Thursday, June 12 (continued)
The crew and I cruise around Nephi and then return to our camp on the Nebo Loop Road. I immediately put out the awning and sit in its shade.
Bridget and Spike lie down on the cool ground under the Best Little trailer.
We visit the creek a few times to cool off.
In the creek I wash the pot and pan from our early supper.
I also rinse out one of my new shirts because I put a spot on it (of course!). The spot comes out and I hang the shirt on a hanger under the awning. It doesn’t take long to dry in the dry heat and gentle breezes.
A late afternoon shower rolls over our camp.
Afterward I announce to the crew, “We haven’t taken our long walk today! How about we check out the campgrounds further up the road?”
We pass Ponderosa Campground where we camped one night last year.
“Looks like it’s almost full.”
Next we come to Cottonwood Campground.
I drive around the campground loops. The parking space for each site is short, indicative of an old campground. Small travel trailers, truck campers, and tents are cozied into shady sites. A popular trailhead is nearby.
We cross Salt Creek as we leave the campground and pass a family and then a couple with a dog, out for an early evening stroll. It’s almost dusk.
Bear Canyon Campground is a group campground.
The Bear Canyon Trail begins here at an elevation of 6,800 feet.. . aspen and fir country. The campground is located at the edge of the Nebo Wilderness.
I drive the loop. Hmm . . . no one in the group sites. A few people walk the paved road. They had the same idea. This is a good place for a walk.
I park in the lot next to the kiosk and restrooms and let out the crew. Bridget and Spike are excited to have a new place to explore!
I immediately lead them toward a bridge over the creek.
I stop to let the intrepid explorers pass which gives me the opportunity to take the photo above. (Can never have too many Spike hiney shots!)
The bridge is the start of a trail to tent/backpack sites.
(More hiney!) I’m surprised to find single campsites, as Bear Canyon Campground is called a “group” campground. The rock-lined trail has short paths branching off of it, also rock-lined, that go to campsites.
At one site a tree stump has been transformed into a child-sized chair.
The absence of trash on the ground is a sure sign that this part of the campground sees little use. I wonder if tenters don’t know about this place. It’s called a group campground online. Or maybe it’s the fee. Too bad. The sites are quite nice.
We don’t walk far on the trail.
Animals are active at dusk. All we need is to come across a bear with cubs.
“Okay, time to go back.” Bridget scampers ahead of us. She always wants to be the leader on the return trip. Here comes Spikey. He’s having a good time. What a happy guy!
“I know what you’d like. When we get back to the bridge, we’ll go down by the river.”
“Whaddaya’ think, Spike? Does this look like soakin’ water?”
After a refreshing drink, Spike finds a muddy place to relax. (Given a choice, muddy is always best in Spike’s opinion.)
(The quality of these last photos is poor. It’s almost dark at the end of our walk. Later I lighten the photos to make them visible enough to post, but losing some photo quality in the process.)
We walk the campground loop before heading toward home.
“Whoa! Look at all those campers! They must have pulled in right after we drove by on our way up the road.” A short while ago this was an empty parking lot with only a vault toilet.
As we go by, I see several children running around, having a great time. I bet this is a family gathering.
I park the PTV next to the BLT and plug in the cord for solar power.
Bridget and Spike are “all tuckered out,” as my mother used to say. Spike makes a quick inspection of the campsite’s perimeter before waiting to be lifted into the BLT (a sure sign he’s tired!). Bridget is already in bed, fussing with the covers to make them just right.
After tucking in Spike at his favorite place at the foot of the bed, I lock the door and close the windows, leaving one open a few inches, as well as the roof vent. I put a pot of water on the stove for a cup of tea, change into sleeping clothes, and prop up the pillows for a backrest.
I carefully slide under the covers next to Bridget, cup of tea in hand.
I push back the curtain to let in the moonlight. Sipping the tea, I look up at the stars and watch the silhouetted willows waving in the night breeze.
What a good day this has been . . . from reading and writing my blog, to visiting the memorial rose garden, to a lazy afternoon in the shade and in the creek, to a tasty supper — mmm . . . that breaded chicken was good… hafta’ make that again . . . to a walk in the woods with my sweet crew. I really like this camp. Gee, Spikey’s snoring already.
Good night, my sweet babies. Oh, how I love you!
rvsue
I APPRECIATE EVERY AMAZON ORDER PLACED FROM MY BLOG!
Thank you very much.
Where are all the comments?
Um… You’re first, Donna. That’s what first looks like! 😉
Aww, it’s easy to see that you do love them! What a beautiful day you had exploring together.
And I enjoyed sharing our day with you, Marcia.
OK as I type this I am #2, surprise! When it posts I will see where I really am in the comments.
Beautiful homesite! Wish we were out and about in that area, it looks so inviting.
It is grey and rainy here in the PNW today and will be the same for tomorrow. We have to remind ourselves that it is what gives us the wonderful greenery that we live with.
Always great photos of the “kids” having fun.
Enjoy!
Kitt
You do have “wonderful greenery,” Kitt! I do plan to go back to the PNW, not this year but probably next year. I can’t stay away for long. It’s gorgeous country.
Thanks for the compliment on the photos . . .
One good thing about where I live is, its on a dirt road! I can walk my dogs and enjoy the morning air before the humidity sets in for the day. I love Spikes little tush its way cute! I wish my 2 hadn’t grown quite so big IF I let them on my bed there would be no room for me! You’re in a very pretty spot, enjoy it for us all.
Hi, Sondra,
I often rely on the crew, during cold weather, to keep me warm at night. Saves a lot of propane!
There are advantages and disadvantages to big dogs and little dogs. I’m sure you love yours as much as I love mine. Thanks for writing. . .
Sue, told my friend in IA she must go to your site for the wonderful exploration yesterday..(Rose Garden & Vet Memorial)..wonder how many people out there check your blog, just don’t comment..a LOT I bet! This day was Paradise!!
Wonder no more, Susan! My blog received an average of 1,600 visits per day this week.
Wow!
The words “free” and “camping” go together pretty well, don’t they?
Free Camping. We like the sound of that!
It almost sounds as good as Free Beer. Almost.
There’s a KOA at the start of Nebo Loop Road. Boy, the RVs are packed in there.. . Different strokes for different folks. I’m glad what I enjoy is also free!
Thats a really beautiful part of the country and very overlooked as people speed towards the parks in Southern Utah.
Your setup, pulling a small trailer with a Chevy van is really practical. Just the right size for you and your friends and quite easy to maneuver I would imagine. The solar installed on the roof of the van with an extension to charge the BLT’s batteries, brilliant!
Thanks, jonthebru! Great hearing from you. . . I’m very pleased with my van-trailer combo and the way my solar is set up. It works very well for me. I thank Mick a gazillion times over for the design.
Yes, the PTV with BLT are very easy to maneuver. I can bop around village streets with no concern whatsoever… not to mention mountains and freeways!
Simply love your last line to your babies.Years ago I noticed that no matter what went on all day and night,as everyone tucked into their favorite spot I felt all was right in my world,that’s never changed for me,you portray that feeling very well.
The routine you’re in to “connect” after breakfast ,I imagine lends a certain ordinariness to life.When I have stretches of freedom and exploration changed by a bit of scheduled -up,ready,drive,do,return -somehow it centers or settles things for me.
As though stimulation in wandering brings up questions to consider,but roaming on to the next thing, I just add to the list of ideas.Then,settling into a routine,what surfaces is my confidence that I know what ideas I can discard,and which ones to keep with me.Like stepping back for a break between seasons.Do you know what I mean?
Anyway,I hope this camp is doing good things for you,it sure looks like it from here,
and I hope besides hearing flowers speak,you hear the willow’s winds and birds carrying Love to you
Yes, I do know what you mean, weather. Because we travel and see different places regularly, settling in one place and establishing an “ordinary” routine is also a pleasant change.
This camp is “doing good things” for me and the crew. Nephi is quite a town. I really like it. Today the flags are flying… this Saturday that is also Flag Day. Everyone I meet is polite and respectful.
I hope your day is bright and full of wonder.
Good morning Sue,
Thank you,my day was bright and full of wonder,as this mornings brisk air here holds a promise of more…
In all the descriptions about places and communities you’ve visited,whether you’ve found them admirable or unsuited to your tastes,useful for a traveler or best bypassed,I don’t recall noticing you ever say you really liked a town before.
If you pass through it again ,on the way to the golden leafed trees you mentioned wanting to include during autumns part of this years circuit,those friendly respectful people would surely be glad.Gosh,I get to “see” you and the crew often,and every time’s still a treat for me.
To all of the Dads,and all of us who act as the guardians and protectors of our friends and families of people and animals
Happy Father’s Day
Good morning, weather,
I like the area of Loa, Utah, and the town of Salina, Utah as much as Nephi.
About “respectful”… I was in a convenience store the other day and there was some confusion over who was at the register first, there being about eight people ready to pay. A woman said, “This lady was first” (although I’m not sure that I was).
Everyone— every single person — stepped back to allow me to come up to the front. All had pleasant expressions on their faces. . . no sighing, shifting onto another foot, rolling of eyes…. No one made me walk around them.
After the transaction I turned to the group and said, “Thank you, everyone.” I heard more than one voice say, “Have a good day,” and “You’re welcome.”
Yes, Happy Father’s Day to all fathers. . . .
🙂
“…to a tasty supper — mmm . . . that breaded chicken was good… hafta’ make that again . .”
Breaded chicken…how about sharing your recipe, Sue, or was this a Walmart run?
Cat Lady
Hi, Cat Lady,
Dip chicken tenderloins in egg, coat with equal parts pancake flour (or any type flour) and parmesan cheese and any seasoning you wish, put in oil in frying pan on low heat, cook both sides until golden.
Sounds YUMMY…will have to try this out soon!!!
And we love those sweet babies too!
“All tuckered out”….brought back memories.
It never ceases to amaze me how much a pet can become such vital parts of our lives. We love Charlie and Sassy as you do the Crew. Our 2 are so spoiled but that is the way we love them. When people come to our house they must remember…they are visitors, Charlie and Sassy LIVE here.
Beautiful pictures as always. I do love the green trees, green grass and flowing water.
Stay safe…Love to you and the Crew. Sending BIG HUGS
You have a way of speaking that is so very readable, just love your blog, Sue. I guess my tendency is to just devour and then fail to say thank you, so…
Thank You!
I loved seeing the hiney shots, I think the good exercise your crew gets will go a long way to keeping them healthy, plus the mud baths to sooth old joints..I must try that!
I have an extra galvanized horse trough I don’t use, so it has become my soaking spot, thank you Mr Spike!
If you ever decide to try the Sierra Nevadas here in California, there are lots and lots of Forestry land that is perfect for boondocking, we have boondocked along Beaver Creek near Dorrington for many years, we used to take our horses up there, camp all by ourselves and have a ball. Don’t take my horse much anymore, just me and my Casita!
There is one spot where water cascades down a rock face, just one of the water supplies for the creek. We used to ride there to bathe…
Wow Sue , I sure like yesterday’s Rose’s
And today’s photos,,,,,,,Timber
Thanks, Rusty and Timber!
Thank you for your blog!
I noticed Miss Bridget is hurrying to get her fanny out of range in that first shot!
I am NEVER first (ok, well once). *Making note* “Abandon life and shoot to be number uno!”
Nice pics missy…..Hi fuzzy ones!
Hi Sue,
That creek sure looks refreshing! Enjoy! 🙂
Google maps show the road that has Ponderosa, Cottonwood and Bear Canyon campgrounds on it as FR048 and the branch to the right, northeast, as FR015. The roads are not named in Google but Bing has FR048 as Salt Creek Canyon Road and FR015 as Nebo Loop Road. Are you trying to prevent me from sneaking in your camp when you are away and stealing your ice cream?
Nope, not at all, Mick! We are on Nebo Loop Road.
What looks like a fork on Google is in reality FR0105(Nebo Loop) bearing to the right while FR048 (Salt Creek Canyon Road) branches off to the left.
We are on Nebo Loop Road before it splits. The campgrounds are further along on Salt Creek Canyon Road but we aren’t near the campgrounds.
What a wonderful day !!! The photos are beautiful !!! So glad you are all having such a restful time ….
Lovely territory…seems one would want to stay a long time there! Thanks for sharing, Sue!!
Nice! If there was a “like” link I would click it.
You sure know how to enjoy life… Good for you!
I know what you mean about loving them. They steal your heart.
Nite Nite sweet friends…
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
As always, your writing just takes me away. Your day seems as close to perfect as one can ever hope for. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your surroundings, and of course the good ole “Spike lounging and Bridget avoiding the camera” pics. I hope tomorrow is much of the same for you three.
Teresa
Another great day! Love the photos and of course a Spike soak!
If your ears were burning yesterday – I belong to several forums and one is City-Data, a great site for info on moving or living in an area, they have one sub-forum on travel/camping and your blog came up so you might expect a spike in newbie lurkers…LOL
I love tour pic’s of Utah. I told a guy that wanted to know where I would like to travel that one of the places I would love to go was Utah and his comment was are you a Morman. He could not imagine why I would want to go there if I wasn’t. Guess he doesn’t know what he is missing.
So thanks for sharing your travels, we sure enjoy.
Sounds like everyone was tuckered out….which translates into “we had a great day” like always!
Hiney photos! Love em!
We just got back from our 5 nights out camping. Our little Boston Terrier just loves camping too. We get so much more exercise when we are camping because he just loves to go exploring all the time. I have sure missed reading the blog while we were gone but sure did enjoy our time out camping and fishing right from our campsite on the little lake in this county park. Great times! I am so glad you and the crew enjoy walking and getting out because I love to see the pictures of your adventures.
I can tell you like this camping place just by your pleasent way of writing. All is right with the world now and I can go to sleep and dream of Spikey soaking in a pool of mud. He must intuitively know that the mud will help heal him.
🙂