We did not want to experience another flood of teenagers at Frazier Park or sleep at the hospital, so we headed west and ended up at John Martin Reservoir State Park in Hasty CO. This brought us to nearly 4,000 feet as we were trying to avoid another bout with altitude sickness.
We chosen a site next to the showers in the smaller bath house at the back of the campground. However they had neglected to tell us that the showers in that building were closed.
On our first night we were just about done cooking diner when it started raining. We ate inside Sparty, our van, and enjoyed watching the rain. When it changed to hail we started to worry but the hail was small so Sparty handled it with no issues
The next day was beautiful for kayaking but Mrs Ram threw her back out bending down into the fridge. (That happens when you are old) It was also a beautiful day for hanging around a campsite and reading. That was much easier on Mrs Ram’s back
Our second night also had rain, and wind. We were thinking of starting dinner when a siren went off. Mr Ram, being a good New Englander, wondered aloud, “What the hell is that?”
Mrs Ram, having lived a number of years in Michigan, said, “Run! Now! To the bathrooms!” That siren meant a tornado had touched down nearby.
As she jumped out of the van she also told Mr Ram, “Make sure you lock the van!” Do not want anyone breaking into Sparty during a tornado.
As we watched from the rest rooms the rain again turned to hail. And this time they got large. Fortunately they did get Palo Duro sized and Sparty did not get any new dents.
As we were packing up, Cliff, our neighbor, stopped by to see how we and Sparty had fared. Overnight there had been more rain and hail. Sparty was ok but Cliff’s trailer did have some damage and leaks.
Cliff, a minister, prayed that our continued journey would be safe as we headed out.