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October 31, 2022

2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ Update

So, today I drove down the hill to work on getting the 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ registered. Last time I went to try to get the plates current, they told me that the Jeep needed an emissions test. (Same thing they told me on the BMW X3). So this time, I figured I'd better jump on it and get it done. So, I looked up the address of an emissions test facility close to the DMV office that I usually go to and I discovered that there's an emissions place right around the corner.

DMV Address: 11139 Bradford Rd, Littleton, CO

Emissions Test Address: Air Care Colorado, 10727 W Centennial Rd, Littleton, CO

So, what's funny is that someone was smart enough to build an emissions test facility about 100 yards from the DMV office. So, I drove the Jeep over there and got an emissions test. So, that part was good. Then, back to the DMV and they point out that it isn't my Jeep. It's Jennifer's Jeep. So, I call her and she only lives a stone's throw from the testing facility, so she comes over and signs something and now, I've got new plates and stickers for the Jeep, and it passed the emissions test.

Now, I'll point out something here that I probably shouldn't, but here's how the DMV works (at least the one at 111399 Bradfor Rd in Littleton). In theory, you're supposed to have an appointment. But in practice, you don't have to have an appointment. I'm down there all of the time because I've got 3 vehicles (BMW, Tahoe, Jeep) and 3 motorcycles, so it's basically a full time job to keep them all plated, insured, and registered.

Now, in theory, you're supposed to have an appointment. But in practice, you certainly don't need an appointment. I never have one when I go down there. I usually only have to wait 10-15 minutes. The trick to it is this - they schedule appointments at the top of the hour. So, if you show up at say 2:50 pm, the place is a ghost town. If you show up at 3:00 pm, the place is full of the 3:00 pm appointments.

So, as of today, I have one more vehicle running, registered, and insured. I'm thinking I'll tackle the KTM 990 next.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 31, 2022 at 7:57 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 30, 2022

2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ

Today, I started the 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ. Tomorrow (Monday 10/31/22), I will go to get the plates current down the hill. So, I'm getting close to having all of the vehicles running. Next project after the 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ is the KTM 990.

Vehicle Status:

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 30, 2022 at 6:02 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 29, 2022

Saturday 10/29/22

Today, Margie took me into Evergreen at around 5:30 pm and I picked up the Africa Twin from B&B Cycles. It has a new back tire on it now. And we rode back through Marshdale, me following her, and watching for deer. The temperature was about 44° F. We came up on a herd of about 4 deer on the shoulder, but fortunately they stayed on the shoulder.

My other project for today was to start trying to get the Jeep Wrangler TJ running. So, I've got the battery on the charger. Hoping to get the Jeep running, and then get the plates current on it maybe on Monday.

The BMW X3 is running and the plates on it are current, but I need to get it into the shop because I think the water pump isn't working as it's running hot.

Vehicle Status:

Tonight is JJ and Raquel's Halloween Party, so I've got to get ready for that, but I'm waiting on some clothes in the dryer before I can head over.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 29, 2022 at 7:07 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 27, 2022

First Snow of the Season


Yesterday (Thursday October 27th, 2022) we got about 5" of snow. This is the first measurable snow of the season.

The last measurable snowfall we got before that was about 3" of snow on Wednesday June 1st, 2022, when we lost power for 12 hours.

So that means that we had no measurable snowfall between June 1st, 2022 and Oct 27th, 2022. So we went roughly 5 months without any snow.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 27, 2022 at 4:49 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 26, 2022

2 More Street Legal Vehicles

Today, I picked up the Honda XR 650L from B&B Cycles in Evergreen, and dropped off the Africa Twin for a new back tire. Then, feeling motivated before the snow comes tomorrow, I went down the hill and tried to renew the plates on the Honda XR650L, the KTM 990, and the BMW X3. I went to the location I usually frequent, the DMV at 11139 Bradford Rd, Littleton, CO.

They were willing to give me new plates for the XR650L and the KTM 990, but balked at renewing the plates on the 2004 BMW X3 without an emissions test.

So, I put the new plates (with new stickers) on the XR650L and the KTM 990. Put the new registration paperwork in my wallet.

The BMW is running, but it's running hot. So maybe I need to add more antifreeze, I'm not sure. Definitely need to get it into the shop, but it's closed in the barn for tonight though.

I suppose the Jeep is next. Haven't looked at it yet. 2001 Jeep Wrangler TJ.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 26, 2022 at 6:11 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 25, 2022

Chevy Tahoe Turn Signals

Today, I decided to see if I could solve the problem of my turn signals not working on the Tahoe. While I was at the Walmart down the hill, I tried turning on my hazard lights and then got out and walked around the Tahoe. I was surprised to see that the tail lights seemed to be functioning normally. Because, when I used my turn signals, they didn't do anything. Didn't make a peep. No sound. No light. Nothing. But then, at some point, I realized that the hazard light switch/controller on the steering column was sort of uneven. Once the hazard switch on the steering console snapped into place, my turn signals started working again. So, crisis averted.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 25, 2022 at 9:24 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

The New Keurig

My old Keurig coffee maker gave up the ghost, so I finally broke down and bought the cheapest one I could fine at Walmart. I think it cost like $50. But I can't go on living without coffee. I should have taken my old Keurig coffee maker to the shooting range with Jen and Cody on Saturday, when she was shooting up her humidifier.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 25, 2022 at 9:04 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

The 2nd Cat Door

With bad weather bearing down upon us, I have decided to close the garage for the season. The problem is that the cats usually come and go from the yard to the house through a cat door that leads into the garage. So, if the garage door is closed, then they have to go through a 2nd cat door (off of the side of the garage) to get outside. So, I have the garage closed as of today, and the cats now have to go through 2 cat doors to get outside. I just want to make sure that they've got it all figured out before the snows come on Thursday (10/27/2022). So far, both cats seem to have come to grips with the second cat door. I just don't want them to get stranded outside in the snow come Thursday.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 25, 2022 at 8:57 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

2004 BMW X3

So, today I got the 2004 BMW X3 running. I was very proud of that accomplishment, but of course it can never be that simple. Now that it's running, I realize that it has some issues with the power steering. So, in theory, you'd think that you'd just put some power steering fluid in the power steering fluid reservoir, and then you'd be off to the races. But, I think I mentioned already that it can never be that simple.

For whatever reason, they don't want you to put power steering fluid into the power steering fluid reservoir. They want you to put....are you ready for this?....they want you to put Transmission Fluid into the Power Steering Fluid reservoir. I'm not making this up. :P


Posted by Rob Kiser on October 25, 2022 at 8:21 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

2004 BMW X3

Today, I got the BMW X3 battery charged, and then the BMW fired right up. So, it's running now, but it pretty much has no power steering.

So, I want to add some power steering fluid to the 2004 BMW X3.

The problem is, for some reason, they appear to want to put Automatic Transmission Fluid into the Power Steering Reservoir.

This video says to Use ATF Only on the power steering reservoir cap.

This website lists "2004 BMW X3 - Power Steering Fluid - Vehicle Specific" and says to use Automatic Transmission Fluid.

So, tonight I went back to Walmart (in Evergreen this time) and I bought some Automatic Transmission Fluid, which I will put in the X3's power steering reservoir tomorrow.

Then, I think I can renew the license plates and it should be good to go.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 25, 2022 at 6:18 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 24, 2022

Mail, Xcel, Chevy Tahoe, & BMW X3

Today, I checked my mail, and this time I found my motorcycle insurance. So, that's a big win. As of today, I now have a valid driver's license, valid insurance on my motorcycles, and proof of such in my wallet.

I paid my Xcel natural gas bill. Got that taken care of.

Then, I topped off the fluids on the Tahoe (oil, anti-freeze radiator coolant, windshield washer fluid). I still need to take the Tahoe in to see where it's leaking anti-freeze from. Radiator or one of the hoses must have a leak somewhere.

Then, I started charging the BMW X3 battery on the trickle charger. See if I can't get that one running.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 24, 2022 at 6:13 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 23, 2022

Gutters

Today, I cleaned out all of my gutters, as we're supposed to have some snow coming, and I can't remember the last time I cleaned them out. In the process, the cats managed to get out on the roof, and they were pretty pleased about that because I don't think they've ever been out there before. Gave them a new perspective.

I worked up on the roof for several hours, using the hose to clean out all of the debris. I definitely need to get a new roof, but that's not something I'm going to tackle today.

It snowed on me 3 times today while I was working on the gutters. (It didn't stick at all, and it wasn't very cold, but it did snow lightly, and very briefly at various times through the day.)

I also recently replaced my old mailbox with a new one I found in the garage. So I got that installed, and when I checked my mail today (Sunday), I found my new driver's license in the mail. So that was a nice find.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 23, 2022 at 9:58 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 20, 2022

Mailbox Drama

Now that I'm watching my mail for things like OHV permits, driver's license, and motorcycle insurance, it occurs to me that I should replace my mailbox, as the current mailbox doesn't have a door on it. And I didn't get any mail at all yesterday, which is unusual. So I started digging around in the garage and found the old mailbox door, and a brand new mailbox. So, I went to Walmart(Evergreen) first and got hardware (small bolts/nuts) to fix the door. Fixed the door on the existing mailbox. Then went back to Walmart (down the hill) and got the letters/numbers to put on the new mailbox. Removed the old mailbox, and installed the new one.Then put KISER 6778 on it. So, now I have a new mailbox with a door that works and my name/address on it. Woohoo!

Also, tomorrow is trash day, so I took all of my trash out as my trash cans were pretty full. Hopefully the bears won't get it tonight.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 20, 2022 at 7:44 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 18, 2022

OHV Permit

Today, I decided to renew the OHV permit on my green Honda ATV. I talked to them at B&B Cycles today about it, but it seemed like it would be easier to go down the hill and get it taken care of there. This is handled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, so I went to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office at 13787 U.S. 85 Littleton, CO 80125 (303) 791-1954 and just showed them a photo of my old OHV sticker on the ATV, and they gave me a temporary permit which I put in my wallet, but said to watch the mail for the new sticker. So, I'm watching the mail for my OHV permit, but have the temporary one in my wallet in the meantime.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 18, 2022 at 7:31 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 11, 2022

Pass Bagger: Georgia Pass - 10/11/2022

Today, I figured I'd go up and hit Georgia Pass. I just did Boreas Pass Thursday on 10/6/22. So I figured I'd go for Georgia Pass. The 14'ers look really cool now that they've all got a covering of snow on them.

Left house at 2:30 p.m. 0.0 miles
Bailey at 3:00 p.m. 22 miles. 63F.
Jefferson at 3:27 p.m. 45 miles. 57F.
Georgia Pass at 3:55 p.m. 57 miles. 48F.
Jefferson at 4:34 p.m. 69 miles. 54F.
Kenosha Pass 4:45 p.m. 73 miles. 57F.
Bailey 5:08 p.m. 92 miles. 63F.
Conifer 5:26 p.m. 108 miles. 72F.

Pretty cold up at the summit. I think I'm going to have to start wearing my ski gloves when I'm riding.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 11, 2022 at 7:08 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 7, 2022

Ground Squirrels Hibernate for the Winter

Yesterday, when I was coming back from my ride across Boreas Pass, I stopped to feed the chipmunks and ground squirrels at the Phoenix Mine. Although there were plenty of Least Chipmunks (roughly 7), there were no Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels. This was the 2nd time I made this observation. It bothered me enough that I looked it up and it appears that the Ground Squirrels have gone into hibernation, but the Least Chipmunks do not hibernate.

I'm not sure when the Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels went into hibernation, but the last photo I took of them was September 6th, 2022. My best guess as to when they went into hibernation would be around September 1st, 2022.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 7, 2022 at 10:27 AM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 6, 2022

Boreas Pass

So, this week, the temperatures have been a little lower as we slide into October. But I figured, what the hell....put on some long johns under my riding gear and go for a ride. I decided to do Boreas Pass, as the leaves are changing rapidly, but I figured I'd check out the pass and see how it looked.

Left the house at 2:000 p.m. Got back about 6:30 p.m. I don't like to stay out any later due to the elk/deer wandering the roads at night. The coldest it ever got was 50F, but with all my riding gear on, I wasn't cold at all. I did stop at the Phoenix Mine on the way back, and counted 7 chipmunks, but no Ground Squirrels. This is the 2nd time in a row that I've gone to the mine to feed the Chipmunks and Ground Squirrels, but not seen any Ground Squirrels.

This map says it's 136 miles.

When I got back to Evergreen Lake, there were 3 elk, mom, dad, and a baby, and a double rainbow. Very nice out, but I'm so not ready for winter.

I left at 2:00 p.m., and got back at about 6:30 p.m., but I stopped and fed the chipmunks at the Phoenix Mine and then stopped to shoot the elk and rainbows at Evergreen Lake.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 6, 2022 at 7:25 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

October 2, 2022

Guanella Pass

Today, I did Guanella Pass. Very nice colors as we get further into the Fall.

Grant to Guanella Pass:
The southern part of the pass (from Grant to Guanella Pass) is alternately referred to as:

From Grant, Colorado (Elevation 8,606'), the road goes north for 13.2 miles to the summit (11,669'). The mile markers go from 1 to 13 as you ride north, climbing Guanella Pass.

3 miles south of the summit, as you're heading north, you cross from Park County into Clear Creek County. As you're driving north from Grant on Guanella Pass Road, at the 10.5 mile mile-marker, there's a sign that says "Entering Clear Creek County". (Alternately, if you're heading south from Guanella Pass summit, there's a sign on the south-bound side that says "Park County"). Both of these signs are just a few feet south of the Geneva Basin Road.

Continuing North, the summit of Guanella Pass is approximately 3 miles further with parking lots on both sides of the road. So, the south side of the pass (from Grant to the summit) is approximately 13.2 miles.

Guanella Pass to Georgetown:
The northern part of the pass (from Guanella Pass to Georgetown) is 10.8 miles down the road that is alternately referred to as:

From the summit, the mile markers go from 14 to 24 as you ride north, descending from Guanella Pass (11,669') to Georgetown (8,540').

So, it looks like the total mileage from Grant to Georgetown is roughly 24 miles.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 2, 2022 at 6:49 PM : Comments (0) | Permalink

South Park Leafers

Brian and Karen are on a tour of the U.S. mainland in a camper/van they decided to stop by for a visit. I hadn't seen them in years, and it was great to catch up as we rode through the Rocky Mountains checking out the rapidly changing colors of Fall. We did Guanella Pass and then Kenosha Pass. Standing at the summit of Kenosha Pass, Brian was impressed by the massive fields of South Park.

Of course, I'm always reminded that there are two "parks", "North Park" and "South Park". And of the two "parks", only one is in Park County. The southern most park of the two parks is "South Park", but "South Park" is not in the southern part of Park County. It's in northern end of Park County.

And "North Park", the park that is probably not as well known, is not in Park County at all. It's actually situated around Walden, Colorado, in Jackson County, Colorado.

Here's a map that shows "North Park" and "South Park", but the browser automatically changes "South Park" to "Fairplay".


Here's a link to the map of South Park and North Park that I found at the Great Western Inn in Salida, CO at some point in the past.

Posted by Rob Kiser on October 2, 2022 at 8:18 AM : Comments (0) | Permalink