Our camp at Clear Creek State Wildlife Area, Colorado, as seen from the creek
Thursday, July 28
In typical fashion, our first full day at a new-to-us camp is spent relaxing and checking out the environment around us.
Before the campground awakens, Bridget, Reggie, and I walk the trail near our campsite. It hugs the bank of Clear Creek.
We find shady dells with little beaches of sand and river rocks.
These places have an atmosphere of make-believe.
Here is where unicorns quietly appear out of the morning mist, where elves decorate cookies in the hollows of trees, and where chipmunks hold tea parties for their friends. Birds and butterflies deliver invitations to all woodland creatures.
Reggie finds that chasing squirrels is a tough challenge here.
“It’s an unfair contest, Reg.”
While Bridget reflects on . . . what? Who knows?
“It’s peaceful here, isn’t it, Bridge.”
I notice three big swimming holes where the water is at least waist-high.
“We ought to come here when it’s really hot. I could cool off with a swim,” I say to the crew.
“Okay, let’s go back to camp.”
Friday, July 29
On our way to Clear Creak State Wildlife Area on Wednesday, we drove through Buena Vista, passing City Market. I wanted to stop for a few items but the small parking lot was packed, leaving no room for the Perfect Tow Vehicle with the Best Little Trailer hitched behind.
Today we return to Buena Vista and City Market.
Even though it’s not yet 9 a.m., the parking lot is nearly full and the store is bustling with shoppers. When I return to the crew waiting in the PTV, a fiberglass trailer is parked nearby.
Cute as a button!
Next we stop at a store where I find a comforter on sale.
We need a spare. Bridget had an accident last night, poor thing. I had to throw the comforter out the door. Usually I limit her water intake late in the day and I also take her out for a potty run in the middle of the night.
I think what happened is she went down to the creek and drank a lot of the cool water before going inside for the night.
Fast forward to a view of the comforter already on our bed!
Bridget has her grumpy face on. Ears back. Eyes half closed.
Cheap comforter at $19.99 for a twin size. (Sometimes cheapo is preferred.)
The important thing is the blue matches the decor!
You may wonder why we need a comforter in the middle of summer. The nights, especially the predawn hours, are very cool.
Okay, back to Buena Vista . . . .
We gas up the PTV at Love’s where I buy four quarts of motor oil.
The PTV needed two quarts of oil added recently which bothers me. Like Bridget and me, I think she’s beginning to show her age. She’s eleven years old (what’s that in van years?) and has 162,861 miles on her odometer. I always keep at least two quarts of oil stored in the PTV in case she needs it. Now I have four quarts in reserve for her.
Before leaving Buena Vista, I park the PTV next to a water spigot at the town park.
No water comes out of the spigot! I anticipated this and had bought water at City Market, so we’re okay.
On the way home we stop at Railroad Bridge Fishing Access.
The state of Colorado makes access easy for people who fish or raft or simply want to be close to a river. As one travels its roads it is not uncommon to come upon signs with a fish symbol indicating a place to park with a trail for fishing the river.
A walk-about is Bridget’s and Reggie’s reward for being good.
It’s also a time for me to take photos which is my reward for . . . um . . . for being good, too, I guess. Ha!
Railroad Bridge Fishing Access along Route 24 between Buena Vista and Leadville, CO
The crew loves to roam around someplace new.
It’s a treat they have come to expect every time we go somewhere! I try to include them in photos for this blog, but they dart around so much that none come out very well.
Hmm . . . I sense a lunker in that deep hole by the rock.
The color of the water changes depending upon the light. It may be hard for you to believe that the blue in the next photos is real. It is!
Arkansas River
The Arkansas has become one of my favorite rivers!
“C’mon, crew. We can’t stay. I need to take us home and put the groceries in the fridge.”
As the dispersed camping area comes into view, I put on the brakes.
Wow! The weekend crowd is arriving already and it’s only Friday noon!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Clear Creek dispersed camping Saturday morning (The BLT is far right, out of frame)
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Surprise
Just came in from church & notification ding. Now to read the post. Have a great day.
BEAUTIFUL campground photos. WOW. Marvelouse river with rocks. What a fun place.
Poor Bridge. She’said a sweetie. And Reggie treed a Squirrel? Good for him.
Curious. What’s a lunker? You know this curious mind. ?
What’s a lunker? It’s a big fish! I thought everyone knew what a lunker is. Maybe it’s a regional word?
? Not everyone. I grew up on a farm in West Texas. No fish for miles and miles. Fish fries at church usually catfish (yum), brought from who-knows-where. Then 44 years ago I moved to Mobile, and what great fresh seafood (YUMMY). No real exposure to fishing exc3pt deep sea in Gulf of Mexico. Maybe when I start my travels I’ll learn to fish for that lunker. Still a dream to travel. ?
I love learning where blogorinos grew up and their life experiences. I hope you can make your dream happen, Virginia!
CONGRATULATIONS, VIRGINIA! FIRST PLACE!
No way I am first?
SECOND PLACE GOES TO LISA! YAY!
Wow, second?!!! Woohoo
Hi Sue and Crew! It looks so cool and peaceful at your camp. I want to soak in that creek too!
HOORAY FOR PAM! THIRD PLACE!
That’s pretty country! You are a good photog!
Thanks, Pat!
Top 10 anyway!
7+9! Gotta use fingers and toes for that!
Haha!
?I’m not sure if I’ve even needed my second hand yet, let my toes.
Maybe I have the Special Ed Edition.? Math is not my best skill. K through 12 I went to 9 different schools. I like to blame it on that. My family and friends all think it’s hilarious now I work as a Night Auditor for a hotel. That’s just simple addition n subtraction though so what’s that? 1st grade math. Just with really big numbers
I have fallen in love with this place. Some day I’ll go there to look for the fairies and woodland critters that inhabit this magical spot ❤️
And they will be here to be seen by those so inclined to believe. 🙂 Hi Marcia!
Those river pictures are really pretty, I wish I could wade in there.
I wish you could, too, Lisa. I wade for you!
Are you saying that you added four quarts of oil, since you had an oil change? That would be a lot and if you keep adding that much oil once in a while, you will not need to change your oil again because you are constantly adding oil. Here is a suggestion. Post some pictures of your engine (close up and both sides) (and rear axle) and maybe your readers can give you some suggestions about possible repairs needed. By the way, do you have a replacement fund in case you have to replace the PTV?
Hi, Gene,
No, no, I didn’t need to add four quarts. Since the last oil change I added two quarts that I had on hand before going to Buena Vista. I always keep at least two quarts on hand in the PTV. Now I have four quarts on hand in case there’s an oil leak.
Yes, I have a replacement fund for the PTV. I made a small profit on my Georgia house which I vowed not to touch, saving it in case of emergency. To that I add my Amazon earnings. I live entirely on my Social Security check and a small teacher pension (I only taught 11 yrs.). Amazon is for my second retirement and/or replacing the PTV/BLT. Kind of you, Gene, to wonder about that. 🙂
Glad to hear that you have planned ahead, and thanks for responding so quickly. I sometimes wonder about young people, leaving the work force or downsizing their income considerably, and not thinking about their far off financial future. Guess I am old school and always thought about planning for the future, (since 18 years old) saving/investing for the future so that now I have a worry free retirement.
I could’ve planned better than I did. A lifetime of low income jobs and unforeseen, high responsibilities for others worked against that.
Thank God I’m okay in retirement. I don’t need much to be comfortable and happy, but it’s a secure feeling being able to add to the emergency/retirement fund.
Fortune knocks but once, but misfortune has much more patience. 🙂
🙂
Hi Sue,
Maybe you just need a gasket replaced on the engine. The older they get, the more stretched out they are! Hmmm, sounds like people. We tend to leak a little too when we get older. 🙂 Anyway, our Jeep is a 93 and it leaked so we had to replace a gasket.
Great photos and lovely, magical descriptions of the woods by the creek early in the morning.
Ugh! That last photo. Not our favorite way to camp. We took a 300 mile round trip in our Jeep yesterday up into the wilderness area here in Idaho visiting some backwoods roads and little towns that we’ve been wanting to do. A lot of campgrounds and boondocking sites. Some of the little CG’s had only one person, others were full of tenters. We stopped at one CG to eat our picnic lunch and remarked how quiet it was, yet there were other people there on the other side of the CG. The site we ate at was secluded and one we would like to return to with a tent as it was definitely not a place to tow our FW.
A 300-mile day trip? Wow, you have more ambition than I’ll ever have!
You never know how you’ll find some of the national forest campgrounds. I’ve expected a busy campground and found it nearly or completely empty. And the opposite, too.
I need to give Idaho another try. We didn’t see much of the mountains on our last trip there due to fire and smoke.
I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy some tent camping soon, Renee. 🙂
I did the same thing as you do while I have rent an old RV in the US. I’ve been keeping two quarts of Engin oil and ATF each and constantly adding oil. So I never change oil on our 16,000miles travel of all around the US in 2013.
Good heavens! 16,000 miles! You must really know what the U.S. looks like, probably better than I do!
Wow Fuji-Maru, your English has improved so much! Glad to see you here.
Hi!, DesertGinger,
Thank you for your compliment.
I’m glad to see you here, too.
In NY now? NY is New York City aka the big apple?
Gene….I edited the post about the oil. Thank you for commenting and alerting me that my writing wasn’t clear.
Now that looks like a lovely spot. I think a couple of those pictures are suitable for framing. Love your imagining the unicorns and elves in the cozy spots. BTW when did you add the pinterest button? I haven’t noticed it before.
I added Pinterest when I added the CAPTCHA math problem
Thank you for the compliment on my photos.
Love, love, love the photo of the Arkansas river with the blue, blue water and worn rocks. I could sit on one of those rocks for a while! I have actually visited Buena Vista! Had a friend whose brother lived there and we went there one summer. It’s a beautiful area as you illustrated in your pictures. No cows, but beautiful nevertheless!
Hi, Susan,
No cows at this camp, lots of them at Antero Pines Camp! I’ve only put my blue camp chair in the creek two times. Usually I sit on one of the big, rounded rocks. I’m glad you had a chance to visit this area.
my look at all them rivers and streams…..
you are so making me want to go to colorado Sue…..
BTW have you seen any marijuana shops whilest driving thru towns?
I have never had any but I understand it helps out the arthritis….
thanks for posting
chuck
Hi, chuck!
Yes, I have seen pot shops. I intended to take a photo of one when we were in Salida. There’s a big marijuana store on the main street.
According to the terms, legal in some states in the US, colorado since 2014, I knew when I’ve been in CO, Nov. 2013. But anywhere, anytime, how little marijuana you have, it’s illegal in Japan.
What Beautiful photos. I see why the Arkansas River is becoming one of your favorites. It is beautiful there. The campground sure is filling up. I got tickled at Reggie chasing the squirrels.
Angel tries to chase all the wildlife she sees. Two nights ago, we went for our bedtime potty walk and she saw a skunk that she wanted to chase. Thank goodness she was on a short leash and we were in the middle of our short dead end street, far from the thing. I took her to the park earlier in the week and two young rabbits came running out of the brush in to the clearing. They saw her and came to a screeching halt, as did she when she saw them. She made a jump and they high-tailed it back to the brush. Not to mention her trying to get at the wild turkeys. We have a new family with twelve chicks tagging along and she goes nuts with them. She can be a handful at times.
Well, one thing for sure, Angel is never dull to have around! Reggie is the same way about chasing animals which is one reason I dare not let him off a leash. Turkey babies! I love turkeys. They are curious critters. We’ve had them sneak around our camps. Haven’t seen any here though.
My how your life has changed since Angel became a part of it. She will keep you on your toes, Barbara!
Wow, what a crowd to come back to. Hope you have a quiet or at least peaceful weekend. The place looks perfect when it isn’t a weekend. Your oil problem could be something small like a leak in the head gasket which is fairly cheap and takes not too long to fix. Like your propane problem it would be nice to know your options. I sure hope that it’s something small and simple to fix.
Hi, Linda,
Yes, this place filled up this weekend! I will write about our weekend experience, probably in the next post. I admit it is a pleasure on Sunday to watch folks pack up and drive away. Love retirement!
Thanks for hoping the PTV’s problem is small and cheap to fix. I’m watching her oil consumption very closely and hope to be in a place soon where I am comfortable having her checked.
Oh my goodness! What a beautiful place on earth! If I were you, that locale would become my home, but, I’m not you and you won’t stay. Story: each time you post a certain location, Wikipedia becomes another friend and I research everything around you. It’s a facinating past time.
Well-worn van: we purchased an ’83 Vandura Conversion Van in early ’84 with 13,000 miles. Four years ago, I sold it for scrap. It was still running, but had rusted almost beyond repair. It’s life span endured something over a half million miles and it served us well. At this juncture, I don’t think any major calamity will overtake your van, except accessories alternator, pumps, batteries and such. Oil changes are the secret to longevity of an engine.
Thanks for all you do and the places you visit.
You’re welcome. I really enjoyed your comment, Randall. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you.
I like how you read my blog, take an interest in the places where we camp, and then use the locations as a starting point for learning more. I can see where it would be a fun past time. I do the same thing . . . on a smaller scale, no doubt.
Your van experience is very encouraging! You certainly got your money’s worth, whatever the initial price.
I got a chuckle out of you saying I won’t stay, whereas this place would become your home. 🙂
I agree with you on your first half lines.:)
Love the water. I used to fish so water was a necessity in my camping sites. Reggie needs to learn that chasing squirrels in tree country is futile. I saw that little Burro TT and it is a cutie for a couple of people on weekend outings but I would never spend the money for something with no holding black water holding tank and a toilet. Porta potties are fine maybe for children on a weekender but that is all in my opinion. I know some folks use them and that’s okay with me, but I prefer not to mess with one. PS I remember seeing plenty of places where the contents were dumped and that is nasty.
Last night after 10 years I got my first bark scorpion sting. He nailed me for times while I was getting up to go to my bathroom (old men do that). It hurt like the devil but it was only real bad for about an hour, then I went to sleep. This morning I can feel where I was stung but only feel mild tenderness at the sting sites. I did catch and kill the little critter so I was his last victim. I now join Detta who has been stung numerous times with much more pain. I must have has a weakling scorpion because my pain was nothing compared to hers. End of boring little tale. Missy, you have fun get plenty of pics and notes for your eventual book. HUG
Oh no, the dreaded scorpion got you! I’m so sorry, Jim. I remember you warning me to check the inside of my boots before putting them on.
What devilish creatures to attack in the night when a guy is on his way to the john! 🙂 I didn’t find the account boring at all. Your vivid story will help all of us to be aware.
I agree about the porta-potties. Like you say, it’s okay for some people. I would get depressed having to deal with that. I’m blessed that I don’t have to!
Being totally self-contained is wonderful. I can pick any campsite without having to be close to the toilet house.
Love that HUG. 🙂 Same to you, Jim.
He stung you four times? Wow that’s one angry scorpion!
Note to any of its friends….do not, I repeat do not, get in AZJims way during the night..stinging him repeatedly is hazardous to your health! ??
Wow, Jim, that’s terrible about the scorpion bites. Yikes. Hopefully it will be your first and last experience.
I agree about the camper. It is absolutely adorable, but one of the main reasons we have our Casita, is so we don’t have to run out to use a bathroom someplace else in the middle of the night.
I got startled by your comment, because never seen a scorpion in Japan excepct at zoo or on the films/TV.
So, they are grisly monsters for me in reality, and would freak me out during my next taravel in the US.
Hi RVSUEANDCREW, again you have left me speechless with the beauty that you are enjoying. One day soon I will be out there with you.
Stay safe out there and rock on my friend, judy
We live in a world of beauty, don’t we, Judy. At least when one gets away from the mess people make of it! Sometimes I reflect upon the many camps we have enjoyed and I’m overwhelmed. I knew this life on the road would show me much of the beauty I missed across my lifetime, but I really had no idea the variety or scope.
You stay safe, too, Judy… We’ll keep rocking on!
Wow! What a beautiful camp spot! You sure know how to pick them. I would love to know what shoes you wear for hiking? My 60 year old feet are looking for better hiking-walking shoes. Getting ready for our yearly trip to visit our son in Alaska. Lots of walking.
Hi, Jules!
I love my KEEN hiking shoes. This time of year I wear my KEEN sandals (with socks in the early morning). I’ll insert links here to both soon.
Yes, the right shoes can make a world of difference for your feet and for your enjoyment walking and hiking. An Alaska trip…. every year! Wow!
Here are the links… I’m not sure if these are exactly the same as I ordered. They’re similar. Order a half-size larger than your usual size for the hiking shoe or boot.
KEEN Women’s Targhee II WP Shoe
KEEN Women’s Newport H2 Sandal
I bought my KEENs when they were on sale.
Thanks Sue! I’ll look forward to the links. ?
I have had several different kinds of Keens and have loved them all. They are very good shoes/sandals.
Love the new comforter…..and the tapestry behind it! I’m also a stickler for matching decor 🙂 The pups seem to love it too.
Hi, Diane,
In this small space the comforter really “pops” as the designers say. Did you ever see my latest redo of the interior?
For anyone interested, you can see the inside of the BLT with her latest colors at this post:
“Beauty and the Best Little Trailer: A Casita Makeover“
Wow!…..your home is so beautiful…..that bedding set is gorgeous! I love that your colander matches the bed….that is totally something I would do that others would never think of…..Great job!
and it is the perfect backdrop for the adorable dog photos!
Thank you, Diane! I’m pleased with the look.
Seems like forever since I have commented . . .busy summer, just home from a week on Kiawah Island with our entire family. We have been following right along with all your adventures, storing things away for when we head west again. Just love your fantasy description . . spoke to my teacher heart, reading stories to students . .
Can’t wait to see where life takes you and all of us next . . . love to crew
Hi Betsy and Mark,
What a pleasure to have you stop by with a comment! I admit I couldn’t place the location of Kiawah Island so I looked it up — South Carolina!
I’m happy you still read my blog and find it entertaining and informative.
Best wishes to you both…
This has to be the most beautiful set of pics I’ve seen on your blog–at least that I remember! From the blue comforter and bohemian print behind to the magical campsite to the flowing water at the end? It makes me dream!
As for the Burro–it looks cute, but unless there are a LOT of windows I can’t see, it would also feel too claustrophobic to me!
Just ordered a much-needed BAL leveler via your link!
Hi, kisstab-chick!
Fun for me to read your enthusiastic summary of this post!
As for the Burro… I don’t know what windows are on the other side. That trailer is so tiny (13 feet?) that a window and open door may be enough to keep away the closed-in feeling. Of course, everyone reacts differently. I do like the way the windows in the BLT are big and wrap around her rear end. 🙂
Thank you very much for ordering the leveler through my blog! I’ll look for it on my orders list, maybe post a link here for those who wonder what a BAL is.
There’s at least one window on each side because you can see the fence through the windows on the other side. There also appears to be one in front and one in back, which are about as many as you could place in such a small trailer.
Our T@B is 15 feet including tongue, which must make our actual trailer a similar size. We have two big windows on either side, and one big window in front. It feels very open and airy.
Here it is:
BAL 28050 Light Trailer Tire Leveler
Here is a video to demonstrate. Yes, we have the yellow legos and they work, but the BAL will be SO much easier. Also, people who buy them often store them in a 20″ pizza delivery carrier, which is funny, because often when you look at them on Amazon, you’ll see the ‘other people who bought this also bought’ the pizza carrier, which must puzzle those who aren’t aware!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtY0RspG144
I hope the BAL leveler works well for you. I had one and gave it away. It was too tight a fit around the BLT’s 15-inch tires and kind of heavy for me to manipulate. Lots of people with small trailers use them and like them.
Nice place you found! Love the water…looks refreshing! The photo of Bridgee contemplating near the edge is sweet. (Won’t tell you what I think she’s thinking)
Adding oil to the PTV. Just so you know Chevy uses Dexcool (red liquid) which degrades the intake mainfold gasket. I have a 1999 Chevy Blazer 88k miles and I’ve had to replace the gasket twice. It’s hard for you to know where your oil is leaking from when you don’t regularly park in the same spot! Guess you can put several sheets of paper towels down and see..or mention it during your next oil change to have them visually check the area.
That last photo was a bit shocking! Yikes! Way too many folks…why it’s a clinger convention!
Have a wonderful day!
Oops. Dexcool is the engine coolant.
Interesting comment, Cinandjules. I’ll have to give a better reply later. The crew is begging me to go outside with them… Bye for now.
In regards to the Dexcool. A quick under the hood check will determine if your 2005 uses it. There will be a sticker near the radiator cap that says “use Dexcool only” or the reservoir will contain red liquid instead of green.
Whatever you do don’t mix either. They have since changed the design of the gasket and I think my mechanic said there is metal in it…so I still use Dexcool.
Hopefully none of this will pertain to your “adding oil”…perhaps it’s something simple as the drain plug or oil filter isn’t tight enough.
Yes, the reservoir says Dexcool and that’s what I’ve used ever since I bought the PTV.
I notice there looks like oil on the lines on the righthand side of the engine (as you peer under the hood from the front). Oil isn’t being lost in great quantity, although I realize that under most conditions a leak tends to worsen rather than get better. 🙁
Are you noticing any oil spots on the surfaces where you park? That would indicate a leaking gasket or seal somewhere on the engine. If you are seeing smoke from the exhaust at times, that would indicate you are burning oil. The oil would be getting by the worn piston rings.
On a lighter note, I sure enjoy reading about Buena Vista. I have subscribed to their newspaper for several years now on the hope I get to travel there or maybe move there. Okla. has gotten way to hot for me anymore.
Hi, Don,
No, I haven’t noticed any oil spots. There could have been some before I thought to look. I have never seen smoke from the exhaust either.
You’ve been reading the Buena Vista newspaper for years… No wonder you’ve been enjoying my recent posts.
Yes, Oklahoma is hot, to say nothing of the tornadoes…
I do agree with your last line.:) Yes, clingers meet clingers!
Hello, Sue,
The wooded area next to the creek really is magical! It is easy to imagine the squirrel tea parties, and the birds delivering the invitations by air mail. So sweet! That shallow water looks so cool and refreshing…..aaaaah. 🙂
I like your new comforter! The color matches perfectly back to the turquoise in the patterned pillow, and your colander! I think Bridget was a little embarrassed that you shared her accident with us. It is ok, sweetie…..we all have accidents at one time or another! **kiss on the head**
For any blogorinos who are trying to downsize and get rid of stuff or who would like to find a cool discount place to shop, I just discovered a great new store that can help with this task. 2nd and Charles is a store that buys and sells: Books, CDs, DVDs, Audio Books, LPs, musical instruments, Game Consoles and associated games, Kindles, IPods, Ipads, Comics and Manga (sp?). The gently used items are for sale at fabulous prices. In addition to used items, they sell a small selection of new items: recently released books (at full price), turntables, LPs, LP storage crates and suitcases, bookmarks, magnets, and tie-ins to books…such as DC comics, Harry Potter, and Alice in Wonderland, to name a few.
A store opened yesterday in my neck of the woods. I stopped in and was awestruck by just how much they had to offer. For anyone looking to sell their stuff or to buy greatly discounted items in a very nice store, that makes you want to take your time to browse, it might be worth checking out! I went back this morning with 2 bags of books – I will get $8+ cash or a store credit of $13+. Win-win! There were only two items that they did not take, because they already had too many copies on hand at this time. I will put them aside to try to sell them at a later date. Anything that they are not interested in, I will donate.
I plan to take the store credit and put it towards getting a couple of the LP storage crates for two of my nephews who have started collecting LPs. I am thrilled to have this store in my neighborhood. It is nice to get something for my items without having to go through the hassle of a yard sale. This is so-o-o much easier! This will help in my paring down my book, CD, DVD, and LP collection. I am almost obsessed – what else I can find to sell! They carry a turntable that I have had my eye on for a couple years…..store credits, here I come! I dropped off another bag of DVDs, CDs, and a couple more books this afternoon. Love it! Helpful hint: If the item does not have a price tag on it, it is new and will be full price. For more info: http://www.2ndandCharles.com
I hope you have a glorious day, Sue! I have to take a break from my sorting frenzy to start the laundry! Sending you, Bridget, and Reggie hugs from me and Gracie pup! xxxooo 🙂
That store is a fantastic find, Denise, and right when you want to downsize. Great! Thanks for explaining it so well for readers. I love your excitement. I’m the same way when I come across something that Really Works For Me. 🙂
Yes, I’m having a glorious day…Thank you. Spent some time outside playing with the crew and now we’re having a nice rain. Bridget and Reggie are asleep.
Nice of you to remark on the comforter. I glance over at Bridget and she is ensconced in puffiness. Now there’s a phrase one doesn’t hear often!
Have a marvelous Sunday, Denise and Gracie pup!
“…Bridget is ensconced in puffiness”….the desired kind of puffiness! Ha! 🙂
Playtime, nap time, a gentle rain (nice reading weather)…yes, that is a glorious day! 🙂
Thank you for reformatting my run-on comment. 🙂
Sue,
Not sure of your elevation, but you could start to see some freezing any time now, and yes we always had extra blankets, sleeping bags, etc., for cold weather. As I mentioned before, more people on East side of divide. Should start easing now in Aug., as some head home to get kids into school.
The cool streams you see, just remember the water is not too far from a snowbank just up the mountain. when I was a kid we would flop down and drink right from the streams, but not anymore.
enjoy, Bob
Hi, Bob,
Good reminder that cold can creep up on us. I’m not sure what our elevation is at this camp. A short distance up Route 24 is the tiny village of Granite, elevation 8,928 feet. I don’t think we are any higher than that, maybe lower, guessing from the vegetation of sage brush, willows, and pines with no aspens at all.
Oh yeah, I remember flopping down to drink straight out of a brook… delicious! One of my childhood pleasures that younger people cannot enjoy.
A short while ago I was in my lounger going over my Benchmark of Colorado. I suspect we will be caught in snow before we return to southern Arizona for the winter. I’m going to make sure it doesn’t happen while driving, especially through a mountain pass!
Elevation 89373
Wow! That would be really high. Elevation at Clear Creek 8,937
Beautiful Creek and woods wish we were there enjoying the water and the shade, but the truck is having a fuel pressure problem, seems like something is blocking the flow, hoping it will disappear and allow us to roll down the road faster, have a great week and give them babies of yours a huge hug from us, ,,, Rusty n Piper
Hi Rusty,
I hope the fuel pressure problem has a simple, inexpensive fix. I noticed that you were not 1st in the comment today….are you slipping!? 🙂
Stay cool! Hugs to you and Miss Piper from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Yah, I am slipping, Denise, been working on the truck and been getting ready for tomorrow, must get a new inverter to charge my devices, get a tire, dump, get water and groceries and hit the road for to look into a new camp,,,, thank you for the prayers and hugs, ,,,,, Rusty n Piper
Safe travels! 🙂
Hi, Rusty….I know you will figure out how to have the truck running smoothly again. Why does stuff happen right when you have a busy day ahead? Best wishes rolling down the road to your next camp…
Thanks Sue, ,,, 🙂
We are also in Buena Vista at the moment … although we travel a bit differently than you & crew! We have a 40′ motor home and enjoy hookups … although we boondock from time to time with our rig. The weather is great, isn’t it! We got out of Tucson for a break from the heat and to see our 9month old grandbaby living in Leadville. Enjoy your time here!
BTW … I second the suggestion that you take the PTV in for a look-loo at a mechanic shop and have them give a look at the gaskets. There is a guy in Buena Vista who is a non-stop worker, right on Rt 24. He does a lot of work on diesels, but the name is Swisher. He helped us with our rig a few years ago, and I can speak to his integrity and knowledge. We drove past his place last night and he had 2 bays open and busy on a Saturday night! Busy guy, for sure.
Thank you very much for sharing that information, Carol! I meant to ask where I might take the PTV. I think I saw that place when we went to Buena Vista Friday…. very busy place. I’ll look into it.
Yes, the weather is wonderful. Looks like this week is going to be perfect… Low 80s. I like a little rain in the afternoon, too, although that doesn’t always happen.
What fun, visiting the baby…. That’s a fun age when personality is more evident and they’re just the right size for cuddling. 🙂
Bridget and Reggie look so happy at this site. It seems to be a wonderland for pups! Way to go, Reggie, for making that ole squirrel scurry up that tree!! And Bridget is looking so healthy. You guys sure did find one delightful spot…again!
The Arkansas River is gorgeous, and the surrounding forest is just lovely. I agree that it would be tempting to stay there a long time. Well, maybe not during summer weekends…that was some crowd forming. I hope all was quiet and peaceful this weekend, but I have a feeling we will read otherwise.
Love the new comforter! And it will be nice to have a spare from now one. Especially one that goes so well with the shams…the color is so pretty! Sorry to hear about the PTV having oil problems. Knowing less than zilch about cars, I have no advice to offer. From past readings, I know you will do what you need to do.
Thank you for sharing a bit of your world with us all. Belly rubs for pups, and prayer for you all.
Hi, Retiredcajunlady,
I’m proud of myself for making it through the weekend among all these people and without killing anyone! More to come on that subject…. 🙂
Enjoy your comments very much…. I can tell you enjoy my posts and that makes me feel great.
Several readers say they would stay here a long time because it is so lovely… Yes, it is… Wait ’til I show you photos of Twin Lakes! Oh my….
Even as lovely as it is, I know there’s more wonderful places to be discovered, so I’m motivated to keep moving.
On behalf of the crew, thanks for the belly rubs, and from me, thanks for the prayer. Happy Sunday to you!
Hi Sue,
You may want to talk to a mechanic about replacing the oil seals on the valves. They keep the oil from traveling down the valve stems and into the combustion chamber where its burned up. That way you never see an oil leak.
It may well be an oil leak that’s causing the oil loss but with the mileage on the van the oil seals might well be the culprit.
Steve.
Thank you, Steve, for the suggestion and for helping me to sound somewhat knowledgeable when I take the PTV in for service. I do want to take good care of the PTV — She’s essential to this way of life!
Your welcome Sue. The seals are something that many people are unaware of until it’s too late because they are out of sight.
I very much admire your lifestyle and understand all to well what traveling and living on your Social Security is like though I like the challenge. One question I did want to ask you was if you still have a link to the site where they interviewed people living in their campers ect off grid. I believe they were in California. It was a couple of years ago at least.
Laughing at who’s number one for the day. The only time I’ve ever been first is when they needed someone to blame.
Steve.
I don’t recall what site you are referring to. Maybe you saw it on Bob Wells’ blog… cheaprvlivingblog. Bob interviewed some van dwellers for a blog post and included a short video. Do a search on his site and it will come up.
Or maybe you’re talking about people who camp at the Slabs? There have been documentaries made of the Slabs. An internet search will turn up something.
Thanks Sue,
You just posted a link to another blog so it may well have been the cheaprvliving blog.
I’m off to check on it.
Steve.
Chris and Cherie at Technomadia did a video series of about 30 people who were living the nomadic lifestyle.
Thank you Pat. These folks for the most part had hit hard economic times and were living just off a fire road in a state forest if I remember correctly.
Their banding together to help each other out interested me.
Steve.
Thanks Sue.
I found the video. Bob Wells was part of it.
” Without bound-perspectives on mobile living.”
Steve.
Hi Sue & Crew, Just popped in to say hello. Sue your pictures get better and better as days go by. Really !!!!! Love them all…. Keep up the good work, uh, is it really work or just plain ol fun? I’m thinking the latter. 😉
Hi, Brenda,
Yes, it’s way more fun than work! Thank you for your encouragement on my photography. I enjoy the results, but more than that, I enjoy the reaction of people like yourself. 🙂
Hi everyone! I haven’t commented in a couple of weeks – work has kept me far too busy. I drove through the Arkansas headwaters area a couple of weeks ago, but couldn’t take the time to stop. I’ll have to make it a priority the next time I’m in the area. Looks absolutely lovely! I’m camping in Loveland Colorado this week. Not so lovely, but close to the friends I’m visiting, so it’s OK for now. Yellowstone next week – I’m sure that will be nice but quite crowded.
Hi, VictoriaEP,
I’m trying to remember what the EP stands for… Estes Park, CO? Yes, do spend some time in this area!
Next week is August and maybe the crowds will ease off a bit at Yellowstone. I hope you have a wonderful time there.
Wow, what a surprise to come back to all those campers. I think you said no ATVs allowed in this area, so hopefully it will be relatively quiet. All the pools, streams and rivers look so cool … I wonder if Miss Bridge was lost in thought, thinking about how Spike liked to sit in the water. I’m feeling a bit melancholy today as I read a little article on the Internet about our dogs never dying – they just go to sleep in our hearts and when we think of them and our hearts ache, it’s just their tails thumping happily. A nice thought I guess, but it still made me sad so I’ve spent most of the afternoon hugging my dogs. I’m glad there are squirrels for Reggie to chase and a new comforter for Bridge to snuggle in with you.
Spike’s legacy lives on! I see him, too, running down the bank for another soak, relaxing in the water with his face to the sun, eyes closed. . . . Yes, hug your babies while you can, Cynthia. What precious gifts they are!
I apologize for the late reply. Yesterday was . . . well . . . interesting.
Hope you are keeping cool and enjoying summertime!
Sweet thoughts Cynthia. Have a great day.:)
What a beautiful area, Sue. I hope the weekend hasn’t been too noisy for you & the crew. The new comforter is a perfect color & so bright & cheery! I love the mental image of Bridge ensconced in puffiness…kinda like my old bod!
Just signed up this morning for a workshop & concert the end of August featuring a Hawaiian gentleman named Kimo Hussy. He teaches ukulele & I know he’ll be such a very good teachers. In his videos, he has a calm presence, speaks slowly (Island style) & he gets you to think about all aspects of playing the ukulele–not just strumming away. My new friend Sandy from ukulele class is going with me too.
For anyone who is looking for a new pastime & maybe making some new friends, taking a ukulele class or teaching yourself (very possible) is perfect. My class is at the senior center in Anacortes & is free. Our teacher is a wonder of energy & wisdom. A beginning uke can be purchased for $50 or even less if you buy used & that’s really about the only equipment you need except for maybe a book. I feel as if it’s building new neural pathways in my brain & I’ve met some nice people & made some new friends. There’s nothing better than sitting outside plunking away on my little uke–it’s very relaxing (most of the time) & I get to sing too. Check it out–it’s a lot of fun!
Happy Trails, Sue & lovies to the Crew!
How nice that you have found something you can learn and enjoy, Dawn, either alone or with others. I wish you many happy hours with your uke. 🙂
Thank you, Sue.
Dawn, so cool that you are taking uke lessons. I recently bought one myself, but I haven’t played with it lately. Need to get back at it. I’m teaching myself to play. I used to strum the guitar a little and sing in a band, so the uke is not that great a challenge…and it’s so much fun.
The real reason I’m posting a reply is to let people new to music know that it is important that the instrument be in tune. Otherwise, no matter how technically correct you play, it will not sound so good. That can discourage you from trying. Any music store should have a tuner especially for the uke, and they are relatively cheap. Of course, you could order one from Amazon. 🙂
Happy strumming!
How neat!
Brodah IZ’ “somewhere over the rainbow” is one of my favs! I’ll have to watch Kimo Hussy’s videos!
Good morning, Larry. What size uke do you have? I have a soprano & am considering buying a concert. I like the Snark tuner–amazon has them. Brett McQueen has a lot of great You-Tube videos & downloads. I also like Ukulele Mike. It is great fun to play.
Cindandjules, I often play IZ video’s while I’m sewing. Also love Gabby Pahinui. He can make a person cry, he’s so good.
I love the photos of the Arkansas. It looks so refreshing. A few comments up, you mentioned photos from Twin Lakes. I’ve gotten into the habit of looking at national forest maps and google earth of the area you are in and if you mention an area you are heading to, I try and figure out where you might end up. My guess for this last camp was around Twin Lakes, so I wasn’t far off.
I appreciate all the details you give on the road numbers and directions. I’m learning how the roads look on a map. The ones that have a chance for boondocks on them seem to have a certain look. Of course with google earth, one can often see the campsites. I just wanted to say thanks for the details. I’ve learned a lot. Needless to say I love maps and could read them for hours.
What you are doing, Pat, is an excellent way to learn how to sense that a road might have boondocks along it. Very similar to how I learned, only I look at the map and then go there to look. You look at a map and then see what I find. Comparing map with reality…
I actually do read maps for hours sometimes. Love ’em. Google maps are okay but I don’t think they’re as much fun… plus what you see with Google can be misleading.
Hello, Everyone!
Sue, as usual….your pictures are amazing and the water always looks inviting! I have news, even though no one knows me, but I have to tell you! I’m going to be Grandma to a little Granddaughter! I’ve known for a long time but my son didn’t want me to tell anyone until they knew the sex. Not sure why, but it’s his decision but now I’m telling everyone! She’s due Nov. 16, they live in Colorado, about 12 hours away but I’m looking forward to that first visit! I’M SO EXCITED!! Sue, Keep blogging!
Love, Kay from KC MO!
Congratulations Kay! Grandkids can be a huge blessing and give you such a different perspective on life. We have been blessed to have our two grandsons living very close to us (1.2 miles from our front door to theirs to be precise) and since my son travels extensively for his job, having my husband here to “father” the boys is their dads’ absence has been a huge help to my DIL. I wish you many happy hours with your new little girl!!
Cynthia, I’m hope they’ll move back but they really love Colorado, so probably won’t. I haven’t heard anyone say that being a Grandmother is a bad chore! Thanks!
Kay
What wonderful news, Kay! Exciting times ahead for your family!
Congratulations brand new grandma, Kay! 🙂
Happy news! Congratulations, Kay!! 🙂
Congratulations, Kay! Grand babies are so special. Being a grandparent is such a treat–none of the worries related to raising children but all of the fun!! Enjoy!!
Hi Sue and Crew!
This last set of pix and commentary is your best yet! And what a beautiful spot! The crew looks mitey content and swimming holes???? You’re in heaven !
The info on the oil seals is rite on FYI. Treats to the crew and stay safe. Chuck
Thanks, Chuck!
Good post Sue… I personally enjoyed the visions of unicorns. elves and squirrel tea parties! Pretty water and soothing scenery-who could ask for more? I hope that your weekend is somewhat quiet (we can hope). Thanks for taking us on your magical journey. Have a great evening.
Thank you, Linda. The same wish for you…
Those places do have an atmosphere of make-believe. I love the scenes you imagine there. I love even more that you see a place that way. You do know that you’re probably the only one that’s ever been there and thought that, don’t you? And that if you hadn’t mentioned it most readers wouldn’t have noticed it either? What causes that is more than your being a writer and enjoying stories, or even that you have an active imagination. It’s the childlike wonder you’ve been able to hold onto that sadly most people leave behind after their few first years in this world.
And the jay settles his tea cup in the saucer and remarks to his chipmunk host, “These biscuits are stellar, absolutely stellar.” 🙂
Yes, it’s wonderful. You have your Beatrix Potter(Peter Rabbit)/Kenneth Grahame (Wind in the Willows) muses working. Love it.
That camping crowd did appear quickly. Since I’m writing on Monday morning, I’ll assume your peace and quiet have returned.
Wow! Love the color of the Arkansas river!
From one angle the water was green and from another that beautiful blue…
Oh that water all looks so heavenly! Hope you get down for a nice swim after the weekend hordes have gone home. We enjoyed the Arkansas River but it was full and fast while we were there – no good for fishing in those great spots along the highways. Love Reggie “hunting” the squirrel. So wonderful to see yourself completely capable of getting what you want!
Hi, Jodee… Timing is everything, as the old saying goes, and it’s very true when traveling!
Hi Sue! got a big chuckle out of your description of the City Market parking lot….we had trouble parking there too, it is just too small!
Last year, after visiting my brother in Salida, we camped at Chalk Lake c.g. and Mt. Princeton c.g., not far from where you are now. We wanted to fill with water on leaving, and asked the nice campground host to point us in the right direction. He sent us to the Buena Vista water treatment plant, near the fairgrounds. They charge $1 for 100 gallons, on the honor system. I hope this info helps you out!
We’re just back from a short 2 night trip into the Mt. Hood NF to Hoodview c.g. at Timothy Lake…I seem to remember you have been there. It was full even midweek, but quiet, nonetheless. My granddaughter (aged 3) loved riding in the kayak. Weather was perfect, and nobody wanted to leave. It’s fun getting to know our new area, so much to see, and do in Oregon.
Thanks for the info on where to find water in Buena Vista, cc!
Yes, we camped in Mt. Hood NF. It was a short visit. How wonderful for your little granddaughter to be a kayaker at age 3! 🙂
Whew!!! I’ve had a lot of reading & catching up to do. So hello to Sue & the crew & the blogorinos. When I got out of the hospital from the last stent & the doctor said I could travel off we went. Been gone a week so far, first in the Mackinac island, St Ignace areas & now we’re following the shoreline of Lake Huron. Only driving about 50 ish miles a day & then we stop for a new adventure. Really love it here, & Sue I think you would too. Makes you appreciate the beautiful earth our creator provided for us. I’m curious, Pat from Michigan, which area of the state are you from? And, if you’d rather not answer I understand. Hopefully we can make it through Arkansas this fall, & get to see in person what Sue so wonderfully writes about. Enjoy what’s left of summer my friends, I missed hearing all your accounts. Nancy & hubby Sam, Chloe the daughter dog & Rupie the traveling cat. ?
Hi, Nancy…. I’m glad your stent is over and you’re out and about enjoying summer!
I bought a Kindle Tablet HD6 and cover. Hopefully you’ll see it appear.
Yes, I see the tablet and the cover! Thanks so much, Applegirl!
Beautiful pictures! You are giving me such an education about dispersed camping in the southern part of my state, thank you.
If you get back to a City Market or a King Sooper look for Olathe sweet corn, peak season right now and it is yummy. Also Aug. is for Palisade peaches also yummy, giving Georgia peaches a run for their money! Melons from either Green River Utah or RockyFord Colorado too.
It is too early for green river melons, isn’t? Love them.
Hi, Candace!
Nice to see you here…. I did buy some sweet corn, the kind with white and yellow kernels, and it was outstanding! Maybe it was the Olathe you mention. I only bought two ears because corn needs to be fresh.
Oh, yes, melons from Green River… I remember they have a melon festival there.
I wish I could have access to this blog more often and knew where you’re camping RvSue. After hiking 14 miles yesterday I spent a night at Clear Creek free campground only later learning you were there. I am sorry to be at the same place at the same campground. Anyway, I left this morning at 6 to hike a section 13 of Colorado Trail. Will be camping south of buena vista somewhere on the trail. Btw, that smooth road leading to rt. 24 was really slick this morning after the rain.
Wow, What a coincidence!
Good morning, R.,
No need to apologize for camping here… I don’t own the place. Ha! You hiked 14 miles? That’s beyond my wildest dreams… I hope you found a good camp for the night. Happy hiking!
Good mornig RVSue and Crew!
Finally I got to down here through Blogorinoland.
Have a good day! 🙂
Hi!
The water looks so lovely, it makes me want to wade into it!
Howdy!
I love your poetry, RV Sue. It WAS like Beatrix Potter with a little Lewis Carroll thrown in! Ha! I, too, love my keen hiking boots. Here is a testament-a few months ago my bone spurs in BOTH my feet started acting up so I started wearing my Keens all the time and the pain went away! I was able to switch back to my SAS shoes and now go back and forth between them and the Keens. These days I can’t believe I ever wore heels! Anyway, did you see a Bissell Vacuum cleaner on your Amazon list? If so, that was me! Please be calm and serene-your camps are lovely.
Terri
Good for you, Terri, figuring out that good shoes relieve the pain of bone spurs. I learned a similar lesson. Before purchasing my KEENs I was wearing cheap shoes and as time went by my knees began to hurt. My KEENs took care of that! I rarely have knee pain any more.
I remember seeing a vacuum cleaner on an Amazon orders list, probably the one you ordered. Thank you very much for thinking of me and the crew when going shopping online. I appreciate that!
Hi, everyone!
Well, first thing I did this morning was spill coffee on my keyboard making it useless. I did find my spare keyboard and attached it which is how I’m typing this.
Forgive me for not replying individually to all comments. I must take the crew on an outing. Their patience with me and this computer is wearing thin and I think they’re talking mutiny.
So I must go… See you later!
Happy Monday!
Sue
Hi, Sue, I’m sorry so much of your day was spent dealing with that problem. I called the Lenovo sales/support number. Their system directs callers to use their website. Their website has no one available for a live chat. However, they did list a number for a sales outlet. It’s 1-877-698-4465. I called,followed the prompts, and a salesperson actually answered the phone 🙂 ! They sell replacement keyboards. You’ll have to provide them with your specific parts numbers, of course. Knowing that you don’t like to use your phone I wish you could take care of this online, yet think you won’t have better luck than I did on their website.If I can help in any way, I’d be happy to.
Thank you, weather, for your efforts on my behalf. I’m not sure what I’m going to do at this point. I’m struggling with this cheap keyboard I’ve added, not sure if the struggle is me adjusting to it or the keyboard itself.
My focus quickly changed yesterday … not only the keyboard fiasco, but also incoming campers, kept me from being active on this blog. We’re moving camp today. As always I hope to find a peaceful camp with internet.
Thanks again for the information about Lenovo!
Until you’re able to be on here again, I hope you and the crew enjoy being where ever you are.
Rice! ?
Oh my what a lovely place by the river!! I was so happy to see your description and photo of the make believe land. The girls and I made a “fairy village” down by some trees on the property and the boys tease them about it (when they think I’m out of hearing range). Your description and photo sure made them think twice!! 😉
Creative play — making fairy villages — is the best kind of play! Many children are never encouraged that way. They play creatively when very young and then they are inundated with toys that do the playing for them. Kudos to you, Leesa, for stimulating the imagination and creative force in your girls.
The kids in Colorado go back to school in mid- August, so if you can stick it out another couple of weeks, you’ll be glad you did!
Good morning, cc… Thank you for the encouragement. I don’t have anything against children, but I admit I do prefer they be somewhere else than where I am. There’s a nice “window” of time between the kids going back to school and before the hunters come out…. Late August, early September… aahhh… 🙂
The first picture looks like you have a little smokestack blowing out a little puff of smoke.
The Little BLT that could! 🙂
Yes!!
Good morning, Toni!
I wondered if anyone would notice that. Looks kind of cute. 🙂
Hi from another FG RVer. Take a look underneath the vehicle after it has sat a bit someplace and see if you can spot any oil. Just a thought, if the old oil filter gasket stuck to the metal (came off the filter) and they just screwed the new filter on, the presence of 2 gaskets can keep it from being tight and it can leak. Hopefully it is something simple and inexpensive like that.