July 10, 2010

Chuck drove the RV out of Moab and once we got to a fairly deserted area, I began my RV driving lessons. At first I was nervous and was constantly over-correcting. Eventually, however I became more comfortable and the roads to Roswell were great. I was still having a little problem with curbs - but hey, I do that in my car! I also refrained from driving into any gas stations for fear I'd take out a pump.

I was a little surprised that there weren't more people at Roswell but we heard that the numbers were down. The up-side was that it made it easier for us to meet and talk to some of the very top names in ufology. We were particularly interested in meeting Derrel Sims (the "Alien Hunter") and were honored when he and his co-author, Pat Gray, spent an evening with us and our friend Ron. Derrel and Pat's book is filled with all sorts of information on abductions and the science of documenting them. I had heard that mutilated cattle may have marks that fluoresce under a black light but had no idea that some human abductees have marks that show up under either infra red or ultraviolet light. The fluorescence is actually under the skin and doesn't wash off. Derrel is also the top investigator of implants, which is our area of greatest interest, so we're hoping we may be able to assist on his team sometime in the future.

I was also very moved to hear and meet Travis Walton. You may have seen the movie made about Travis' abduction, "Fire in the Sky." Travis is the individual who had been out working on a logging project and was returning home with his co-workers when they saw an unusual light in the forest. Travis got out of the truck and approached the light - when he was hit by a beam from a craft, lifted up and thrown. The incident was witnessed by all of those remaining in the truck - who were scared to death and took off. When they went back with the Sheriff to search for him, Travis was gone. He remained missing for about 4 days - until he came to on a rural road and made his way back to town. Travis is soft spoken and extremely credible. He said that there have been 16 lie detector tests given and passed re this event.

Our friend, Ron Regehr, gave a great presentation on the petroglyphs and pictographs that he has studied - some of which are believed to portray flying saucers. We were sorry to have missed Don Schmitt's talk but we did get to chat a bit with him and will see him later in the month in Denver. Don, who is from the greater Milwaukee area, is one of the most foremost Roswell investigators in the world.

We decided to head right to Grand Junction from Roswell as Chuck had an appointment with his orthopedic doctor and internist on July 9th. Little did we know that this change in itinerary would take us through mountain passes on the fabled MOST DANGEROUS HIGHWAY in America.

To add to the fun, Chuck had never instructed me in the use of the jake brake. I had no idea that I should turn it off when going down steep grades. We smelled a little rubber but didn't realize just how much smoke was billowing behind us until people started honking. We pulled over and Chuck immediately started hosing down the left rear tire and brake. When the smoke dissipated, we took the jake brake off and I resumed driving. He also told me to pump the brakes instead of holding the pedal down - some turns took 15 or more pumps on the pedal. The scenery was fantastic but I didn't dare look anywhere but the road while driving. We finally pulled into an RV park in Durango to rest. My nerves were frazzled and my right foot was exhausted!

The host at the RV park warned us about the remaining portion of our trip. It was worse!

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_550,

"Though the entire stretch has been called the Million Dollar Highway, it is really the twelve miles (19 km) south of Ouray through the Uncompahgre Gorge to the summit of Red Mountain Pass which gains the highway its name. This stretch through the gorge is challenging and potentially hazardous to drive; it is characterized by steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a lack of guardrails; the ascent of Red Mountain Pass is marked with a number of hairpin "S" curves used to gain elevation, and again, narrow lanes for traffic—many cut directly into the sides of mountains. Travel north from Silverton to Ouray allows drivers to hug the inside of curves; travel south from Ouray to Silverton perches drivers on the vertiginous outside edge of the highway. Large RVs travel in both directions, which adds a degree of excitement (or danger) to people in cars."

On the way up to the first pass, I noticed the "trans temp" light going on so we stopped and let the engine cool down. Now we had a problem going up and going down - and I kept wondering about the state of the brakes after the first day. Keep in mind that this is only the fourth day that I've driven the RV. "Pee my pants" was a phrase that kept coming to mind. When you see 10 mph road signs, you know it's not good. But - we made it and Chuck says that I am now a certified RV driver. That may be.... but I will never, NEVER, drive a 39 foot and towing RV on Hwy. 550 again.

Chuck's appointment with the ortho doc in Grand Junction went well and she removed the pins. He just has a removable splint now and will have a recheck when we get back to Wisconsin. The trip to the internist confirmed Chuck's suspicions - he had fractured 3 ribs when he fell out of the RV. Nothing to be done about it but continue to take drugs. Poor guy - no wonder he was so uncomfortable.

We are now back in Moab, UT so that Chuck can work with Ron on MUFON projects. Will head up to Denver around the 20th for the MUFON Symposium.

Warm regards - Vicki