My first few nights in Fountain, CO around midnight loud booms woke me up and shook the Airstream. It sounded like fireworks. I wondered who would set off fireworks at midnight midweek? I asked around and it turns out I was hearing tank and arterial exercises from Fort Carson. I asked a friend and army veteran why they did their exercises at midnight? He to,d me: One of the great advantages and strengths of the American army is being able to own the night in battle. Their slogan was “We own the night”. I found comfort in that and now enjoy hearing the exercises day and night.

The history of Fort Carson began with Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Less than one month later on January 6, 1942, it was announced that Colorado Springs had been selected as the site for an army camp. On February 22, 1942, Colorado Springs newspapers reported that the installation would be named Camp Carson in honor of Brigadier General Christopher “Kit” Carson, the famous frontiersman. Camp Carson continued to grow and on August 27, 1954, it became Fort Carson. And then, in September of 1983, Fort Carson expanded by acquiring Pinon Canyon.

Holbrook, AZ

Pros: Easy walk to several restaurants. The staff is friendly and helpful. Nicely landscaped front entrance and around the office. Cute little store with gifts, food, and RV basics. Dog Friendly, several places to run your dog. The pool was clean and the water was heated. The restrooms/showers were clean and cutely decorated. The showers had hot water, good pressure, and nice shower heads. Cabins look nice. Good free Cable service. Long pull-thru sites. I was happy to hear train whistles in the distance. Free WiFi.

Cons: Basically a gravel parking lot. Services are set up in the middle of the site, so my neighbors sewer was right at the door of my little airstream. The sites I was in were pretty narrow. Verizon reception was very slow, but it worked.

This T-Rex was featured in many films. I recognized him from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. I first saw him in October naked. 6 weeks later I was delighted to see him dressed as Santa. Then he got all dolled up in a Tux for Valentine’s Day. I’m curious if he was embarrassed to be dressed us as the Easter Bunny, or does he wear it proudly? His latest outfit looks like he’s ready for the beach. It’s too bad I’m leaving the area and can’t see what’s next for this T-Rex’s wardrobe.

Big Bear Lake in Southern California is a gorgeous four season mountain lake escape. It’s known for Bear Mountain Ski resort. The quaint village streets are lined with restaurants and gift shops. It’s a beautiful area and a nice respite from the desert.

First off, kudos to a cute name. Bearizona, in Williams, AZ is approximately 160 acres. You can drive through more than 3 miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest viewing North American animals in natural habitats. More animals are exhibited in Fort Bearizona, a beautiful 20 acre walk through area, along winding paths, which is more of a zoo experience. A perfect family outing during the Pandemic.

Fifty thousand years ago a giant fireball streaked across the North American sky. It struck the earth in northern Arizona, exploding with a force 150 times greater than the atomic bomb. In a blinding flash, a huge iron-nickel meteorite estimated to have been 150 feet across and weighing several hundred thousand tons, struck the rocky plain. In seconds, a crater 700 feet deep, over 4,000 feet across, and 2.4 miles in circumference was carved into this once flat rocky plain. It boggles my mind.

There is a great Discovery Center and Space Museum, and even a 15 minute movie exploring the mystery of the meteor. I also enjoyed browsing through the gift center. It’s a must see s-it if you you are near northern Arizona.

Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park is perfect for exploration and discovery. It is known for its fossils, especially fallen trees that lived in the Late Triassic Epoch, about 225 million years ago. It was a delight walking around these ancient giants.

Just took a little walk 1 mile south of Catalina Hot Springs Resort. Found this little “aguaculture” oasis. How many Great White Egrets can you spot?

I was quite tickled that a little Arizona town, became a tourist attraction because of an Eagles song. They did it up proper, and I love the little details in this scene. There are plenty of tourist shop to get your Eagles or Route 66 fix.

Well, I’m standin’ on a corner in Winslow Arizona….