Dry Canyon and Red Cloud Loop in Ashley National Forest, Utah

Update on Janie!

Those of you who’ve read my blog from the beginning will remember Janie.  She’s the sweet, third dog who was once part of my crew.  I gave her up in order to start the vagabond life.  I was fortunate to find a loving home for her with my friend and former colleague, Lynn, and her husband.

Recently I received an email from Lynn!  She included a photo which I share with you here.

Romeo, Janie, WoodyOn the left is Romeo giving Janie a kiss on her head. 

They loved each other from the start!

The pup looking into the camera is the newest member of  Lynn’s canine crew.  Lynn’s husband “found her in Woodville and thought she was a boy.”   He named the emaciated, starving pup Woody and brought her home.  Woody is now a bundle of energy.  Lynn jokingly calls her “my nightmare.”

A happy tow vehicle!

In an very uncharacteristic move, I follow the advice of one of my favorite readers who suggested the Perfect Tow Vehicle probably needs a new air filter.  Instead of putting it on a to-do list and procrastinating for a year or so, I take action!

Monday, June 23rd, the crew and I go to Vernal. 

“Goodbye, sweet little home!”

1-DSC05174I stop at Wal-Mart, pick up a Fram air filter, and return to the parking lot.  I pop the hood and replace the air filter on the spot!

I haven’t towed the Best Little Trailer since putting on the new air filter.  However, I detect that the PTV is a much happier tow vehicle now.  Happy, as well as perfect.

1-DSC05176I meet the BLM guy!

Tuesday, June 24th, I’m inside at my table by the back window when I notice a white pick-up at the vault toilets.  Aha!  An opportunity presents itself! 

I trot over and have a little chat with Len who is a full-time employee of the Bureau of Land Management.  He tells me he retired after 33 years of teaching and for a year tried keeping himself occupied with golf and such, but it wasn’t enough.  He took on part-time work with the BLM and liked it.  Soon he was asked to work full-time and he accepted.

I ask him several questions about the area. 

He gives me suggestions for boondocks.  One of those suggestions is Dry Canyon Road.

“When it gets too hot here, you could move up there and be cooler.  It’s not up at the top of the mountains but you’d have lots of shade.”

An afternoon in Dry Canyon!

1-DSC05179The photo above shows the best campsite (BLM) we found on Dry Canyon Road which is north of Maeser, a town near Vernal.  Len was right.  It’s shady and cool here.  Unfortunately there isn’t any internet as the steep canyon walls block any signal.  Spike and Bridget have fun exploring around the campsite.

1-DSC05193The main reason I hesitate to set up camp here is an adjoining site with another picnic table. This might attract a clinger, and you know how I feel about clingers!

Several of the photos in this blog entry were taken on our drive up Dry Canyon.

Unfortunately the dark shadows of afternoon make it difficult to capture the most dramatic canyon scenes, but these pics will give you an idea of what the area looks like.

We continue further into the canyon, entering Ashley National Forest.

We follow Red Cloud Loop Road up to the trailhead for Dry Fork Flume Trail.  (Okay, you blogorinos with a Utah Benchmark atlas, see if you can find where we went.)

1-DSC051871-DSC051891-DSC05188

 

1-DSC05190Water!  We need water!

Most of my drinking water jugs are empty.   (I don’t drink from the fresh water tank.)  Pelican Lake Campground doesn’t have water spigots and I didn’t find a water dispenser when the crew and I went to Wal-Mart in Vernal.  I bought a few jugs of water as insurance, in case I don’t find any.

As we’re driving from Dry Canyon to Maeser, we approach this sign.

1-DSC05203Quick-thinking boondocker that I am, I zip into the park.  Yay!  Water!  I fill up eight one-gallon jugs and go happily on my way.  Funny, living the way I do, finding drinking water makes my day!

Click this link to see the rock wall with the painted tribute:  Remember the Maine Park.

1-DSC05177Further along we come to a pasture with these four equine beauties.  Of course, I have to take a photo and share it with you!

1-DSC05196-001And we haven’t looked at cattle in a while!

1-DSC05197Well, this has been fun, hasn’t it, guys,” I remark to the crew sitting on the bench seat behind me.  “When we get home, we’ll have a nice supper and relax under the shelter.”

1-DSC05126rvsue

THANK YOU, RVSUE SHOPPERS!

The links below take you to products recently purchased from Amazon via my blog:

Best Hand Clothes Wringer
Valterra Red Trailer Tongue Jack Stand
AeroBed PakMat with Hand Pump
Unique Natural Products RV Digest-It Holding Tank Cleaner,
Tri-Mountain Women’s Tailored Fit Fashion Fleece Vest
Garden Creations Outdoor 7.5-Foot Umbrella Table Screen

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92 Responses to Dry Canyon and Red Cloud Loop in Ashley National Forest, Utah

  1. MK in NE GA for now says:

    Beautiful photos! Glad you found water! and it looks like you had a great day trip with the nutcakes! Enjoy the day.

  2. Elizabeth in WA says:

    The photo of Janie and her friends is sweet…she must be happy there. I am sure it makes you glad to see she is doing so well too.

    Well, Sue, seeing more new territory is interesting…and looks like they must still have enough water around for those pastures to be so green too!! Noticed the one baby horse looked exactly like the other adult…funny… same face markings. I noticed when my dad had cows that often some of them would come out identical nearly in markings…helped in keeping who is who straightened out. His cow that was the most emotional (she had tears at times) and friendly was named Susie. She often came close as she could from inside her fence to the back door with its nearby window.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Elizabeth,

      It’s arid around Pelican Lake and along long sections of Highway 40/191. The valleys and canyon floors are green. Apparently there’s plenty of water in the valleys because field irrigation systems throw lots of water into the air and people water their grass frequently, judging by how green their lawns.

      A crying cow named Susie! Oh boy, the trolls would have a field day with that . . . 🙂

      • Elizabeth in WA says:

        Sorry…are there subjects even like this that are not safe? Mercy!! We never realized before we lived in that house with 16 acres when I was a teen, and had a little herd of cows that some of them actually do shed tears when their baby is taken away (even if they already have a new baby even…which is about when my dad got around to taking away the older ones)…or when the mobile butcher came to cull the herd. Dad only did that 2 times…it bothered him to see Susie and some of the others, with tears falling and mooing around. A small herd anyway, evidently becomes like a little family of sorts. We never knew that cows felt quite that emotional.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          I didn’t know that either although I’ve heard the wails of mother cows when their calves are taken away.

          (I’m kidding about the trolls)

  3. Terri From Texas says:

    Romeo and Janie-et! How Cute! Looks like she couldn’t have a better home, since you had to give her up. I recently saw a reference to a Snow Canyon State Park in Utah-it looked amazing. Its near Ivins, Utah-I think its near Vernal. All the canyons in Utah are completely fascinating. You’re pictures are so enjoyable (as well as the blog)!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I knew Lynn and her husband would give Janie a loving, secure home. Romeo was a lonesome dog until Janie entered his life.

      I’m glad you enjoy my photos and writing, Terri.

    • Ed says:

      Snow Canyon State Park is near Ivins which is near St. George, UT. That is about 413 miles south of where Sue is currently and at this time of the year it is HOT. The lowest High this past week was 91 with the lowest Low at 64. The forecast for next week expects the highest high to be 107 and the lowest Low to be 74.

  4. Terri From Texas says:

    Well, I looked up Vernal and Snow Canyon-its only about 400 miles away. In Texas, thats close! Ha In Utah, not so much.
    Enjoy those canyons!

  5. It is the small things that excite us for sure, Sue!!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I’m guessing you’re referring to me finding water. You’d think I found gold!

      • Sondra-SC says:

        …kinda hard to quench your thirst on Gold Ha! Sue how backasswards our World is eh? Gold worth more than water…man everyone needs to be in a position to be in need of water and I think there would be a shift in the thinking….
        when backpacking on the AT we would do the happy dance over a mud puddle, pump it up, filter it, treat it with iodine and drink it!! We also did the happy dance over any outhouse we happened upon!

  6. John fossildreamer says:

    Hi Sue, Just a good morning to you,, don’t think I have ever got in under # 10
    before,, feels good, Safe Travels Sue….

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning to you, too, John. What ever “number” you are, I’m always happy to see you appear here! Have a wonderful day . . .

  7. Diann in MT says:

    YAY! Sue! Thanks for posting the Janie photo. I don’t know why, but since reading her story in one of your first blogs, I have wondered and sought information about her in your blogs. Funny… that I was so caught up in her progress. (But, then again I had just finished reading The Book Thief. HAH Must have been an emotional hangover!)
    Anyway, she looks like she is very comfortable, loved, and could care less what the Spiker and Bridget are up to, let alone her previous “Mom”.
    Your new camp and the way you survive, I have just got to know that the Almighty has you in the palm of his hand! God bless ya!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Diann,

      You’re welcome re: Janie photo. I knew there are readers wondering how she’s doing. I suppose you kept thinking of her because she’s such a sweet dog and it was kind of shocking for me to give her away.

      Janie is the kind of dog who loves everyone she meets, and Lynn is a very loving, giving, and affectionate person. I was sure Janie would be happy in Lynn’s household.

      Yes, I do feel protected and guided in my everyday life and in our travels. We encounter problems but as my mother used to say, “Things have a way of working themselves out.”

  8. Jean in Southaven, MS says:

    Glad for the update on Janie. I had wondered about her. Glad she is doing well. Love the pictures. Almost feels like I am there. Thanks for sharing.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Jean. I love it when someone says it “feels like I am there.”

      Janie is a cheerful, chubby, little sweetheart of a pup. I’m happy, too, to see her happy.

  9. weather says:

    How immensely gratifying to get news of Janie living in a home so perfect for her,that was another great call you made in that year.Wisdom in the choices made are among the saving graces on the journey.Like Len opting for the purpose a BLM position gives him,rather than stagnating as vigor recedes into memory…. the sad trap of retirees not given different visions.

    Thanks for the pictures,in photos and words,that your post treats me to 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi again, weather (I responded to your “good morning” under previous post.)….

      You’re welcome re photos and words.

      Yes, placing Janie with Lynn and her husband was a good choice. It took me several decades of bad choices but I’m finally getting the hang of making good ones. The Best Little Trailer and Perfect Tow Vehicle were great choices! And becoming a vagabond was the greatest choice of all.

      People need to have purpose. Len seems happy with what he does. For some folks the structure of employment and the responsibilities, tasks, and people met during the workday enhance their lives.

      • Elizabeth in WA says:

        I think we are all on a learning curve, Dear Sue!! Not many would want to relive their lives exactly as they did I think. Not that I know anyway!! We are here to learn…and some of that is not cheap!!

  10. Teresa from NC says:

    Thanks for the update on Janie. I was thinking about her the other day. Looks like her adjustment has gone as smoothly as Soaker and Ole’ Evil Eye’s.
    That looks like some beautiful country you’re in, now. Lots of great boondocking options for those without a need for an internet connection to stay in touch with all those that hang on to every little thing you three are up to:)
    Have a great time discovering!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You gave me a laugh, Teresa, with “to stay in touch with all those that hang on to every little thing you three are up to.” So funny!

      I think it took Janie about 2 minutes to adjust to her new home. She didn’t notice me leave . . . 🙂

  11. Michael in CA says:

    Dry Canyon sure does look pretty!

    I’m curious, what is a ‘clinger’? I’ve seen it referenced a few times here now. I think I know what it might mean, but I’m not exactly sure. 🙂

    Funny thing: when I read ‘clinger’ my mind gave me an image of Klinger the cross-dressing character on the the 1970’s TV show M*A*S*H* played by actor Jamie Farr. It made for a funny image…RVSue surrounded in camp by a bunch of unwelcome ‘Klingers’. LOL!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Clingers is a word I started using recently to describe those RVers who park their rig right up close to another rig, spoiling the original RVers’ camp. Readers have written that they’ve experienced the clinger phenomenon. They’re camped off somewhere, all by themselves, and along comes an RV and parks right next to them when there are lots of other places to camp.

      Clingers have no concept of private space. They tend to think they’re presence is a gift. One reader, Kay, had a clinger pull their RV up close and then they wanted to hook up to her Mifi connection! That’s classic clinger behavior.

      I’ve passed up beautiful boondocks, like the one in the photo above, simply because there was room for a clinger to move in.

      • Michael in CA says:

        Ahhhh, that makes a lot of sense! Thank you for filling me in. This is a good insight for us newbies on the phenomenon and how to avoid it.

        I think we are of the same mind about this. One of the things I look forward to with camping is *getting away*. Right now I live in a busy city and, well, the crowded and noisy aspect of that is simply awful. It leaves one craving for solitude and quiet.

        This is one of the primary reasons I chose to go small on my RV setup…so that I could access and fit into the out of the way nooks and crannies that would offer some solitude and serenity.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You’ll love the peace and quiet, Michael. You’ll be able to get away from the noise pollution and also the light pollution. The stars will shine more brightly for you, the birds will sing with more joy for you, and raindrops will pacify you into peaceful slumber.

          I hope you can take weekend trips out of the city soon. California has wonderful “nooks and crannies.”

  12. Jolene/Iowa says:

    I am so glad to read that Janie is doing well. That has to make your heart feel good to see her happy.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jolene,

      It was nice to hear from Lynn and to see Janie again.

      I didn’t have Janie long. She was skin and bones when I adopted her, afraid to be touched.

      I used to do nightly body checks on Bridget and Spike, lifting each limb carefully checking for ticks, looking in their ears, checking their fur, and so on. Janie watched closely with longing.

      After the second night of watching Bridget and Spike being handled very tenderly, Janie timidly let me give her the “treatment.” Oh, how she loved it! I suspect it had been a long time — if ever — that she’d felt gentle, human caresses.

      • Jolene/Iowa says:

        Such a blessing that you found her even if you only had her for a short while. Due to you not wanting her to have a life outside with the people that bought your house, she now has a loving home. You gave her a chance!!

  13. stan watkins says:

    Have you been to Dinosaur National Park? It’s East of Vernal. Very cool.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Stan,

      No, we haven’t been there. I don’t think we’ll go this trip. By the time I drive us over there, well, it’s getting hot and we can’t hike much. Maybe another time . . .

      • stan watkins says:

        You don’t have to hike. They have a visitor center that is a big shed(air conditioned?) That contains a wall of fossils in their discovered state as well as other fossils on display.

  14. Susan (MO Ozarks) says:

    Followed a Casita north out of Branson, Mo today, tried to tailgate to get state (plate), but they left me in the dust (over 60 mph leaves me in the dust)…it was pulled by a white SUV (color coordinated like you)…..beautiful pictures of the landscape..Thanks!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Susan. I’ve seen a Casita pulled by a white SUV, probably not the same one. It’s a popular combo.

  15. Rob says:

    You comment on finding drinking water (“makes my day!”) is probably one that mankind has been saying under the same circumstances for tens of thousands of years.
    For the nomad, some things do not change.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Rob. . . It’s funny how one appreciates the basics for life when living simply “on the road.”

  16. Rob says:

    Did I miss the end of your ‘leaving the old life’ story?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I don’t know, Rob. Have you read my early posts written when I lived in Georgia?

      Here’s one of my posts from that time. It’s about the day I learned that I needed to find another home for Janie. It has a really cute photo of her happy face.

      About face”

      • Chris B says:

        I’m glad that you provided that link, Sue. I guess that I never read your blog from the VERY beginning. I met you in Quartzsite with Chuck and Geri and never knew that your blog started before you checked out of the rat race.

        Chris
        (who has now been married for 40 years today) Shocking!!!

  17. AZ Jim says:

    “All day I face the barren waste without the taste of water,
    Cool water…..”.
    I remember well that feeling you speak of, the full water tank, the empty black and grey water tanks, the full propane bottles…..all the necessities for the next adventure. I wish I could still be out there. People who have never spent much time out “boondocking” don’t know that feeling. It brought such a feeling of “contentment” to know you had what you absolutely needed to make your life comfortable.
    You know Sue, I reserved a cabin up in the white mountains for mid July just to get the wife away from all the heat and doctor appointments. Would you believe there is a huge forest fire up there now about 20 miles from that cabin? What luck huh? Well, lot’s of people much worse off losing their cabin homes than we are just maybe not being able to go for our mini vacation. If we can’t go there after all, I’ll try to figure out an alternate. Anyhow I know you are not sittin still there so I’ll watch your travels. Oh! the pic of Janie was great, I know how bittersweet your leaving to hit the road was but it looks like she is in good hands. Roll on Missy……

    • weather says:

      Dear AZJim,
      The image of you trying ,with the kind heart of your father,to offer relief to the one you so love,makes me so grateful for your wife’s sake,and yours,that you have each other…….Google inspired ideas come up

      Mountain drives to cooler air might be replaced by a train ride to San Diego for a symphony under skies lit by fireworks,then fresh seafood near cool evening ocean breezes…those things pamper the senses so richly eyes barely need using…

      Hope whatever you two spend time doing is as sweet as your comments here

      • AZ Jim says:

        Thanks for the thoughts Weather. We lived in San Diego for 43 years but due to Detta’s (and mine to a much lesser degree) situation anything that requires much walking is out. Also, since we know San Diego so well, it isn’t much fun for us. If we can’t keep our original plan here I’ll try and find another mountain destination. Best regards Weather…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jim,

      “It brought such a feeling of “contentment” to know you had what you absolutely needed to make your life comfortable.” How very true!

      Best wishes finding the perfect getaway. You both deserve a wonderful vacation.

  18. Deb from NJ says:

    Catching up on the last post…..love the critters! I don’t care if you don’t know their species….I enjoyed reading about them. I wouldnt know them either. lol. Surprised Spike didn’t feel that critter crawling on him. It would have creeped me out! Had to laugh about your hat and the snake!

    Janie sure looks right at home there. You did the right thing. She is a happy dog.

    Have a great day!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Deb,

      Every camp has its own personality. The critters are a big part of what makes this camp special and enjoyable. Right now it’s a windy late afternoon. I can see Pelican Lake from where I sit typing this inside the BLT. When the wind blows like this, the lake turns a beautiful teal green.

      We will leave here in a few days. It’s been a good camp. Hope you have a pleasant evening, Deb!

  19. Dedra says:

    I was wondering just last week if Janie was doing okay.
    Now, I have my answer. Beautiful pictures!

    • Jolene/Iowa says:

      RV Sue, I have another question for you. I am again still trying to catch up, Oct. 2013 now. Have you ever given any thought to carrying a solar shower with you? We have used them sometimes in parks that don’t have facilities. I know you have a shower in the BLT, but with this little tent like cabana thing that sets up very quickly, you could have a hot shower very easily.

      When you are in the mountains with the clear mountain water, you could even fill the shower bags with some of that water. There is a bag hanger in the one we had. We could get several people a shower with the 5 gallon shower bag. You could buy a couple of the shower bags and even fill them when you find free water and space out using them.

      We bought ours at one of your favorite stores that starts with a W. but other brands are available from Amazon. I have thought of this more then once when I have heard your joy at a shower. You wouldn’t be using your precious water in your tank or filling your gray water tank and you could still enjoy a nice warm shower. Just a thought….

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        Hi, Jolene,

        It’s thoughtful of you to bring that up. I have considered getting a bag shower with cabana from time to time. I guess I’ve hesitated because I’m doing well with the system I have now and often, simplest turns out to be best.

        One of these days I may go ahead and order it. I won’t know if I like it until I try it, right?

        • Jolene/Iowa says:

          What we found and we camp in this one local park often with no facilities because we love everything else about this park, that even though we could clean up with basins like you do, just standing under that warm streaming water, even from a bag was so refreshing. There was no comparison to how we felt.

          It was just a thought and maybe sometime you might want to try it.

          • Crystal says:

            I bought one of those tents to use with my Luggable Loo. However, we can’t use it for showers because of the waste water. We aren’t allowed to just dump it on the ground. I guess it’s allowed while boondocking, but not in the parks we stay in. Not much boondocking area are here.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Dedra. The photo of Janie shows she’s doing just fine. I’m happy she has two pals.

  20. Kim says:

    I remember when Janie and Romeo first locked eyes. (Sounds better than ‘sniffed butts’). Thanks for the update on their enduring love story.

    Kim

  21. Mick'nTN says:

    Great to here that Janie is happy. Romeo and Janie was a win, win, win; all dogs and humans smiling.
    I tried your Parmesan dip but used sliced sweet potatoes instead of chicken. If you nuc the slices for 6 minutes at 50% power, then dip and brown in a non-stick pan they come out with a firm softness and taste great. I made the slices 1/2 inch.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      That’s a pretty tasty and nutritious idea, Mick. I’d like to try that. I’m a bit stuck on the nuking part however.

      I never know what to do with sweet potatoes. It’s not like I’m going to make a PIE.

      • Mick'nTN says:

        Just cook them in the frying pan for a few minutes before dipping in the parmesan coating, otherwise the coating would burn before the potatoes were done. Use tongs to prevent burnt fingers.

  22. Cinandjules (NY) says:

    What a sweetheart! Janie is……part beagle and dashound? How many kids fit into the chair? Funny!

    What a wonderful friend…..Lynn and her husband.

    Good hook up Len was!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I couldn’t figure out what Janie’s mix is. When I adopted her, she was so skinny — get this — I thought she was an Italian Greyhound! In 3 days of eating she turned into the lovely and quite tubular girl she is today.

      Who would know better where there are local campsites on BLM land than the BLM guy who works out in the field? As soon as I saw his truck, I was out the door!

  23. weather says:

    Good Morning Sue,
    Heeding what gives us the sense that our choice is right each time,how rewarding!While,mercifully, we seldom find out which specific danger was averted by trusting the “red flags” inside that steer us away from situations,the benefits of being led are apparent.

    Like your choosing that site to avoid swarms of insects…-when really it was to be given the Tree of Birds.Driven to get this property for my husband,I was given my animal troupe,friends and seclusion to listen to His voice speak to me-heard from inside,and in the wind,bird songs,thunder and waves…

    This season’s locations for you seem chosen for their temperature,on the Fahrenheit scale.I see a refreshing being given much beyond what cool breezes have ever brought anyone… your traveling through an atmosphere where the temperature is so healing in it’s nature…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning, weather,

      We woke up early this morning. We’ve been outside enjoying the cool air.

      Yes, as it turned out, this site is the best one at Pelican Lake for this time of year. My first impression of this campground was “how plain and uninteresting” and now, looking back, it’s one of the most enjoyable camps we’ve stayed at. This has happened before. First impression – blah. Final review – outstanding! 🙂

      Temperature is very important. A few days ago I thought it was going to be too hot here for us to stay. Then we had some strong winds blow through, bringing cool air, very refreshing. We will have to leave soon though. I’ve become attached to this place!

      I hope you enjoy an equally refreshing morning next to the lake.

      • weather says:

        Thanks,as it turns out it has been surprisingly refreshing.I ran a hot bath,turned the water off,and in typical fashion resumed meandering.By the time I decided to get in the tub it was like diving into a pond too early in the springtime!Boy,that’s one way to make me eager to go out and get dirty playin’ again,I need it just to warm up!Ha Have fun with that tattered book of maps and everything else today, 🙂

  24. R. (Western Colorado) says:

    Your picture of Janie and her friends says so much. You must be pleased you were able to find a good home for her, right people and dog friends she can enjoy her new life with.

    I feel you’re my personal benchmark when I see pictures of new places you keep on discovering and descriptions of them. I visualize myself tent camping there soon and in the near future camping with my own RV. You’re giving me many ideas and I would like to share with you two amazing places. One is the Snowy Range along a scenic drive in WY. Snowy Range is a part of Medicine Bow National Forest. If you look up in your atlas it is located between Saratoga and Laramie, along route scenic byway 130. On Friday when I drove between Laramie and Encampment I made several stops for breathtaking fields of glacier lilies, marsh marigolds, spring beauties, globeflowers, anemone, buttercups, sky pilots, alpine forget me nots, alpine clover, alpine phlox and more. There is a still lot of snow with hiking trails not accessible since they are snowed in. But peace and quiet of that area is what I liked most about it. There are several campgrounds and public use bare bone cabins. In August 2013 I stayed at one of the public use forest cabin.

    Anyway, another road is also in WY. It is route 70 from Encampment to Baggs. It is Battle Scenic Byway and it goes through unknown and hardly visited Sierra Madre Mountains of the Medicine Bow National Forest. This drive is a beautiful. Some maps show this road is not paved but it is and also in a great shape, all 57 miles of it. There are many places for primitive camping. I noticed a sign says limit 21 days. The road crosses Continental Divide. During a whole drive along this byway I saw 3 (three!) cars. There is plenty of snow but not as much as in Snowy Range.
    For those looking for solitude this is great area to consider. One thing is to remember to get enough food and other needed supplies. There is nothing in the area. Encampment has no store except a liquor store. Riverside (1 mile from Encampment) has a tiny store. Saratoga has something but to get to a market with bigger selection one needs to drive to Laramie.

    And now I’m going to visit with “my” wildhorses

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, R.,

      You’ve been keeping busy! Those places sound wonderful. I’m making a note for the year I travel to that area. You should write your own blog about hiking!

      Thanks for sharing here.

      • Diann in MT says:

        R-
        I agree with Sue. You should definitely initiate a blog about flowers and camps around the Western Slope and beyond. I am sure you would attract a lot of followers.
        Regards.

  25. Ron Sears says:

    I would have kept Janie and got rid of that ole ugly Spike…lol She would have and I’m sure she was hard to leave behind..Great picture. Be safe.

  26. Geri says:

    Finally caught up! My computer died and I am learning how to live with a tablet! Glad to see that you are still having fun adventures! Loved the last post about all the critters that visit you! Sorry it took me so long to get caught up and back to you. Hopefully computer repaired soon.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Geri,

      Whoa, a tablet! How nice!

      I have missed you both, but I knew you were having problems going online. I hope you are enjoying your new location!

  27. Bob says:

    Sue, you are very frugal. You are having a greats me and spending so little. Amazon has added to your surplus. Good for Amazonas well as you. You have a large readership. I suspect this part has surprised you although you did read George. I wonder what you are doing with your savings? If they are stuffed in your mattress don’t respond.

    • weather says:

      Glad I’m not the only one that thinks “great time”, and “Amazon,as well” only to find I’ve typed something else!Bob,you made me chuckle about mattresses for money instead of cyberspace banking.Like the old shows where a coffee can,saddle bag or trinket box held the emergency funds,ah-h,those were the days 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Bob,

      The fast growth of my blog did surprise me very much! It continues to surprise me, not only the number of followers and daily visits, but also the personal interactions that occur here. Having a lot of readers is great. Having a lot of kind, caring, and fun readers is fantastic!

      What am I doing with my savings? I continue to have a relationship with the financial services company I used during my years of employment, so, no, I don’t put my savings under a mattress. I don’t want to influence anyone by giving specifics and I don’t want to field a lot of comments giving me financial advice. (Not fun)

      I don’t know much about finance but I am good at “having a great time and spending so little.” 🙂

      Nice hearing from you, Bob, whichever Bob you may be. . . .

  28. weather says:

    G’mornin’ Sue,
    Fresh coffee,fresh air and fresh day!Life is good in these humid parts,and you?Aren’t we lucky to have the always rotating wardrobes handy?Long,warm heavy clothes-Away-Tank tops and sandals out again.Rinse-repeat,reverse,enjoy 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning, weather,

      “Fresh coffee, fresh air, and fresh day”…. You describe our circumstances perfectly! Since camped at Pelican Lake, the crew and I sleep with all three, big windows open, the ceiling vent open, and the front door open with only the screen door closed. It’s as close to sleeping outside as we can get.

      The best part is waking up to all the singing and chattering of birds in the cottonwood trees next to the BLT. I suspect the ringed doves are roosting on the PTV, maybe other birds,too (poop doesn’t lie!).

      I’ll be rotating clothes again soon! We are going to increase our elevation dramatically when we move closer to Flaming Gorge.

      Enjoy the gift of another day, weather!

      • weather says:

        WooHoo!Close to Flaming Gorge soon!Guess all the good folks from the Pelican Lake Cafe you’ve been parking next to all this time will just have to get used to following this blog like the rest of us when they miss you 🙂

        Tree of Birds Camp is someplace that belongs to you more perfectly, by carrying it alive in your thoughts -during it’s time of perfection with you,than living on there, as it changed, could have offered.Like seeing a photo of one carefree in their youth is better kept than an image showing what the years took away.I get the true picture of who people are by knowing what dreams matter to them,not by what temporary circumstance might lead one to believe.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Gee, you remind me. .. We might take a drive to see what the Pelican Lake Cafe looks like. It’s not far from the lake down a road we haven’t traveled.

  29. AZ Jim says:

    Susan, You made the bigtime. Sometime ago I told you of a site that saves screen prints of page one of many sites on the net. I was of the opinion that they didn’t “do” blogs but lo and behold look what I found today……

    http://web.archive.org/web/20140625035448/http://rvsueandcrew.net/

  30. Now do you believe your followers when we say, “Write a book, Sue!”

    Pet the babies for me.

    Cat Lady

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