“没有能做到”.....(that's "No Can Do" in Chinese)...., so Liz did what Liz usually does in situations like this........she said, "“让我和经理谈谈” (Let me speak to the manager).  Of course she gave us the lunch special.   Saved us $5.00!!!

We should have eaten at the "Hiway Grill" instead.....they have flying cars........

DAY 80: Whats A Little Bear Dung With That Dirt Road???

DAY 80:  Durango, Colorado - September 17, 2010

It was beautiful here today!!  We grabbed our new friend, Chuck, and headed for the hills on the trikes.....unfortunately, halfway up that mountain, the road went to dirt.  Now, my Chuck freaks out a bit (I believe I, at one point, referred to him as acting like an old lady) by the mere thought of "placing" his beloved trike on anything other than asphalt, but Chuck #2 and I were a little more game.  Dirt road?  No problem........after all, what good are these trikes if not to explore unexplored territory??  Right??? Good ....I'm glad to see you agree with me.

Anyway, we headed out a little after noon today and took a back road (thanks David for the tip on where to get maps showing back roads!!!) and explored to our hearts content.  We saw a beautiful waterfall, a big black bear turd and met a nice dude from Houston hanging out in the middle of nowhere down this deserted road.  We then headed back into Durango for dinner with friends Jim and Chuck.

Chuck #2 is headed out tomorrow for California and then on to Vegas while we will be heading out on Sunday for Pagosa Springs; a mere 56 miles down the road.  Jim's not sure where or when he's leaving Durango, but we think we have him talked into going to Manitou Springs next.  So Chris and Margie; be on the lookout for Jim heading your direction and take good care of him......he's a pretty good guy!!

Bear Dung

Dinner with the guys.....

DAY 79: A Chance Meeting??....Nah, Simply Meant To Be!!

DAY 79:  Durango, Colorado - September 16, 2010

What a fun day we had today!!

First off, I slept in.......ahhhhhhh......so wickedly nice!  I've got to tell ya, this vacation thing is really working for me cause I wake up when I want; Chuck brings me coffee in bed......read for an hour.....instant message my sister......check my email.....all before ever taking my big fat web-toe out from under the covers.  Yep, life is G-O-O-D.........

But today, we helped our neighbor named Chuck move his stuff out of his old 5th wheel trailer to his NEW 5th wheel trailer he bought yesterday.  It's nicccccceeee........it's a toy-hauler (which means it has a garage) to store his motorcycle trike EXACTLY like ours in (except different color) ......has an upstairs kitchen which is way cool......and lots of other stuff too!

We finished up with the move, he hauled it back over to the KOA we're staying at and then we all headed to downtown Durango to have dinner at my sweet friend, Ann Holland, from Mt. Vernon friend's new restaurant called Balcony Bar and Grill.  Now I had explicit instructions from Ann to look this friend of hers up and give him a hug from her.......and I was prepared......phone camera in hand and his name etched in my feable little memory bank.  Unfortunately, it was his day off.......so a hand written note had to do!

This place of his was crazy busy which is good for Ann's friend; bad for Chuck, Chuck and Liz (that sounds like I"m stuttering....haaaa).  Somehow we found a great table, which surprised us due to all the people standing around supposedly looking for tables, but we thought we just had the "Luck of the Chuck's" with us tonight.  We continued to feel lucky UNTIL the live band started playing..........playing 4 feet away from our table.  UGH.  We couldn't hear a thing each other was saying and resorted to lip synching from that point on.  I have to admit; we were pretty dang good at it too!  Chapped lips and all!

We were then joined by Jim, our neighbor we had met in Moab, Utah over a week ago and then also met up with and toured Mesa Verde with, this past Tuesday.  He had since moved on to Durango, rode the train to Silverton and back to Durango today, and then met us for dinner afterwards.  But here's where it gets really interesting..........

Similar to the Cousin story I wrote about earlier this week, this might get a little confusing......so try and stay with me here......

Jim, the neighbor we met in Moab, is from Florida.  He lost his wife to cancer 6 months ago and was on the road traveling for several months just trying to figure out the next step.  We then move from Moab, Utah to Durango, CO.  A new neighbor arrives the day after we get here whose name is Chuck and from Indiana.  Chuck lost his wife to cancer 5 months ago.  Both had been married 45 and 46 years respectively to their wives.  So, lets recap:

* Both of their wives had recently passed away.
* Both lost their wives to cancer
* Both wives died 5-6 months ago
* Both wives were almost the same age....64
* Both couples had been married 45-46 years
* Both men were traveling alone figuring out the next step

* And both were neighbors to Chuck and Liz

You simply CAN'T tell me that was an accident.......a "chance" meeting.......No sir-ee.......that, my friends, was meant to be.

DAY 78: Clear Your Head and Make New Friends....

DAY 78:  Durango, Colorado - September 15, 2010

Over the past few weeks with the anticipation of our 3 month journey quickly coming to an end, I've been thinking a lot about the experiences we've had, the people we've met, and the impact they all have had on our lives.

Goodwill Elvis in Colorado Springs

As wonderful and beautiful as the places are that we have been, nothing compares to the wonderful people we've met and friends we've made while on this trip.  It seems like every time we get on the road and travel, we meet the most incredible people....... Last year, we met friends while on the road that we are still in daily contact with.

"I'd Like A Bowl of Chili, Please" - Goodwill Ladies

When I first met Chuck many years ago, although he was a very nice guy, he just wasn't one to go up and start an easy conversation with someone. They usually had to come up to him first.  But now; the minute we get into a new RV park, before we've even gotten the sewer hose in the ground, he's searching out new friends.  I stand there, scratching my head, saying "Who is this man??"

Man I met at McDonalds while in search of Wifi in Estes Park

I guess what I'm trying to say to you is this:  I truly wish everyone could/would experience what Chuck and I are so very blessed to have had the opportunity to experience.  We have met people while traveling who work two jobs with a zillion children, yet they "make time" to get away from their daily lives; to "slow" their life down long enough to "breathe" and center themselves again.  Everyone needs to clean the clutter out of their heads long enough to enjoy being in nature, seeing the beauty around them and the new friends just waiting to be met by you out there.

"Are You A Real Cowboy, Mister" - to Chuck in Manitou Springs

The pictures I've included  are just a few of the wonderful, funny and special people we have met on our trip so far......Most of them you will recognize from my Blogs and the special story that goes with each.....and hey, we still have another week and a half to meet more!

Newly Engaged Neighbor Getting Married in January 

So grab the ones closest to you and hit the road; even if its just for one night.....and come home with at least one new friend.  You're life will be better for it.......I know mine sure is!

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Australian Psychologist who shaved Murphy in Manitou Springs, CO

Our Fantastic Camp Hosts in Manitou Springs, CO

Our dear friend, Israel, we met 2 years ago in Colorado Springs

Our Estes Park friends, Jud & Donna, from Houston

Ken, Traci & Smoki from Salt Lake City

The drunk gang in Ashton, ID

Schwann's Man in Salt Lake City

Our new friend, Jim, in Moab, UT and Mesa Verde, CO

Newest friend Chuck with Chuck in Durango, CO

DAY 77: A Steeeeeep Ramp and the Man-That-Made-Liz-Cry......

DAY 77:  Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado - September 14, 2010

Remember back when we were in Moab, Utah and I casually mentioned that our campground neighbor made me cry??  Well, today we met up with "The Man Who Made Liz cry" (Jim) at Mesa Verde National Park.  Jim is a super nice guy from Florida who lost his wife to cancer a mere six months ago.  While in Moab, he had shared with me that he and his wife used to travel a lot and they especially loved to travel to the National Parks.  Since her death, he has been traveling to a lot of the places they had traveled together and it gave him comfort remembering their special times.  In case you hadn't figured it out yet, this is when Liz starting crying....no......BAWLING!

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Anyway, back to today.  Jim had moved his camper from Moab to Mesa Verde over the weekend and was staying at the National Park campground there.  He gave us a call yesterday and we met up with him at this fabulous National Park for a private tour by a guy who knew it all too well.

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We stopped at the usual overlooks and were constantly amazed at how far we could see......stunning views.  We finally ended up at the cave dwelling known as Spruce Tree House.  We went to this particular cave dwelling due to it being the only cave dwelling that was handicap accessible.  We had brought Chuck's portable scooter with us so he could view the dwellings up close......but what we didn't count on was just how STEEEEEEEEEEP the walkway ramp down to the dwellings was.....

After viewing the cave dwelling, the time came that I had been dreading since going down that STEEEEEP walkway ramp .....we now had to go back up.   So, as Chuck started back up the STEEEEEEEP ramp, it was crystal clear that his scooter wasn't going to make it up that mountain-of-a-ramp without a push.  So Jim and I positioned ourselves behind his scooter and started pushing.....and pushing.....and pushing......stop for out-of-shape Liz to catch her breath.......continue pushing.......stop for out-of-shape Liz to catch her breath again ........continue pushing........stop for out-of-shape Liz to offer her credit card to the Park Ranger to push the scooter the rest of the way........

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We finally made it to the top......I seriously wanted to throw-up.  I'd like to think it wasn't "just" because I was out-of-shape but that I was also suffering from altitude sickness......at least that's what I'd like to think!



But aside from the STEEEEEEP ramp incident, we had a wonderful day with our new friend Jim.  As soon as we all could breath again, we hobbled down the road for a nice, relaxing lunch and lots of Root Beer!

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DAY 76: Uncle George Made Us Cousins; Chance Made Us Friends

DAY 76:  Durango, Colorado - September 13, 2010

Ok folks, tonight we are going to talk about something other than where we are, what we're doing or what crazy thing Chuck said or ate today.  So, hang in there with me on this; it might get a little confusing....

My skinny sister, Debbie and I

Today, while talking to my sister Debbie, she was telling me about a visit she made to my Uncle George and his wife at an Assisted Living Center down the road from she lives....

My Uncle George is my uncle by marriage.  He was married to my dad's sister, Aunt Esther, for many years until she passed away in the mid-90's.  He eventually remarried to a lady named Barbara.  Now, Barbara's first husband also had passed away, so they both had families from their first marriages.

Still with me??  I really am going somewhere with this.......

In the course of telling telling me how Uncle George and his wife Barbara were, my sister mentioned to me that Barbara had a daughter-in-law whose father was married to a long-time family friend of ours, Alice Capps.  Of course the first thing out of my mouth was, "SHUT UP" cause thats what I always say when something surprises me.......

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Now, our long-time family friend Alice (and I do mean LONG TIME family friend..........I don't ever remember NOT knowing Alice Capps..) has daughters both Debbie's age and my age that we went to school with our entire lives.  Sammie is the oldest daughter and was good friends with Debbie since probably 1st grade.  Julie, the youngest daughter, was one year ahead of me in school and I've known her forever.  But we've really only become good friends over the past few years.  Alice Capps was a teacher when we were in elementary school and taught my sister, brother and I in school.

Deb and I with our NEW cousins....

Now.....here's the punch line.......Debbie and I "discovered" while talking about the bizarreness of this, you know, that our uncle by marriage's 2nd wife's daughter-in-law's father married to a long time friend of ours.......that we are now COUSINS with Sammie and Julie!!  I know that's a bit of a STRETCH.......but hey, we have "new" cousins that are "old" friends........HOW COOL IS THAT????  We're so excited with our new cousins Sammie and Julie!!

Julie - my NEW cousin and OLD friend

See, isn't this better than hearing that I did laundry today??

I think I even see the family resemblance.........

Julie & Alice Capps (our new Aunt)

Million Dollar Hwy, Silverton, CO

DAY 75: We Had A Million Dollar Day.......

DAY 75:  Million Dollar Highway, Silverton, CO - September 12, 2010

WE ARE STILL ALIVE!

We rode almost 200 miles round trip today just to get to this famous, awe-inspiring, downright scary 25 miles of mountainous road from Silverton to Ouray, Colorado through the San Juan Mountains.  It was worth every mile of it.......

Check out the 4 minute YouTube video we shot today......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pne35xI5lJ8

(And for more YouTube Videos we've shot, go to "MurphysMom1" Channel on www.YouTube.com)

What makes those of us who love roller coasters so in love with this road is how challenging and potentially hazardous it is to drive; it has your steep cliffs, narrow lanes, lack of guardrails, hairpin "S" curves used to gain elevation and, did I mention, NARROW LANES.....all cut directly into the mountains.  When you drive north from Silverton to Ouray, which is where we were when we videotaped this, you are hugging the inside of curves.  But the real "stomach butterflies" arrive when you turn around and drive it south from Ouray to Silverton.....now you are on the outside edge of the highway with no room for error......straight down the mountain with one slip up.

Thought you might enjoy some pictures we took today as well as the video above.  Enjoy!!

This was the Million Dollar Highway in 1948 - YIKES