Memorial Day, 5.27-5.30.22
We left Pawnee Buttes in need of water, groceries, and the mountains. Our hearts were set on heading into the Lower Front Range west of Fort Collins to set up shop for the next 5 days. Of course, the Rockies has other plans for us. Finding a camp in the mountains that is van accessible, free, open for the season, and has workable cell signal is no easy feat (especially not on a holiday weekend). After a few failed attempts we knew we needed to pivot and quickly jumped ship to a HipCamp just over the CO border in southern WY. Robert, who owns the land, told us that his grandfather purchased the 1,000 acres in 1949 and it’s been in his family ever since. He was cheery and graciously allowed us to explore and hike in his favorite spots on the property. It felt a bit Joshua tree boulders meets Wyoming green hills, with a bonus snow capped Rockies backdrop.
Logan Ranch, WY
Not bad, but still missing workable signal from our spot. We stayed two nights and cooked dinner on the campfire, read, played games and explored before heading off again. We tried nearby Cherokee Park Rd just over to CO border, which was pretty but had no better signal before heading to Vedauwoo on what was surely one of Nick’s least favorite stretches of van driving ever. The winds and rain were moving Eva all over the road while I played some (attempted) calming Bon Iver on the radio.
Driving the 287 towards Laramie
We arrived at Vedauwoo to find beautiful boulder formations, but freezing cold weather and still abysmal signal. Knowing we’d have a long drive to change our fate we decided to take a quick walk around the area before cozying up and binge watching the entire first season of Outer Range on Netflix from inside our little van cave.
Some days this is what van life looks like
She doesn’t mind the naps
On Monday morning after waking up to another cold, windy, grey day we booked it down to Horsetooth Reservoir to set up for the next few days. We couldn’t have been happier to be greeted with blue skies, sunshine, and a campground with showers. We were able to get a 7 mile hike in with gorgeous views of Fort Collins and the surrounding area before our first shower in 5 days and hot dogs over the camp fire (very Memorial Day of us). It was the kind of van day we are always chasing, but we’ve learned to appreciate whatever the road gives us. Some days that means moving a little slower, acting with a lot of patience and grace, and enjoying some forced downtime courtesy of Mother Nature. Whatever it is, we find we’re happy to just be exploring together. -MK
