Friday December 15 – Today’s temperature: 47/78. Quite a switch from much of the rest of the country.
Our campsite at first light
Clifford and I walk out to the host station to sign in, since we arrived here too late yesterday to do so. While we are there chatting with the host, my brother Rollie and his little dog Ninja arrive. He has been in Arizona since October and now that we are here, Rollie is going to join us for some time camping together.
After Rollie gets set up just a ways down from us, he takes out his instruments. I get out my guitar and we jump into some bluegrass music. Doesn’t take long for my fingers to object, as it has been quite some time since I’ve played the guitar. One might think playing cello would keep my fingertips tough enough for guitar, but not so.
Music with Rollie and Ninja
I round out the day with editing for Ang – her next series “Dragons of Va’ha’den” – before making chili dinner for Rollie, Clifford, and myself. It is fun talking to Rollie about some of his adventures thus far in his winter travels.
Saturday December 16 – Photos at sunrise, then tea and breakfast with Rollie.
Photos at sunrise
Today is reorganization day, which always happens right after a move. Then a campfire and more music.
Clifford has been getting his ham radios set up, including a 35 foot vertical antenna attached to the end of the camper. I make a spaghetti dinner for us all tonight, then read until midnight.
Sunday December 17 – It is cooler and windy today, so activities are mostly inside, including music, which is quite a feat, as both Rollie’s camper and ours are on the small side when it comes to anything extra, like instruments and extra seating. I edit for a couple of hours in the afternoon; would like to do more, but with all the demands on our solar system, we can only charge my laptop for that long each day. Rollie donates some ribs for dinner and I fix a red sauce and honey topping for them. Tasty!
Evening walkabout and photos of the setting sun
Read before bed, but not so late as last night.
Monday December 18 – It is clear and breezy today. I have tea with Rollie while Clifford is still sleeping.
View to the west from our campsite
Our cousin Bill and his wife Sally arrive to join us for a few days of camping, coming down from Dillon, Montana, in their 5th wheel. They get set up in between Rollie and Clifford and me. Nice big fire ring at their spot, so that becomes our center of operation. Bill is a great cook and makes fancy burgers for us for dinner. Rollie and I do some music, in spite of my sore fingers – hard to resist playing music with someone.
Evening walkabout and photos at sunset
Tuesday December 19 – Today’s temperature: 33/70. I join Rollie at a small campfire at his place this morning for tea, writing in my journal while he plays mandolin. Edit Dragons as long as the laptop has power and then finish reading the book I started a couple of days ago. We have a campfire at Bill and Sally’s spot in the afternoon and more music.
Rollie, Ninja, and Sally at the fire ring, getting set for more music
Clifford is focused on his ham radio, but always joins us for music.
So much fun to have family on the journey. We have plans for an outing tomorrow and we are all looking forward to seeing Palm Canyon.
We were not sure that today would actually be our leaving day, but in checking the weather, we see a high wind warning for tomorrow. That means we either leave today, or we will have to wait until Friday. So, we begin the final preparations of getting the house for us to be gone and finishing packing. Almost everything is checked off the master list, which has been on the fridge for weeks.
It is almost 4:00 by time we are ready to leave, rather a late start, but we are on our way.
Leaving Monticello, heading southOur route is not far from the Monument Valley region, so a few of the formations can be seen.A formation like a giant prehistoric creature
We are aiming for a place called Elephant Feet near Tuba City, Arizona, which appears to be a roadside stop where we can spend the night. As we approach Tuba City, we see a formation that looks like it could be the right place, but there is no sign, no other campers, and nothing to indicate that it is the right place. We go on, thinking that there may be something beyond, but there is not.
So we continue driving, keeping a watchful eye for a truck stop at Tuba City, and finding none we keep going, reaching highway 89, where we turn south. It is dark by time we reach Cameron where there is a truck stop with a convenience store. We park in the back parking lot along with a few semi’s and a couple other RV travelers. We are grateful for finding a safe place to spend the night and the use of the convenience store. Although not very scenic, we do have a peaceful night.
Thursday December 14, 2017
We take our time getting ready to go this morning. I browse the gift shop which features Native American crafts, beautiful fabrics and pottery. When we arrive at Flagstaff, we pick up supplies before heading south on state highway 89 toward Prescott. Arriving there, it is too early in the day to look for the campground we saw indicated on the map. We have time to make it closer to our destination – the LaPaz Valley just south of Quartzsite.
Leaving Prescott, we wind our way over a mountain range, the Juniper Mountains, which looks relatively small on the map. Maps are great, but sometimes features are deceiving. Curve after curve after curve; slow, but very scenic.
The winding road over the mountain south of Prescott, Arizona
After I thought we were out of it, there was another section of narrow twisting roads near Yarnell and a state park dedicated to the 30 firefighters who lost their lives there in a forest fire just a few years ago.
Winding down the mountain toward the valley floor
We thought we would have access to BLM land just a ways beyond – a place to spend the night. However, when we got there, the road seemed to lead to a ranch. This was not what I was seeing on the map, so we decide to keep going on to Quartzsite.
Arizona landscape as we continue on
We drive into the sunset and arrive at Quartzsite while there is still twilight.
Sunset as we approach Quartzsite
The BLM land is only a few miles further on, south on highway 95. Luckily, we are familiar with the Roadrunner camping area just off the LaPaz Valley Road and are able to find a spot alongside a small wash with a good size mesquite tree to provide a homey spot where we can be faced the right direction to handle the wind. It is dark by time we are set up; we only plan to be here a couple of days, but it is a nice spot and no one close by.
We are glad to be here. Hard to believe we only left home yesterday afternoon.
Monday May 22nd– It is early, but I am awake when Ang and Oden stop at the lot by the Alberton Town Park where we had parked for the night.
Raindrops on shrubs in the park
Oden is just finishing up his Drivers’ Ed class for today. It is great fun to see them; I make French press coffee and we chat for a few minutes until Ang has to leave for a meeting in connection with organizing the Alberton Railroad Days coming up in July.
Ang and OdenAng and Oden
We arrive in Wallace in mid-afternoon and have a little time to visit with Katie and Jeremy before beginning the huge unloading process, bringing in only the perishable food and most needed items to begin with. Later we have dinner with Katie, Jeremy, and family. So nice to see them all again.
The house and family in Wallace: Becka, Katie, Justice; Finley in frontWallace Walkabout: Jeremy and Jude with newest family member – Scarlet
Wallace: power, internet, and hot showers! Family and friends.
Jude and friend JDJustice and FinleyFinley, JD, and Jude at the pizza joint
Flowers and the beautiful Coeur d Alene River.
Our poppy is really putting out the blossoms this yearVolunteer pansies in our flower/vege bedPhlox after a rain shower
Coeur d Alene on the west end of Wallace
And for the first time in months, I play my good cello… and what a pleasure that is! Traveling is quite the adventure, but there are some great things to enjoy while we are here in Wallace.
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.
