Labor Day Weekend at Gooseberry
Fishlake National Forest, southeast of Salina, 139 miles south of Salt Lake City
Thursday, September 3
Gooseberry Campground (elev. 7,840 ft.) is a small campground with only thirteen single sites ($10 regular/$5 with senior discount) and one group site ($20). It provides water spigots (shared), vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings.
Beyond the self-pay station, the Perfect Tow Vehicles carries the crew and me through a lovely stand of aspens.
There’s only one campground loop. One section is open meadow with campsites long enough for the biggest rigs — two pull-throughs and four back-ins (one by the creek).
No, we don’t want to camp in this area. Generator noise and no shade . . . .
The next sites on the loop are bordered by shrubs and trees, and some of them are along the creek!
Of course, I look for a site on the creek side of the road.
There are three. The first one is unoccupied. It’s small but nice. A woman stands in it, looking at me nervously. I can see from my perch inside the PTV that the next site beyond this one is too short. The third site up ahead looks like the best one. It is empty except for an OHV parked where one would park a rig.
I stop and the woman rushes to the passenger side window and hesitates, as if not knowing what to say.
“Hello! Is this site taken?” I ask.
“We’re going to move into it.” the woman responds nervously. “A guy just moved out of it. We’re over there.” She points to a pretty campsite in aspens on the other side of the road. The campsite contains a soft-sided trailer, a screen house, a truck, chairs, and various camping paraphernalia.
“Okay,” I reply. “What about that site down there?” I point to the site with the OHV and nothing else in it. “Is anyone camping there?”
“Not yet. That’s for our friends. They’re on their way. They should be here any minute.” Then she adds with even more nervousness, “Is that all right?”
No, it’s not all right. You aren’t supposed to hold campsites.
Rather than provoke a confrontation — I just want to set up camp, the crew is antsy, and it’s been a busy morning — I simply smile and say, “First come, first served” and continue driving around the loop.
Darn. This means we have to take one of those sites in full sun, up in Generator Land.
I stop the PTV and consider our options.
Gee, I don’t feel like hunting for a boondock right now. We’re gonna’ hafta’ make this work. Maybe there’s a way to squeeze into that short site between the two good sites. Won’t hurt to take another look . . . .
As I approach the area of creekside campsites, the same woman rushes toward the PTV.
“You can have this site!” she exclaims. “We aren’t going to take it after all. My husband looked at it and decided he didn’t want to move all our stuff. So you can have it. It’s a very nice site.”
What? She ran me off and her husband hadn’t even looked at it yet?
Since their camp is directly across from the site and since I’m not in my most gracious mood, I ask, “Do you run a generator?”
“No, do you?” she replies.
“No, I don’t.”
Then she asks, “Are your dogs yappy?”
I’m taken aback. I reply, “Only when they have good reason.”
Gee, lady, you have some nerve. Does that OHV of yours make noise?
I get out to see how level the parking area is and to determine how to back in.
“If you need help backing in, I’ll go get my husband,” she offers. How weird, you have to get your husband? You’re standing right here and YOU can’t help? Gotta’ follow those strict gender roles . . . .
“No, no. That won’t be necessary. Thank you.”
I back into the site.
About an hour later their friends show up, towing a fun-hauler travel trailer. (Everyone in Gooseberry Campground has at least one OHV.) As I continue setting up our camp, the two couples chat at the primo site.
Then the fun-hauler leaves and backs into a site in Generator Land!
Soon the husband drives the OHV out of the primo site and past ours. I’m unhitching the Best Little Trailer. He pauses and hollers over the engine’s roar, “That’s what I get for being nice! They don’t want that site!” Then he laughs and drives into his campsite, parking the OHV on the grass.
Great. I would’ve taken that site. Well, too late now.
Wait a minute. Something’s not right here. I drive in looking for a site and they have three out of the four good possibilities tied up — the one they are occupying, the one she wants to occupy and he doesn’t, and the one they’re holding for their friends who don’t want it.
What if I didn’t go around the loop a second time? Because of their hogging, the crew and I would be camped with no trees and no creek, listening to generators, and I’d be miserable and probably hopping mad. Anyway . . .
I put them out of my mind.
Our site is nice, right next to the noisy little creek. I’m happy. The crew is happy.
Why did I tell you this story?
It illustrates why “holding” a campsite against campground rules (and etiquette) is never a good practice. “First come – first served” doesn’t mean “First come – first hog.”
Friday, September 4
In our typical fashion, the crew and I hang around camp relaxing for the first full day at this camp.
I read. I play with the crew. We take walks. I read the notices on the message board at the entrance.
The campground fills up. Everyone is an off-road enthusiast. Labor Day Weekend has begun!
My plan is to camp at Gooseberry until Labor Day when we will move to a boondock.
The working folks will vacate the good boondocks on Monday.
(To enlarge photos, hold CTRL key and tap the + key.)
Saturday, September 5
The couple across from our site fire up the OHV at 8 a.m. and take off. By 10 a.m. the generators in the two sites next to us are still going strong. I am determined to make it through this weekend with my sanity intact.
“C’mon, punkins. Let’s take a drive into town!”
Salina is 18 miles away.
Gooseberry Road is a pleasant drive.
We leave the national forest and pass a few, isolated homes and farms.
At the base of the mountains, the landscape is quite different.
Of course it’s warmer here than up on the mountain.
Our first stop in Salina is the Maverick gas station where I park the PTV, go online, read blog comments, write a post, insert photos, and publish.
From there we go to NAPA Auto Parts.
NAPA shares a parking lot with Barrett’s grocery store. I take out the PTV’s old air filter in the parking lot and leave the hood up while I run inside NAPA and buy a new filter.
Installation is quick and easy. The engine area is very dusty. The PTV has been boondocking like she means it!
Sunday, September 6
Bridget, Reggie, and I board the PTV and head out to explore the forest, searching for our next camp. It’s fun!
In the next post I’ll show you what we find!
rvsue
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Just sat down for lunch, and there you were!
CONGRATULATIONS, LEE J.! YOU’RE FIRST AND YOU DID IT MULTI-TASKING!
First?
Second. Just shows I gotta get a life!
Ha! Hi, Ilse. 🙂
Third. I skimmed the post. I don’t have much trouble with other campers, but I avoid the ones that seem to feel privileged. They will cause trouble later one way or another by giving themselves excuses for rude behavior.
That’s why I love boondocking!
I bet those folks have to have someone following them around to pull down their shirt tail…….because they sure do show their butt!
🙂
I don’t think they were mean-spirited, just not seeing things from a view other than their own and not wanting to see things from a view other than their own.
Too bad about the generators and ATVs taking over! But today is Tuesday so it must be much quieter where you are now! It sure was crazy here over Labor Day too! Last day at the beach for a lot of folks! You couldn’t squeeze an another car in the Dollar General parking lot with a shoe horn! Today, there were only 8 cars! Yay! Now those of us who live here can rejoice in the lack of traffic and plenty of seating at our really good restaurants!
We camped at Fish Lake also one fall and the colors are amazing there! Hopefully you had a peaceful weekend despite the noisy start! Belly rubs to Bridge and Reggie! ((((Sue)))) hugs!
Hi, Geri,
Isn’t retirement great? We don’t have to cram fun-fun-fun into a weekend… and it’s such a pleasure when the crowds leave.
Fish Lake is at the far end of Gooseberry Road, over the mountain. The RVs and OHV trailers were one steady stream in that direction all day Friday. I must have seen a hundred if I saw one.
Whew! It’s over!
Hallelujah! ?
“First come, first hog.” Classic.
Now why does this post have me adding my own “mental italics” to yours?
“Why yes, they do yap – but you’ll never hear it over your ATV’s and generators, so why do you ask?”
“They do bark occasionally, but I try to be considerate. Do your generators “yap”? Do you hush them up?”
Geez.
Yay, day after Labor Day!
PS: “I’ll go get my husband to help you back in.” Classic! I mean, unless she had a problem where her arms aren’t able to wave…
Again perceiving the world from her own point of view only. She meant well but was clueless. Spend your life in a dependent role, you begin to assume all others like you (female) are helpless.
The nerve of those people!! You were much more restrained than I would have been. I would have crept over to their campsite in the middle of the night and sprinkled food scraps, chap stick, shampoo, motor oil, and insect repellent all around. If they want to be site hogs, let them deal with the bears!!
Hi, Cynthia,
Oh, they weren’t so terrible. Just not being considerate, too caught up in their own fun. It’s not worth a confrontation, although I can be tolerant because we ended up in a nice site. 🙂
I love the pictures of the brook running over the rocks. I guess every campsite can’t be sunshine and roses. Your next site will be just the opposite, quiet and perfect. Maybe you will see some Moose!
Hi, Jean,
The site was okay. I would’ve taken the other one because it had a shady place with thick grass for the crew. I wasn’t going to mention the encounter. Decided to do so for the “moral of the story.” 🙂
Thanks re the brook photo.
Strange neighbors you had…takes all kinds eh? Glad you found a nicer place, Sue!
Thanks, Elizabeth. The weekend at Gooseberry makes our present boondock all the sweeter! 🙂
Yes, understood…all things working together for good in the end…just kind of tough in the middle at times…this is how I am viewing all of life presently…were it not for the troubles, we would have never gotten to where we are on our faith path and that has been simply wonderful!! (I would not have minded less troubles either however…yet when it comes to certain things, like kin relationships etc…we have been more or less “set free”…and that can be wonderful in the long run too!!)
No, that behavior is not OK. On the rare occasion when I’m traveling with one or two others to a campground, we will save sites. But we choose a spot and pay the fee. To do otherwise is just inconsiderate.
[Note to self: next time change own air filter].
Hi, Kim,
I hadn’t thought about paying the fee in advance of the arrival of friends. That makes more sense!
Yes, change your own air filter. It’s easy.
That’s just what I thought. My Roadtrek has the same chassis as your PTV. Another thing I can do myself. Your posts aren’t just delightfully entertaining, they are also educational!
Sure! Just unclip the two metal thingies, pull off the lid, replace filter (it screws into place), replace lid, secure clips…. done! Much harder to bake a cake…
If you go to a big box store like Walmart, there is a small computer-type screen next to the auto filters. Put in the make, model, and size engine and it tells you which filter fits your vehicle. Or go to a place like NAPA and they look it up for you.
Oh brother! These are the kind of people and noise issues I dread, and will do my best to avoid. Regarding holding camp sites…where are the rangers, camp hosts, etc.. when you really could use the help with rule enforcement? Hope good boondocking opportunities are still available when I hit the road. I’ve been reading that full-timers are encountering more restrictions and that some public land may become off-limits to camping??
Don’t mind me blogorinos…just in a “pissy” mood today.
Hope you all had a good Labor Day weekend, and that Sue has moved on to peaceful new site.
CateW
Hi, Cate W.,
Thank you. We have moved to a peaceful site. 🙂
As you probably have guessed, there aren’t enough personnel to watch what is going on in campgrounds all the time.
I can understand your fear of losing boondocking opportunities. I know it sounds like my same ol’ song and dance…. However… I’m more concerned about the loss of places in the forest where one can go and not hear combustion engines. It was non-stop all over this mountain this past weekend. I counted 32 OHVs in less than an eighth of a mile. What probably started out as a small campsite years ago is now a large “parking lot” of bare ground where groups of RVS (usually 5th wheels), large diesel trucks with huge tires, several OHVs and the utility trailers to haul them are spread out, mostly on the perimeter, on the grass, making the parking lot even bigger. I saw this in several locations.
Traffic in the forest. What will it be like in another 50 years?
I drove deep into the forest, parked and got out the crew for a walk and to take photos. The PTV was still in view when OHVs roared by, the dust flying. This happened in three places. The last time I gave up and went back to the campground. I felt like sitting down and having a good cry for the forest.
Rest in peace, John Muir. 🙁
That’s exactly it, isn’t it? Will there be ANYPLACE where one can go to get away from noise. Or maybe only if you can backpack twenty miles (and even then?).
That’s what I worry about most. Every time I read a tip on how “easy” it is to carry a generator out to your boondock (oh goodie) I grit my teeth. Noooooo!
Also your point is well taken on the damage to the land.
I wonder about people who like to hike. Do they not notice how hiking trails are being taken over by OHVs?
I hike a lot. I avoid the trails where OHVs are allowed. It’s posted at trail heads. It’s the mountain bikes that come up on me so fast. However mt bike people are usually courteous and friendly because I have the right of way. I have never been involved in a bike vs dog leash incident but I have heard some stories.
I mentioned the hiking trails because we stopped at two trailheads in Fishlake NF. I expected a trail to walk on. They were OHV trails which has me wondering if they once were hiking trails.
I hope you never have a bike vs. dog leash incident.
Amen GF! What I don’t understand is why do these folks take their machines to the woods in the first place? How can you enjoy a natural setting when you are roaring along too fast to appreciate the scenery, listen to the birds, stop to examine a flower, hear the music of water over rocks, and exercise your body with a good walk-about. Not to mention the engine exhaust fouling the air!
OHV’s & Jet Skis…grrrrr.
I too mourn the destruction of the natural world, and the impact on those of us who favor:
Canoe vs. speedboat
x-country ski vs. snowmobile
country road vs city street
solar power vs gas generator
ETC…
Peace to you Sue and crew,
CateW
All those things you mention in your first paragraph are not important to these people. If you asked, they’d say they love nature. However, actions speak louder than words. Using the forest as a fun park (speed, noise, thrills) is the antithesis of appreciating and respecting nature.
While we’re on the topic … I always wonder why people go camping and attach all those “cute” little decorative lights to the outside of their rigs. I want to see the stars and moon at night – not a bunch of ambient man made lights!
While camped in the desert, a fellow boondocker had a light on all night, it must have had about 900,000 lumens, kept the generator busy, that’s for sure… sheesh…
It was so bright I could have embroidered all night in the BLT without my lights on! Haha!
I have a friend (who is a generally quiet type) who has an “all night” light on the outside of his rig. When we were boondocking out where there was a lot of privacy, no light pollution (or not much anyway) and a gorgeous view of the stars and milky way all night long, I of course wanted to keep my curtains open and enjoy the night sky. Instead I had to look at his light.
I asked him if he would mind removing it (didn’t even have an “off” setting) and he seemed completely puzzled as to why, until I explained. Apparently it had never occurred to him that anyone might like to see the night sky.
By now you should be relaxing in your quiet boondock home. I look forward to reading about it. This one was pretty, but way too noisy for me.
Hi, Dawn,
When we packed up and left on Labor Day, most of the other campers were leaving also. Holiday weekends…. Used to love ’em…
Yes, this boondock (which had four RVs, etc., in it over the weekend) is quiet and peaceful with a beautiful view.
Congratulations on your patience and diplomacy. I probably would have had a needless confrontation. Oh well Missy it’s on to bigger and better things for you and the little ones. Those other sites were occupied by inexperienced “weekend” campers obviously.
Won’t be long and good ole Arizona will be the place to be…
Hi, Jim,
Yes, it’s a different mind set…. weekend fun versus this-is-my-temporary-home. One wants to cram as much fun as possible, the other wants some peace and quiet. Of course, we all know who wins! Fortunately it turned out okay. We had a nice camp, albeit noisy.
I think about Arizona and wonder where we will camp this winter. I like to try new places and would also like to return to a few of my favorites. “Good ole Arizona”… 🙂
You know if you want cool weather in Arizona right now, there’s the white mountains. I’m sure you could find some spots up there. I’ve always thought it would be great to have a friend who owned some unoccupied land up there somewhere I could spend a few weeks a year camped on. Of course now it’s just a bygone fantasy for Detta and me.
I did a search just now and looked at the images that came up for “White Mountains in AZ.” *sigh* I can see why you had that dream. Beautiful. (For readers who don’t know, the White Mountains are in eastern AZ near the border with NM.)
Some folks sure have nerve. I think if I wanted that spot, I would have said, first come, first serve, “I’m backing in now, take care I don’t run over you.” It was a holiday weekend, for crying out loud, lucky for her you are a nice person. The campsite did look nice though, next to that little creek. There is nothing like sleeping with babbling water nearby.
Hi, Barbara,
We did sleep with the window open and I listened to the creek. Such a soothing sound. In fact during the day I focused on the sound of the creek as a way to push the other noise into the “background.”
Yes, I thought the same thing. She’s lucky another person, someone more combative, didn’t come along. It could’ve become ugly.
wow what one must do just to camp on a holyday ,,, we had just about the same thing, plus a real heavy rain to where we sank in the mud and this morn got pulled out at 6am and now we’re camped up road 171/222 be hind Pilot Truck Stop 10 miles west of Flagstaff in a nice meadow,,,,,,,,,, give them babies a hug from us and have a great day,,,,,,,,,,,, rusty
Hi, Rusty,
Stuck in the mud…. Oh, not fun at all. I’m glad you’re out of it and in a meadow. I know about where you are. Handy area.
Stay dry. Hug Lady Piper for me!
Lady Piper says thanks, she loves gettin’ brushed, belly rubs too. my gram ma used to call me “stick in the mud”, cause When I was small, I’d play in the mud,, ,,,,,,,,
🙂
Glad you are in a quiet boondock after the weekend. We made sure we were home from our adventure Friday noon before the weekend. We didn’t want to be in the crazyness on the road or in the campgrounds.
We finished a 3+ week trip to the National Parks – Lassen, Crater Lake, Glacier, Yellowstone, Tetons, and Craters of the Moon. Some National Forest sites too. The first part of the trip was very smokey from the fires. Didn’t clear really til we got to Yellowstone. I totally understood your search for clear skies. We went through John Day in Oregon and were headed North when that fire was getting started. Glad we were headed away from that one. The fires were still burning in Glacier and made that park very smokey except the last morning.
Had a good trip. 2 people in a small fiberglass trailer for 3 weeks can be challenging at times. We did alright. The areas were lovely and the places we camped were nice. It was nice to be in Yellowstone when the school year started at my old school. I am now enjoying being home and not having to get up and go to work. Retirement is grand.
Enjoy the peace where you are. I may be able to do some camping on my own. My partner isn’t sure about extended trips. I may do some volunteering in the future too.
Pets to the crew.
Hi, Teri,
What a wonderful itinerary for your 3 weeks of camping! Those are lovely areas. I’m sorry you encountered smoke.
Yes, “retirement is grand.” Funny, when I was a kid I thought of retirement as being the end of the road. I find out it’s the beginning! At least for me… 🙂
I’m amazed to see couples living in a small fiberglass trailer. Some are full-timers! Awfully close quarters for two people….. but you survived! 🙂
Enjoy your time at home. Thank you for the interesting comment.
Yup, our 7.5 months out this past year in our 17′ Casita convinced us that it was probably wise to go larger. Can’t wait to try long term in our new 21′ Passport. Amazing what 4′ can do. It seems gigantic to us. Maybe I won’t need to fly home midway this year! ?
I wasn’t thinking of you and Gil when I wrote that reply, Kathy. Your experience does make a good illustration though. 🙂
I’m looking forward to hearing how you like your new, longer rig once you’re back on the road. I bet you’re making plans and anxious to get moving…
I can’t begin to tell you, Sue, how anxious we are to get rolling down the road. Everyday we are motivated to get a little bit more done. Our main project (& deterrent to departure) is the repair, cleaning & upgrading of the rental house that was my Mother’s house which is in our backyard. Gil is now replacing the subfloor that deteriorated under the water heater during the tenure of our ten yr renter. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Much has been completed— still a ways to go. No wonder I enjoy your posts so much!
Yuck. That is major repair. I’m happy you come here to get away from the work. 🙂
If the husband and wife think you need help with something, feel free to let them empty the black water tank.
Good one!!!!
I agree with Marilyn… good suggestion! 🙂
Ha ha, yes. “If I just had a man to help me with this leaking black valve…. oh, why thank you!”
(Not that I would ever pull that, but certain things ARE fun to laugh mentally about.)
Some of the funniest notes and letters etc are the ones we never send eh?? Heehee…
Yes, and they are always the perfect, witty, quick retort 😀
“Oh gosh, when my black tank is full I’ll have to give up camping!”
Heehee….good one!!
Hey RV Sue, good to hear from you, always look so forward to it. Reading your post I was wondering, is there some sort of rule about saving campsites or not saving campsites? Or is it just plain good manner’s, being considerate or what? I have stayed at a small camping area in Wyoming where people have run their generator’s at different times of the day and night! We left a day early just to get away from it, couldn’t really enjoy being where you can’t even hear a bird sing for the sound of a loud generator! Anyway, the pics are great and thank you for taking the time out of your life to share such interesting details and pics with us…..you are the best! Always looking forward to the next post! Have a blessed one!
You’re welcome, Linda,
I think the meaning of “first come – first served” is common knowledge and since that’s how this type of non-reservable campground is described, it is good manners to leave sites open for people as they arrive. I’ve also seen the restriction against holding campsites for others posted in plain language at the self-pay station. At Gooseberry it says “Occupy vacant camp unit, note number and return here within 30 minutes.” Then it proceeds to explain how to pay for your site. That word “occupy” is key.
It’s also common knowledge that quiet time starts at 10 p.m. and continues to early morning (some places 6 a.m., others 7 a.m.). In the really small campgrounds, the selfish people do what they want because it’s unlikely they will suffer any consequences. I’m sorry you had to cut your camp short. I share your frustration!
All of your photos show how clear the air is in comparison to areas you drove through in August.It’s great to see the crisp clarity that lends to such wonderful views.The people living in the isolated homes you passed must love looking around when they are outside.What a beautiful place to live they have!
Sharing well seems to ever be a struggle for most.I imagine the couple saving sites for their friends demonstrate a weakness in that area in much of their lives.I’m often glad you have mastered the skill for several reasons.At the moment because it allowed you to behave in a peaceful way with them .A different type of person would not have been able to find anything that made the long weekend tolerable for herself and fur friends without upsetting other people there.Ya done good!I’m proud of you,Sue.
The weekend crowds around the lake here were friendly and kind.I focused on that the way you focused on the water’s sounds,trying to not let their effects get the best of me or steal my joy.The wildlife felt crowded and overwhelmed so a skunk sprayed some creature I didn’t see just as my pup and I were going out.She ran over to see and returned in serious need of a bath and has never taken one very willingly.Thankfully because she hadn’t been involved in the confrontation she only had the residue from the bushes and grass on her back and paws so the bath worked well and was quick.I decided to be glad her being wet kept her cool that hot morning .
Your day and boondock must feel especially delightful having followed what wasn’t!I’m so pleased that you posted and must have a signal at home.As you know the process of deciding what to keep or leave involves time and thought.This morning I was thinking that I’m content with loving living and inanimate things far more than is “good for me” by most people’s standards as a way of deciding what to hold on to .This connection with you ,your blog and the blogorinos is a definite keeper 🙂
Hi, weather,
When passing homes as we travel around the West, I usually wonder what it would be like to live in that particular place, in that particular house.
I’ve given a lot of thought to the couple who monopolized the three campsites. You mentioned a “weakness in that area in much of their lives.” I imagine you’re right. They demonstrated a need for control… They considered themselves as being thoughtful by holding a campsite for their friends (“Try to be nice…”). What they failed to realize is that part of the fun of going camping is choosing one’s own site. Bravo to the friends for refusing to be manipulated!
Oh dear, skunk! I’m glad it wasn’t a full assault! Yes, the best strategy in these holiday conditions is to find something distracting, something to hang onto, until peace returns. We stayed inside the BLT until late morning and then returned to the inside around 4 p.m. when the microwaves, televisions, and whatnot needed their power. Yesterday, here at our boondock, the crew and I were outside from morning until sunset. Precious hours of quiet, except for the birds and the fluttering of aspen leaves. Just as you wrote…. “especially delightful.”
As I hope this day has been for you and continues into the evening. Always a pleasure to hear from you, weather. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Mercy, Weather…skunks are nasty!! Glad it was only a brush by and hopefully all the smell comes off!! One thing we notice here is virtually we never smell or see a skunk!! Just possums and racoons who nearly tore our grandpup apart!! He recovered well thankfully!! Funny how the little dogs are often the ones who will charge into a fray never worrying about their size (or in his case, lack of hair!!)
Oh,Elizabeth,I’m so glad your grandpup is alright,wildlife can be fierce opponents.Over the years I’ve had to give well over a dozen after skunk baths,I always use a splash of Dawn dish liquid,a few ounces of hydrogen peroxide solution and a couple teaspoons of baking soda in a large pan of water on the hair not on the head,ears or face and just rinse thoroughly so the smell did come off.My dog is no youngster so I take it as a blessing that she still has the vigor, enthusiasm and strength to chase down the hill full of excitement.You know the recipes for delicious food and I know one- to clean up a mess 🙂
But for some reason….when it rained…the essence of skunk re-surfaces. ?
We lived one place the skunks went on a revenge
“skunking” one night to us and the neighbors…ever after when we mowed the yard the stench was almost overpowering. One sprayed all under a friend’s porch in another location and so far as I ever heard…it never totally left!!
Hey, we never know when a PERSON might need a de-skunking…have heard those stories too…thanks for telling me your recipe for that!! Most important to know!!
Glad your dog is doing well…that is indeed a blessing!! We love them so!!
Yay!! You remembered to get a new air filter! When you left Ephraim, and stopped only at Wal Mart I thought you had forgotten. In a pinch, and it is dirty, you can take it out and rap it sharply on a rock or picnic table a few times to get some of the dirt out until you can get around to finding another. Hopefully, the clean air filter will boost your power, letting you go up those hills in 2nd instead of 1st……although lightening the load in the PTV couldn’t hurt either…hint, hint…
As usual I enjoyed your take on the holiday weekend. Is it just me, or are there more big rigs out in the boonies in Utah, than there are in other states??
Hi, cc and canine,
I don’t know if there are more rigs in Utah than other states or not. The families are very big in Utah and I guess that’s why one sees several RVs in one campsite. I saw a lot of RVs in Idaho which surprised me, especially in places like Sawtooth Mountains.
I didn’t forget the air filter when we stopped at Walmart on the way out of Ephraim. After digging holes behind the tires and sliding in gravel, the day was slipping away so I didn’t bother with it then. I do think the PTV has more pep with the new filter! I noticed it immediately on the return trip up the mountain from Salina.
Good tip about knocking the dirt out of a filter. I discovered pieces of grass and leaves stuck on it! Makes me wonder if a rodent tried to make a nest somewhere in the engine…
Yes, I need to lighten the PTV’s load. At least I repacked so that the load is better distributed. 🙂
Don’t you just love people! I was having lunch in the campground cafe with my small 25 foot motor home parked in the front lot. A women came in ordered something to go and then asked 2 of the couples if that was their rv out front-funny how as the only single (white haired) female she never asked me. And I have to say I did not volunteer either. I guess in her mind solo women were not a possibility.
Love your blog. Safe travels.
Geneva
Heh. Well every once in a while the “invisibility” is convenient, isn’t it. At that point, no reason to speak up to correct anyone.
Thanks, Geneva. I’m pleased that you love my blog.
It isn’t only men who have preconceived ideas of what women can, should, and actually do. I find it’s the women — maybe more so than the men — that have this concept that females aren’t complete, fully functioning human beings without the help of a man. These antiquated attitudes about women are the barriers that restrict many women from experiencing a grand and satisfying life. It’s really pitiful. Okay, so some women enjoy playing the dependent role. I get that. Fine. Now let’s “get” that some of us can function on our own and enjoy doing so!
Well, where did that come from? Ha! Oh, another thing …. The sympathy invitation… because you’re alone… you poor dear…. how sad . . . blah, blah.
I read this on a woman’s blog recently: “Like all of us “older, wiser women,’ she yearned for a partner to share her experiences.”
Huh?
I agree Sue that women who have that attitude are the most puzzling to me. When I was married (35 yrs) I had no problem letting him tackle things but on the same note he had no problem calling me from work and asking me to go get a bag of cement and mix it to finish a gate post for him so he could finish the gate.
I was at a campground in WA state and was getting ready to pull into a spot -electric was in front and on wrong side for me to back in-and a guy came running over to help direct me. I let him do his thing but refused to pull all the way up so that I was nose first into the rear of the trailer in front. I told him I did not stick out that much and just needed electric hookup.
It’s good that I am easily entertained by people.
Hi Sue,
Glad you survived the weekend. Our internet was down all weekend. Incompetence and one hand not know what the other hand is doing in a rather large phone/internet communication company. I was livid to put it mildly.
“First come – first served” doesn’t mean “First come – first hog.” We used to see it all the time in the little county park we USED to camp at. We found another campground this year and even though it is a state park and much busier, we like this campground better.
Looking forward to as always for your next blog post!! Great to be back online!
Hi, Jolene,
It’s tough going without internet, especially for bloggers and those who love ’em!
This camping with crowds is bringing up all sorts of issues — reservations made online, reservations made by blocking the campsite, and then there are people like me who enjoy the uncertainty of “first come — first served.”
Can’t we all just get along? NO WE CAN’T. We will go somewhere else, thank you. Ha!
Had to laugh at, let me get my husband to help you back in. We pull up to a site and start to back in, suddenly we have 3 or 4 guys running up to the window, you want me to back that in for you. No I can handle it! Well can we see inside your Sportsmobile? Yes, when we get settled. Dang give a person a chance to unload.
We leave in the morning to go to Rockport state park for a week, can’t wait.
Oh, Michelle. I can just imagine you drawing “helpful” crowds! And also the curious about your rig . . . .
Your last line gave me the biggest smile of the day…. Away you go again! Good for you!
I wish you and your husband a wonderful week of camping ….
Hi, Sue,
Glad you survived the weekend of ATV and generator noise. At least you had the creek to focus on and will the noise away…. Love the pictures of the road through the aspens, and the little creek.
I am looking forward to see where you have landed. Always an exciting installment of your blog, be it a Walmart shopping spree, discussion of dumping (or not) the black tank, or the discovery of the perfectly nestled boondock. Thanks for taking us along! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hugs to you, too! Thank you for mentioning the photos you like.
Yeah, my blog seems to go all over the place…. Next post I promise will be more positive. It’s good to be by ourselves again.
Don’t worry about being more positive. You are keeping it real! 🙂
We spent nine days in Fish Lake National Forest several years back (can’t remember which campground). We were lucky in that there were few campers of any kind in our campground. It was a little cool and a little wet at times (it was June, 2010, I think), but we really enjoyed the area.
Hi, Walt,
I’d love to have you see Fishlake National Forest again and let us know what changes you see. Back in 2012, I think it was, we camped in Fishlake NF on a mountain east of Beaver, Utah… Upper Kents Lake. There were a string of campgrounds before reaching where we camped. I don’t remember seeing one OHV. I wonder what that mountain is like now. If they let them in and it’s overrun with them, or if it’s much the same as we found it three years ago… pristine, quiet, lovely…
It is a pretty area. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Ugh, I knew you were going to have to suffer through a crowded, loud weekend somewhere, glad you were able to make the most of it, wish you could have turned up the volume on that creek, huh? 😉
Happy to hear you are in a new RVSue-style spot! Can’t wait to see/hear about it!
I look forward to showing you our present camp, Marla. Turn up the volume on the creek… Ha! I must say, for a little creek it did its best to be noisy! Funny how natural sounds are pleasant to the ear . . .
First come…first serve! Sheesh… It’s not like there was a ton of sites available! So many folks are so selfish in their behavior/actions. I had to laugh at the “interrogation” by the self appointed campsite monitor.
No problem… You always seem to find a better spot!
Hi, Cinandjules,
That could have been an explosive situation . . . . Yes, once the crowd left, we found a much nice camp. I hope your holiday weekend was all you wished it to be!
Glad you found such a beautiful place to spend the holiday. Am definitely going to put Utah on my bucket list because of all the beautiful places you’ve shared, Sue.
I’m in the Smokies in Tennessee with friends and will move on up to Ohio to finish up my yearly fall trip. We do have some deciduous trees with rich color in my part of Georgia, but nothing like what we see up here and in the midwest. Fall is my favorite time of year and I have to get my Harvest Festival/pumpkins/corn maze fix in every year. Can’t wait for the first opportunity to wear a sweater and some boots!!
I’m with you, Sue; I cherish the peace and quiet in the beautiful places.
From South Georgia to Ohio… No wonder you’re looking forward to wearing a sweater and boots. 🙂 I haven’t seen much of Ohio. You got me with “deciduous trees.” Enjoy your time with friends!
As usual, enjoy your blog and stories.
Two things about people I just don’t understand, 1) thoughtlessness, and 2) generators. It really bothers me when people just don’t get they are doing something wrong or being so self-absorbed in their own families and goings on that they step on the toes of others.
And generators. I just don’t get it–well, kind of. When we are dry camping I wouldn’t mind being able to use more power for lights and heat (and maybe a little air conditioning) but I don’t get campers who are in a beautiful campground yet sitting inside their RV with the generator going. Last trip to Lake Tahoe, a couple in a toy-hauler, constantly ran their generator and the only thing we could figure out they were doing was watching TV. Really? They are in one of the most coveted campgrounds in the area and they’re sitting inside.
Anyway, I spent the morning booking motels in the S Utah canyon lands for early October and can’t wait to see the area!
Keep up the good work.
Robin
Hi, Robin,
Well, you know where I stand on thoughtlessness, especially when it comes to ruining someone’s camping experience. I’m glad my blog gave you an opportunity to vent!
I’m not glad if the negative experience at Lake Tahoe has spoiled your enthusiasm for camping. Not that there’s anything wrong with motels, if you like them. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful trip to Canyonlands. Thanks for writing!
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to vent. 🙂 You rock.
Seems like, from what you said, the lady was probably a nice lady, just
ignorant of camping rules and manners. You think she would have backed
down if you would have stated you needed one of her ‘saved’ spots ?
I always felt that holiday camping brought out the worst in people.
So happy your weekend was at least tolerable .
Always enjoy your posts and colorful stories, just the best !
Hi, Linda a.,
I don’t doubt she is a nice lady in many respects. In this situation, I could see she was nervous about what she was doing, and I assume that’s because she knew it wasn’t right. It was obvious that her actions were cutting me out of the three best sites and she feared how I was going to react. Anyway… It makes for interesting discussion and provides a teaching moment regarding behavior when sharing a campground. 🙂
I’m happy that you enjoy my blog. Thanks for stopping by with a comment.
Glad to see your proficiency with the PTV / BLT rig; lots of people would have been in trouble in those situations.
Ah! my birthday present made the list of fame (Fuji).
Too bad OHV’s aren’t restricted to private land. I have read some off road vehicle magazines and they talk often about fighting for their rights to use public land. Between the OHV users and manufactures they have a lot of political power.
Best to the Crew & Sue.
Wow, Mick! What a fantastic birthday present! You deserve it. I thank the birthday angel for purchasing it through my blog. 🙂 I hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Yes, I was proud of myself for solving those two problems. (Obviously, I bragged about it enough!)
You’re right. The OHV users and manufacturers/dealers have way more power than folks like me. I’m trying to accept the the forests and areas of the desert being overrun with machines is the new normal. It’s only going to get worse. I suspect someday it will end my boondocking days, if I live long enough.
Just keep looking for the perfect piece of land; your very own campsite.
If the OHV users, clubs, and mgf of these machines have lots of political clout re use of public lands…why don’t those of us who boondock, hike, tent, etc..start our own advocacy group and get someone like the Sierra Club to help sponsor us so we can put forward our own agenda to protect the forest and desert. We can fight for our “rights” if there is an interest??
Just a thought.
CateW
I have the interest but not the energy to spare… Great idea though! I wonder if there isn’t already a group such as you describe that we could join forces with.
Anyone know?
I agree…if there is already an up and running group for nature-lovers & peace-seekers like us…it would save our time and sanity to join them.
If any of the like-minded blogorinos locate such an organization…please share the info. I’ll research too and let you know if I find something.
Here’s to us,,,the other side of the camping coin!
CateW
I love this blog but I have and use a generator. I keep the quiet hrs but did you know the manual says the gen needs to run 2 hr a day at min of 50 % load too continue to run reliably I would love to have your solar. I actually own a ATV. They have their place but revving thur the forest is not one of them. Scares the wildlife, causes erosion , and in some cases a fire danger in the area you are in now. Snow mobile also fit the category. Good for some things but misused in others. I really have seen very little good uses of the jet skis that a small boat couldn’t do just as well. I actually live in a natl park. I hide on a holiday. The crowds other times don’t bother me too much if I don’t have an encounter. I really don’t mind camping next to people or even listening to the generator. Frankly if I was there I would probly crank it up and sew all weekend til after the crowd left. Keeping the sewing machine humming. I never have but I could if the crowd was obnoxious. I would like boondocking and probably wouldn’t run a generator except to charge battery. I am sorry if I ruined your weekend but it’s short and not all are retired full timers, this too shall pass and it will be quiet again.
Hi, Joy,
Thank you for telling me you love my blog. I never tire of seeing those words!
I appreciate you stepping forward with your perspective on ATVs (or OHVs, whatever). I do realize that they are a wonderful help to folks who have large properties to manage, farms, etc., and also for people who cannot walk very far. The OHV allows them to enjoy the forest and desert, too. That’s a good thing if they drive responsibly and with consideration for others (like not idling next to someone else, for instance).
You say “I would love to have your solar” and then immediately thereafter you say “I actually own a ATV.” Selling the ATV would pay for solar. Our purchases reflect our priorities.
Yes, not all are retired full timers and working folk do need recreation. I do wonder about those who work hard all week and would like to “get away” for a quiet weekend with nature. They’re really stuck.
Thanks for giving us another point of view, Joy.
That’s a good point. When I was working all week I would love to have gone camping for the weekend. I didn’t though, because as it turned out, weekends camping were louder than just staying at home. People running generators (for the full duration of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), leaving their diesel rigs idling all day long (glad I have a gas rig as I am able to shut it off and then just start it again when I want to go somewhere ;)), playing loud music, etc.
What I’m saying is that some working people *would* like to enjoy a nice, quiet weekend camping experience. Getting away to a quiet campground and appreciating nature would be a wonderful week’s end respite. But it’s nearly impossible, because when there are quiet people and noisy people, the noisy people “win.”
Anyway, just sticking up for the folks who are M-F workers and don’t want/need to go make noise to relax on the weekend. I was one of them and gave it up. Wasn’t possible in my area.
That’s a shame. Thanks for giving us that point of view, Pen.
All the discussion of OHV’s and generators makes me wonder if I want to tackle those monsters should the day ever come that I can fulfill my dream of full time RVing. I had already decided on the Casita, with solar and Wave 3 heater.
I love quiet. TV drives me crazy, especially the stuff my husband watches. I would much rather read, quilt, cross stitch, embroider or even color. I would love to learn how to paint. I visualize a lot of your photos as a nice painting.
I actually broke down and signed up for a class that my friend, Marie, is teaching next month. She is very good. My neighbor commissioned her to do a painting of a cabin, she lived in with her mother as a child, while her father was off in the war. The photo is very old, so it should be pretty amazing.
I know you are enjoying you peaceful new camp. Can’t wait to hear about it.
Hi, Barbara,
Your interests in quiet activities makes you well-suited for boondocking in a Casita with solar. All this talk about the noise-makers can be discouraging for those of us who seek quiet places in nature. When we do find them, they are all the more precious.
People who like noise have no idea how distressing it is for those of us who need quiet. A generator running next to my camp can reduce me to tears, my nerves become so frayed. Your statement “TV drives me crazy” tells me you understand this.
I wish you much enjoyment and learning in your painting class. I, too, visualize several of my photos as paintings. If I ever leave this vagabonding and find myself in one place over a period of time, I’d like to paint some of them.
Hugs to Angel! 🙂
Angel loves hugs, belly rubs and massages. Pretty soon we will know everyone in the neighborhood. She loves when they make over her. Since Duke attacked her, she has not been big on socializing with other dogs, big or small. I was going to take her to the dog park, but am sort of iffy on that at the moment.
She sounds like a happy dog. Over time the scare may recede from memory. I hope so.
Hi Sue
I had similar experiences in the rock creek area of the south hills this past weekend (south of twin falls). Stupid of me to even go on such a busy weekend but had never been there & the birding is supposed to be amazing. Camped @ porcupine springs cg which is quite nice BUT then the hoards started pouring in with their ohv’s. Did not realize this area is a Mecca for motor heads. Guy across from me ran his generator for 4 hrs a day. On a positive note this is a beautiful area. Took a drive thru the Shoshone basin which is awesome as well. Saw a bull moose near camp. Only 2 trails are hiking only. I am sure it is a much quieter place during the week so will better time my visit if I return. Sorry for the tirade but thought you might like to know about the area. Have a nice, quiet time @ your boondock. Best, julie.
Hi, Julie,
I don’t see your comment as a “tirade.” You described your experiences of the past weekend in a balanced way. … the good and the not-so-good. I’m sorry the weekend wasn’t what you had hoped for.
You were smart to get away on drives to beautiful areas where you could see and listen to birds, and where you found trails for hiking.
Wow! A bull moose! Lucky you!
I hope you can return to the area and not be disturbed by motors. Thanks for sharing here.
This is why I spend a lot of time camping and vacationing in the Great Plains and places like the Red Desert in Wyoming and Comanche National Grassland. Beautiful views, canyons, hills and wiiiiiiide open empty boondocking! The less the merrier!
I love how you get such nice photos of the water. My favorites, besides Reggie.
Hi, Kate in Iowa,
I find your comment very interesting! The experiences of this past weekend have me wondering, “Is there any place we can go to get away from people and their noise?”
Studying my atlases and recalling our experiences across the West, I wondered whether we should try grassland areas and here you are recommending such places!
Thank you for the suggestion and for the compliment on my photos, Kate.
I’d be happy to point out some good spots. The Great Plains actually are quite beautiful in my opinion. Comanche national grassland has some good areas near Carrizo canyon in SE Colorado. I also like the sandhills of western Nebraska especially up near Samuel Merritt reservoir. And the Red Desert of Wyoming? Stunning. Lots of BLM land, but one always needs to be mindful of ranchers and private property lines out in the plains.
“The less the merrier!” Great line 😀
Words to live by! 🙂
Without giving away my age, just let me say that “middle age” sounds young to me. As I was assessing a site on a recent trip, a young lady came over from the RV across the road and says, “Do you need help parking?” As I was about to enter the post office the other day, a young lady held the door for me and said, “Go ahead, sir.” Should I have been offended? Why is it that young women think old men are helpless? Oops, I think I may have just left myself open with that question, huh :). Just let me say that I am “a complete, fully functioning human being without the help of a woman.” See, it can work both ways. BTW, I was not offended by the offer of assistance and even graciously accepted, just as I would hope my offer of assistance to others would be accepted in the spirit it is given—a desire to help my fellow (your choice of gender). It is not from an assumption of ineptitude. Hope you all have safe and happy journeys, or as I am want to say, “Happy Trails Y’all”.
Hi, Larry,
Your tolerance of “young women think(ing) old men are helpless” is admirable. I’m glad you are treated with respect, having a door held for you rather than the person bolting through it in front of you.
Maybe some of us females pick up on an “assumption of ineptitude” because we’ve encountered it all our lives and have lost the graciousness that you display in your maturity.
It’s like I have an antenna that alerts me …. I immediately think, “Would he/she have said that if I were a man?” It’s good of people to offer help when a person demonstrates a need. However, often the act of offering reveals an attitude toward women (or toward people in maturity) that we’re deficient.
Anyway….. Always enjoy hearing your thoughtful comments ….Happy Trails to you, too, Larry!
Rodents a problem under the hood? A product named “Fresh Cab” is the answer. A packet of this stuff will last 3 months. Rodents hate the odor and will vacate the area. Some wires must taste good to these little rascals because they ate up a friend of mines engine wiring and it cost him $400 to have it rewired. This product has 6 packets in a box ( if I remember right) and only costs 10 or 12 bucks. This is cheap insurance and I bet you can even get it on Amazon 🙂
Hi, Joe,
I’ve heard great things about Fresh Cab, too. In fact I posted links several months ago and I tried it in the PTV. I had to get rid of it because it gives Bridget a headache. She hangs her head over the side of the seat and looks at me with sad eyes. She tried to run away from me when it was time to get into the PTV — That’s when I knew it was the Fresh Cab.
If you don’t have a pet prone to headaches, it’s a good, natural solution. Thanks for mentioning it.
Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent
Sounds like you weren’t only in bear country, but in ATV-for-the-weekend country. Glad you were able to make the most of being in their neighborhood, and made that second loop around for the no-longer-saved spot. We ended up in a park closest to a large OHV area for the holiday weekend and fortunately no ATV or ATV trailers were allowed inside the park. Cracks me up about the dog comment, what would she have said or done if you had said, “Yes, they yap constantly, especially at dawn.” 🙂
Hi, Jodee,
You were wise to find a park with those restrictions. I’m surprised it was located next to a large OHV area. Actually that makes a lot of sense because surely there are people who live around there or who like to visit, like yourselves, who want peace and quiet. I had a feeling this forest turns into a racetrack, just from studying my Benchmark atlas. There’s a famous OHV trail nearby.
Yeah, the question about yapping ….. Kind of funny in retrospect. One could come up with all sorts of replies…
You have a great day, Jodee.
Good Morning Sue, peanut butter toast and coffee almost gone, as I read through the blog this morning. Boy these people can keep a conversation going! Miss you anyway when you are away. And yes you can get Cab Fresh on Amazon, and free delivery with prime, I have had to enlist the help of Cab Fresh previously, smells pleasant and works good. Good tip Joe.
Thanks again for the road pictures, my favorite, I picture myself traveling down them someday..
Hello to my fellow Blogorinos and all the newbie blogorinos that have recently joined us. Welcome.
Hi, Shirlene and good morning to you, too!
Gee, that peanut butter toast sounds good. I haven’t had breakfast yet. 🙂
It’s nice of you to welcome the newbie blogorinos. Being offline due to no internet I haven’t kept up with my welcome messages the way I should.
Which reminds me….
Someone new to my blog made a comment a few posts ago when I was offline. She mentioned that she doesn’t make large Amazon purchases but intends to buy all her books through my blog. I want to thank her for that. So if that person is reading this, thank you! The more items sold during a month, the higher my commission rate.
And welcome to my blog! 🙂
Enjoy your day, Shirlene….
Your welcome Sue for all of the above. And I want to thank you, once again, for always answering our comments to you, even when you have had a stresful day, or a busy day on the road, or you just don’t feel like it. It means a lot to most of us, and sometimes, the world to those who are not able to interact with the world in any other way. 🙂
I’ll remember your words.
I agree that it is so considerate that you reply. It is like conversing with a rock star. You rock sue!
my you sure have a lot of patience…..I woulda told the lady standing
in the campsite to move since it is first come first serve….she almost
made you camp in a spot that wasnt the best……
Ive discovered that along with enjoying reading your blog that
it is also informative…..one of these days you need to take all your
posts and put them in a book…I believe Amazon does that as well.
had a grandson and his wife spend a week with us on his way to
report for duty at Ft Hood, Texas few weeks ago….I love my grandkids
but a week is too much…..sure upsets our daily routine….I always feel
I need to entertain them….
loved your post this time…..keep up the good work young lady..
chuck
Hi, Chuck,
I’m glad the campsite situation resolved without a confrontation. That would’ve ruined my day more than having to settle for a crummy campsite.
People have suggested I write a book and I do think about writing an Amazon ebook from time to time. As of yet I don’t have a picture in mind of what form it should take… Maybe someday… Thanks for the encouragement on my writing.
I bet you are worn out after a week of company that includes children, no matter how much you love them. It’s a lot of stress when you’re used to your own schedule and daily rhythms. Well, you did your part, grandpa….
I hope now you can kick back and relax… 🙂
Well I believe if you review your posts & do a month by month synopsis with editing would make for a great read girl!
I would understand if she was standing there holding it while her husband was actually moving their rig over – I would grab a nicer site if it came up – but she was just ridiculous and selfish. Oh well, no real harm done, because, Sue, you are a diplomat!
Yes, I’ve done something similar. Run over, place a camp chair in the site, run back and move the BLT to the better campsite. It didn’t bother me that she planned to change sites. It was the fact that she blocked us and hadn’t talked to her husband yet (who apparently makes the decisions).
Awww yes, weekenders trying to lock-in as much fun as can be done in the least amount of time. Isn’t it nice to know that they ONLY have 52 weekends VS 365 days to have fun?! I guess it’s hardly a wonder why so many Americans are so up tight these days. What with fewer real vacations, too much overtime, unpaid sick leave and all. The work-week crowd must feel caged in way too much. I think they forget how to be anything but wild once released Friday evening through Sunday. Pretty sad really. No doubt the site-saving was done because the other couples had to work even longer hours. Doesn’t make it right, mind you, I hate it when the best sites are site-saved and it happens a lot these days. Oh well, glad it worked out OK. Always better than a Closed sign, so i’ll take it in stride.
Our three day weekend was sort of a bust. Weather stations called for some thunderstorms. Didn’t go to the Huntsville air/space museum as many things are located outside. Didn’t plan any picnicing, same reason. No motor-biking either. 🙁
Like you, we just went in to town, ate out at food places, took care of some chores and looked around a bit. It was OK but hardly the holiday we would have planned. The crowning touch was a our own homemade dinner last night. Playing with our critters and getting last minute laundry done…Ice Cream…does anyone have Ice Cream?! Pass it this way!!! Next weekend, there’s always a tomorrow, right? 🙂
Hi, Pamela,
The woman that saved the campsite and the friends who showed up later were retirement age. The couple had been at Gooseberry for several days before the crew and I arrived. She told me that she had her eye on the site and waited for the man to vacate it.
I’m sorry your weekend didn’t turn out like you hoped. I remember that happening to me, too. Very frustrating! That’s what makes retirement sweet… Plus the work that it took to get to it.
GEEZ! Retirement age Hoggers?! Now that is just NOT right on so many levels! They have lived long enough to know better by *normal * standards. No doubt they have spent most of their lives being *that kind* of folks! BTW, I never ask if a site is taken if something other than a full rig is on it. I ask this instead… “Does that OHV belong to you?” Then they answer yes or no. If yes, “are you moving to that site instead of the one you’re on now?” and so on… I’ve been known to ask them to move an OHV or two if they are not going to relocate to that site soon. Like everyone else, my time and enjoyment is just as important as theirs is. I have very little patience for that kind of thing, especially on a holiday weekend when few options are left.
Yep, was that kind of weekend… We had planned several options and the weather shut us down from most of them. The Bear Alert Warnings for the Great Smokie Mts National Forest was the first one for us. Then we regrouped and looked to Alabama and that didn’t work either, lol. Oh well, next weekend is Helen Ga and all things German with the start of Octoberfest. Klemper will be right in his element and all things will be right again…weather permitting. 🙂
I’ve been to Helen… a fun place to visit, wouldn’t want to live there! I remember eating some delicious sausages from a vendor and seeing a lovely, intricately carved cuckoo clock displayed in one of the shops. This past weekend will fade…. Next weekend will be wonderful for you and Klemper.