Day 4 & 5: Texas to Colorado
We traveled from Amarillo, Texas, to Mosca, Colorado, enjoying another scenic drive with only a few miles on the interstate. There’s something special about taking the back roads and seeing parts of America that many people miss.
One of our stops was Fort Garland, where we visited a memorial park honoring the servicemembers who gave their lives for our country from World War I through the Vietnam War. It was a beautiful and moving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Our stay at the Rusty Rook Resort was one of the biggest surprises of the trip! Yvonne and I had no idea what to expect, but it turned out to be such a unique experience. The resort features converted grain bins, vintage camper trailers, canvas safari-style tents built on wooden platforms, and traditional campsites. It’s tucked away about 1.2 miles down a dirt road with no nearby restaurants, but it does offer cooking facilities for guests looking to prepare their own meals.
The closest town is Alamosa, Colorado, with a population of approximately 9,800. It offers several hotels and restaurants and is home to Adams State University, an NCAA Division II school. If you’re planning a visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa is a great place to stay, located about 30 miles from the park.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park was everything we hoped it would be—peaceful, beautiful, and unlike anywhere else we’ve visited. Beyond having the tallest sand dunes in North America, the park is home to a remarkable variety of plants and wildlife and is the ancestral homeland of many Native American tribes whose history and traditions remain deeply connected to this landscape.
Another often-overlooked piece of history was the story of the Buffalo Soldiers. It was inspiring to learn about the 9th U.S. Cavalry, which was stationed at nearby Fort Garland. Their service included protecting travelers, patrolling the San Luis Valley, and helping preserve the surrounding public lands. Their legacy is an important chapter in the history of southern Colorado and a reminder of the significant contributions African American soldiers made to our nation’s history.
Day 6 & 7: Colorado
Another scenic drive—again avoiding the interstate whenever possible—brought us to Aurora, Colorado. We’ve discovered that traveling through rural America is one of our favorite parts of this journey. The roads are less stressful, the scenery is incredible, and you really get to experience the heart of the country.
The highlight of these two days was spending time with our cousins and their families. A huge thank you to Jeremy and Jeanetta for their warm hospitality, comfortable accommodations, and for letting us catch up on some much-needed laundry!
One of the most memorable moments happened unexpectedly. Yvonne met a gentleman from Georgetown, South Carolina, who actually knew her mother, along with several of her aunts and uncles, from their days at Howard High School. It was one of those small-world moments that reminds you just how connected we all are.
Great conversations, lots of laughter, family fellowship, a little shopping, and wonderful memories made.
Day 8: Wyoming
Today we traveled to Rock Springs, Wyoming. About half of the drive was on the interstate, where the speed limit reached 80 mph—definitely an adjustment! Even so, it was another enjoyable drive with spectacular scenery.
We checked into Homewood Suites, which has easily been one of the cleanest hotels we’ve stayed in during this trip. A special shout-out to the manager and housekeeping staff for maintaining such an exceptional property.
Dinner brought another adventure as James checked another item off his culinary bucket list by trying Rocky Mountain Oysters. Let’s just say…Yvonne’s diva side wasn’t having it! 😂🥺😂 Some adventures are meant for one person only!
More memories made, more miles behind us, and many more ahead.
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