Sunday, April 27
Camping in vast, flat, empty places often means wind. It’s been windy at our camp along the San Rafael Reef in central Utah. We’ve had a few days of uncomfortable weather, but now a warmer, dry day is here!
“Let’s go, nutcakes! It’s warm enough for a walk through the canyon!”
(Do you see our camp in the background below?)
The canyon walls shield us from the wind.
Spike doesn’t lag behind. It must be one of his “good days,” as far as his arthritis goes. He’s excited to explore. Bridget is, too.
I could put the crew in the Perfect Tow Vehicle and drive us through the canyon. People do drive through it, either on OHVs, motorbikes, or regular vehicles. They whiz through, heads turning this way and that, and away they go!
That’s okay for them.
As for me, I like the little things one experiences along a walk. The crunch of the gravel under ones’ feet . . .
Pausing to examine an unusual plant or to appreciate nature’s artistry . . .
Anticipating what’s around the bend . . .
Touching the rocks, feeling the rough surface as well as the warmth, looking at the light coming through the leaves. . . Simple pleasures!
There are five, really nice campsites in the canyon.
As we walk through we find all but one of them is empty. The next photo shows one of those campsites. It’s a special place . . . enchanting!
It’s located where the canyon has tight turns which puts canyon walls on all four sides of the site. If you don’t care about internet or phone signal, this is a wonderful, private camp!
The crew investigates around the campsite.
Two or three of the campsites will accommodate fairly large rigs. The road through the canyon is in good shape.
Spike makes me smile.
He’s having a great time! He doesn’t begin to tire until half the way back to our camp. I pick him up periodically and carry him, giving him a chance to recharge so he can keep up with Bridget and me.
I doubt these photos are in correct order. It doesn’t matter. You get the idea!
The next day we leave the San Rafael Reef in search of a new camp.
Monday, April 28
We find a delightful, free spot along the Green River and it has a beach!
More about our new camp in the next post . . .
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
I appreciate every purchase.
DIRECTIONS TO THE CANYON AND OUR CAMP ABOVE IT:
Coming from the south on Highway 24 from Hanksville, Utah, turn left at the sign for Goblin Valley State Park. Coming from the north on Highway 24 (west of the city of Green River) turn right at the sign. You will come to a kiosk on the right side. Do NOT take the paved road that goes to the state park.
On either side of the kiosk are dirt roads which join to make one road. Take this road across the flat, grassy plain along the San Rafael Reef. You will come to short spur roads going off to the left and up. The crew and I camped in the site at the end of the second spur road. Continue (not far) and a spur to the left takes you into the canyon.
One?
You’re the one and only Hotel California!
Hello !
I love this new IPad, if your computer dies,
I totally recommend this computer!
I went with a friend today, drove my truck, her’s does not have a brake controller, and she purchased a larger Scamp, she decided she needed a larger one after seeing my Casita….so we pulled it home…
What a fun day, visiting my friend, seeing and then her purchasing another sweet little egg, lunch at a lovely salad bar…and guess who we talked about? You! Did your ears burn?
Hope you had as nice day today as I did, And guess what, another friend is buying my friend’s smaller 13 foot Scamp. So three more older ladies enjoying little perfect trailers, all because of you! Thanks dear Sue!
That’s great, Lee! Your comment has me chuckling. 🙂
Ditto on the iPad. That is what I will be using when I start my blog. There is an app that will post to a WordPress site. It will allow off-line editing so if you are in an area without internet, you can continue to add posts and then upload everything when you have access. It will also upload your pictures too! I couldn’t find anything similar that would run on a PC or Mac. I also bought a device that plugs into the charging port so you can insert an SD card from your camera and upload those images to the iPad. A complete package.
WOW! Absolutely gorgeous campsites! I like the one with the tree in the middle…secluded. Does the wind whip thru the canyon?
Great to hear Spike is doing well on his walks.
Looks like the water may be running to swift for a soak! Enjoy your night!
Hi, my high-flying friend!
Yes, I do believe this is a first… An in-flight comment . . . 🙂
I’m sure there are times when there’s wind in the canyon. In places it’s very narrow and curvy … maybe that cuts the wind somewhat.
The water is moving pretty fast past our camp and there are little waves that come to shore. I think that intimidates Spike. He hasn’t gone for a soak yet.
Great to hear from you out of the sky!
Hi Sue,
That canyon looks like a great place to explore. I’m like you, I would prefer to check it out by foot.
I am going to put my Born Free south of Bend for the summer and use it as a base camp to explore eastern Oregon. Looking forward to many great hikes.
Hope you have a great summer.
Thanks, Dorothy. It sounds like you have a wonderful summer planned. Oregon is sure to delight!
There is a one horse town named Paulina, Oregon It’s 60 miles east of Prineville, Oregon. Population is about 50 people or so. It’s right on the Crooked River. When I was growing up there I found a dinasaur foot print embedded in a rock boulder. This was just east of town about a mile. People are friendly there and will tell you where to go exploring. There is a general store in the town and a gas pump on the front porch. They use to have a rodeo every July 4th at the rodeo grounds just outside of town a quarter mile.
Hi, Joe!
Beautiful, beautiful photos. I got lost in this magnificent scenery and experience. A camp site with a beach says a soak for Spike is in the works! I’m enjoying cleaning up my yard from the ravages of our crazy late winter Texas weather. It’s a lot of work but it has such wonderful results. Like you, I enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the natural world.
Thanks for the compliment on the photos, Susan.
It’s a good feeling to have the yard neat again after the chaos and mess of winter. I still like to rake. Very often I’ll tidy up the campsite, rake away the cigarette butts and wood chips and stuff. Gives the site a fresh look and I don’t have to wonder what Bridget and Spike might lie down on or step on.
Enjoy your yard!
Wow, Great day on the walk! Love exploring with you guys! The flowers and the rocks, they look wind or water swept. I would have given up internet in order to camp in that canyon…
Your new camp looks inspiring also Sue. Can’t wait to see more.
Take care Sue and Crew! Thank you for another adventure.
You’re welcome, Diane. I was tempted to give up internet for that campsite in the photo, but, in the end, I couldn’t abandon my blogorinos! 🙂 Thanks for walking the canyon with me and the crew.
Ah, Sue, I love the way you live in the moment.
It suits us best!
I was just pondering some of your words from you last post, about living vicariously through you and holding one to the dream. I so wish I could let go of the material and go on the road, but simply I can not. I worry about the day (should it come) when either hubby or I were to become so ill that we could not longer travel and neither he nor I would want to spend our final days in an RV park somewhere. So unfortunately we just can’t sell out and go on the road, as we do not have enough back up $$$$ to be sure there would be somewhere for us to go should we need it down the road. Right now we do as much vacationing in our RV as possible, but it is limited due to the fact that I still work. I am 13 years younger than my husband, and neither of us have longevity in our genetic histories. Thank you so much for sharing your adventures so I can imagine living where you are. If we could give it up, living out there with no one around (for the most part) would be the way we would want to do it. ENJOY everyday RVSUE, you are very blessed to be doing it your way.
Hi, Marilu, Hi, Maribeth!Yes, I am blessed to be able to live the way I want.
I read and reread your comment very carefully. It seems you are “of two minds.” Full-timing appeals to you, wanting to live “out there with no one around.” You have a house that is a comfort to you and you like having it for your old age. You, like a lot of us, cannot do both.
This I understand, because I couldn’t keep my house and property and also travel full-time. I had to make a choice. It wasn’t difficult for me because giving up the house and property wasn’t a sacrifice. It was a relief. I’ve always taken big leaps without a safety net.
Neither of our choices is wrong. You have the best of both worlds. You can enjoy RV vacations and enjoy your home, too!
Living with an uncertain future — that is, making it up as you go along — isn’t for everyone.
Thank you for writing and sharing your thoughts re: your plans for the future.
Maribeth. . . I apologize for getting your name wrong!
Hi Sue,
Now you have a Maribeth and a Marilu to keep straight. This was Maribeth’s comment. I have been quietly reading and enjoying every post and comment but haven’t felt like I had anything original to add to the conversation. Your photos are getting truly amazing. Do you keep track of which settings you use when you take your pictures? Happy traveling!
Marilu
Marilu . . . No, I don’t keep track of settings, other than vaguely remembering. I’m haphazard about my photos.
My primary goal when out and about is to enjoy the location, what I’m doing, and the company of my crew. Photos are secondary. If I manage to take a great photo once in a while, that’s great. Mostly, I’m taking photos to inform my blog readers and to have a record of where the crew and I have traveled, not attempting to create art. 🙂
Darn! I was expecting to see another Spike soak! Maybe in that little curve below the green tree??
Hi, Ladybug…
Although this post is about last Sunday and Monday, the crew and I are still at this camp on the Green River. . . so there’s still a possibility of a Spike soak pic!
Me Too!
Love the isolated spots!! No cell….no internet….PERFECT!! At least once in a while. We all should unplug now and then…..
You’re right, John. Getting away from the internet is necessary. For me, I’m unplugged when I don’t want to be. . . and that’s enough. I would get too far behind on my blog posts if I intentionally camped where there’s no signal.
That campsite was very tempting though . . .
I totally agree. The site tucked into the canyon walls appealed to me. I could just see myself tucked in there, all cozy and secluded.
Thank you Sue for another great installment in your series of adventures. I am still tagging along, one of your blogorinos living vicariously thanks to the great photos and stories. I have another 2 years before I can explore canyon campsites and desert flowers in person. Until then I depend on you and the crew to help me get my nature fix.
You’re welcome, katydid. It’s great having you tag along with us! Those two years will pass . . . .
Coming into Utah in a couple of weeks…later please tell me where the riverside camp is..so looking forward to being by water. Have fun!
Hi, BadKat . . . Lucky you, coming into Utah! What a great state . . .
Of course I’ll tell you where the riverside camp is. In the next post (tomorrow if the internet cooperates) I’ll give complete directions how to get here.
I know what you mean about wanting to be by water. Spike agrees, too!
Aw geez, I cannot get the timing right! I don’t think I will ever be first.
So, the canyon is beautiful but I’m not sure I could give up my Internet either…how would I keep up with you and the crew!
I got my lovely little cast iron skillet from amazon and am cooking a little grass-fed beef chuck roast in it…you should smell it! I hope it tastes as good as it smells.
Went to a meeting with a Medicare advisor today and came away thoroughly confused. Trying to decide whether to have my knee replacement before I am on Medicare, or wait till August. So many things to consider. Also, if I take a Medicare advantage plan (which seems to have better prices), it is only good in my state of residence (Arizona), except for emergencies. That doesn’t sound good if you travel.
Have you made this decision yet Sue? I thought I saw something in your expenses about your cost going up when you switched to Medicare. Did you go with original Medicare, to have the flexibility of using it in any state?
They should make this easier. My brain isn’t what it used to be!
Hi, Ginger,
Before I say anything about Medicare, understand that I find it totally confusing and I’m not sure if I can explain what I have.
My Medicare advantage plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield is through the teacher retirement service of Georgia. Apparently there are different “advantage plans.” Mine is good in different states. I don’t know what you mean when you ask about “original” Medicare.
It’s probably a good thing I can’t explain what I have very well. Then I won’t mess you up in your decision-making. I hate thinking about insurance. I can’t focus on it for more than 3 seconds. I try to read the tons of material sent to me explaining Medicare, advantage, benefits, blah-blah, and it gives me a pain in my head.
Changing the subject 🙂 … glad you like your new skillet!
If I could butt in, I happen to deal with the retirement insurance for our employees (State of TN). I have to explain Medicare at least 2-3 times a day plus make presentations to employees thinking about retiring.
Not sure if the person you met with was a salesperson or not, but if they weren’t with Arizona State Aging and Adult Services, please give them a call. There is a program called SHIP which helps people navigate through the various Medicare options. I know Medicare is trying to give people options, but having 30 different Part D drug plans to choose from if you go with original Medicare doesn’t make it easy! SHIP can’t tell you which specific plan to choose, but they can explain the various options. There’s just way too many variables with each person’s situation and what’s available to them for there to be a blanket ‘this is the best way to go’.
Yes, I have an appointment with SHIP to attend the ‘new to Medicare’ class. My problem right now is: I will be 65 in August. I have Cigna PPO right now. My deductible is 30% but I have an out-if-pocket cap. Medicare is 20% but no cap. Trying to figure if I should have my knee replacement now, or wait for Medicare. Also, the advantage plans here are all for in-state, out of state is emergency only,and I plan to travel a lot. This is so confusing! I’m not stupid but I feel stupid dealing with this stuff.
Trust me, everyone going to Medicare feels the same way. That’s why there’s SHIP to help!
Ok, just as a rule of thumb…if you’re planning on traveling and you can’t find an Advantage plan that works out of state, then you’re going to be better off with original Medicare with a Supplement; they’re generally good nationwide. But that also means you’re probably going to pay more premiums-$104.90 for Part B, whatever the Medicare Supplement premium is, and whatever the Part D plan premium is for the plan you pick.
Most people when they get a Medicare Supplement like to get either a Medicare Supplement F, G or possibly a D (not to be confused with Medicare Part D drug coverage). Those 3 plans will not only pay the Part A deductible (currently $1216 per hospital admission and can be charged up to 6 times per year) but they also pick up the 20% that Medicare leaves behind. So if you were in the hospital for say, 8 days, then 100% of the Medicare-approved expenses would be covered. That’s why there’s no out of pocket cap; it’s all covered. The D and G plan does not cover the Part B deductible (currently $147 for the calendar year); an F plan does. Which makes an F plan probably the most expensive….you have the most coverage.
Also, some Advantage plans have a co-pay for every day you’re in the hospital. I talked to one of our retirees recently; her spouse had an Advantage Plan and was in the hospital for 18 days with his heart. The plan charged $100 a day for every day he was in, so they were going to be out of pocket $1800. If he had been signed up with our Medicare Supplement (which ours is a Medigap Plan D) they would have been out of pocket $0.
And remember, you’re not stuck for eternity with the first thing you pick; you can always change during the open enrollment.
You know, Sue, I think Arizona should give you some sort of stipend for all you surely do to help tourism to that state. I am not keen on the desert, being more of a mt. girl. But you do make it look inviting…and the cute flowers are so nice to see…this must be about the best time of year for such scenery!! Maybe I should write a note to the tourism bunch for you…heehee!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
Hey, I’m all for stipends! Haha! Include Utah, too . .
Wonderful canyon. I agree with you about experiencing the place while walking. Makes a big difference on how you relate to a location.
It does make a big difference, Pleinguy. I’ve never found drive-by experiences to be that memorable. I live small and see small. I remember a tiny bird standing on a rock, dipping its beak into the Tieton River in Washington, clear as when I saw him do it. Mt. Adams isn’t quite as clear in my memory. Haha!
Oh, thank you , Sue! Your pictures and comments are so refreshing for us this evening. Long day moving northward from Jamul (San Diego area), skirting LA via I-15, I-10 and then I-5 to just south of the grapevine. 100 deg when we stopped at Castaic . But tomorrow will be better as we move to lake camping NE of Fresno for a week or so.
You’re welcome! Sounds like you had a very long day with too many interstates in it. Oh well, they get you where you need to go and fast.
Yes, tomorrow does sound much better! A week of lake camping… aahhh! It’s a tough life, eh?
So glad you finally had a day warm enough to explore the canyon before leaving the reef.Cold wind can be refreshing and exciting-for a bit.However,it’s overstayed it’s welcome if you’re staying in or doing less just to stay warm.You take interest in so much that I’m sure you just “switched gears” and thoroughly enjoyed your time there,and judging from their stamina and enthusiasm for that walk I think the crew found it restorative.
Your choosing a site that has a signal is completely understandable.I’d have chosen the same one rather than the cozy one with four rock walls,too. My reason would have been to afford myself the awareness of whatever might be approaching.Awareness has always kept me secure so I don’t let much interfere with that.
That is not fear mongering.Such personal policies don’t limit my freedom,they enhance it.I’ve safely traveled to, stayed in and enjoyed wildernesses and big cities alone without fear because my methods and abilities can be trusted.Equally confident of you,I get a kick out of waiting to hear where you’ll wind up next,and how you got there.
That water looked a little intense for soaks,still,Spike being your boy,I won’t be surprised if the next post mentions those raggedy towels being used..,have fun 🙂
Hi, weather,
You are absolutely right about the need to have internet in order to be aware of weather forecasts and such. Like you, I trust my ability to deal with most potential problems and that protects me from fear. However, knowledge is a key element in coping with whatever might come our way. That’s where the internet has become essential.
I rely on the internet, in addition to my atlas, to find the next camp. When I don’t have it, I become aware of how many ways it comes in handy.
I was going to spend one night camped in the canyon, but after our long walk, I felt we had a full experience and it was time to move on.
Weather forecasts and such.. whatever might come our way…
you prepare for these things by using the gifts received with having senses.
I find people that say,as though dispensing wisdom,”you shouldn’t make decisions based on your feelings”,wearisome.
That would only be good advice if we lived in a lifeless unchanging environment.You felt…it was time to move on.
We were given feelings precisely to be used this way,to use them
in making good choices.
I applaud you for trusting that method to lead you in life,look where it’s brought you!
You know, weather? There have been four instances in my life so far where my “feeling” has been a powerful foreboding. Two were within the past two years. I always respond to that feeling.
Whether one believes it to be the voice of God or a psychic insight or woman’s intuition or a guardian angel or a chemical imbalance in the brain — whatever — I always take notice and adjust accordingly.
🙂 me,too!
Thanks for the directions, Sue. I tried to figure it out the other day and got lost on Google Maps. You’re the best! Grace (in Tucson)
You’re welcome, Grace.
Ah that’s the life!
Canyon or riverside. . . They’re both good!
“Live small…see small.” Trying to figure out how I can get this quote on a…something…to put on the wall. Love that, Sue. Really appreciate your thoughts, insights, & photos. The Green River looks full & wild…enjoy.
Not far from here the Green River is calm and lazy. She’s a crazy lady coming past our camp!
The pic of the canyon under “Simple Pleasures….” is spectacular. It’s almost 3D and I can practically feel the different textures. Good to see Spike feeling spry and keeping up with you……..something I certainly strive for!!
Glad you liked that photo, Jodee. I’m a bit disappointed with it because there isn’t anything in that pic to give a sense of the enormous size of those “repeating” boulders that form the back wall. I should have sat Bridget on the rock in the foreground. She’s my go-to prop!
My ideal way to spend a day!! Glad you and the crew had such a fun day.
I was really expecting a soaking photo at the end. I know that is the first thing Spike did when he saw water. Enjoy your beach:)
Usually, a soak is the first thing on Spike’s agenda. Not this time though. I don’t know why. Maybe it was the waves . . . .
Hey Sue,
Did you notice in the photo below “anticipating whats around the bend” the rock is the face from the paining “the scream”? Weird, huh?
Terry
No, I didn’t see that. I went back to look. I see it now!
I love that second photo of the red rocks and the dog in the road. Great shot. Love the red flower too. I’m so glad you were able to take us all down into the canyon before you left for your next adventure!
Thanks for the positive feedback on the photos. I’m glad we waited for the weather to improve so we could walk the canyon. It wrapped up our stay very nicely.
Sue, thanks for the information on big rig accessibility. If we’re able to one day go on the road, I anticipate we’ll have a 35-36 foot Class A motorhome, so it’s nice to know we might be able to get to and get into some of these wonderful campsites you are showing us.
Hi, Walt,
You’re welcome, although don’t ever take my word for accessibility of a big rig. Please take what I say as a possibility only. Then, if you’re in the area, drive a toad into the canyon or walk it to make sure.
I don’t have the experience with Class A motor homes to know what road conditions, turns, overhangs, etc. are prohibitive. I’d hate to lead anyone into a jam.
I saw a pretty big fifth wheel towed into there. That’s what I based my statement on.
Fair enough. But if it looks like it might be possible, it might be worth checking out. 🙂
Right!
It is Saturday and what a beautiful weather in this part of the world we’re having. I hope you and your crew enjoy such delightful spot and almost a perfect weather. I would like to send your way a nice wildflower book but when and where to be delivered? Green River, Hanksville, Moab? Today’s pictures of Penstemon (could be Eaton’s or Utah) and Paintbrush (maybe common or annual) are wonderful. Thank you.
Hi, R. (Colorado),
Thanks for the offer of the wildflower book. That’s thoughtful of you. I honestly cannot tell you where we will be nor when we will be there! I have mail waiting for me at my forwarding service in SD and I can’t seem to find a time and place to have it forwarded.
It seems like whenever I pick a place to receive mail, I end up waiting around for it to arrive! That’s what it’s like for a person who lives according to whim.
Thanks again for the flower identification. 🙂 Enjoy the warm weather! Tomorrow is going to be even warmer than today.
Nothing better than freedom, isn’t it? If you decide one day to stay somewhere a little longer you can send me a message or I can leave the book somewhere under a rock if I knew you can find it before someone else does. Have a great weekend!!
Thanks, R.! Same to you!
Your marquis photo has changed! Wow! It that “the crazy lady” flowing past your camp! Great photos, Sue. Hi to Bridget and Spike!
Yes, it is, Diann. I’ll post about our new camp on the Green River in a few minutes from now. 🙂 It’s an exceptionally fine camp!