Saturday, July 12
The Perfect Tow Vehicle carries Bridget, Spike, and me down the dirt forest road along the great meadow that is the magnificent, front yard of our camp. A bright blue sky, clear except for fluffy white clouds, signals that it’s a great day to see Flaming Gorge for the first time.
Meadow at “Field of Flowers Camp,” Ashley National Forest, Utah
I point the PTV northward on Highway 191.
Two miles and we stop at Lodgepole Campground where I fill up the drinking jugs with water from the shared spigot. It being a Saturday, the campground is jammed. I shake my head. People pay for this while we have privacy, peace, and a beautiful view at our camp for free!
At Greendale Junction, I take Highway 44 west.
A sign says “Greendale Overlook.” Well, we’re tourists today. Gotta’ stop and take a picture!
Bridget barks frantically. “No, you can’t get out here, baby. I’ll let you out in a little while.”
I’m pleased that there isn’t much haze this morning.
Back on the road, we go a short distance and I turn right toward Red Canyon Overlook.
On the way, we stop at Greens Lake.
“This is a good place for you guys to have a little enjoyment.”
I put Bridget and Spike in their black suits and walk them on-leash along the edge of the small lake. Two birds in trees on opposite sides of the lake alternately squawk to each other.
I toss the crew back into the PTV. “Okay, you’ve had your fun. Now it’s my turn.”
We pass the entrances to Greens Lake Campground and Canyon Rim Campground.
I’ll take a look at them on the way out. Right now I want to see the Gorge!
I park the PTV in the Visitor Center parking lot, crack the windows, and say goodbye to the crew. Inside the Center I’m drawn to a room filled with light. I say hello and smile at the gentleman at the reception area and walk to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Oh, my! Isn’t that a beautiful sight! Wow!”
I go outside for a better look and to take photos. The intense blue of the water looks like a solid floor. I’m here at the perfect time. No dark shadows and clear light!
Flaming Gorge as seen from Red Canyon Overlook
In order to perceive the depth of the canyon (as much as that’s possible!), look at the tiny green dots on the opposite side in the photo above. Those are trees.
This next view is looking east.
I walk the paved path along the edge of the cliff.
Thank God in all His heavenly glory, the path is on THIS side of a four-foot high, chain-link fence. I grasp the fence tightly, not only to steady the camera, but also to steady me!
This scene is to the southwest with Red Canyon out of frame on the right.
The white wake of a motorboat is the only imperfection on the water’s surface.
I briefly browse the Visitor Center.
Books, maps, souvenirs, geology displays, taxidermy of wildlife and so forth. I don’t watch the movie, being mindful of the crew waiting in the PTV.
Well, that’s Flaming Gorge. Amazing!
The crew and I will remain at “Field of Flowers Camp” for several more days.
It’s an excellent base camp for exploring the southern end of Flaming Gorge. I expect to take more photos of the Gorge from a different viewpoint within the next few days.
On the return to Highway 44, we cruise through Canyon Rim and Greens Lake Campgrounds ($18 reg./$9 senior pass). The man at the Visitor Center told me they aren’t utilized as much as the campgrounds over near Dutch John. I can see why… very little shade and mostly tent sites or short sites, and primitive. Not much demand when free, spacious, secluded, beautiful, dispersed camping is plentiful in Ashley National Forest a short distance away!
We continue westward on Highway 44.
I want to take a look at the Sheep Creek area. After driving several miles, the terrain becomes more — how shall I say? — more challenging.
As beautiful as the Sheep Creek Canyon Loop may be, I don’t feel like driving through what you see in the photo above. Not in the mood for that today. At the first opportunity, I turn around.
Change of plan!
A glance at the Utah Benchmark Atlas and I decide to take us to Brownie Lake instead.
The road is dirt and in fairly good shape. It winds through scenic countryside. Spike barks at the free-ranging cows crossing the road ahead and grazing alongside of us.
All along this drive I look for possible campsites for us. I don’t see anything that would warrant hauling the Best Little Trailer all the way up this road. Also, the closer we get to the campground the more ATVs meet or pass us.
By the time we reach Brownie Lake, I’m convinced I don’t want to camp there.
The water level is low, leaving a muddy shoreline. People and dogs hang out in the day use parking lot. I hear a gunshot (or maybe it’s a firecracker) over by the campground.
I don’t bother to get out of the PTV.
I take this photo from the driver’s seat.
I circle the parking lot and head back the way we came.
Dark clouds in mid-afternoon are typical. They’ve dropped rain in brief showers on our camp for two consecutive days. Our route home takes us away from the clouds in this photo.
Oh well, Brownie Lake Campground is not for us. It doesn’t matter. There are plenty of places to camp, places far nicer than any campground, in Ashley National Forest.
I enjoy the scenery all the way back to our camp.
Even when the world around us is spectacularly beautiful, after a day of sight-seeing, our sweet, little home is the best sight of all!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Display at the Red Canyon Visitor Center
So Beautiful!!
So far I have just fallen in love with Utah. I love Ashley National Forest.
Jolene/Iowa: Utah is by far our favorite state. So much to see and the diversity is amazing!
Hey, Chuck and Geri . . . When’s our next rendevous? 🙂
With all the rain we’ve had in FL so far, we’ll probably float out there! Volunteer gigs thru Sept of 2015 with only 3 months off Jan-Mar 2015, so hard to say. A lot dpends on the $$$ of gas. Miss you Gal!!!!!
AAcckkk! You’re booked solid except for 3 months? My hopes are dashed. Miss you, too.
Hi, jolene/iowa,
Have you been to Ashley NF or do you love it because of the photos seen here?
No, I have never been in Utah at all. It is because of what you are showing us in your blog! Just lovely!!
🙂
So glad to see you there!! It is beautiful. While there, 3 years ago, there was a huge storm, and a man on one of the overlooks was struck by lightning, and we witnessed it happen, his reaction, and the quick action of the employees for his after care. There is an aure about the place, first experienced by my father, and I found it the same! Have total fun, and find great peace!!
That would have been so scary to witness. I hope he was ok after he was struck by lightning.
Hi, B Beck,
I’ll assume that storm arrived very quickly. Standing on an overlook during a storm with the possibility of lightning isn’t very wise.
Beautiful pictures. It felt like I was there. You can really tell that they have been in draught for a long time. The water levels are so low. I sometimes go to your pictures just to relax during a busy day. They make me feel good. Stay safe and as always thanks for taking us along. It is cool here and going to rain this afternoon. Our summer has been very different. We have gotten lots of rain and no days above low 90’s. In fact, we have had alot of days in the low 80’s. That is unheard of in this part of the country. I am not complaining, I am enjoying it. Be safe and take care.
Hi, Jean,
That is unusual for the South. Yes, enjoy it. Ten degrees lower than usual in mid-July is nice. I hope it lasts!
Spectacular indeed! The Gorge looks ‘gorge’ous (sorry, I just had to) and majestic. I am definitely adding this one to my list of visits.
Hi, ZenOnWheels,
I’ve wanted to tell you, Michael, you’re blog is off to a wonderful start. Your writing style is excellent and the content is top-notch. My oh my, retirement at age 46!
I just have to chime in and agree. Your blog has become my second “must read.” (You know your still #1 Sue)
As someone who is yearning and learning, through folks like you that take the time and have the talents to share your journey it is greatly appreciated. I especially enjoy that you seem to feel free to share your learning curve and let us learn with you. Thanks
46? Dang where did we go wrong? You’re in a lovely spot!! Anywho….the photos of the “Flaming George” *giggle* (that tickled me to tears… from one of the comment threads) are awesome. It reminds me of the Green River in southern Utah Canyonlands NP and the Horseshoe Bend in AZ outside of Page….where my sister blew up 2 boiled eggs in a microwave oven..lol The BR Foothills were cooler! Of course I didn’t want to return to the heat but——
You lost me at BR Foothills. What? Where?
Thanks, Sue, for sharing your explorations. Your investigations and suggestions are so valuable. You have really put in some serious footwork in order to enlighten your readers about the northern Utah region. Thanks, again, so much. I may never make it there, but it is satisfying enough to know it’s possible. As with all your past posts, there is a gold mine of information. I have taken to going back to your 2012 journeys, and I am enjoying every bit of it. I may just plan a trip to S. Dakota, and probably into Iowa where my son lives.
HAHA! I just read about Brooks Lake in WY last night! Not goin’ there too soon!
God speed, Good Lady!
You’re welcome, Diann . . .
The “serious footwork” I’ve done has been living each day as I want and recording what I see and learn. My first two years on the road– 2012 and 2013– were grand sweeps of the West. I wanted to get a sense of the breadth of the West and toured several states in a large loop.
This year I’ve slowed down and focused on Utah. It’s been just as much fun. Part of the fun has been sharing it with my readers.
The part I saw of South Dakota was fascinating. Do take some time to experience that state on the way to see your son.
Beautiful Gorgeous places you have taken your Blogerino’s through this morning!
Cannot imagine how, in my 30 years of RV’ing I do not remember traveling in that
area!
Thanks for all you do girl friend, YOU are such a great example of a GREAT RV’r!
Hugz to you and your Furkidz…..
You’re welcome, Elizabeth. What a happy message!
I wonder if Flaming Gorge is bypassed for the popular National Parks clustered in southern and central Utah.
Thanks, Sue. I am so enjoying adventuring with you!
You’re welcome, loraceel. I’m glad you found my blog!
What gorgeous place you explore! Your chosen campsite is home sweet home; you picked the best spot in the area.
You know, Marcia? I haven’t seen every bit of the area, but you may be right. So far I think this campsite is the best!
I had forgotten how beautiful the water is at the gorge. Your blog just makes me want to wander farther than Gooseneck state park and Monument Valley as I did this year. Except for short day traffic it was a bare campground and no trees. Ha
Hi, Mary Alice,
A bare campground at Monument Valley? Gooseneck is bare but it isn’t a campground.
Isn’t the water at the Gorge an exquisite blue? I’ve only seen water that blue one other time and I’ve been wracking my brain trying to remember where it was. Maybe Crater Lake, but I’m not sure. I suspect it isn’t that color all the time. The light has to be right.
Sue, you’re makin’ me miss Utah. As different from Florida as day is to night! Great pictures as always!
Thanks, Chuck. Love Utah! I’m in no hurry to leave . . .
Thanks for another post filled with so much to enjoy!There’s a lot of beautiful scenery,a nice view of how you three as family navigate the day,and just for an extra treat,cows alongside,sigh…Got a chuckle from your gratitude for the chain fence.I once felt a sudden great affection for the ladder I clung to on a tall silo when I’d turned my head too quickly to hear something.That feeling sure gets your attention,now don’t it??!!Plus taxidermy,Yikes,discussing that subject’s about as much fun as rollin’ in a pricker patch.
It’s good to note that dispersed camping being your strong preference,you never discount campgrounds offhand as holding potential for a choice that suits certain situations.Balanced thinking, that is helpful for people to emulate.
The seventh photo today held it’s own balance-vertical/horizontal,lined/rounded elements,angles and sweeps-,very artful.The BLT still takes the prize though, for just making me feel good. 🙂
Hi, weather,
It makes me happy to read your analysis of the 7th photo. When I took that photo I was thinking, “This scene is rock, trees, mountain, and sky and because “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” it can compete on the page with the magnificent Red Canyon.
You’re right. I do like to check out all options, including campgrounds, as long as they aren’t too pricey. I’m also investigating some more forest roads in the event we return to this area and this camp is occupied. I enjoy searching for camps.
Climbing a silo… I grew up around silos, but I never climbed one. 🙂
I think I know now why Spikey likes his bones so much….he’s getting his revenge on the cows!! 😀
Spike has had a few confrontations with nosy bovines. The herd of cows — one hundred strong — that approached our campsite in Arizona was a traumatic experience for Spike. He had to run toward them, grab his bone, and hide it under the BLT while all those eyes glared at him. 😉
How peaceful!
The gorge is breathtaking….and that blue is so rich! Thanks for taking us to so many wonderful places.
You’re welcome, Cinandjules. That blue is stunning. I wasn’t sure the camera would pick it up. I’m very pleased with the resulting photo.
Wow! Those photos are beautiful!
Thank you Sue and Crew :+).
You’re welcome, Betty-Shea!
Found this interactive map that seems to be accurate..
Anyone have experience with finding forest service roads?
http://apps.fs.usda.gov/TravelAccess/
Cool app, Rand! I like how you can choose what type of vehicles are allowed on the road. I can find roads where ATVs aren’t allowed!
I find forest roads three different ways:
1) On the pages of my Benchmark atlases. They show the major forest roads. Then I can scout them for spur roads.
2) MVUMs (Motor Vehicle Usage Maps). These can be downloaded as PDFs from the forest service district website. Or they can be picked up at forest service offices.
3) Exploring, following my intuition and analyzing the landscape with the help of #1 above.
Any readers have something to add regarding finding forest roads?
Thanks, Rand.
Good golly, Miss Sue!! Outstanding post and pictures! Count me in on the love affair with Utah. I’m familiar with the southern regions and Salt Lake City-Park City area, but I obviously have missed so much more of the beauty in this state. Who needs the cable TV Travel channel when we have RV Sue and Crew? Strong work, Lady. Be safe and travel on!
Audrey
Hi, Audrey,
It’s easy to miss a lot of the delights of Utah because there are so many! This is a boondocker’s paradise. It’s July and one day after another is like a fresh day in Spring. Thanks for the compliments!
Your blog is always my most favorite 🙂 I live in SLC, UT. When you said you left your dogs in the van, I cringed. It’s pretty much a daily thing to hear about dead dogs in the news here 🙁 Even with the windows fully open, dogs still die in vehicles. Yesterday a woman left 2 dogs in her car while grocery shopping. Top news story. Be careful for you and your dog’s sake. It’s not unheard of to get the vehicle window bashed in and pets taken away permanently. Tempers and temperatures are running hot in Utah.
Wendy . . . No need to be concerned about the crew. It’s cool at this elevation, much cooler than SLC.
The morning we were at the Gorge I was wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up a bit. The PTV is insulated through-out and has tinted windows. When I returned to the PTV it was more comfortable inside than most of the homes on this planet. When I wrote recently about a hot day, we were in Vernal, a much lower altitude in the Uinta Basin.
I’d never do anything that would put my precious crew at risk, other than the low-risk that is inherent in a fully-lived life. It’s good to remind everyone of the dangers of hot vehicles. Thanks.
I assumed that you were at the Visitor Center, where you left the Crew in the PTV, between 10 – 11am. The temperature at Dutch John was 71-75 while it was 85-87 in Salt Lake City during those hours. If you were earlier than that then the temperatures were even less.
If you can not leave the Crew inside the PTV with temperatures below 75 then I cringe that you have them living with you in the BLT where it could get hot even with the windows open.
If the woman that left her dogs in her car while shopping in SLC did so during the hours of 3 -7pm then the temperatures were 96-97.
Stomp on yer brakes!
Sue finds the best possible site for the BLT and PTV..always with the crew’s best interest. She wouldn’t leave them in danger at any time.
Most of her day is spent OUTSIDE the BLT …when the temps may get the hottest! Cringe??? Why are you telling this woman how to live her life…what’s right what’s wrong? Last I knew you two weren’t married!
She is very cautious with safety in mind.
Thanks, Cinandjules, for rushing to my defense.
I think Wendy wrote from the viewpoint of someone sweltering in Salt Lake City and naturally became concerned for the crew. I don’t mind and didn’t take offense.
That wasn’t directed at Wendy….. 😉
🙂
Cindy… Please do me a favor. Would you email Rusty and make sure he’s okay? My phone and email are temporarily out of service and he hasn’t commented here in a long while. Let him know I haven’t been able to answer emails. Thanks.
Done…
He’s been busy outside with yard work, dr appts….computer got infected and he ran out of GB last week.
It’s all good now!
Thanks Cindy….if you hadn’t jumped in, I would have. I think we have more than ample evidence that Sue is very conscientious about pet care for the nut cakes, and also very aware of the environment and what could pose a threat to them. While people may think they are posting helpful data, I think it could be done with a bit more consideration.
I actually think more moolah is spent on the crews diet! Not to mention the preparation of pre-browning a raw diet! Hahhhhhhh the pecking order is apparent!
🙂 Desert Woman rocks!
Thanks, Cindy, for contacting Rusty for me.
Anytime!
Hi, Ed,
You’re my Fact Man! I throw out statements, willy-nilly, and you appear with the facts to back them up. Thanks, Ed.
It was between 9 and 9:30 when we were at the Visitor Center.
Here are two links to make a small AC for your small trailer. This will allow you to stay away from the pups longer, but know that they are not over heating in the trailer. I have used this on many occasions and my dogs have stayed cool and comfortable.
http://www.stage2omega.com/homemade-ac-air-cooler-diy-can-be-solar-powered-homeauto-air-cooler-40f-air-12vdc-fan/
http://wilkerdos.blogspot.com/2013/07/diy-ac-ice-chest.html
The first one can be done with a sharp knife, the second would be best with a drill and correct bit for the tubing.
Love these ideas! Sent one to my girlfriend.
That is very interesting, Bee. I appreciate you putting the information and links here as there may be folks living off-grid who could put it to good use.
I don’t leave Bridget and Spike at home in the BLT during the warm months. I hardly ever leave them, even when it’s cool. Once in a very great while I’ll leave them to go out to dinner at a restaurant or in someone’s RV. On the rare occasions I have a meal at someone’s campsite, I usually bring the crew along and set up their pen.
Even so, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of these things! Thanks for the links.
We call those swamp coolers. We can’t use them with any success here in humid southern IL, but I think those in dry climates can.
It sure is pretty country. Thanks for the wonderful photos. However, where is the flaming part of Flaming Gorge. I expected red dirt or vegetation. No disappointment, just wondering.
Hi, kristine,
The canyon walls are a reddish hue. You’re right. I’d hardly call them flaming at Red Canyon. Maybe John Wesley Powell, who named it Flaming Gorge, saw something different than what I photographed. Quite possibly the rock cliffs of the canyon turn brilliant at sunset. Surmising here, don’t really know.
The site onlineutah.com has this to say about how the canyon once looked, before the dam, of course:
“Another notable feature of the canyons was the wildlife and the vegetation. Unlike the sagebrush flats upstream and the deserts downstream, these were mountain canyons, cut right through the heart of the Uintas. Ponderosa pines and willows fringed beaches of white sand; in the bigger bottoms stood stately old cottonwoods. There was no tamarisk. In a number of places, clear, cold mountain streams entered the main canyon, full of native trout. Big squawfish and humpback chub (both now almost extinct) lazed in the eddies. Other wildlife was plentiful, too.” — Utah History Encyclopedia
LATER: I found this on Wikipedia: “The canyon for which the dam is named for [sic] is buried under the reservoir, almost 20 miles (32 km) upstream.”
I agree pic #7 is wonderful, but my favorite is the one with the cows. Love the black against the blue and green background. I’m not familiar with Utah at all, so it’s nice to get a glimpse. Another great post, Sue!
Thanks, Applegirl. Livestock or wildlife add a lot to landscape photos. I like the mountains of this area. Some are steep and majestic with deep canyons, while others are gently sloped, reaching down to soft meadows.
My, oh my! Those pictures are gorgeous! And I know it was more beautiful in person. The colors, the height, the contrasts – Wow!
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, Susan. Flaming Gorge ranks high on my list of gorgeous vistas I’ve seen.
I too just love the sight of your little trailer; there is no place like home, is there?
Although the gorge is lovely, your little meadow full of flowers is perfect. I arose this morning, made myself a cup of decaf coffee with cream and some toast with peanut butter. As I was enjoying breakfast I thought that the only thing that could have made it better would be to have awakened in your flower meadow and be enjoying my breakfast on a picnic table outside my home on wheels, like you do. Probably every day!
But do you have a way to make toast? Not sure I can survive without crunchy toast.
Hi, Ginger,
I have breakfast outside or at my laptop table while online. I spend a great deal of time every day outside the BLT and love to eat meals in the fresh air.
I pined for toast for the first year or so of full-timing. Then I met some folks camping at Burro Creek Rec Area near Wikieup, AZ, and they had a camp toaster sitting on their propane grill. When they explained what the contraption was for, I was ecstatic! I love toast with coffee.
The camp toaster holds up to four slices. I put it over one of the burners of my propane stove in my kitchen. Works great!
Coghlan’s 504D Camp Stove Toaster
As I type this it’s only about six bucks. Hint: It’s not good to use it on a burner that has drips on it as the camp toaster will make them hard to clean. Clean before using it.
Wow! I might get one to use at home. The reviews say it makes better toast. I can practically live on toast with a scrambled egg, or various toppings like peanut butter or cream cheese. I cooked well-balanced meals for my kids for twenty plus years…am happy with toast and fruit for myself now. I’m a good cook, but rarely spend the time.
By the way Sue, I’m seriously looking at Algodones and may go soon for glasses. Was wondering if you could share name of dentist you used. Or if you know of a site where I could get Algadones dental referrals?
I don’t know that the toast is any better cooked on a camp toaster. Maybe it is and I don’t notice.
I can’t find the card for the dentist at the Ja-Bal Clinic. I was treated very well at the Clinic, both for dental and optical. All the dental work I had done was a cleaning and a simple extraction which doesn’t reveal much about the expertise of the dentist.
Ja’Bal Optical and Dental Clinic
The Ultimate Guide to Dental Work in Los Algodones, Mexico
READERS: Can you recommend a dentist in Los Algodones?
DesertGinger, if you want to read about Sues visit to Los Algodones look at her February 4-7, 2014 post.
Ginger… See the comment from Gingersnaps below.
Also here’s a link to my post “A Friendly Welcome to Los Algodones”
Thanks for the help!
Amazing photos. And I agree with Ginger tourist spots and scenic vistas are wonderful but I imagine that there’s nothing like coming home to the BLT with a loving crew in tow. As always thank you so much. Getting to know this blog has been such a blessing.
Just one question as it’s hard to tell from the photos. Are you close enough to the highway to hear road noise?
Hi, Rick,
One of the reasons I favor travel trailers is the “coming home” aspect. It’s always a pleasure to have my eggy home waiting for us in a pretty spot.
I can hear highway noise from here. The traffic is very light and I have to focus my attention on the sound of the vehicles in order to notice them. It’s not at all annoying or disturbing. When relaxing in my lounger, I often will watch the vehicles coming down the mountain and across the valley.
I’m very pleased my blog is a blessing for you. Thank you for telling me so.
I’ve been on vacation in CO and am a little behind with reading your blog. When I saw your elk photos, I knew I had to share one I’d taken last week. It’s fabulous, if I do say so myself! 🙂
If you would like to see it, click on my name which will take you to my Flickr account. I have several more photos with multiple bull elk but haven’t yet uploaded them to Flickr but plan to do so tonight.
Hi, Crystal,
Which album is it? My connection is slow and it’s taking forever trying to load all the albums.
Okay, now I see your comment where you suggest clicking on Photostream. I’ll try that.
It’s not placed in an album. Click on “Photostream”, or my name. I corrected the link and it should go to Photostream instead of sets/albums. It should be the first photo until I add the others.
Wow! That’s some rack on that elk! Thanks for sharing it with us. Now I have a new quest … 🙂
I recently added others. I will place them in an album later. Since I’ve said they’re in Photostream, I’ll leave them be for a couple of days. Glad you enjoyed them 🙂
Sue, is Flaming Gorge a fee area? Also, are you seeing any postings warning of bears? I’m guessing this is bear country.
I spent way too much time on the ‘puter this afternoon trying to find your camp on Google earth. I can see where forest road 062 crosss US 191 and that area is known as Francis Creek Meadow. The imagery date is from March of ’12 and there is still tons of snow on the ground making it really difficult to see any thing off of the main road. Your elevation is roughly 8170’. Just thought others may like to know since we’re all so taken by your surroundings.
Audrey
Hi, Audrey,
The elevation sounds correct (maybe a bit low) because the summit is nearby and it is higher than here and close 9,000 feet. The meadow is called Cart Creek Meadow. There’s a sign by an interpretive display with the name of the meadow on it.
I don’t know anything about Francis Creek Meadow. It could be a duplicate name. There are a lot of large meadows on the east end of Ashley NF. Bowden Draw is a road that goes to the east side of Hwy 191 a short distance south of here. (In fact I can see it from my front door.) It leads to a huge meadow over on the other side of a ridge.
Yes, this is bear country! Signs are posted everywhere. Flaming Gorge Recreation Area is a fee area. However, heh-heh, for Seniors with the pass it is free!
Since I have a pass I didn’t pay any attention to the fees. I do remember seeing you can pay for one-day, a week, or a year.
Thank you, Sue. I found Cart Creek Meadow on Google Earth. You are a wee bit north of where I pegged you. I got me a senior pass, too. One of the best deals I’ve ever gotten for $10!
Audrey
You found us… great!
You’re right. The Senior Pass is the best deal ever. Be sure not to lose the hang-tag. It’s required to be hanging from the mirror while at Flaming Gorge Rec Area. There’s a fine if it’s not visible.
You may have to click on “photostream”.
I found him, Crystal! What a grand fellow he is! How memorable was that shot, huh?
Is that your T@B? Very, very Cute with a capital “C”.
Audrey
Yes, that was memorable! Yes, that’s my T@B. Love her!! Hoping to head out with her today for a long weekend 🙂
Hi Sue,
What beautiful pictures! The river snakes through the canyon like a silky ribbon. Just lovely! I knew that you would be sharing yet another spectacular place with us – thank you!!
Your last picture made me smile. Home sweet, cozy little home! 🙂
Hope you and the Crew enjoy the evening. Sweet dreams are sure to be had in the field of many flowers!
P.S. “Don’t hurry. Be happy.” Love your sweet little note at the very end of this post, Sue! 🙂
Just realized the “Don’t worry. Be Happy.” is the link to the previous post. Sigh….I attribute my “duh” moment to a long day at work! Oh well, I love the post title! 🙂
“Sweet dreams are sure to be had in the field of flowers.” Love that statement!
However, last night… or I should say, this morning… sweet dreams were not to be had. I don’t want to explain here… I’ll be writing a post about the incident that occurred at 4:30 this morning. Everyone is fine…
I hope you are enjoying the evening, too, Denise.
Glad that you all are ok. Hope tonight is peaceful for you and the Crew. Hugs to you all!
YES! I’ve heard good things about her work, too. I couldn’t remember her name. Her office is in a handy location at the plaza I showed in my posts about Los Algodones.
Thanks, Gingersnap! Nice to see you here, BTW. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous photography Sue and a wonderful place to be. Wow. I am envious. We will be traveling to Utah in September but not that far north. There are so many great places to go in Utah and Wyoming it is hard to figure out what to do first since I am still working and need to get back to Texas in a few weeks. Oh, well. To live your life vicariously is one of the reasons I enjoy reading about and seeing your adventures. If you quit your blog I will hunt you down.
Don
I’m not quitting! I’m not quitting! 🙂
Hi, Don . . . You have a big “problem” trying to decide where to go in Utah and Wyoming. I have the same “problem.” I sit under the pine tree with my Wyoming Benchmark and study its pages…. Hmm. .. Shall we go here? Shall we go there?
September is a super month for getting away. Wherever you go, I wish you a fantastic vacation!
Lovely, just lovely. Thank you Sue, Spikey and Bridge for doing all the work needed to let me see the areas you three travel to. I am so busy camping in repair shops and the views are… well not as pleasant as yours.
One of these days, I might find a WAL-MART parking where watching carts roll away might create a job for me!!!
Enjoy the Adventures…
Good morning, Kay,
Your patience must be wearing very thin after days of dealing with repairs, days you thought would be spent enjoying your RV. I’m sorry about your RV Repair Nightmare and Run-Around.
Do you see light at the end of the tunnel?
Ah, I am on break! I spoke with the warranty folks yesterday. They tell me to call the last repair shop a (CAT) dealer, and asked them how they wish to proceed.
After thinking about it for several hours, I decided I needed a break and so I decided to take it.
At some point, I need to take the RV to a truck repair and then a RV repair, I would let hubby do it, but it’s under warranty and why should he do it for free, ya know!
Plus, he’s already got a honey-dew list as long as you know what. Truth be told, I love having a Class A for several reasons. They are expensive, and I USED to be a CAT girl but, I am seriously leaning towards something different. I will research a long time for sure, before we plunge into another unit, whatever that might be. Although, I’ve read about others who bought new, and still have to wait for repairs for months…. QUALITY work is a thing of the past, I am afraid.
Maybe, I should build my own unit!!!! I see no tunnel yet, let alone a light! I am simply taking a break to try to lower stress level.
Good idea to take a break, Kay. You have been under a lot of stress and pressure. Thanks for the update. Good luck with the CAT dealer and, yes, take your time deciding on the rig for the future.
Thanks so much!
Good morning Sue,
Yesterday one of the larger eagles that visit on occasion flew in close enough to let me know it was intentional again.Troupes already half tired from this mornings tail-wagging happy dance day start here.Hope you three are equally blessed 🙂
Good morning, weather,
I’m late this morning! I stepped outside with the crew, thinking I’d greet the morning and come back inside. It’s another beautiful day. This is the first morning since we’ve camped here that I didn’t see deer grazing outside my window. At first only one, then several more as the days passed. They probably grazed through earlier before I woke up.
You have eagles! The wildlife around your place are accustomed to your quiet presence and accept you as a normal feature in the environment. I find it takes about 3 days at a new camp for the residents of the wild to “accept’ us. At first there’s a flurry of curiosity. That’s followed by a day or two of watching from a distance. Lastly, if conditions are right and no noisemakers disturb the process, the creatures co-exist normally with us.
You have a cat, a dog or two, and a bird, right? I’m curious for details. Would you tell us more about your troupe?
Presently,the head count inside here includes a male French Springer Spaniel,a female Siberian Husky/Fr.Sp. Spaniel mix,a long hair female cat manx mix,(all three of these are black and white spotted mix -too cute seen together), me, of course,one caramel spotted finch and her best friend a canary finch.
Other permanent residents residing on the property with us outside include too many species to list and are only fed by me aside from what they gather during extreme weather events or while with newborns.
The numbers have always been subject to change according to who needs/chooses to be here until they enter heaven.Abandoned or worse,each one has no sign of those beginnings,life here has a healing, free happiness that’s palpable.
Anyway,hope that helps you picture us more clearly.
Glad you slept a few extra minutes,must be those wildflower dreams…..
Thanks, weather. I can see them and they make a fine troupe. I wish all of you a glorious day in each other’s company.
🙂
Hi Weather
I’m always happy to see your posts. I enjoy the pictures and feelings that your words create. Have a good day.
What a lovely note,may enjoyment and happiness ever be given to your heart and days.
Well, Sue, when you are in the woods…and deer have been coming and then don’t…be alert and watchful. When we lived in the woods and noticed that…not long after a cougar faced down my hubby just outside our garage. They are not all that shy apparently. Scared him aplenty!! Our cat warned him…there had been other wild cats around that fed in our garage, but during that time they all disappeared. Our cat refused to leave the garage for 2 solid weeks….so stay alert!!
You write the truth, Elizabeth. Wow, quite a scare for your husband. Thanks for the reminder.