Fasten you seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen! Today’s post, written on August 5, will take you back in time to . . . .
Saturday, July 30
Bridget, Reggie, and I are camped at Clear Creek Reservoir dispersed camping area. The place is packed with people and their various forms of RVs, tents and vehicles. Even the trail along the river is populated with tenters.
Everyone seems to be having a great time doing whatever it is that they consider fun.
Yay! Look at me! I can drive up a rock!
“We’d better go someplace this morning, crew, or I’m sure to go nuts.”
Bridget gives me a look that says, “And this would be different how?”
“Never mind, Bridget. Get in the PTV. C’mon, Reg. We’re outta’ here!”
Twin Lakes, south of Leadville, Colorado
We motor northward and pull into a day use area at Twin Lakes.
“This is a great spot for our morning walk. It’s beautiful and it’s quiet.”
The crew is excited!
“Hang on a minute, guys. Let me pay the fee.”
I slip three bucks into a day use fee envelope and put it into the iron ranger.
Reggie leads the way down the steps to the picnic area.
We walk the shoreline. Reggie runs around, thrilled with a new place to explore.
After a while Bridget decides she’s had enough and returns to the PTV.
I’ve noticed that Bridget doesn’t like to be away from the PTV for very long when we are in a strange place. I suppose to her it means security. She patiently watches us and waits for our return.
The PTV takes us to a few other places along the lake. We see people fishing and enjoying the lake. Lazily we pass the morning . . . .
“Time to go home, sweeties. I need lunch. Did you have fun?”
On the way we pass Clear Creek Reservoir.
I take another picture of the scene I posted previously. The water is bluer today.
We return to find the area around our campsite swarming with people.
There are folks walking past the Best Little Trailer, yakkety-yakking, six or seven kids throwing big rocks at the boulders in the creek, squealing, yelling, pre-teen boys running around with huge water guns fashioned like automatic weapons.
That’s the BLT over there on the right underneath the antenna.
The crew and I hole up in the BLT. A few hours later Reggie insists on another walk.
As we pass by, John busts out of his motorhome.
“Hi, Sue! I’ve been wanting to talk to you!”
We enjoy an animated and totally delightful conversation. John, remember, is the man who welcomed us when we first arrived at the dispersed camping area. He’s leaving in the morning for Amarillo. I promise to see him off.
Later, there’s a lull in activity around our campsite.
“Aha! It’s quiet at the creek. Now’s our chance . . . . “
Bridget, Reggie, and I steal our way down the bank to the little beach and find two twenty-something girls across the creek, sitting in camp chairs in front of a campfire.
“Excuse me. Do you know there’s a fire ban right now?” I ask.
“So?” the one wearing glasses shoots back with a smirk.
“So that means no fires. Please put out that fire.”
In what she obviously considers a stroke of genius, she says, “This isn’t our fire. We found it and we’re taking care of it.” She giggles and adds, jutting out her chin, “Mind your own business.”
The other girl sits motionless, grinning at the fire.
“It IS my business. This is public land. In case you aren’t aware, there’s a wildfire burning right now, south of here. Last I heard over 14,000 acres burned and it will be weeks before it’s put out. I was down at Salida and met a man forced out of his home because of that wildfire. That’s why there’s a fire ban. You make a fire and firefighters risk their lives to put it out. Wildlife are killed, property destroyed.”
I wait.
Another smirk.
Okay, if that’s the way you want to play it.
I take the crew up to the BLT and return with my camera.
While pointing my camera at them, the girl wearing glasses sits up straight and exclaims indignantly, “You aren’t supposed to be taking photos! It’s illegal!”
“Look who’s worried about what’s illegal!” I laugh. “It’s a public place. I’m taking pictures of you and your fire.”
Just then the guy who is tenting next to us appears.
He tells me that earlier he asked them to put out the fire. He holds up his cell phone.
“You have five minutes,” he announces in a firm tone. “If you don’t have that fire put out in five minutes, I’m calling the authorities.”
Five minutes later the fire is out.
The two of them run through the trees on the other side of the riverbank, carrying their camp chairs.
Hmm . . . Why didn’t I think of that? I really need to use my phone more.
rvsue
NOTE: I’d love to join you in comments but staying online is difficult with a connection at camp that keeps dropping. (This post is coming to you from a parking lot in town.) Those days without a post were when we were camped out of signal range in the mountains.
Thank you for contributing comments under the previous post and for your kind words to me, the crew, and to each other. I hope to be able to join you later. — Sue
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Well! That was a compelling post. Good writing and photos.
I will step in for Sue/Crew and Rusty today…Well done Allison. You are in 1st place today!!
Morning blogerinos!
And 2nd place goes to Velda!!
Good for you! So happy you did that. And thanks for sharing the day.
3rd place goes to Eliza today.
Close to first? The Colorado weekend looks pretty busy. At least folks are out and about in nature.
Hi Sue, I’ve been waiting for new report. It’s been a few day! So happy to read this.
Well the fire situation was scary. It’s hard to believe anyone could be so clueless about the danger. I wonder if these teens came with parents.
Rusty must be napping?
Wow. I just read the post. What a couple of disrespectful law breaking kids! I’d like to know who their parent’s are, but then again they may be the same way! Good for you in standing up to them and the neighbor in his tent. Fires that destroy our forests and lives are often because of those that do not respect the law. They probably figured that no one would say anything to them.
WAHOOOO! SUE AND CREW TO THE RESCUE AGAIN!
WOW! I HATE that ‘tude that people get… My gosh I am so stinkin’ happy it worked. Then I always wonder (maybe from teaching highschoolers, though my kids were perfect) ‘what will they do to retaliate?’ ) I hope you had no further issues…
I want to try paddle boarding. Doubt I could stand up (water + vertigo) but so want to do this!
I had to high tail it outta dodge yesterday, as they are working on our street… I went over to the ocean for peace. HA. NOPE. Finally got the sand out of my eyes that an unruly 4 yr old tossed in the wind (not my grandkid thank goodness!). It was not a good time at all.
Hope y’all have had some calm after the excitement!
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
Good for you, Sue & for the other person. What is it with people & not thinking? In Boise, we have been getting smoked out most days because of the Pioneer Fire above Idaho City headed towards Lowman (heard it was human caused). So again, thanks to both of you!!!
Liz-Boise, ID
Sue,
Sad the way the younger generation that comes from the urban areas with there “toys” (money) think they can do & go wherever they want!! This is not the Colo. that I’ve grown up in. We have a lot of transplant coming here from all over and expecting what they had back home and now “ruining” our remote area of the country. Reason for your day use fees, to many people in same area.
Have never been to Alaska, but it’s looking better every day.
Sorry for your experience there, but “yeah” kick butt, and take names (or pix).
enjoy,. Bob
I’m a transplant here to CO, as is my husband. Trust me, we’re not all out to ruin Colorado, we love it here. I’m guessing there’s plenty of natives that are just as good at ruining things too.
Not everyone from outside Colorado is out to ruin, change it, it or treat the back country like an urban area. That is such an old, worn stereotype. Many of us transplants love it and wouldn’t dream of doing anything that dumb/dangerous. How do any of us know where those self-centered idiots were from? I’m sure there are some naive/selfish CO natives who have no respect for the land.
Thanks, Sue, for standing up to them. You did good.
Thank you for standing up to those smirking young punks! How dare they? JERKS like those put many lives at risk! I do hope you got their photo at the campfire and I do hope you send it to the proper authorities. They probably can’t do anything about it, but it sure would be karma if they did get caught!
I’m so glad you said something to those girls, Sue. Thank you! Is the water too cold for swimming? Just wondering.
You go Sue! So sick of disrespectful people – glad the other guy had your back. What is wrong with people? Thanks for defending our open lands
Kellee
Well done–most of us find it hard to speak up, but it’s important to call out illegal behavior, and the threat of fire in the arid west is literally a matter of life and death. There were three fires burning in the Grand Tetons area while we were out there–people need to understand that their actions have consequences. I’m just sorry they didn’t get fined–up to $5000 and/or 6 months in jail.
Dang. Such an attitude! Love the cell phone approach–gonna have to remember that! Glad you talked to her, Sue. I’m very certain that, if people who caused forest fires had to work for even an hour in an attempt to put the fire out, they might behave differently. Well…maybe not VERY certain. Let’s just go with maybe…
Happy trails, Sue. Ear skritches to the Crew!
Those smirking girls–I am just so amazed that people can be so cavalier. I wish I felt better about them, but I fear they may just build a fire elsewhere.
Thank you for helping protect our public lands, Sue.
Mixed emotions going on. I’m so proud of you for standing up to the jerkettes over the fire. But, worried for you, too. People like that are not above slashing tires and other kinds of misdeeds. I hope you got out of harms way with no ill effects.
The more I see how people act/behave, I’m finally coming around to accept abortion. I didn’t use to but now I think I know what God meant when he said it would have been best if a (wo)man had never been born…words to that affect. Yeah, I look at some folks and wonder, “your mama went thru 9months for this?”
I was SO happy to see a post. I know you don’t “owe” us blog postings but we do all care about you and like to see new postings so we know that you are alright. 🙂
SO brave of you to stand up to those … idiots? … stooooopids? …. uncaring brats! Glad you had someone backing you up and that you are out of there.
hugs to you and the pooches 🙂
Smokey Bear would be proud of you!
Good for you Sue! That type of stuff infuriates me, and a small part of me hopes they learned their lesson, although being 20-somethings, you’d think they’d know better. I know at that age (which wasn’t that long ago considering I’m 34), I knew better. Hopefully they didn’t just move elsewhere and start another fire.
I’m gonna shoot my mouth off here but it seems like it is just the state of society anymore. We’ve got some generations now who will do what they want and to heck with anybody else. Now that sure doesn’t include all those in the generations but sure does apply to quite a few. I deal with it about daily in this POC town I’m living in now. Wish I had never moved back and will be gone in a cloud of diesel smoke as soon as I am not longer needed here.
Take care Sue and watch for retaliation. I turned some kids in for loud music and got my vehicle windows shot out as well as several windows in the house.
The young women are a common example of the selfish, unprincipled, ignorant belief in “my freedom” without responsibility toward others, the common good, or even nature.
Well done on confronting them!
Well put. I can tell you that I would not have given them 5 minutes. Do it now would have been my response.
Way to go and I’m glad the tenter spoke up too. Some folks need to be told repeatedly to get the message. Burn bans aren’t suggestions and they’re made to protect all of us as well as our public lands. I figured you wouldn’t stick around for the weekend madness at the dispersed camping area. Glad y’all found a nice day use area to visit.
Good on ya Missy. Young smartass girls need a momma to turn ’em over their knee and make them understand what such smart mouths earn. Looks pretty crowded there, too crowded for me anyhow. Hi Reg and Bridge. Have fun gang.
Let’s hear it for Sue, champion of preserving our public lands!! Great job, Sue. Though I must say you are kinder than me. I would have called authorities first, then hoped they got there in time for consequences. You did a fantastic job confronting them. And back up from a fellow camper sealed the deal. Well done you guys!!!
The pictures are wonderful. I love the way Reggie is looking so intently at the lake and how we can see his little face in the mirror. The color of the lake is just such a gorgeous shade of blue. And the fools driving over the rock..or attempting to…LOL It’s true what is said…even duct tape can’t fix stupid!
Wow…that was one crowd that formed at the lake. I can understand why so many people enjoy the area, but it sure put a damper on your peace and quiet.
Take care, Sue, and thanks for going out of your way to post for us. Be well and safe. Don’t forget belly rubs for the pups, and I will say a prayer for you all.
Like others, I thank you for saying something to the idiots with a campfire. This younger “Me” generation angers me to no end. The lack of respect for others property is ridiculous. What do parents teach their kids these days, anything?
Glad to see the post, and your efforts for putting it up.
Hi there – Greetings from North Texas..
Two comments – 1st – I have found that most western US “Twenty Something Females” are little self-entitled brats – offspring of their 40 something little self-entitled brat parents – OMG where did these generations go wrong? The midwest, northeast & southern offspring seem to have a better handle on respecting nature and elders. My personal experience only and I don’t mean to demean those blogorino’s who have raised their children/grandchildren right. You showed great restraint in not slapping them silly or letting Reggie chew up their precious iPhones!!
2nd – I had to laugh at your paddle board photos… In case you have missed it this week…the latest viral paparazzi photos are of actor Orlando Bloom looking very buff (and very naked!) on his paddle board – he is vacationing with his girlfriend Katy Perry in Sardinia Italy and he decided he didn’t need a bathing suit to enjoy the sun & water .. guess your Colorado dudes didn’t step up to the challenge! LOL…
Hi, Mel,
Whoop! Searched by above your keywords. 😆
Three guys in a Sue’s photo, must know of lurking paparazzo from their costume. 😉
You may have been reading about the huge fire–now way past the size of San Francisco–that firefighters are dealing with south of Carmel. They are predicting that it won’t be out till the end of August. Incredible damage; and numerous homes still threatened.
They believe it caused a campfire started by illegal campers.
Good for you.
How nice for Bridget to have the comfort of what’s familiar after spending a while at a strange place. It adds another layer of the “this is home” feeling that you manage to give the crew where ever you go. I’m glad you had such a beautiful place to enjoy your outing, and hope your current camp is remote enough for you to expect a less eventful weekend.
All too often criminals can count on most people to mind their own business as they look the other way. I’m sure those girls didn’t expect to be confronted by the tent camper and you, or by anyone. I admire and appreciate both of you for doing that. Imagine how much better this world would be if more folks had the courage to not say “I don’t want to get involved” when they see wrong things happening.
Thank you for sitting in a parking lot to post this. I doubt that’s a fun or comfy task. Given how weak a signal you have at camp I assume you won’t be posting again soon.Stay cool, well and happy until you can.
Greetings Sue:
A couple of teenagers started a fire at Roaring Lion (west of Hamilton, MT) trail head a few days ago–with a fire ban in place. The wind whipped a few embers and the Bitterroot Forest caught on fire. Several people tragically lost their lives because the fire spread so quickly. A number of multi-million dollar homes were also destroyed. The fire is still blazing in some areas.
Whenever I see someone by a fire when a no-fire ban is in effect, I do not say anything. I simply call the nearest National Forest District Office and let them take care of it. There is no need to confront idiots who may also be packing. What is a plus, when the NFDO arrives, they put out the fire and write a ticket for whoever is responsible to show up in court and pay any fines necessary. Until people have to pay a hefty fine–they probably will never learn.
Does my method work? Oh yes! I have called twice, and the NFDO arrives quickly.
Well that will teach them young ladies, good that you Sue and the man got their attention on FIRE! Some just don’t know or care of fire danger , I have gotten to a camp and there was a smoldering fire ring that was left,, put out your fire by soaking, stirring, feeling to make sure it’s completely out or you may get a Big Bill and maybe a free room at a Gray Bar Hotel,,,,, beautiful pictures of the mountains and Lakes,,,, poor Bridget,, she looks sweet under the PTV and Reggie looks like he likes to be a picture steeler,,,,, have a great weekend and give your baby’s a big huge hug from us,,,,, Rusty n Piper
This is the kind of madness we encountered in August when we work camped and were the only authority in the campground. They teach the work force at campgrounds that there is a totally different attitude in August. An August madness that seems to come from the city folks getting out of the heat on their last hurrah of the summer. More of a “this is our vacation and we will do it any way we want because who is going to stand up to us and if they do we will just whine louder until they give up and we get our way.”
Glad you stood up to them until they finally backed down. Yes, those are the ones who you have to be careful of as they seem to want to get even.
So sorry you got into the middle of such a mess. I’m afraid I would have had to hook up and pull out. Even a Wal-Mart parking lot would be more peaceful than what your camp looked like this weekend.
Here’s hoping that where you are is peaceful and safe and a descent camp.
Lovely photos…good for you standing for your principles regarding your objections. You are our hero!
Here’s the latestt regarding the neighbor dogs that attacked my three terriers…. Bob had a big brouhaha with his daughter this morning it got violent enough that my neighbor Matt called the.police and walked over to see if he could break it up. When he went into the yard all four dogs attacked Matt and bit him. So. Another call to the police. Hopefully something finally will be done. Matt is the landlord. Has already given Bob notice to get rid of the dogs. It suddenly it has become personal…so perhaps this will move forward. Cops are there now…HA!
Absolutely beautiful pictures!!! and good for you! GOOD FOR YOU!!!! I am so glad you and the man with the phone did not back down. Disrespectful punks!!! Stuff like that infuriates me. I’d like to slap them silly!!
My blood pressure is slowly going back to normal. 🙂
Love to you and the crew.
Hi, Blogorinos!
We’re at camp now and it’s raining. I’ve read all the comments so far. Rather than try to reply to each one, I’ll do a group reply, as posting a comment is a laborious process with connection dropping frequently.
Congratulations to Allison on being first today!
To answer the question: “Is the water too cold for swimming?” No, it’s not too cold. Children played and swam in the creek most of the day. I haven’t done so because the day needs to be really hot before I’ll subject myself to the cold shock of creek water. I noticed while wading in water up to my knees that it’s very pleasant, once used to it.
Thank you, everyone, for your support of my actions regarding the two “girls” ignoring the fire ban. I call them “girls” even though they are well on their way to their 30s. I couldn’t bring myself to call them “women,” given their immature behavior.
There’s more to the story than what I posted. The guy with the phone did call the authorities because the girls waited right up to 5 minutes before extinguishing the fire. He told me the office for Colorado Parks and Wildlife was closed for the day so he was told to contact the sheriff’s office, which he did. He told me that someone was coming out but no one showed up.
In the meantime the woman (wife?) with the guy followed the girls to their campsite and took down the make and model of their vehicle, as well as their license plate. Before I knew she had done this, I tried to email the photos to Parks and Wildlife. However, it was one of those contact buttons (rather than an email address) and I got a pop-up message that there isn’t an email program associated with …. blah-blah. I tried to set it up so I could send, but was unsuccessful.
The next morning I spoke with the guy and he said no one showed up. He and his wife seemed disinterested in pursuing the matter further, so I let it go. If it weren’t for the email glitch, I would’ve followed through on my own.
It probably seems strange that I chose to stay at this camp through the weekend. The creek is so lovely and a swim so tempting that I was willing to put up with the chaos, trusting that a blessed, quiet Monday would be my reward.
Stay tuned to see how THAT worked out! Ha!
Bye for now…. I look forward to reading more comments!
Sue
Hi, Sue,
We must be on the same wavelength… I was hoping that you forwarded the pictures of those idiots to the authorities. Chances are very good that they will build another illegal fire. Sorry to hear that your efforts were frustrating. Thank you for chewing them out….I am glad that you had backup from the tent camper. Entitled, snotty, little bitches…. Argh!
Enjoy your new camp! I am looking forward to see where we have “landed.” I am so-o-o thankful that the weekend is finally here. It has been a long week at work. As soon as I got home tonight, I changed into some comfy clothes. Nothing will get done; I plan to read and give Gracie belly rubs. The chores will be there tomorrow.
Thank you again for sharing your great adventure with us. We really appreciate the effort you put into creating each blog entry. I love being an armchair traveler with you! RVSue….take me away!! Who needs Calgon?!
Sending hugs to you, Miss Bridge, and the handsome Reggie from me and Gracie pup! xxxooo 🙂
Too bad you couldn’t just shoot em…
(I know-a Texans answer to everything!) 🙂
Love it, Terri! 🙂
Sue does pack heat…. ??
I think She does pack heat,, not sure though,,, I used to, but with Essential Tremmers it’s a pain to load up a 62 Smooth Bored North West Trade Gun and matching Pistol , then hope that ball goes where I point it, I could shoot shot, Buck shot with rock salt, I know it’ll get there, but I don’t really need it, I have a mouse hawk, but the Turbo cell phone will do the job plus I can send a photo and a message at the same time, just takes a little longer,,,,,,,,, Rusty
Hi, Denise,
Learned the meaning of the phrase ”pack heat” that Japanese like me never knew. 😯
Thank you.
You are my hero in many ways, Sue!
It is truly sad that many of the fellow campers that we meet in the forest within 2/3 hours of any large city are like this. You are so lucky that you can enjoy the Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s in these places. I have come to realize that many of these “weekend campers” come to the wilderness simply to do things that they would be arrested for doing in the condo or subdivision back home. They leave their trash, terrorize the wildlife and annoy anyone that doesn’t have a passion for loud rap/hip-hop/country music or automatic gunfire. It is enough to make you feel completely unsafe in their presence. I lived in Colorado for many years and while every inch west of Denver has superaltive beauty and has wonderful places to visit and camp; the camping season is very short. Many forest campgrounds are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and closed the rest of the year. It also draws vacation campers from everywhere throughout the Midwest, so it ends up being an extremely busy camping season. My two rules that I tried to follow in Colorado are…
1. The further you are from Denver, the better.
2. If you want to camp within 2 or 3 hours from Denver on the weekends, find a state park or private campground. You will find the sense of law and order comforting there.
It’s not that I don’t love Denver, because I truly do. It’s a great city, in a spectacular location with wonderful people. However, it has become a very large city with many people, both good and bad. The same could be said for any large city. I am glad you are safe and I’m glad that I am not alone in being annoyed with these “weekend campers.” Keep on campin’ RVSue!
Well said Ken,
thanks,. Bob
Appreciate the action you took sue, lives both human & wildlife plus beautiful countryside may have been saved because you had the courage to stand up to those young women. I’m always amazed by the rude, ill mannered actions of people today. The kindness & compassion of the blogorinos is such a contrast.
Sue, kudos to you for standing up! This shows a wonderful wilderness ethic that many don’t possess. Here in Boise we recently had the table rock fire as well as another that burned close to the intermountain bird observatory. Blackened views in our valley. Currently the pioneer fire between Idaho city & lowman is burning fiercely. Causes are speculated to be man caused, all. Not a time for campfires!
Trailer backup frustrations continue. DH had a thought today. Stating it really easy I learned as a kid using a toy truck and trailer. Light bulb moment. I was digging in closets looking for the matchbox collections. Would you believe not one truck and trailer. Lol Walmart toys here I come Grandson really too big for toy trucks but I’m not. Giggle. Grandma going to play soon as I get a town. DH grumbling. I’m afraid son will decide that rig is in the way and deposit it somewhere.
You sound better today, Joyce, less frustrated and discouraged. I wish I could help! I admire you for not giving up.
Im 75 yrs old. I drive a 31 ft class c. I put where I want cautiously. I’m not mechanical or do carpenter stuff. On the other hand I’m a tough farm gal from an era today’s farmers would wimp out on. I’ve tramped hay with a skirt on. You would have to be my age to understand that. I’ve plowed behind a horse and milk cows by hand befor electricity. We had a dairy farm so that’s not just one cow, more like 30. I’ve put green beans, tomatoes etc in jars in July over a wood cook stove in the south and than then slept in that same house that night without AC. I have a dream. I pray a lot. I just can’t seem to back up a trailer
You may not be great (yet!) at backing up a trailer, but you sure can write a powerful paragraph, Joyce.
Wow! Crowded indeed…Bridgee waiting patiently is adorable!
Why would someone even think driving up a rock……never mind.
Late to the party I read the update that the girls were actually adults! Ignorant fools…people nowadays live in the moment and don’t think about the consequences of their actions…or they really don’t care!
It’s unfortunate that they don’t understand that lives have been lost, homes destroyed not to mention the cost to fight the fire or the lasting snowball effects of the the event itself. Sadly, until it personally affects them….they will probably would “smirk” at any directive toward them.
Good for you and the other person to speak up…and potentially avoid another fire.
I think you could get a murder charge if your illegal fire causes a death. Isn’t that right CinandJules?
More like involuntary manslaughter as murder requires malice aforethought..premeditated etc.
The difference is the amount of bail and length of incarceration if convicted.
But if you have a jury of your peers…..who knows the outcome?
Here are a few examples, Mick, that I found on the internet:
“The imposition of the death penalty for wildland arson has a precedent, one linked to another Southern California fire. In 2009, Raymond Oyler, convicted of five counts of first-degree murder for setting the Esperanza Fire of 2006, was the first person ever to be sentenced to death for wildfire arson. That blaze wiped out a five-man Forest Service engine crew sent to fight the fire . . . ”
“By contrast, a California grand jury refused even to indict a man on second-degree murder charges, even though he’d confessed to setting the 1953 Rattlesnake Fire, which killed 15 firefighters.”
” . . .perhaps the most notorious modern wildfire arsonist was Terry Lynn Barton, a seasonal Forest Service employee. Barton admitted setting the 2002 Hayman Fire, at that time the largest in Colorado’s history, which destroyed 133 houses, burned 38,114 acres, and forced the evacuation of more than 5,000 people. Barton served a six-year prison term . . . .”
The above are excerpts from “Start a wildfire, go to jail — or worse” by John N. Maclean, High Country News
What is sad is no matter how much restitution or jail time, if any…..will never equal the damage done.
Arson is deliberate…a campfire getting away from someone is negligence. If people would just think ahead!
And like Rusty pointed out…. Very often people leave the contents of a fire ring still warm. I come across that all the time. You’re supposed to touch it, not go by its appearance of being put out.
That’s right and here is another way of having a fire, If one does not have the ability to put a fire out when done with it, DON’T start it, period. Anyway most folks build a fire way to big,, my camp fire is no bigger than my waist size if I have one,,,,,, 38in. diameter and it’s easy to use and put out,,,,,, 🙂
I’m glad that you stood up to those idiots, Sue. Most young, “city” people these days just seem to get worse and worse, and I feel like an old biddy saying that, but it’s true.
Last year during my annual trek to the midwest to visit family, I stayed at the place I’ve stayed every year for the past 3 years, at a campground about half a mile from my kids’ house. It’s a nice RV park but in the back portion are some park models and older RVs where seasonal people live. Some of the adolescents who live in those RVs are not the nicest kids you’ll want to meet, and I had a run-in with one of them.
I was in the laundry room, only four machines, three of which were in use. A teenaged girl was sitting on a chair, yakking on her cell phone, blocking the door of the only empty machine. The first two times I went up to the laundry room, basket on my hip, and saw her there, I turned and went back to my RV, sensing that this was not someone with whom I wanted to try to communicate. She could see me standing there with the laundry basket yet didn’t ask if she needed to move. So she was sitting there out of spite.
The third time I went back in, after almost two hours, I finally asked her if she’d move her chair. Without looking up at me, she grunted and slid over about one inch. I asked her to move again and she jumped up out of the chair and screamed so loudly in my face I felt her saliva on my face, screaming names and obscenities at me. I dropped my laundry basket when she pushed me up against the wall and then she took her fist and drove it into my face.
At first I was too surprised to move, but quickly regained my “mojo” when my adrenaline kicked in. I’m 60, not in the best health, but I’ve never been the ladylike type, and so I kicked out with my foot (it was fall of the year and I was wearing boots) and caught her squarely in the solar plexus with my heel) and shoved her back about six feet before she regained her footing.
She came back at me with long fingernails and by then I’d gotten my RV key out of my pocket, and it’s about 3 inches long, grasped it between thumb and forefinger, and pointed it right at her eyes. She finally backed off. I told her in no uncertain terms that I’d see her in hell if she took one more swing at me.
She stomped off, got her friends assembled, and ended up reporting me to the campground management, who, as it turns out, are friends of her mother’s and who are letting the family stay there to avoid homelessness. The girl has been in and out of a lot of trouble and the RV park manager begged me not to call the police. But I did call and got an incident report, no charges were pressed since it was a she said/she said type of situation.
The next morning I woke up to find my outside rear driver’s side tire on my Class C flat and upon inspection it had the air let out (thankfully not slashed). Well, I knew enough to get out of Dodge then, so I moved to another RV park further away, and the trashy RV park refused to give me my refund for the remaining week (I had paid for a month in advance – $650).
Anyway, your story made me think of this, just had to get this out here. Be careful of people out there and watch your back. I don’t let this incident scare me off of doing what I believe to be right or in defense of myself, but now I know that people will watch and wait to extract further revenge. And the law enforcement authorities often can do nothing more than write a report.
Hi Miss Nancy!
I would LOVE to know the name of that park–to share with people! How to avoid that would be a great thing… I am so sorry they kept your funds. NOT cool.
Hope there is nothing this sinister in the follow up from Sue. 🙁
Hugs from the great town of Hoquiam,
Barb
Thank you, Barb. I’ll gladly share the name of the park. It is the Dutch Treat Campground in Holland, Michigan.
I was in Holland, MI on 23 Jul 1990 after riding 76 miles from Whitehall. This was one of the stops on my cross country bicycle trip but we did not stay in RV Campgrounds, tent every night and usually at a school – Holland Junior High School that night.
Another bad, bad RV Park experience reported.
I am sure glad that I have avoided same but then again I don’t stay in ‘trashy’ RV Parks that charge $650/month – I can not afford that price. I try to stay under $400/month but that is becoming difficult during these non-inflationary times.
Hi edlfrey,
I wasn’t thrilled about the rate but the camp is just a short distance from my family’s home, I could actually walk there. So I paid the price (literally!) but won’t be doing it again.
If you can handle the flat lands and humidity of Florida, we are right on the bay and the Gulf of Mexico in a no frills but not trashy or flashy park for $275 a month includes water and mowing. You pay utilities. It’s a very small park so you need to wait for someone to leave. It is a resident park, not an over night or transient park. Good neighbors too! Located in the panhandle in Franklin County, we have only one redlight in the whole county….so we are rural but the fishing and beaches are amazing!
Hi Geri,
Your little piece of paradise sounds lovely! So economical – a great find! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Oh Sue, That kind of behavior is so disconcerting. It’s what makes you wonder if humanity is going to make it in the long run.
I picked up 2 bags of broken glass at our last campsite, an incredibly remote and beautiful site in northwest Montana. It took me over an hour and the whole time I just felt so sad.
We’re now at the Bonner County Fairgrounds in Sandpoint, Idaho, where the air is full of anticipation for the fair that starts next week. We’ll be long gone by then, but are enjoying the pre-fair set up activities.
Hi, Sue. I have been reading your blog for the last few years. I found it about a year after you started blogging and I went back and read everything from the beginning. I’m a “lurker.” I read every single post, but I have only commented once before. Instead I get tremendous enjoyment out of your and your blogorinos’ thoughts, comments, etc. I find you, Reggie and Bridget to be very inspirational in living life on your own terms and I absolutely think the world of you all. You are currently traveling in the area in which I live. I am in the Buena Vista area. I would have loved to see you and the crew and welcome you in person and tell you how much you all mean to me and how much I enjoy all hard work you put into your blog, but I have far too much respect for you, your lifestyle and your need for privacy to ever intrude, so WELCOME from afar! The reason I’m commenting today is because I want to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for how you handled the illegal fire situation! You and the other gentleman potentially saved human lives, wildlife, homes, etc. This is a beautiful area and sometimes it’s very hard as a resident to see others come in and destroy it by being neglectful and irresponsible. The counter balance to those kinds of folks that makes one seriously doubt some peoples’ decency is someone like you! Bless you, Sue. That was very brave of you and from everyone who lives in this area, we are most appreciative. May you continue to be blessed with good health, happiness and safe travels. Thank you for allowing us to share in your lifestyle via this blog. Love to Bridgie Baby and the Reginator (and backhoe king!). Motor on!!!!!!!!
Thank you, Nancy D., for reading my blog the past four years and for your kind words and wishes for me and the crew. Your note is very sweet and encouraging! I’ll tell you why . . . .
Bridget, Reggie, and I went on a drive today which gave me plenty of time to think about this blog and its readers. I was feeling a bit down, missing those who used to comment regularly. As soon as we returned to camp, I opened up my laptop and read your comment. Your message lifted my spirits and put me into a positive frame of mind. I appreciate that. One never knows when putting something on the internet how it will affect others. 🙂
You wrote that you “get tremendous enjoyment out of your and your blogorinos’ thoughts, comments, etc.” Consider the comments you enjoy as gifts, freely given by fellow blogorinos, just as every comment you make is a gift of enjoyment for them. That’s how Blogorinoland remains a dynamic, inviting, and interesting place that continues to grow. I thank you for taking the time to write!
I’m so happy and humbled if I helped in any little way. Your blog has lifted my spirits too many times to count, so believe me, this is a huge thank you right back! And you are absolutely spot on! You, the crew and your blogorinos and their comments are truly a gift that I very much treasure! I always look forward to your travels and observations and I have tremendous respect for, ah, how should I phrase it………maybe, let’s say, “your way of being in the world.” Your reply made my day, week, year to hear from you and I am grinning from ear to ear. Prime example of the give and take you alluded to in your reply. Wonderful, it is, it is! Please take care and give the babies a hug for me. Thanks again……………
You’re welcome, Nancy.
I really do think there has been an accelerating decline in civility in this country, whether you’re in Colorado or anywhere else. I think it began in the 60’s with the “free love, free sex, lots of drugs, and everything is about me being fulfilled” generation and then they had children and then those children became permissive parents and now the government tells us we can’t spank our kids or we’ll be arrested for child abuse. I see it all the time … you go to a decent restaurant and someone is in there with a kid screaming at the top of their lungs and the parents don’t care that everyone else’s meal is being ruined.
When my son was little, he got told one time to knock it off or I’d give him something to cry about. Amazing how well that worked. I caught him one time tossing our dog’s poop over the fence into the neighbor’s yard because he was too lazy to bag it and put it in the trash. I made him go to every neighbor on the block and offer to pick up their dogs’ poop for three months. They agreed and he did. Amazing the lesson he learned from that situation.
If more parents held their kids accountable for their behavior instead of giving them trophies for participating in a sport (instead of excelling in a sport), we would all be better off. OK, enough of shouting from the top of my soapbox.
I have to remember there are also terrific, polite kids out there. This morning at the grocery store, the young man gathering carts that adults left scattered around the parking lot (grrrrrrr!!!!) offered to unload the heavy water bottles from my cart into my car.
Sue, you said and did the right thing to those girls. Maybe some day they will wake up and realize how disrespectful and stupid they were and be embarrassed by it.
Loved the photo of Reg looking out the car window at the lake, and then the image of him in the side mirror. He’s such a curious little rascal!
I enjoyed the “shouting from the top of my soapbox.” I got a good laugh out of you putting your son on poop duty throughout the neighborhood. I bet the neighbors got a chuckle out of that, too. 🙂
Not only do I harp on young “women” who think they’re so special they don’t have to follow the ban on campfires, I have been known to correct a child misbehaving in a public place. For instance, block a kid running in a store aisle. In a low voice with slowly delivered intensity, “Stop running in the store. Do you understand me? Well, do you?” and wait for an answer while shining the evil eye. Ah, such fun. Just another way I live each day to the fullest. Ha!
I like that! Poop duty for three months!
My father was 6’3″ and did the same. Most notably, he loped across a mown lawn in Florida, scooped up a 3-year-old, and returned her to her mother. Why? Because the child was approaching an alligator–and the mom was watching and laughing.
That mom got a very stern talking to from my dad. I don’t know how she responded. I am thinking now, hopefully that child is grown to an adult, and the mom has seen recent Florida alligator tragedies and send a kind thought to my father.
I guess that’s why I am inclined to do the same thing. It does take a village, and when we ignore things like this, the world is a colder place. Thank you.
I am so glad you tried to do something with those girls. I can’t begin to tell you some of the stuff we see in the campgrounds that people do. Leaving fires smoldering is just one of them. Good for you Sue. Thank you for speaking up.
Thank you Sue! Smokey Bear would be proud of you and the tent camper and I am too.
Hi!, RVSue, Crew, and Blogorinos,
Couldn’t agree more!!!
Absolutely marvelous post and comments!!!
Sorry for being late for this party. 😥