July (continued)
Red Mountain Campground, south of Bozeman, Montana
The drive to Red Mountain Campground
We could walk across our campsite to soak in the Madison River and watch rafters float by.
This is the river the crew and I floated in the summer of 2012.
Delmoe Lake, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, east of Butte, Montana
It’s a twisty, uphill climb to this reservoir, but well worth the effort! We camped here for two weeks.
As water was drained off the reservoir, Spike found mud to make himself boots.
This is the path from our campsite to the lake. A place to read and watch the ducks.
August
Quartz Flat Campground, northwest of Missoula, Montana
A pretty, well-maintained, and inexpensive campground convenient to I-90. Dump station and drinking water for no extra charge. We stayed one night.
Sloway Campground, northwest of Superior, Montana
Another well-designed campground conveniently located next to I-90. It’s between Superior and St. Regis, Idaho.
The crew and I took the path from our campsite to cool off in Clark Fork River. Such a lovely spot so close to the interstate!
Bumblebee Meadows, Coeur d’Alene National Forest, Idaho
We boondocked along the north fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, east of Lake Coeur d’Alene and north of Pinehurst, Idaho.
Our camp was surrounded by trees and had cool grass for Bridget and Spike to lie upon.
Bumblebee Meadow
Willows Campground, east of Yakima, Washington
Willows Campground was our first camp along the lovely green waters of the Tieton.
The campsite had two levels. The BLT above and the table, fire “pit,” and river below.
We only stayed a few days, because sites were reserved for the upcoming weekend.
Tieton River Camp (first), Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
A secluded boondock next to a beautiful river… What more could anyone want?
This was the place where I drank my coffee in the morning.
The crew and I enjoyed an afternoon at nearby Rimrock Lake.
Tieton River Camp, (second), Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
Our second boondock along the Tieton River. We drove into Naches and I had my first taste of Washington peaches. Luscious!
The Tieton River shows its power with frothy white water on luminous green at Wild Rose Day Area.
I watched this American dipper for several minutes as he posed and dipped near my chair as if he liked my company.
North Fork Campground, Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, Washington
North Fork Campground is on the north fork of the Cispus River near Randle, Washington. Bridget, Spike, and I shared several walks along the river and through the forest surrounding the campground.
The river behind our campsite was Spike’s favorite spot.
See the Best Little Trailer among the trees? Moss, ferns, and banana slugs, oh my!
Takhlakh Lake and Mt. Adams, Washington
My first sighting of Mt. Adams took my breath away. Bridget, Spike, and I hiked half-way around the lake.
Spirit Lake and Mt. St. Helens, Washington
Amid remnants of the destruction wrought by Mt. St. Helens, Spirit Lake lies serenely still. Along with Takhlakh Lake (previous photo), this was one of my favorite day trips of 2013!
That concludes the summer of 2013. Next post: We explore the Olympic Peninsula and Bridget and Spike take their first ferry ride (including their first elevator experience)!
rvsue
AS ALWAYS I’M GRATEFUL FOR YOU SHOPPING AMAZON
FROM MY BLOG!
Love the photo essays
I’m glad, Rita, because we’ve got four more months to go!
Sue, what a great set of pic’s to remember your travels. Hard to pick a favorite one!
Hi, Jeff,
I had an awful time choosing one photo, for instance, to represent two weeks in a scenic place like Delmoe Lake. Now that’s tough!
FINALLY! A Spike soak photo!! LOL
Hi, Ladybug,
I resisted as long as I could! Spike’s a blog hog. 🙂
What wonderful photos!! I hope to possibly use your photos and destinations as a travel guide someday. Take care and thanks so very much for your blog.
Don in Okla.
You’re welcome, Don. I hope these places are kept in good, clean condition forever and you have the chance to see and experience them as I have.
Whew!! I’m finally caught up. Happy 2014!! Keep them wheels turning!! I think I’ve run out of exclamation marks…
I left one comment way back a few days, but I don’t know if you see all comments that plop onto old pages. I’ve enjoyed all the hikes and photos and await part 5.
Hi, Connie,
Yes, I saw your comment yesterday. Sometimes I miss comments under older posts if they’re written at the same time a lot of comments come in quickly on the newest post.
Good to hear you’re not tired of these photo essays. Once started, I have to finish them! Thanks for the feedback.
Hi Sue,
As usual, beautiful photography…Do you think you’ll ever go back to those same places?
I know I’ve only been following your blog for a short time, but I have found that you are like a celebrity. Someday I hope to meet you and the crew.
This weekend I go to pickup my new-to-me Motorhome, it is small (26ft.) but I am both nervous and excited as I have never driven a MH.
Whatever I get for the MH, I plan to buy thru your Amazon link, that is the least I can do for the hours of viewing and reading pleasure you have given to me and others.
Happy new year to you and the crew.
Roger
Hi, Roger,
Oh dear . . . People think I’m a celebrity, but that’s RVSue. When you meet Sue, she’s just another old lady who happens to wear a funny hat and has two dogs who are, well, dogs. 🙂 The mystique is gone!
Now that I’ve got that out of the way . . .
WOW! You bring her home this weekend! FANTASTIC! Of course, you’re excited and nervous . . . That’s what makes for a memorable experience. I’m very happy for you, Roger.
Getting a rig is like getting a magic carpet, only better because your rig has more amenities!
Thank you for planning to equip her with Amazon purchases through my blog. That’s one of my favorite gestures of appreciation from readers. 🙂 And thanks also for the compliment on my photos.
Will I return to places I love? Sure! (God willing.) I’m not ready to settle into a routine though. Too many wonderful places we haven’t camped in yet!
Love Spike and his mud boots! Mt Adams was one of my favorites! I was just thinking about that ornery man with his cats refusing to leave his lodge.
Have a good evening!
Hi, Cinandjules,
While looking out over Spirit Lake, it struck me what an apt name it became when the volcano blew … It’s as if that “ornery man” is still there in spirit.
Good to hear from you, as always . . .
It’s cold and snowy here in Michigan, but I escape momentarily through your pictures. My husband retires at the end of June and we’re going to hook up our Casita and hit the road for an extended vacation. Your pictures make me want to take the cover off NOW and hit the road, but I’ll ride along with you in your travels for now.
Thanks for sharing the gorgeous places you’ve visited.
You’re welcome, Marsha. I see the photos in news reports online, blurry images of downed trees and power poles, cars in ditches, people bundled up shoveling . . . Yes, there’s beauty to be found where you are, but it’s so dang cold!
I’m happy to provide you with a little diversion. Stay warm!
Wow! We see a whole lotta places we want to visit! Love that you love the water like we do. You have given us a lot of destinations from which to choose. Our special memory of 2013 was meeting and spending a little time with you. We look forward to seeing you again down the road. May your 2014 adventures be equally intriguing.
Hi, Kathy and Gil,
Sweet message. I enjoyed eating your great food. Oh yeah, and meeting you both. haha! Just kidding .. . . I’ll never forget how special you made me feel when I cut you off with the PTV.
Waterside camps are the best! I’m sure Gil agrees with that statement. He did look happy on Mittry Lake, sitting in his boat with fishing rod in hand, hollering “When’s supper gonna’ be ready?”
Best wishes to you both for many wonderful adventures and for lots of big and hungry fish around your boat in 2014!
Yep! That’s Montana! Nice to travel with you, Sue. I am keeping track of your “thumbs – up” camping sites just in case my husband may want to venture out of state with me and our little trailer.
Montana has a couple of decent state parks along I90 if you are ever out of camping spots. The hosts at Missouri Headwaters are great -they take in travelers who just don’t have a place to stay for the night. They even provide dog cookies!
Love the journey you have depicted in fantastic photos!
Hi, Diann,
I love Montana! I hope to explore more of it.
I do feel the need to make the following note: Two of Montana’s great camping sites are in need of attention.
Red Mountain Campground had deteriorated between 2012 and 2013. Day-use people (primarily) were abusing the campground… driving and parking on the grass, running across people’s campsites . . .kids riding bikes around rigs and picnic tables. The campground looked worn.
Delmoe Lake was being abused by OHVers (ATVs, quads, motorbikes). When I left, the media were coming out to do a report on the abuse, at the urging of the rangers. I had sent photographs of the destruction of picnic tables and the tracks along the shoreline and reported the obnoxious behaviors in an email to the rangers in hopes that the beautiful campground and surrounding area are not degraded further.
FOR THE BENEFIT OF READERS: Campground fees for Montana State Parks (for nonresidents with a $25 annual pass) range from $18 to $23 (the latter with elec.), the last I checked anyway in 2013. In the off-season they range from $15 to $20.
Thanks for being a faithful reader and writer on my blog, Diann.
65+ pay half price daily fees in most cases. Most of the state parks that offer camping are in the northwestern part of the state.
It really is so sad that this lovely state doesn’t provide the necessary funds for public land preservation. It’s as if we all have taken the expansive outdoor opportunities for granted. I really prefer hosted campgrounds because of the prevalence of those who assume their wants trump those around them. (Off my soap box now) .
Wow! So the crew and I could camp in some of Montana’s state parks for $9 a night in peak season without electric…(or is “daily fees” referring to day use areas?) That’s good to know.
Hey, I’m on that soapbox with you, Diann. I urge my readers to photograph and report destruction and obnoxious behaviors to rangers, wherever they see it.
Dang! I am so sorry, Sue. The Senior discount applies to MT residents. I apologize for not checking this out before submitting my email. Here is the fee schedule for MT State Parks.
http://stateparks.mt.gov/fees/feesAll.html
I still think it’s a good deal considering…
Hi Sue,
First of all, Happy New Year to you and the Crew.
One thing I am noticing from the pictures is that you never seem to use the awning on the BLT. Is that because it is difficult for one person to put in and out or just because you position the BLT in its own shade? I’m asking because I am still in the decision process on what kind of RV I want for my future solo full-timing. MH vs. towed trailer.
BTW, I know you skipped Glacier Nat’s Park last year but from what I have seen from other RV bloggers, you might want to do so this year. It looks gorgeous. Just a thought.
Hi, Rosemary,
The way I camp in natural settings does decrease the need for an awning because I can choose to park in the shade and at an angle to the sun that I choose. The breeze is not blocked by a motor home parked 20 feet from the BLT.
However, there have been a few camps where the awning was very much appreciated by me… Red Mountain Campground, for example. The crew and I were there in the summer to enjoy the river. There isn’t any shade and one cannot angle one’s rig in the site. The awning helped keep the BLT cool and provided a shady place for us to sit outside. It also shielded the refrigerator from excessive heat.
Can one camp happily without an awning? Of course. If money is tight, an awning isn’t essential. I’m happy I was able to order the BLT with an awning. When I need an awning (although not frequently), I’m very glad I have it.
I’ll probably go to Glacier someday. The location (so far from AZ) puts us there in the peak season and the crew would be restricted . . . two big deterrents for us.
Good luck making your rig decisions. Happy New Year to you, too!
So nice to see pictures of Spike and Bridget again. Spike sure knows how to pick his watering holes. I especially like the one where you have your chair in the stream. I think you enjoy a soak as well. I tell you I’d be sitting without a chair in that particular stream. Perhaps you did as well and put the chair there to give us a clue. I wanted to say how kind of you respond to all your posts. You are doing a fantastic job for all of us current wanderers and future wannabees. There is even spellcheck for us.
Your last line made me chuckle!
Hi, Karen . . . What a great compliment on my blog efforts! Thank you.
You guessed it… I do soak in the streams when the water isn’t too cold. When I was a kid I loved to lie down in a shallow part of a river, letting the water flow over me. I still love that! I also like to read sitting in my cheapo camp chair placed so the water comes up to my torso. Very relaxing!
As for Bridget and Spike, they’re working on their resolutions for the new year and will report soon. 🙂
Thanks for the pictorial essay, Sue. I never do resolutions for the year, but this year I have made a commitment. We got snow today (very rare for us) and my pups were hysterical in how they reacted to it. I decided to begin a “Smile Journal” and keep it with me and write down things that make me smile that day. When I have a bad day, I’ll have a record to remind me that my bad day is only temporary. Can’t wait to see the next four months in pictures!
Hi, DeAnne,
I can picture your pups reacting to the snow. The crew was awestruck. Bridget was young that first snow in Georgia. It scared her.
I know this time of year can be tough on teachers. If a “smile journal” helps, that’s great. Whatever it takes!
What a great year you have had! Love the pictures and the walk down your memory lane. Can’t wait to enjoy the rest, keep them coming! Happy New Year to you and the Crew!
Happy New Year to you, Deb! Glad you’re enjoying the review of 2013.
Beautiful photos and wonderful memories! Gathering them is what life is all about!
Love Spikes boots!!!!
Thanks, Betty-Shea. Spike loved those boots, too! You can see how proud he is in that photo.
Sue, you are doing a good job of stirring up the wanderlust in me through these pictures. My camper needs work and is under wraps for winter. Can’t wait till I have the fiberglass work done and new window in…I need to be in the woods.
I so enjoy your Blog.
Hi, Diane,
I’m getting the impression that these photo essays are making a lot of my readers “antsy” to get on the road! Thanks for telling me you enjoy my blog.
Hi Sue,
I am just another reader getting antsy about getting on the road.
I remembered a campground in West Tx that I loved to stay at it had some nice hiking trails, you could actually hike to an historic fort from the campground. If you did not stay at full hookups the cost wasn’t bad.
It is Davis Mountains State Park, if your ever in Tx. this is a great place to stay. You just would have to watch the crew because every evening the Javelina would come thru the campsites. There was also the deer that would come thru the sites every evening, it was great fun and a very relaxing place.
Here is the link for Info.: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/davis-mountains
Roger
Thanks, Roger. I’m sure there are readers who appreciate it, too.
One of these years I’ll make a tour of Texas. That’s not something one does lightly! I’d like to work my way to Padre Island, see the hill country, Big Bend, etc. I may do that on a trip eastward to visit my sister Pauline in Mississippi.