Strange weather and more strange things

Well, we're sort of settled in among these hills in what they call the high desert. We're at 5,000 feet above sea level and it's supposed to be hot and dry. But we talked with a native who said there's been a light rain here nearly every evening and it's expected again today. The ground seems very dry, but the air is a bit heavy, almost humid. Not like South Dakota, but not like the arid climate we thought we'd see. The storms are very different here. Scattered across the sky and you can see the rain falling and the lightning with it, lots of lightning, but in a very small space. There may be a little wispy storm here, then blue sky, then another wispy storm over there, and more blue sky. Very strange.

We left South Dakota just before the fall allergy season hit and I thought we had it beat. But in Loveland and even Estes Park, the symptoms followed. So, we thought for sure once we got over the mountains into the dryer land we'd be free and clear. No such luck. The sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes have follwed me here. Rats. Allergies - 2 Jill - 0
This may be a short visit.

We are in a beautiful valley that grows lots of produce and we are headed out to the orchards today. Well, at least that what we had planned to do. Can you say 'car trouble'? Again?
While going over the mountains, in which we were going about 20 miles per hour at times, we were driving along and the suburban just quit. The engine just stopped running. I pulled over, Gary looks things over, opens the gas cap, closes it and it started. Talk about strange. Then, we pull into the RV park, unhook everything and decide which Mexican restaurant we were going to try, and the suburban is dead. Just will not start. Battery is good, everything seems fine, it just won't start. How crazy. So, we went for a walk, had some popcorn and went to bed!
And we'll have to call a garage to figure out what's wrong. Gary thinks it's the fuel pump, of which we just replaced before we left South Dakota!!! Hopefully we won't have to walk everywhere, or heaven forbid, rollerblade!!!! AAAAHHHH!! Does anyone have a good diesel pickup for sale??!

What's also strange about this area is the landscape. It's got these rocky flat-topped hills everywhere, and these trees that I have never seen before. They are tall and fluffy like a gigantic mushroom. They are beautiful and when you come over the hill atop the valley, they cover the area like a cloud. The valley is plush and green due to the irrigation and there are miles of orchards all over. Then the hillside is very dry and sandy, without a tree or bush to be seen. Some of the soil is blood red and some is a light tan color. It almost looks like Arizona without the cactus. The Colorado river flows through here and we've seen lots of people in canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Ideal for whitewater rafting, which we hope to do sometime.

Well, we are headed for the Old Spanish Trail, which we have nicknamed, the Old Spinach Trail, just for fun. Have a great Thursday!
Blessings,
jill and all