Thursday, June 12 (continued)
The crew and I cruise around Nephi and then return to our camp on the Nebo Loop Road. I immediately put out the awning and sit in its shade.
Bridget and Spike lie down on the cool ground under the Best Little trailer.
We visit the creek a few times to cool off.
In the creek I wash the pot and pan from our early supper.
I also rinse out one of my new shirts because I put a spot on it (of course!). The spot comes out and I hang the shirt on a hanger under the awning. It doesn’t take long to dry in the dry heat and gentle breezes.
A late afternoon shower rolls over our camp.
Afterward I announce to the crew, “We haven’t taken our long walk today! How about we check out the campgrounds further up the road?”
We pass Ponderosa Campground where we camped one night last year.
“Looks like it’s almost full.”
Next we come to Cottonwood Campground.
I drive around the campground loops. The parking space for each site is short, indicative of an old campground. Small travel trailers, truck campers, and tents are cozied into shady sites. A popular trailhead is nearby.
We cross Salt Creek as we leave the campground and pass a family and then a couple with a dog, out for an early evening stroll. It’s almost dusk.
Bear Canyon Campground is a group campground.
The Bear Canyon Trail begins here at an elevation of 6,800 feet.. . aspen and fir country. The campground is located at the edge of the Nebo Wilderness.
I drive the loop. Hmm . . . no one in the group sites. A few people walk the paved road. They had the same idea. This is a good place for a walk.
I park in the lot next to the kiosk and restrooms and let out the crew. Bridget and Spike are excited to have a new place to explore!
I immediately lead them toward a bridge over the creek.
I stop to let the intrepid explorers pass which gives me the opportunity to take the photo above. (Can never have too many Spike hiney shots!)
The bridge is the start of a trail to tent/backpack sites.
(More hiney!) I’m surprised to find single campsites, as Bear Canyon Campground is called a “group” campground. The rock-lined trail has short paths branching off of it, also rock-lined, that go to campsites.
At one site a tree stump has been transformed into a child-sized chair.
The absence of trash on the ground is a sure sign that this part of the campground sees little use. I wonder if tenters don’t know about this place. It’s called a group campground online. Or maybe it’s the fee. Too bad. The sites are quite nice.
We don’t walk far on the trail.
Animals are active at dusk. All we need is to come across a bear with cubs.
“Okay, time to go back.” Bridget scampers ahead of us. She always wants to be the leader on the return trip. Here comes Spikey. He’s having a good time. What a happy guy!
“I know what you’d like. When we get back to the bridge, we’ll go down by the river.”
“Whaddaya’ think, Spike? Does this look like soakin’ water?”
After a refreshing drink, Spike finds a muddy place to relax. (Given a choice, muddy is always best in Spike’s opinion.)
(The quality of these last photos is poor. It’s almost dark at the end of our walk. Later I lighten the photos to make them visible enough to post, but losing some photo quality in the process.)
We walk the campground loop before heading toward home.
“Whoa! Look at all those campers! They must have pulled in right after we drove by on our way up the road.” A short while ago this was an empty parking lot with only a vault toilet.
As we go by, I see several children running around, having a great time. I bet this is a family gathering.
I park the PTV next to the BLT and plug in the cord for solar power.
Bridget and Spike are “all tuckered out,” as my mother used to say. Spike makes a quick inspection of the campsite’s perimeter before waiting to be lifted into the BLT (a sure sign he’s tired!). Bridget is already in bed, fussing with the covers to make them just right.
After tucking in Spike at his favorite place at the foot of the bed, I lock the door and close the windows, leaving one open a few inches, as well as the roof vent. I put a pot of water on the stove for a cup of tea, change into sleeping clothes, and prop up the pillows for a backrest.
I carefully slide under the covers next to Bridget, cup of tea in hand.
I push back the curtain to let in the moonlight. Sipping the tea, I look up at the stars and watch the silhouetted willows waving in the night breeze.
What a good day this has been . . . from reading and writing my blog, to visiting the memorial rose garden, to a lazy afternoon in the shade and in the creek, to a tasty supper — mmm . . . that breaded chicken was good… hafta’ make that again . . . to a walk in the woods with my sweet crew. I really like this camp. Gee, Spikey’s snoring already.
Good night, my sweet babies. Oh, how I love you!
rvsue
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