Free camps in the forest below Mt. Antero

“We need to find our next camp!”

Bridget and Reggie eagerly take their places in the Perfect Tow Vehicle.

Today we motor northward from Salida, Colorado, on Route 285.  About halfway between Salida and Buena Vista, we turn left and head west on County Road 278.

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Imagine living with the mountains of the Sawatch Range in your back yard!

Route 278 crosses Route 270.  We continue going straight, heading for forest and the mountains.

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The dirt road is wide and smooth. This section of the road is Route 272.

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Beyond the sign, two figures appear along the side of the road.  What is that up there? 

The PTV creeps forward.

Oh, pronghorns!

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The favorite defense of pronghorns is to flee. 

Later I read that the American Pronghorn has been clocked at speeds up to 60 mph.  They’re the fastest animal on the North American continent.

These two don’t run; they stand very still.

Not wanting to startle them, I stop the PTV before coming close.  I hold my camera out the driver’s side window and take the above photo across the hood.

The PTV slowly rolls forward. 

The pronghorns react by walking over to a small tree.

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They seem curious, rather than afraid. 

Maybe they’re used to vehicles passing by as they graze.

I bring down the passenger side window and take the next two photos before Reggie, The Photo Bomber, figures out what’s going on.

P1120819I couldn’t ask for better posers than these two! 

Look at the shaggy coats, distinctive noses, and, oh, those lovely eyelashes!

P1120820-001Well, that was a wonderful welcome to the forest. 

We continue on our way . . . .

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Right away boondocks appear!

The first three are set back from the road and are large.  Each one contains a big rig.  In fact, one site has two big rigs in it.

All the campsites are spaced far apart. Even though there’s very little under story, campsites are not visible, one to the other.

The fourth campsite is empty.

I pull in, park and let out Bridget and Reggie so they can explore.  This is why they are always eager to ride in the PTV!

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The campsite is very large, too large for us.  Even the fire ring is huge.  One could easily fit three big rigs in this site!

I like a smaller campsite with less bare ground and with more charm.

“Okay, let’s look some more.  Here, have your drink before we go.”

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We drive up and down three different roads.

A road to the left goes to Brown’s Creek Trailhead.  Several boondocks are along this road and a few of them are very nice.  It’s the weekend and all are occupied.  The sites are not attractive to me anyway, because hikers driving to the trailhead and the OHVers are frequent users of this road.

Going straight, the road soon forks.

Shortly before the fork in the road, a stand of pines next to a small meadow of grass and yellow flowers catches my eye.  We stop and look it over.  (The last photo of the previous post shows Bridget in this site.)

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Besides the shady charm of this site, I like the view of Mt. Antero (elevation: 14,269 ft.), the tenth highest peak in Colorado, where people hike and prospect for aquamarine.

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Back on the road . . . .

Bear left at the fork and you will find four nice boondocks widely spaced.  The road is narrower and has more curves.

P1120833Bear right at the fork and one drives a short distance to where the forest opens up into a meadow.  There are three boondocks here, each at the end of its own “driveway” and very separate from each other.

“Okay, crew.  We’ve scouted the area.  There are several campsites that would make a good home for us.  Let’s go back to camp.  We’ll move here tomorrow.”

Monday, July 18 

We return with the Best Little Trailer in tow.

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My first choice is occupied.  That’s okay.  We settle into my second choice, one of the three sites at the edge of a meadow.

P1120907-001“Antero Meadow Camp”

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The crew and I camp here for two nights. 

Internet signal is strong. There’s plenty of open area for the crew to roam and for Reggie to be on 50 feet of tether.   Cool breezes sweep down from the mountains.  It’s peaceful and private.  The second day thunderstorms drum around the peaks, sending light rain on our camp.  All in all, this is a good, serviceable camp.  However, it lacks an important element, important to me anyway.

And that element is charm.

Another way to put it — It lacks “personality.”  One way I can tell when this important element is lacking is my reluctance to set up an outdoor room.

At “Antero Meadow Camp” I don’t bother to put down the blue mat. I have zero nesting impulse.

Meh.

The third morning, rather than unhitch in order to check, we go ahead and move camp, taking the chance that my first choice for a campsite has been vacated.

I’m happy to find it’s available!

Soon the Best Little Trailer is positioned with the door opening to Mt. Antero.

P1120919“Antero Pines Camp”

The exuberance of Bridget and Reggie upon our arrival confirms that they, too, can tell the difference between an ordinary camp and one with personality.

“Okay, you little boondockers.  Get out of the way so I can put down the mat.”

rvsue

NOTE:  This post makes it seem that one simply drives into the forest and finds great boondocks all over the place.  Sometimes that happens.  Other times one can expend several hours of research and driving and still not find an attractive camp that meets one’s personal criteria.  The crew and I had an unproductive morning like that.  I didn’t want to blog about it.  I mention it here to point out that sometimes finding a boondock takes perseverance and patience.  — Sue

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118 Responses to Free camps in the forest below Mt. Antero

    • FIRST! I am first. Finally. I can mark this off my bucket list. If I post two more times can I be second and third, too???? LOL I went back and read your post. Love Antero Pines Camp; looks like a great camp.

      I was told by my aunt who was an avid hunter ( I know, I know) that antelope are very curious so if there’s something they see that hasn’t made them afraid previously they will stick around to see what the heck is going on. Some even wave a white flag (I assume the color white is just for visibility) to bring them in closer. Enjoy your boondock!

  1. Cynthia Blaylock says:

    First?

  2. Jean in Southaven says:

    Am I first

  3. Jean in Southaven says:

    Shucks, well I guess I will go back and read the blog now. I tried.

  4. You guys crack me up! Wish we were there

  5. Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

    Whoa! You are all so fast and I had been watching. Step away and bam! Ok, now back to read the wonderful post.

    • Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

      Great article and yes, boondocking sites are not always easy to find. Ironically, Antero is the masculine form of Antera which is Spanish for fast or easy. Seems finding the perfect spot for you was not necessarily fast or easy. Enjoy.

  6. Pat in Rochester says:

    Wonderful photos of those pronghorns, I love that last one.

  7. I think I must be 4,5 or 6!
    Just glad to be here!

  8. Dawn in NC says:

    I’ll take 10th!

  9. Cat Lady back home in Baton Rouge says:

    Too funny.

  10. Dee Dee in Florida says:

    First time commenter. Long time reader. I’ve been following your blog since its inception, back when the site visit counter was less than 500! Your mountain photos of today transport me to a cooler place and away from the humid, muggy, steaming heat of S. Florida. Thanks for sharing your adventures. D2

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Welcome, Dee Dee! Thank you for being a longtime reader of my blog. Wow! I remember how thrilled I was to have a few hundred visits on my counter. Now it’s in the millions — I don’t even know the total. 🙂

      I hope you find relief from the heat and humidity of South Florida. Please don’t wait another five years to visit here again!

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Welcome, Dee Dee! By commenting, you are now an official blogorino! Whoo-H00!! 🙂

  11. Cynthia Blaylock says:

    No, looks like Shawna beat me by a nano-second! The math problem was to hard and took me too long to calculate!

    What a lovely area and a great post filled with interesting animal pics. I didn’t know much about pronghorns and went to read about them … now I’m wondering if that white patch of hair on their rumps got larger as you approached in the PTV? Did Reggie bark at them? I wonder what Reggie and Bridget think when they see the different animals you encounter, and if they discern the differences between a horse, a deer, a cow, a pronghorn. When my dogs saw horses for the first time, they practically ignored them as they were much more interested in smelling (and eating – yuc!!) the horse poop. On the other hand, the first time they encountered goats, they went crazy, barking wildly. It just makes me wonder what one animal species thinks of other animal species, and why.

    I’m also curious what that small dark animal was. It has a tail like a skunk, but no stripe. I’ve not seen a squirrel that dark, but assume that’s what it is?

    The difference between an ordinary campsite and one with personality must be difficult to define but you know it when you see it. In this case, from your photographs, it seems like it’s “perspective.” The second campsite appears to have a prettier perspective of the trees in relationship to the mountains.

    • Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

      I believe it’s a Black Squirrel. If had tufted hair on its ears it could’ve passed for a Kaibab Squirrel indigenous to the Kaibab forest of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

      • Diann in MT says:

        YEP! That is a black squirrel. When we hiked all over south central Colorado, the little black squirrel was there. A secretive, yet tentatively friendly and ever present creature of the high altitudes! Enjoy, Sue!
        I love that country.
        It looks really dry, though.

        • Cynthia from San Clemente says:

          What we learn here!! I looked up black squirrels and learned they are a “melanistic subgroup of the eastern grey squirrel and the fox squirrel.” Apparently a result of a genetic mutation. I guess I need to head toward Colorado and the midwest if I want to see one.

  12. Diane J says:

    What a great Biology lesson! I had no idea the US even had Pronghorns….or that they are the fastest animal here. So great they didn’t run away from you. Love the photos, too!

  13. Deena in Peoria, AZ says:

    Beautiful site is Antero Pines Camp. Love the Pronghorns. The last picture of The Running Reggie and the Gotta Go, Camera is looking at me Bridget is very precious and shows their different styles.

    Thank you.

    Deena and Miss Mollie

  14. mayble says:

    “Other times one can expend several hours of research and driving and still not find an attractive camp that meets one’s personal criteria. The crew and I had an unproductive morning like that. I didn’t want to blog about it. ”
    Color me disappointed.
    I know you enjoy educating us as much as entertaining us. Please don’t make it all sunshine and roses – give us the boring, dirty, uncomfortable bits too so we can really get a sense of what it’s like “out there”.
    Or not 😉 It’s your blog and I look forward to every post.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Sorry to disappoint you, mayble. Nothing would be learned or gained from a boring post of me and the crew driving around looking at nothing but trees and houses. I kept my blog “real” by adding that note at the end. I trust all can imagine that day without me taking photos and describing it. If I bore the socks off of people, they won’t be here anyway.

      Feedback please… Is anyone else disappointed? Should I have written a post about NOT finding a boondock?

      • weather says:

        Showing how to find great places is among the best things you teach. I think I could figure out how to fail at that without your help, Ha! So, no, I’m not disappointed.

      • Retiredcajunlady 'n Louisiana says:

        You asked…so here it is.
        Sue, it is your blog, your story that you wish to share with all of us. Your pictures of what spoke to you at the time and the beauty you see. Your blog is the parts of you and your life you wish to share with us, and that is exactly as it should be. Your blog should be and is exactly what you wish to share with us, teach us, and enlighten us on the days you write. Don’t try to alter it to fit readers or it won’t be YOU. Your words and thoughts and pictures is exactly why you have the following you have. Disappointed? Nope. And I truly doubt many are.

        • Retiredcajunlady 'n Louisiana says:

          I left the computer to switch loads of laundry and do a few things around the house…and it dawned on me. Your posts about ordinary days like maintainance for BTV, doing laundry, finding a yummy rotisserie chicken for the you and the pups, and searching out new spots to boondock give a genuineness to your blog. We Blogorinos are wise enough to know not every day is filled with frolic and fun. You have stuff to do. But that is what is real. So you didn’t find a great spot at first. I am glad to know you don’t feel the need to fill the blog with fluff. You are living a real life. And you share it with us. And we are blessed. Last post today. I promise.

          • rvsueandcrew says:

            There’s no numerical limit for comments! The more people comment, the better! 🙂

            • JazzLoverWMa says:

              Retiredcajunlady’n Louisiana two posts above about says what I and I’m sure scores of your other Blogorinos feel. You keep doing what you are doing cause that’s the rvsue we love to travel along with. A while back the weather channel I believe it was had a show on called The Prospectors about 4 or 5 different sets of people who went up on Mt Antero to mine gemstones and what they encountered while doing so. Remember how thunderstorms would come up on them without much warning and the lightening was pretty scary being so high up the Mountain. Some of the roads/trails to get to their claims were not for the faint of heart. These folks were able to support themselves with what they took off the mountain, made into jewelry or sold in the raw at gem shows in the state. The scenery was awesome to me being a flatlander most of my life as is what you give us in each blog. Never knew pronghorns had horns like that. Are they shedding their coats do you think? Looks like it. See Reggie was giving one of his toys what for in the last picture. The Photo Bomber, gotta love it. Be Well, JazzLover

      • Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

        Nope. Not for me.

      • Pookie in Todd Mission, tx says:

        I fail enough without reading other folks failures…
        🙂
        chuck

      • Linda-NC says:

        Not boring at all. I want to know all of these little things and the detail isn’t necessary. Tell it like it is. I find it all interesting. I follow your blog to learn, get great tips, enjoy the photos and the crews antics. By the way due diligence period is up on the house, closing scheduled Aug. 10 and I am FREEEEEE! WHEEEEEEEEE! Scoping out RVs and making plans.
        Keep up the good work Sue! Thoroughly enjoyable.

      • weather says:

        Parts of this thread point out one of the advantages of reading comments. In a reply 2 posts ago, Sue wrote

        “1) Are the sites suitable for RVs or are they tent campsites?

        2)Is the road to these camps suitable/practical for RV travel?

        I had a terrible time yesterday following the online enthusiasm about fantastic campsites along a forest road, and, after putting the PTV’s transmission through hell, they turned out to be tent sites only, no way an RVer could utilize them. I was kicking myself for not following my own instincts and doing my own research.”

        While I’m glad that reply showed the futility of not doing what you ordinarily do, Sue, I’m glad your posts teach us how to get positive results .

      • mayble says:

        And this is why I usually don’t participate in “commentland” lol.
        Didn’t mean to offend, question or throw any doubts your way. You’re doing your thing, both in the real world and here, so please disregard my comment (if there were a “delete” button I’d be all over it) – I’m enjoying each and every post.
        I’m going back to the cheap seats now. Carry on 😉

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          No need to delete. You didn’t say anything wrong. I write a lot of comments and there are times my tone comes across harsh or the replies that follow turn the thread one way or the other which makes the first comment seem different than it was intended.

          I know what you meant and it’s good advice. I will remember it when I’m tempted to leave out that which isn’t all roses and lollipops. It’s just the day looking for camps wasn’t interesting and I didn’t collect any decent photos to go along with a post about it.

          All is good. We don’t want you going away, mayble! 🙂

  15. Pookie in Todd Mission, tx says:

    WOW…..look at those mountains! some great photography there, Sue
    Rusty must be sleeping in this morning…..HA
    chuck

  16. Susan in Dallas says:

    I love the pictures of the road lined with the stately pines. I visited a friend’s brother in Buena Vista so I might have been near this area. I need some of your cool breezes down here in Dallas. I’ve been here since 1979 and yet am always amazed at the heat! LOL

  17. Dawn in Asheville, NC says:

    Enjoyed the photos of the pronghorn and the black squirrel – yes, it’s funny how a campsite has to be “just right”. You brought back memories of some of my favorites!

  18. Linda Rose, Muffin, Murphy, Molly & Midgy says:

    I agree with you on the first camp. I thought, hmmm I wouldn’t like that spot very much. Glad that the internet signal was strong. We blogorinos appreciate that! Those look like beautiful mountains. What great pictures of the pronghorns!!
    I’ve yet to explore Colorado. I’ll add that to my list after Utah and their national parks. We’re hot here in California again. Hope you’re having lovely weather. Give the crew a snuggle from me and my crew.

  19. weather says:

    Oh my, what a beautiful opening photo and welcome to the forest. It’s nice that the pines campsite became vacant. I see what you mean about it’s having charm while the meadow one didn’t. I understand your not wanting to blog about an unproductive morning. Why relive and rehash frustration when success can be enjoyed…

    It’s terrific that the crew associates rides with a chance to explore new places. You really are giving them such a wonderful life. I like that you notice and mentioned that they feel the same difference in an atmosphere that you do, how in tune you three are with what’s around you and with each other.

    If I understand correctly you moved yesterday. I hope you have all you need and enjoy to relax there for a while. Do you plan to?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Yes, we will stay here for several days if it remains peaceful. We have several choices for walks from this camp. Another reason is the month we are in. July is crazy crowded and I don’t want to deal with that. Once the students are back in school, I’ll feel more inclined to move around. Colorado is a popular state for vacations in summer!

      Thanks for the nice message and for noting that first photo which I also like. The silhouette of one beautiful horse is as visually powerful as the huge mountains. I’m also proud of the fact that the photo is pleasing even with those dang power poles!

      • weather says:

        “We have several choices for walks from this camp…” particularly pleases me, smiles and happy sighs here. Last year at this time instead of waiting for the crowds to thin out- you were waiting for electrical parts for the BLT, and Bridget sometimes waited at home when you and Reggie walked.

        Have you been getting an occasional rain or needed to use your fans? I don’t know if the Salida widget applies to your place .It’s a warm lay in the grass thick with cornflowers sort of day here in central NY state. An eagle visited yesterday so I want to watch in case he comes back. I hope it remains peaceful among your pines.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Oh, it sounds like you’re having a splendid day! 🙂

          Yes, we have experienced occasional sprinkles. Yesterday around sunset a powerful thunderstorm with lightning all around us had Reggie trembling. He usually does well through storms. This one, however, was very loud. Bridget didn’t pay much attention to it. I was glad for the rain as the PTV and BLT have collected a lot of dust and needed rinsing off. BTW, the Salida weather widget’s info is pretty close to our weather. It’s slightly cooler here and breezier.

          We’re going to town this morning…

          I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the presence of an eagle today!

  20. Kirsten says:

    I’ve enjoyed reading your blog since I ran across it a month or two ago! Are you considering going over Monarch Pass at any point? County road 888 right at the bottom of the other side is beautiful and there is a sweet little campground 8 miles up and boondock sites about 11 miles up. The boondock sites are at the edge of a meadow along the creek and beaver ponds. Mosquitos are usually around but it is a beautiful setting. My family has a cabin in the little town ten miles in; we’re the blue two story cabin on the left about halfway through town … it was the boarding house/hotel in the mining days! I’m heading up there for a week starting on Friday night. My heart lives in those hills … I can’t wait to get back!

    Enjoy your adventure! The whole area is wonderful.

    Kirsten

  21. Retiredcajunlady 'n Louisiana says:

    Another great post, Sue, filled with fantastic photos! I love the way the pronghorns seemed to pose for you as if to say, “Here…get my good side, too!” Was that a black squirrel? He sure looks well fed in his meadow home. I can imagine that not all boondocks are created equal with some being more inviting than others. You seem to always enjoy the journey even on those days where sites are just so-so. I know I enjoy reading about them. Reggie and Bridget seem to adapt and find fun exploring no matter where y’all land. Thanks for the lovely pictures and commentary, Sue. Belly rubs and hugs for pups and prayer for you all.

  22. Dave H says:

    Just a note: Many times you can see potential boondocking sites via Google Earth saving driving up the road hoping to find one.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Some like that method and sometimes I use it. I try to live in the real as much as I can. There’s something about the surprise of finding a great campsite that I love and that feeling can’t be duplicated looking at a screen.

      Plus, finding a campsite online doesn’t give me material for a “story.” 🙂

      • Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

        In addition, as we have experienced, what looks spacious on Google Maps, is not so in real time or at least in getting there.

  23. Yeah we wanted someone else to be First, three’s a charm, so we went out for a Big walk, just as we were going I heard the “Tweet Tweet “of Sue’s post arrive and just kept on walking, ,,,,, real nice post and the photos of the Rockies are so Beautiful Sue, thanks, ,,,,,,, Rusty n Piper @>)-)—— 😉

  24. Virginia620 (Mobile AL) says:

    Sue, you write about what you feel you want to share. I think we ALL eagerly await each post and pics.
    On a side note, I was thinking about y’all and your upcoming 5-year anniversary, and I’m curious of all the things you started with in the back of your van that you didn’t want to get rid of, how much of your original things are left in the back of the van? I know you have culled some things through the years. Curious minds want to know.

  25. Suzan in Atlanta says:

    Beautiful area! Enjoy!

  26. Barbara says:

    Hi Sue- I very much enjoy your posts! I leave next week to live in my trailer with my two dogs. You are an inspiration to me, as I imagine myself out there soon!!

    Great photos-

    Barbara

    • Virginia620 (Mobile AL) says:

      I hope we hear from you about your travels. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll all be boondockers. ?

  27. DeAnne in TN says:

    Good morning everyone! Back to school next week; we report on the 4th, kiddos on the 8th. You know what that means, Sue–spend $300 of your own money to decorate your classroom and a week without pay to get it ready! I was musing this morning, and I have a question that I’m hoping you or other full-timers can help me with. I am a recycling beast. I just feel like I am diminishing at least part of my carbon footprint. On your travels, are recycling bins, containers, etc. readily available? I know sometimes getting rid of garbage is a stealth operation, but I haven’t seen this question posed and I was just wondering.

  28. Rick & Brock the Dog, WA says:

    Hi Sue,
    I enjoy your blog so much. It’s a little slice of the heaven that I want for Brock and myself. Very enjoyable reading…Brock just looks at the pictures with his happy tail wagging. What you experience picking a boondocking site is about the same as mine. It has to have “character” or it’s just another place to sit. So enjoy it and safe travels.

  29. Darn, I was catching up on email all morning, waiting to jump on a fresh post, and then I missed it when I went to lunch. Had to drive into town to pick up my new camera, for our upcoming trip to the Yellowstone area! I hope to get some shots of wildlife like your pronghorns–neat animals, and I’m amazed they were so cooperative. All I ever seem to get is rumps 🙂

    Big milestone today–got our official order documents from Casita for our FD17–pickup date is November 2nd!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Congratulations, Steve! I’d say documents for ordering a new Casita rate up there with being first to comment. 🙂

    • ApplegirlNY says:

      Whoo Hoo! Good for you, Steve. We have a FD17. Love it. I’m so excited for you.

    • Larry in AR says:

      If your trip is anytime soon and your plans include a southern route along Hwy 191 through Pinedale and Jackson, WY, you should know that road is currently closed due to fire.

  30. Carolyn H in AZ says:

    Beautiful campsite. Being “picky” pay off! Love your photos.

  31. The pronghorns were thinking, “Hey, it’s RV Sue and her Canine Crew! She’s very private, but maybe if we don’t run off she’ll visit with us.”

  32. ApplegirlNY says:

    Cozy and charming with a magnificent view. What a back yard you have. Now, about the pronghorns being the fastest animal in North America – I may have them beat when I remember there’s ice cream in the freezer. Of course, I’m quite a bit slower after my indulgence.

  33. Larry in AR says:

    I feel compelled to tell the Blogorinos that the Pop-up Screened Gazebo With Awning is probably not suitable for short camping trips. I would say it is rather suited for semi-permanent installation because it is heavy and bulky. Do not want to hinder any sales, so you can certainly delete if you want.

    Looking forward to seeing some of those Colorado mountains again in about a month. Wish it were now so I could get out of this heat and humidity. Supposed to be 100 tomorrow.

  34. Adrienne in Carlsbad, CA says:

    You are in a wonderful place and my compulsive rock hound heart would absolutely scream for an aquamarine from Mt Antero! I think you should have one as a souvenir. Stop in at a rock shop…they’re made in America!

  35. Phyllis in Phoenix says:

    Beautiful country you are in. I’m still working full time so can’t camp for very long, but even if camping for a few days you need a site with charm.

  36. John says:

    Those mountains sure are pretty Sue. That couple look like a pair of lovebirds, eyelashes and all, how can anyone hunt such a wonderful animal?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I saw three men in camo outfits with rifles run down a herd of pronghorns with their OHV. They stopped, jumped out, and shot. I don’t know if they brought a pronghorn down. It upset me so, I screamed at them, “COWARDS!” They were too far away to hear me and too far for me to photograph their license plate. I don’t know, maybe that method of killing is legal. This happened at Antelope Flat, WY.

  37. Marie taylor says:

    If you’re still in that area, you might like the road to Winfield. 390. It runs along clear creek. Lots of good camping about 8 miles up the road. It was a bit rough when I was there 2 yrs ago. But nice enough once I got there that I plan to go again. Winfield is an old abandoned mining town. Nothing really there except a few cabins that the Forrest service seems to rent out.

  38. Donna in TN says:

    Regular lurker and first?

  39. Cinandjules (NY) says:

    Cute pronghorns…eyelashes and all!
    Lovely scenery!
    I don’t get folks that hunt either!

  40. Howdy neighbor! Am around Leadville. Trying to stay high and cool. I don’t get tingly toes but do get dizzy.
    I had the rough day yesterday trying to find a camp further north. Some days are a charm and some..well…you need patience.

  41. Jolene Bates says:

    Hi Sue,

    I have just played catch up. I have been gone camping and working for about 2 weeks. Always a great time when we are camping.

    I have loved all the posts I have missed. Beautiful pictures! This is fly fishing country! Looking forward to every new post!

  42. Pamelab in Houston says:

    Hello, Sue and crew –
    More great shots of horses and other wildlife. Very nice. Thank you for your very nice blog. I always learn something.
    Happy trail and travels. Nice campsite.
    Pamelab in Missouri City, TX…for now

  43. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Good morning, Sue!

    Snow dusted mountains, gently curved roads snaking through pines, beautiful pronghorns posing prettily, the Crew exploring. I loved all of the photos of this post! The river, shallow wading area (of the previous posts), and snowy mountain tops look so cool and refreshing! Traveling with you makes me forget about the humidity and dangerous heat that much of the country is experiencing right now. I know you do not miss that feeling of getting whacked in the face with a hot, heavy, steamy wet towel when you step out the door. Yuck! Keep on heading up, up, up, to cooler areas!

    I enjoyed hearing about Mitch; his kind deeds and wonderful heart which is open to provide love, patience, and a sense of safety for Annie. He is a bright, shining ray of goodness…thank you for sharing! 🙂

    I hope your day is off to a good start, and that you and the Crew enjoy your day! I have an errand to run this morning, have to put out food and fresh water for the birds and then I will be catching up on laundry and chores inside. Not terribly exciting, but I will be cool in the A/C. I have to thank you and fellow blogorinos again for your recommendation of the Kindle Paperwhite! I am enjoying it! A friend shared the Hugh Howey trilogy “Wool/Shift/Dust”. Check them out on Amazon. I have read Wool and hope to read Shift this weekend. An excellent read….you will be hooked after reading the first chapter, engage with the characters, and almost feel what they are experiencing. Amazon sent me a $5 Kindle credit. Per the reviews of you and the blogorinos, I bought the 1st book of the “Outlander” series; “The Girl in the Ice”, and put the remaining 2 cents credit towards “Lombard and the Mystery of Flight 3”. After I read these books, on to checking out books and magazines through the library! Who-Hoo! You should have received credit for the three ebooks, and an Omoton Paperwhite cover. I love the cover…it has a pearlized white finish with the outline of square and rectangular stones, along with pretty trees of multicolored leaves and flowers, with tiny butterflies dancing among the leaves. My Paperwhite is my secret garden….inside treasures await to explore! 🙂

    Have a great day, Sue! Stay cool and hydrated. Sending you, Bridget, and Reggie love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂 🙂 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning, Denise,

      What a happy comment! You have a cheerfulness that comes through even when describing awful heat and humidity. 🙂 It was fun reading your enthusiasm for your new Paperwhite and how pleased you are with your “secret garden” cover. I wish you many, many hours of reading enjoyment.

      Thank you for the suggestions for books. I hope you don’t find the Outlander series too risque! And thank you for a very pleasant beginning to my day. Hugs to you and Gracie pup!

      • Denise - Richmond VA says:

        Hi, Sue!

        Too risqué – ha! I don’t think that will be a problem! 🙂

        Gracie and I were just greeted by the female hummingbird that I had seen in my garden this past week. She flew 3′ in front of me, just above eye level, hovered for a bit, peeped a little greeting, then flew up into the pear tree. What a delight! I am beginning to wonder if she may have a nest in the Nandina right off the patio. I have to walk right next to this bush when I take Gracie out. It would be exiting to actually see a hummer’s nest. I have seen tiny, jellybean-sized egg remnants in the past, so I know they have nested in my yard before. I need to make sugar water for my feeder! Gotta keep all of my babies happy! 🙂

        Hope your day is delightful, too! 🙂

  44. Mindy Reed says:

    Know that area well ~ I used to live at 10,500 feet in Leadville!

  45. 11Blade says:

    Wow! Just got back from scouting more sites around Salida to move to this Sat.. We missed each other at Salida East…I’m the gal with 3 dogs. Your pictures are excellent….you must be the pronghorn whisperer? My rig is quite a bit bigger than yours, so good roads and level campsites are must. How many miles out of the north side of Salida (near Hospital) are you? Where did you get your solar install done? The Winnebago has all the parts, but a wimpy 10 watt panel that isn’t doing anything in full sun. I want to beef up this new-to-me rig like my last one (Kyocera 135 Watt x 2, Solar Boost controller, etc). Can anyone in this valley get that done while I’m here thru Oct?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Welcome to my blog, 11Blade!

      I had solar installed at Starlight Solar in Yuma. Read about it at my post “Solar Happy.

      This camp is about 15 miles directly north of Poncha Springs, via Route 285. For more detailed directions, read my previous post: “Free camps at the base of Mt. Antero” (see sidebar for link)

      There are a few sites here, near the entrance to the national forest, that are level and can accommodate large rigs. If you try to move here on a Saturday, you probably will find them occupied. Move on a Sunday-Thursday to improve your odds of finding a camp suitable for your rig.

      You may have to ask your question about solar places in the valley under the next post, soon after it appears, in order to receive responses. Feel free to do so.

      I’d do a search for you (“solar power + name of town”) but I’m running low on data.

      Blogorinos: Anyone familiar with the San Luis Valley in Colorado…. Where does one go for solar installation?

  46. 11Blade says:

    Thanks for the link. I recognize where you were camped outside of Yuma, on the Colorado River? I did a job there the maiden voyage of my first gas RV. If you are continuing to head up north thru BV don’t miss going to the drive in theater there. Saw Guardians of the Galaxy there a couple years ago with some other campers from Railroad Bridge State Campground. LOVED the movie and the old time drive-in theater. http://www.comanchedrivein.com/ After spending $16/day in the river bridge camp north of BV for 12 days, found out the open, accessible field directly across the road was BLM. The Railroad Bridge campground is about 5 miles north of BV on 371 (gravel road, you will pass another heavily camped boondock site closer in to town). Both of those boondock sites are no where near as pretty as where U are now, but allow you to go exploring the surrounding BV area.

    Thanks for the info on the solar folks in Yuma. It is really important to have a reference to a shop that knows what they are doing. My solar install in Quartsite was poorly designed, and executed. I fixed two different shorts (inverter, power panel) by necessity, not choice.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I’m not sure I want to camp near Buena Vista as it is so popular. We’re having drive-by gawkers already. When that starts, it’s time to hide. It’s better for us if we camp in less popular areas, although I read there’s an increase in bear activity/humans in the area beyond BV and Leadville.

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