The crew and I leave Grassy Lake Road Camp this morning.
A small herd of mule deer gives us a proper send-off from the opposite bank of the Snake River. It’s only a glimpse — they could be elk for all I know — and they disappear before I can get a good look.
I usually avoid backtracking.
There’s so much of the West I haven’t seen that I try to make every road we travel a “new” road. Today, however, we’re going back to the Brooks Lake and Wind River Mountain area. The Tetons are on the way and one can never tire of the Tetons! I also love the ride on Highway 26 from Teton National Park to Dubois.
I haven’t seen my blog in about a week (remember this post is not in real time — I’m still catching up), and I suspect people are starting to grow concerned. I’m looking forward to a hot shower at Lava Lodge and free Wi-Fi at the Dubois laundromat, not to mention a grocery store with reasonable prices. Plus, some quiet time in familiar surroundings will do me good.
I love Wyoming!
Up ahead I see a car stopped in the roadway. Oh, probably some free range cattle in the way. I approach and bring the PTV to a halt for an oh-my-gosh, Wyoming moment. Two bison stroll across the road in front of us!
The Falls Campground is very close to Brooks Lake.
Driving east, Falls is on the right. It’s almost opposite the lefthand turn to drive five miles up the mountain to Pinnacles Campground. As beautiful as Brooks Lake is, I don’t want to go back there again this summer. The memories, from arrival to departure, are too perfect just as they are!
Falls Campground is a national forest campground with two loops.
Loop A is electric hook-up for $20 ($10 with Senior Pass).
I drive through and see the sites are too close together for me, and it’s almost full. Loop B is $7.50 with the pass and it’s nearly empty! Yes, this is nice! I pick a site within a short walk of the vault toilet. The only levelling needed is front-to-back, so I immediately unhitch and, using my pink plastic cone for support, crank the hitch to the correct height. Bridget and Spike run around, inspecting the new smells. They obviously approve of our new home.
I can hear the falls from our picnic table.
“C’mon, guys! Let’s go look!” I snap on their leashes. We pick up the path from the back of our campsite. It leads us through lovely woodland where a variety of plants and wildflowers grow happily on the rich decay below the evergreens. A log rail fence marks the cliff edge. I take a photo of the falls and the path. It’s cool here, even though it’s past noontime.
The next five days give me the solitude I thrive on.
I’m not a complete recluse however! One day while washing clothes and blogging down at the Dubois laundromat, a man sits down nearby and asks, “Is that your van out in the parking lot?”
Oh no! What’s happened? Did someone smash into the PTV?
Regaining a heartbeat I answer, “Yes, it is. Why?”
“I noticed your solar panel on the roof. What do you use it for?”
Well, that’s all I need to hear. I explain my solar set-up which leads to my lifestyle and travels and probably more information than the guy bargained for. Nonetheless, we both talk non-stop. Eventually we exchange names. He’s Greg, a mechanical engineer from San Diego. He’s lived in Dubois two years now.
He invites me to go outside and look at his truck.
“I want to show you MY solar!” He starts to crank out what looks more like an awning than solar panels. I’m very intrigued. Out comes my camera. “I’ve got to put this on my blog!” (If you’re interested, click on Solar Power at the top of this page, then click on “Another Solar Set-up” in the drop-down menu.)
“You know, Greg. Once I put this on my blog, people are going to ask questions I can’t answer. Will you answer them for me?” He agrees, so I show him where I’ll post the photos.
The days pass quickly.
Bridget, Spike, and I visit the river each day. Bridget surprises me and jumps in! I like to lie in my anti-gravity chair in our outdoor “room” which is a shady spot with a meadow view. One day I wash the BLT. Three of the five days I drive into Dubois. I get that hot shower!
On the day I plan for us to leave, I wake up, drink my coffee, eat breakfast, and go back to bed. Uh-oh, it’s happening again. It’s one of those low-energy days I experience about two or three times a year. (Remember, my last low-energy attack back in Santa Rosa, NM?). The crew and I sleep most of the morning. I guess we aren’t breaking camp today!
I walk Bridget and Spike down to the river.
We play around in the water, and I take some photos. Back at the BLT, I sleep most of the afternoon. I know not to fight it. By the next morning, my energy returns. “Hey, nutcakes! Let’s go back to Grassy Lake Road and start over!” [slideshow]
rvsue
Your pictures are just stunning!! Thanks for sharing. Someday I’ll get out that way!
Thanks, Donna, and you’re welcome!
Your photographs are amazing! We really loved our visit to the Tetons and where we stayed in Tetonia Idaho, just west of Jackson over the mountains! I am so excited for you seeing all this beauty! Bridget in the water???? Wonders never cease!
Hi, Geri! I’m glad you and Chuck are on the road again . . .
While you are wandering around, you might want to ask about local rodeos! We found this one is small town of Duboise Idaho!
http://draft.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3378593047440849657#editor/target=post;postID=6909034828024648374
OOOOPS WRONG LINK, PLEASE ERASE THIS SUE AND I WILL SEND CORRECT LINK!
Gorgeous pics! Fun to see both Spike & Bridget enjoying the water! Can I ask – what is that building with the big bison skull over the entrance? It looks quite unique!
The skull is over the door to the laundromat in Dubois. Wyoming people like skulls, antlers, bones, mounted animal heads . . . It’s everywhere!
Love your outdoor room. Looks like Spike may have s swimming buddy.
Aren’t they cute swimmiing side by side? What a crew!
Howdy rvsue & crew,
Some more WONDERFUL pics and I can’t believe it, either; Ms Bridget actually allowing herself to get moisture on her!!! My, my, my!!! Spike looks happy as a pup sitting in cool water!!! Hope y’all
are having a great day!!!
I hope your day is great, too. Glad you like the photos!
Sue, another drop dead gorgeous campsite!!!!! When/where did you get the anti-gravity chair? Geri loves hers. Bridget has finally wised up to water bit!!!! The long sleeved shirt……it is still hot here but the slideout fixed so we’ll be outta’ here as soon as we settle up$$$. North Rim w/Gaelyn, Panguitch, Torrey then Bluff. Great photos AGAIN!!! and, yes, your audience does miss your posts and worries when there’s not. Gonna go look at solar.
I bought the anti-gravity chair while I was still working and dreaming about fulltiming. I’m happy to hear you will soon be back on the road!
Great pics, place and words!!!!!!! With so many places to see how do you decide where to go next? I am in Oregon and can’t make a decide where from here. I am headed east toward Sisters, but after that?
I have an awful time making decisions where to go next! Somehow it turns out okay… so just go and see what happens!
How about middle and norther Idaho!
What is there to see? I will have to do some research.. I lived in Wyoming and Arizona, so two are not a choice at this time. I would like some water, just left the Oregon coast.
There’s too much to even tell, but I, personally, love the Stanley area. Redfish and Stanley Lakes are gorgeous–camping available. The Sawtooths, in my opinion, are the prettiest mountain range. I took a ride from Salmon up to Big Hole, Montana, and it was very nice. I also took a dirt road over to Stites, and enjoyed it thoroughly. Bruce Meadows. Of course, north to Coeur D’Alene, Do a google search and get to visitidaho.org/. I don’t want to post the URL because the post gets put in moderation and you won’t see it. If you like water, you won’t find clearer rivers, lakes, and streams. If you like fishing, you’ll be in paradise. If you like Lewis and Clark history, it surrounds you. Frank Church Wilderness–I could go on forever.
I didn’t get to the northern part (which I now regret) when I traveled alone, but I was there with my husband. If you like nature, you’ll love Idaho. Idaho rates among my favorite states. I did take a ride to Leavenworth WA one day, and Rich and I used to love the Wenatchee area.
Sounds like a place for me go. Idaho is next. Thanks for the info.
Enjoy! Do some research on the web so you know what you want to do. Do you have a blog where we can follow you?
No, not now. Maybe in the future
I agree with hobopals, Idaho is great. There are over 400 miles of Scenic Byways across the middle part of the state that are every bit a scenic as National Parks and it is not over run with people. The western side, the backside, of the Tetons are just as spectacular as the eastern, Park or front side, and you do not have to rub elbows to get a picture.
BLM land aplenty!
beautiful pics…wish I was there….so happy for you.
Idyllic! Beautiful pics!
Wow, that guys solar set up is indeed unique! I have never seen anything like it! Does he tow a travel trailer ????
You have diagnosed a rare but real ailment that has bothered me from time to time: low energy day.
That is an excellent name for it and now I won’t feel guilty on those days because I now know they are real and not just in my mind. Thanks, Dr. Sue!
🙂
Wow Breathtaking Mountains. You look like you have lost weight! Great
Ah solitude!!!! Sue, you are on a wildlife roll, girl. I predict an elk sighting very soon. The pics are absolutely stunning.
Hi Kim . . . I’ve been on a roll ever since I picked up the BLT in Texas!
Oh Sue your life is just so fine. Low energy days are to be savored. We can’t go go go all the time. What gorgeous campsites you select. I’m with you in that I’d rather have solitude than electricity.
Bridget has finally experienced Spikey’s bliss!
Enjoy.
If you don’t mind driving on a rough road for 15-20 miles there is a nice camping area near a place called Double Cabin. It has a stream running nearby and lots of horse back riders use this area. Anyone in Dubois should be able to direct you to the place. Enjoy!
Wow, stunning photos. Can’t imagine why you would not want to stay longer in such a beautiful place. Very interesting solar ideas as well.
Your journey just keeps getting better and better. It’s uncanny how you can find perfect camping locations – do you have a book/map or do you trust in serendipity? The photo of the building with the skull in front reminds me of Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings. And Bridget finally hits the water – will wonders never cease! Thank you as always for taking us along on your adventures.
And I can certainly relate to your ‘low energy days.’ I get those every so often and just spend the day on the couch napping, reading, watching trash TV. I learned long ago to just give myself permission to veg out for a day or so, especially after I’ve had a hectic week of work.
How do you decide when it’s time to pack up and move on? Some of the sites you’ve visited would tempt me to stay for more than a few days 🙂
Loved all the pics, especially Spikey and Bridget in the water together. They are such cuties!
It’s OK to backtrack once in a while, especially to a beautiful place. Nice seeing the real bison, unlike our beefalo.
Sue
Awesome location.
Ron
There aren’t too many adjectives left to describe the photos you are posting. Suffices to say that your readers are enjoying your moments. Yay for Bridget finally succumbing to the cool water spa. Enjoy your time.
Thanks, Karen.
Good to see Bridget getting in on the fun! Spikey sure loves his water, wow! I have low energy days from time to time, too. You’re doing the right thing by not fighting it and listening to your body. I simply love your blog and am totally living vicariously through you at the moment. <3
Retirement equals no hurry which allows you to sleep when you need it right.. Glad that you give yourself that. The pictures are amazing as always, as the first picture appeared I thought wow and she’s right there pretty cool stuff. I love bison they are so beautiful and good to see them roaming. Ok both dogs in the water that is cool – good for Bridget to that is for sure.. take care your nothern ontario reader.
hello Sue it looks like u took my advice and stayed in some of my favorite campsites in wyo and idaho e mail me and i will tell you of my november stay at the beach at Rockaway Oregon I knew you would like those spots and are glad you enjoyed them Your friend Larry
Larry! So happy to hear from you! I’ve often wondered how you are doing. I’ll email you soon, friend. I’m a bit restricted with lack of solar power… darn clouds aren’t cooperating with me. Gee, you made my day!