Thursday, May 28
The crew and I continue our search for a secluded camp where we can enjoy a quiet weekend. I refer to my Benchmark atlas to find forest roads that lead to water.
This is nice!
I let Bridget and Reggie out of the Perfect Tow Vehicle while I analyze the campsite.
A maze of dirt roads connects several camps similar to this one.
Across the small bay a young man hollers as he plays. I have a vision of dirt bikes roaring past, kicking up dust. Pick-up trucks. Noise. Well, It’s pretty and I’d like to camp here but it would be risky for the weekend. This would be better for weekdays.
“C’mon, let’s keep looking. There’s another road not far from here.”
Friday, May 29
Bridget, Reggie, and I leave East Davis Lake Campground. We’re on our way to a new camp which we discovered yesterday. It’s an exceptionally fine site and I’m excited!
The forest road becomes very narrow in places.
Pine boughs brush against the PTV and BLT. I try to maneuver the PTV’s tires around the sharp rocks sticking up in the road.. We jounce over large roots.
“Hang on, guys!”
We come to a cluster of trees directly in front of us.
Hmm . . . A choice. Go to the right where it’s very steep with lots of ruts, rocks, and roots and a sharp turn. Go to the left where it’s very steep with no ruts, rocks, or roots, but the road narrows with trees on both sides. Gee, that’s a tight fit.
I get out of the PTV to take a look.
I estimate the space between trees and compare it with the width of the PTV and BLT.
I think we’ll be okay.
I shoulda’ measured.
I put the PTV in first gear and charge up the hill through the line of trees on both sides. At the last pair, I stop abruptly. Dang! The right front of the PTV is blocked. About three inches too narrow!
The wonderful campsite is only about a hundred yards up the road.
So close and yet so far.
Isn’t this a fine fix I put us in. Now I’m gonna’ hafta’ back through these trees and downhill . . . . Oh me. Well, if I simply follow the way we came up here, it shouldn’t be very difficult.
Not.
The earth is spongy from years of decomposed wood and pine needles. We clear the trees and then . . . Yikes! We’re SLIDING!
Sideways!
The PTV comes to a rest and I put on the emergency brake. I get out to investigate. Good heavens, what a mess. Now where the heck did that ROCK come from! Anyway . . . .
After a few more harrowing moments, the PTV takes us to the right, over ruts, rocks and roots, pulls up the steep slope . . . .
“Come on! Come on! We can do this! . . . . Yay! . . . . WE MADE IT!”
All the preliminary drama makes our new campsite especially sweet.
We’re at the end of a promontory that was formed by lava.
The area is large, flat, clean, and covered with pine needles.
I position the Best Little Trailer to provide the best view (below, seen from our campsite).
Of course, Bridget and Reggie are anxious to explore our new home!
I breathe in the pine scent as I follow Reggie wherever his nose takes him. I listen to the silence. A perfect weekend retreat . . . .
I set about establishing our home.
The wheel chocks, the outdoor mat, the lounger, table, doggie beds, water dish, toys . . . .
“We’ll relax for a bit and then we’ll go for a walk before supper. Come out from under there, honey. I’m almost done taking pictures.”
Sheesh, what a struggle I made out of coming here. . . . Oh well, nothing was damaged.
Definitely worth the drama!
rvsue
Canine Corner: “What dogs do” by Bridget and Reggie
“Miss B? How come you never chase squirrels or anything?”
“Oh, I don’t know. I guess I don’t see the point in it. Live and let live.”
“It’s what dogs do, Miss B! They chase things!”
“Yes, they do.” (pause) “You know, Reggie. Just because others do something, doesn’t mean you have to do it, too. What’s a squirrel ever done to you?”
“Make faces at me. Make funny noises and laugh. Shake their tail at me!”
“Ha! Ha! You’re a silly boy, Reggie. See how tall these trees are?”
“Yeah, they’re huge!”
“Well, when you learn how to climb these trees, you might have a chance at catching a squirrel.”
“Who said anything about catchin’? I just like chasin’ em! ”
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“C’mon, Reggie. Quit looking for squirrels to harass. We’re almost home.”
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