A free camping bust and flying to Florida

Drove into Denver on Tuesday afternoon.  Picked out a state park near the airport, where we could stop to cook dinner and possibly camp for the night.  Didn’t take long for the park ranger to stop by and ask if we paid the $7 fee at the self serve station.  She also reminded me that no overnight parking was allowed.  We paid the day fee on the way out but would be seeing Mrs. Ranger again soon.

Sunset over a lake in Denver with the rockies in the background, gorgeous!

Discussed a couple options on where to spend the night: trying to free camp on a dirt road at the state park or drive to a walmart that allowed overnighters.  Decided to try the dirt road option, as it was just around the corner and it was already past 9pm.  An open gate and no signs on the fence or near the dirt road which stated no parking or camping, so we backed in and prepped for bed.

Around 10pm I hear the sounds of a truck slowing down and pulling onto the shoulder near us.  Look out the window and next is a knock on our door.  Ahh, Mrs. Ranger greeting us again.  She quickly reminds me that we already met earlier and that no camping is allowed at the park.  I stated my case to no avail, deciding not to push the issue any further. I sensed her lack of interest in any further discussion of the inexistence of signs and an open gate.

So we quickly packed into the truck and got on our way towards wally world.  Joined a few other truckers and RVs in the lot and re-aquainted ourselves with the bed.  Not the most interesting place to spend a night, but all was quiet the rest of the night.  Our first denial on a free camping spot, but not too bad considering the number of times it has worked for us.

Today we are joining the droves of folks travelling for memorial day weekend festivities.  Flying back to Florida for almost a week to take care of some things back home.  Leaving the truck and trailer at airport parking while we soak up some warmth and sun back east.  Skiing on Tuesday in Colorado and surfing in Florida on Thursday!

Jalapeno's first flight in her 13 years!

Our road trip, RT2013, continues on may 28th, where we plan to head further north into wyoming, idaho and montana, so stay tuned!