Monday, August 23, 2004
Chatfield SP, Littleton, CO - Aug 17-23
We stopped here so we didn't have to drive through both Colorado Springs AND Metro Denver on the same day. When we tried to pay for a week, we were told we would have to make reservations (through an independent service that charges extra) since there were only 4 spaces left for the weekend. We chose electric-only over full-hookup to save money (plus it was all they had left), and after 3 months at Chaco, Doug was used to schlepping fresh water to the trailer. Chatfield Reservoir is popular for boaters, but the park is also popular for hot-air balloons (there is a launch area in the park) and radio-controlled model airplanes (ditto). We were, unfortunately, very near the construction for a new camping loop to open next summer. We used our time here to scout out possible camping areas closer to Boulder and to plan our route through Denver; plus, it was a good way to see friends who live further south. Since we had convinced our friend Penny to start playing duplicate bridge, we wanted to go with her one time to see what her group was like. It was certainly a lot more formal than the groups we are so fond of in Columbus MS. Our friends Bob & Carolyn Thiessen from the Hi-Lo camping club visited one evening and drove us over to the Northwoods Inn for dinner. You have to wait a long time to be seated and get full on peanuts while you wait. Then they bring you REALLY HUGE dinners! Pretty tasty too. We were also able to get together with Sue, Erin's mom, for dinner at a delicious Thai restaurant. Friends Rick & Joyce Comin, whom we met on the road but who live in Arvada, also came by for a visit. They wanted to see what the state park was like and to hear what life on the road was like for us.
All the time we had lived in Boulder, we had never taken the long drive down to the Castle Rock Factory Outlets. This seemed like a good time for that outing. We had a fine time shopping & eating and actually found some very good bargains (things that we actually needed!).
All the time we had lived in Boulder, we had never taken the long drive down to the Castle Rock Factory Outlets. This seemed like a good time for that outing. We had a fine time shopping & eating and actually found some very good bargains (things that we actually needed!).
# posted by Doug and Willie @ 6:25 PM 
