What matters?
I guess I was tired from watching people work on the Arctic Fox yesterday, so I slept until almost 8 o'clock this morning. Most of the work involved setting up the hitch and ensuring it didn't touch anything when turning sharply, along with a few other minor tasks.
It occurred to me this morning that for the first time in a long time, I didn't have anything to do with the Arctic Fox to get it ready for sale. The fact is that when the money and the title changed hands yesterday, I no longer have an Arctic Fox to do anything to. It’s a funny feeling, since the Arctic Fox is still sitting where it's been, and won't be leaving until Thursday. Every time I look at it, my mind starts running through an imaginary checklist of what I need to do to get it ready for sale. I suppose I'll get over that, but probably not until it's towed out of here on Thursday and I no longer see it when I look out my window.
Just looking out the window at it brings back so many fond memories of starting my life as a full-timer. It was my first choice among all the RVs I could have purchased to start my new life, and it turned out to be a great choice for many years. But it wasn't the Arctic Fox's fault that I wanted to be a boondocker; that decision happened slowly over time as I boondocked more and more, and stayed at campgrounds less and less. And my need to live a simple life in simple surroundings became more important to me than having the ability to carry around so many things that I no longer needed. And traveling alone, there was just no way I could justify all the room and all the weight carrying capabilities that the Arctic Fox had, but I no longer needed.
Do I miss it? Of course, I already do. But life changes, and sooner or later, "things" don't matter, because "things" never do; it's only the people around you that matter.
Theboondork
The Nicholas Hotel is on top of the hill in Cripple Creek. The building used to be a Christian hospital of some kind, which explains the cross on top.
Can you imagine how many people must’ve died in an old hospital like this? Their spirits must visit every room and stalk every hallway. I would think it takes a brave visitor to stay in an old hospital disguised as a hotel.
Old advertising sign.
Fourth of July fireworks in Cipple Creek.