Sunday, July 31
Flowers along Clear Creek, Colorado
After the previous post about campers being irresponsible with fire, I’m changing the subject with pretty flowers.
I took the above photo soon after the crew and I arrived at Clear Creak State Wildlife Area.
The dispersed camping area may be crowded and crazy, but it is located in one of the most beautiful places in Colorado. That’s why I choose to remain here through the weekend. My attitude? Grin and bear it, distract myself, and soon Monday will be here!
Clear Creek Reservoir State Wildlife Area campground, north of Buena Vista, Colorado
First thing this morning, the crew and I mosey over to John’s campsite.
We find him outside holding a cup of coffee. His toad car is hitched up and the motor home is idling. We talk briefly. John misses his longtime pal, a little, black schnauzer, who passed a few months ago.
“I think I’ll go over to the shelter when I get home,” he says. “You know how that goes. Someone will choose me.” He smiles.
I hope so!
For most of the day Bridget, Reggie, and I stay inside the Best Little Trailer.
I’m online catching up on news, emails, and this blog. The crew naps. Reggie plays with a chew bone and a squeaky toy.
Later in the day a downpour gives us more reason to stay cozy together inside the BLT.
Monday, August 1
A cloud hugs a nearby hill at sunrise
NOTE: I’m pretty sure my dates are incorrect for this post and the previous post. Oh well, what does it matter? You get the gist of what happened, right? It’s not like I’m giving sworn testimony in court.
Okay, as I was about to say . . . .
Bob and his little Maltese, Samantha, come to visit!
I met Bob and his canine crew when we camped off Ogilby Road, west of Yuma, a few years ago. I introduced him to readers as “Hummingbird Bob” because at that time he was producing outstanding photos of the hummers at his feeders. He continues to take high-quality photos which you can see at his blog.
Recently our paths crossed again when we camped at West Fork Campground, north of Pagosa Springs.
Those of you who read Bob’s blog or the comments under my blog are aware that his beloved, senior crew member, Jennie, passed away shortly after we left West Fork. Bob’s pain is still sharp from the loss. Probably Samantha misses her “sister,” too.
Reggie greets Samantha upon her arrival at our campsite
For this reason it is especially touching to watch Samantha, aka Sam, have some fun at our camp.
When Sam hops out of her car, Reggie falls head-over-heels in love. Literally. He flips over on his back, rolls around, play-nips, zooms, and shows off his toys. He does everything he can think of to impress the lovely Sam. She responds playfully to Reggie’s attentions.
That’s poor Froggy in the photo at right. No, that’s not an old fashioned mop head in the foreground. That’s Sam!
Bridget is more interested in Bob. She loves men.
After Bob and Sam leave, the crew and I take off for Turquoise Lake for the afternoon!
Turquoise Lake (elevation 9,869 feet) about 6 miles west of Leadville, Colorado
We head north/northwest on Route 24, pass the turn for Route 82 that goes to Twin Lakes, and continue another thirteen miles or so to arrive at Turquoise Lake.
Which isn’t turquoise today, but lovely nevertheless.
One of the wonderful things about this part of Colorado is the abundance of lakes, rivers, and streams.
Campgrounds cling to the shoreline of Turquoise Lake. Today I’m interested in finding a place for the crew and I to enjoy piney woods with a lake view. We find such a combination at a picnic area!
It carries the enchanting name of “Maid of Erin.”
Bridget and Reggie are delighted! Between the higher elevation, the cooling effect of the nearby lake, and the shade of the tall pines, the air is brisk and refreshing.
No one is here!
We find steps that take us down to a lakeside path.
Coming to Turquoise Lake proves to be the perfect antidote to the crowded encampment at the dispersed camping area.
When we return to the picnic area, I discover —
“Oh my gosh, a water spigot!”
I trot over and turn it on.
“Yay! Water! We’ve got water!”
I grab the can of Boost oxygen out of the PTV, take a few snorts, and, thus fortified, commence filling up eight, one-gallon jugs and toting them to the PTV.
Bridget and Reggie occupy themselves by sniffing around the picnic tables and fire rings. They probably eat something they shouldn’t. I don’t want to know.
On the way out I stop at the bear-proof dumpster and toss in a bag of trash.
“Well, that was a nice excursion, wasn’t it, crew? Plus we got rid of our trash and have the water we need!”
And the weekend is almost over . . . . heh.
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ARE YOU AN RVSUE SHOPPER?
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