Several people in Mancos referred to the Front Range as less desirable than it once was. One couple said it’s getting very built up with too many people from California. The bartender said it reminded him of New Jersey.
As I listened I imagined massive highways with chemical plants and exits, cars everywhere with high costs and lots of laws about what you cannot do or are supposed to do.
I finally had to ask where the Front Range was. Their answer: Denver, Boulder, Colorado springs. All of the areas we had so far avoided and maybe should continue to avoid.
Unfortunately Mrs Ram flew out of Denver and Mr Ram needed to spend lots of time there.
Only one Walmart in this huge area allowed overnight parking: the one in Elizabeth.
As I traveled around there were plenty of highways but few chemical plants. I did manage to find one area reminiscent of NJ outside Denver.
I then went where Dave from Australia said not go – the Pike National Forest and Rampart Range Road. Dave thought there might be too many undesirables in that neck of the woods. Some might say I fit right in.
This dirt road through the forest is approximately 60 mile long and has free camping spots every 1/4 mile or so. Some are just a flat spot like the ones I had the fist two nights.
Others have a spectacular view.
There were great views but after several days up on the mountain, Mr Ram took to drunk texting.
Mrs Ram:. I think you have had enough whiskey.
Mr Ram:. Not gardko
Mr. Ram:. Harsley
Mr Ram: Harley
Mr Ram:. Hardly….
The ‘conversation’ went downhill from there especially when a couple in a Subaru and a tent thought it was a good idea to camp next to the drunk, smelly guy….Yeah, I had way too much to drink. At least I stopped before drinking Mrs Ram’s Jameson’s.