Wednesday, July 27 (continued)
The crew and I continue summer camping in Colorado . . . .
Today we break camp and leave Mt. Antero. The Perfect Tow Vehicle easily pulls the Best Little Trailer northward on Route 285. At Buena Vista she picks up Route 24 which takes us further north along the Arkansas River. We approach the turn for Clear Creek Reservoir.
“Let’s take a look!”
We aren’t on the dirt road more than three minutes when this scene opens up before us.
Clear Creek Reservoir, between Buena Vista and Leadville, Colorado
The road traces the north side of the reservoir.
A few people fish from shore.
Not many people fishing this Wednesday morning. The day is warming up fast.
We continue on the wide, dirt road.
There’s the stream that feeds the reservoir.
Clear Creek
Anticipation mingled with a touch of apprehension makes the search for a new camp exciting.
What lies ahead? Will the road become narrow, twisty, difficult, scary? Will there be a good camp for us? Is this the beginning of a wonderful experience?
Clear Creek Canyon Road (Forest Road #390)
About a mile past the reservoir, we come to a small sign. It says simply, “Campground” with an arrow pointing left.
RVs dot a large grassy area.
The river probably flows at the treeline. Hmm . . . . This is interesting.
Clear Creek Recreation Area dispersed camping
I park the PTV at the information kiosk.
What? No pay station? No iron ranger? This is FREE?
The crew is anxious to get out and explore!
“I’ll let you out in a little bit. You can help pick a campsite.”
I drive us around the maze of dirt lanes, looping back to where we started.
A man leaves his Class A motorhome, gets into his truck, and drives toward us.
He stops and waves. I wave and stop. We both get out of our vehicles and greet each other. His name is John.
“What’s the story with this place?” I ask. “No pay station?”
“Nope. It’s free,” John responds, grinning. “It’s great! I’ve been here over a week. . . . Just drive around and pick a spot.”
He immediately explains the lay-out of the campground and gives me a warning.
“Don’t take that big site, the one with the little tree. I was over there and the ants are bad.” He points toward the river. “There are some nice sites over there though.”
John compliments me on the BLT.
“I’d like to get myself a little trailer . . . .”
Bridget and Reggie take on the task of campsite inspection with great enthusiasm.
“Hey, this site looks nice!”
Thickets and trees provide privacy. The river is a few steps beyond the fire ring.
“What ya’ think, crew? Is this one good?”
“EWWWWW! Forget it. This is bad.”
Used toilet paper! What is the matter with people?
A bit more searching and we find the perfect campsite!
We hurry to the PTV and quickly I claim the site by backing in. All this walking around in the sun has us needing to cool off! Set up can wait!
“Go ahead, Reggie! It’ll feel good!”
“You like that, Bridgie?”
rvsue
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1st?
YIPPEE! YOU’RE FIRST, CORKERINNA620!
Nice work on the post Sue, ,,
Your 1st Corkscrew, ,, me# 2nd lol,, funny my setup for comments was gone for some reason, ,,,,,, 😉
?
Hi Rusty and Piper! How are you guys doing?
Hi Dawn, we are now camped off of the Hwy 260 in a camp till Monday and doing great, we’re in eastern Arizona, Show Low, haven’t made up our minds of which way we are going from here yet,,,,, Piper says hi too, ,,,,, 🙂
Thanks, Rusty! SECOND PLACE TODAY!
Am I first?
-Larry in Milton, FL
Hi, Larry! YOU TIED SECOND PLACE WITH RUSTY! YAY!
Beautiful!!!
And beautiful Dawn comes in at THIRD PLACE! WOW!
I’m honored.
Great looking campground and love the signs prohibiting off road vehicles. Enjoy.
Thanks, Corkerinna620. We are!
Looks like a nice new site for you and the Crew. It astounds me the things people will do to screw up nice places. Ugh.
Hi, Lisa,
At first, in the early days of our boondocking, I was astounded. Not so much any more. There’s no limit to what people can do to be disgusting. Have a nice day! Ha!
I guess it’s just their idea of “flipping the bird” to nature. Truly sad.
That could be it. Although that does require thought. Have a great day, Toni!
I met a guy the other day that referred to it as “summer snow”. Sad.
Just got back from a fishing trip in Yellowstone, wonderful trip, I’m so envious of you spending all your time in the west!
Steve
Someday I will be first. for now I will just enjoy the beautiful campsites…
Mark,
Salina Ks
Yes, Mark, enjoy! I’m happy to know you are still reading my blog.
Oh yes, still here. We made a couple of trips this year from our home in Ks. We traveled to the east coast, boondocking at WalMart along the way. we stayed awhile in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey. We took a ferry from Cape May to Delaware, we had a great time. We just celebrated our 30th anniversary last week in Branson Mo. We stayed in a campground between Branson and Table Rock Lake and divided our time. We have a couple small trips planned in August and a Texas trip in October. We are hoping to travel along the gulf coast and into Florida next spring.
But while home I read your blog to relax and dream of the good life. Thanks for letting us all tag along.
Mark
Salina, Ks
Nice to read that you’re keeping those wheels turning, Mark. Sounds like you’re enjoying life!
Used toilet paper?! Can’t imagine!
Cheers John
I considered using my long armed, picker-upper thingy to clean up the mess… for about one-half a second. I would never get the picture of the toilet paper out of my mind. And, of course, the question arises…. What ELSE is lying about? Yuck.
Nice campsite sue.
Hi, Michelle,
Have you and your husband been able to go camping this summer?
Nice campground and FREE, really like no fireworks, fire arms, atv’s.
enjoy !
Hi, Alice,
I agree. Rules are good. When in a popular location, a dispersed camping place like this, where there are rules to limit crazy, noisy, and unsafe behaviors, can be better than boondocking alone.
I didn’t see anything on the signage “no firearms”. “No Shooting” does not preclude carrying a firearm. The sign is prohibiting target shooting.
http://www.themountainmail.com/news/article_eb069266-54e2-11e6-a565-13f6df74e022.html
The dog attack in the today’s Mountain mail (Dog Attack Ends Tragically) happened in Leadville, a little north of where Sue is right now.
You’re right. No shooting means no shooting, nothing more, nothing less. I think we can assume that’s what Alice meant.
yep looks like great campsites…….wish I was there…
chuck
Aw, Chuck… I know how you long to go camping again. Savor those Colorado memories…
Good afternoon RVSUE and the Crew. It looks just lovely….me and the Donald would be smack dab in the middle of the creek.
Stay safe out there and rock on my friend, judy.
Good afternoon, Judy and the Donald! The crew and I were in the creek a few minutes ago. That’s why I stopped replying to comments after the first ones came in. Bridget and Reggie were eager for me to get away from the laptop. They’re sleeping now.
Nice pics as always. Ah the creek! Question-How do you find dispersed campsites? On your benchmark map or online? Pretty place with mountains and a creek-can’t be beat-oh yeah-AND IT’S FREE. Like whipped cream on a hot fudge sundae:) Enjoy and hugs to the that cute crew!
Hi, Linda,
How do I find “dispersed campsites?” (As opposed to boondocks, I assume you mean). I find them online and I find them with my Benchmark maps.
The Benchmarks show campgrounds, not dispersed camping areas. I study the forest or desert roads that are dirt, perhaps run along streams, creeks, or rivers, have the right elevation for the time of year, aren’t too far from supplies. Then I might do an online search for “camping on such-and-such road.”
Freecampsites.com and other similar sites show dispersed camping areas. Those can be good or horrible (due to the heavy use of the websites).
In the case of Clear Creek, it appears more than once online as a place where there are boondocks, so that’s what I thought we would find. Coming across the dispersed camping area was a happy surprise. I didn’t continue up the road looking for camps because I liked the rules posted. I’m hoping the weekend won’t be crazy. The rules prohibiting ATVs or dirt bikes eliminate a lot of that which ruins a camp.
OK Sue- Thank you, you have answered my question. I will be closing on my house August 10, then finding a rv so I will be a newbie. Info gathering right now wherever I can. The more I know now the better off that I will be.
Enjoy your spot!
Thanks. Be sure to choose a rig that will fit how you want to travel! Have fun with your research… 🙂
I used to live in Leadville! I’ve been to that site often! ~ Enjoy!
Ha! I knew there would be someone who would say that! 🙂
That is one gorgeous photo of the mountain reflected in the reservoir! Now that photo I can see enlarged and framed. And your spot by the creek–truly beautiful.
I can’t imagine how low one’s self esteem has to be to leave behind used toilet paper. I truly believe people who have a good sense of self don’t do things like that. The sign clearly asks to pick up trash! Grrrrrrr makes me angry not just for you to have had to see that, but that someone would would tarnish the beauty around them like that! Sadly, free dispersed sites may cease to be if clean up crews are needed to pick up after campers. How sad that would be for campers who not only appreciate the beauty, but appreciate the no cost spots.
Sue, thank you so very much for taking down my email addy. That was definitely a careless thing to do on my part. You sure look out for us!
I hope your special spot stays quiet with no neighbors through the weekend. Speaking for myself, I would want to stay there a while.
Belly rubs and hugs for pups, and prayers for you all.
Hi, Retiredcajunlady,
Thank you regarding the photo of the reservoir and mountains. When we came upon that scene, I thought “Now that’s what I see when I think of Colorado.” 🙂
People who do things like leave crap paper behind come from a family of slobs. That’s how they were brought up. Camping is an equal-opportunity activity. You don’t have to be civilized to participate. Any low-life can come along . . . . Even people who should know better do stuff like urinate at the edge of a campsite or in a fire ring.
Yeah, email addresses online can bring a host of problems. I discourage that here.
Thanks also for the hope for our weekend!
Hi Sue,
Nice area of Colorado. Been there many times and never knew there was free camping. Learning something new almost everyday thanks to your blog! Hope you are enjoying Colorado.
Norman
Hey, Norman! How’s it goin’? I like that you find stuff to learn from my blog. Thanks for letting me know. Hope you are enjoying San Diego!
I’ve spent the day driving to Costco, (60 miles one way) and back. My son wanted to drive the back roads, so I figured we drove an extra 20 or so miles, sigh. How I’d like to be there right now with my feet in the cool water. Surgery for me on Monday, knee replacement, so it’ll be a while before I am getting around again. Feeling kind of down right now, glad to look at your crew enjoying the water.
Hi, Pat,
Get that darn knee replaced and good things will follow! I’ve heard from several folks — friends and family — that it’s not a “tough” surgery and so far none have regretted it. They only wish they’d had it done sooner.
I wish there were more I could do to lift your spirits, Pat, more than the posting of the crew in the creek.
Pat, after the surgery, you will be back on your feet quicker than you think. I have had both knees replaced, so I speak from experience. The first week will be uncomfortable, but by the 3rd week I was back to work! Again, I am going to recommend taking Tumeric!If you can, start taking it now, before surgery! Most drug stores have it in the vitamin area. My surgeon recommended that I start taking it as soon as I get home. It helps to prevent swelling and reduces pain. It worked! Enjoy your new pain free knee! Wonderful to have new knees! Mine are 10 years old now and still working great!
Yes that is a fantastic camp you found Sue, hope its cool there during the day, you must be near the reservoir of Clear Creek, huh or was,,, your photos are so Beautiful, ,,,,,, Rusty n Piper
You’re right, Rusty. The reservoir is only a couple minutes’ drive up the road. We probably will go there some morning to watch the birds. Thank you for the compliment on the photos. I hope you are enjoying your new camp!
We are,, there is a reservoir here that is refreshing to see and the only way one can go boating is in electrical powered boats or paddling, no gas motors, there’s a lot of great camp spots here and hiking, free camp for 5 days limit and close to water and a dump station on 260 across from the Forest Service, 5 bucks and Walmart is just 4 miles away, which we will visit Monday the 1st, ,,,,,,, have a pleasant weekend and hug your baby’s for us, ,,,, Rusty n Piper
Gee, that does sound like a great camp, Rusty. I love free and I love having stores/dump nearby. Wishing you and Piper a pleasant weekend, too!
Hi
Happy to see you found a lovely new campsite to enjoy the last week of July. Today I’ve been busy setting up my new computer (from Amazon… ordered from your site). Ha!
Ahhh ha moment… looked in town (like to purchase items locally if possible) but thought of you and your link. I like your blog so much (it’s like a long distance friend’s letter) and becaue I’ve learned so much here I wanted to use your link. Happy to play it forward?.
Thank you very much, Marilyn, for remembering me and the crew, for shopping Amazon here, and for this sweet note. I did see the computer purchase!
“a long distance friend’s letter” — I love that! Remember how one would put XXOO on the bottom? 🙂
I hope you like your new computer.
XXOO
I do, I do. Because now the desktop is showing all your lovely photos on a huge HP monitor. Absolutely eye popping vs the tiny Moto phone screen. Ha, what a difference. See now you are feeding my wanderlust to the max. Happy weekend!
Same to you, Marilyn!
Yay! Looks refreshing
Very much so!
I stayed at Clear Creek for 2 weeks, summer of 2007!!! Wonderful!!!
Lynn B. (Baltimore, MD)
Ha! I bet you got a kick out of seeing it again!
That area has a lot of beautiful scenery. It’s nice that they allow campers to stay there for free. Obviously not everyone appreciates that. How nice of John to be so helpful instead of just watch you wandering around. I’m glad there are people like him to make up for the ones that disappoint us.
The site with the thickets did look like a good one. It’s great that your perfect one was there and empty just waiting for you and the crew. I hope you’ve been enjoying it and each other.
Hi, weather,
John is the kind of guy who makes a wonderful host or excels in a career involving helping people or guiding them. He has a smooth voice and easy manner, a pleasant way about him, explains things in a brief, clear style. I told him, “You’d make a good camp host, except why do that when this is free!”
Isn’t it a gift that our campsite was empty? That has happened so many times. I’ll pull into a site and turn around — Here comes someone looking for a site! Another reason to get up and get going early in the day…
Imagine what a pleasure it would be to give someone something…and watch them appreciate it’s beauty, be grateful to have it, then share it with others to enjoy, be helped and encouraged by it. I think it would feel delightful enough to do that often if I could, too. Creating a lovely gift or place and making sure it’s found at just the right time is probably fun 🙂
Did John mention why he would like a travel trailer? I wonder if there may be other reasons than being able to camp at places he can’t access or fit with his current rig.
Good morning, weather!
I’m pretty sure the primary reason John wants a smaller travel trailer (as opposed to his big Class A with slides) is so he can fit his rig into more places. He sounded wistful when pointing out the sites available along the river. His rig is parked in one of the big, flat pieces of ground away from the water.
I suspect another reason people want to exchange their big motorhome for something smaller is for ease of towing, backing, and storing. Or maybe they want to feel like they’re camping rather than living in an apartment. And I also wonder how many people don’t realize how expensive it is to travel with and maintain a large rig until they find themselves dealing with the costs.
I do hear similar words frequently from people who own beautiful, large rigs — They compliment me on the BLT and then remark, “I’d like to get something like that.”
Good morning, Sue, I hope it’s still a pleasure to be where you are. Have many more people arrived for the weekend?
Good morning, weather. People started coming in yesterday and now there are quite a few here. I positioned the PTV to cut off our view of our neighbors. Shortly thereafter two tents were set up on the other side of the PTV, and a car about 20 feet beside the BLT. Everyone has been quiet so far!
Today being Saturday, the crew and I will hop into the PTV and go places as I expect people will walk through our campsite on their way to the river.
I hope you, the creatures around you, and the light on the lake are all dancing this morning! 🙂
It’s nice that you can take off for the day without having to “break camp” other than put a few things away. Most tent campers that I’ve known travel light without using generators for anything. I hope the ones beside your campsite are like that, too.
It has been a dancing day here since the first blush of dawn 🙂 As I type a butterfly is between stops on Queen Anne’s Lace tops.
Just returned to camp. I realized a technique for making it through a weekend when among loads of campers. Drive off for an outing before anyone wakes up and return after they’ve driven off to go fishing, boating, hiking, etc. You’re right… Tenters (and car campers) are preferred as neighbors over the big rigs with generators. On the way through the campground I drove past a generator that could power a small city. 🙂
Hi, Sue, it’s nice that your technique includes something the crew and you enjoy any time. Do you plan to do that again today?
Hi, weather,
I don’t know what we will do today. I couldn’t blog yesterday. It being Saturday I think the bandwidth was affected somehow. I don’t know. Downloading photos, replying to comments, writing emails… All was terribly slow. This morning it’s faster so I’m working on a post. I need to catch up — I have much to write about and scads of photos!
It’s always a pleasure to start my day with a message from you. I hope all is well with you, your family, and all those around you.
All’s very well in my world, and nicer when I hear from you, too . 🙂 I’d like you to use this window of time and better bandwidth to finish a post so won’t look for a reply to this. I’ll catch up with you on the new page.
Hi Sue,
Nice campsite! Looks like a place Brock and I would enjoy. To bad about the “stuff” others have left behind. Some people just have no clue about leaving a place nice so others can enjoy the beauty. Sigh……anyway, enjoy the place and safe travels to you and the crew!
Thank you Rick & Brock the dog,
I don’t know what breed Brock is… Maybe you told me and I forgot. If he’s any kind of water dog, this is ideal!
That first photograph is just gorgeous. It looks like you found a wonderful, free place where you can stay as long as you like. Hopefully it will stay quiet through the weekend. It’s been so hot here in Cali – I’d love to have my toes in that creek with the crew!
Hi, Cynthia,
I read about your heat wave. Seems like you had one in July last year, too. Thank heaven for air conditioning…
We can stay here for 14 days and probably will. The weekends may be “challenging.” I’ll try my best to ignore any ruckus around us. Fortunately we are at the quieter end of the camping area.
Thank you re the first photo. Glad you like it!
Looks like a great place! Well, except the Ewwww site. Lol. I bet the cold water felt good to the crew! I take it you’ve got at least decent internet there. Have a wonderful day!
Hi, ValGal,
Internet isn’t that great. I had to put up the Wilson antenna in order to post. The connection kept dropping with only 1 bar.
Sue, that first picture almost made me cry. So beautiful. What a wonderful world. I love seeing the pups get their toes wet. So refreshing.
Toilet paper “blossoms” – disgusting. We come across them when we’re hiking. It’s unbelievable how thoughtless people can be. Interesting way to show their appreciation of nature.
Very warm and muggy here in Upstate NY. Amazing how the air can be so damp and yet the ground can be so dry. It will be nice to get to the mountains this weekend.
So beautiful I could cry… That happens to me often. Yes, Applegirl, it’s a wonderful world.
I’m glad you have a place to go where you can escape the heat. Enjoy your weekend!
What a beautiful world we live in! Your photos are lovely, Sue. I so look forward to seeing them and reading about the adventures of you and the crew. Living vicariously through you will take me there, while I make plans to live out my own vagabond dreams in about two years. Take care and keep on!
Hi, RfromMN,
However you are able, keep that vision of your “vagabond dreams” clear in your mind. I did what you are doing now, living vicariously through those who were already living in a home on wheels, full-time. It’s a pleasure for me to know that my blog is doing the same for others like you. Only two years to go…. 🙂
Hi Sue,
Have your expenses been higher with gas prices? Has the economy affected you in any way?
Hi, Claudia,
No, I don’t feel any affects of the economy, good or bad. My expenses are pretty basic. The Amazon income provides a buffer so I don’t have to watch every single penny like when I first started out. I don’t pay much attention to gas prices. I consider gas as my rent and it’s cheap considering the views out my windows. 🙂
Hi Sue! Nice area, but oh my gosh, the TP thing! I’ve seen that too even at CG’s with an outhouse! It’s disgusting. When we are out and about and we see tenters with no porta potty tents, I can only hope that they are doing it right with the cat hole process. With people not following the rules, finding clean land will become a problem.
I know what you mean, Renee. Nothing sours a walk on a trail like coming across toilet paper. Just when you’re enjoying the feeling of being in a pristine, natural environment, you look down and there it is.
There’s a vault toilet building here.
You mean there is a toilet available there? That makes the TP blossoms even more disgusting!
Yes, there is. Yesterday I saw an employee checking it, probably supplying more toilet paper to be brought back to the campsite. Not funny.
Another beautiful and relaxing campground with free being an added bonus. The T-P was disgusting. I even get angry when folks around the community don’t pick up after their dogs. Since all the grounds here are common grounds, it would be nice if folks would obey the signs, take a free poop bag and pickup the mess. So aggravating and nasty. I carry a minimum of 2 bags with me every time I take Angel out and pick up after her. Would folks leave the dirty diaper on their baby? It’s not like you have to touch it.
Hi Barbara, good point about the dogs too. When we’re out boondocking – we always pickup after our dogs. Can you imagine if no one picked up after their dogs when they were out boondocking?! Sooner or later, the sites would become littered with filth and it’s not only unsightly, but it’s unhealthy for our dogs. Parvo spreads by dog feces and your dog can get it from smelling feces from an infected dog.
Good morning, Barbara and Renee!
Good morning, Sue!
Beautiful and soothing pictures. Yes, I thought of Spike and so proud of Bridgie for getting her HRH twinkle toes into the cool water and Reggie, an adventurous soul.
Been offline for a few days, moved into an apartment and busy unpacking and rearranging things, systems back online. Miss Mollie has been a brave young lady, had a big back yard for her 14 years on this earth and she and I are learning all about walks and trying to manage those with a platform cane, leashes and “wait a minute, I’ve got to pick up after you” So far no injuries, lots of laughter and she has started prancing around and has learned to wait patiently for me to lock the apt front door and the green bags. Very tired not twenty any longer, LOL, but lots of nephews and their trucks got the job in a few hours. Next week is signing then closing of that chapter and the continuation of this new one.
Thanks for putting up with the EWWW situations and sharing of your brilliant photos and your beautful campsites. Have a wonderful weekend Sue, hugs to the Pups.
Deena and Miss Mollie formerly in Peoria, AZ now in Phoenix, AZ
You have a wonderful weekend,too, Deena. Hooray for Miss Molly! What a trooper! 🙂
Hi, Sue,
Oh, what a lovely camp! I can imagine myself and Gracie pup cooling off in that refreshing, shallow water. It looks so calm and inviting! I hope you find a spot for your chair in the water, maybe enjoying some dappled shade – a perfect reading room! It made me smile to see Bridget and Reggie enjoying the water. And, yes, I did think of our sweet Spike; he would have been belly-deep, enjoying a soak. *happy sigh*
The first picture of the mountains reflected in the water is beautiful! Almost takes one’s breath away! 🙂
Have a great day, Sue! Sending hugs to you and the Crew from me and Gracie pup!! 🙂
Thanks for the hugs, Denise and Gracie pup! Yes, I did put the camp chair in the water, facing downstream. I had planned to go swimming in a “swimming hole” we found but the day wasn’t quite hot enough with the breeze we had. Enjoy the weekend!
Good Morning 🙂 What a fantastic spot! I too love the first picture…you do take fabulous pictures RVSue. Nice to see Miss Bridget with her toes in the water…reminding me of Spike 🙂 Sooooo, my son Stephen finally got married to Joanna on Saturday in Plymouth MA!!! I got to walk Miss Nora (my granddaughter) down the “isle” as she was the flower girl and only 18 months old. Toooo cute for words. The wedding was at Brewster Gardens and the reception was at the Plymouth Yacht Club. Perfect day, perfect couple. Everything went off without a hitch. 🙂 🙂 Two weeks before the wedding my Sister Michele and her husband Dan visited me for about 10 days. It was great seeing her and Dan and we had a great, great time. Now I am getting ready for a yard sale….always stuff to do and I love it. Stay safe and kiss the babies for me.
What a happy report! The wedding sounds lovely and having Miss Nora participate puts an extra glow on the memory. You’ve been busy, Krystina! Keep on keeping on the happiness trail!
Sue, looks like a great site. That creek looks so inviting. Just to put your feet in there and cool off. The doggies have the right idea. Safe travels!
Hi, Pete W! Happy to see you here with us!
The doggies got the idea from me… Haha! I’m always the first one to put my feet in the water and they follow me in. I sit in my camp chair in the creek. When my feet become too cold I prop them up on the rocks and continue reading. Reggie sat on my lap for awhile watching the water flow by. We had fun yesterday. Today we will go someplace.. . See what we can see.
Hope you have a day full of all you love!
That first picture is breathtaking!!! Looks like you found another great spot for the weekend. And you can’t beat FREE!!! 🙂 Love seeing the crew enjoying the creek. The people who trashed that site with their paper would probably be the ones who complain and carry on when they pull into a site that others have done the same thing. Some people are just idiots.
Hoping you have a peaceful weekend.
Hugs to you and the crew
Hi, Pauline,
I bet the alumni reunion was a great success, mainly due to you being involved! Thanks for representing me at my 50th reunion. I recognized the names of classmates on the registration list. It was nice to be remembered when I didn’t even graduate with that group. Oh well, by missing the reunion, all those folks are forever 15 years old. 🙂
I usually go about 8 miles up that road. So pretty in all directions.
Hi, Marie,
We will take a ride up that way as I’m curious to see it. I bet it is beautiful….
The reflection of the mountain in the reservoir is breath taking and will be on my desktop as soon as I let you know how much I enjoyed this visit with you! Love the thought of putting a lounge chair in the middle of a cool creek! Cools me off just thinking about it. *sigh*
Sue, I’d like to let the Blogerinos know about a beautiful but remote work camping opportunity if you will allow it, If not, just delete this section of the post.
Deep in the Apalachicola National Forest is a small campground run by the Forest Service. This campground is in need of a camp host.
It sits at the edge of a small spring fed lake, Wright’s Lake, wonderful for fishing or swimming. The campground has about 15 tp 20 sites situated in a large circle. Camp host gets free rent and full hook ups in exchange for care taking at the park, work means greeting campers, (fees are collected by an iron ranger in the front) cleaning up after campers leave, mowing the CG and large picnic area by the lake, and of course cleaning the restroom.
I mentioned that it is remote, it is 25 miles from us in Eastpoint, 35 miles from Apalachicola and 30 miles from beautiful St.George Island on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida! Nearest Walmart is 65+ miles away. We do have a well stocked Piggley Wiggley in Apalachicola and a locally owned grocery with an outstanding meat dept in Eastpoint called The Big Top. We have 2 wonderful health facilities here. About 5 miles north of Wright’s Lake is the small crossroad town of Sumatra and there is small gas station/grocery there and a wonderful family restaurant. Also fair to let you know that there will be a fair amount of wildlife there that includes a healthy black bear population, deer, wild turkey, wonderful variety of waterbirds and of course. snakes!
This campground is now closed because they have no camp host. It really is very beautiful and very peaceful. But it is very hard to find people who appreciate the remoteness of the area. If you think you are interested, please call 850-643-2282 for more information. Just ask for information concerning the Wright’s Lake Campground, as camp host.
Thank you Sue for letting me pass this on! Hug the doggies from us and stay cool in that creek! Love ya!
Hi, Geri,
Letting readers know about workamping positions, including camphosting, is something I’m happy to allow (and encourage!). I appreciate you taking the time to explain the location and the position so thoroughly which allows people to consider it before making an effort to pursue it. Do you know for how long a person/couple is asked to commit?
This is a question they will need to ask. I think (by word of mouth only) that they prefer 6 months but will accept 3 months. Right now, they really need help and you might be able to negotiate terms. I was also told the last camp host stayed a year because he liked it so well! Also, a solo camper, male or female could handle this job. Thank you for allowing this to post!
You’re welcome, Geri. It would be fantastic if someone perfect for the position, someone who would love that location, finds it here.
I think so too Sue. Chuck and I were om thr schedule to work there before I fell and hurt my back. I am no longer able to work camp so we had to back out over a year ago. It is just so beautiful there… I wanted to share this opportunity. Maybe I should also add that it is about 20 miles south of I-10 on Highway 65. Also, the Gazateer Atlas is primarily maps of the eastern states. Not quite as good at your Benchmark book but they are pretty darned good.
Glad you found a cleaner place to camp, Sue!! ICK…people are disgusting eh? Some nice cool creek water to wade it is always nice on hot days…we used to live beside a year round stream that fed from underground artesian springs not far from us…it was ice water on the hottest of days!! We sometimes see some doggies out and about in these parts that remind us of yours…this area is supposed to be one that has many dogs.
Hi, Elizabeth,
Living near water is special. That stream sounds cool and fresh. Our stream — Clear Creek — is just like the name says. I’ve noticed the shoreline has receded since we’ve been here. It’s still plenty deep enough for us and further upstream are some really deep places.
Hi again, Elizabeth. I saw your reply to me on the last post and left one for you. I’m mentioning that here in case you didn’t see it and to bring us back onto the “front page”.
Thanks Weather…just went there too…blessings on you!!!
Hi Sue,
Such a nice campsite you found, despite the inconsiderate actions of others, and free too. I love the rules that prevent those noisy off road rambunctious vehicles from tearing up the turf. I am looking forward to my own adventures of camping without a tether/electric hookups. Soon I will go to have my solar panel mounted, thanks to Mick!
Meanwhile I am here with family doing a lot of nothing, lol. I am wondering, can I get benchmark atlases for “eastern” states like TN and KY? Thanks, see you in the boonies.
Hi, Lisa,
No, Benchmark atlases exist for western states only…WA, OR, CA, NV, ID, WY, MT, UT, CO, NM, AZ.
Oh Bummer, but thanks for the quick reply.
Try The Gazetteer Atlas, Lisa. It covers the Eastern States. It isn’t quite the same as Benchmark, but it’s all we have found for the Eastern states.
Thanks Geri. I’ll look that up
The Gazetteer’s are produced by DeLorme and are available for most states. They are available on Amazon. We have both the Gazetteer’s and Benchmark’s for some states and prefer the Benchmark’s if available. For large states like Texas, the Gazetteer’s are phenomenal.
FYI, I’m using an interactive maps on a website ; “http://publiclands.org/”. It has been renewed recently.
Above 11 states listed by RVSue, can be displayed on this website. It’s very convenient!
Displayable lands are BLM Lands, National Forests, National Parks & Monuments, Department of Defense, etc.
Unfortunatly, eastern portion of the US, include TN and KY, is not published on this website.
Used tp, ick. I sure wish I was dipping my feet in that creek though. Incredible photos, as always. Western scenery speaks to me in a way that the east never does. Hope you are enjoying a peaceful day!
Your fondness for western scenery is easy to understand. I love the West and want to spend the rest of my life here. Peace to you, too, Gingerita.
Wow love the mountain behind the reservoir photo! Peaceful!
Free is great news! Glad John gave you the heads up on the ants!
Wait…I understand you practice “leave no trace” and generally pick up after folks….but used toilet paper…glad you drew the line! People amaze me…..actually no they don’t!
Enjoy your stay!
I feel guilty — a little bit — for not cleaning up that mess. It was hot and we were wanting to find our camp (that’s my excuse).
There’s a sign on a post (also in the photo of the bulletin board above) that reminds campers to Pack It In, Pack It Out, explaining that decreased funds don’t allow for trash bins here. It goes further to state that the dispersed camping area will remain free only for as long as someone doesn’t have to clean up the trash of campers.
Walking away from someone’s USED toilet paper wad…is no reason to feel guilty!
For someone to poop in the middle of nowhere and used that much TP probably equates to diarreah doo doo!
Trust me…no one will frown on you for walking away! No excuse necessary!
No, Sue, do not feel guilt at all. Anytime body fluids are involved, great care and the right equipment should be used. As unsightly and disgusting as it is, leaving it for either nature or someone trained to get rid of it is best. I know the immediate reaction to the gross sight is to pick it up and dispose of it, but I am glad you thought again and left it. You have found such a idyllic spot! And a dip in a swimming hole sounds so relaxing and fun. Take care and enjoy you little piece of heaven!
🙂
It’s hot here in Grants Pass Oregon and this morning I saw a cow wading in a cattle pond up to her belly to cool off. I went to do errands and when I came back to my travel trailer it read 96 degrees F inside temperature. How far north do us Snow Birds have to go now days to find nice temps?
Isn’t Grants Pass high enough to counteract the heat? Our last visit to Oregon was very hot, which was partly because of a heat wave of 100+ degrees and our being caught at an elevation too low (4th of July holiday).
Nope the elevation is only 1000 feet or so. Last year we left Arizona when it was in the 90’s and fled to Gods country only to find the temp here was 113 F HOT. Everyone was complaining we brought the HOT Arizona weather with us ha. This Global Warming can stop anytime now as far as we are concerned 🙂
A nice cool little creek to camp near sounds wonderful in this ridiculously hot summer! Pretty sweet to find a free camping area like this one. Enjoy!!
Thanks, Jodee.
Spike would have loved this site Missy. As it is, Bridget and her little charge Reggie seem to find it soothing on a warm day as well. I am using your number one pic on my new desktop on the laptop. Have fun Sue…
Good morning, Jim!
Since you like hummingbirds, I’ll share this with you. As I sat in my blue camp chair facing downstream I saw a hummer zipping back and forth above the water, precision-flying to dip for a drink, between visits to the yellow flowers on the bank.
Then the next morning I’m typing on my laptop at the back of the BLT. I left the door open so the crew could go in and out as they pleased. A hummingbird flies in all the way to where I’m sitting! He zooms around a little, and then leaves. Between the hummers and the stream, yes, I remember Spike. He would’ve loved it here, sneaking down to the creek several times a day for a soak.
🙂
Sorry for my long absence. Now I come back in this sweet place! 🙂
I was being worked to death by press of business. Also, it’s a Win 10 matter and my damn note PC, sigh…
I read your commet in the ancient post; “Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, southern Arizona”. Dose Pen come back?
It is so very good to see you back Fuji-Maru! You have been missed!
Thank you, Velda, for your thoughtfulness.
I’m glad to see blogorinos again! And I gonna be a blogorino again!
Fuji-maru! How wonderful to see you here again! I thought of you many times and hoped you were okay. Your English was good before. Now it is even better!
No, Pen hasn’t commented in a long time. Maybe she will come back someday, too.
Hi, RVSue, Bridget and Reggie!
How wonderful to see you here again! Me too!
I was/am okay, alive and well just like your crew.
Uh-huh, My English is even better? Maybe, about half year interval could have been somewhat developed me.
I might go to the Sidewinder Road to find Pen if I were in the US. I miss her who have thoughtfully replied to my first comment in this Blogorinoland.
BTW, I launched a new blog written in both funny English and unfunny Japanese on the WordPress.com yesterday. Check it out! I hope you would like to take a look at it. The URL is “https://japaneserver.wordpress.com/”.
Fuji-Maru,
Great to see you, Kept you in our thoughts and prayers. Glad you are able to again enjoy this “sweet place”.
Deena and Miss Mollie
I too often thought of you….wondering where you went! Glad you are back!
Pen as in sidewinder pen?
Thank you, Cinandjules, for your kind words.
I’m glad to see you again, too, at the Blogorinoland. 🙂
Yes, Pen is sidewinder pen. I came back, I am sure that she will come back, too.
Thank you, Deena and Miss Mollie, for your thoughtfulness.
I have to catch up with previous posts accumulated in a half year. So, I have tons of enjoying! 🙂
I missed your comments. Glad you’re okay. Welcome back!
Thank you, Jo, for your kindly reply.
You may hear my weird English with profligate words again.:)
Hi sue,crew,and everyone,
Still here lurking around the corners 😉 pretty place, i would LOVE to be there. I am still in kentucky caring for my father, he has good days and bad days. I also am looking at campers. Once my duties are over here, i am hitting the road with asia mae and my better half…. took a little convincing on my part, but i finally got ny way 🙂 i have lots to learn, but i can’t wait to hit the road and start living my life again… been 11 years since i have been anywhere but the hospital. But, i would not change a thing, my parents cared for me my entire life, now its been my turn to return the favor.. i miss my mom so,so much!! I am sure i am not alone in that everyone who has lost a loved one misses them forever. Take care and be safe everyone.
Mert and Asia
Good morning, Mert and Asia!
Thank you for letting us know how your life is these days and that you are planning to travel. It’s fun looking at campers and dreaming of places one can go….
It’s a pleasure to have you among the blogorinos…
Take care, dear one.
Hi Sue and Crew!
You have found my family’s ‘special’ camping place! We have been camping up there for 30 years. My kids called it ‘Our Spot Above the Clouds’. It is getting more crowded and over used now as evidenced by the toilet paper but I guess that’s to be expected with Colorado’s population growth. We were planning to head up there this weekend to introduce the grand baby to ‘our spot’ but may change plans due to the fire ban (We are in tents) and it gets really cold at night that high.
A few weeks ago we were camping in Pagosa and when I got back home to Denver I saw you were there too! I’ve been reading your blog for a while but since we seem to be crossing paths this summer I thought I’d say Hi!
I am just a few more years from loading up my huskies and joining everyone on the road full time! I can’t wait!
Kim
Hi, Kim! You are very fortunate to live close to many beautiful camping areas. Of course, you know that already, having camped here for 30 years. 🙂
Nice hearing from you…. Thank you for reading my blog and for taking the time to share a little about yourself here.
I’m almost ready to put up a new post!
We have a little fiberglass trailer parked next to us which is so cute. A nice young couple that we have been talking to own it & I told them I saw a picture of one on your blog. It’s a Burro just like the one in your picture. When I went back to double check I reread the comments, including mine. I think I’ve completely lost my mind. I stated I hoped this fall we could travel through Arkansas & see the beautiful sites you’ve posted for us. What??? Arkansas? Did I really say that? Not only did I realize you were in Colorado & it was the Arkansas River, I had actually googled the Clear Creek Reservoir & state wildlife area. As they say, a mind is a terrible thing to waste. I guess I just wanted to make it clear that I truly do appreciate all the work you do, writing, photographing & posting for us. I don’t skim or lightly read your hard work. It’s just sometimes….I’m an idiot ?
Thank you, Nancy, for acknowledging the work that I put into this blog. I enjoy all that goes into producing it. It’s the need (and want) to keep it current on a consistent basis that is challenging.
I smiled reading your mix-up of Arkansas and Colorado… I do stuff like that all the time. I figure the brain glitches that come with mature years are for our own entertainment. I really get a laugh out of some of the things I do… Like the time in Parker AZ when I paid for gas and then drove off without pumping it. Then had to make an emergency U-turn with the BLT hitched behind, rush back to the station, and stop a woman from pumping MY gas into her car…
Have a great day, Nancy.