Sunday, August 17
The Wind River Valley spreads out a lush, green welcome mat for me and the crew as we head toward the town of Dubois, Wyoming. I pick up a few groceries at Super Foods and then the adventure begins!
Finding a new camp may not seem like a big adventure to you.
For me the search is always exciting!
As I drive the main street of Dubois, I read street signs on the left. There aren’t many — Dubois isn’t very big — and soon I see the turn for Horse Creek Road.
Driving north out of town, I’m surprised by the dramatic change in the landscape from the verdant green of the valley to bare, but colorful, rock.
Gee, I wasn’t expecting this! I want a green camp . . .
A few more miles and my concern vanishes.
How do I know to follow Horse Creek Road?
When Spike, Bridget and I camped at the Pinnacles at Brooks Lake in 2012, we met a guy named Larry who was camping in the site next to us. Larry told me about Horse Creek Road. It goes north out of Dubois and takes you into Shoshone National Forest and the mountains of the Absaroka Range.
My plan is to follow Horse Creek Road all the way to the place where Frontier Creek joins Wiggins Fork, approximately 25 miles north of Dubois.
The first half of our journey, the road clings to the meanderings of Horse Creek.
Thick grass carpets the creek’s banks. The grass is so fresh and green it looks like all it needs is a little bit of salad dressing and croutons!
When I think of Wyoming, three pictures come to mind — mountains, horses, and people fishing. I stop and take this photo of a man and a woman fly-fishing Horse Creek.
Further up the road, I stop for another picturesque scene.
About eight miles short of our destination, the road narrows and climbs. Hairpin turns with steep drop-offs (guard rails? What are guard rails?) and, of course, we’re on the cliff side going up.
The views, whenever I dare to look to my right, are absolutely breathtaking!
Even if I had a camera with a viewfinder, I wouldn’t take photos along this road. For one thing, there’s no place to pull over. Well, there is but it’s a long way down.
Also, every blind curve in the road holds the potential of a weekender roaring back to Dubois with a horse trailer flying behind. I hug the cliff’s edge to let several vehicles pass, all the while holding my breath and hoping they don’t take my side mirror with them.
Hence I have no photos of the exquisite views along this part of our journey.
At last the ever-winding road descends.
This means we are approaching water!
The sign for Double Cabins Campground appears. Not interested. I want to boondock! Here’s someone with the right idea.
Imagine a natural amphitheatre with towering rock on three sides with evergreens below. A river lined with willows flows through an immense field of grass — green, tan, and gold.
I drive pass horse corrals and find the campsite of Joe and Debbie, a couple from Nebraska who camp host in this area every summer. I met them in 2012 when they were hosts at Brook Lake.
I pull up in front of their trailer and immediately Joe comes out the door.
We hug and Joe exclaims, “I didn’t expect to see YOU up here!”
Debbie, who is fighting a case of shingles, stays inside. (I know, I know… I need to get that shot.)
I ask Joe to show me a campsite by the river. He hops on his quad and leads me up the road. The first site is too shady and the cut bank too dangerous for Spike. The second site at the end of the road is great!
It isn’t long before we’ve settled in nicely.
The photo above was taken late in the day when shade was upon the Best Little Trailer. Most of the day our home is in sunshine. The air is fresh and a pleasant temperature, probably in the high 70s. It drops into the low 40s at night.
Joe warned me it could become quite chilly during the night.
Recently it dropped to 32 degrees before daybreak. I pull a comforter out of PTV storage and drape it over an evergreen branch to air it out before placing it on our bed. It keeps us warm all night and the three of us sleep well.
From our campsite, one walks a path through the willows to reach the river. However, a charming, little stream flows at the back of the campsite. I see a six-inch trout dart upstream.
Spike attempts a soak and sinks into the water up to his shoulders. He jumps out before I can snap a pic. That stream is very cold and it’s deeper than it looks!
Bridget and Spike love exploring their newest home.
In the next post . . .
The crew and I play at the river!
rvsue
THANKS, RVSUE SHOPPERS!
I appreciate every Amazon order you place from my blog.
Beautiful pictures!
Thanks, Dedra.
2nd in line!!!
Wonderful shots!
How is Spike doing??? Feeling OK? REally perty up there Miss Sue!
Hugs from Hoquiam
Barb
Thanks, Barb. The next post will show Spike enjoying his favorite past time… soaks!
I just love this camp! THis is my kind of place! Get me out in those waders!!!
Those pics of people fishing are especially for people like you, Jolene. 🙂
Wow, Sue, another summer camp spot to add to the list!
Hi, Susan . . . It takes some perseverance to get to this camp, but if you like mountain camping, it doesn’t disappoint!
It’s gorgeous there! I’m so jealous I can hardly stand it. 🙂
Hi, Teri . . . I’m glad you like this boondock.
I have to keep my replies short. I’m typing this from camp.
I think this is my favorite place you have stayed! It is absolutely beautiful and serene. I can just hear the creek gurgling and smell the evergreens! Just lovely!
I’m happy to show this place to you, Laurie.
Hi Sue,
Nice to see you again. What a beautiful place you have to enjoy some solitude. Love to you and the crew.
Thanks for the love, Willow. The same to you . . .
Viewfinder???? Don’t need no stinkin’ viewfinder. 🙂
Really beautiful camp it just looks perfect except for a spot to soak but it sounds like that’s coming tomorrow.
I know how much you love the desert but it’s camps like this that get my imagination revving and makes whatever sacrifices I face today seem more than worthwhile to purSUE the dream of full timing. Thank you.
The sacrifices are worth it, Rick. I used to dream of a place like this.
I thought you were going to say you got a new camera. These pics are beautiful.
Thanks, Pat. Glad you enjoyed the pics.
I thought that too Pat!
🙂
If that’s not a new camera you’re using,I’m actually tempted to give exploring Wyoming a longer time slot than what I’d intended to.The”bare,but colorful rock” view ,alone, would take a week to stop staring at on cold mornings and at sunset for me.
Your arresting description,and 9th photo MADE me imagine something simply too amazing to be missed when I go.You must be enjoying your artistry in writing and photography increase,to give it the time and effort that you do.
Spike’s being well enough to quickly jump out of the stream would have been enough to make my day.Add the adventure ,details and outcome-heck-it feels like I’ve had dessert before dinner-Thanks!!!
Hi, weather… I’ve enjoyed your recent posts very much. Thank you! I wish I could reply more. Wishing much gladness for you and contentment for your troupe…
It’s really nice to hear of your being able to see those posts and even nicer to have you respond this way to them.There’ll be plenty of time to “chat” more from different home sites in the near future,this much ,now,was a welcome surprise.After coffee time tomorrow ,I’ll go get my grandson(by 11- o clockish here) and spend part of the day with him.There’s part of the gladness you wished me already.The troupe gets to have me tuck in a bit earlier than usual with them tonight,that always contents them a lot.I know each reply is an effort,please don’t think I expect one to this now,I just wanted to answer and wish you three sweet dreams when you warm each other in bed…’til next coffee, 🙂
Finding a new camp IS a great ADVENTURE!!
AND ITS BEAUTIFUL TOO!
HI, TERRI! Nice hearing from you . . .
You sure have a knack for finding great camps, Sue! Well, I shouldn’t be surprised…you have had a lot of practice. It looks like that Horse Creek Road is dirt/gravel…is it like that the whole 25 miles? I’m trying to imagine how long it takes you to drive to ‘town’ (Dubois) in case you need something. Is it far?
Hi, Michael . . . about 25 miles for supplies (Dubois), about 22 miles of dirt road in good condition except narrow, one-lane further out.
Wow, 22 miles of dirt road seems like a lot from the perspective that it requires slower and more technical driving, watching out for rocks, potholes, etc. I’m still gaining experience, but going off pavement still feels a little intimidating to me. My biggest anxiety comes when the road narrows down to one lane. I know this will get better as I get more experience. One of the things I have learned from your blog is that it is worth it and that some really wonderful campsites are at the end of dirt roads that narrow to one lane. 🙂
Most of the forest roads I’ve been on are dirt. You’re younger than I am. Back in the day, not as many paved roads in the countryside. I grew up in a house alongside a dirt road.
Picture postcard shots! I feel calm just looking at these pictures. Great site!
Hi, Susan… I feel like I’ve stepped into a postcard. 🙂
Beautiful camp … how is the cell signal? … what are you going to do if a bear visits tonight … yes, I zoomed in … ’cause I’m you tech guy! LOL
That would be “you’re tech guy”
no! “your”
So,do I have this right,Mick?You aren’t Sue,She isn’t tech guy,and the tooter is either invisible or yet to be installed?
🙂
English is my 2nd language, tech is my primary, and I always have a problem with “your – you’re”. I know the difference, I just don’t think!
In childhood,I started English as a second,it’s rough to master still.I believe extra language “struggles” keep our mind’s sharp.I’ll likely ask you,when we’re 100,how to handle some new toy,and you’ll invent it’s improvement faster than it’s 30 yr. old creator can blink! 🙂
My goodness Weather, are you saying that English is not your native tongue?
I for one would say that you have mastered it. Your gift with words takes my breath away on a regular basis.
How kind of you,Rick,to give me such a wonderful compliment,thank you!The timing and transition from French is a long story.
Hi, Mick,
Signal is 1x + 1 bar, frequent “connection resets.” Forget emails. The tooter report is coming soon. As soon as the rain stops, I’ll take photos.
Hi, Sue!
Absolutely breathtaking pictures! I especially like the shot of the man fishing that you framed with the pine boughs! The dappled shade of your site makes for a perfect reading room!
It sounds like this stretch of your adventure is off to a wonderful start – other than that white nuckle stretch of road!
Gracie pup and I send you, Spike, and Bridgeft hugs! A nice, warm beverage such as spiced tea would be perfect to enjoy while snuggled under the comforter. Have a good evening, Sue – sweet dreams! 🙂
Thanks, Denise. The photo doesn’t show my lounger in dappled shade out of the frame. Snuggles to Gracie . ..
If anyone has God as their co-pilot, it’s you I believe. I am continually awestruck by your ability to get out there and land somewhere amazing. One thing that would hold me back a little would be those mountain climbs. I might have to have anti-anxiety meds or something. Don’t know if I could do it, especially if I wasn’t prepared ahead of time as to what the road was like. But, it would be a shame to miss out on all of it because of that fear, right?
Hi, Toni,
I was and still am intimidated by mountain climbs on narrow roads with no guard rails. Practice does help. On this road I told myself, “If people can drive it hauling horses in trailers, I can haul the BLT on it!”
Beautiful site. If you can’t find peace and quiet there, you can’t find it anywhere. So, relax awhile. Got my shingles shot last year when we were discussing it on here, remember? It’s when YOU were gonna get yours. Hi Spike and Bridget.
You’re right, Jim. It’s high time I got that shot!
Of course, I love this camp site. Like several other, my favorites are green, trees, and water. Glad to hear that Spike enjoyed that water.
Love you
I love you, too, Pauline.
Read snow is north of you in Glacier NP above 7,000 feet. Brrrrr. A friend experienced snow high up in the Colorado Rockies recently. Say it isn’t time yet, the snow weather bird will believe you and stay away for awhile. Beautiful, beautiful spot.
Hi, Emily… It’s turned cold and rainy here. It’s hard to believe this is August!
I live in the SF Bay area. This past week, two flocks of geese passed over my home heading south. My husband said they are just practicing flying formation. I told him, I don’t think so. Sure wish it would rain here soon. Rain equals cold winter weather for SF Bay area.
I’d be happy to send you some rain from here, Monica. This feels like November!
I have seen several places that are predicting an early and cold winter this year. Wondering where you will go from here?
We’re at a different camp as I type this (time lag on posts). From Dubois we will go southeast as I have to make the 80+ mile drive to Riverton to pick up my new camera!
Howdy Sue! I’ll bet you’re lov’n that area. River in front, creek out back. It doesn’t get any better than that. I friend of mine, who has since moved to Minnesota from SOCal, grew up in Dubois. Personally, I’ve never been east of Moran Junction. I have a feeling I did not miss much by not seeing Dubois. But where you are is absolutely beautiful, I’m think’n. Enjoy your stay.
Hi, Ed,
Dubois has Wyoming charm… log cabins, a bighorn sheep museum, a riverfront walk, rodeo fairgrounds, a bakery, bars, restaurants, even a jackalope!
In the future, please add something to your name like state abbreviation or “Sunrise and Sunsets Ed” or whatever, to distinguish you from the other Ed who has been commenting here for quite some time. Thanks.
No problem. We’ll go with “Ed H.” or “Campground Sign Interpreter Ed”. Your choice. 🙂
Ed H. is good. Keep it simple.
Ok, Sue. You asked in your last blog posting to note which is our favorite camp of yours. Well, I believe you have found it. What a beautiful setting. The fly fisherman, the back door stream with the 6″ trout, the greenery, the mountain backdrops.
It don’t get much better than this, kiddo.
Don
I’m glad you approve, Don. 😉
Love your site! So green and private. Your beautiful pics, with NO VIEW finder, are really fantastic. Spike must have been a bit freaked out when he sunk to his shoulders. Poor puppy. I am camped at Americas Mailbox for a short while. I will finally get my license. On Monday “walk on water Bob” is putting Solar Panels on my roof!!!! Yeah. Stay healthy and safe!
That’s great news, Krystina! You will love the freedom that solar gives.
Just luscious photos!
I just must visit that area. We have a good friend from Lander, we saw the most interesting documentary about a man the befriended a herd of deer outside Lander. He is the same guy that lived a year with a bunch of turkey’s! I do that, associate with turkeys, but the two legged kind !
Cozy sleep to you and hugs to the fur kids.
Thanks, Lee, on the photos…
I know what you mean about turkeys. 😉
Your pix can’t get me beyond your description of the road. Too close to East gate of Yellowstone, but no horse trailers. speaking of which , my determined to trail re, took a road into Reds Camp, fly in only.The oncoming traffic was loaded pack horses,Thank god for steady horses. You found a perfect camp, now find a better way in, for me to be interested.Sounds like a three dog night, time for a visit to a shelter again. If my daughter saw these pix she would try it with the four horse trailer.
Hi, Jean . . . The road takes some getting used to. The locals drive it without a care, hauling big horse trailers or people trailers. I saw some dudes with pack horses on a trail ride.
Wow Sue!! What I wouldn’t give to be there these days!! It is so cotton picky noisy here. Today by shortly after 7 AM a stinking Costco truck must have parked there nearly a half hour letting the engine run of course…waking me up with a fat headache!! I need to live like you do…but not sure how that can happen right now. Until we know our daughter here is ok (still going to docs trying to find help)…we cannot drive off and get a little rig. But one can hope!! I need way more quiet than we can get here!! Have a wonderful time…and enjoy it extra for me too!!
Hugs, Elizabeth in WA
Hi, Elizabeth,
When the day comes that you can go to a quiet place, you will truly and fully enjoy it. Of that I am quite sure!
Best wishes to you, your husband, and daughter.
Beautiful photos, who needs a viewfinder? I know you know that you need to get the shingles vaccine, but I’m going to say it anyway. Shingles could wipe out everything you have now. It can be life altering, and not in a good way. Do it for the dogs.
Thank you, Allison, for prodding me. You’re right and good to do so.
Just curious but did the lady you mention as having shingles, get the vaccine too?? I ask that because the last flu shot hubby got some years ago, nearly killed him!! (Turns out the health dept somehow did not give him the flu shot…or gave him one mixed with something else…damaged his liver permanently. And yes, our doc investigated thoroughly…)
Beautiful new site! Love the river photo with the fishermen!!
Hi, Pam… I like that photo, too. It’s so Wyoming… fly-fishing a meandering stream with mountains in the background.
Hello Sue.
Glad you are back posting again. I love your blog, but I can guess how time-consuming (and even a bit restrictive) it might be. Thought you might have packed it in for good.
Hope you and the Crew are all well and happy, and that the “sad things” you mentioned earlier have resolved.
Best wishes,
Anne
Hi, Anne… Thank you for the best wishes. Yes, those “things” have run their course. Sweet of you to think of that.
What more is there to say but “beautiful” area. I am in Birmingham, Al taking care of grand babies, dealing with noise, cars and lots of people! So to look at your pictures just took my breath away! I may grab my sweet Lacilou (Yorky) and drive up there just to be there in the solitude. The cool weather sounds absolutely heavenly!
Enjoy the stream with Spike, the cool breezes, wonderful trees!
Hi, Sue…. “Noise, cars and lots of people”… UGH! Enjoy those grandchildren and Lacilou…
I have to admit that I do get a little jealous at all the beautiful places you three get to live. “I think I can, I think I can,” and one day I WILL, too:-). Thanks for sharing.
Teresa
You’re welcome . . . .and yes, you will, Teresa, if you prepare and keep that determination going!
Sue,
THANK YOU!!!!
I can’t begin to tell you how much I LOVE reading about your adventures & day-to-day goings on w/Bridget & Spike!
I full timed w/my GSD Lady for 5 yrs. I miss it something awful!
I hope to get back out there one day & until then – I am living vicariously via your blog!!!
So, again. THANK YOU!!!
Lynn
You’re welcome, Lynn… I’m delighted you love my blog! I hope you “get back out there” someday soon.
Ah, what a gorgeous and peaceful site you have found! With all the driving that I do with my job, a place like this with no people (aka clingers) around looks and sounds like heaven! And we in Dallas hit our 13th day of 100+ temps today, so the fact that you are hauling out a comforter makes me just a wee bit jealous. But that’s only 13 days for the whole year – all in all it’s been a (relatively) mild summer.
Hi, Cari… It has been a mild summer. I have a feeling we’re going to pay for it come winter. Until then, I wish you cooler days.
That’s not the Wyoming we traveled through! OMG it’s absolutely gorgeous! Is it windy?
Stay warm!
Hi, Cinandjules… I bet you crossed the state going east-west, Cheyenne-Rock Springs-Evanston.. .
Not windy here, slight breezes before it turned rainy.
Yeppers…..that was the route but in reverse….life is boring when you don’t have a. Benchmark atlas! 😉
What an absolutely beautiful area! Breathtaking. Always a great find on the campsite. Was glad Spike was able to soak and Jump out of that cold water.
Your shots were wonderful, no one noticing the lack of a viewfinder. If it were me I think I would seek out a camera shop, and have the view finder repaired, I think it’s just a mirror on a flap. I’m old school so not sure about your camera or even whether one could even find a camera shop these days. But I imagine a viewfinder might be a simple thing to fix. Rambling on…
Just so good to see your adventures Sue. Take Care Sue and Crew.
Hi, Diane . .. I ordered a more sophisticated camera. As we travel I’ll look for a camera shop for my damaged camera. It’d be nice to have it fixed and available for times when I want to carry a simpler, smaller camera.
Rambling is a good thing … 🙂 You take care, too.
Hi Sue,
Now this camp is beautiful! So lush and green. Looks like a very enjoyable area too.
I can’t help wondering if you feel any fear of strangers bothering you. You are one brave woman.
so glad you are blogging since I look so forward to each post.
wishing you peace and fun,
Deb
Hi, Deb… Three years and no one has bothered us. Clingers, yes, but no strangers bringing fear. I don’t know where you are right now. If you are in a town or city, you are more likely to be bothered than I am. So who is brave? 🙂 Thanks anyway for calling me brave and for your sweet wish for us…
You really hit the jackpot on that site! Beautiful! Are there any mosquitoes or is the water moving fast enough?
I want to be there!
Chris B
Hi, Chris… No mosquitoes by the river, one or two at camp during the day, then a few more at dusk which is when we go inside for the night. None during night potty runs. If you came here, so would the mosquitoes… like at Mittry Lake. LOL!
This is a great place. Love it that it goes cold at night. That’s the best, snuggling in a warm comforter.
I’m still in nospital, for several days more probably, then I go to rehab. My MRI plainly shows the area on the left side of my brain that had several little strokes. I have an artery partially blocked by a clot. They will keep me here to try to thin my blood and dissolve the clot.
I’m looking at organizations like life alert to get a membership. If I have to be alone, I Need a way I can get help no matter what.
Gee, I hope you will continue to improve DG …. Take all the time you need with help there so you will improve enough to have the strength to go home ….thinking of you !
Hi, Ginger,
Thanks for the update. A plan is coming together for your recovery and return to your home. Sending love . . .
DGin,
Life alert works well….but like an alarm company for your house they get the alert and then NOTIFY whomever.
If you already have a cordless phone or cell YOU can just dial 9- 1-1 and your call will be directed immediately. Cordless because most cells do not provide an address. With 9-1-1…even if the call is dropped they have your address and will send someone immediately.
Eliminate the middle man so to speak and the service is free.
The problem is when you cannot use your fingers to dial because
You are paralyzed, or the phone is too far to reach because you cannot move.
I know it costs but will add to my security.
It’s one button….device is kept on your person…just like your life alert. My dad’s hangs around his neck….the fine print states…a charge for each activation on top of the monthly service charge.
I know your concerns…whatever it takes to make YOU feel secure.
I’m also thinking about the response time will be better if it’s direct.
Best wishes and I hope you feel better!
Hi! Still praying for you! We have a life alert button for my mom. She has an apartment right on our house, but sometimes we’re not home, or we can’t hear her if she calls out. One thing that is good about the life alert, as opposed to 911, is a couple of times she has needed help and she hits the button and they call us first. I can go in there and help her. She doesn’t necessarily need the ambulance. So if you have the button around your neck and you just need a bit of help with something, you can press it and immediately they will contact you and ask what you need. If you have a neighbor or someone close by on your list, they will call them for you. If you have a medical emergency they will call 911 and someone will be there quickly. We find it works well for us.
Hi, DesertGinger,
So happy to see your post! Sending healing thoughts and prayers… 🙂
Hi Denise! Thanks.
What a spot !!!! Talk about the jackpot …… You three just hit it !!!!! Hope you have a great time …… The photos are breathtaking ….. THANKS FOR SHARING !!!!! Stay cozy under the quilt !!!!
You’re welcome, Sally B. Thank heavens for this comforter. We needed it last night… cold and damp here! Glad you enjoyed the photos of our “jackpot.”
Wowee! You know you asked which of your boondock spots were “the bloggerinos” favorites? I think this one is right up there… Especially that last photo… What a back yard you have… I can’t imagine what it is costing you to keep your gardener on call to prepare for your arrival… ; ) I can tell fall is on it’s way here in northern Nevada. There is a chill at night and the scent of fall. Temps are dropping into the mid to upper 80’s. The kids will be back to school the beginning of next week. I may just throw a few necessaries into “The Whale” and go for it. I am going to the Oregon coast before winter if it kills me… (Hope not : ) I know I am not going to be ready for the full time lifestyle by winter but by golly I can prepare enough to get me to the coast for a week or so if I have to live off soup and fried egg sandwiches… Me and may “crew” send our love and light to you and yours… Stay safe… You are in our prayers…
Thank you, Idaho Gurl, for the love, light, and prayers. I send the same to you, plus a wish that you find your way to the Oregon coast soon!
Stunning and beautiful. Thanks again!
Glad to see Spike jumping in and out. He’s healing well.
Thanks, Applegirl… I think that water was a little too cold to take all the way up to the shoulders, even for Spike!
Clover-thriving in an unexpectedly plush grouping,is being landed on,hovered over and explored by yellow jacketed bees .In a landscape of dim colors ,made to appear so by soft cloud cover,it alone seems vibrant today.Yet that only seems so…
Reflections-full of color-appear, as I gaze in a circle-twirling to feel life’s effects.Resilient things -everywhere-so alive…what a wonder that is to behold.Whether diminished or compressed-they alter themselves back to forms able -to balance a shape-different than all other ones -their own beauty returns.
With no view finder you sense how to reach the one place to access what’s unseen.Like knowing how to enter His dimensions those doors to visions are yours.Years of practice spent enjoying what’s found there make finding the beauty such ease-like breathing -it’s how you live-what you are.May your visions find you high above all you’ve yet seen soon –
Good morning Sue,weather
Good morning, weather!
You remind me… It’s been a long time since I’ve walked in clover, yet I can see it clearly, along with busy yellow-jackets, and the soft cloud cover. Overcast and dark here. I’m remembering the sun still shines above the clouds as when you flew above the fray.
Hi Sue,I know you’re eager to check out Ed’s map and finish a new post and want to leave your connection time open enough for that to work for you,so no need at all for you to reply to this,just letting you know that’s why I skipped coffee time in case you checked 🙂
Welcome back, Sue. Hope you’re feeling refreshed. Considering the environment you’ve been in, how could you not? Stunning photos.
My thoughts were the same re the bison. There were no fences in yesteryear. Trying to see a bright side, I’m glad they can jump them.
What a great group of people you’ve collected here. Wish I had time to always read all the posts.
Cheers,
Jane
Hi, Illinois Jane…. Yes, this is a great group of people. I treasure my blogorinos! I’m glad you have the chance to drop in occasionally and keep in touch. Hope whatever keeps you busy also keeps you happy…
Wow, from holding my breath on the drive up the mountain (glad you avoided the “pull overs with the long way down”!), to the long deep sighs at the perfect campsite – a wonderful post! Seems your photographer’s eye no longer needs the view-finder. Having adapted to the “handicap”, it is no longer apparent to anyone else :-). That little creek looks very Spike-like (as long as he avoids the deep end). Enjoy!!!
Hi, Jodee…. “No pain, no gain” is apt for beautiful mountain camps! The destination is worth the drive to reach it.
Sue,
I see that while I was away another Ed appeared in the Comments. I was able to further identify myself as being the Ed with a website. Now I see another Ed with a website posted which caused me a LOT of confusion because I did not remember making the post. I see that you and he have sorted it out for me but I’m changing my Comment ‘handle’ to make identification even easier.
I will not be commenting everyday but I have put you back on my Daily Blog read list. I had to be away for a little while to work on a couple web site projects. Moved all my pictures, created Google Maps Engine Lite (MEL) maps by converting my Google Classic Maps and made some style changes (mostly to the Home Page).
I didn’t miss any of your postings I was just late in reading them. I’m back current now. You are doing well – keep on keeping on!
The world can never have too many “Eds”. 🙂
Each one unique.
Hi, Ed,
Always good to see you appear. Thanks for the update and effort to clear up name confusion.. I’m pleased that my blog is on your daily list, that you caught up on old posts, and that you’ve accomplished some tasks for your blog. I want to do maps of our annual journeys. I never seem to find the time or don’t have a fast enough connection.
I thought of you yesterday while in Dubois — many bikers (the kind who pedal) gathered in town.
LATER — I haven’t kept up with your blog since camping in these mountains. I’ll catch up soon. I was able to open it up enough to gain a first impression of the changes… much improved!
If the weather guessers have their forecast correct you could get some snow this weekend. It may not be that time if you look at the calendar but you might dig through your stuff in the PTV and get your winter clothes and bedding out. Stay warm!
Good advice, Ed. I already have the comforter on our bed. I’ll pull out a coat and sweatshirts. Propane supply is good.
The road into town is mud. Rain, off and on, for 3 days and nights. The PTV is a mess again, mud splatter up to the windows.
We’re at a lower elevation than the camp of this post. Dubois is 7,400 ft. I believe. I think we’re slightly higher than that. (We’re 10 miles north of town.)
Thanks for the warning. I haven’t been reading weather or news, too long to open.
All the photos are stunning, but that last one is an advertisement for your lifestyle..just wonderful! I remember driving over a mountain pass in CO when I was a kid…driving the family camper, Dad asleep in the back, Mom making ‘eeaking’ noises…we were on the outside of a cliff hanging road too. Will never forget that!
Hi, Dawn,
Look closely and you’ll see Spike in that photo. 🙂
Your poor Mom must have been a wreck on that ride. I think it’s tougher to be a passenger, especially on the cliff side!
Hi, Sue,
I meant to mention how nice the PTV and BLT have looked in recent posts – shiny new, bright and clean – just like the curtains!
I spent this morning running errands and ran into Clingers. I parked at the empty, far end of the parking lot. When I came out of the store, I found three cars parked next to me – sheesh! Maybe it is our “magnetic personality” that draws them to us!! 🙂
Glad to get home after a hectic start to the day. As I type this, I have Gracie pup snuggled on my lap…doesn’t get much better than that! Much to my little pup’s dismay, I will soon have to move her from her comfy spot, so I can catch up on laundry and house cleaning. It is rainy here today, so it is a good day for indoor chores. Life is good – even with chores! 🙂
Hope you, Spike and Bridget enjoy your day, all snuggled up in your cozy home! Hugs to all!
Hi, Denise . . . I need to do some housework, too. I have a hard time cleaning when the weather is dark and rainy. That’s my excuse!
I’m glad you noticed the shine on the PTV and BLT because right now they’re a mess. The PTV is more brown than white and some mud even hit the front side of the BLT. No sense washing them until the weather settles down. Thanks for the hugs… same to you.
🙂
Sue,
You said: ” I want to do maps of our annual journeys. I never seem to find the time or don’t have a fast enough connection.”
Would something like this map work?
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zMYXhDK1dh_E.kKR9WERROuig
What would you change? What would you add?
I think I can make annual Maps reasonably quickly – then again maybe not. I’m willing to try if you can tell me what you would like it to look like.
I’ve tried several times to open the map. I see the heading “RVSue and Crew 2011” and a white page. I get messages “No Internet Access” and “The Connection was reset.” I can’t keep a connection long enough to open the page. Darn! I want to see it so badly! If I were in town, I could.
The road is so muddy and the sky so dark that I decided not to drive the 10 miles to Dubois. I’m going to try to write a blog post and insert photos which will probably take quite a few hours, but we’re cooped up in the BLT anyway.
I’m excited about the possibility of having maps! We will move camp probably Tuesday. I hope to have a better signal after that. Let me get this post written, if I can.
Thanks, Ed. I remember once before you tried to help me with maps. This time your efforts will not be in vain!
I have finished 2011. When you are able to open it let me know what you think.
Hi Ed,
I’m a regular reader of RVSue, but rarely comment — but I wanted to let you know that I was able to look at your map idea and I think it’s great. I like how we’re able to jump from the map pointer to the blog that references the site. I know Sue will have her own response, but I just wanted to let you know “good job!”
Wow, Ed! It sounds fantastic by suzago’s description!
Yes Sue, it is fantastic! I love the map!!
I love the way you did these maps edlfrey! It is Sue’s decision but that is really cool!
I want to see it! I hope to show our itinerary for each year. I’ll see it for sure tomorrow when I drive into Dubois for internet. That is if we don’t freeze and the crick don’t rise.
Great job Ed. That will be a fun addition to the blog.
Hi Ed!
I checked out your test map for 2011, and it is really nifty!
And here I have been reading past blogs with my DeLorme Gazetteer in hand, and making notes on it! I especially like clicking on the map pin to get the link to the blog so we can easily follow in Sue’s footsteps! Keep up the good work!
Great map, Ed. How do you learn how to do this, please? Thanks.
Cat Lady
Cat Lady,
Thank you for the At-a-boy.
How did I learn to do it? I have been making Google MyMaps Classic Maps of my camps using this style since I started full timing on 30 November 2009. I recently converted them all to Google Maps Engine Lite (MEL) which is what you see when you open RVSue and Crew 2011. That is a lot of years of trial and error and reading a lot of Internet sites about how to make Classic and MEL maps.
Wow Ed! Very cool. If I could add anything it would be the exact route she followed. But very cool.
It is possible to do what you suggest. However, Sue has not always provided the exact route that she followed from one camp to the next. When she does provide an exact route it is included in the blog posting and I think the reader could follow along on the map if they desired to do so. My experience over the years has been that the great majority of readers are not that interested in the route details.
I have provided that kind of route detail in my postings for those that have an interest but did not clutter up my maps with it. The new Google MEL has layers that I have not tried to use yet that may offer a tool to do what you are suggesting.
I’m willing to try to show whatever Sue might want on HER map.
I’m sure whatever you do is fine…I was just expressing my enthusiasm.
Great map! I love that you can click and get more detailed information. Good job.
Hi, Sue,
First of all, I want to thank you for inspiring me to go out there and camp on my own. Well, I did it! For the past 4 nights and three days Me and My Tin Tent have been parked up a mountainous canyon, alone amidst a sylvan wonderland. I knew I could camp alone, unhitch on my own, set up all the outside stuff on my own, then settle in for the exquisite solitude. A book and good foodstuffs were all I needed. It even rained nonstop for two days. No problem.
More than once, I imagined I was the famous Sue and Crew, alone in the middle of nowhere, the river rushing by, the mountains towering above, the critters heard and not seen. It was marvelous. Thank you for giving me the inspiration and unwavering courage to just get it done!!!
The biggest challenge was hitching up! Can you imagine! It’s terribly easy. Just takes patience and a lot of hopping in and out of the truck to true the course!
Thanks, Sue!
Diann
You’re welcome. I am absolutely thrilled and delighted for you, Diann! That’s wonderful! I’m sorry you had rain on your first boondock. I can tell by your enthusiasm that you didn’t mind. 🙂
Thanks for saying that hitching is “terribly easy.” Those two words will give confidence to others.
So many places to camp… Just imagine, Diane. . . the places you can go.
Diann,
Go you! So glad to hear you went out and tried it (and happy that you liked it too; but main thing is trying it to see).
I’m like a kangaroo when hitching up: Back up, boing boing boing back to look at hitch, “okay back three feet and two dabs to the right,” boing boing boing back to the rig, back up, boing boing boing back to check…. etc. etc. 😀 It gets done though! If I’m in public it helps me to remember my plan of what to say if people ask if I’m okay or want to help (in my case, it’s something like thanks for the kind offer, but this is my usual routine – I work better alone so I can concentrate – and it’s good exercise).
Sounds like you found a great boondock, too!
Lady, those are some FANTASTIC PHOTOS!!!!! Such a peaceful sight.
Gosh darn, it’s really cooling down with this rain.
Well, I decided to beat the stress…. instead of building a snack shake (would take a few months) we’re buying one of those neat concession mobile kitchens. Order up and Take Out Window is what I decided to do for now. Just for now, that is.
Hubby has so much work to do, the poor man. So I mentioned to him about a mobile kitchen to start with, and next spring possibly building what we want. His eyes lite up like deer’s in headlights. BINGO!
I’ve been busy painting too. Painting ceilings are really hard on the neck. As I was painting yesterday, I was thinking of Spike and Bridget. My thoughts quickly went their way as I glanced out the window and saw the nieces dog enjoying her bone in the RAIN. She purposely lays outside in the rain… refuses to come in…. just try to get close to the bone, and that’s another story. Anyways, I was thinking, those two nutcakes over there in Wyoming should have a grand story to tell all of us soon. (Hint Hint) Canine Corner…
Sue, you have reached a splendid area… just perrrrrrrrrrrfect! Enjoy.
Yes, do whatever you can to lessen the workload and relieve the stress! I think the mobile kitchen is a great idea. Take care of yourself, Kay.
Thanks for the compliment on the photos. BTW, Bridget and Spike hate to the feel of raindrops on their back.
Your plans still sound grand!! And eventually you will reach your goals…only so much these human bodies can do in a day!! We cannot RV yet….but we keep up on things cause we hope to yet one day!! Thanks for the exciting reports you give all us blogarinos….
Nice, verrrrrrry nice spot…be safe
Thanks, Ron. Yeah, this is beautiful country.
Hi there Sue. The image of the fisherman framed by the near trees belongs on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It is a classic composition, well done. And with no viewfinder, priceless. Beautiful place you are in, I’d like to spend a winter there. It would magical, at least for a while. 🙂
Looking forward to seeing what your new camera will be. It doesn’t matter really, as all it does is capture the image. The person behind it takes the photo. Just about all cameras in the price range you are looking have excellent optics and electronics. I think the main thing with cameras now is ease of use. It is of no value, however features a camera has, if you can’t operate easily in the field without referring to a manual.
Enough from me.
Enjoy.
PS: KAY – I will be in your area mid November, haven’t quite decided how long I will stay, but no longer than 2 weeks. See Ya.
Hi, Alan… Thank you for the compliment on the fisherman photo composition. One thing about not having a viewfinder, I’m getting a lot of practice editing for good composition!
Well, if you want to be here in winter, come on over! It snowed on the mountains last night. I’m glad we moved to a lower elevation.
I’ll write about my new camera when it arrives. Don’t remember the exact description at the moment and it’s too difficult to look it up… too slow, rather.
Remembering the dread I had when people mentioned their children or grandchildren-
” Oh,he’s so amazing-I’m convinced he’ll be an orator!Though right now he only knows one word-poop,he says it with such panache,we’re convinced he’s a prodigy!! ”
We’ve all know the type,and honestly,I try not to be one.So I’ll calmly report-Despite having not slept in two days my grandson was as delightful as ever to be with,period.
Wow,that took some restraint 🙂
Hope you’re able to stay as warm as you need to be to sleep well,that’s what crews and extra clothes are for,g’nite Sue
and g’nite to everyone else too
Your grandson visit sounds exciting!! We hope one day ours will be old enough to come on their own!! Since we see them so rarely.
It really was,may that-…one day…….-hope come true for you
Good morning, weather,
How wonderful for you to have your grown grandson with you for two days… just the two of you. I’m very happy for you.
We were warm all night. It’s still cold this morning although I do see some blue sky when the clouds part. It’s the dampness that chills to the bone. In a little while I’ll turn on the PTV’s heater and when the interior is warmed up, we’ll take a drive into town.
Thanks,I appreciate your being happy for me,and I hope that kind of chilling dampness is short lived.Above somewhere I’d mentioned what I anticipated your connection time being spent on,hope you enjoy it!
Now that is My kind of camp !!! The desert goes only so far for me. I Love the mountains. The green, the peaks, the water. Looks Lovely , Sue
Hi, Sue,
For all those reasons and more, it is lovely here and precious because the weather and distance only grants a short visit. Whereas the desert is home for a longer time simply because it’s a warm place for us to live in late fall, winter, and early spring.
That is a gorgeous camp spot! Lucky you!
Hi, AnnieB… Yes, we are indeed fortunate to be here. )
Hello, Sue. Been enjoying your blog so much. It seems there are many Susie’s, Sue’s, Suzanne’s. So I’ll be Susie A. Anyway, we will be full-time RVer people in two years and that will seem an eternity. I loved Wyoming and lived there as a child on an AFB. The trout fishing pictures recall memories of my father . On weekends we would take these mad camping dashes to find the perfect out of the way camps. Along the way toward wherever we were going, if my father saw what he thought was a perfect trout stream, he would pull the car over, tell us to stay in the car, and off he would go with his rod in hand and just wade right into the stream or river without waders and cast a few. Sometimes he’d catch a trout or two! Most of the time it would be, “guess we’re having burgers tonight”. I love Wyoming. Have a great time–hugs to Bridgette and Spike!
I’m sorry, I misspelled Miss Bridget’s name! 🙁
🙂
Welcome, Susie A….. It’s great to see you here!
I enjoyed the story of your fly-fishing father and your family’s “mad camping dashes.” I love how readers find their own memories in the photos I post and the stories I tell. Thanks for dropping in…