It's Time to End Postal Ricky the Blog

Over the course of two months, I have had a wonderful time visiting with family and friends, exploring the Rocky Mountains and driving home with Vickie. It reminded me of a movie line "There is no place like home" and it is true.

We stayed two nights in Lake Tahoe and it was stunningly beautiful, when you add the lake to the resort equation. Steamboat, Big Sky, Vail, etc just don't hold a candle when it comes to real scenery. Vickie and I had the opportunity to view Emerald Bay of Lake Tahoe from the road and from the water, and you get two totally different perspectives of one of the most beautiful sights in the world. Especially on a day that is totally clear and 80 degrees.

I am back in Southern California and trying to settle back in. Lots of chores in the garden and of course the holidays are right around the corner. I signed up for the circuit training again at the local junior college and am going to take some classes in the spring. Vickie and I are planning to go to Ireland next year and have a lot of work to plan for that.

So I will end the blog right now.

Montana and points West

With just over a week in Montana visiting with old friends and making some new ones. Vickie arrived on the 18th and we had a wonderful time with the Wilhelm's, O'Neills, and the O'Connors. Missey was a fabulous hostess and we ate way too well.

Tom and I walk waded the Gallatin River a couple of days. On Monday we floated the Madison River with a guide where Vickie had the karma flowing. She landed many more fish than the other boat and of course me. I hate to think how many she would have caught had she seen the strike indicator moving as much as it did. There must have been an echo because Stewart the guide kept saying "hit it Vickie" This is just one of several nice fish she brought to the net.

My Kindle

One of the very plesant surprises on my trip was when I would take my Kindle (ebook) to a place to enjoy a coffee or adult beverage. Over the course of the six weeks I met some very interesting people, who had approached me to ask about it. My response of course is "I Love It". The photo is of an interesting older man who was talking to two kids about his books. The complete works of Mark Twain are on my Kindle.

Movin On

I left Steamboat on Monday Sept 14th and drove to Dubois, WY up through the Wind River region. Truly some beautiful country and I had booked a room at the Trails End Motel, which looked charming (another word for rustic and old). However I did have a river view room and walked down the steps into the river and caught two fish before bed. Something nice about that.

Tuesday, I drove into the Grand Teton National Park, had breakfast at the lodge and then drove up through Yellowstone National Park to the Wilhelm's. There is something inherently wrong about just driving through two of the most scenic parks in America. First trip to Grand Teton and will have to go back. I have now either entered or exited all of Yellowstone's points of entry.

Postal is Done with being Postal

Well brother Bill has been cleared for duty and it's time to move on. Us good deed heroes have other duties (my horoscope yesterday confirmed that).

Once you go Postal, you become a connoisseur of mailboxes and this one, while it wasn't on my route is my favorite and thought it would make a great parting photo.

I'm heading out Monday morning up through the Wind River Valley of Wyoming planning to overnight in Dubois, WY at the Trails End Motel.

Map Instructions

The Map is Interactive and you can use it as any google map. There is a button at the bottom to view a larger map.

Map of Route to Big Sky

View Off To Big Sky in a larger map

Postal Ricky @ Pretend City

Went with Gina, Molly, Vickie and Clara to the new interactive Kids Museum in Irvine, CA

Wonderful concept. Going on a holiday weekend ten days after it's grand opening, not such a good idea. Pretend City is very cool and would be absolutely wonderful on a quiet weekday afternoon.

They have pretend grocery stores, art studio's, etc. It is a real city, but all kid size, loved the farm.

And then we found the Post Office and while the hat is a little small, it will be Postal Ricky's logo for the rest of the Postal Adventure.

The Modern Post Office

I had been saving this for the right time. But the most shocking thing about the entire postal adventure, has been the fact that it is probably a miracle that your mail ever gets where it is supposed to.

For anyone under 30, you probably do not know what this modern way to make copies is. But then not many people under 30 are looking at my blog. To give you a hint it's called Carbon Paper.

Everyday I have to sign for the Registered Mail Bag, even if it is empty. Take 4 copies back to the Steamboat Post Office, get one of the supervisors to sign my copy and keep three to send on down to Denver.

It had been at least 30 years since I had handled carbon paper and that was when the IBM Selectric typewriter was state of the art. Can anybody remember them?

Wonderful Dinner with Best Friends

There are people and things that I miss while doing my Postal Adventure. Obviously Vickie, the girls and their families, granddaughter's especially. But I am blessed to have wonderful friends who make my life brighter.

Our dinner last night was wonderful. It was fun and boisterous (which Nieuport 17 can stand a little of) Food and wine were great.

Thanks to Jim, Cheryl, Charlie and Cyndi for being there. I love all of you.

Hot and Humid So Cal

Flew back from Denver yesterday, and after spending 5 weeks above 7,000 ft. I thought I was in Houston. According to the Weather Channel, there is supposed to be a let up.

Right now out in my garden area, it's 106 degrees with 45% humidity. Got the AC running full speed.

Probably won't post again until Sunday or Monday. Am enjoying my bed and my chair. As well as my HD TV. Postal Willy doesn't have HD yet and after 5 weeks of regular TV, the difference is dramatic.

Going Home to So Cal for Labor Day

Have one more day of work, then off to Denver to fly home for Labor Day. Really looking forward to seeing Vickie, the little girls and families. My friends.

It is looking like my last full day of being Postal will be the 11th, but think I will hang around for three or four days to be sure Brother Bill is up to task. Right now he doing really well.

It has been pretty hazy the past couple of days dues to fires in Utah, Western Colorado, and of course all of California is on fire if you believe the news.

Finally Antelope

In years past trips along the highways and freeways of the mountain west you would see lots and lots of Pronghorn Antelopes.

I've been in the mountains for over a month now and today was the first of them I've laid eyes on. A small herd of maybe 8 or a few more. I took some pics, but don't have high hopes for any good ones.

But I'm off the sneid.

Saturday Exploration

Drove up Seedhouse Road to the very end, I deliver the mail up about a 1/4 of the way. Get's higher and wilder (10,000 ft and no houses). Caught a Colorado Cutthroat trout about 12" and a couple of rainbows. Saw the biggest log house I've ever seen being built. Took a couple of pics, but couldn't get close enough nor could the scale of the house show up.

The drove across Sleeping Giant Mountain via a couple of dirt roads to the Yampa where I caught 5 more rainbows and then went and had an appetizer and read my book in the late afternoon sun.

All in all a very nice day.

Irish Step Dancing.

Carol's best friend Shelia's daughter McKendry is competing in Irish Step Dancing and her class gave an exhibition at the Steamboat Art Walk last weekend. She is 12 and pretty talented. Now if you don't what Irish Step Dancing is, you are part of a large crowd. One thing about it that was obvious to me is that it's pretty energetic.

More Money

This house is in Catamount Estates which are 50 acre parcels which includes a large clubhouse/restaurant. Private lake and streams are included in your homeowners. This house has to be at least 15,000 sq ft. The windows are ten to fifteen feet tall on both levels.

Steamboat Money

As you drive around the roads here, one thing is obvious there is some real money here. People for whom 5000 acre ranches are second or third homes. The gates pictured lead to a huge home on the Elk River. You can only see it from the road, but wow. You can see the fence following the road. It is made of 3" steel pipe that the owner got a deal on for 100K and then it took a year of welding and painting to complete the job. Here is another picture of the fence.

Finally Fish Caught

Carol got the keys to some private water on Sarvis Creek and we went down to check it out.

She just walked and balanced her check book, while I fished, caught a couple of nice rainbows right away and the walked along the creek checking out the water. By the way I missed more than I caught.

A very beautiful location and so peaceful. Caught a couple more as I worked the creek, but then the fishing just turned off. No insects or fish rising, and a thunderstorm moving in made up pack up and head home. However, saw a couple of deep runs that just called for dragging a streamer through it with a midge dropper. Think there may be some big fish in those holes. Still got the keys.

Steamboat Art Walk on the River

Brother Bill went for his first personal outing today as Carol, he and I went to Art Walk along the Yampa River. Surprised that they charged $5 for entry and it was only a block and half long.

Went mostly to see their friend Sheila's daughter McHendry do her Irish Step Dances. Will post pictures later. Pretty accomplished for only being 12. Had lunch at the Boathouse, which was enjoying a banner day thanks to the extra people attending the Art Walk.

Now going down for a nap.

Thursday

Today I found out why all of the route drivers don't look forward to Phone Book season. Delivered over 250 of them, plus still came up 8 short. Back out tomorrow.

Wet a line again yesterday, beautiful spot, nice temperature, but no fish. Guess I'll have to go closer to dusk.

This afternoon, I'm going down to Haymaker and hit some golf balls on the range.

Things We See

While delivering the mail, I have come across some interesting vehicles and the mail customers who own them. The dragon van belongs to a guy who had just come back from the Burning Man gathering in Utah. The tractor is the oldest of several that are just rusting away in the pasture of a multi generational family ranch.

Routt County Fair

Carol, Vickie and I went to Routt County Fair in Hayden, CO. The day we went was the last day and I didn't take pictures of the crafts and food winners. All of which looked pretty good to us. However, we did get photos of the Draft Horse Races and some of the locals.

The 4H animals had been judged and auctioned off for scholarship funds for the kids who raised the pigs, cows, etc. This is a really good program that we should encourage more in the urban areas. Teaches responsibilities and gives kids a total understanding of real life. All of the PETA people should be sent to get this reality check. Would change their outlooks.

Plus these are real cowboys and ranchers just having fun. A really nice day.

Driving Tour with Vickie

We took off from Steamboat up to Clark and then on a dirt road aroound Steamboat Lake. Had lunch at campground on Steamboat Lake (sandwiches from Clark Store) Then came down a pass to Pearl Lake (where we should have had lunch). What a wonderful site, saw a beaver swimming and just enjoyed the beautfiful surroundings.

One of the great tragedy's in Colorado and most of the mountain west is the Pine Bark Beatle infestation. All of the red or brown looking pines have died because of the beatles. I understand that the wood makes beautful floors and furniture, but if there is a spark, it will burn so fast that no effort will slow it down.

Tough Day for Me

I have had a wonderful time with Vickie being here and we have shared that time with Bill and Carol, but also got to explore and see some country that we haven't seen before. Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake (a special view) Plus just togetherness which is precious and should never be shortchanged. However the six hours of driving back and forth from Denver are not a pleasure.

I put her on a plane this afternoon in the middle of a huge storm, which left me feeling bad. Fortunately it was gone before she had to leave and now she is back in the OC (i really hate that abbreviation, but for now it works).

Looking forward to working again and then going home for labor day.

Brother Bill is doing great and may soon kick me out of Steamboat, which just adds adventure opportunities.

Been Awhile

Wow it's been over a week since I posted. Have finally figured out the route and know where all of the boxes are as well as those who get their mail at them.

Fished once, operative word being fishing, not catching. But beautiful evening on the Yampa River. I will get many more chances to do so and will probably catch one or two fish.

Vickie arrived Thursday and it is really great to be with her, the 3 1/2 weeks apart is the longest time we have been separated in almost 25 years. We explored downtown Steamboat, ate lunch on the river and window shopped. Today maybe the Yampa County Fair and then tomorrow, I will take her on a drive that will include most of my route, plus some of the higher country.

Jamie and Chria sent their SLR camera up with Vickie and I will retake some of the photos and post some new scenic photos that will give you a better perspective of just how beautiful it is here. More pictures later.

Saturday

Had wonderful afternoon, walking downtown, lunch at the Boathouse Pub on the Yampa River.

A cold beer and reading for a couple of hours on my Kindle watching rafters and tubers get rock rash in the ankle deep river in front of the restaurant, They have some chairs set out on the lawn for just that purpose.

Weekend is Here

Here's a picture of Postal Ricky's delivery vehicle, really will enjoy driving my car with the steering wheel on the proper side.

Going to be a tourist in Steamboat Springs this weekend. Cruise downtown, check out the river and the people using it.

Maybe see if calling here fishy, fishy works.

It is just beautiful here right now.

Feel like I've got the gist of being Postal and will just getting better and then it's fishing and golf after work. Starting next Tuesday, as a matter of fact :)

Clark!

For years, Bill has been telling me about Clark, CO and the Clark Store. I am finding out that he hasn't exaggerated. Quite the mix of clientele, from a car full of six people to make a full set of teeth, to the 6 carat diamond ring on a woman that shouldn't wear bicycle clothing. And many more.

Everyday is different, however they do serve Breyer's Grand Ice Cream on the patio (summer only I'm sure)

More to follow on Clark

Colorado Car, Needs to go to Montana

This post is aimed directly at my really good friend Tom and his lovely wife Missey, who will use some vulgar words when she sees it and the picture.

This Toyota FJ45 (pickup) was sitting in front of the Clark store earlier this week and has Tom's name written all over it. He has been trying to figure out what car they should keep for when they are in Big Sky. Well this is it.

Price is reduced, comment or email for more

I know I know

It's been awhile since I posted, but that's because this damn Postal Thing is WORK! Today was the first day that I thought I have about 95% of the routine down and then I can start to recreate. My fishing friends want to see me post pictures of "Nice Fish" My golf friends will be totally surprised if I break 100 altitude or not.

Got several friends and acquaintances that have needs I would like to address.

By the middle of next week. I should be a more typical postal employee and doing 4 1/2 hrs of work in 4 1/2 hours instead of 8. So we'll see about that next week.

I want to be ripping the lips of little fishes soon, maybe even Saturday.

Wildlife

My route is teeming with critters, both domestic and wild. This picture shows an Elk Ranch way back in the country and you come down around this curve and wham here they are in the field.

Each one of the Bull Elk in this picture have Antlers that most Elk Hunters will never see in a hundred years in the wild. They are all highly ranked Boone and Crockett Trophies. The owner harvests the antlers when come off just before winter and sells them for a lot of money. The Elk graze happily until next spring and summer when they grow back.

Utah Travel Photos

Because I left the power supply, I couldn't post these in order, but this will show some of the scenery that I traveled through if anyone wants more info, just email me.

From top to bottom, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Elevation sign at overlook, Zion National park overlooks on the other two. Taking pictures of this type with a snapshot camera, don't ever give you how fabulous the views really are.

Humbling Experience

Well, Saturday was my day to deliver by myself and while I had help sorting and getting mail ready to go, I still found myself having to backtrack because I forgot to leave a package when I had dropped off the sorted mail. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to recognize the number or name on a mailbox as the picture shows. And this is in good shape compared to some. The glove in the picture is a necessity, otherwise you will cut your fingers to shreds.

Also found myself bringing back some mail that had gotten out of place. Those folks will get everything Monday.

Big Day

Tomorrow, August 1, I will be doing the postal route by myself. I have my camera and would have taken pictures except that there have been some big time thunderstorms in the prettiest part of the country.

Once I get the pictures up, it certainly will be better than just reading my ramblings. Postal Willy, my brother in laws surgery was successful and now he's going to be rehabbing and healing.

The sooner he gets better, the more I can fish. :)

Fishing and Golf Plans

I want to have at least a week of the mail route by myself before I start seeking the recreational opportunities.

I will usually be done with the deliveries by 3PM and the best fishing is at dusk. Plus it is still light up here until around 9PM.

Have talked to a couple of locals about some fishing spots. Haven't done much about the golf, other than looking on the map for courses.

Another Update, but no fun stuff

Power Supply finally arrived and laptop is charged and I've been training to take over the Mail Route. Not difficult, but requires some aclimating to the systems.

Have now driven and delivered the entire route and getting to know the mailbox locations and country roads that I have to travel. The entire route is really beautiful and I will be posting pictures soon.

Plus I intend to go back and add a couple of really cool things that I did on the drive up here.

Until Then

Quick Update

In Steamboat, start training early AM. Still no cord, coming tomorrow, so will put some other stories and pictures up during the week.

On the Road, But

I got to my first stop after a long day that will be described once I solve the problem of leaving the power cord for my laptop behind. Had to overnight it to Colorado.

Will try and post today at my sister's, but preserving the battery as long as I can.

So pray for UPS to have the power supply there tomorrow when I arrive.

Trip so far has been great except that one little forgotten item

Done in Tustin

Everything is in the car except for the last personal items. Watching the weather and lots of monsoonal thunderstorms from here to Cedar City, so weather should be interesting.

I'm leaving my garden with ripe tomatoes and herbs and carrots, that does bother me, nothing like a homegrown tomato.

Will post again from Cedar City after my side trip to the National Monument.

Really fired up for this.

Ready to Rock and Roll

Could easily hit the road, right now, but have another day and half.

All recreation gear accounted for and packed in the car.
All clothes packed and ready to put in the car.
Got my food and beverage travel stuff ready to pack and put in the car.

I'm ready for the first day.

OK So I'm Blind

OK, I found most of my weather clothes, layers and layers, but not the top layer, the waterproof breathable jacket.

I searched the house, the garage, all of the closets at least three times.

Vickie comes into my office closet which is where I keep most of those things and goes right to it.

Let's hope I can find Colorado

Recreation Gear Checks

Fishing Gear, check, missing some leader material and a reel, but that can be rectified on the road. Think I tossed a cheap assed reel away last time I was packing, so I would have an excuse to buy a new one. :)

Golf Gear, check, nothing missing except a game, Steve thanks for the extra golf balls, I'm taking them all with me.

Weather clothes are next

Packing and First Day Plans

Laying out the clothes for summer in the high mountains, which of course can mean serious sunburn or snow. So got to cover all possiblities.

The first part of the trip will go through the Mojave Desert, which is where I want my air conditioning working overtime. Plan to post a picture of the Worlds Tallest Thermometer in Baker, CA (so they say) with temp as I pass by. It was 117 there on July 16th, so who knows.

Staying the first night Cedar City, UT. Gateway to three National Parks, Zion, Bryce, and Cedar Breaks. If it stays light enough after I arrive, I may go see a sunset at the closest one. All are true geological treasures.

I have my Senior Park Pass and National Parks Passport Book and will be trying to visit as many parks and monuments as I can if things work out while I travel.

Clarifcation and Addition

In the first post, I didn't make it clear that after the Steamboat Springs postal time, I plan to join my wife and friends in Big Sky, MT for a week of fishing and visiting, then Vickie and I will drive to Boise, spend a couple days there looking around and then drive to Truckee and spend a couple of nights at Lake Tahoe, then she flies home from Sacramento, while I run a couple of errands there, then home probably on September 30th.

The Map

To see the entire map, click "View Postal Ricky's Adventure in a Larger Map" at the bottom.

View Postal Ricky's Adventure in a Larger Map

New Stuff

Now that I've decided to give blogging a try, we have to learn how. So bear with me.

The Adventure Begins Soon

On July 24th, I will be leaving Orange County on an adventure that should last just over two months. I will visit my sister in Price Utah for a couple of days and then I travel on to Steamboat Springs Colorado. There I will get my training to become "Postal Ricky" from my brother-in-law Bill, aka Postal Willy. He gets a hip replacement and I become his lackey and will deliver the mail on his route while he completes his rehab.

I am getting all fired up for this. If all goes well, I will visit several places in the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.