Springtime in the Rockies Caravan

Fill out Your Online Application by going to the airstreamclub.org website, navigating to Springtime in the Rockies for the year you’d like to sign up for.

The Springtime in the Rockies Caravan will take place in Spring 2020, 2021 and 2022, starting in Estes Park, Colorado and ending in Gardiner, MT (the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming).

2018 Springtime in the Rockies Facebook Page

WBCCI National Caravan Number: N-2020-J

Caravan Name: Springtime in the Rockies

Start Date: May 21, 2020

Start Location: Estes Park

Stop Date: June 16, 2020

Stop Location: Yellowstone National Park

Total Number of Nights: 26

Number of Stops: 8

Leaders & WBCCI #: Doug and Amanda Hewins/2184; Will and Karen Kushto/2518

Home phone: 941-228-3070 (Hewins); ‭215-284-2693 ‬(Kushto)

Cell phone: 941-228-3070; ‭215-284-2693‬

Email: doughewins@gmail.com; wbjtkjr@comcast.net

Mailing address: 6652 E Primrose Drive, Unit E, USAF Academy, CO 80840; 114 Flagstaff Road
Philadelphia PA 19115-3410

Maximum RV Units/With Leader: 26 Total With 2 Co-leader RVs

Fees: Total Cost $3,200

Kitty Fee w/2: $3,200

Kitty Fee w/1: $2,800

Guest: $400

Deposit Amount: $400 as directed by leader (do not send with application).

Dates of Payments: ½ of remainder by May 1, 2019

Date Balance Due: Final Payment by November 30, 2019

Cancellation Fee: $100 for confirmed participant caravaners plus non-refundable deposits prior to November 30, 2019.

Leaders discretion after November 30, 2019.

Come share in the adventure of traveling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, from the summit on Trail Ridge Road, to the beauty of the Garden of the Gods, to the bottom of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, to the Teton Mountains and the geysers of Yellowstone. Be prepared for vistas that will take your breath away, literally. We’ll travel at some of the highest elevations possible in North America. Stops in order are: Estes Park, Manitou Springs, Cimarron, Fruita (for Colorado National Monument), Dinosaur National Monument, Flaming Gorge, Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks.

Because of the time of year we could possibly run into snow at any location throughout the caravan with evening temperatures possibly in the lower 30’s. The snow usually doesn’t stick around long since daytime temperatures typically range in the 60’s to 70’s. We are attempting to find campgrounds with full service hookups or at minimum 30-amp electrical services due to the cold evenings. However, we are planning two (2) days of dry camping close to the Dinosaur National Monument, one of the warmer (and sometimes hot) locations. Good vehicle/trailer maintenance and appropriate accessories will be important due to our planned mountain traversing routes and high elevation camp sites.

The route will require driving long distances with steep mountainous grades, many switchbacks and high altitudes. Some roads have no guardrails. Your familiarity with your rig and your ability to control it under these driving conditions is critical. This caravan should not be the place to learn.

Campgrounds will range in altitudes from 6000 ft. to close to 8,000 ft. in elevation and with mountain passes and self-guided auto tours as high as 12,000 ft. ANYONE with health issues affected by high altitude should think twice and check with their health care provider before joining this caravan. In order to gain the most from this caravan, hiking some distances (one to three miles round trip) may be required.

If we haven’t scared you off, come join us in the beautiful Rocky Mountains for a great adventure in Spring 2020 or 2021 or 2022.

This caravan will end at Yellowstone on Mon June 16, 2020 with sufficient time for those who would like to travel to the WBCCI International Rally in Loveland, CO.

DESTINATION INFORMATION FOR THE 2019, 2020 and 2021 SPRING TIME IN THE ROCKIES CARAVAN

Click on this link to see Proposed Caravan Route

Yellowstone National Park

Two full days of 8-hour/day tours of a specific aspect of the park with a naturalist from Yellowstone Forever in a small (12-14 passenger) bus.

Here are our planned tours for 2020/2021/2022 and requirements for the 8-hour tours.

o Tour 1-Wildlife Watching on the Northern Range: Discover the diverse and abundant wildlife of Yellowstone’s Northern Range. Learn how to search for wildlife and interpret their behavior. You’ll also explore the vital role each species plays in the Yellowstone ecosystem.

o Tour 2 -Yellowstone lake & Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone: We’ll take folks to the grand canyon of the Yellowstone to enjoy views there. The trails along the north and south rim of the canyon provide spectacular views, so we’ll try to get out of the bus as much as possible to enjoy these views. Given this, this could be up to a level 3 day (Brisk hikes, up to 5 miles total for the day).

Tips for preparing for your PRIVATE TOUR.

Equipment
Daypack. With enough capacity to carry extra clothes, water, lunch, camera, binoculars, field guides, etc.
Water bottle. Staying hydrated is very important. One quart/liter is the minimum recommended. Camelback or similar hydration systems work as well. We’ll have water coolers but you must bring your own containers.
Sunglasses.
Sunscreen/Lip Protector. Sun at high altitude can burn unprotected skin quickly.
Camera, binoculars
Notebook/Pencil.
Pocket Hand and Foot Warmers.

Spring/Summer/Fall Clothing

Much of your time will be spent outdoors and all programs are held rain or shine. Participants should be prepared for a variety of mountain weather conditions, including cold temperatures. Appropriate clothing, equipment, and footwear are very important. Temperatures can range from below freezing in the mornings to hot in the early afternoons. The layered use of garments for protection against the wind, sun, and temperature extremes should guide your clothing choices. Loose fitting layers allow you to maintain a comfortable and dry body as outside temperatures change and as your own body’s temperature and moisture output changes with different levels of exertion.

Insulating Underwear. Capilene, silk, polypropylene, or similar. Should have ability to wick away moisture.
Midweight Insulating Layer. A light 200-weight synthetic fleece or wool shirt/pullover.
Heavyweight Insulating Layer. Can be wool, down or heavy-weight fleece jacket—for less active times. (May, June, and September programs)
Waterproof and Windproof Outer Layer (jacket and pants). Should be lightweight, and breathable if possible.
Short Sleeved Shirts. Cotton t-shirts are OK to wear in the summer. Synthetic shirts are ideal, because they wick moisture away from the body.
Pants. Synthetic hiking pants, lightweight pile/fleece pants or tights (spring and fall), or similar pants. Jeans are not recommended.
Hat. Bring two: A brimmed hat for sun protection, and an insulating hat for cool weather (May, June, September).
Gloves. Lightweight glove liners, and a pair of wool/fleece gloves or mittens (May, June, September).
Socks. A light wool or synthetic liner sock with a heavier wool or synthetic outer sock. The inner-outer sock combination helps prevent blistering, wicks moisture and reduces friction. Cotton socks do not wick moisture and are not recommended.
Hiking Boots. Must provide stability, traction, and comfort. Unless you’ve consistently hiked in athletic shoes, bring boots that provide ankle support.