After driving over 300 miles through smoke since 8:30 this morning, the crew and I are ready for a break.
We pass several inexpensive National Forest campgrounds blanketed in smoke. I keep driving in hopes that my eyes will stop watering, and the three of us can breathe more easily. I stop for gas at Burley and it begins to rain.
By the time we reach Twin Falls, Idaho, the rainstorm is over and the sky is much clearer.
Interstate all the way today . . .
I pull over to check the laptop for possible camps. There’s a state park not far off I-84. It’s on the Snake River at the town of Glenns Ferry. Hmmm . . . Three Island Crossing State Park. This looks promising.
I check the Idaho State Parks website and see that Idaho parks are around $22 – $24 a night. Higher than what we usually pay, but a hot shower would make it worth the money. After two weeks of free camping, we can splurge!
I exit the interstate, drive through the little town of Glenns Ferry, and make the turn toward the state park. We get a glimpse of the Snake River, which we crossed over several times since leaving Montana this morning.
The Snake River at Glenns Ferry, Idaho
Hard to believe that’s the same stream Spike and I waded in at Grassy Lake Road Camp. It’s a powerful, wide river here.
No matter how tired I am from driving, I love the anticipation of a new camp.
I drive up to the self-pay station at the entrance and look at the board stating the fees. A single campsite is $23.32 which includes Idaho state tax. Then my eyes behold the magic phrase: “Over 62, half price, Mon.-Thurs.” Wow! This is Tuesday. That means we get full hookups for $11.66!
The campground is lush and green.
Sprinklers shoot water in rotating arcs across the lawns. Mature trees form a shady glen.
Apparently no worries about water usage here.
I choose the lower of the two loops. It’s not even half-full. I immediately set up the crew’s pen and put out my camp chair. Bridget and Spike are as excited as I am about our new camp. Together we walk around the loop.
We meet Richard and Rosemary.
They’re Nebraskans who were transplanted to Texas in the latter part of Richard’s military career. Next to their site is Richard’s brother who still lives in Nebraska. He’s on his way to the Columbia River Gorge area, Seattle and Astoria. Richard and Rosemary are returning from that area. They arranged to have their paths cross here for a few days. We talk as if we’ve known each other for years, sharing experiences and laughs.
Richard and Rosemary’s site across the lawn
Back at the campsite, I lead the crew into their pen.
I plug in the electric and turn on the air conditioning. After a few minutes tidying up, I check to see if we pick up any television. I have not seen tv since early summer. Actually, I can’t remember when. I tap the antenna button, run a scan, and . . . yay! Four channels!
It’s an easy back-in.
Quite a deal!
For under $12 a night, we have electric (air conditioning!), water at our campsite, hot showers, flush toilets, dump station, television, internet, cellphone coverage, paved road and parking pad, picnic table, privacy, and shade trees! I write a check for $23.32 (two nights) and the crew and I walk it over to the pay station.
What a lovely home!
Once I finish this blog entry, I’m off to the showers. Ahhh . . .
And then I’ll cuddle up with the crew and watch TV!
rvsue
Canine Crew: “I Don’t Know What Came Over Me” by Bridget
I’m sorry, rvsue.
Have you ever done something you regret as soon as you do it? That’s what happened to me today.
We were over talking with these people we met in our new campground. Then it was time to go back to our campsite. On the way I happened to smell the most interesting aroma in the grass. We stopped so I could sniff it (rvsue is nice that way).
Spike and rvsue wanted to get going, but I couldn’t stop sniffing! It was intoxicating! I’d LOVE to meet the guy who left that smell there!
Even though rvsue was pulling on the leash, I refused to budge, which is so unlike me. I’m always a good girl. I don’t know what came over me. I pulled backwards and wiggled until I was out of my black suit!
That’s when rvsue threw a fit.
“Bridget! What are you doing? Get back in your suit! This is so unlike you! I’m surprised at you!” and on and on . . . .
I think Spike was trying not to laugh. I felt very, very bad. Later I gave rvsue kisses on her leg while she was typing on her laptop. That’s so she’ll know I’m sorry.
I take it you got your package before you had to leave the other cg. Glad you found a cg that is smoke free. It’s still smokey in ID and the YNP area.
Yes, I drove up to Dillon post office Monday afternoon and picked up a ton of mail from my mail forwarding service. Included were the registrations for the BLT and the PTV.
Great campsite at a great price!! How nice to have electric and hot showers and to watch a little tv again. It looks like a real pretty spot, and already you have met friendly people.
This campground is very well maintained. The road and parking pads are edged. Along with the mature trees, there are several young trees that are mulched and staked. Very pretty.
Your Bridget is so pretty…..bet you weren’t upset with her very long :o)
Looks like a beautiful place to camp.
Thank you on behalf of Bridget. I was more shocked than upset. She never does stuff like that! I think Spike’s a bad influence.
That must have been some message left for her. 🙂 Mugsy will get mesmerized by a scent every now and then. Dragging her away actually helps keep her toenails short. 🙂
I LOVE IDAHO! And, I’m so glad you’re getting to see some of it. You will want to go back, I guarantee. You know, Sue, before my back problems, I bought a generator that I could charge my batteries while boon docking, and so the electric start to my hot water could work (when I get it). Well, things got in the way. I camped at some beautiful parks–I just have to have a shower and wash my hair or I go nuts. Some things are just worth the money, if you have it. Anyway, I’m glad you like you’re new spot, and being a senior has its benefits, doesn’t it. I want to get back out so bad I can taste it. Enjoy every momrent, Sue.
Bridget, I’m sure Sue has forgiven you, but I understand. I remember the first whiff I got of Lizzie in the yard–it was love at first sight and I loved her for the rest of her life. Nancy says, she got a whiff of Rich’s aftershave, too…oh, okay, Nancy, I won’t tell that story. But, I just wanted to tell you that you are a pretty girl, and any young pup would be lucky to have you notice his, er, aroma, but I’m afraid you’d have Spikey to contend with if your eyes strayed–“Okay to look at the menu even if you’re on a diet.” ~~ Jack
Ha! I don’t think Spike would care one way or the other. He doesn’t have any interest in that dept.! This isn’t the prettiest part of Idaho, so I’m really pleased to find this beautiful oasis. Tomorrow we will hike over to the day use area where there’s river access. I can’t stay away from water.
“This isn’t the prettiest part of Idaho..” I’m glad that you recognize that. It is too bad you could not have gone across the middle of the state following some 400 miles of Scenic Byways.
“I can’t stay away from water.” Neither can those inconsiderate ‘campers’ that you are trying to avoid. You will probably be OK until the weekend but camping near water on the weekend is just asking to be irritated.
Ah, yes…the middle of the state. Incredible, Ed. Sue will go back.
I’m sure you know why I didn’t go across the middle of the state! (smoke)
Good point about camping near water on weekends. Clark Canyon Reservoir campground is a beautiful place and the sites are well-spaced. The problem with weekenders stems from the lake level being so low that the boat ramp in the day use area isn’t used any more. That put all the day use people over around my campsite on their way to and from the boat ramp in the campground.
Great campsite and wonderful price……I think you are one of the luckiest people for finding so many great inexpensive sites. Throw some of that luck my way…….LOL I am on the Oregon coast a little south of Newport at the South Beach campground. It is 27.00 a night and still lots of kids running around……..kids and adults running and walking thru campsite. BUT the weather is great, I have been on the beach the last two days and it has been really NICE!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope the weather holds for you, but if you want to avoid crowds take your time getting here. School doesn’t start until after labor day. Oh well, tomorrow I am heading south in search of less expensive camping.. Enjoy the hot shower, take 2 or 3. You deserve them………LOL
Hi Pat,
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the Oregon coast. I was thinking the same thing…. I’m in no hurry to have kids running around and through my campsite. That’s why the thought of Sept. in Oregon lured me further west. I heard on the news (now that’s a statement I haven’t made in a long time) that rain is coming to the coast. I hope it’s gone by the time I get there. If you head south, maybe you wont get rain.
Not only did I deserve that hot shower…. I NEEDED it!
Check for road closures and alternate routes, there are several large fires on the NV Idaho border and Oregon NV Border. There is a large fire just north of you matter of fact am sure you will hear about it in the news.
Oregon and Ca coast is great in Sept. Usually not as foggy as summer. Fog is what makes it chilly.
John Day fossil beds Oregon, St Joshep Oregon, Three Sisters, Crater lake, Hood Mt., coast from New Port south. ( hwy 1) I love the town of Bandon and the Beach and the bakeries. Small place, friendly.
Hwy 5 is boring. Olympic national park in Washington is wonderful. Hoh rain forest! ( didn’t rain the three days I was there)
The list for Oregon is huge.
Idaho has some gorgeous country in the central but there are so many fires mostly under smoke.
I am headed to the coast myself. Hoping not very crowded. See you on the road perhaps!
No matter what direction I looked while heading south from Clark Canyon in Montana and while going west across Idaho past Twin Falls, I saw smoke in all directions. In one area — American Falls, I think — it felt like a weight on my chest. I don’t know how the residents stand it. And word is, the air might not clear until snow covers the ground.
Safe travel for you, enjoy the coast!
Forgot to mention some of the Ca state parks very pricey. There are a lot of Elk in the Prairie Creek state park area north ca.
Few to none BLM camps. Still the coast is worth a trip. Go to see the tallest red wood trees …Spike may appreciate that.
I’ve heard about the high-priced campgrounds in California. Crazy. If I don’t see much of the state this trip, I’ll be back.
Once again, wonderful photographs, great campground and fun story! Love to read that you are heading to Oregon! We hope to workamp there next summer! Today we arrived at our new job in Mimbres NM, near Silver City! We didn’t drive 300 miles, only 160, but 100 of those miles were 35 mph switchbacks climbing up mountains and back down! Wore me out! Highway 180 from Springerville AZ to Silver City NM. Tell Bridget to beware strange smells…. nothing like a stray dog to get you in trouble!!!
Best wishes with your new workamping post. I know you’ll enjoy the area, Gila Clliff Dwellings and all that. Glad you made it through the mountains without any problems.
Wah-Hoo, we are going to Oregon. Nice campsite photos. I’m having so much fun on my RvSue virtual tour. Your a sweet host. Many thanks.
You’re welcome, Mick. Glad to have you along!
Spike,after your draggin of Sue down the embankment….not time to expect extra treats,guy. But you should ALWAYS capitalize on Bridgets boo boos BIG TIME!!!
RVSue, Lynan Lake at AZ/NM border was $27. no seniora/o discounto, That was with water and power, $20 boondock but very nice! Lake was low. We’d go back.Chuckles
Hi, Chuck! One of these days I’m going to visit that part of AZ and NM. I guess you were away from the burnt areas. Not surprising that the lake was low. After living in AZ and NM for a few months, it’s hard for me to see the way water is thrown up in the air around here! (Do love the green grass though.)
Glad you found a place you like.
What a super sweet deal, and a treat. Glad you’re out of the smoke. Please remember for Bridget’s sake that girls just gotta’ have fun.
Okay, you’re right, although Bridget herself would point out that you can have fun and still be a good girl.
Some of our kin and family have camped there and loved it. Glad you found it and so inexpensive too!! Ahem…my brother had to teach in the town there and nearly went crazy…another story!! But that park has been fun for many!!
Hi Elizabeth, I expected someone would say they’ve camped here or their family has, because it’s a handy place, right off the interstate. Sometimes state parks are a long drive from main roads. I wasn’t in the mood for that yesterday.
As a former teacher, I can give a pretty good guess what nearly drove him crazy.
It had something to do with the people there, not just the kids….I am sure you have a good idea!!
Oohhh, Oregon sounds so good to me…..I can’t think of one reason for you not to head there.
Here in central California, it really sounds good. The heat is getting old, everything dry, but the delicious fruit and veggies we grow make up for some of it.
Enjoy the green and cool of Oregon!
Hi Linda . . . Now that’s something I’ve heard that’s GOOD about California… the fruits and vegetables (and wine, too!).
Another great looking spot.
Sue, I know this is out of context, but need to ask, what device do you use for internet access? I assume some kind of celular service??? And do you have an amp / repeater set up?
Thanks
Wayne
Hi Wayne, . . . I have a Verizon air card (6 Gb which is more than I need, but is nice) ($60 a month, 2 yr. contract). I use StraightTalk cheapo cellphone service ($30 a mo.) , more minutes than I’ll ever need. I got my phone at WalMart, of course. I don’t even know what an “amp/repeater” set up is, so I’ll assume I don’t have one!
It’s a broken record “RV Sue and Crew find another great campsite”. And at a super price too. Well done AGAIN!! Looks GREAT!! I read that you pulled over to check the laptop for possible campsites and then checked the state park website. What’s your first site of choice to check when you pull over?
Great question, Sherry. The first website I choose depends on the situation and what I’m looking for. Yesterday I wanted something close to the interstate and I wasn’t in the mood for a Flying J experience, so I looked at my hard-copy Benchmark atlas first, found the park, and then researched it by googling the name of the park.This brought me to the Idaho state parks website, of course, and some other helpful websites.
Usually I don’t go to a specific website to begin with. I’ll do a search like “boondocking near Hooterville, SD” or “camping in northwestern UT.” I do use the National Forest and Bureau of Land Management sites a lot, usually once I’ve located a place via the search method, and then want to confirm info and get more details. I like doing a search first because often it will show me where I can read reviews or comments from other campers on the usual review websites, but, better yet, on blogs and forums. That way I’m getting beyond the propaganda.
Thanks Sue. This is a great reply. Looks like I need a hard copy bench mark atlas if it shows parks on it.
Anybody know if there is something as nice as the Benchmark atlases and map for east of the Mississippi? They sure look great for the West.
I don’t think there are any for the East. Inside the cover is a list of their maps: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico. The only ones I don’t have are Washington, Wyoming, and New Mexico. These Benchmark maps are one of my best investments. Eventually I hope to have all of them.
Would this site be helpful? http://www.rvboondockingnews.com
Or this one:
http://freecampsites.net/attribute/states/ca/
Check or uncheck what you are looking for…..most lower 48 are listed!
Another great campsite!! I agree with Mick….it is wonderful to be able to go on this virtual tour with you. Love to you and the Crew!!!
Love to you and your crew! Isn’t this the most incredible summer, Pauline? It makes me very happy to share it with you, Mick, and anybody else who’s interested.
But mom….wait…I think I know him or or eh I want to know him! Both listened to you get silly about that cute park ranger a couple of states ago! Paybacks!
Glad your registration arrived…..onward!
What goes around, comes around, eh!
We drive through Glenns Ferry every spring and fall on our annual trek between OR and AZ. We comment every time about the beauty of the area. Hagerman, down the highway, is known for their watermelons and cantaloupe so you should see plenty of availability signs. You will also see the “waterfalls.” Have fun and I’m happy you found a “blissful” site! Bridget knows her “scents.” LOL
Oh that is right…those watermelons used to be out of this world!! My folks would sometime drive from Nampa to pick up several to take back to others near them!! YUMMY!!
Hagerman? I’ll get out my atlas and look it up!
Hi Sue! I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately since we’ve decided to hang out 20 miles south of Salmon Idaho along the Salmon River which runs between some impressive mtns. I knew you were in the general area and would not have been surprised to see you go past on rt 93!
We too have experienced smoke from the fires.
Thankfully after only 2 days of really bad smoke, it seems to be much better air quality the past 3 days.
Our “camp” is at my brothers empty house which is for sale. We aren’t staying in the house but sure do enjoy the porch….cool breeze most of every day. Even hot days cool off after sundown and nights can be cold. It’s awesome here! We plan to stay in his driveway until it gets cooler in the southwest and we can begin heading toward quartzsite for the RTR in Jan. Hope to see you again. Happy travels! Judy & Bill
I was going to head over to the Salmon River. The fires made me plan otherwise. I’m glad you are enjoying yourselves. It is nice when the nights are cool. Seems like the days aren’t as hot after a cool night. Happy travels to you both! Nice to hear from you again.
Three Islands Crossing has always been one of my favorite state parks. Gets pretty hot there in the summer but is a great fall stop. Some time in September they have their annual crossing, a re-enactment with covered wagons. We just missed it one year.
I camped along the Oregon coast late last September and barely got a site at a couple of the state parks, even pulling in by 1:00 PM. Get to your destination early because September is very popular. Not many kids, though. 🙂
Bridget’s plaint reminded me of our former pug, Daisy, who fell head over paws in love [or lust] with an English setter at a campground in TX. She would roll in his urine and sniff his every scent anywhere she could get it. His name was Amigo. Funny thing is that she never had any interest in other dogs before or since. Just that right combination of pheromones, I guess! 😀
It may turn out that we make a short sprint to the coast and then go back to camping inland. We’ll see what we encounter! I’ve fallen in love with the great rivers… the Wind, the Madison, the Snake, hmmmm. what’s next?
You might as well take in Farewell Bend SP just over the Oregon border, also on the Snake and also a beautiful Oregon Trail park.
Another lovely campsite, and I’m glad to hear you are out of the smoke. I’m really enjoying traveling with you! I get such a kick out of the comments from your crew! Just a quick question: I notice that you have them in a harness-like getup when you take them walking. Do you like that better than just a leash? What made you decide to use that instead of a regular leash/lead? Just curious, because I’ll be taking my Oliver with me when I hit the road.
Sue,
Just read about your efforts to reunite Rusty and Timber. So happy it ended well. Thank you for going that extra mile to help some one in need.
CJ