Friday September 1 – We finish packing the Suburban this morning for our rather impromptu trip to Utah. This is a business trip related to Clifford’s non-profit, Carnicom Institute. Since it is not meant to be a camping trip as such, we are not taking the camper; in fact, we are not even taking a tent. I have packed camping pads, sleeping bags, and pillows, a couple coolers, some canned and dried food, the picnic bag, and a bag of cooking gear – pans, spatula, and so on, and one suitcase of clothing. Hopefully it is enough.
It is a bit hazy from forest fire smoke as we leave Wallace, Idaho, about noon, but increasingly smokey as we head east. Smoke from the Lolo Peak fire in Montana nearly obliterates the mountains the closer we get to Missoula, but even beyond that, heavy smoke continues to dominate the landscape.
A bit hazy as we leave Wallace, Idaho, around noonSt. Regis River near St. Regis, Montana. Hazy mountains in the backgroundMountain valleys are hazy as we head eastThe smoke is heavier as we reach Alberton, MontanaThe mountains near Missoula, Montana – smoke from the Lolo Peak fireThe Clarkfork River beyond Missoula; we have hopes of leaving smoke behindBut no such luck, as mountain valleys are deeply entrenched with smokeSmoke continues to dominate the landscape as we head more southerly into the hill and butte country of southwest MontanaSouthwest MontanaSouthwest MontanaApproaching Divide, Montana
We arrive at the Divide Bridge Campground north of Dillon, Montana, in the early evening, happy to find that it has not been closed due to the fires. Although the sites by the river are taken, we consider ourselves to be very fortunate to get a nice spot on the Friday evening of Labor Day weekend. We unpack food and cooking utensils, making vege quesadillas for dinner. Then I make the back of the Suburban into a comfy bed, the coolers and such are loaded onto the front seats, and we are set for the night.
Campsite at Divide Bridge CampgroundBighole River, so much lower than when we were here in May, and all the snow is gone from the mountains and hillsEvening light reflecting off the river before sundown
We watch the sun go down, forest fire smoke coloring the sky.
Forest fire sky
We made 250 miles today, a good start on our journey.
Sunrise on our last day at Divide Bridge Campground
Saturday May 20th– I feel better than I did yesterday, but still kind of low energy. However, I go off for a walk to gather mountain sage to hang on our clothesline with the intention of making sage bundles for smudging.
Really cool big rocks here, along with the mountain sage
Then we get the back of the Suburban cleaned out and repacked in preparation for our leaving tomorrow.
After dinner and cleanup, I do some editing while Clifford studies.
Sunday May 21st – It is so pretty here this morning, I am sorry that we are leaving. This has been a great place and we wouldn’t mind staying longer if we could, but we have obligations in Idaho.
Our destination today is Alberton, about 30 miles west of Missoula, 80 miles from home.
Nice to see blue sky and great puffy cloudsOn the road again- southwestern MontanaSnow-covered hills in May – more moisture for the earthBearmouth Rest Area stop before Missoula
We stop in Missoula on our way through for a Barnes & Nobles fix and supplies at Costco. Then on to Alberton and set up in the lot adjacent to the park.
We have a picnic dinner in the park on the back deck of the historic train museum with my daughter Merri and her little grandson, my great grand-son, Jack, who is a very intense, almost-two-year-old.
Jack
This is a lovely spot with a huge expanse of lawn and trees in bloom.
Trees in bloom in the Alberton town park
Last moment of light
After our picnic, we walk up to Merri’s place to visit awhile, then back to Terry (our camper) for the night.
Thursday May 18th – I decide on a campfire this morning while Clifford runs to Divide to get hold of my cousin Bill in Dillon. Bill had helped us with the Suburban, tightening loose battery cables and such, hoping that would solve the problem of it not starting. But no such luck, so now onto the next plan, which is to go to Dillon again and have the alternator checked. So, I put out the campfire and we head off to Dillon, the snow still pretty on the hillsides.
Heading to DillonSnow on the hillsides as we travel to Dillon
In Dillon, the alternator checks out as being fine, but a coolant sensor is purchased and Bill installs it for us. Then he makes us another yummy dinner. Nice to have someone else cook and fun visiting with my cousin and his wife Sally.
Back at camp, after walking down to the road to take photos, I make another campfire and hang outside until it is too dark to write in my journal.
Bighole River with snowy hills in the backgroundThe turnoff to the campground
After I go in, I finish a blog and do some editing, staying up later than intended. Always so many good things to do in a day.
Friday May 19th – It is partly cloudy today with puffy little cumulus clouds floating across a blue sky and up to 74 degrees. Although snow remains on the hillsides, it is hard to believe all the snow in the valley bottom just a couple of days ago.
Cumulus clouds against a blue sky
I’m feeling a little under-the-weather, so not a very productive day, but I take a few photos and we go out to Divide to make calls and check email and such.
More photos of the Bighole River and snowy backdropMore photos of the Bighole River and snowy backdropThe trees have started putting out their leaves during our time here
I take a nap in the afternoon, get a few shots of the pretty evening light and go to bed early, leaving Clifford to do his own dinner and cleanup.
Capturing the evening lightCapturing the evening light on the rocky outcropping above the campgroundCapturing the evening lightThe sun has set
We are going to stay a couple more days, so no need to start packing up this evening or tomorrow. Sweet.
Wednesday May 17th – During the night, the rain turned to snow and we are blessed with with a couple inches of the fresh white stuff. I go out to take photos right away, quite enchanted with the beautiful stillness.
New fallen snow at Divide Bridge Campground in mid-May
Home Sweet Home at Divide Bridge Campground in mid-May
After tea, journal, and breakfast, I go out again.
The Bighole River as seen from our campsiteSnow at Divide Bridge CampgroundWhile the snow still clings to the branches, the effect makes one think of delicate lace.The Bighole River is rising a bit moreSnow emphasizes the textures of the trees
My laptop is dead and journal is current, so I read some photography and Aarp magazines that I haven’t yet gotten to on this journey. The snow turns to sleet, and I go for another walkabout, enjoying the crisp freshness of the day while snow remains on the trees.
More of the lacy look…….Looking toward the mountainLooking toward the riverSage that I was going to harvest is covered in snowAspen, or maybe they are alders, still hold snow, but soon it will be gone
The new neighbor is there celebrating his birthday and has a campfire going, in spite of the light drizzle that continues into the evening. Since the host is there, I go join them at the campfire, rather than try making one of my own. It is nice to have someone to chat with for a bit while Clifford continues with his research and studies.
A snowman built by the maintenance man – too snowy to mow the grass, he said
After dinner, with no solar power to charge any of our devices, Clifford and I both go to bed somewhat earlier than usual – kind of nice, for a change.
Tuesday May 16th– Although there are winter storm warnings for western Montana, it looks like a good day for hiking. We meet Bill and Sally and their big German Shepherds at the village of Glen before following them out to rugged BLM land that reminds me of the buttes of lower Sun River valley where I lived as my kids were growing up.
My cousin Bill, whom I hadn’t seen for 50 years (we are all grown up now,) and his wife, SallyHeading out to BLM land to go hiking with Bill and Sally
The road gets a bit rough and when we stop, we discover that our 5-gallon water jug has tipped and broken, spilling five gallons of water in the back of the Suburban. Not a good thing, but we park on a slope and let as much run out as possible.
Here’s where the road endsReady to head up
Then Clifford and I follow Bill and Sally up a draw and around to the backside of a large mesa, eventually climbing all the way to the top.
We follow Bill up the drawWe will be hiking around to the backside of the mesa before beginning the climb to the summit
A massive and impressive rock wall comes into viewWe pause at the base of the rock wallBill, Clifford, and Sally at the base of the rock wallHere’s where the real climb starts, staircase courtesy of Mother Nature
It is a bit strenuous, particularly on my knees, but the views are quite spectacular.
Scenic view from the top of the mesaThe dots just left of center at the end of the road are our vehiclesClouds over the mountains become denser
We can see the clouds on the mountain across the valley becoming dense and dark, the harbinger of the storm to come. We make good time going back down, not wanting to get caught in the rain on the rocky slopes and draws. Between ticks and rattlesnakes, we have to be on the alert the whole time, but it is a good hike.
The rocks on the mesa are quite interesting — so rough and lichen-coveredPink paintbrush on the slopeWe were at the top of this mesa and this is only the base of the backside – there is still the Mother Nature staircase to descend, which will take us back to the draw and down to the vehiclesBill reaches the rock wall and begins the descent down the rock staircase
Back at the vehicles, we follow Bill and Sally to their place in Dillon, where they show us their pretty flower-filled yard, rock collections, and car restoration projects, followed by a very tasty meal of steak, rice, and the best corn-on-the-cob I’ve ever had.
Back at camp, as we nap, tired out from the hike, it begins to rain, and the rain becomes heavier as the evening progresses. Looks like the winter storm that was forecast is moving in.
Sunday May 14thSkiff of snow this morning here at Divide Bridge Campground. By time I go for a walk, only the snow on the hills remains.
Snow on the hills around Divide Bridge CampgroundSnow on the hills near Divide Bridge CampgroundSnow on the hills near Divide Bridge CampgroundThe Bighole River running high at Divide Bridge Campground
After breakfast there is a knock on the door and some grizzled fellow is there. I ask him if I can help him and it turns out he is my cousin Bill, whom I have not seen in at least 50 years! I have been in recent contact with him through FB and he lives in nearby Dillon, Montana. I told him where we were camping for the night, but it just didn’t dawn on me that he might actually show up on my doorstep! What a fun surprise! He will come again tomorrow with his wife, Sally.
Lots of book editing and photo editing today for me, while Clifford spends the day working on electrochemistry.
Today is Mother’s Day and it is quite wonderful to hear from all of my kids, either calls or texts… well worth the drive to Divide to get cell service.
Monday May 15th– Today is a day of variable weather from sunny with little puffy cumulus clouds, to overcast and rain flurries, and back to sunny.
Sunlight on the river
My cousin Bill arrives with his wife, Sally, and their two very large German shepherds. We sit out at the picnic table to chat for a bit, warm enough when the sun comes through, not quite cool enough to bother with a campfire, and make plans to meet tomorrow for a hike.
In the afternoon Clifford and I go out to Divide to send emails and make phone calls. Back at camp, I explore the other side of the campground, listen to music, and do more editing, journaling, and blog writing, while Clifford continues with electrochemical work.
The passing of a brief rain storm leaves a gorgeous rainbow in its wake, a very nice way to close out the afternoon.
Saturday May 13th – It is 33 degrees and snowing when I wake up and I am excited to go take photos immediately!
Snow on the hillsideand on the shrubs around the campground
After breakfast, I work on various indoor activities while Clifford continues with his studies.
After tea and journal writing, I go out for a longer walkabout taking more photos of the newly fallen snow – not a lot of it, but enough to make the landscape pretty.
Later, I go for a run/walk down to the day use area and back. Back at camp, since it has stopped snowing and sleeting, I decide to build a campfire and enjoy a bit more time outdoors.
Our campsite at Divide Bridge CampgroundNot much snow left along the river; but colors are rich and dark with the dampness
Although there is not a lot of snow left along the river and in the campsite, snow remains on the hillsides.
Snow remains on the hillside
I have enjoyed the fresh crisp air all day and it is with some reluctance that I finally go inside to begin the evening routine.
Wednesday May 10th – I am up early getting a thermos and clothes ready in case we need to spend the night at a KOA, as we don’t know how long it will take to fix Terry (our now broken-down camper). We talk to Jason, the manager here at Les Schwab, and learn that we will have to replace both axles, hubs, brakes, and so on. The reason is explained and we see that it is the best way to take care of our situation. The parts are ordered and we carry on as usual until the parts arrive. From the parking lot, I enjoy the snow-capped mountains that border the town.
View from the Les Schwab parking lot
It is interesting to watch how they tow Terry into the bay with a forklift, not dragging the injured part. We spend the afternoon in the waiting room with wifi and our thermos of tea. I take care of email, post blogs, and edit, while Clifford studies.
It is after 6:00 p.m. by time Terry is ready to roll. Expensive for us, but very reasonable considering all that has been done. We will be much safer on the road now.
We head north to the Walmart at Orem. There is no Walmart in Provo; the address in the book was listed as Provo, but the Walmart is in Orem. How ironic: we were looking for a Walmart in Provo that didn’t exist and broke down less than a block from the place that could truly fix the problem. Life is full of mysteries.
Thursday May 11th – We get a few groceries in Orem before continuing north through Salt Lake City, stressful with all the traffic, but uneventful.
As we cross Idaho, we see the lava fields that the area is known for.
Lava fields of southern IdahoLava fields of southern Idaho
We stop in Idaho Falls for a late lunch and the salad I ordered was so bad I couldn’t eat it. Ugh.
We find the Walmart in Idaho Falls and park in a quiet corner alongside a nice strip of green grass with trees, a pleasant enough place to spend the night once I pick up a bit of trash.
Idaho Falls Walmart for the night
I don’t feel great – too much stress, too many miles in the last few days, and lack of proper meals. Clifford is tired from all the driving, so we head to bed earlier tonight.
Friday May 12th– We are up early and continue north, soon crossing into Montana. Our plans to camp at Grasshopper Creek Campground west of Dillon have changed, as my cousin, who lives in Dillon has a weather forecast indicating SNOW at that elevation. Seeing a BLM campground indicated on the map just a few miles off the interstate outside the tiny town of Divide, we head for that, not knowing what we will find. Some BLM campgrounds are quite inaccessible for towing vehicles, but we are pleasantly surprised to find a well-maintained campground with several lovely sites right along the Bighole River.
Divide Bridge BLM Campground
In fact, it is such a nice campground, we decide to wait out the cold weather that is forecast and stay at least five days rather than heading further north right away.
After getting set up, we drive back out to the town of Divide, close enough to the interstate to have cell service, and notify family and friends where we are. Back at camp, after admiring the river, I explore a bit, bringing back some fragrant sage.
A variety of trees and sbrubs border the riverCampsite along the Bighole RiverThe Bighole River running high
There are few gusts and sprinkles through the later afternoon and heavier rain in the evening. I’m feeling very happy to be here rather than continuing north fighting the weather.
Tuesday May 9th is our last morning at Drinks Canyon Campground. I go down to the Colorado River first thing to say my good-byes to the river, the cliffs, the trees, and the sky. Back at camp, Clifford is up; we finish packing and are on the road by 10:15 a.m.
Saying good-bye to the river and the red cliffs
We head north, our first stop being Price, Utah. We had considered spending the night in the Walmart parking lot, but instead, being early afternoon, we buy one new tire for Terry (our camper) and continue northward. The route takes us through very scenic canyon and mountain country of north-central Utah, with lots of steep ups and downs and curves.
Curving roads through the canyons of central to northern Utah
We arrive in Provo, Utah, around 5:00 in the afternoon and head for the Walmart there, per the address that we have in the GPS.
We seem to be heading the wrong direction on University Avenue, a main thoroughfare through Provo, so get turned around, wrangling through construction on the side streets. Back on University Avenue, just as we head over a very long overpass, one of Terry’s tires flies off, the underpinning of the axle (whatever that is called) drags the pavement. We can’t stop, as it is rush hour traffic and no shoulder. We pull off into a vacant lot at the end of the overpass, in a serious quandary what to do. It was the new tire that came off, the hub is obviously damaged, and the underpinning is digging into the ground.
How to retrieve the tire during rush hour on this main street is our first dilemma. Just then a fellow in a pickup pulls up and he has our tire in the back of his truck. Whew – thank goodness! First step taken care of. There is a brake shop on the other side of the busy avenue, so we carefully make our way across and talk to the manager there. He can’t do anything to help us except that he points out a Les Schwab Tire Service just a block away and shows us how we can navigate underneath the overpass to avoid traveling on University Avenue. We walk to Les Schwab, arriving just in time to catch the manager before they close. Yes, he can fix our camper and we are welcome to camp in their parking lot. All we have to do is get there.
Back at our rig, we very very very slowly drag our way under the underpass and down quiet side streets until we arrive at the Les Schwab parking lot – home for the night with a great view of the snow-capped mountains to the east of the city.
View of the mountains from the Les Schwab parking lot – our home for the night
We have a lot to be grateful for right at this moment, as we settle down for the night.
Sunday May 7th is mostly sunny in the morning, but increasing clouds during the day. As well as the usual journal writing and editing, I also make potato salad in anticipation for having lunch with our friend, David, tomorrow.
In the later afternoon we drive to the Grandstaff Trailhead, formerly called Negro Bill Trail, just a few miles down the road. We only hike about a mile in, as it is too late in the day to do the whole trail. However, it is a very interesting and pretty canyon with the trail running right alongside a creek.
Creek hidden by boulders and willowsRed cliffs of Grandstaff CanyonSometimes golden, depending on the position of the lightThe creek along the trail as we continue further into the canyonInteresting rock sculptureMore creek along Grandstaff Trail
Carol by the creek
It is fun for both of us and it is good to get in a hike before we leave this area.
Clifford has his experiments going on in the kitchen, so I work outside on our picnic table until a big wind comes up, forcing me to head in. We have some of the potato salad for dinner, then tidy up and off to bed.
Monday May 8th is a town day in preparation for leaving the Moab area. We go to the laundromat, run errands, and pick up the supplies we will need for the next leg of the journey. David is unable to join us for our picnic lunch as planned; we are sorry to have not gotten together with him before our leaving. We go to the library to get caught up on emails and such. Becka calls, so she and I have a chance to visit before we head back up the canyon where there is no cell service.
Back at camp, we clean out the Suburban and get Clifford’s tubs all packed in the back, as well as packing up as much as I can inside Terry. I have greatly appreciated and will miss the great red cliffs here and the powerful Colorado River,
Last evening at Drinks Canyon Campground – view from our campsite
but I am not really sad to be leaving, as being camped so close to the highway with all the traffic has not really suited me well. It is said that variety is the spice of life… I guess some spices are just tastier than others!
