Pine Valley, Utah: the mountains, the town, the recreation area

Wednesday, October 14

P1070914Pine Valley, southwestern Utah

“Reggie!  Come to the window!  I think you’re gonna’ wanna’ see this!”

P1070919Bridget, Reggie, and I leave camp this morning on an excursion to investigate the area known as Pine Valley, Utah. 

There’s Pine Valley the town (first photo), Pine Valley the mountains (second photo), and Pine Valley the “recreation area. “

From our camp at Baker Dam Reservoir we travel north on Route 18 and turn at the tiny settlement of Central, taking Dixie National Forest Road 035 east toward the mountains.

“Gosh, Reg, they keep comin’!  There’s five of them.  Are you going to say hello?”

P1070920Reggie barks. 

Not his furious, get-outta-here bark.  His tentative, hi-there bark.

“Too bad we don’t understand hoof-tapping code.  Well, maybe you do, Reg.”

P1070927-001Bridget ignores animals along the road.  She’s seen her share of livestock.

“We’re almost there, Bridge.”

P1070917The road out of the town of Pine Valley, going toward the recreation area

We come to a parking area for the Santa Clara River Walkway.

P1070931“Let’s do this.  It’ll be fun!”

Reggie races ahead of us, as usual.

He loves it when we walk in new places.

P1070933Bridget does, too.

P1070942She doesn’t show her excitement as much, but I can tell she enjoys these outings.

Reggie leads us across the footbridge.

P1070943“Watch out for that boulder!”

P1070948Pine Valley Recreation Area has been improved recently.

The paving of Santa Clara River Walkway is one of those improvements.  I’m very impressed with the walkway.  This isn’t a dinky, once-around-the-park walkway.  It’s longer than the crew and I can manage.  Wheelchair accessible all the way . . .

P1070939The entire river walk will be too much for us today. 

Bridget is keeping up with us, but she’s panting.

“We’d better go back.  We don’t want to turn this fun walk into work!”

P1070946It’s always a good practice to stop while the tails are still up and wagging!

There are SIX campgrounds at Pine Valley!

Two are group campgrounds and one is equestrian.  They are in topnotch condition with new facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, parking pads, and paved campground loops.  Water spigots are available, although now they are turned off for the season.

P1070947After our river walk, I load up the crew and drive us the short distance to the reservoir.

“Two walks in a row!  Pretty nice, huh guys?”

Bridget rides in her car across the dam, while I do the pushing and the ever energetic Reggie scampers about.

P1070957Very few people are at the reservoir. 

It’s a calm, clear, day in the high 70s.

P1070959I take a photo of the crew on the accessible fishing platform, but the photo doesn’t come out well.  The platform is visible in the center of the next photo.

P1070964The paved walkway across the dam and along the reservoir connects with one of the campgrounds.  There are RV campsites up the bank, making a short walk to the water’s edge.

P1070962Of course, the water level is low. 

I hope it rises in the spring.  I don’t have photos of the campgrounds because we walked enough this morning and the gates block us from driving through.

The elevation is around 6,900 feet which means pleasant, cool temperatures in summer and on this October day. 

If you think you may like camping, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, touring, or simply enjoying nature at Pine Valley, click this link for photos, a youtube video, and details.

Bridget and Reggie sleep on the return to camp.

They lift their heads when I stop for photos and then drop them into sleep again.

Here’s a little cabin nestled along the Pine Valley Mountains.

P1070973And here’s another cozy abode nearby . . .  .

P1070976-001Probably the master suite closet is bigger than our entire home!

I hope you enjoyed this tour of Pine Valley. 

I admit I threw it together without too much thought.  We have lots to do today in addition to breaking camp and finding a new one.  As always on moving day . . . If you don’t hear from us it means we’re in an area lacking internet.

P1070979The Bull Valley Mountains to the west, seen as we leave Pine Valley and return to camp

The crew and I have another excursion to show you before we wrap up our stay at Baker Dam Reservoir Campground, north of St. George, Utah.  It was the highlight of our visit here!

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117 Responses to Pine Valley, Utah: the mountains, the town, the recreation area

  1. Shirlene (Huntington Beach, Ca) says:

    Hehehehehehe!

  2. Linda from Oregon says:

    Well since Shirlene beat me to first I will go back and read the complete post now.

  3. Tara from Pac NW says:

    I want to go to there!!

  4. Shirlene (Huntington Beach, Ca) says:

    Wow, those pictures make me want to retire NOW! How lovely those little abodes are…. Great pictures. Just my opinion but I think your picture telling stories are getting even better… The walks are wonderful and lucky Bridget gets to ride on some of them, good for her. Travel safely, too bad you have to leave this area, it is wonderful. I will definitely make it there sometime…

  5. Barb from Hoquiam! says:

    OH wow 3rd???

  6. Barb from Hoquiam! says:

    Hi! 3rd?

    • Barb from Hoquiam! says:

      Nope 4th by the time the silly computer stopped playin’ around! 😛

      Really pretty spot there Sue! I cannot wait to get out and about… Wonder what the next adventure will hold for you and the Canine Crew? 🙂

      Off to teach a class… this made me smile!
      Barb from Hoquiam!

      OOPS HUGS TOO!

  7. Janis Harrison says:

    Thank you Sue for another great post .i am having a bad chemo day and this was quite a bright spot for me . Love the pictures !!hugs Grandjan

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Oh, Janis, I’m sorry you’re having a tough time. I was about to close up my laptop to get going when I saw your comment. You brighten my day, too, by being here.

      Sending you a big hug….

    • Pauline in Mississippi says:

      Praying it will pass, Janis. I remember those bad chemo days. Then you get feeling better just in time to take another treatment.

    • Velda in Roseville CA says:

      Thoughts and prayers for you Janis, and if you have not yet consider Cannabis remedies as they are proven to reduce side effects of chemo. If you wanted to talk privately about that, Sue, you have my permission to give Janis my email for that.-Velda

    • Sally says:

      Been there, done that Janis. Hope you will feel better soon.

    • Gail from Buckeye AZ says:

      Hi Janis, hope tomorrow is a better day for you. While going thru chemo I too looked forward to Sue’s Blog. Reading her blog always brightened my day then as it does now. Someday Chemo will only be a memory of the past for you, stay strong my thoughts and prayers are with you.

    • Marilu in Central Utah heading to says:

      Janis, I hope tomorrow is a better day.
      Hugs,
      Marilu

    • Sidewinder Pen says:

      Thoughts for you, Janis.

    • Pamela K. says:

      Janis,
      Sorry to hear you are having a bad go of it today.
      I remember my father having his good and bad days when he was fighting his cancer. The body endures so much during those times. No wonder the spirit gets tired too. I pray that you stay strong and overcome your battles.

  8. Linda from Oregon says:

    I love finding paved walkways. I have a habit of looking up at the trees and tripping over roots.

    Your probably right about the closets being bigger than our trailer. I wouldn’t know what to do with that much space to clean. I like my space outside not inside.

    What a great adventure you had today. Glad to see that Bridgett is feeling good enough to do so much walking. And as always, your photos are so wonderful.

    • Chey (WA coast) says:

      Hi Linda, I liked your comment: “I like my space outside, not inside.” Indeed!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Linda from Oregon,

      I imagine folks living in a house of that size pay for someone else to do the cleaning. It’s a world I’ll never see!

      Thanks re the photos. I was pleased to see Bridget walking with us. I encourage her to exercise, rather than rely too much on her “car.”

    • Pamela K. says:

      “I like my space outside not inside.”
      What a glorious way of saying that!!!

  9. Linda Hughes North Carolina says:

    Hi RV Sue!
    What absolutely great pics…..the last one is my favorite, but I love all of them. The weather looks beautiful there where you are now. The nature walk and the walk to the water is what I would love to do myself.
    Thank you for sharing and giving your time to keep us updated on the scenes you experience! Have a blessed day!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Linda Hughes,

      Thanks for those nice compliments, and also for the wish for blessings on our day. The same to you!

  10. Hello Sue and Crew,
    Thanks for sharing Pine Valley with us. Definitely will be placed on the list of places to visit and spend time at.
    Lisa

  11. Pauline in Mississippi says:

    Loved the cabins in Pine Valley. Some people have too much money 🙂 Great pictures . The last one of Reggie is so cute!!!

    Love to you and the crew

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I can’t imagine living in a house that big. I would suffer from an embarrassment of riches. Love to you, too, Pauline.

  12. Velda in Roseville CA says:

    Another beautiful fall day in northern California! No rain in sight. Our excursion for the day is to the Va for a special eye exam related to husbands previous cancer surgery, involving nerve damage from radiation. Then next week preparations begin for the next round of radiation for this recurrence. Hopefully once this is done there will only be followups ahead! Such a beautiful area to camp, Sue, you sure know how to pick them!! Have a great day all…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Velda,

      I’m happy you are having beautiful weather, although rain would be good, too.

      Not happy that you and your husband are still dealing with treatments and the fall-out from treatments. I hope the eye exam appointment goes as well as possible. I used to take my father to the VA for appointments. It was always a very stressful experience.

      • Velda in Roseville CA says:

        The wait today to see, the one lone Resident eye Dr was longer than I can recall in 20 years of our going to the Sacramento Va. I felt for the poor guy assigned the entire patient load for the afternoon. But we got through it. He checked and checked and measured and does not feel my hubbies eye droop is anything but damage from the previous stuff. He will call us after discussing with his superior if anything changes such as further tests needed.
        We are not happy to still be in the trenches of cancer treatment but they still tell us this is beatable, so onward we go. Never thought I’d be saying this, as a establishment trained RN , but we found a great, caring Cannabis clinic who have helped a lot.
        It’s nice Sue to see your pics and hear everyone talk about camping as a distraction to this stuff going on. We dream of quiet camping spots.
        Maybe rain by next Wednesday and boy did you see the reports of the hurricane about to drop in on Mexico?? Cat 5 as of tonight !!

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You’re working through this, doing what has to be done… I’m glad to provide a distraction here and I’m sure the rest of the blogorinos are, too.

          No, I didn’t know about the hurricane. I haven’t read the news this morning . ..

        • Sidewinder Pen says:

          Velda,

          I’ve always valued your practical, properly trained nursing comments – so often when on the road one doesn’t have that sort of thing to hand. I don’t exactly know how to describe my feeling at the moment, but to me it’s just such a positive thing that you were/are open minded about a treatment that is helping (but that is not exactly traditional).

          I have a friend who has suffered from migraines all his life, although not a medical professional, is the type who keeps careful documentation of everything. And he did try everything. So far medical marijuana has helped more than any other treatment (the headaches still come, but he’s “human again” much sooner and the suffering is not as great). He was hesitant to try it, but ultimately he did.

          Anyway, you have my respect as a trained nurse with an open (but I’m sure still very scientific) mind. And I’m sending you strength and my hopes for the best things for you and your hubby.

          I hope this is not too political or contentious, and if it is, Sue, please just cut and trim.

          I, too, have thoughts and hopes going toward Mexico (and parts of Texas) as Hurricane Patricia develops. It’s a scary one.

  13. Diann in MT says:

    Dear Sue,
    You are so blessed to discover such beautiful and peaceful settings. I picture a lot of angels in areas like you photographed. I don’t know why.
    Anyway, I loved the report of the horse stamping. Well. A lot of good that did, horsey! You frightened off Sue and her Barky-Bark Crew! So, funny Reggie.
    I hope your grandma can find peace and relief in a short time. God Bless.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Diann,

      I’m glad you enjoyed the animal pics. I think those are mules?

      Grandjan (Janis) isn’t my grandmother. I’m 67. My grandmothers, if they were still living, would be well over 100 years old.

      As for the angels… could be…. 🙂

  14. Pam and Maya says:

    Hi Sue and Crew, you seem to find so many beautiful lakes – I really think you should get a kayak!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I, too, think I should get a kayak. I would love to have one. The problem is where to carry it and then there’s the lifting involved.

      Before I receive a bunch of comments telling me about ways to overcome this, I’ve looked into roof racks with automatic loader thingies and all that.

      • Marilyn, Dania Beach, Fl says:

        I can see the crew in their life vests sitting in front of you while you paddle the kayak. What a great picture.

        Inflatables are nice and don’t take much room. They are also light.

        Marilyn basking in warmth now.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          I have an inflatable and I hate it! It’s a Sevelor two-seater, too big and bulbous, hard to maneuver, hard to move the damn thing in the water, doesn’t have a firm bottom, a pain to inflate and deflate … You get the picture. 🙂

          If you click this link and scroll to the bottom, there is a slideshow of Bridget and Spike in their life vests, floating the Madison River in August of 2012 in the inflatable. It was fun despite the fact we almost drowned. Forgive the poor photos. They’ve deteriorated over time. Bridget loved the float!

          • Sidewinder Pen says:

            I’ve had two Sevylors, and while you could say they are better than nothing (and do get one out on the water, which is great), I felt that the term “kayak” was a stretch. So I know what you mean! I now have a different inflatable that I like much better (I can’t carry a hard kayak unless/until I get a toad to put it on, and I’m resisting that).

  15. wa_desert_rat says:

    I went to the site link and this looks like a reservation campground (at least when it reopens in May of 2016). I wish they would either stop the reservations or, at the minimum, only reserve 1/2 of the sites at any campground. Lots of people simply cannot plan far enough ahead to make reservations, Of course, most weekdays lots of sites are empty but on weekends you might have to get out.

    I can remember when camping was free and when they instituted paid camping it turned that just collecting the money cost as much as they received.

    Of course, we were all camping in smelly chemically treated canvas tents then, too. 😛

    Nice looking area. Too bad they close it so early…

    WDR

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, WDR,

      Don’t despair! Look again at the write-up about Pine Valley at that link and you’ll find that it says, “Mitt Moody, Crackfoot and Ebenezer Bryce Campgrounds are available on a first-come basis.” There may also be a few first-come,first-serve sites at Yellow Pine Campground (not sure about that).

      I don’t like the reservation system either. I realize working families and retirees who don’t like to take chances need the security of a reservation.

      I wish they didn’t close so early, too. I understand the need to cut off the water supply to protect the pipes and there’s always the risk of vandals and such in a campground not closely monitored. Some of us don’t care about amenities and wouldn’t cause problems. . . .

      I did notice that the equestrian campground wasn’t closed with a gate and there were three campers in sites and with no sign of horses. I was going to try it for a night or two until I read the weather forecast of lows in the high 30s. If my heater were working, that would be okay…. Without a heater, that’s too cold for Reggie Man, even with his green fleece vest!

      • Chey (WA coast) says:

        What’s your plan for fixing the Wave 3 heater?

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          When we’re camped somewhere near an RV service place that’s easy to tow the BLT into, I’ll have the thermocouple replaced. I didn’t feel like taking it into St. George. I could remove the heater. Don’t want to do that.

  16. Sharon in MO says:

    What a beautiful fall day! We are having great weather here in MO also. Enjoy!

  17. Lady Piper,(Piper), and Rusty near th' River in AZ says:

    Wow,, Those homes are big enough to house many Families,, they’re nice, but too big for us,,, Nice photos of the Rec area’s and the lake and Town,,,,,,,,, have a great week and end,,,,,,,,,,, L. P. n’ me

  18. Nancy says:

    Are you at Baker Dam cg , Utah or Beaver Dam Nevada state park? (re: your last paragraph) Or perhaps you were at Baker Dam, then went to Beaver Dam. Confusing, because there is also a Beaver Dam, AZ-a small unincorporated town just SW of Pine Valley on hwy 91 and I15. I ask because Beaver Dam State Park looks isolated enough to interest you, but seems way off the beaten path for a day trip.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Nancy, for catching that error. I did write this post in a rush. I meant “Baker Dam Reservoir Campground, north of St. George, Utah.” I fixed it.

  19. Renee says:

    What a great area and time of year to explore. We always have gone out in September on our road trips and the weather is great. We’ll have to head to Utah next time and if the campgrounds are closed, we’ll boondock!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Renee,

      This is a great area to explore. Not to be discouraging….. This particular area between Pine Valley and Baker Dam Reservoir and south to St. George is not easy for finding boondocks. There isn’t forest access on the Pine Valley Road and the Baker Dam Reservoir Road goes through private land. South to St. George there is BLM land on the west side of Route 18. However, it isn’t the sort of landscape where one would want to camp (exposed, hilly, bare ground, few trees) and, again, access roads are limited. Keep in mind that hunters are out and about, too, and high elevations are too cold.

      Well, I guess that was discouraging! Sorry about that… just keeping it real!

      Besides, Baker Dam Reservoir Campground is open year round. Yippee!

  20. AZ Jim says:

    Well Missy, I scooped up another desktop photo and it looks like a beautiful area. That one boulder on the trail looks like a good candidate for being moved. A couple of those houses you show are HUGE. Riding along and enjoying the trip. Cheers….

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jim,

      I checked that boulder before we walked under it and saw that it was supported by rock. The photo was taken on the return trip…. It does look scary!

      I’m glad you’re enjoying the trip with us… Cheers to you and Detta, too!

  21. Dawn from Camano Island says:

    What a lovely area! Reg & Bridge look happy. Is Reg walking with his lead on the ground behind him? Thank you for including road numbers & directions, Sue. Stay warm & have fun.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dawn,

      I appreciate the feedback on road numbers and directions. Now I know someone uses or will use them.

      Yes, Reggie is always on his tether when we go for walks. In fact, he does not leave the BLT or PTV without being on the tether or in my arms. It has become an accepted part of life for him and evidently he’s happy.

      • Biz Crate (40m from Chicago) says:

        I can say that I appreciate the numbers, etc. for sure. I just began my collection of Benchmark Atlases begining with Utah and Arizona. Your posts help me learn how to read them.
        Now, what I really need is the New Mexico atlas. I just signed up for a Habitat build in Santa Fe in the spring. Looks like that will be the beginning of the adventure for Madness and me!

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Good for you! I hope you will let us know about your experience working for Habitat for Humanity.

        • Sidewinder Pen says:

          That sounds like a great way to start out. Not only will you be doing something beneficial, but you’ll have a set time to leave, a goal, a place to head, people “waiting for you,” etc. And then when that’s finished, you can decide if you want to strike out on your own for awhile (vs. planned things).

  22. Pamela K. says:

    What a beautiful place! The town, the fishing areas, the paved walk, those fab mountains…all delightfully good!
    The *little* cabins are Rock-Star size. Reminds me of the little cabins on the North Shore of Minnesota. Nothing rustic about those dwellings. They are like private mini-resorts. Nice to visit but wouldn’t want all that upkeep to live in one. I rather like the wildlife to cut my grass, thank you 🙂
    That horse and Reggie, they are chatting about thier ears, lol.
    Cute, Cute and more Cute!

    Horse; “Look at those ears you have young man! They turn down on the ends…”
    Reggie; “I know. RVSue thinks they are really cute that way, she’s our driver. Yours are more like Bridget’s, up and pointed.”
    Horse; “WHO?”
    Reggie; “Bridget. HRH is sleeping on the seat, you can’t see her. But those ears of yours, they do look just like hers! Are you related?”
    Horse; “Well, judging by her title, she does sound like she has some thoroughbreds in her line.”
    …And so it went. And to think Miss B slept through it all.
    The End. 🙂

  23. Pamela K. says:

    Sue,
    Lordy! Lady. I couldn’t sleep last night at all. It was a good thing…my mind was racing with all the info and the plans for the desert 🙂 It is such a relief not to dread the coming of Georgia’s winter. Yep, I think I’m heading to sunny AZ 🙂 It’s exciting. I haven’t been back to AZ in thirty some years ago! Should be amazing!
    Again, a super special Thank You to everyone for all your help. It was late but I tried to reply to everyone’s swell advice. I learned SO MUCH! Sue, you were right, those areas look great. I really liked the South campground area, looks like fine fishing could be had there off the point.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Pamela. I look forward to updates from you this winter. 🙂

      • Pamela K. says:

        Sue,
        I was reading about the vast numbers of people who go to *Q* and all the surrounding areas. Seems that many of them take a photo of their rigs with them infront of it. Then they order those little moos cards to take with them and give them out to old and new friends alike. I can see the need some would have for doing that. The number of RVers there is staggering! And to think you just find a spot in the sea of it all and park it…boggles the mind. Reminds me of the Kentucky Derby…same kind of *sea of folks* everywhere. Well, enough for now. I have things to do, plans to make 🙂

  24. Lynn Brooks says:

    Fantastic pictures!!!
    I especially love the “little cabins” out there!!! Good Grief!!!
    Such a fun time!!!
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    Lynn B. (Baltimore, MD)

  25. Utah Bonnie says:

    I’m so glad you and the crew enjoyed Pine Valley. The paved walk ways are nice to walk especially since they are so close to the creek or lake. My crew and I go up there a lot in the summer to escape the worst of the heat when it’s usually very crowded. Thanks for reminding me that I should go up and enjoy it now that it’s quiet.

    When I see those humongous “cabins” I wonder how many wives it takes to clean one!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Utah Bonnie,

      I’ll assume from your comment that you didn’t find anything misleading or incorrect in this post. If you did and were too polite to say, please let me know anyway.

      I imagine Pine Valley Rec Area does become crowded in the summer. It’s such an easy drive from St. George. . . .

      • Utah Bonnie says:

        I didn’t see anything misleading or incorrect in your post. I have never camped up there but just taken my and myself hiking in the warm months.

  26. Elizabeth in WA says:

    Lovely spot…and beautiful homes…but my, how many servants would it take to keep them decent?? Looks like work to me!! Ha… Well, whoever owns them no doubt can afford the help…probably just a vacation spot for some.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Elizabeth . . . I wondered if they were second homes, occupied only a few months out of the year.

      • Chey (WA coast) says:

        And owned by one of the 158 families who control our elections and deny our democracy. Please feel to edit Sue.

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You know who owns these homes? Not being political or argumentative, just curious …

          • Pamela K. says:

            I do not know the owners of those huge houses, but I know the mind set of many of the owners of such houses. I was a silly, wide-eyed college kid. Those things impressed me back in those days. After 13 years of being *the in-law* I hated every minute of it. True enough that all things that glitter do not make your life shine. I booked feet. Forward thirty some years and even *poor* by those standards…I am vastly richer than most them will ever know or understand. Awww, the things we learn throughout Life’s journey. So far my son has shunned all the fancy trappings his father has tried to shower on him. Amen for that! 🙂 I think a lot of young people are pretty smart, and wise, to *trappings* these days.

            • Elizabeth in WA says:

              Sure true that money does not equal happiness necessarily…and think how dangerous it is to be filthy rich these days…being a peon without a lot of pesos tis best seems to me…a measure of freedom in that.

            • Pamela K. says:

              Oh good lord, the stories I could tell! Like the time Elvis, yes Elvis, come to sing in WV. He didn’t like rental cars and would often ask to use one of the cars owned by a prominate local person. He asked to borrow the my *then husband’s* family’s Bentley for the weekend. As a thank you gift, he, yes, Elvis, gifted the entire family with a full week at as his guests in Vegas. If course, I couldn’t get off work since I had just started on the police department. My brass would have let me off work to go but as a new Rookie, that would not have gone over very well so I declined the invite. Oh yes, I have many stories I could tell. And then there was the time about *the tree*… Some are funny but most are just plain over-the-top about how the super rich really live. It was a wild ride…those 13 years.

            • Elizabeth in WA says:

              Wow…sure sounds like a wild ride!!

  27. Alice (So. Fla) says:

    Looks like you wore out the little boy. so sweet. Beautiful ! the road out of Pine Valley, the reservoir and of course the “little” houses. You have a good eye. What kind of camera do you use?
    Also, in the areas that you have shown the past couple of months are the roads very high and winding without guard rails to get to those spots? Is it pretty flat with the mountains on the side? I drove around Yosemite last year. Didn’t like some of those road much.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Alice,

      My camera is Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ70 16.1 MP Digital Camera with 60x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3-Inch LCD (Black)

      About the roads to our recent camps:

      To Badger Mountain Camp (remember the flowers? the sheep? the tree across the road?) near Ephraim., UT… Gravel road is wide, no guard rails, switchbacks, steep grade, no terrible scary drop-offs along the road, but the climb takes perseverance.

      To Gooseberry boondock (aspens, horses, turkeys) east of Salina, UT…. Paved road all the way past the campground, 2 or 3 miles on gravel/dirt Oak Ridge Road…. Easy driving with a couple of switchbacks right before Oak Ridge Road, not scary at all. Oak Ridge is easy driving with expansive views with no drop-offs along road.

      To City Creek Camp (aka “Camp Charming”) near Junction, UT… Paved, flat road out of town, last 2-3 miles gravel, no steep grade, nothing scary but you do cross a shallow spillway.

      To Beaver River Camp (near road, next to river, close to town) near Beaver, UT. … Paved road, gentle hills and curves, easy driving.

      To Minersville Lake Campground (pelicans, shelters have a light) between Beaver and Minersville, UT…. Easy flat drive on paved road through ranches and scrub.

      To Baker Dam Reservoir Campground (junipers and sage, big campsites) between Enterprise and St. George, UT… The route I took from Minersville through Newcastle to this campground is through acres of empty territory, monotonous sections, roads paved and not treacherous at all.

      To Pine Valley Recreation Area (campgrounds, reservoir, paved walkways and river walk)…. on Route 18 north of St. George…. Paved road all the way, gentle curves, no steep grades, gradual ascent with no scary drop-offs, a pleasant drive.

      If I left something out or you have more questions, let me know!

      • Alice (So. Fla) says:

        wow, thank you so much great description. Beautiful country. Getting used to driving something besides a car. I just remember some of those roads out west had steep drops with no guard rail. When I was younger, much younger I learned to drive on roads similar to that but not at this point in life. I’ve been in Fl, flat land, for like 46 years so….no hills. Utah would be a good place to explore next spring thanks again

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You’re welcome, Alice.

          I understand. I was a flat-lander for most of my adult life. The mountain roads of the West take some getting used to, especially the lack of guard rails.

  28. Oh well, I’m probably #107 by now! Hahahahaha! Always arriving late but enjoying all the photos and the fun walks you take with the pups! What a great day today was! Loved the road trip, the horses, the, ahem, cabins!! Jeeze they are HUGE! I can’t even begin to imagine living that way! Nope, I’ll take The MotherShip anyda6 thanks!
    The photos were great Sue! I had to go back and look at them 2 more times! Good job! Can’t wait to see where you go next!
    Take care! Know you are loved and in our thoughts!
    Geri Chuck and the Boyz !

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Geri,

      I’m always pleased to receive compliments on my photos from you because I know you know photography and you have an artist’s eye. Thank you!

      You wrote that you “can’t wait to see where you go next!” The next post is about where we went for my birthday. I think you’ll like the photos.

      Love back to you all…

  29. AlanOutandAbout - Pahrump, Pahrunp, Pahrump says:

    What a nice area. I may have to try and find an rv park near by.
    Just being curious I scanned thru Pine Valley in earth mode looking for the 2 “cabins’. I found the second one but not the first. So I am assuming it is rather new. I searched for the address of the second and found this zillow link. If anyone is interested:
    http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/395-N-Grass-Valley-Rd-Pine-Valley-UT-84781/68528943_zpid/

  30. BadgerRickInWis says:

    “Probably the master suite closet is bigger than our entire home!”
    Yea, but they don’t sleep with royalty every night and have a full time bodyguard. 🙂

    I don’t know what it is. You would think after coming to your blog, day after day for the past couple of years and reading every post from the beginning I would begin to get used to your photos and stories. But every time there is at least one photo or one line of text that just simply puts a smile on my face. Today’s was the shot of the horse framed by Reggie’s little ears. Followed closely by the pic of Bridget in the royal sedan chair, just because I know that it shows how much love that girl has in her life.

    Pretty special, and no mansion required.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      And you always find something to write that is new and that touches my heart. I hope you keep finding smiles here, Rick.

      Oh, and that second line about sleeping with royalty and a having a fulltime bodyguard — priceless!

  31. So nice to have get-outside weather well into October. Reggie cracks me up with his tether wrapped around him – looks like a giant spider was preparing him for supper 🙂 Boardwalks and pavement reduce the wear and tear on the environment (weirdly enough) so it’s nice to see such a long path in that area. Maybe the taxes those huge-house owners are paying paid for it :-))))))

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jodee,

      You should see what happens when Reggie meets people. He runs around them until they’re ankles are tied!

      Good point about the paved walkways reducing wear on the environment. I’d never thought of that.

  32. Abel In Austin says:

    Am I #100? Great photos. Really like the last one of Reggie Man.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Abel. Little Reggie curls up to the size of a dinner plate to sleep. So cute, such a contrast to his tough-guy antics.

      Good to see you here!

  33. weather says:

    “Reggie,come to the window…” made me smile as soon as I looked at the post,it’s sweet that you don’t let the crew miss out on anything they enjoy.Excited or not,anytime a dog is wagging their tail all’s well in my world.The contentment and peace felt while looking at the reflections in the reservoir seemed to mirror Bridget’s contentment and peace when you give her a ride in her car.It’s great to watch how naturally you’ve come to master telling story(and sub-story) by including physical pictures even when you’re unaware of it.

    Great photo of the footbridge,and of sweet little Reggie asleep as you travel.Thanks for taking us with you again.If this is moving day I hope it goes well and that your next site pleases you and crew.If not another day of having you “on here” is always a treat.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      “Weather, come to the window.” 🙂

      Again I thank you for your reaction to my writing and photos, always a treat for me. I hope your drive yesterday was enjoyable and, if a goal was involved, that you achieved what you set out for. I guess you read in one of my replies that we didn’t move camp as planned. Rather than talk about that here, it will come up in a future post. The time wasn’t right for moving.

      You perceive something about Bridget that I’ve noticed. Whenever I place her in her car, she seems to emit an aura of importance, or maybe, as Rick would say, an attitude of royalty. I imagine her raising her gloved paw to give the royal wave to her devoted subjects, Reggie and me.

  34. kgdan lvg Wapato,WA says:

    Can hardly believe it. This morning WE ARE ROLLING!!! Been a tough 5+ months at home but now it’s time to play geezer style. Heading south with smiles on our faces :-):-)

  35. Suzette (TN) says:

    Wonderful post! I’m putting a big ol’ postit on the map for this one.

    Love the final shot of Reggie. They’re like children…so sweet when they’re sleeping. 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Suzette. I’m glad you liked the post and my sleeping children. 🙂

      Utah Bonnie says Pine Valley is crowded in the summer. Seems the best time of year to go there is early fall.

  36. Cate W/Portland Maine says:

    Hi Sue, Crew, and Blogorinos,

    I’m finally back from CA and AZ and a week home in bed with a very nasty virus chest cold. It took a while to read and enjoy all of Sue’s blog postings. Great stories and photos as usual. I see that I missed Sue’s birthday but I’m not supposed to send belated wishes…ah well…maybe next year. Seems like you had a nice celebration for yourself Sue.

    I loved my first visit to AZ and I already know that I will spend some winters there when I finally retire to my RV life.

    Time to go home from the office, however, just wanted to drop in briefly for a hello to all. I know several of our family have important things incl. health issues going on so I hope to acknowledge that soon. Meanwhile…take extra good care of yourselves!

    Warm wishes,
    CateW

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