Friday, August 12
Sunrise at Los Pinos Road Camp, southwest of Del Norte, Colorado
The crew and I linger after breakfast, strolling around our camp.
Today we come down off this ridge that was our home for one, wonderfully peaceful night. We don’t have far to travel today. We can take the time to wander across the beams of morning light that reach us through the pines.
No internet connection here is a good thing. I would be tempted to stay longer and the perfection of this camp would be marred by the sounds of people and their noisy vehicles coming up for weekend fun. As it is, I will always recall the quiet of this camp in a forest on a ridge.
“Okay, cuties. It’s time to go.”
On the descent my thoughts about the weekend are confirmed.
We meet three bicyclists pumping their way up Los Pinos Road, followed by a pick-up hauling two OHVs on a utility trailer, a toy hauler (probably carrying an OHV or two), and a motorhome with an OHV attached to its rear.
Yes, it’s good that we left before the onslaught.
Cheery, yellow flowers along the road seem to wish us well as we go by.
“Come back again,” I hear them say.
It’s nice to be able to take one’s time, relaxed and refreshed from the last camp.
I love to mosey through the countryside.
Horses in a field with yellow flowers — How can I resist!
I park the Perfect Tow Vehicle on the shoulder of the road and pick up the camera.
Aren’t you a beauty! Your coat gleams in the sunshine.
Flashy markings and coloring on the little one — including white knee socks!
Ah! The pose worth waiting for! Thank you!
This is the plan for today . . . .
At the junction with Route 160 we will turn west and motor about 15 miles to South Fork. At the fork we will bear right onto Route 149 which points us toward Creede. We won’t go that far today. There are two camping possibilities along the way.
In South Fork I park behind a gas station.
I let the crew out for a minute so they won’t bug me while I go online to check the blog. I write a comment about not having internet at the last camp and that we’re on our way to a new camp. While writing I notice people using a dump station behind Rainbow Grocery. Hmm. . . . good to know.
Route 149 runs along the Rio Grande River.
I don’t take photos, instead I enjoy the ride without stopping. We will be in this area for a while. I can take pictures another time.
It turns out that Collier State Wildlife Area does not allow camping. Maybe it did at one time, but not any more.
Disappointing . . Those lovely places along the Rio Grande would make wonderful camps . . . .
About ten miles north of South Fork we turn into Palisade Campground.
Previously I noticed this campground on my Colorado Benchmark map. The location isn’t far from South Fork, plus it’s situated along the River.
I anticipate a convenient and pleasant place for us to make our home for a while.
As we slowly roll through the campground on this Friday morning, most of the campsites are occupied, including all the ones along the river. Open campsites are either very short, unappealing, or too shady. I turn on my Verizon jetpack. No internet here.
Checking my Benchmark again, I see another option.
We could drive a few miles south of South Fork and look at Beaver Creek Campground. Maybe the choice of campsites will be better and maybe, just maybe, there’s internet.
Five miles south of South Fork we arrive at Beaver Creek!
I park at the self-pay station to learn the camping fee is $18 regular/$9 with senior discount. I scan the notices — the usual bulletins about campground rules and camp practices in bear country.
Oh, what’s this?
“While the state has legalized marijuana, it is not legal on federal lands. . . . This includes medical marijuana as well.”
Beaver Creek does not take reservations. There is a camp host. Bear-proof trash bins are provided, as well as a vault toilet and two drinking water pumps.
I choose a back-in campsite that has only one neighbor.
A truck camper is in the site next to us. As a general rule I’ve found truck campers to be among the least annoying of neighbors. They tend not to run loud generators. That’s not based on a scientific study; it’s based on experiential, anecdotal evidence. I like truck campers.
The BLT’s door faces the campground lane which isn’t desired. I’m not concerned about that. The important thing is I have internet!
I can blog again!
The picnic table/sitting area is pleasant with lots of room for the crew to roam.
Beaver Creek runs alongside our campsite but one has to go down a steep slope to get to it. The sound of the creek does reach my lounger and also inside the BLT.
I pay for three nights at Beaver Creek Campground.
I put up the antenna pole and connect the Wilson antenna to my Verizon jetpack.
I haven’t had my mail forwarded in a long time. Online I direct my mail forwarding service, America’s Mailbox, to send my mail “General Delivery” to the South Fork post office address. I expect the vehicle registration renewals for the PTV and BLT to be among my mail.
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Beaver Creek, south of South Fork, Colorado
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
First?? Holy Cow
CONGRATULATIONS, SCOTT! NUMBER ONE!
Hello Sur,
Your travels make me so jealous!
IT’S A TIE FOR SECOND PLACE! GOOD JOB, CLAUDIA!
Hi Sue !!
JANIS IS IN SECOND PLACE, TOO! WOW!
Getting closer…
HOORAY FOR MARK! HE’S IN THIRD PLACE AND GETTING CLOSER!
Lovely, Sue
Looks like a nice place and Internet!
Those are some really nice pictures of the horses today. I’m glad you found a nice place to Camp that is not full of OHVs and other loud people.
I must have moved up in line to get the notification of a new blog. I am near the top. Beautiful pictures. Love this part of the country. I haven’t commented in awhile, but I ready every word of the post and the comments. I am on vacation tomorrow and Friday and am looking forward to it. I will pretend I am in Colorado like I pretended I was some place I wasn’t when I was a child. Stay safe and enjoy
Hi, Sue!
We have been internetless as well. In our second week of our second stay at Bonaparte Lake in northern WA. Just extended for another week. Fishing is fabulous! And the surroundings are beautiful. I even took a porta-bote ride yesterday. Today we came to Tonasket for supplies & some WiFi plus lunch at a restaurant.
I saw your picture of your boat ride Kathy. You and Sue are enjoying beautiful scenery and I am just canning, canning, picking and more picking. More blueberries, plums and apples.
Glad you found a quiet place for the weekend. And internet too, Sue. I hope that you and the crew will have a peaceful enjoyable weekend.
Hi
Happy camping continues. Love the pictures in this post.
On the way home from Kingman i spotted a Casita at a RV sales lot. Didn’t stop but looked up online. It’s a ’94 with a list price of 10K. Seems a bit pricey, eh?
Maybe not, Marilyn. Casitas do hold their value very well.
It depends upon what features it has, what modifications have been made, and then there may be a fee for the seller to give the RV sales lot. Used Casitas are in demand.
Now you are in one of my most favorite places in Colorado. Hwy 149 between Creede and Lake City is very scenic. Specifically in the fall when aspens are changing. We spend a lot of time in the area. We used to start our backpacking trips into the Weminuche Wilderness from the trailheads on the Rio Grande Reservoir. These days I hike a lot around the high passes and Bruce rides his road bike up the Spring Creek and Slumgullion Pass. (Note that the north side of Slumgullion Pass has an incline of 9.4%, making this the steepest paved highway in the state. Use low gear when descending this pass.) There were some big fires around Creede and there are also a lot of sick pine trees and aspens in the area but it is still very pretty. Check Deer Lakes. Lake San Cristobol. North Clear Creek Falls. Enjoy your stay in the area.
http://www.lakecity.com/mountain-town-activities/scenic-drives-byways/24-silver-thread-scenic-byway
Marysia,
Thank you for your post and the link. We will be taking Hwy. 149 from the Gunnison area to South Fork and on to Pagosa Springs via Hwy. 160 around mid September. We will be driving a motorhome. Are these highways OK for big rigs?
Don
Hi, Don,
Hwy 160 is in excellent condition and is fine for big rigs. There are passing lanes periodically. Easy driving. I haven’t driven 149 from Gunnison.
Ooops! I didn’t see that you were writing to Marysia, Don.
My new wallpaper today is Reggie Man looking back alongside the Beaver Creek. Precious. Beautiful, enjoy your peace waiting for the mail run.
Deena and Miss Mollie
1st
Oopppsss…. my email from you came. Must be delayed receipt.
I forgot to say that you may have issues getting internet anywhere in the high country between Creede and Lake City. We do not have any luck there, but, we Really do not need it.
Hi Sue and Crew,
Love the horse pictures. Really, who can resist taking those when the subjects are so willing to pose?
I’m still on the coast of Oregon but plan to head to Sisters to help with a Habitat build for 2 weeks. It’s been pretty cool and windy here. Low 70s during the day and as low as mid 50s at night. All in all, not a bad way to beat the summer heat. After the Sisters build I think it will be time to meander south. I still haven’t decided my route. My first concern is where to head Labor Day weekend since Habitat’s accommodations end on Saturday – right in the middle of a popular camping weekend.
Oh well, I’ll find something. The Deschutes NF is close by.
Your spot with a stream and Internet looks terrific!
Happy Camping,
Biz
Hey Biz! The road over to Sisters can be VERY windy and tight, even for a Casita. And DO NOT get out at the rest stop/overview at the crest!!! Mosquitoes are Piper Cub sized!!! Chuck
Hi RVSUEANDCREW, I love this campsite. It does look like it will be peaceful. Hope that stands true through the weekend.
Stay safe out there and rock on, Judy
Hi Sue,
Lovely new campsite for you and the crew. Brock and I camp in a truck camper and you are correct, most of us are pretty quiet. They’re great for tight spots or the back country and who wants to mess up the wonderful sounds of nature with a generator? Anyway, hope you enjoy your new spot. Safe travels!
Love the horse photos! and that Reggie…so adorable. Sleeping to the sounds of a gentle creek sounds divine 🙂
Glad to hear! We’ll be taking off for the Black Hills of South Dakota on Labor Day weekend but not camping until after Labor Day. Can’t wait. Loved the photo of Reg zooming yesterday.
Looks like a nice site, Sue. I have been reading your posts but not commenting all that often. I thought I’d pop in and say thanks, I’m enjoying the blog and all the pictures (especially of Bridget and Reggie, of course).
We found your comment about truck campers true, no generators. Plus they can’t carry a crowd. The area you are in is heavily used, ATV’s , 4 wheel drive, etc.
Check your Benchmark for the Cochetopa area, dispersed camping and not too heavily used.
Los Pinos Road Camp reminds me of your one at Kenney Flats. Not physical likenesses, I mean they both seemed to have an air of softness or peaceful gentleness. It’s amazing how a bit of time in that, and leaving relaxed and refreshed, makes it feel as though what one does next will go well. Finding the flowers farewell, horses, site close to just a truck camper with the sound of a creek reaching the BLT followed and fit the picture
You’ve gone to and shown a side of Colorado’s appeal I haven’t experienced or seen anywhere else on the internet. My only trip through was in the snowy season. The vehicle I had then and I both struggled driving the steep ascents and passes. I’ve only since been interested in a town or two friends moved to. The typical grand scenery most show or talk about held none of the appeal , to me, that you’ve shown. I don’t know that I’ll now make it destination, but at least, I’m no longer ruling it out. thanks, Sue.
well I know exactly where you are’/were……….Im sure you have left by now…
spent many vacations up in that area…..me and my boys were truley boondockers
30 years ago…no electricity just a propane stove and lantern……I especially
remember Ouray….we were there one year in May and got in a snow storm…
now remember we are flatlanders and snow is a novel thing to us…..
love your camping spot where you are/were……I could spend 6 months in
that spot fishing, cooking over an open fire and napping….HA
thanks for your post
chuck
Isn’t it funny how many of us were ” boondockers” before the word was invented. I can recall camping trips with my parents with a canvas tent, a white gas stove and lantern, maybe a battery flashlight, and campfires. Now people think its special to prepare to Boondock, where it was all we had then! I remember my Mom and the Mom in the other family in our little camping group carrying a bucket amd cleaning up the outhouse and how surprised the ranger was when he opened the door to do his cleaning and met the smell of PineSol and clean! those were the days, rainbow trout cooked in a cast iron skillet, marshmallows over the fire, stories by the campfire and afternoon thundershowers as we sheltered under the tree or in the car.
Looks like a great place to stay for a few days! Would love to hear that creek flowing by at night! Safe travels.
I love seeing your photos of the PTV and BLT settled into a new campsite you have chosen, knowing that you and the crew will settle in and be happy there until it’s time to move on. No doubt, I live vicariously through you, until my time to wander comes. You are good model for pausing to take in the unique beauty of each moment that presents itself. The photos of the horses are simply lovely. Thank you, again, for bringing it all to life!
Hi!, MnDreamer,
I agree with you! I live vicariously through RVSue, too!
Lovely camp at Beaver Creek. Reggie is enjoying himself there, I see. Hope you and the crew have a great rest of the week.
Another lovely peaceful spot for you and the crew to spend some time. I love the way you can just pick up and move whenever you feel like it. I still have RV travel in my future but it will probably be next year before any major travel happens. That’s OK, I am enjoying my dog sitting clients and will be doing some car travel this fall.
Happy anniversary too!!! I started following you about two years into your travels, after seeing a link on another site, I think. You are such an inspiration and encouragement! Entertaining, educational, and heartwarming as well.
Bright yellow flowers, gorgeous horses and flowing water..the best of pics! We’ve decided to go next month to the upper peninsula/Michigan and Apostle Islands in northern Wisconsin. A first for us. I love to plan trips almost as much as the adventure itself. Very excited and ready to pack up the little Casita again! Wish we had Benchmark atlases for the east; sounds as if they’re great.
What a lovely creek. Hope you and the crew have a delightful visit.
Hi, Sue,
I am glad that you found a peaceful camp. It must be so soothing to have the gentle murmur of the creek lull you and the Crew to sleep. 🙂
In the second to the last photo, Reggie seems to be saying “C’mon, Sue and Bridget….it really is not too steep…let’s explore!” 🙂
Have a restful evening! Sending you, Bridget, and Reggie hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Looks like a very nice spot. It’s probably a good thing you’re not interested in fishing–that’s what I think of when I see all the beautiful creek side camps, but then you’d be spending all your time fishing and have no time to blog!
Hi!, RVSue and Crew!
I’m enjoying your post with nice pix as always. 🙂
Your recent posts reminds me of my blog that I had been writing about the tips of RVing in the US for Japanese.
A series “Dump Stations in the US” is made up of six articles, but the last half of them aren’t finished yet.
I greatly appreciate everything you’ve been writing all about RVing.
You bring me moooore info than me what I’ve gotten during my short stays in the US.
Words can not convey my gratitude…
Have a good night!
The horse photos are beautiful. I would ask any blogorino who loves animals to check the Internet or Facebook for animal sheltesr who need donations because of the floods (Louisiana) and fires (California). So many dogs, cats, horses, and other animals have been displaced – its heartbreaking. I’m glad you found what looks like a peaceful place for three nights. No crew pics? Maybe they’re coming 🙂
love the pictures.
love the pictures and storys.
can’t hardly wait till I retire and can do this too.You keep my dreams alive!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Vickie. I think I missed giving you a welcome when you commented the other day. I apologize for that.
Welcome to my blog! It’s a pleasure for me to know my blog helps you hold on to your dreams for retirement. I hope you will keep in touch with us now that you are a blogorino. 🙂
Ya know…..it struck me as I looked at the beautiful horse pictures that I have been taking care of at least one horse…..mine and/or someone else’s……. every day for 41 years this month. And I have loved it most days. But I can honestly say that when the farm sells and my present (boarded) horse moves to a place near his mom, I won’t miss having horses in my daily routine. It was something I wanted since I was 4 and I was fortunate enough to have some beauties. My parents sacrificed a home in town for a trailer (for several years till they built) in the country just so I could have a horse. And I will appreciate that forever. But I also look forward to the time when I can just appreciate other peoples’ horses as I drive by them in the field….because like you…..they will always turn my head. There is just something about a horse. Speaking of which….gotta go feed and get ready for the farrier! 😉 Have a great day! MB
I have also looked after our horses for more than 30 years. We had to have our last one put down last year, aged 29. I miss the routine but am looking forward to being able to travel without worrying about them! And really love Sue’s photos of all those beautiful horses.
Hi neighbor! I understand about putting a horse down. Mine was also 29. I had gotten her at 6 mos. Right now I take care of a large farm and one boarded horse….down from 21 several years ago. That was crazy! I’m looking forward to coming up with a new routine. I will be full-timing with my two dogs and possibly a cat. I……can……not……wait! Good luck to you in your travels. Have a good evening down there in NC! MB from VA
Happy anniversary BLT! Thank you RVSue for being you and giving all of us Bloggorinos your happy, insightful and just plain WONDERFUL blog. Always happy to see a new post from you. xxoo
Always a treat to see horses on our travels. You got some great pics of those beauties. Love the socks! Looks like you had nice living space in the back at this spot, so nice to have all those lovely trees.
LOL, I missed my 8 am meeting! Stumbled upon your site. My mind was so focused, I lost track of ….everything. Perhaps an indication that I should roll down the road as you have. Such a “real” site and postings. Thanks for sharing your life and adventures!
Safe Travels – Robb and Hunter (the black lab)
Welcome, Robb and Hunter! Sorry about your meeting, Robb. Haha!
HI, EVERYBODY!
Yesterday I had to struggle in order to put up this post. Connection was terribly slow. Eventually I gave up trying to post at camp, drove to South Fork, and finished it while parked at the grocery store.
The slow connection is why I didn’t respond to every comment.
Inexplicably the connection is much better today at camp (Yay!) and I should be able to publish a post within an hour or so.
I hope you are having a very good morning wherever you may be.
Sue
http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=58
I own a cabin in Brookings, OR at the CA/OR boarder, on the Chetco river. Harris State park and the Harbor area have RV sites. I also have a 25′ Classic Airstream that I tote there when the river rises. If you have not already – check out Harris S.P. AND the one at the CA/OR boarder. I have sailed 30 countries on a 54′ Benateau and Harris is my favorite place – in the world.
Best wishes, Robb and Hunter
You have had some wonderful adventures, I’m sure, Robb!
Yes, Harris State Park is gorgeous. The crew and I camped there a few years ago. That whole area of Oregon/California is gorgeous.
Best wishes to you, too…
Golly. Beautiful horse photos!! How do you entice them to pose so wonderfully? ?
Ha! Well, Virginia, let horses be horses and you’ll have “beautiful horse photos.” 🙂
Hi Sue! The smaller horse is probably foal of the bay with the same sox. Beauties! Thanks for posting them but then, ALL your pics are gorgeous. Treats to the crew from Radar and Doogie!
Hi, Sue and crew –
I have been so busy with my new Casita and learning that I am way behind with reading and enjoying your blog. Such a nice blog that I always like to read.
After picking up the Casita on August 2nd, I had some mods done at Little House Customs, then back to Missouri City for a few days and then up to Georgetown TX and then to Lubbock TX, where I will be for two weeks.
Then, I am planning to go to Grand Rapids MI to visit good friends. Still tentative about some things, but learning more and more. Thank you for all your inspiration and great information.
Happy Trails to you and the pups.
Pamelab in Lubbock TX for now