Short post today . . .
San Juan Mountains, Colorado
The crew and I are going to Pagosa Springs today.
We need groceries and propane. It’s about a 20-mile drive one-way and I’d like to get started before it becomes too hot.
My initial plan was to hook up and shop on the way to a new camp. I changed my mind, wanting to stay on Trail Ridge for a few more days.
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Follow any of the links or ads you see on my blog and, when you shop at Amazon, your purchases will send a commission to “RVSue and her canine crew.”
Here’s a sample of items recently purchased by readers:
Blackstrap Molasses
Inflatable Water Float
Frogg Toggs Stockingfoot Wader
The Art of Racing in the Rain: A Novel
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Spring Kit
Jimmy Buffett’s Island Tea, Pineapple Coconut White Tea
first??
CONGRATULATIONS, LINDA ROSE AND CREW!
I would stay there longer, too. It’s beautiful. Happy shopping!
Chris B
CHRIS B COMES IN AT SECOND PLACE! YAY!
wooohooo! I’m normally still in bed at this time of day. Had to get up before the heat hits to get some yard work done and then reading emails. I will go back and read the post now. So funny, it’s always such a treat to get a Sue and Crew post and aren’t we silly that we get such a thrill out of being the first, second or even third to post?
Heck! I am happy to make the top 20!!! or even 50 for that matter! haha!
🙂
Good Morning! What a surprise to see a post so early this morning!
GAIL IS IN A TIE FOR THIRD PLACE! HOORAY!
Good morning, Gail…
The post would have been even earlier. I had to wait for the sun to share its power, one of the very rare times I’ve had to do that.
Yesterday I forgot to plug in the PTV to the BLT after our little excursion, and when I did, it wasn’t quite in all the way. It was dark early as a storm rolled over the ridge. Then I stayed up late, running my laptop.
You know it’s a good camp when it makes you want to stay longer. 🙂
YIPPEE FOR KRISTI & DAISIE! THIRD PLACE!
Very true, and also when one is lazy. 🙂
In the top 5?
Yep. You did very well, Cynthia!
Love the new panoramic photo! Beautiful spot to linger…
Thanks, Molly!
Hi, Sue and crew –
So nice you have a place you want to stay longer. Don’t blame you – beautiful site.
Happy travels
Thanks, Pamelab!
You’re header photo today is one of your best ever. A real keeper.
Thank you, Gumo…. Those are the Absaroka Mountains in Wyoming.
Love the snow covered mountains. Stay a while and enjoy
Hi, Judy,
Yes, we’re staying a few more days. We have groceries, propane, gas in the PTV, water. What will limit our time here is the crapper. When it’s time to go, it’s time to go!
Me too, Sue, I’d stay at the camp also, have a beautiful and great day shopping, ,,, Piper n rusty
Hi, Rusty,
I hope those antibiotics have you getting better. What a scare! I’m glad you went for medical care, rather than delaying. Infections can be dangerous. Poor Piper cried because she didn’t want her daddy to leave her.
What was the excitement you promised? A shopping trip? Come on Sue, you are a tease! I can’t get enough of these photos, they are stunning!
Thanks, Pam and Maya. I appreciate the compliment on my photos.
Oh, the excitement is no big deal. I tend to exaggerate for effect. 🙂 I’ll probably write about it tomorrow morning.
Looks Like a place well worth staying as long as possible. I would!
Hi, Dave,
It is very pretty here. The crew and I have been riding the forest roads, exploring the area. Rivers, creeks, and tiny streams all over…
You are all so fast, but at least I will be in the top ten today!
I guess not!
Hi, Renee!
Hi Sue! Thank you so much for greeting me. It makes me feel so good to be noticed when I’m outside the Top 10!! 🙂
🙂 I hope you’re having a great day, Renee.
Thank you for asking. Yes, I did and still have a few things to do before going to bed. I hope you had a great day too.
Pagosa Springs, you could o worse. One of my favorite spots, an the area around it. Enjoy.
Hi, Randy,
I can see why it is one of your favorites. Pagosa Springs is blessed with a small lake and mountain views. . . and San Juan National Forest is up the road a little bit. The drive to and from town is very scenic. 🙂
I can’t tell you how many times we’ve changed our minds because we’ve liked a place so much and the opposite as well.
That’s the way to stay happy when camping….
The campers creed – Stay longer if you like, and leave if you don’t.
Just wondering how far ahead you plan where you will be during the big holiday’s. With the 4th coming up it starts the family camping season and by family camping I mean some of the families we met while camp hosting. They bring an extra trailer just for all the toys. ATV’s, bikes, BBQs, sound systems, firewood and boats are the bigger items. But what always got us was the attitude that this type of camper brought. It wasn’t camping unless the adults got drunk and the kids got sick from over eating.
One time a camper would come by and told us there was a kid in their hammock. They didn’t have kids. Turns out the families kids had run wild through everyone’s campsites and this one got tired and crawled into the hammock and went to sleep. Been there over two hours and no one had missed him.
The noise level came with this crowd too. When we would go by and ask them to lower the music or keep it down late into the night, we were told, “this is our vacation and that means we can do anything we want”. They never seem to care about the other 35 campsites that are on their vacations too. Like a drunk who stays home on New Years because its amateur night, the 4th is camping for those who don’t understand that camping is enjoying the out of doors, not bringing everything with you from inside.
Since it is just over a week away, have you got it all mapped out where you can find a quiet camp with no fireworks or crowds? Do you have any tips on avoiding the crowds? I don’t want you to tell us where you will be but please give us advise on how to find the perfect quiet place to stay during the holiday?
Where you are looks beautiful. You always find such nice places.
Very interesting comment, Linda, although I must say that none of it surprises me!
Have I “got it all mapped out” where we will find “a quiet camp with no fireworks or crowds?” Answer? No. 🙂
“Do you have any tips on avoiding the crowds?”
Not exactly, not anything more than common sense. I’ll share my thinking on the subject:
A holiday in a campground can be the best choice IF (A BIG IF)…1) There’s a competent camp host to babysit the party people and rein in the idiots, 2) OHV and other noisy vehicles aren’t allowed in the campground and 3) the sites are well-spaced (no close neighbors).
One might think boondocking is the best choice for a holiday weekend. Go way deep in the forest and hunker down. I suppose at one time that would work very well. Not since the invention of all-terrain vehicles. Those things go everywhere! Also there’s no way of knowing if someone will decide to drive out to the forest to practice their shooting which terrifies Reggie. And then there are those not-so-bright people who go into the forest to boondock, get drunk, get in an argument, shoot off their guns, make bonfires, and set off firecrackers.
Happy Birthday America! 🙂
Boondocks can be found north of Pagosa Springs beyond East Fork Campground on the same road as the campground. However, my research reveals that the road is popular with the 4-wheeler crowd. I can’t take 4 days of that.
People drive their all-terrain vehicles up the road we’re presently camped alongside. I expect there will be more over the holiday. I’ve driven around looking for a place to hide but haven’t found one suitable for us (One can camp in Bridge Campground and in the immediate area for 28 consecutive days which would take us through the holiday weekend.)
You’re right Sue. We will be camping this July 4th in a FS CG that is well spaced and monitored by the hosts. No ATV’s allowed, except at 5mp and they follow the rules. Conversely, we’ve boondocked on FS land and when we started out alone three nights before the holiday, suddenly the night before we are bombarded with campers, parking close too, with no respect to personal space (there is a creed among boondockers). With kids up and down the swift flowing creek that is deep in spots with no adults watching them, but my husband and I for fear one of them is going to drown! Music all hours of the night. Not at the FS CG!
Good for you — You found a place for the holiday! My problem is the prevalence of registration sites. I refuse to make a registration.
Your description of the boondock bombardment is spot on!
Such heart-breaking things to read, and yet I know they are true for some.
There is a gorgeous place at a state park near us that is tent-only. When we’ve been there, we’ve seen people drive in towing a big box trailer that is larger than our T@B. Fortunately, the extended family that was camping together emptied out all sorts of kitchen equipment, chairs, bicycles, but nothing particularly annoying. Except for the fact that they could pull in a trailer filled with that stuff, but we can’t campe there with a trailer! Oh well. That’s life.
I suppose someone “towing a big box trailer” in which they camp/live isn’t allowed either.
Lovely! This was the area of my first-ever grown-up camping trip, more than 25 years ago. Such wonderful memories. I hope you are enjoying it as much as we did back then. We were in a pop-up trailer. It was kind of chilly at night, but, we loved every minute of it!
Hi, Suzette,
How nice that your first camping trip as an adult was a trip that you loved. You don’t say what time of year that was or what your elevation was, when it was “kind of chilly at night.”
At our camp right now in mid-June (about 8,000 ft. elev.) it’s pleasantly cool in the evening. If I close the windows when it starts to cool off around 7 p.m., we’re comfortable all night into next morning.
Oh, gosh! It’s been a long time, and I can’t remember what I had for breakfast this morning. But…it was in the summer, for sure. We drove around for several days, and I can’t recall where we did what with any certainty. I remember snow still lingering in the shade of the trees on some of the mountain trails. I remember being REALLY cold one night in Durango. This came a few days after we had almost fried in Santa Fe. It was an interesting trip!
Snow in the shade of the trees… either you were earlier or higher or both. I can sense your happiness recalling that experience, Suzette. 🙂
Good morning Sue and Crew…what a beautiful picture with the trees framing the mountains. May you accomplish all you need to do in Pagosa Springs then home safely.
Deena and Miss Mollie
Good afternoon, Deena and Miss Mollie,
We’re back from our supply run to Pagosa Springs. It was a very productive trip — got propane, got groceries, filled up the PTV’s gas tank, and located the free dump station at the Giant Station (corner of Piedra Rd. and Route 160). 🙂
Not fair Missy! You left us with a cliff hanger and you owe us the answer. I will check back after-while but I expect a ‘splanation (as Ricky Ricardo would say on I Love Lucy) in days old!
Hi, Jim,
I’ll grab your arms and pull you up and onto the top of the cliff before you fall off. Promise! 🙂
azJim, maybe the cliff hanger is that rvsueandcrew were out collecting rocks.(another Ricky and Lucy reference – do you know this one?)
Hi Everyone,
Just wondering if anyone knows if the Spa at the Pagosa Hot Springs is up and running again. We were there a few years ago and then heard it had been shut down because the owner was caught doing something he shouldn’t. Anyone know?
Pagosa Hot Springs and Spa … also The Springs Resort & Spa. I found them by searching Pagosa hot springs, but I didn’t open the pages.
Anyone been in the hot springs recently?
Sounds like rotisserie chicken will be tonight’s dinner!
Nope. We had it for lunch while it’s still warm!
?
This post came out just as I was leaving for my own supply run. I read it quickly and climbed into the jeep smiling. You’d mentioned your last stocking up in Cortez, I think. I’m was glad thinking of you having fresh groceries again. I know you always make sure the crew’s well fed. Yet it wouldn’t surprise me if you’ve been just making do for yourself the last few days-opening a can of whatever , and convincing yourself that it was good enough.
When I’m stressed I try to eat what makes me feel strong and what comforts me besides staying hydrated. Then I’m in better shape to take on the world. I’m guessing among the reasons you want to stay there a few more days is internet connection, to resolve issues with the blog and implement changes you might want to.
Anywho, did you and the crew have rotisserie chicken or is that just for moving days? I bought a loaf of French peasant bread, yummy and healthy 🙂
You know me well. Lunch the past few days has been an individual-sized can of Bush’s baked beans. 🙁
Yes, we had rotisserie chicken. As soon as I return to the PTV, coming out of the store, and open up the door, Reggie is sticking his nose in the bags as I pack them on the floor in front of the passenger seat.
Great news! For the first time ever, since Reggie joined our family, no crying, no hysterics, when I left to go into the store! Not a sound! I’m trying to figure out what was different and can’t come up with anything. I was so proud of them and let them know when I returned. They have been very good pups today.
Mmm.. French peasant bread…
You mentioned not long ago that Reggie had sat in your lap to be held, too. You’d wondered if the altitude made him a touch less energetic at times then. Maybe his being more receptive to calm affection has settled a need he had, made him even more secure. He and Bridget share so much, are so aware of each other they may have both felt more relaxed about your leaving them in the PTV than they have previously.(?)
I don’t know. That could be it. Bridget is the one who starts the hysterics when I leave to go into the store. Then Reggie joins in.
Like a lot of behaviors, Reggie follows Bridget’s example. That makes me think there was something going on with Bridget to cause her not to display that automatic response. She seems her usual self in all other ways today, and I don’t think I’ve done anything unusual.
It would be nice if her now having done it once without panicking she continued to from now on. Will she or won’t she, hm-m…she is a such a mystery sometimes. Trying to figure out what was different , what the x factor was all I noticed as something rare in your day was not having enough electricity this morning to use your laptop for a while. Lord knows what they think of our normal routines. Oh, well -that one incidence of their not crying was a gift! I’m happy the three of you had it 🙂
Sitting outside in the cool breeze, a new thought on this topic came to mind.
I gave the crew a nice walk-about at Wal-Mart, over in a grassy area (after Reggie back-kicked the mulch out of the landscaping and made a mess!). Maybe Bridget had climbed down to have a drink out of the water dish at the moment when I walked away. (The ever-present water dish is behind the passenger seat.) Then when she finished, she realized I was long gone and figured, “Oh well, why bother pitching a fit.” 🙂
Ha Ha! Exactly, if you’re not there to notice carrying on serves no purpose.
My husband and I love Bush’s baked beans and always laugh that we might as well just eat them out of the can. While they are on the stove warming up we both sneak back to the kitchen 6-7 times to give them a stir (and a taste) leaving very little to go on the plates.
That’s funny, Susan. I eat ’em cold, right out of the can with a spoon. 🙂
I love Pagosa Springs………..nuff said…….
chuck
Hi, Chuck,
I haven’t seen much of the town, just the busy shopping area and the subdivisions along Piedra Road. We didn’t look around the town today because I wanted to return to camp with my groceries ASAP. Every comment I’ve heard about Pagosa Springs is positive, except a few who are sad that it isn’t a small town any more.
Love the heading picture!!!!! I don’t blame you for staying put a few more days. Looks like a beautiful place to be.
Sending lots of love and big hugs to you and the crew
Hi, Pauline,
And it’s cool! The last two days, in the late afternoon, a pseudo-storm has blown over this ridge — dark clouds, thunder, a little rain, and wind. The wind is so refreshing. I’m going outside now with the crew because the storm part has passed and the wind is coming through here again. Love you too!
Glad you’re getting supplies and staying put. Great camps are worth enjoying.
We’re very content here. A 40-mile round trip for groceries seemed excessive, at first. When I considered that it is a scenic drive, I thought, “why not? Get the groceries and propane and we can stay at our camp longer.”
I am so envious of you right now! We have a new baby in the family so of course are staying close to home for a few weeks, but oh, to be in Colorado!
Congratulations on your growing family!
Hi- I just wanted to say that I enjoy reading your posts. I’m a month away from selling my house and living full time in my new (used) travel trailer with my two dogs and parrot. I’m so excited, and can only imagine the adventures I’m going to have..
Your photos are amazing, and I love how you write about your dogs-
I have some things to order on Amazon for my trailer before I leave, so I’ll be sure to click on that from your site.
Plan to have my own blog as soon as I can figure it out–
I look forward to reading more of your adventures,
Barbara
Welcome to my blog, Barbara! Wow, you have an exciting summer ahead of you! In one month, the house is sold and you’re on your way. One correction: You say you “can only imagine the adventures” you’re going to have. From my experience, I’d revise that to you “can’t possibly imagine the adventures” you’ll have. I think it’s a wonderful life.
Thank you for intending to order your trailer stuff from Amazon through my blog. I look forward to hearing from you again. I’m sure your fellow blogorinos would enjoy reading about your transition from house to travel trailer and how you manage two dogs and a parrot while on the road. 🙂
Oh, I forgot to mention… Several Barbaras follow my blog and comment. Next time please add something to your name that will distinguish you from the other Barbaras. I want to remember you! 🙂
Hi Barbara with the Parrot and Pups,
This is Barb from Hoquiam!
I am curious! What sort of parrot do you have and how will you travel with it? I have always been wary of camping with mine–cockatoos– as they are LOUD 🙁 Not exactly camp friendly!
I don’t know why… I must just attract loud! My pups are also yappers.
Sue! Racy says HI to his girl Bridget!
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
Why move when you just found heaven?
I hope you do find a safe quiet place to spend the holiday. I remember what a hard time the little guy had last 4th of July.
Thanks, Rick. Sharp noises bother him a lot. During the strong wind yesterday, a tree fell over in the forest. Probably an aspen. Our windows were open and Reggie heard the crack. Messed him up for a while. Nice of you to remember his distress, but then you are a nice guy. 🙂
As you know, I love pictures! Mountains, flowers, wildlife, farm animals and of course, last but certainly not least, Bridget and Reggie!
In Metro Denver, it was a bit cooler today. Thank goodness.
Absolutely beautiful campsite. We miss the mountains. Be safe kiddo!
I’m glad you chose to stay longer in your lovely site. Enjoy!
All that beauty and cooler temps is an unbeatable combo! Isn’t it nice that you can move when you want, where you want, and if you want? And the pups behaved when you shopped; perhaps they are both settling in on your routines. Have a wonderful time in your pretty spot.
Thank you, retiredcajunlady. I think the air temperature influences us more than we realize. A couple hot days and I’m thinking about moving camp. Cool air blows in and I’m wanting to stay.
Im sure its very different from my last visit about 20 years ago…
I hear small towns like Cripple Creek has been ruined by the casinos
going in and thats sad….
chuck
The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of the best books ever. I cry every time I read it. If you haven’t read it, don’t miss out.
Well I bought an $850 phone today. My monthly bill went from $54 to $96. I must have lost my mind. However I can quit lugging my iPad around most of the time, as I can have my books on both devices and read them on either one. It’s an iPhone 6s Plus. Never thought I’d buy an iPhone. Guess I’m turning into a yuppie.
The Art of Racing in the Rain is one of my favorite books ever too!!! I’ve read it at least 4 times plus listened to it on Audible. Portions of it take place in Seattle that I am very very familiar with making it even more enjoyable.
Looks like a new header. Is this your current camp? Cozy.
Hi, Carol,
No, that isn’t our current camp. That’s a camp in Wyoming, near Dubois, and the Absaroka Mountains. We camped there in summer 2014.
It’s silly that no matter how early sunrise is I awaken well before it like kids do on Christmas morning because they can’t wait to open their gifts. I wait for first light as though I’d never seen it before. Within this past month my son’s family has a bunch of things to celebrate-their wedding anniversary, high school graduation, two birthdays and Father’s day. They live 3000 miles away so our usual way of sharing special occasions is a phone call. I was glad we made it one long call instead of several .
Designated dates are nice yet not necessary as a reason to celebrate in my world. I see that as similar in a way to your enjoying vignettes of twigs and leaves or a camp in the forest more than the grand sights places are famous for. You’ll like a field enough to return to it the next time you’re in that state, and sometimes even name it. I now find myself referring to wherever you are that way, like today you’re at Camp Long Tether because Reggie gets to play on his 50 foot leash. I hope it’s gorgeous out there this morning and that your coffee is just right. Good morning , Sue 🙂 Have you listened to the singiest birds ever yet today?
Good morning, weather,
I’m listening to the singiest birds at this very moment as I type at my table next to the open back window. Reggie and Bridget sleep on either side of me. The birds sing at 3 a.m.! Like you, they’re “waiting for first light as though (they’ve) never seen it before.”
Camp Long Tether. That’s a good one! You understand me very well. I remember the field of wildflowers and butterflies with affection and wonder, and more often than I think of the national parks we’ve visited, as stunning as they may be.
Maybe someday you’ll visit family with your T@B instead of placing a phone call… 🙂
Good Morning to you both!. What a nice surprise to open the blog this morning and see you both right away. I am about to share my coffee and peanut butter toast with the both of you…yum. I hope your days unveil as sweetly as seeing your messages are for me. Cheers!
Good morning, Shirlene!
Aww… I should have had PB and toast. I had a protein bar instead. It was good with my coffee. Whenever I make toast, it triggers the smoke alarm and Bridget wants to run out the door. . .
Wishing you a “sweet” day, too!
Chiming in here… I eat them right out of can also, who has time to warm them up… I also by the small single servings, but only once is a while, too much sugar for me at times, but it is my special treat..especially camping. I am glad to see I am not the “only one”. 🙂
The single serving cans are just the right amount.
Sue, As a check to see if you’re getting credit for my Amazon orders, I just ordered a Faulkner Aluminum Folding Director chair for $55.25. I clicked on your link and logged in with my Prime account. Let’s see how that works. We will be in the San Juan Mountains in September so I am enjoying your Colorado visit.
Don