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Rocky Mountains National Park

Written by Nadine Zangerle on . Posted in USA

We had been lucky that our truck Clyde/Gangsta started at those temperatures but we were aware that we would need a generator to heat our diesel truck before starting the engine. It was not the first time that we were searching for a generator which would fit in the small compartment of our truck camper.

In Colorado Springs, Colorado we went out to check again – without any luck. We always got the same results. The shops had either the small or the big generators. Too small won’t have enough watts and the big one didn’t fit in the compartment.

So we continued towards the Rocky Mountain National Park and had an interesting incident. Passing Manitou Springs we slept in a little village just next to a bar. The temperature dropped down to – 24.8 C (- 12.6 F) and the next day our truck refused to start.

But luckily we had a funny evening in the bar – where the guys assumed I must be in a playboy edition (I take it as a compliment) and so we could plug in our heat block of the truck. So off we went for the Rocky Mountains.

What a spectacular scenery and we planned to do some snow hiking. Equipped with micro spikes we did some long snow hikes from lake to lake. Those lakes where covered in ice and snow that it was hard to recognize them at all.

Guys, snow hiking is quite strenuous but just fantastic.

After two really cool hikes we met Doc the Park Ranger. He gave us some advices where to go in South Dakota and Wyoming so let’s find out about the Wind Cave and the Wolves.

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Christmas with the Native Americans

Written by Nadine Zangerle on . Posted in USA

We still had some things to do on our truck camper in order to get it winterized. Luckily we found the best spot to fix and repair some stuff – in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Santa Fe Skies RV Park. The owners were just a blessing.

John and Karen helped us to accomplish some of our ideas. So we built a big cushion between the truck and truck camper window to keep it open while driving in accordance to keep it warm. The big challenge driving in cold conditions is to keep your unit warm so nothing starts freezing – like the water pump, water hoses and heater.

Luckily Micha could use John’s barn and his tools – and he had everything men can dream off. Micha put in the truck camper guides since the camper moves a bit in windy conditions. No fun to drive than. The guides prevent it from moving too much on the truck bed and keep it centered.

And finally John made us a present. He welded a hitch in front of our truck so we can attach our new tool box. It was just like Christmas and we are so happy that we met them.

Ready to hit the road again we drove to Taos Pueblo where we had been just month ago with Micha’s parents. We remembered this special event for Christmas and thought this would be an unusual Christmas evening – with the Native Americans.

On the 24th and 25th we enjoyed the spirit of Christmas with bonfire, a hot cider and deer dances in ceremonial clothes. We walked into this unique place and experienced one of the sacred rites of ancient society.

Inspired of this culture and their strong bonds with nature we woke up in Questa, our Bonnie & Clyde Team completely covered in white powdery snow. What a beautiful landscape.

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Merry Christmas 2012...

Written by Nadine Zangerle on . Posted in USA

... and a happy new year!

May the next year bring as many adventures as this year.