Our very first try at Harvest Host! It did NOT go the way we had hoped and will definitely be a learning/teaching moment for us moving on in using this program.
Yesterday we moved on from Morrison. That meant us not just waking up to some snow/rain but also needing to prep Lucy for her departure. That taught us to not try and move in the slides when snow is on them. So in the wet cold air my husband had to have all the ‘fun’ of trying out his new telescopic ladder and use the broom to get the snow of the slides canopies. Once Lucy was drivable we still had a couple of jobs to do before moving on to our new destination…. 40 min north to Evergreen, CO. We had to pick up Lou, and then move her to the Volunteer Fire-station so we could then load up Lucy. It wasn’t our best take down as neither of us are thrilled when we have to work in wet, cold, muddy conditions but the weather never really cares and is just part of the fun.
So off we went at 11 o’clock and aimed Lucy Lou and the Gypsies up north on I70. She did better at climbing this time around as Ron tried out the Performance Mode which gives us more room in the rpm’s. I see it like the sports mode I have in Rosalina. However, one has to give Lucy credit. She is pulling probably around 45,000 lbs. she is a tough cookie and works hard indeed.
So anyway, we made it to the El Rancho Brewery by about 11:30. I had made the booking through the app and requested a one night stay for us, 65 feet long, with dogs. They claimed to be able to accommodate 45+, pets allowed, wifi, slides out allowed. All the reviews were great and we really thought we be good to go. The only part was that I did not get a responds back and that we were ‘pending’. Now we figured since it was just a short drive we go up there and see.
We arrived and the parking lot was empty accept 3 cars, so Ron parked by the entrance and I went up to the restaurant. A man came out asking if I was the 65 foot Harvest Host to which I said that we were indeed it, glad to hear he knew about our request. He told me he was sorry but that his employees were no shows today due to the weather and short staffing. But that we could park in the back but might need to unhook. This became obvious as the longest parking option could hold 45 feet, which would leave about 6 to 8 feet for a car to still pass by to get to the hotel. Well, for one we were sad that the brewery was closed, but we were also not thrilled of possibly needing to unhook again as we just hooked Lou up in this messy cold weather.
On to the next challenge then, turning Lucy Lou around in a rather tied parking lot when your turn radius is very very bad. Darn, those 5th Wheels are stealing the show on this one every single time. No matter how long they are, their turn radius is impressive due to the swivel thing on their pickups. Well, that is not us! We are a very stiff 65 feet. It took Ron uncountable times back and forth, inching foot by foot to get her around. Not pretty. He was beat and so was I, plus the pups wanted to be walked and we needed to get some lunch in us as by now we were working on fumes. So our next question was if we could talk to the guy and talk him into letting us stay hooked up and parallel to the road since the business was closed and no customers expected, hence an open parking lot. Lucky us he told that we could. Yay, one highlight!
We had lunch and then took a nap. I woke up due to some noise next to us, which was followed by Keetna barking. So up I went to check it out and a small 5th wheel was parallel parking about 2 feet next to us. I went out to investigate and it turned out it was Harvest Host Members as well. They were confused about the way we parked as it stated in the instructions to not park the way we did, but that they figured they would just follow suite and line up with us. The Rebels we are - ha! I felt bad having to tell them that the reason we are parked this way was due to the Host being closed due to short staffing. They looked as sad as we felt that no fresh cold beer was on their future as well. Sad state of affairs.
But hey this is why we have the setup we have. I had beer in the refrigerator and we have always plenty of food in the pantry, refrigerator or freezer. However we also had a goody bag of food from the Casson Family from the dinner last night. So again we ate well. Ron did end up putting the levelers down and we put out the bedroom slide to have a bit of space in the back.
But who are also the greatest travelers? Keetna and Oliver. They never complain and are just excited to explore new areas at each stop. I took them on a very pretty walk through the forest next to where we parked. Peaceful and quiet.
So our first Harvest Host was a tad of a bust, but let’s face it, we still got to park there and hence had a free stay in a pretty area. Oh and while it is right on I70 I was not bothered by any interstate noise.
Lucy however had the hardest job so far. Going through the mountains, climbing, wet, cold. The heaters have been running full-time. I think she deserves a little rest so we will take her down today to the mile high area of Longmont, CO for a reprieve.
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