grand junction, colorado

I forgot how much I love camping, especially in the warm weather!! What a difference! Still can't believe I spent December camping in the cold subzero temperatures buried under 2 feet of snow. What was I thinking? And somehow I still loved it.

This PART TWO is going to be better than ever. I've learned a lot from my days on the road and I'm putting it all to practice now. First of all, I'm freakishly organized. Not that I wasn't before, but I really had way too much stuff. In my defense, how was I supposed to know what to pack?! I had no idea how long I'd be gone, where I was going, NO CLUE I'd be camping, never mind buying a camper. Not to mention the parka, sorels and all of the other winter gear that comes with camping in the cold. Thank you DAD for shipping me countless items to countless campgrounds across the country! I LOVE YOU!

I've purged some of my originally packed items to make room and be more efficient. I decided to ship some unneccessary items back east – deciding I didn't really need the red cocktail dress and high heels on the road after all. Watch, now I'm goign to need them!!!

After Labor Day, the camping landscape changes left deserted by families getting ready for back to school. I adapted and still enjoyed it, but it wasn't the same. I can't believe how much I missed the warm weather, crowded campgrounds and with it, fun, friendly neighbors. Don't worry, there will always be the weird, slightly creepy neighbor, but for the most part it's pure bliss. 

Speaking of weird and creepy. I figured out the #1 line the creepy use: "I really like your dog". Yesterday, I felt the stare of someone behind me. I turned around only to see a man staring at me like a big juicy cheeseburger. I looked straight back at him and said, "Hi, can I help you with something?" He replied, "Um, no, but I really like your dog." Really dude? Then proceeded to reappear minutes later asking me if I'd like some wine. I gave him a polite, icy no. I'd rather to be alone I told him. Usually the creepy are harmless, but if not, I have my taser ready to go, always. I reserve the .45 for grizzlies and very dangerous, insane people (like Steamboat Springs).

Packing up and heading to Moab today!!