Wednesday, June 11
The crew and I break camp and wind our way down Badger Mountain. On the way we come upon Ted standing by the road in a cloud of dust. He’s directing another guy operating a road grader.
I stop and bring down the passenger window.
“Where ya’ headed?” he asks in a loud voice over the grader noise.
“I don’t really know. Somewhere north of here,” I reply. “Did you read about yourself?”
“Yes, I did! I opened up your blog last night!” Ted smiles broadly.
I realize he needs to get back to work.
“Goodbye, Ted!” I shout over the noise of the grader.
“Be careful!” he shouts back with a wave. “See ya’ next year!”
In Ephraim I pull into Splish-Splash Car Wash.
The photo below is the last photo of that old, spare tire cover. Immediately I take it off the spare wheel and dump it into the trash barrel.
The Perfect Tow Vehicle and the Best Little Trailer are a mess!
The wheel wells are especially bad, caked with dried mud. I insert several quarters (another reason, besides laundromats, to obtain a stash of quarters from the bank) and give a high-pressure rinse to both vehicles ($7.50 total).
On the road again, the crew and I go north on Route 89.
A few miles and we turn onto Route 132 which goes to the small town of Wales. My map shows a road going from Wales into the San Pitch Mountains of Manti-La Sal Forest. I want to check it out!
Route 117 is a straight road between green fields of cattle, then sagebrush.
The long, low structures of commercial chicken houses appear. The closer we get to Wales, the less optimistic I become of finding a good boondock.
Although there are some well-kept properties in and around Wales, I sense an atmosphere of financial struggle and neglect.
We arrive at the left-hand turn going toward a canyon in the mountains. I see juniper and sage and rock. This does not appeal to me at all. It’s early in the day. We’ll keep looking.
Many of the modern homes have old pioneer structures next to them. Maybe the land was passed down from generation to generation.
We continue northward on Westside Road toward Fountain Green.
We pass several chicken houses and the homes of those who earn their living from cattle, sheep, or poultry.
Snow-topped Mt. Nebo (11,928 ft) and North Peak (11,174 ft.) beckon us further north. These are the peaks I saw from the overlook on Badger Mountain.
We’re back on Route 132 which curves northwestward toward Nephi.
I turn right onto Nebo Loop Road.
Last year the crew and I drove up this road in a downpour. We pulled off the road and shared some rotisserie chicken inside the PTV as we waited for the deluge to abate. At that time I noticed campers parked along the creek, but, due to the rain, we went up to Ponderosa Campground and spent the night there.
Ponderosa is a pleasant campground. However, I’m not in the mood for camping on pavement, putting the crew in their pen, and saying hello to people walking by our site.
RVs cling to the creek all along Nebo Loop Road.
Gee, I hope there’s a private place for us. We pass two parking lots with vault toilets. More RVs. I park on one of the lanes going down to the river.
“C’mon, let’s see if there’s a place for us,” I say to the crew as I park the PTV and BLT.
Bridget and Spike scramble out of the PTV. All but one of the RVs look as if they haven’t been occupied recently. The grass isn’t trampled around the rigs. No “stuff” outside. Hmm…. This looks like people drop off the RV and use it like a summer home, coming here on weekends maybe.
This one might be an exception. What a lovely view they have!
We find a place that might work for a campsite.
Salt Creek runs next to the site and is delightful, in spite of its unattractive name.
Two little streams trickle across red mud on their way to the creek. Spike and Bridget test the water.
I begin to recognize drawbacks to this site.
Red mud will be tracked into the BLT several times a day. The “beach” along the river is littered with paper plates and cups. Heavily trampled paths lead to and from this area. These are signs of foot traffic through here. Other RVs are within radio or partying hearing distance. Too bad. The crew love these little streams.
A little more searching and we find a private camp by the creek!
Viewed from the road, it looks ordinary. I check it out anyway. Gee, the creek is close and there’s a little pool for soaking. This will do us fine.
I back the BLT onto a level spot and set up camp.
The photo above was taken from the creek.
Of course, Spike has to test the water at our new camp!
(Actually the next two photos were taken a little further downstream when we went for a late afternoon walk.)
“Gee, Spike. You have the right idea!” I wade into the cool water near him.
Even Bridget dips her toes in the creek!
Once we’re settled with the mat down, the chairs out, and the awning overhead, I become aware what a great camp this is. I relax in my lounger while the crew explores their new home. A gentle breeze flows up the canyon, whooshing the willows while songbirds serenade.
rvsue
NOTE: No internet at our camp. I’m posting this in a shady spot along the road at Nephi, about an 8-mile drive from camp. I’m sorry I’m not keeping up with comments. I read every one.
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON THROUGH MY BLOG!
First again!
Y’all enjoy that new camp and give yourself and the MiFi a well deserved break from daily chores!
Another great site, you sure know how to find them. I have to ask, how long did it take you when you started traveling, to find good campsites? I know it’s hit and miss so I guess I am really asking how many months or years did it take you to become CONSISTENT in finding great campsites?
Thanks
Steve
I think Sue starts out early and keeps going until the” very nice site” shows up. Seems she discards a few before settling on the one. What impresses me is that she doesn’t give up nor panics before finding just the right one–a practice that comes with much patience and confidence that “the one great site will be found!”
She’s a pro, though!
“Patience and confidence that one great site will be found” is a motto I need to remember for other aspects of life!
Sue seems to do a lot of research first, too. Factors in her personal requirements – like continual in -touch with us, the blogorinos.
Hi, Steve,
How long did it take to find good camps consistently. Once I had solar installed in late 2011, I found good camps regularly (as those blog posts from that time will attest). However, I did not find the early camps. Experienced boondockers told me where they are.
Al and Kelly of Travel with The Bayfield Bunch invited me to Darby Well Road, Ajo, AZ, during the winter of 2011 and then told me about the BLM land near Wickenburg and Congress. Soon I was looking online and using my Benchmarks to find good camps on my own. It didn’t take “months or years.” It’s not as difficult as it seems when one has the tools to research and the confidence to take unfamiliar roads.
What a bummer that people have to trash the very places they came to enjoy!
You and your horses! They look well taken care of.
Nice relaxing creek….cool or cold? Brr…
Enjoy your evening….and we’ll behave!
Bridget looks so cute, cautiously dipping her little toes. That is a keeper!
Have a wonderful relaxing time at your new site, Sue. We will keep ourselves occupied. LOL
Well as we all know when there is water our boy, Spike will find it and make use of it. Good on you Spikey….
One day I’m going to make a slide show of all the many shots of Spike taking in the waters! They always make me smile, no matter what kind of day I’ve had. Did he show any signs of being a soaking-prone pup before you hit the road?
Hi, Robin… Spike didn’t have much opportunity for water play when we lived in Georgia. He did like the plastic wading pool I set up for him and the rest of the dogs each summer.
However,I’m not in the mood for camping on pavement,putting the crew in their pen and saying hello to people as they walk by.
It’s hard to imagine a day in your life when you would be in the mood for that!Looking at each of your photos with enjoyment as I always do,I’m giggling, still trying to imagine what could possibly instill that mood in you…
Realizing the legend you’ve become in outlander lore,you know the provenance of it being rvsue’s makes your old spare tire cover’s value a tidy little sum.Ready for your camp chair to be replaced(now that it’s umpteen years old),you think,”I’ll go to Quartzite to pick one out before I take my one and only trip east of the Mississippi.”
While there,a friendly local mentioned that she volunteers at Fur Foundlings,and convinced you to let her sell the cover. Those proceeds are being used that day to sponsor an adopt-a pet event on the outskirts of town.Gratified to view that event from a distance,you spot a campsite on pavement, crowded, but right just this once…
Gee,I have to find some way to entertain myself while the comments section languishes through this internet connection lull!
Don’t stop now weather – do they get a tidy sum that pays the medical bills for a wounded doggie? Do they find a forever-home? Does Sue make it out of town before the crowds “dog” her??
Sue will never camp without internet again……
the stories about bills covered and homes found become parts of the legend as Sue(traveling with her privacy respected by all she shares so much with) hears on this blog the details of reporters taking the needs public to watch the trail of happy endings given lengthen each year….
Listening to Loves voice in each birdsong,senses attuned as usual,she laughs in wonder at this new camps perfection
Nice wrap. A trail of happy endings is a legacy we should all work for in this life.
Has anyone heard how Ginger is doing?
Oops, hit the end button, still getting used to this IPad…
I just love mr Spike, he adds joy to my day..and Miss Bridget is a sweetie, I love how sweet she is. My two Silkies send greeting, if your nut cases were here, mine would offer to play!
Husband and I just returned from a almost weeks trip down memory lane, we celebrated our big 50 anniversary by visiting the town we lived in when we were newlyweds, saw all the old places we lived, visited the park we used when we were to broke to do anything else, ate lobster on our day, laughed and sighed at the passing years..wow where did the time go?
Now I know why I see an old woman in the mirror! Dear husband is still the tall good looking man I married…just more seasoned!
Enjoy your wonderful new camp and when you have time, more pictures please!
what a thoroughly delightful story about your anniversary,brought a tear to my eye and a chuckle about the mirror…I hope you showed your lucky husband what you wrote.
Ditto! I know few people who made it to 50 years together, for all sorts of reasons in and out of their control. Congrats!
Happy anniversary!
Congratulations!! We are nearing 42…so have a ways to go yet. But as old as we FEEL…who knows if we will make it to 50…that is a great accomplishment!!
Congratulations, Lee!
Sue, how do you keep track of the places you’ve passed? Do you use paper maps and mark them up or something digital?
I think it is something digital – “rvsueandcrew.net”
That’s exactly right, Ed. All I have to do is go through the trip summaries for each monthly Money Report and I have a log of my travels. One of these days I’ll put all the camps on a map.
Yea, I’d panic for sure and settle for something I didn’t like, worried I wouldn’t have anywhere for the night. But I guess worst case she pulls into a parking lot for a night. It would be an adjustment I’m sure, to learn not to panic and keep looking for that perfect site every time you move.
I don’t worry about finding a campsite because you can always pull into a campground or parking lot for the night and continue your search the next day, just as Sue did here. What I worry about is getting stuck on a rutty road or sinking in soft ground. So I’ve been keeping track of tried and true campsites other RVers have used without problems. I doubt I will ever explore uncharted territory on my own. My thanks to Sue, Bob, Nina and others who share info about their many campsites.
Enjoy your time at Salt Creek. I love the pictures of Spike and Bridget getting their soak on….Miss Bridget tootsies only. 🙂
Tonight is a full moon….a perfect wishing moon! Everyone send up your wishes!
Wish. Wish. Wish. Totally amazing here in Absarokee MT!
finally got the plates for my van, which means I’m one step closer to getting back
on the road again…now for my wish…just enough money to be able to travel like
sue and still afford to eat!!
Congratulations, Bonnie, every step closer is a big step! I hope you find a way to make your dream happen.
Ohhhhh Spike and Bridge sure are wise!
What a perty spot Miss Sue!
Sending hugs as usual!!!
From Hoquiam!
Barb
Beautiful site, Sue. We will miss you over the next few days. Love the photos of Spike & Bridget.
I’m from Georgia too. I was full-timer when a couple. Now single and part-timer since inherited family farm. Leaving in a couple of weeks for the West again. I’ve been camping within a mile or two from you many times. The area you are in now is special to me also. Just wanted to add my 2 cents about quarters… car washes. Just about every car wash has change machines..24 hours a day. I never get quarters from the bank anymore. I enjoy all your posts.
Lynn in Georgia (sometimes !!)
Lose a twenty-dollar bill in a coin-changer (laundromats are great for this) and you’ll see the wisdom in stopping at the bank once a year to obtain a stash of coins.
Oh, ouch!! Thanks for that information!!
Hi Sue, we camped at Nebo Loop in Oct two years ago, loved it, the fall colours were beautiful, and it was so peaceful by the creek.
Ginger if you read this know that we are thinking of you and holding you in our hearts.
Exactly,and going to hang an extra wish on tonight’s full moon for you
Amen….Best wishes Ginger. I know it’s probably tough right now but how wonderful it will be when you heal. Hang in there till that day….
I’m sending you good wishes for healing and freedom from pain so you can get on with the life you want to live. Many PP eople are pulling for you Ginger.
I am thinking you are doing VERY WELL and everyday when you wake up you are happy that you are one day closer to not being in pain!! Let us know how you are doing.
Ginger,
Ya forgot to pack your Wilson antenna! Hope your on your way to a speedy recovery!
Another great camp site. I have never seen a dog that loved water at much as that rotten kid of your’s! Be safe..
Hmmmm……I hate to give you the bad news, Sue, but that four-legged critter ain’t a cow. 😉 (see sentence directly below the pic)
I don’t think Sue meant it was the critter pictured, she was speaking of the area in general. She loves horses. I know you were probably just pullin her leg a bit on that, eh?
I agree….it was part of the story/post…not a caption for the photo!
Absolutely. You’re catching on to my winks!
And I didn’t even think about his expression, but he sure does have that ‘dagnabbit!’ look! 😀
I was laughing at the look on the mule’s face “I’m not a dang cow, woman!” I think Sue was just messin’ with him :-).
I admit I didn’t do a lot of proofreading and editing on this post. I didn’t catch the juxtaposition of the mule and my text about cattle. I’ll blame the crew. They were good to sit in the PTV with me while I wrote this post, but they were getting a bit fed up with me when it started to get hot, so I published without a final edit.
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked on
the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added
I receive four emails with the exact same comment.
There has to be a way you are able to remove me from that service?
Thanks a lot!
I believe you can go to the end of comments section and ‘uncheck’ the box about receiving notifications. That should take you out of the email loop. Hope it helps.
Jeannie and all readers:
DO NOT CLICK ON THE COMMENT ABOVE JEANNIE’S! It’s spam. A typical spam ploy is to ask for help. I can’t remove it because it has a reply.
Enjoy your secluded camp Sue. Check ya later.
Don
Reading, and enjoying today’s blog from Sunset Crater Nat’l Monument. Isn’t this where the nut cakes made such a racket when you left them in the vehicle to go into the visitor center? I busted out laughing loudly and uncontrollably today while entering the visitor center with that image of Spike and Bridgett sitting in your van howling up a storm. Lots of lava here. I bet this is one of your favorite spots. I need to someday get to Fossil Falls campground on California hwy 395, another one of your favorite spots. Am I not right?
Later
Mw
Hi, Mark…. You have a great memory for my posts of the pasts!
I can imagine you at the Visitor Center laughing at my experience there.
Oh, do go to Fossil Falls. You’ll see more lava than anyone should have to look at in a lifetime.. Lava here, lava there, here a lava, there a lava, everywhere, lava, LAVA!!!
That creek “looks” like it “sounds” wonderful. Interesting about the people-less RVs in the area. Hope the area doesn’t get too crazy on the weekend.
Wishing clear skies for all to enjoy the full moon on this Friday the 13th and buckets of good luck!
Are you on the side of the road again? Yer just asking for the po-po to stop and see what yer up to! 😉
Or that Wilson antenna has awesome powers!
Either way…..the “teacher” is back!
As long as we camp on the Nebo Loop Road, my posts come to you from the side of the road at Nephi. 🙂
I just cant wait to see the new wheel cover! Or did I miss that somehow? :O)
Hi, Sondra… The new cover isn’t on yet. I’ll need some help with it.