A Short "Recess" From Editing Chores

Camps Been moved from one piece of Montana water, Lake Alva and the Clearwater river... to the other end of the Bob Marshall wilderness on the banks of Hungry Horse Reservoir... Taking a day or three off from editing work to just Chill... under the Montana Big Sky.

*path to the lake*

Even though we're back in the Boondocking haven of Montana... late in the season with the camps so empty... it's hard to not just get lazy and set up in a campground...

... some of them, like down at lake Alva go to a No Fee status after labor day.

Here we've got  to kick in our $6.50 a day ($13 full boat)  but what can I say...

With the peace and the ease of such a spot...  and plenty of timber twixt my camp and the next neighbor... I'll suffer along in an "organized" dry camp! ;)

Follow down that lil' path out of our camp... and you come out on our own private lil' section of rocky beach...

Sittin' down there on the bank last night, leanin' against a log sippin' a brew a fella went skimmin' past on what I took to be an expensive piece of plastic...

It's quiet and nice this time of year in the mountains, even in a regular camp. With kids all back in school... it gets darn pleasant during the week... only picking up a touch on the weekends...

This morning started off with a softly rumbling thunderstorm and the fresh scent of rain as the drops drummed on the roof...

*Stormy Sunrise over Hungry Horse*

So I'm thinkin'... if the weather holds the same pattern, thunder storms in the morning, breaking off into a sunny Montana afternoon... I may even get the next book started while I'm letting my preview readers check out the last one, and before I start the next editing pass! 

I've actually got two stories about half outlined... Breaking with my "tradition" of just lettin' her rip!

One book #3 in the Taylor Series...and the other book #3 in the Jensen series... Keep finding camps like this for a while and I might could build those tales quick time!

Though... I expect that working some 12 hour days on that beet harvest that's coming up in just a few weeks is gonna kinda capitalize my time for a bit! 

Guess I better go get my sleep now!

 Brian

From Zion to Lake Mead and Back to the Kaibab

We hauled out of Zion late. We're late starters, but we make it up by being early stoppers! ;)

We found a night camp on the rim of some badlands "canyons" just a bit south/west of Overton, Nevada.

I think we may have gotten a bit prejudiced. After Zion and the Narrows... a lil' place like this looks more like a ditch. ;)

It does have its attributes though. One, it's Free! :) and two the quiet and space is precious to such as me, even with the first impression of bleak and barren; and as you'll soon see, bleak and barren isn't always as it appears...

We weren't the first by any stretch to find this place. The tip came from the campground host at south campground back in Zion...

Just a bit farther west of us, across one of the shallow canyons was where the more Elite folks set up. ;) Funny how it seems to work out that way... the six digit rigs tend to congregate in one area... and us lower level wanderers camp up in another.

Though we might be less flush... most of the boondockers "Over here" seemed to be set up, maybe even a lil' better for long term camps... ;)

... No Matter your economic status... the sun rises over Free men just the same...

With the sunrise we continued our southern migration... passing by Lake Mead along the way.

Coming through the treeless expanse of the Mohave Desert... finding a few Palm trees poking up out of the rocks and sand is a little surprising...

If I remember the name right, this is Blue Point Spring... Walking up to the oasis it surprised me to surprise a frog!

He'd been sitting by a clump of grass on the bank of the hidden stream. The grass was so thick that I could actually only see the water in one tiny spot (where I'd seen the frog jump). What's sweet though is to Hear the water gurgling in its stream bed... through this thirsty land... as it works its way through the grass.

There was even one tiny lil' fish, maybe an inch and a half long swimming near the bank of that one small visible bit of water.

The amount of Life in these small lil' Oasis in the desert is pretty remarkable..

If you turn around and look back upstream, toward the head of the spring...

 This doesn't exactly look like country you'd expect to find frogs and fish in... does it?

Looks can be deceiving... I suppose a fella should remember that...

Running a bit farther south... we got closer to the lake... and could clearly see how low it remains... The lake itself has been down for years...

... It's been dropping since 1997. Some of the cause is a bit of drought... though... in the Desert... it is ALWAYS drought. The folks planting lawns and golf courses don't seem to grasp that fact.

75% of San Diego's water comes from THIS lake... The guys running the show have already projected the HIGH likelihood of it going effectively dry in the next 30 to 40 years... The problem with the lake is not the weather... it's way too many people trying to drink out of it... and water lawns... where lawns were never intended...

I remember lots of folks having green yards in Tucson when I was a kid... They'd bought Green Gravel!

We continued on south past the Hoover Dam... Years ago we used to drive across it... now it's not visible over the concrete walls of the new bridge built to bypass traffic around it. You can go down another road and still take a tour I guess.

By mid afternoon we were back in our Kaibab Camp of previous years... or near to it...

*180 degree panorama of our Kaibab camp area*

*Kaibab National Forest near Ash Fork*

You can just see the rig poking out of the Junipers in the lower right of the photo... We got there in plenty of time to take an afternoon walk through the neighborhood and renew acquaintances with some of the neighbors.

*Kaibab Nat Forest Antelope*

Farther on up the forest road was a mob of other locals... must have been over thirty in the area. They all appeared to be working their way NW at sunset. Must be a big roost area off there somewhere...

*Ravens  on the Kaibab in Arizona*

Curious buggers. One of 'em followed and buzzed Heidi and the dogs for a while the next day...

Kinda spooked her... Said she could hear his wings as he flew up behind them so low she thought she could reach up and pluck a feather...

Woosh, Woosh, Woosh!

Maybe if she had, he'd learn his manners! :)

*Our First Sunrise ~ Back on the Kaibab*

We've been here for three nights now, and will pull out tomorrow morning, bound for Phoenix International Raceway... and a week of NASCAR, driving for dollars. ;)

*from the hilltop behind our camp on the Kaibab National Forest*

Pretty good yard for bein' Rent Free...ain't it? You can't get more Frugal than that! Like I've said... I can't think of a better way to be livin'... It works for me!

Boondocked on the Kaibab
Brian

When the Weatherman Says Go... Sometimes You Should GO!

Yesterday, we took a hike up around the end of the ridge we're camped up against and up the drainage on the other side.

*Our Red Canyon Camp*

I collected this pic as we climbed up over the ridge coming home... much to Heidi's discontent ;) and just before this sunset...

*Kind of an appropriate Sunset for Red Canyon, don't you think?*

We've been watchin' the weatherman's reports for a couple of days. He kept sayin' it was gonna get less than prime 'round here. Buuuuut I've been waitin' on one of my lil' checks to get put in my bank... so I could hop on the bike and run over to Escalante... where they've got one of a certain brand of "other" bank so I could just pass it on. :)

So... this morning that deposit was confirmed so I rolled the Raider off the truck and hopped on to ride east into the sunshine...

Riiiiight up until the point I turned around and headed back... and rode through the misty rain and spittin' snow... buuuuut I broke back out into the sun again, so all was well... outside of it still bein' durn cold at 65 mph!

Well, we'd been talkin' of pullin' out a day earlier than we'd planned. Heidi's weatherman been sayin' a low of 13* Thursday night!!! and mine was sayin' only 28* ... still gettin' chilly for my southern lovin' bones.

Thought we'd take a walk when I got back from the bank run... and consider our options... so we walked south around the end of the ridge again... herself refusin' to make a rerun over the top ! :)

*The next drainage east from our Red Canyon Camp*

It's a pretty valley over there. The bottom is filled with that Giant sage that stands 6 foot tall and better. Down through the middle is a deep cut dry river bed that shows signs of bein' pretty nasty in rainy weather! 8 foot deep sheer walls and not so many places to climb out if you got caught down in there in a gully washer!

*I wouldn't be the first lone waddy to get buried in a dry river bed!*

Not to mention plenty of evidence of how silly it'd to go strollin' along the top ~ too close to the lip! WHOOOEEEE! a carnival ride. You just have to hope you land on the top!

We went pretty near as far as yesterday... after all the sun was shining again... right?

*A Sagebrush valley in Utah*

And like i said, it's a pretty valley so a walk through the sage is kinda nice...

Really?

Just a few more steps and it was beginning to look like we've hung around this camp toooooo long!

'course... as soon as we crossed back over the riverbed and made the turn coming around the end of the ridge nearing home... It was back to blue sky. If you don't like the weather in the west, give it twenty minutes, it's likely to change.

But it purty much made the decision for us... Camped up here at nigh 8000 feet the nights are gettin' cold! Back down there in Zion, near 4000 feet lower, bald headed old busters can sleep without the furnace turned on! ;)

So,come the dawn, we'll roll back south again for our last visit in Zion while we wait to see if the Box Canyon crew makes it south 'fore we have to run for our NASCAR commitment.

Headin' South Again ~ Before the Winter Snows Arrive in Force
Brian

Leaving Zion We Find A Red Canyon Camp to Capture Bryce

*The Eastern Panorama from the River walk in Zion*

The last evening before we left Zion for a bit we took our ritual evening walk along the River walk that leads out of South Campground. It's a good way to close out a day. The soft sound of the river flowing by... the breeze in the cottonwoods that line its banks... the Cliffs glowing above in the fading light.

On occasion the critters that share the canyon with us two legged wanderers make a showing as we pass by.

Most of the deer 'round here seem small to me... This guy was the biggest of the lot. still only a three pointer. I suppose the bigger boys are a lil' more careful than this buck who'd made his bed maybe 8 feet from the path.

He jumped up when we passed with the dogs even though they made no sound when they saw him...

The path along the river is a bit of a respite from the more challenging hikes in the park! Elevation change maybe 6"... as opposed to say... Angels landing of 1500 feet or so? ;)

Well, that and no sheer cliffs or slick rock to fall off!

Coming back into the campground the cliffs to the west of the camp glow above you in the fading light.

The scent of campfires and cooking suppers in the mostly quiet camp stir your appetite...  It's not a bad way to be...

But I still prefer the solitude of a boondock camp... and in the morning we pulled for such a place.

I had a tip from a Ranger that we checked out using google maps. Pulling up the satellite layer you can zoom in on a prospective camp and really check a place out. Using Heidi's new nexus 7 tablet, the built in GPS guided us right to the spot, even though there was no cell signal much of the way. All it needs is access to the satellites.

We rolled back a bit north to get a last look at Bryce Canyon Before We run for the Arizona Desert. Like the Wild geese from the arctic, we'll run south in about a week to escape the bitter winds of winter that will soon descend on these high desert canyons.

As soon as we got the rig parked and level... which was the most difficult camp we've set up in a while... requiring the excavation of a pair of divots to drop the uphill side of the fiver a few inches ;) we loaded back up and ran over to Bryce to resupply propane and generator fuel. It's that time of year that the battery bank frequently asks for a lil' help from the generator to achieve a full charge. (especially in the camps where puss gut biker cowboys are too lazy to climb up and tilt the panels!)

Since it was also one of the shinier times of day for the making of good photographs we rolled down into the park to get a fresh map and see if there was some photo art to be had. That and the fact that a bit of weather is threatening over the next few days, figured better do what we can while we can.

*A Raven soars along the cliffs of Bryce*

*From a Bryce Canyon Overlook*

*Fragile looking spire in Bryce Canyon*

Some of this landscape... you wonder if it'll be there the next time you come by... this bit looks like it would fall in the next breeze... and there was a chilly breeze today! brrrrr... we're planning on staying till Friday... but our thoughts of warming on the desert for the winter may have weakened our resolve! :)

The few miles back to camp were taken care of quickly... and a pretty sight it is, coming back into the solitude of a fine RV Boondocking camp...

*Our RV Boondocking  camp in Red Canyon National Rec. Area*

The clouds broke a bit as the sun settled behind the ridges to the west... and though it lacked the spectacular color that becomes such a common routine in our camps on the desert... it didn't fail to please...

*Soft sunset over Red Canyon Recreation Area*

We've a hike or two planned for this week. Then it's back through Zion for a couple of days to cross trails with some good friends from the road ;) ... and then we run for NASCAR and the desert.

Back in the Solitude of a Far Country Camp
Brian

The Tonto National Forest in Arizona Has Led the Way... The Rest of the National Forests Need to Heed the Lesson

 I suspect that RV Boondocking is getting a Boost as an Unintended Consequence of National Forest Service Performance... or... is that Non-Performance?

We've been snooping around the area the last few days... backroading and scouting camps to file away in our "next time" file, just to keep on top of things, and because... I just like backroad snoopin'!

I have to say... the tendency of National Forests to "not have a clue" is kind of amazing. Especially considering there are examples, Big Ones, within the outfit to show them the way.

There are several Forest Service campgrounds within just a few miles of our RV Boondocking camp. One, just a mile and a half or so...

I realize that things have to be paid for... but why pay $14-17 a night... for dry camping... where there isn't even water or a trash dumpster provided in the campground... when I have the SAME amenities (or lack of)... parked out in Dispersed Camping areas for a total fee (beyond my already paid taxes of course) of ZERO?

As Doctor Gray would say; "Seriously?"

San Juan National Forest is definitely a part of Government. Kind of like California Government. If you're policies are heavily damaging the ability of people to perform and work... just raise their Taxes while you cut services and increase the burden they have to carry. THAT will fix things and grease the wheels of commerce! ;) Geeze! Talk about learning disabled!

The PROOF that a tiny lil' spark of hope still exists; That a few SOMEBODies yet remain who "Get It"... and actually perform... can be found down in Arizona. On the Tonto National Forest to be exact.

Compare the services/facilities provided by San Juan National Forest within their Concessionaire Contracted operation to that on the Tonto National Forest...

The Tonto Charges a $6 a day fee. That's not a discounted rate for folks like me with Golden/Access cards... that's SIX Dollars; as in $6.00 bucks a day. (That's just $3 for us Army Crips!)

... and they've been keeping that citizen cost down For Years!

What do you get for your money? A clean easy to get around campground on Roosevelt Lake. For us it was Cholla Campground. You get potable water in several points within the campground. You get Solar Heated SHOWERS in Multiple Full Bathrooms. You get playground equipment for the Kids/Grand Kids.

There are also RV Dumpstations! Two, right there at Cholla Campground!  How many have I found available for the use of the folks utilizing the HIGH DOLLAR San Juan National Forest Campgrounds from Mancos to Lake Vallecito? Well... Let's see... Oh yeah... There are ZERO. As in not one. Boo Koo Campgrounds... minimal service... heavy use... Pay a lot... get; Not Much.

$17 bucks on the San Juan National Forest... most of which goes to a Private Corporation that landed one of the Management Contracts that Make No Sense and truly only subsidize the Corporation... or $6 bucks on the Tonto National Forest... and get Full and Proper Services...

 ... for those who don't want to park out in the bush like me! :)

One is prospering... the other is decaying...  go figure.

There's a lesson here for the National Forests of the country, and it's a clear and easy one, with a shining example... at least in my experience. Stop dumping off your responsibilities to private corporations. Terminate the sweetheart contracts. Restore the Nations Campgrounds to the condition they should be maintained in.

The director, chief stud duck, head honcho... or whatever they call the top bureaucrat in the National Forest Service needs to step up and direct his minions; 

Take a Lesson from the Tonto National Forest on how to get it done, and be at least one Federal Agency that does a good job for the American People.

If the Tonto can do it... ALL of the National Forests can.

Yeah well... a fella can dream can't he?


Harrumph!
Brian

Wide Open Spaces, Boat Floaters, Fine Feathered Friends and People Wierdnesses on the Tonto

Started thinking maybe our curse of last year was cranking up again. Where ever we went along came the snow and rain of winter...

We pulled into the Tonto and the clouds followed along... and a good strong rain in the night. But then... a desert kid don't much mind rain like that, and at night, when you're layin' in bed warm and dry is the perfect time for it. Especially if the sun is shining come the dawn.

It leaves the day for Doin'! :) and a lot of nice country to be Doin' in!

*Across Lake Roosevelt*

It's a lot cooler up here than down on the low desert near Bouse... and a hell of a lot quieter than trappin' yourself in Phoenix or whatever other big town you've made the mistake of gettin' caught in.

Some might call our Cholla Camp, Luxury Boondockin'! :)

*Luxury Boondocking in Cholla Camp on Lake Roosevelt*

 What can I say... I'm still livin' on the systems of the rig with no hookups and Maybe I'm gettin' lazy in my old age :) but for $3 bucks I've got water across the road, there's a dump station close by and one of those Personal Dump Stations just a short walk so I can stretch the black tank a ways ;)

... and plenty of space... not like in a belly to butt Commercial park...

I like the Tonto. Both ends of the seasons are softened. It don't get as brutal in the summers... and the winters, though you still get four clear seasons, the winter is pretty soft by Colorado Standards.

I'll bet there's no a whole lot of pleasure boating goin' on in Montana or Wisconsin 'bout now! :) There's everything from performance bass boats to party boats and Kayaks floatin' around on Roosevelt Lake in February with several places to slide 'em off the trailer into the lake and get 'em wet.

It's not near as busy as it will be when Phoenix is dingin' 120... so it's pleasant.

There's even plenty for the Feather Hunters...

*Tonto Basin Cardinal*

This guy was zippin' around in the vicinity of a local Avian Condo project.

Some folks call 'em Saguaro cactus, but this one has been modified so much...

 I think it's more of a 'fly in' housing development.

*Saguaro Cactus Bird House*

Heidi spotted it when she was out for a walk. A couple of Ravens are doing some remodeling of their old digs for a coming brood.

When you look at all those other holes? There must be a half dozen other Occupied Avian Apartments in the thing. I kinda thought they must think it makes the neighborhood a lil' safer havin' those two Tough Guys living upstairs. :)

... until you consider that those two Tough Guys are likely to eat your kids themselves!


... and then, after you miss the picture of the mule deer you spooked out of the Palo Verde thicket behind you when you turn away from bird town...

... you walk up the trail along the hills above the lake and you spot something that makes you... one more time... say... HUH?

To quote lil' miss Doctor Gray... "Seriously?!!!"

What's the big deal here you ask?

Well... look a lil' closer... I'll wait...

Still can't see what I'm talkin' 'bout?

Ahhhhh.... ok... let's sneak in a bit... they ain't watchin'...

So... uh... yep... that's what it are! HUH?

It's generally less than 60 degrees... and if you're out of the sun you pretty much put a jacket on...

... and these folks are powerin' up a FAN?!!! :)

uh... I tried to get a good look at 'em... but they sure don't LOOK like Eskimos!

And I thought I was an odd sort... I don't scratch the surface of some of what I see. ;)

At least I have things to watch that are more entertaining than the manure salesmen on the boob tube... and much more educational too!

Well, it's back to book whittling and Video carving for me!

Till the Next Time
Brian