We owe a lot of gratitude to our continually growing community of followers who came to our aid in our time of need. Hannah quickly posted on her socials about our very sudden “fix the fridge” liquidation sale. Through a charitable family donation, and an amazing series of discount sales of art from incredible fans, we were able to successfully pay for the fridge to be repaired.
Prior to leaving, we crunched numbers and planned. We really only needed a new cooling unit, as the previous one was leaking ammonia. They aren’t cheap, but they are cheaper than buying the entire cooling unit with what is essentially a large cooler (the box portion that is the actual fridge). We wanted the propane function because the solar batteries drain fast when running the fridge. We contemplated getting additional panels to support it, buying a small portable solar powered cooler. When we finally decided to simply replace the cooling unit, as this supported our lifestyle best.
So we researched how to have it done. Hannah called to get quotes from reputable businesses along the route, and I crunched numbers to see if we could go somewhere to do the installation myself. Renting work space is surprisingly pricey, and moving the rig off route to a reasonable place to do the work dramatically increased our gas budget. After lots of research and planning, the cheapest route was to hire a business in Durango, Colorado since it was along our route.
This was the best option. They took the better part of a day, and we explored around Mesa Verde and the surrounding areas with the dogs while they did. Upon completion, the technician shared that in his 25 years of service experience, this was the absolute hardest installation he had ever done. “This unit must have been replaced as some point before… It was glued EVERYWHERE” He shared with a light laugh. He also mentioned an alarming amount of rodent feces had to be cleaned off… Oops.
Since these specific cooling units are no longer manufactured, they are refurbished by specialty companies. Anybody who does this type of service is familiar with this system: they sell to service providers and provide a hefty discount if the damaged unit is returned to them so they can refurbish it and keep the cycle going. Our technician had to take our unit out essentially in pieces because of how the previous installer put it in. I sighed with relief knowing that, while I would have been eventually capable, it would have taken me days to figure out how to do.
With a working fridge, we returned to the BLM land and found a beautiful spot tucked inside the forest and enjoyed the privacy. It felt good to get out of the more desertous areas and enjoy the cool mountain air and trees again. The girls enjoyed running in a large private field just outside our rig. We walked the land and found everyone keeping to themselves and being very polite and courteous of each others space, and keeping mostly quiet in the evening, even with children around.
Finally bored of the land, we headed into Durango to see what it offered. Having a visitors center near the heart of the town, we went in just to see what was around. We got lost in conversation with some long time locals who worked there, who overwhelmed us with maps, info graphs, phone numbers, restaurant selections, hiking trails, watersports… We had a blast just learning about the area with some really amazing folks who obviously held a lot of pride and joy sharing the Durango experience with people passing by. “You couldn’t have gotten stuck in a better place for your repair!” He told us.
We happily hiked the nearby trails within and near the city. Constantly needing to change direction, we cursed under our breath every time we saw dogs running off leash despite the signs specifically telling everyone not to do so. We still enjoyed climbing high into the mountains that seemed like small hills compared to the towering mountains around us. We climbed to the city water reservoir and into the neighborhoods nearby. We giggled with joy when we saw a dozen or so deer in someone’s yard, chomping at their plants. A man was cleaning his car in his driveway and noticed us taking pictures. “We get those visitors often… A little too often.” He chuckled with us as we passed.
We returned to the RV for the day to find water near the entrance. It had not rained. Confused, we went inside and prepared for dinner. Upon turning the water pump on, I could audibly hear the water heater filling with water as if it was empty… Weird, we definitely heated the water for dishes right before we left. And the sound kept going… And going… Until I realized it was accompanied by the sound of water also flowing out. I opened the front door to find the water heater spewing every drop of water placed into it. A quick investigation and research told us our pressure valve blew, and our water heater was suddenly unusable.
So I headed into Durango the next day to hit up literally anything that was open on the weekend. Walmart, Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply, Home Depot. Nobody had the valve I needed, and I returned sad and empty handed. We pulled the bypass valve for the water heater and boiled our water in pots for dishes for the next several days. Hannah finally went into town on Monday, back to the business that repaired our fridge with the broken part in hand. Once again, they came to our rescue and gave us the exact part we needed, and we quickly installed it. Another success!!
We finally took a day without the dogs and enjoyed a drive and hike through Mesa Verde again. This trip made everything here worth it. The drive alone a scenic natural masterpiece, but the history was the biggest selling point.
Ancestral Puebloans inhabited the area for over 700 years, in what is known as pit homes and “pueblo homes”. Hiking the area reveals rich history of technological advancement, architecture, and primitive engineering. With rocks, natural rope, agriculture, and time, they dug holes and designed intricate ventilation systems to warm communities. They held meetings, danced, feasted, and congregated in these pits. They had water trapping systems, built raised gardens, and lived harmoniously with the land.
Eventually, they collected large rocks, and built homes sealing them with water and clay. They tactically placed them on cliff sides, still viewable to this day. You can walk some of the paths they did, where they transported food and goods. They frequently traded with other native tribes from every direction around them.
Most notably, for me at least, was the incredible sun temple. We wandered around it in absolute awe. What was it for? Some say it might have been cultural or religious contemplation, others think it could have been for cosmic observance. With a prominent “D” shape, they included a gutter system that is mimicked in the modern buildings in the area. No clear entrances around it, and strict policies for entering or climbing around it for preservation, this wondrous marvel reminded me that leaving mystery in the world lets our minds wander and speculate what they might have been thinking so long ago.
We took a lengthy hike around the rim of the mesa (although Mesa Verde is not actually a Mesa, it’s what is called a cuesta! A tilted plateau that leans south!), where the actual top sloped over and created roofs. And this is where you find many of the pueblo houses. With lush land, available water, and an easily defensible home, the Puebloans built homes, gardens, and art as petroglyphs you can see on the trail. It feels like being literally transported through time as the noises of cars, people, and planes drown away. You walk the steps of the natives, see their primitive homes, and imagine what it was like for them.
Near the end of the hike, we sat in silence at the top for a while and enjoyed the incredible scene. An incredible experience that I highly recommend everybody take the time to do at some point. It is very much worth it.
With a working fridge and water heater, we headed off into the distance for our next destination: Moab, Utah! The adventure there is as daring as it is exciting, so be sure to stay tuned and up to date so you don’t miss out! I was injured and have since made a full recovery, but it is worth a read in my opinion.
Enjoy the adventure? Consider buying us a coffee with the pop up on the screen! Your funds help us feed the dogs, make continued repairs, continue to invest in our art, and keeps us on the road. We appreciate everyone! As always, if you’re looking to get something for your money, check out Hannah’s website and peruse her art, there is something for everyone!
Thanks for reading!
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