Remember this boondock?
It’s the one we passed when we first went up to the City Creek camping area west of Junction, Utah.
On the way into town one day, the crew and I stop to see what it looks like.
The site is large!
Actually it could be used by three or four rigs simultaneously as there are flat areas here and there among the trees. The dappled shade makes a pleasant atmosphere. Bridget, Reggie, and I check out the creek.
Two little waterfalls tumble into a pool!
This campsite is easy to find.
It’s located along the paved road #153 that runs straight out of Junction toward the mountains. It is on the right side 1.3 miles past the Fishlake National Forest sign and only about 3 miles from town. If you come to a cattle guard, you’ve gone about three vehicle lengths too far. It’s easy to drive right by it if you aren’t looking carefully.
Although the site is next to the main road, bushes and trees provide some concealment (not completely) and road noise is minimal because there’s not much traffic on this road, at least not at this time of year.
I’m not sure how much clearance there is for rooftops of big rigs. You can drive in and out without turning around. The site is so close to town, one could take a look at its suitability without much driving. If it were not satisfactory, just keep driving on the paved road and there’s a big turn-around loop where the dirt road goes off to the right toward our present camp.
Across the cattle guard and on the left is the turn onto forest road #133.
(You can see it on the Utah Benchmark map.) The crew and I drive a short way up the dirt road and find that it opens into a wide-open space of sagebrush bordered by low hills. The road forks, but we didn’t explore further than that. Find a fire ring and you’ve found a site! There’s evidence of ATVs in the area, but then they’re everywhere.
If you have a crew to take on walks, forest road #133 would be convenient from the campsite I featured at the beginning of this post.
I like a campsite that has different options for walking the crew.
At our “Camp Charming” we have several choices. We enjoy the forest road that clings to the side of the mountain and gives a lovely view of the treetops below.
The colors of autumn aren’t in full display yet. Just enough to hint at what’s to come.
To the right of Reggie in the next photo, the land drops away at the edge of the road and, believe me, it’s a long way down.
On the left side of the photo is a cliff that goes way up. These are the kind of roads I avoid. It seems they become narrower and scarier the further you go up the mountain. Of course, as we walk along, Bridget and Reggie find something extremely interesting over the edge.
“Get away from there, you two! Good heavens, give me a heart attack!”
We don’t cross cattle guards either.
Reggie’s so little he might drop between the bars! As we walk around the cattle guard I notice tracks indicating that cattle have discovered this detour as well.
Early the next morning a pick-up truck pulls up alongside us as we walk the road by our camp.
“Have you seen any cattle up this way,” one of the men in the truck asks. Both men are wearing cowboy hats. “Did they go up to the campground?”
“Oh, you’re looking for the cattle that got past the cattle guard. I noticed that yesterday. No, they didn’t come up this way. I haven’t seen any tracks or cow pies on the road or in the campground. Of course, I haven’t checked yet this morning . . . . ”
“We’ve rounded up most of them and have them down below. A few took off somewhere. Well, thanks a lot!”
“Good luck!” I call out as they pull away.
Few vehicles have come up this way since we’ve camped off this road. Three in a day is a lot. I intend to camp here for several more days. The peace and quiet is wonderful.
Well, intentions don’t always turn into reality!
In the next post I’ll explain why we leave “Camp Charming” earlier than planned.
rvsue
THANK YOU, RVSUE SHOPPERS!
Your Amazon purchases, whether large or small, are appreciated. Here is a sample of items recently ordered by readers:
Garmin eTrex 20x
Kindle Fire, Wi-Fi, 32 GB
Amazon Gift Card Upload Your Photo
Heavy Weight Flannel Sheet Set, Snow Flakes
Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker & Mixer
Canon EOS 70D EFS 18-135mm + Filters, Charger, Battery, Accessories
NOTE: I had some fun taking the following photos and editing them in sepia tone to give an old-timey appearance.
Circleville Valley, Utah, not far from Butch Cassidy’s boyhood home
Click to enlarge photos.
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
beautiful….
THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS, ELIZA!
I’m so excited! I got to be first because I was not vacuuming. Win-win
The moral being that vacuuming is bad and not vacuuming is good. Ha!
But of course!
ANOTHER FIRST NEWBE?
Sure enjoy your post. and the crew
I’m glad you do, Dave. Are you the Dave who’s been commenting recently?
LATER… I just did a search of Daves on my administration page. There are four Daves commenting recently.
No
I have been following for a while, first drawn by a post i saw about 4 months ago that shared your expenses. Which interested me, your base income is about the same as mine, and my plan is to change from part time to full time.when my house sells. I am originally from just north of Phx. so plan to be a snowbird and spend time with family in summer in Missouri. Look forward to your posts, They are a learning platform for me.
Thank you for introducing yourself, Dave. You are now an individual, rather than part of the group of Daves. Welcome to my blog! 🙂
I’m very happy my blog has helped you with your vision for full-timing. Best wishes for a quick and satisfactory sale of your house!
Did you run into the cows later on?
No, I didn’t. Don’t worry. I’m sure they’re okay. (I’m sorry, Marcia. I couldn’t help myself!) 🙂
beautiful !! you do have a way of finding the best spots.
Hi, Alice…. There are a lot of beautiful spots to be found. That’s what I love about the West!
Looking forward here to the beautiful fall colors!
Hi, Crystal,
Folks around here in Utah say the colors aren’t as vivid this year due to the drought. Even so, the subtler colors are a treat to see. I bet Illinois has some beautiful autumn colors, too. I’ve never seen autumn in Illinois.
We will, I hope. I’m traveling through the Smokies in two weeks. It should be glowing by then!
Two weeks should be perfect! Wishing you a wonderful time..
Crystal,
The Smokies have had very recent and very active bear alerts this last month. With the Fall colors coming it makes spoting them much harder until they get close. Just a heads up about that and something to keep in mind while you visit there. Have a fine and safe trip!
Crystal, I saw your message. It there more than one place to camp at Percy Priest? Which road is it on? I have not been to their camping area. I am a hopeful RVer but would love to see your T@B.
What a great post! Love the little matching waterfalls! And the sepia tone shots are lovely. But, now you’ve got me on pins and needles, wondering what drove you out of this lovely spot. Staying tuned, for sure!
Thank you, Suzette. What a great comment!
This is going to help a lot. Thanks
You’re welcome, Sharon.
It’s fun how you have various interactions with working cowboys.
I’m hanging on at ~7500′ but contemplating a move to 4500′ or so. In AZ at the moment (have some practical things I need to do here), but I’m thinking about “going somewhere” for this last wonderful month or so of fall, before AZ becomes the default due to temps dropping.
On a side note, one of my “lightweight” (formerly known as semi-flexible) solar panels failed after only three months. Looks like the diodes in the junction box melted. I had to take that panel out of the system or no amps would come in at all, due to high resistance I imagine (the remaining panel is fine as long as I only hook that one up). When I noticed this, it was too late in the day to contact the company, so I started looking online to see if I could get a replacement – if it came to that. In doing so I noticed that these are kind of not being sold anymore. Apparently some companies (Renogy, for example) are going to be coming out with (hopefully) more durable ones, but unless I went for an odd/shipped-from-0verseas/eBay one, no dice at the moment.
However then today I did get in touch with the company and it sounds as though they may send me a replacement (whew!). Maybe they kept some in reserve for this sort of thing. Then I’ll have to figure out where to meet up with it.
I knew going in that these would be relatively short lived (as compared to “traditional” aluminum-and-glass panels), but since I’m storing them behind the seat when I drive and then putting them out in the sun when stopped, the latter would be a bit heavy and unwieldy (I’m still going to put aluminum/glass on the roof for the longevity when I don’t have to handle them regularly). I hope near-future developments improve the lightweight ones, as they are so nice for ground deployment. Great to park in the shade and put the panels out in the sun on their ~30′ tether.
For the nonce I’m in conservation mode with just the one 100-watt panel (which in and of itself would not be so bad but my batteries got a bit low before I figured out what was going on, so now I have to play catch up).
That’s it for this installment of how the solar world turns.
Pen
PS: I just got a call from the folks who are sending me the replacement panel (they HAD saved a few for warranty replacements), and I guess one of the issues is that they can only get the panels from China and there are some import issues at the moment, especially with the ones that have the known quality they want. So if/when they get that worked out they will be back in supply (whew). They also said this failure that I had is rare (so here’s hoping).
Sounds like you’re working things out… like you always do! You are such a capable person . . .
Ha, I guess I’m only writing selected anecdotes 😀
Can’t wait to find out what happened to “camp charming.”
Have a blessed day!
You, too, Glinda, and a fine evening, too!
Rats.. That makes me mad. I wanted to be #1
Keep trying, Sam! I want to see you here again and again… 🙂
Sue I’m always here, have been from the beginning. Indians just don’t talk much.
Don’t talk. Just write. 🙂
Hi Miss Sue! Thanks for the boondocking suggestions! I make a note of them for future use and all the pics are great, I especially love the one’s that look “old timey”! They made me think of how things were maybe back in the old cowboy days. Everytime I see a new post in my email, I give a “yesssss” and open it first of all. You are giving us such a special look at God’s creation’s. The views, the trees and flowers, etc. Have a great weekend and give the crew a hug for me……stay safe!!!
Hi, Linda Hughes North Carolina,
I do appreciate readers putting their location with their name. Thanks. And thanks also for complimenting me on my photos. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!
First of all, love the sepia toned pictures. Very cool! It is amazing that you no longer have to run and get black and white film anymore for such photos! Secondly, Is the person who ordered the
margarita maker going to invite the rest of us??? Dang that sounds tasty! I was served Margarita pie a few years ago and that is one of the tastiest pies ever! I love your boondocking instructions Sue, keepp em coming. We have about 4 years to go before we can travel at leisure and I am ready to go now!
Hi, Terri from Texas,
I’ll try to keep you entertained for the next four years, with a little help from my friendly blogorinos. 🙂
Margarita pie? People can think up the craziest things… I bet it’s tasty!
Thank you re the sepia photos. I wondered if anyone would like them.
Oh that Margarita Pie sounds soooo good!
I am not one to like booze, just don’t normally care for the taste of booze. Margaritas are the exception though. Something about them sets the taste buds just right 🙂 Those Margarita machines are HUGE, lol. I won’t be buying one of those…I’m afraid they would have to hand-cuff me if I did! Ha! It’s like a full bowl of popcorn, ya gotta finish the whole thing! HA!
Hi. Sue,
What pretty pictures. I love that little pool with the waterfalls. Those sepia tone shots are great! I can just see the lone Ranger and Tonto galloping out from around that she’d to run down the bad guys, Hi Hi Silver!
I stopped in at a local restaurant, “The Local” for some tea before groceries. I am still in NH, enjoying fall colors and old friends……cold nights, not so much. Tonight we are planning a campfire with hot dogs and smores.. I pull out early tomorrow for a long drive to NJ. 6 hrs on Google maps, I know, too long. But the camps I could find with electric hook ups were practically. Nonexistent in MA, VT and Conn. So I will get an early start and rest at a rest stop if needed. Well, off to groceries, stay well everybody.
Safe trip 🙂
Have a good trip! I kind of like a long road trip, with time to settle in to the groove, but if it does get long, just remember that with the RV you can always pull over and take a break “at home.” Ha, when I first got my camper van, I could barely make any miles because it was just so pleasant to pull over at a rest area – or just about anywhere – and lounge at home.
Hi, Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in NH,
I wish you a good night’s sleep so you have the stamina for the long drive tomorrow. Be careful and safe and do stop if you become drowsy. You have Tommie and Buddy to keep you warm!
I forgot to add … Thanks, Lisa, for the compliment on my pictures.
Have a great trip, Lisa! The Fall color must be lovely in New England! 🙂
Hi, Sue. I’m gonna tag on to Dave’s post a bit. You’ve been an inspiration to me in that you aren’t spending a lot but you are living large! Add to that circumstances recently force me to full time in my 43 year old un-renovated airstream. Thanks to you and your blog, I’ve learned practical things, innovative things, and just darn funny things! And the full timing isn’t scary or overwhelming. I’ve still got lots to do in the way of paring down and storing stuff (at this point I don’t know if the full timing will be short term or not). But I’m in the trailer and making things work! Thank you, THANK you, THANK you for sharing your life on your blog! And of course the crew… life isn’t the same without our critters!
Hi, Ann from TX,
We’ve returned to camp and its weak signal. I’m going to try to reply. We’ll see how it goes…
I have to tell you, Ann…. Comments like yours and Dave’s mean the world to me. It is the biggest joy of writing this blog, more than the creative process, more than having folks love my crew, more than the photos, more than the money from Amazon even! 🙂
One thing jumped out at me from what you wrote… Where you said “circumstances recently force me to full time…” and then before you finish you’re thanking me and talking about “making things work!”
I love that! You aren’t sitting around sucking your thumb poor-little-ol-me style. You’re doing what has to be done and wow! Isn’t it exciting!!
No, full-timing isn’t “scary or overwhelming” unless we tell ourselves it is. Go for it! I wish you the best and I hope you will keep in touch. We have a great group here and they love helping others.
Hi Ann, and welcome!
Okay, well, being forced to do something isn’t always the way we’d choose, but like Sue said, it sounds like you are digging in and making lemons into lemonade. Go you!
I’m doing a bit of “remodeling” now myself, and it’s a challenge when you are also living in it. Not like a house where you can retreat to the other rooms. But still, there is the great outdoors “room” 🙂
See you in the comments 🙂
Ann, It is great to see you taking the bull by the horns, and treating your change in circumstance like a new adventure. We’ll all be cheering for you, and yes, Sue’s blog is an inspiration and an adventure!
So glad you’re here.
Thank you all so much! Yes and I’m making some damn good lemonade! I get a lot of inspiration from you all, and read every post, just don’t comment much. But I’m here. 🙂
And you’re inspiring others… 🙂
Welcome to the blogorino family, Ann! 🙂
Sending you well wishes. Hope you will check in to let us know how you are doing. 🙂
Thank you, Denise, I will! Great blogorino community here!
🙂
“In the next post I’ll explain why we leave “Camp Charming” earlier than planned.” I swear Missy you are getting as bad Detta’s Young and the Restless soap. They always have a cliffhanger and usually it’s on a Friday. Oh well, I’ll be here same time same station for more of the exciting adventures of Missy Sue and the Crew.
Be sure not to miss the next installment of “The Old and The Cantankerous!”
LOL
Oh that is a good one….And yes we are all waiting with bated breath for the next installment!
Stay safe out there, judy
Hello Sue and Crew,
I’m sorry you have to leave Camp Charming sooner than you thought. Hopefully, the situation that made you leave isn’t to bad. I would be leary of going up the dirt roads that have a cliff on one side and a fall off on the other. Don’t blame you for not doing it. I really like the sepia toned photos at the end of your post.
We are finally headed to California after the repairs were finished in AZ, and we did wait a few extra days hoping to not hit a ton of hot weather (by waiting we only hit a 1/2 ton) 🙂
Lisa
Hi, Lisa W.,
You say you would be leery of going up roads like that. You know what I’m even more leery of? Sentences where the subject and verb don’t agree! I hate when I do that… and here I am, unable to fix it with this poor connection. If you can’t find where I did that, great! 🙂
Have a safe, fun, happy trip to California!
Ohhhhh!!! I know I am first this time—–OOps Foiled again — Great post –Love this boondock
Thanks, Jenny! I’m pleased you liked the post and the boondock.
Gee, you almost made first place . . . .
Hi, rvSue – Someone on ‘RV Tips and Helpful Hints’ mentioned how much they like your blog. I do, too! Thanks for all the info and great photos and, of course, highlights from the pups.
You’re welcome, Pamelab in Houston . . . Well, that was nice of someone to mention my blog.
Bunch of folks from Texas commenting today… 🙂
I am sharing this post with my husband who is afraid we can never find isolated spots to camp away from noise and etc. I think we can! We take delivery of our 21ft Escape early in July of 2016 and will not live full time in it, but plan to do some long trips. Benchmark maps we have, and plan to get more. You give me confidence we can do this, thanks, Sue.
That’s always my fear too – that I won’t be able to find isolated/quiet spots. And I don’t have 4WD to really get to the unreachable places.
I still do manage to find spots though. Like Sue shows, sometimes they are wonderful and “last” as long as I want to stay; and sometimes they are prematurely changed into something I don’t like and I move on sooner. That part is kind of a bummer, but it’s not every time that it goes that way.
If you set things up so you are independent of power posts and generators, and you are willing to explore a bit, I bet you will find wonderful places.
I like your last paragraph very much, Pen. As for the 4 WD, I take it as a blessing that I don’t have it. I have no business pulling the BLT over those kinds of roads. Those are tempting for folks on ATVs and that can mean really deep ruts and exposed rocks. Nope, I’ve never wished I had 4-wheel drive.
A Highway Patrolman friend in UTAH once told me “four wheel drives just get ya in deeper”. I didn’t believe him I had a new Jeep Cherokee, after two transmissions blown trying to get out of snow and lake sand in Idaho, I learned he was right. Front wheel drive gives you the advantage of weight on the drive wheels and the torque from pulling from front wheels on slippery roads.
You feeling better today, Jim?
I am Missy, thanks for caring.
You’re welcome, Mary in CO,
You are setting yourselves up beautifully for finding those isolated camps where there’s peace and quiet to be savored. Avoid the super-popular places and you’ll do fine. One thing I’d like to suggest to folks wanting to boondock and not having a lot of experience with it yet… Go to a campground that’s off the beaten tourist-trail, unhitch, take your Benchmark and go explore the area’s national forest roads in search of quiet camps. I do that. It’s fun!
Hi to your husband! 🙂
Congratulations to you and your hubby on your new Escape, Mary! Time will fly…before you know it, your build sheet will be due! Have fun choosing options to make your little egg perfect for boondocking!
Do you post on the Escape forum? I read it religiously, and post occasionally under the handle of Winelover. I have dreams of a 17b… 🙂
This is such a nice area Sue. I can sure understand why you and the crew are enjoying it. Your pictures were great as usual. Looking forward to hearing “the rest of the story…”
Hi, Jolene,
Thanks for noting my photos. Yes, this is the kind of area I like… non-touristy, small towns, rural activity like rounding up cattle, agriculture, and, of course, nature in all her beauty.
Photos well done as usual and a very pretty spot, from my perspective!! Trees are good!! (Well, except in extreme wind storms). Hope you have found another peaceful spot…sure helps to get a bit rejuvenated by peaceful quiet places. We just got home from staying with hubby’s almost 90 yr. old dad while his sister and hubby were gone back east. It was quite quiet…aside from the animal noises like roosters and dogs…and 2 nights coyotes. One night I am fairly certain by the awful sounds that there was a huge fight of some kind and a small dog drug off…sure sounded like that. I warned his kin when they came home to be sure to keep a close eye on their dogs in future (and chickens). Then this AM I awake to the usual car traffic noises not far off and idling engines for too long etc…and felt irritated. I do hope one day we can find a quieter spot…by Spring at least. The best part of your lifestyle to me is being able to go when things turn less than peaceful!! Happy travels to you 3!
Hi, Elizabeth in WA,
How nice that you spent time with your husband’s father and that you were able to enjoy some peace and quiet. I do hope you are able to find a place to live that doesn’t have as much people noise. It’s odd to me that animals can make noises and those sounds blend whereas people noise grates on one’s nerves. I’d rather listen to the squawking of crows than listen to people talking or laughing. Yes, I’m fortunate to be able to get away from noise. Thank you for the wish for happy travels, Elizabeth. You have a good night!
We went up one of those roads on the side of a mountain in the Bridger-Teton National Forest – it wasn’t pretty. We had to turn around and find another way to the campgrounds we were looking for.
Those older buildings lend themselves to sepia tones. Makes them look like they’re from a bygone era.
I’m curious what campground you were looking for. The Pinnacles at Brooks Lake perhaps?
I know one was Moose Flat on the Greys River south of Alpine, WY, except we were coming up from the Flaming Gorge area taking “the road less traveled” so we were approaching them from the south. We took CR-315 from 189 just south off LaBarge, WY. CR-315/LaBarge Creek Rd started off paved, then turned to gravel, then windy mountain road, then washboard and finally washed out quite a ways from LaBarge. We kept thinking it would get better. Boy, were we wrong! I wish I had taken pictures of the inside of the trailer after we had been on that road. Stuff all over the place. There were times on the way I had to get out of the truck and guide my husband over the washouts through the worst parts of the road. The tipoff should have been when we saw a couple of jeeps headed our way before we got to the really bad part of the road. It would have been a fun jeep road.
Oh well, live and learn. We ended up at Sacajawea NFCG at $3.50/night (senior) and loved it!
I’ve seen that campground on the map. We haven’t explored that area. I’ll make a note of CR 315. Thanks for telling us about it!
It’s been my experience that when a road starts going bad, it usually gets worse the further you go, just like you described. If a road looks like “a fun Jeep road” or a fun ATV road, I stay off it. Of course, you can’t always tell that until you’ve driven a few miles, as you know. The wear and tear and subsequent erosion can wreak havoc on the underbelly of your vehicle and it’s not worth the risk.
How sweet that you ended up in a campground you loved . . . and only $3.50 a night! Be still by frugal soul! Haha!
Love the sepia tone pictures. You’re in such a gorgeous area. Treats to the boys!
Hi, Chuck! Thanks re the photos. Treats to your boys!
You know I love the sepia toned images. The close up with the trees bowing toward the barn is exceptional. B&W is so much more expressive than color when color is not the subject of the image. Have you tried this on your images with the picturesque lighting. Light makes all the difference in B&W.
Well I’m here in Pahrump and not too happy. It is great being here but the Pahrump RV park is the pits. I have 3 ft on each side of me and my neighbors. They have the sights setup so every other site the rv has to be in the opposite direction. So my door opens to my right hand neighbors door and my slides on the left are up against my neighbors slides on that side. It also looks like the residents are little better than transients. Cheap is the only thing going for this place. I will not stay here for more than a month then I am going to another campground that is absolutely beautiful. Costs a little more but worth it.
It is really fascinating to see how Reggie has opened up and blossomed since he joined the crew. Of course a large part of that is his wonderful and loving human. You should be proud!
Keep on snapping and Enjoy!
I’m with you and all of the others who love the sepia pictures. So beautiful.
Wish you were enjoying your RV park more. It’s good to know that there’s an end in site. The beauty of a home on wheels.
Hi, Alan,
Oh, the danger of making a commitment… I’m sorry to hear your RV park is the pits. What a stupid way to set up the sites, making everyone step out facing their neighbor’s door! I’m glad you already have located another campground, one that is “absolutely beautiful.”
Thanks for your encouraging reaction to my sepia photos. I’m pleased that you noted the one with the trees bowing toward the barn. It was fun finding the right angle for that shot. Sometimes I do look at my photos in black and white and then I post them in full color because I think my readers, on the whole, prefer that, this not being a photography blog.
Thanks also for your words about Reggie and me. He has adapted wonderfully…
Have fun creating outstanding photos of Death Valley!
Well that sounds horrid. I mean, jammed in like sardines is bad enough (to me) without making you open your door right into the next person’s door. You don’t even have the figment of privacy that way. I don’t know the whole situation, of course, but I can’t imagine staying there a month, even if had to forfeit the money. I might last a night.
Or use the place for sleeping only… take long day trips!
Issue is I had the tranny serviced on my class A diesel before leaving GJ. So I can’t really justify throwing away $250. Half my day is working on the computer and the rest can be small projects. It is not a big deal just not particularly pleasant.
Yeah, I know to you Sue “Absolutely Beautiful” is an oxymoron with regards to campgrounds. Here is a link.
http://www.nevadatreasurervresort.com/
All sites are double wide and 60ft deep. For $377 it is a dream.
I can understand— Set your mind to focus on other things and ignore the unpleasantness of Pahrump-de-Dump.
LATER>>> I clicked the link…. Wow, Alan! That is quite an impressive RV resort!
Hi, Alan,
Thanks for sharing the info on that nice RV park. I have bookmarked the site for future use. Will you use that as your base for Death Valley NP or stay in the park? Will you be visiting The Racetrak? Death Valley is a good candidate for b/w photos. Hope you will report on your visit….Death Valley NP is high on my bucket list!
I have heard that the dark night skies are spectacular! Enjoy!
I’ve tent camped throughout Death Valley in spring when all the flowers were in bloom and visited a few hot springs. The icing on the cake was watching our airforce pilots practicing in the valley while I watched with binoculars high up on a mountain….awesome. Flowers were beautiful and the night skies are beautiful.
‘night skies were beautiful?’ LOL
Sounds awesome!
That sounds amazing, Rita! I have only been in Death Valley once – just drove through to see it as it was a route east from the Sierras which was the way I was going. I’m not sure what I was expecting – I guess a long gradual slope to a big flat sandy place? – but it was much more dramatic than I expected. Your time there sounds really neat.
It will be home base. I will day trip out of there tp DV and other places. I might even do an overnighter to the Ancient Bristlecone National park.
My approach to fulltiming is completely opposite of Sue. Minimal travel and long stays.
Long stays allow one to see all there is to see in an area. Moving on sooner, leaves more to explore if passing thru the same area at a later time. Either way sounds good to me! 🙂
I know what you mean but I still chuckled when I read this because… I thought Sue DID do minimal travel and long stays.
(Just not compared to you!)
Sounds like you need a can opener to get out of your rig! What a bummer!
Whatcha doing in Parump? Yikes about the residents.
Ya could go over to Sin City or Las Wages as Rusty refers to it as! Be safe!
I love reading your blogs about your travels. I look for them every time I check my emails. You take such beautiful photos of the areas. The only thing that bothers me is your safety. With all of the violence everywhere these days, don’t you have any qualms about being alone with you two “faithful protectors”? Just like you mentioned about the guys looking for the cows and other traffic, you just never know what could happen. I give you much credit for trying to live your life as you desire, but please be careful and alert. Keep the stories and photos coming. Thanks.
Good morning, Hyla! You gave me a smile by appearing here again. 🙂
I have no qualms whatsoever about being alone. I’m guessing my lifestyle is safer than that of people living in a stationary home. How can I say that? Well, people who are looking to rob or cause hurt are drawn to where the goods and the people are. That’s why a lot of crime takes place in cities, and why I don’t camp in rest stops.
Also, criminals look for patterns of behavior — someone coming and going from their home or job in a daily routine. Muggers and violent criminals aren’t likely to be out camping and we move so much that we don’t establish a pattern. Another big factor is we don’t flash wealth. Not that we have it to flash. Ha!
Most importantly, I don’t have any qualms because I’ve shed the conditioning of society that women should live their lives as prey. That we are victims who should live in fear of being victimized. Technology and weapons have “evened the playing field.” 🙂 Also, criminals sense fear and are drawn to it. I look strangers in the eye and walk with confidence.
When you think about it, where does violence occur? In campgrounds? In the woods? Rarely.
Thank you for your concern on this issue, Hyla.
(To those women who have been victimized/violated, I understand you have a lot to cope with that I don’t. My apologies if I’m offensive with the above comment. I don’t mean to be.)
LATER… I just reread my reply here and I sound like a pompous jerk. Oh well… Life goes on.
Well count me in as well then (heh). Because well, first of all, yes, violence and encounters with evil people can happen anywhere. One could be right around the corner. So all one can do is stack the odds in one’s favor, prepare, be aware, and then live life. Looking at the odds (i.e. reading the news and seeing where the violence happens), I’d say you’re in a good place, Sue. You also sound prepared and aware, and you are certainly living life 🙂 So there you go.
Thinking about the unfortunate violence of a couple of days ago, those people were sitting with a group in a classroom, in a town, with guys included, etc.. None of that really helped (sadly).
(And yes, there is the gender thing. I’ve been spending some time camping with a buddy who has been living much as you and I do for some years. We got into a conversation about it, and he doesn’t remember anyone ever asking if he should be scared, isn’t it dangerous, etc. No-one. Instead they ask practical questions about campsites, power, getting un-stuck, finding water, etc.)
That’s not to say an individual has no “right” to feel scared. That’s not always rational. I feel scared sometimes, but I’m mostly too stubborn to miss out on things I know my male counterparts are doing. And Hyla, I hope you don’t feel like we are piling on to you. On the contrary, I’m glad you are here and hope you comment more often! It’s the social conditioning that irks me, not you!
SP
One of our readers lives in Roseburg and I can’t remember which one. When I read the news of the shooting I became heart sick, physically. To be shot for your faith….
Me too. And I almost hesitated to mention it in case it was too crass. But it did fit into what I was trying to say. I hope I didn’t offend anyone (but then violence IS offensive and sucks!).
I did also read that one of the people who was killed was agnostic. So maybe the fellow was asking in order to make the point that he disliked organized religion; but ultimately just shot people anyway regardless. Gross.
Once while looking for camp in the Sierras, I had a funny feeling I was being watched so I scanned the dense forest and I see a man in camouflage in the bushes looking intensely my way so I slowly walked to my truck and zoomed outta there….scary. I don’t carry weapons and I tent camp. It was only time I felt threatened.
Well, Miss Sue, I love the photos! Sorry to hear you and the crew left before you would have liked to. What is it about adding the word *Charming* to things and it then turns against the curve?! Prince Charming, Charming Children…
and now *Camp Charming*. Life’s little curveballs, gotta embrace ’em and press on 🙂
I can say this…. Camp Charming is still charming. We had to deal with one of “life’s little curveballs.” All is well…
My pedigree Himalayan cat was named “Prince Charming.” He lived sixteen wonderful years with us.
Barbara,
Being the cat lover that I am, your *Prince Charming* was one of the sweet exceptions to the *otherwise* rule 🙂
Pamela, I love cats and dogs.. I have had cats all my life until now. Angel is my first dog in 40 years. We have had a cat all of our working years as we didn’t feel it was fair to a dog to not have the time to devote to its training, exercise and loving care being gone all day. A cat was a much more suitable pet. Now that we are retired, we decided to try a dog. I do not regret it one bit. Angel is a delight to have, well behaved, funny, not yappy and takes care of her business outside. However, this winter might be more interesting in that respect.
Good to know that Camp Charming is still charming. Maybe another time of your return trips you can fully enjoy your stay there again. Will await all the details 🙂
That’s why I like to leave a camp wanting more! I hope to return someday.
Sue, I’m with everyone waiting to hear why you had to leave Camp Charming. You are a tease!
I don’t set out to be a tease when I write my posts, really I don’t! I’m just anxious to tell you the rest of the story. 🙂
Sue,
Just curious as to how many miles you figure will drive this year. Also, whether it is an average year.
M. in DB
Hi, Marilyn,
I have no idea how many miles I will drive this year or how many I have driven in previous years. May seem strange for a former math teacher not to keep up with the numbers. I preferred problem-solving to data collection.
Is this an average year? I don’t know what average is.
Well, 2012 we went all over from AZ to SD to the Pacific Coast and we did more overnight camps. As I’ve come to better understand the weather in the western states and also as I’m less shy about camping in cold weather when we’re caught in it, I don’t hesitate in the spring to leave AZ and I don’t rush as much to return to it.
This year was different in ways that affected my driving. Visiting Oregon’s coast in summer had us running away from the crowds. Then the smoke from forest fires has us moving quickly again. The need for repairs to the 12v outlets/compressor led to a change of plans. After all that, we’ve slowed down considerably now that summer is over.
I assume you took the pictures of the house because they were interesting. Heading south of Circleville on Hwy. 89 about 5 miles or so on the right is Butch Cassidy’s boyhood home. It’s not marked, at least the last time I was there in a few years ago or years before. They tried to make it a tourist site many years ago, but didn’t take. It’s on a beautiful piece of farmland with trees behind it. If the gates open, it’s okay to drive over to it…maybe 150 to 200 yards off 89. Googled pictures can show you if you have the right one.
That might be 2.5 to 3.5 miles south of Circleville.
Hi, David,
I did research the home online and saw photos of it. Quite a humble abode!
We’ve left Circle Valley. Never did go see Butch’s boyhood home, the reason for that will be apparent from the next post. I’d rather take photos of a house not readily seen online and this one came into view as we came down the mountain with the vibrant colors…
Sue
You forgot to mention another 2 reasons you can feel safe 1) You have an airhorn you can use if someone is lurking around your trailer and 2) While they are getting their hearing back you can load up!! 🙂
Just saying…
Oh, yeah! That, too!
And one more thing…You do not sound like a pompous jerk!
By the way, my spouse and I want to go to Wisconsin (where he grew Up) and down thru Michigan on our next fall trip. Anyone have any fantastic park or sights suggestions?
Thanks!
You might get some ideas out of the archives of CasitaEscapes blog.
ANYONE HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR TERRI …. TEXAS TO WISCONSIN AND MICHIGAN?
I don’t have any specific suggestions, but that’s because I can think of so many I’d never finish the comment! I’m also not sure which part of the state(s) you mean. Fall will be fantastic. If you are at all north, I can highly recommend going across the UP and down over the Mackinac Bridge (although watch the season, as winter comes a lot earlier up there – one town on the UP has Octoberfest in September so it won’t be winter when it occurs :D).
I’m a big fan of anyplace along the great lakes’ shoreline, but there are also thousands of charming inland lakes, and also thousands of “secondary sites” (my favorite kind; less popular and less spectacular but wonderful). There are also a lot of waterfalls if you like to walk/hike to them.
PS: I was speaking of Wisconsin and Michigan, not the route there and back.
Terri from Texas – I’m also from Wisconsin, but live in Michigan. Not sure how long you plan to be in the area, but there are lots of great places/things to do in both states. Check out PureMichigan(dot)org for things to do and see in Michigan. We have lots of great national forests with rustic campgrounds, if you’re into that (we are). You could probably spend a couple weeks in the UP alone, never mind all to see and do in the lower peninsula.
TravelWisconsin(dot)com has a list of things to do and events in that state. Again, a big state with lots to see and do.
Terri… What states will you drive through? Maybe that will spur some suggestions for camping along the way…
I fall woefully behind when we’re in Montana with the grandkiddies. Looks like we aren’t too far from you at this point; we’re in Panguitch to visit the Bryce & Red Rock area. Still too warm in Congress for us! Sounds like you’ve made this year the “summer of Utah.” One of my favorite places…
Hi, Renee,
I thought of you and Paul not long ago, wondering how you are, where you are…
This summer we went to the Oregon coast again and explored Oregon lakes, before the forest fire smoke drove us back to Utah.
I don’t know if we will get over to Bryce or not. Have a wonderful time!
We were at our daughter’s south of Kalispell during those awful fires & smoke. We hardly went outside for an entire two weeks — burning eyes & headache-inducing. I totally understand why you headed south! (and it’s Dave — not that I expect you to remember, with all your followers!) 🙂
Oh my, Renee… I didn’t mix up husbands. I mixed up Renees! I was thinking you were the Renee who, along with her husband Paul, helped me with our first camp back in 2011. I’m sorry! You’re the Renee I met at Red Mountain in Montana! I remember you very well…. You like to ride motorcycles and you gave us a ride so I could pick up the PTV where I launched our inflatable canoe… and you’re from Texas and have a home in Datil… Sticking my neck out here, but I think I have the details straight… 🙂
How awful for you and your family to live in that smoke for two weeks!
You made me smile this morning, Sue! I don’t know how you can keep any details about your readers straight…and you’re SO CLOSE! We have land in Datil (no house, no-where…), are from MO originally but 30 years in NM, and now have a lot in North Ranch for the winters. Of course I don’t expect you to remember any of this, but you got the important part right — where we met!
Oh yeah, I remember you bought a house in North Ranch. I read that on Travel with the Bayfield Bunch blog. Now I’m wondering about the Renee from Texas… I know I met one!
Keep smiling!
Hi, Sue and crew!
I’m Linda from Central Illinois.
Been following along for a while, and really look forward to new posts about your adventures. We are also campers, however stationary… for now.
I was wondering.. have you ever traveled through and camped in Montana?
Regards,
Linda
Hi, Linda,
Thank you for following my blog! Great to see you here!
Yes, we’ve camped in Montana and what we saw, we liked… Here’s one of our Montana camps:
Scenes to remember at Delmoe Lake, Montana
This was a fantastic camp, sorry you had to leave early. I love the sepia photos of Butch’s childhood home. I have many of those from my parents photo collection. How I ended up with them after their passing is beyond me, but I’m glad I have them.
It looks so pretty & sunny there. We have had rain & cold the last few days. Temps have been in the 50’s, with light to medium rain and windy, making it feel very chilly. Angel has not been in any big hurry to go out in it. It’s like do business, go home and get in my bed, take a nap.
Angel’s a smart dog! That’s too chilly for a long walk!
Thank you for mentioning the sepia photos. They aren’t of Butch Cassidy’s homestead… That’s further up the road, although it does look similar, only not as nice as the barn!
Hi, Sue,
Finding a creek with twin waterfalls….how unique! I can see why you called this area Camp Charming. Bridget is really looking happy and content. She is even smiling in the first camp photo! I liked how you showed several shots of the same scene with different perspectives. The sephia tone works so well for that subject.
My new mattress was delivered this morning – yippee! That was the excitement for the day. Gracie was beside herself, wanting to protect me from those big, bad delivery men! If you have not kept up with the news or weather, VA, and most of the East coast have been dealing with weather from the hurricane that is off the coast. It has been another gray, rainy day. I have finished the laundry, am going to start a pot of spaghetti meat sauce simmering, and then will read or maybe see what is on PBS tonight. I think there is a chance of sun next week….I cannot wait!! I need my sunshine!! 🙂
Have a great evening! Sending hugs to you and th Crew from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
I wonder who picked up the Canon 70D kit. Very, very nice! I have a 60D and absolutely love it! Congratulations!
I don’t know who bought the camera. I do know I am very grateful for the commission that person gave me!
Yes, that was very nice!
Good morning, Denise and Gracie pup,
I wrote you a reply last night and that’s when my connection dropped. It’s very weird here. I never know when I’m going to be kicked off the internet!
Anyway… Your home sounds very cozy… A rainy day, delivery of a new mattress, sweet-smelling laundry done, a pot of spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove, and you curled up with Gracie pup watching PBS…
I hope you slept well on that new mattress!
Yes, I did – comfy cozy! Thanks!
Since yesterday was so busy, I plan on relaxing most of the day away. It is the weekend, after all!! 🙂
Enjoy you day, Sue, and dear Crew! 🙂
All the pictures in the post are great in their own way,as usual.To me the best photo is the fifth one.Mind you I know little about photography ,it’s just the composition,placement of the pop of green on the single bright plant and capturing the colors exactly the way that you did is simply beautiful.I expanded the top one,did you see the shapes of people dancing the trees make in it?
Whatever someone did to make you decide to leave such a glorious place must have been enormously ,well,let’s just say,icky.I won’t ask for hints because I’m a patient person,I will say that I’m really looking forward to the post when you disclose it.I hope you and crew are having a good day.
Today was a joy to feel and amazingly pretty here in NY with cloudy skies and cool autumn temps plants on every road announcing the beginning of a gorgeous season ahead.My 89 year old neighbor from a couple houses away even walked over to chat, just being here when it’s like this is obviously rejuvenating to him,how nice is that?
Hi, weather,
I see the people dancing….some with arms up in the air with joy. A couple of them even have big hair! Hope you and your troupe have a good evening! 🙂
Thanks,Denise,it’s good to know I’m not the only one that sees pictures within pictures …Curled up and cozy with the heat on,your pot of simmering sauce sounded good,I hope your evening is ,too 🙂
🙂
Hi, weather,
It is such a pleasure for me to read how someone (you) enjoys my photos and really looks at them, rather than passing over them. I’m typing this on my administration page which doesn’t show me the actual post. It seems to respond better when I have a shaky internet connection. I’m going to hunt for the people dancing!
No one did anything to make us leave… Stuff happens. We will move camp again today and I hope to have a strong signal in order to post before the day is over. Yes, we are having a good day. Thank you. It rained last night and our little world is new again. Like you and your neighbor, we’re refreshed under cloudy skies and in cool autumn temperatures… I imagine your surroundings are glorious… NY in the fall is breathtakingly beautiful. I know you appreciate it!
Yes my surroundings are glorious-breathtaking is exactly right!
Wishing you an easy move ,fun hunt( if you haven’t already spied out where you’ll camp next) , and strong signal 🙂
Thanks for the wish. It worked! I have 4G and 2 bars and I haven’t put up the antenna yet. Oh, happy day!
Victory whoops and happy laughter here!!
The Sepia photos are great!
Cliff hanger eh? Bridge babee looks great. Love the two waterfalls…the cattle guards look gyyyynormous! Reg man’s really coming along quite well! Safe to say he’s loving life!
Enjoy
Hi, Cinandjules,
I’m happy you like the sepia photos. The cattle guard looks huge because Reggie is so small… Yes, he’s loving his life with us.
Well, my nice camp (Coconino NF) has turned totally un-charming. It started at 6:00 p.m. (they are obviously precocious), with super loud amplified rock music and the very loud whoops and hollers that only come from large groups of drunken revelers. UGH! I’m going to go outside and look (they are in the next boondocking site over, maybe 1/16 mile away), and if they have a fire going, I guess I’ll get ready to peel out. Lots of dry grass and conifers around and they don’t seem like the types who are going to responsibly make sure their fire is out before they tuck themselves in for the night. Bleargh! I’d rather just go to sleep, but what can you do. Thank you for letting me vent, anyway.
I guess they come to the “Boonies” to party because if they did it at home the neighbors would call the police and they would be charged with disturbing the peace. You need a “Tooter”.
Not a bad idea! Could come in handy. “Oh, sorry, was that deafening? I guess I just found myself honking in time to your music.” <—- Things that are fun to envision but that I would never do.
Actually, amazingly, they left! Maybe it got too cold. I don't know, but I'm not complaining.
OTOH, I picked something up off the ground (after dark, but was getting ready to leave just in case I needed to) and underneath it was…. a tarantula! Involuntary yelp and then found myself wondering how far that carried.
(I know they are beneficial, but what is it about the hairy legs? Maybe too many horror movies in my youth…)
Anyway, that was a first for me.
Well, that was false hope. They did NOT leave, and I have been listening to the base line of amplified music all night. Still playing! I am reminded why they use sleep deprivation as torture.
Gosh,Pen,I’m so sorry that you are in that situation.I know that you know this,of course, without having slept driving even a short distance needs to be done as slowly and cautiously as possible as our reactions and judgement are impaired when we’re exhausted.I’m praying that you safely settle in soon at a place where you can get some rest and enjoy yourself.
Understood on the driving. That’s why I finally called it in – maybe I can get in a nap if they are shut down. Otherwise I’ll have some coffee and move along. I won’t jeopardize anyone on the road though.
PS: It’s a total drag, but luckily doesn’t happen very often. Most nights are quiet and peaceful. Ahh.
So I take it you aren’t having coffee now to be able to fall asleep for a nap?If so I’m impressed that you can type ,much less remember the word rendezvous 🙂
Please do me a big favor, Pen. If you leave after they’ve quieted down, lay on your horn as you go by their camp. They deserve a huge headache!
I think you’ve been channeling my thoughts 😀 😀
Love it!
Yikes! Just reading about your tarantula experience made my skin crawl! I love nature, but spiders and snakes give me the willies!
The only spiders I can deal with are daddy long legs.
There is a place in Ca called Mt Diablo. Actually it is tarantula breeding season as we speak! The tarantulas crawl all over the road during this time. People drive up there to see them.
They give me the heebeegeebees! If one were to ever, heaven forbid, crawl on me….I’d seriously think I’d pee on myself!?
The surprise element (and in the dark yet) really got me. Gaaaaah!!!!
I wish a ranger would come by . . .
Ranger probably couldn’t do anything. As much as we all like boon docking, there are limited rules in open space, hence people leave their rigs there unattended as a “reservation” or are uncourteous by being noisy late into the night. We’ve experienced the same thing out camping only to be bombarded by hordes of campers that don’t the rules of personal space either!
BTW, just thought I would let you all know that despite being tired (I wasn’t sleepy, just that gritty kind of tired), I made it safely to my next camp.
I did call the county sheriff (but stupidly not until morning), and they said no problem, they would definitely come out (there are some rules in the Coconino, for example under 21 no alcohol, etc.). I’m not sure if that did the trick, but the music did stop around 8-9 a.m. But by then I couldn’t sleep. I should have called the night before, but I’m always reluctant to do that.
Anyway, glad that’s done. I guess it did keep me from having nightmares about surprise tarantulas, so there’s that.
Thanks for the empathy – was nice to be able to vent.
Your experience has taught us what to do when our camping is ruined by loud people. Call the sheriff!
Question:
Has anyone heard from Rusty and his pup Lady P of late?
I have not seen him post for the last several posts. Was a little concerned and thought I would ask about him. Hope all is well with Rusty, and his Lady, and his truck…I remember he did have some truck problems not too long ago but I think he fixed the problem. Anyway, just missed hearing from them and thought I would mention it.
I noticed he posted a few days ago, and said that he was leaving on the first to head to a (sorry, sleep deprived and can’t think of the word, but a mountain-person type gathering) in California on the first for a couple of weeks. So he’s probably just enjoying that.
Thanks Pen!
I thought someone here would have heard from him or knew of his plans. A mountain-man gathering….I bet he is right in his element and lovin’ every minute of it! I suppose if Rusty has gone awol from Sue’s blog then having a fine time while doin’it is excuse enough to be absent for a few days 🙂 HA! We’ll have to ask him all about his away time when he returns. No doubt he will have some interesting stories to tell us.
He might not have a strong signal to post. I’m trusting he’s okay. Rusty’s a pretty resourceful, resilient guy. Yes, let’s hope he’s having a great time, days full of fun and fellowship.
Rendezvous……three feathers!
Rendezvous, right. Thank you!
Hello all! My time in NY is almost done. I will be heading home in the next week or two. For once I’m not excited about road trip. Not sure why. I will do the usual and visit friends along the way. I’m kind of sad to go. I have enjoyed my time here more than usual. But I will be glad to get home. You just can’t have it all can you?
Have a safe trip, DG. You just might have the best of both worlds, at opposite ends of the country! 🙂
Hi, Ginger,
Good to hear from you…. Maybe once you are on the open road your usual good feeling will return. I’ve had that happen. And if it doesn’t, envision driving in NY snow and ice and bitter cold… Tucson has its benefits!
Hi Ginger,
As much as I like roadtrips, I get that feeling sometimes. Just can’t get fired up. What I do is announce to all and sundry (which is often just myself) that “Well, I’m off to [insert name of town 40 miles away]. Just going to [same town name], nothing more!”
Then I add “Well, there is the slight possibility I’ll keep going.”
So far I’ve never wanted to turn back at [town name] and it’s always worked to get me over the hump if for some reason I’m feeling one.
Good travels to you!
Thank you RV Sue, Marsha and SP for the ideas. I have no idea what our route will be yet. I was just looking to see if anyone had any favorite locations in either state. But I will check those websites. Hope you got some sleep, SP!
You’re welcome, Terri.
The Benchmark Maps (books) are great! We’ve got one for Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon, but not one for Utah. Guess I’ll have to get one. I like them much better than Forest Service maps as the Benchmark is easier to read and has much more information.
I second that!
That is a huge boondock spot! Love that valley view from your (now former) campsite. I’ve often seen paths around cattle guards and wonder how far the escapees get before being rounded up. Hope your early exit was without drama :-)))
Hi, Jodee…
The only drama of our early exit is what I put onto it… Which reminds me, I need to blog about!