I've officially launched my trip! The first stop in Steamboat Springs. When I first moved to Colorado 8 years ago, the first hot springs I ever experienced was in this town. Strawberry Park is a wonderful place to soak...and in all the places I've been to in Colorado, it's still at the top of the list. It seemed only fitting to leave Colorado with one last visit. This time I was alone, which I thought would feel sad and wistful. Turns out, I was more than content. Blissful. I soaked early in the morning, and lounged in the sun. Temps were around 60-65. PERFECT.

I left by the afternoon to find my first place to camp out. I was determined not to pay at a campsite. My budget is damn tight. I ended up on a long, winding road with no public roads to pull off to. With light dwindling and a rainstorm coming in, I finally gave up and slept on the side of a road. Not the way I was hoping to start the trip, especially being a little skittish about being bothered by strangers. I woke up early and found a campsite to hang out in that appeared to be open, though not technically opened. No campground host in sight, I pulled in and set up for the evening. Mosquito-heaven. Poor Millie the Pooch was covered. The smoky fire, nor the spray repellant, seemed to be working. I scarfed my meal and we took cover for the night.

So far, this camping adventure is lackluster. On to Yellowstone!