We learned some important lessons last weekend, including the fact that diesel engine glow plugs don’t appreciate being at 11,000 feet of elevation, especially when it is nearly freezing overnight. We woke up Sunday morning to the unpleasant reality that the van would not start, which was particularly inconvenient because we were 12 miles (1 hour driving) up a dirt road from the highway. Also, our camping site was in the trees, nice and shady, which would have been great if we didn’t need the sun to warm up the engine block. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts to push the van into the sun, Hugh decided to use a long log as a lever, and with each of us using a log lever, we pushed the van ten feet into a sunny spot. Two hours later, the van started. Phew!
We also learned that we need to up our game on camping preparedness! We ran out of propane for our stove, had no lighters or matches to start a fire after the stove died, and had no means of purifying water. If we’d been stuck for a day, we would have been really thirsty and unhappy.
Fortunately, we had Peeps! I sacrificed one to the goddess of glow plugs (this surely helped the van start) and ate one as breakfast dessert. If properly toasted, a Peep caramelizes nicely. Yummy!
Peep awaiting its fate
This was the beginning of the sacrifice. Unfortunately, I can’t upload the video of how it all ended, but since I know you’ve dropped a marshmallow in the fire at least once in your life, you can imagine the outcome.
Rebekah, a Portland friend, visited last week and we hiked every day. We had perfect weather and saw many beautiful sites, including…
the South rim of the Black Canyon
Aspens off of Kebler Pass
Aspens carved by sheepherders in the 1950’s (close to Crawford)
and Grand Mesa- the world’s largest flat-top mountain at more than 500 sq. miles.
Thanks for reading!
Paula,
I’m really enjoying your blog posts!!! Keep them coming!!
Janet
I feel parts of your story…diesel engines at altitude are very fussy….
I looove grand mesa, do you have bear spray?
I look forward to following your adventures
Nope, no bear spray. I save that for the grizzlies 🙂
Amazing!
Holy cow, you are in a gorgeous part of the world! And enjoying every minute of it, so clear to see. Paula, your pictures are stunning, but I think the most memorable one of the bunch is of your sweet smoking Peep.
So, so glad you are having this incredible time, and have wonderful folks to share it with.
Sending hugs, Biz
Thanks, Biz! I wish that I could bottle it and share it with all of the Queens.
I just learned there is something called a glow plug. Couldn’t you have just swapped it out for a peep? No?
LOL – I wish!
Thank you, Paula, for being such a great hiking buddy and introducing me to the wonders of SW Colorado! I’ll never forget the beauty of that place. Your pictures bring it all back…except for the Peeps.
Seems you and I did better at high altitude than your poor diesel engine!
I’m sure that you regret not getting to eat a Peep 😉
Great story!! You two are so clever!
Love these updates! Looks gorgeous. What an adventure! Thank goodness for peeps and smart brains! Missing you in Portland.
Thank you, Kate! I miss you too, and I miss doing the work at the clinic. But change is good!
Such gorgeous country! Thanks for sharing the beauty ( and the stories)!
What a great adventure and thankfully a happy ending! Beautiful pics; thanks for sharing.
Such a great story – though I suspect there were times when it didn’t feel so great. Your adaptations were fantastic. Wish I was there to join in this adventure too. You can have all the peeps though 🐥
your posts are wonderful Paula – love your sense of humour – stay safe next week!
Hey Paula! I stumbled into my Microsoft browser and discovered your blog! A very readable and enjoyable record! You and Hugh are really a throwback to pioneers! You left too soon! I suspect a coyote was sleeping in my backyard before Clare’s demise. Some critter was creating a nightly nest amidst the daylily dry stems a few weeks before. I cleared that away pronto! Happy Time Change!