Golden, Ghouls, and Guitars: A Rocky Mountain Chapter
We rolled into Golden, Colorado with the feeling that maybe—just maybe—our string of mechanical woes was finally behind us. Our home for the week was Clear Creek RV Park. It’s a beautiful spot nestled right by the creek but let me tell you—this place is tight. Thankfully, I travel with one of the best navigators in the game, and she guided us in like a pro.
One major motivation for making it to Golden on time? Seeing Jodi’s favorite band, Here Come the Mummies. We made it, and as always, their concert was an absolute blast.
🥧 Estes Park Adventures & Creepy Hotel Vibes
The next day, we geared up for a ride north to Estes Park. With winding roads and stunning views, the ride itself was half the fun. We found a charming little diner called You Need Pie—and yes, we did! Sandwiches were solid, but the pie really hit the spot.
After lunch, we headed over to one of our most anticipated stops: The Stanley Hotel. For those unfamiliar, it’s the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. While the movie wasn’t filmed there, the place has embraced its eerie reputation fully. Standing in front of it? Gave me the chills. We’ve decided—we have to stay there one day.
Our journey back to Golden was nothing short of spectacular. We made a stop at Lily Lake, where we chatted with a fisherman and took a peaceful stroll around the water. Further down the road, we stumbled upon Saint Catherine’s Chapel on the Rock at Camp St. Malo. That little chapel tucked into the mountain landscape? Absolutely breathtaking.
Back at the RV, we ended the day the way every perfect day should end—relaxing by the creek, listening to kids playing and the water rushing past. Peace, pure and simple.
🚴♂️ Off the Beaten Path: Forests, Towns, and a Deli Detour
The next morning, we set off for another ride through the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. We passed through Idaho Springs, where a street fair added a lively touch to the small mountain town. We ducked into Two Brothers Deli for a quick bite.
Let’s just say—it was a unique experience. The deli had a bookstore in front with a rather pronounced political tilt. Let's just say the only thing missing, to my surprise, was Karl Marx's Communist Manifesto. While the sandwich hit the spot, the atmosphere felt… less than welcoming for folks with a military or conservative background. We didn’t linger.
Originally, we’d hoped to ride up Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Mt. Evans), but the road was closed for repairs. Still, the ride was easily one of our favorites so far. We detoured to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, hoping to explore—only to find it packed to the brim with fans of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard (yes, that’s a real band). Every lot was full, so we settled for a ride-through. Still worth it.
🌄 Wrapping Up in Golden
After a solid night’s sleep, we dedicated the next morning to wandering around Golden. It’s a town full of character and history—we soaked it in. One thing I regret? We didn’t get a chance to visit Buffalo Bill’s grave. But that just gives us an excuse to come back.
From creepy hotels to mountain curves, roadside diners to rock concerts, this stretch of the trip was packed with surprises. And maybe, just maybe, the RV gods will give us a little break before the next leg.
Next stop, Vernal UT and dinosaurs!!!!
Comments
Post a Comment