There’s something a little WOW about eating your lunch in front of a glacier as it calves…

After pretty much getting skunked fishing at the Copper River we were eager to get to Valdez where we’d have a chance to do other “Alaska” stuff…like hike to a glacier, watch the salmon return to the fishery they were born at, fish for said salmon and cruise the Prince William Sound. Our little threesome of RVs traveled down the Richardson Highway and made an overnight pit stop in the Keystone Canyon so we’d have better access to explore a few areas before getting to Valdez.

From left to right: The Learning Banks (Beth and Taylor), Gone With the Wynns (Nikki and Jason) and Tales From the Mutiny (Lynn and Clark). Milepost V 15.

A particularly awesome side trip was to the Worthington Glacier. Although we’d seen quite a few glaciers by now they were all off in the distance. At Worthington Glacier you can not only hike to the glacier, but you can touch it…and taste it…if you want. And we did want! It was such a nice hike out that I actually returned the next morning with Nellie so she could touch a glacier too. Unfortunately, she was not as thrilled as I was about getting close to it but she did like drinking the glacial waters. Note: There’s RV parking available if you want to stop for a short visit to the glacier (no overnighting here) and there’s also an ADA path that’s wheelchair compatible. Dogs are also allowed to accompany you so it’s a great place to take a break!

Worthington Glacier.

The gang at the foot of Worthington Glacier.

Nellie has her “weird ears” on…she did not like being this close to the glacier (but she did like drinking from it)

We also hiked the Old Goat Trail that runs above Horsetail Falls…and got rained on in the process. But the forest is so dense here, it’s really like a rain forest, that we didn’t mind it much. Plus, we got a pretty cool view of our rigs parked way below us at one of the turnouts where we overnighted (but my photos didn’t turn out…but I’ll post a bad one anyway).

Sorry guys…I was trying to learn a who new camera set up after my battery died in the trusty Canon.

Eielson Ravens forever! Lynn, Thale and Paula.

Hanging out with my first ever high school boyfriend, Chris. One of his sisters, Kim, lives in Washington State…and I had the pleasure of hiking with her in both Olympic National Park and the Cascades.

We then spent 5 days at Eagles Rest RV Park in Valdez. It turns out one of my high school classmates< Thale, works at this park and another, Chris, lives in Valdez. With a school as small as the one we went to it was like a class reunion (and, funny enough, our school was holding an all classes reunion in Las Vegas around this same time) and, as luck would have it, Thale’s mom Paula, who was a teacher at our school, was visiting as well.

The marina.

Gorgeous views.

Fireworks on the the 4th of July…it doesn’t really get dark enough for them but it was fun anyway.

A beautiful midnight “sunset”. If you’re gonna stay at a crowded RV park you might as well make friends, eat some just caught halibut and share some great stories.

A big highlight of our stay in Valdez was taking the Lu Lu Belle Glacier and Wildlife Tour. Granted, you’ll have to throw down some coinage to catch this ride but it’s so worth it…after all, how often are you going to go to Alaska? We certainly didn’t travel 2000+ miles to sit on the sidelines and not experience the place. Now, we aren’t rich but we knew we came here for the experiences…not to go home with money in our pocket. And Lu Lu Belle was a carpe diem moment (besides, my old high school teacher gave me one ticket free…whoop whoop!). Sadly, since my camera battery was completely kapoot I had no way to capture the cool stuff we saw, aside from my cell. So, you’ll have to wait for Taylor or Beth to blog about it since they had the good camera on that trip.

Fishing…

The perfect spot for lunch and freshly baked brownies, courtesy of the Lu Lu Belle crew.

I can’t compare the Lu Lu with any other tour boat so I have no idea if there are better ones out there. But I can tell you that the staff was excellent, the boat was spotless, the captain had a plethora of information on everything we saw. He was respectful of the sea life, making sure to give whales plenty of space while ensuring everyone had a chance to get photos. When he maneuvered us close (very close) to a fishing boat, so we could see it action, he made sure the fishing crew was thanked with fresh baked brownies (which were passed from bow to stern in a fish net). We spent a lot of time at the glacier for lunch and then each and every person/couple/family was allowed to go on the bow of the boat for photos (some even held signs the crew prepared in advance saying Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah). It was epic.

Any Deadliest Catch fans here? The show (and cast) has caused quite a rift in the fishing community (apparently putting some companies out of business) but I still was secretly thrilled to come across THREE different ships from the show (The Northwestern photo didn’t come out…sorry).

Another Deadliest Catch ship.

Although the locals might not agree, these semi-domestic bunnies that run all over town are freakin’ adorable. And everywhere.

This town is breathtaking.

Fireweed in the rain.

The remainder of our time in Valdez was spent at the dog park, the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum (a must see in my books), the coffee shop at A Rogue’s Garden, and hiking one of the many trails in the area. The town and the campground had two separate salmon bakes (free) during our stay and we got invited to hang out with some locals at the RV park and eat all of their halibut too. You just can’t beat summer in Alaska…a place where people love to catch the fish, cook the fish and share the fish. We’d also heard about a mama grizzly in the area who had 4 (four) cubs!! We spent one evening, with friends Beth and Taylor, at the old pioneer cemetery looking for her. And while we didn’t catch sight of her or her babies we did get sufficiently creeped out  hiking around at midnight (it was starting to actually get dark at that hour) purposely looking for a bear…or ghosts.

Clark’s first catch!

Fishermen (and a float plane) on the bay.

Taylor and Clark with their salmon.

We also spent the day at the Solomon Gulch Fish Hatchery on Dayville Rd. There is RV camping allowed out here in specified areas and might be a good choice for those who want waterfront (and slightly less crowded) parking. But, the place is popular and attracts a lot of fishermen and tourists who come to see the sea lions, bears and salmon. We spent a few hours watching the salmon and sea lions and then moved down the road to go fishing. There are specific rules on where and how you can catch salmon and it changes in different areas (and with different types of salmon). Be sure to know what you’re fishing for and have proper licenses…they do check!

A sea lion enjoying a fresh meal.

These are thousands of salmon!!!

Valdez surprised us…it was a beautiful town with lovely people, lots of activities, amazing scenery and a great marina vibe that rivaled any port we’ve been to so far. If Alaska is on your itinerary I’d recommend making Valdez not only a place to stop and see, but a place you might want to hang out for a while.

Sometimes it pays to think outside the box…especially when you find yourself in overly crowded places and you remember your house has wheels, and an engine. Everyone in the world (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration) knows about the beauty and splendor of Zion and Arches–and I don’t want to diminish those facts–but it’s also a fact that, like Yellowstone or Yosemite, if you don’t plan it right your trip to these spots may involve long lines, crowded trails and lots of photo bombs from strangers. Of course, if you’re limited to when you can go you just might have to suck it up and deal with visiting the most popular parks during the most popular times of the year…and that’s okay (some people even thrive in crowds). But, you could also decide to visit some lesser known, but equally amazing places instead.

Making plans over coffee and desert.

We’ve mentioned Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument quite a few times in our last few posts. Part of the reason is that it’s so huge that we kept bumping into it as we traveled both Highway 89 and Highway 12. And part of it is because we really were impressed, not only with how utterly amazing the colors and textures were but also that we practically had the place to ourselves. After leaving Kodachrome State Park we once again we found ourselves in Grand Staircase. This time we were in the town of Escalante itself.

The afternoon we arrived in Escalante it decided to snow.

It turned out our Jeep, Chuck Norris, had developed a rotational, high-pitched squeal from his undercarriage. We inspected the drive-line, as best we could, for mud and dust and lubed what was lubeable…we’d been off-roading quite a bit…yet the noise persisted. With limited cell and wifi we struggled to search for information on what might be going on and the severity of the issue. A stop at the BLM office in Cannonville led us to a repair facility, Cottam’s Phillip 66, in Escalante. Turns out this is where the BLM brings their vehicle for service and repairs so we felt that we were in good hands.

Our unspoiled view.

Free camping at it’s finest.

Chuck needed a couple of u-joints and a center link, all of which had to be ordered. We decided to camp a few miles out of town on Hole-in-the-Rock Road which was not only free, but had fantastic views and just enough cell signal receive a phone call once our parts arrived (be sure to get your free permit at the BLM office). Unfortunately, since there was the possibility that the drive-line could seize (or some other vehicle stranding condition could occur) we decided to keep our adventures a little more close to home. (Additional link for the BLM land where we camped click here).

Hole-in-the-Rock Road is 62 miles long (one way) and ends at a point above Lake Powell in the Glen Canyon NRA. Originally part of an 1878 Mormon Expedition, the pioneers made their way down Hole-in-the-Rock trail only to be faced with the vertical cliffs of Glen Canyon and, undoubtedly, their failure to reach the the San Juan River to set up a new community in Bluff. But their tenacity and brilliant engineering proved otherwise. By blasting, digging and rigging up ropes the group managed to create a hole in the rock and lower all 83 wagons, the livestock, women and children safely down the 1800 foot cliff. There are so many points of interest along the road but we didn’t feel confident taking Chuck too far from our base camp.

We did, however, go as far as Zebra Slots.

About a mile into the hike the trail descends into a colorful canyon.

There are some great geological features to check out along the way.

Things get tricky at Harris Wash…the trail disappears and footprints scatter every which way. The going also gets laborious in the deep, fine sand.

Zebra Slots are located 5 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road. Parking can be found directly after the second cattle guard crossing. The trail begins across the road, through the rabbit brush and then drops into a canyon and continues for a total of about 2 miles until you hit Harris Wash. Finding the exact wash that leads to Zebra Slots can be tricky as you’ll be crossing into Harris Wash…a huge, deep sandy wash that eats footprints and obscures any semblance of a “trail”. At Harris Wash you’ll turn upstream (it was dry when we were there but that meant a left for us) and then the next confluence (no more than 1/4 mile) on the right (north) will lead you to the slots.

Moqui Marbles.

The entrance to Zebra Slot looks unremarkable.

It quickly becomes amazing.

The famous zebra stripes and some Moqui Marbles embedded in the sandstone.

Parts are so narrow it’s easier to just climb above them.

This slot is short lived but remarkable due to the stripped pattern in the rocks that lend to it’s name. Embedded in this walls of the slot, and scattered on the wash floor, are what’s known as Moqui Marbles. We squeezed and climbed and thoroughly enjoyed this slot. We saw only one other couple who was looking for the slot while we sat eating lunch surrounded by Moqui Marbles.

More Moqui Marbles.

Approaching Tunnel Slot across slick rock.

The entrance to Tunnel Slot.

The “other side” of Tunnel Slot…coming back through.

What started as a lovely day turned a little south when I persuaded Clark to continue on a loop hike I read about online that would take us to nearby Tunnel Slot (there is another, easier, way to get to Tunnel Slot so click at your own risk). What had once appeared to be very clear directions, from the comfort of our RV, now was a jumble of meaningless words as I looked at a landscape that appeared far different than what was being described in my notes. And, although I did finally make it to Tunnel Slot, Clark and I managed to get ourselves separated long enough to implement the “come find me technique” whereas I sit in one spot and blow my whistle until he shows up.

Although we were safe and our separation was short lived (neither of us was in any danger of being lost) it was still a reminder to stay together and to maintain verbal and visual contact since every twist and turn in a canyon can hinder both of those things. Should the person in the lead decide to turn into another wash others may not see you…and due to the deep sand they’ll never even see your foot prints. Another lesson learned.

Needless to say, the hike back out was more arduous than it was coming in…deep sand and a steady uphill climb was a bit draining after walking in the various washes. But it was still fantastic.

Chuck’s day at the spa…

Oh, and we managed to get Chuck in for repairs before we headed off to our next destination…Capital Reef National Park. FYI: Cottam’s went above and beyond to get our problem diagnosed and parts ordered right away. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them and found their pricing to be more than fair. Kudos to the gentlemen at Cottam’s. Also, if you’re looking to grab a bite to eat out in Escalante we recommend Escalante Outfitters…a local shop where you can get fitting for hiking boots and pick up maps as well a nice up of coffee and some killer pizza. It’s a really great spot!

Note: Zebra and Tunnel Slots are rated as difficult because of the lack of trail markers once you reach Harris Wash. Hikers get lost all the time so map reading skills are imperative. Zebra Slot is often wet…sometimes with waist deep water. Be as prepared as possible by stopping in the BLM office and speaking with a Ranger. We didn’t find any hiking “flyers” on either slot and could only get specific information when we asked about those slots by name (they don’t advertise this two slots to the general public, instead sending most people to the “safer” Spooky and Peek-a-Boo Slots). Be sure to ask about road, weather, slot and trail conditions. Neither Zebra nor Tunnel are technical slots and should require any special equipment…it’s only the getting lost part that grants these slots the “difficult” rating.

Your’s truly down inside Bull Valley Gorge.

We’d waited a looooong time to finally visit Kodachrome Basin State Park. Every since Nealy’s on Wheels blogged about it back in May of 2014 it had been on our radar and, after reading about a couple of nearby hikes in our recently acquired guide book Favorite Hikes In & Around Zion National Park by Tanya Milligan and Bo Beck, we were super stoked to have arrived.

The Mutiny at Kodachrome Basin State Park.

Kodachrome was named in 1949 after a National Geographic team came out and photographed the amazing colors on their equally amazing (and brand new) Kodak film…some of you reading may remember film, right? Dotted with towering sandstone spires, you can be sure that this park is pretty extraordinary. Full hookup sites will set you back $28 per night while dry camping is $19 per night. Due to its close proximity to Grand Staircase-Escalante there are also boondocking options on BLM land but, you do need a permit. (Be sure to stop at the Cannonville Visitor Center before making the drive out to find a campsite in Grande Staircase).

Although Kodachrome offers several hiking options right in the park we were there for something else…two slot canyon hikes in Grand Staircase. These two hikes are our all-time favorites of all that we did in the entirety of this region. Now, I know it may seem confusing because we’d hike a slot a few weeks earlier in Grand Staircase (before we even got to Zion) but remember, at 1.9 million acres, Grand Staircase is huge. So, some parts are easier to access from Big Water, or Kanab, or Kodachrome (Henrieville, UT), or Escalante and even from Capital Reef National Park.

Skutumpah Road…fairly well maintained at this point (any car could drive it) but conditions change fast. Rain makes it slick as snot and impossible to drive on (seriously, don’t even try).

Disclaimer: We aren’t experts in hiking, climbing or canyoneering, all of which can be dangerous activities. It’s imperative that you understand your own capabilities (be honest) and obtain the most current information about the trails you want to hike and the roads you’ll need to drive to get there. Always, always, always be aware of trail and weather conditions. Skutumpah Road is impassible once it starts raining and it’s highly unlikely you’ll get cell signal in this area…and even if you do, we heard the BLM ranger warn a hiker that they will not send anyone out to rescue them until the roads are safe to do so. We advise everyone to check in at the ranger station for information on all trails and impending weather…the sun may be shining when you set out on the trail but even if it rains several miles away it can cause flash flooding throughout the region.

Now, how about those hikes…

Day One: Willis Creek

Look for this sign.

According to our hiking guide (see link above) Willis Creek–>Sheep Creek–>Bull Valley Gorge is a 17 miles loop…perfect for a very long day (10 hours) or an overnighter (there are tent campsite recommendations in the book). However, we decided to tackle Willis Creek as 4-5 mile out & back trail. From Kodachrome once you exit the park make a right on the main road (toward Cannonville and Hwy 12) and then a left onto Skutumpah Road. This is a dirt road but should be in good enough condition even for passenger vehicles. Travel about 5.5 SW on this road you’ll find a parking area and the trailhead for Willis Creek.

Here’s where the creek cuts into the rock…it’s a baby slot! Come back in a million years and it will be hikable!

The other side of the above picture…the funny little waterfall.

At the trailhead just look for the creek and head downstream. You’ll find a funny little waterfall (the creek runs year-round) and the start of the narrows, which goes on for about 2.5 miles. The walls continue to get higher and there are some nice, very narrow sections along with plenty of great photo ops. Once the canyon walls widen and the trails broadens into a deep, sandy wash you can turn around (unless you’re making the long loop). This is a fairly popular hike because it’s easy and non-technical so everyone in the family can experience the slots even if they can’t hike very far (simply turn around at any point). Because the creek runs year-round be prepared for wet and/or muddy conditions. At the time of our hike, the water flow was low but leftover snow melt made for some slick, muddy sections. We saw maybe 6 people during our entire hike. For further details on this hike click here.

Day Two: Bull Valley Gorge

A handy-dandy sign.

Bull Valley Gorge was the most impressive slot we hiked. While not quite as easy of a stroll as Willis Creek, during our hike the conditions of the slot did not require any equipment and not much technical skill (there was some climbing but tree trunks and large boulders made each drop accessible for us). Just remember, trail conditions change every season and after each rain (or snow) which is why we recommend you check with the ranger before heading out to these slots. Also, for all of the dryfalls and boulders, you will potentially have to climb down and over you will have to climb back over or up them to get out. So, be honest with your abilities (and be sure you can climb back out) before you commit to going any further. For details on this slot click here.

Near the start of the slots where the walls are low and let in a lot more light.

The trailhead for Bull Valley is just a couple of miles past Willis Creek. You’ll cross a small bridge, which you’ll actually be hiking under, so find a parking spot shortly past the bridge. Walk back over the bridge. You’ll hike up canyon, on the right side of the slot (the gorge on your left), and should cross a registration box rather quickly. Hike about a mile or so along the ridge. You’ll be tempted to drop down into the canyon at several points but don’t do it…hike up canyon until you can basically step into it so you don’t miss all the spectacularness. Once you drop down you’ll start hiking down canyon and the walls will grow taller and taller. FWIW, we only saw one other couple during the several hours we were in this slot.

The truck…the walls are so high here that I was unable to get the slot floor in the shot.

Soon you’ll get to the bridge (the one you drove across to park). Look up and spot the 1954 Pickup wedged in the canyon. The story is that the pickup slid off of the old wooden bridge that once spanned the narrows killing the 3 men inside. The bodies were recovered but the truck was left in place. Dirt, boulders and trees were shoved into the crevasse to widen the road. I’m not gonna lie, it was a little eerie walking underneath that truck. The narrows go on for about 2 miles. Once you’re done exploring simply turn around and retrace your steps back to your vehicle.

And now…for a ridiculous amount of photos from Bull Valley Gorge…

These two slots certainly made up for any lingering disappointment we might have had for “missing out on” Antelope Canyon and Zion. To this date, they are among the most memorable adventures in our 3 1/2 years on the road. If and when we “settle down” one of our top priorities will be to live near enough to Southern Utah so we can visit often.

Quite possibly our favorite Scenic Byway is Utah’s Highway 12 (Highway 395 puts up quite a fight though). In it’s 124 miles Highway 12 passes through 2 National Parks, 1 National Monument, a National Forest and 3 Utah State Parks. It’s dotted with quirky small towns, each offering something unique along with a warm friendliness not easily found in bigger towns and cities. And even though our attempt at visiting Zion earlier in the week was a bust, we were confident we’d be able to explore Bryce Canyon National Park and that’s where we headed next.

Boondocking outside of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Since we had just paid for a week of full hookups in Mount Carmel, we intended to boondock at a spot we found on Gone With the Wynn’s blog. Once we arrived at the spot, and it was pretty nice, we found it difficult to get level. And once we got somewhat level we discovered our hot water heater was leaking. At first it didn’t appear too bad but with the overnight temperatures dropping well below freezing we woke to find the water pump bay not only flooded but that inch and a half of standing water had frozen solid. Fearing we would do more damage we reluctantly moved to the RV park run by Ruby’s Inn. At $48 per night it was a shock to the wallet but, we were now several miles closer to the park, had no fear of pipes freezing and breaking (been there, done that) and we had unlimited access to the indoor pool and hot tub (along with the dozens of families still on Spring Break…but still).

This is what I woke up to our first morning…16 degrees and icicles hanging off of the water pump bay.

With our stay being rather expensive, we had only a few days to hike as much of Bryce as we could. We hiked every day.

Day One: Queens Garden

Long live the Queen!

A massive amount of switchbacks to test your thighs (and slickness of your shoe tread!).

This 3.5 mile loop is the most popular hikes in the park. It’s not too difficult but, like all of Bryce, it’s in a canyon and has a pretty decent elevation change. Plenty of water and lots of breaks makes it doable for most people…hell, we even saw some tackling it in dress shoes (although we always recommend proper footwear). Even though we shared the trail with loads of other hikers (and I use that term loosely) it’s worth checking out. It offers some of the best examples of the rock formations (hoodoos), erosion and “windows” that make Bryce famous. Be sure to take the spur to Queens Garden Trail (it’s a great spot for a snack or picnic). Navajo Loop was recommended in our Favorite Hikes trail guide as a return trail but it still closed due to snow. If it’s open when you visit be sure to check it out.

Day Two: SwampCreek/Sheep Creek Loop

The trail had a few patches of snow, some of which we had to traverse.

Admittedly, as beautiful as Queens Garden was, and as much as I think it’s worth it to do that hike, it’s crowded. Anytime you have to share the trail with people who are either unprepared to hike or don’t understand trail etiquette (or rules about not climbing on arches and hoodoos for “photo-ops”) it can have a negative impact on your own hike. A nice reprieve from that noise is the Swamp Creep/Sheep Creek Loop. At 4.3 miles long, this loop was completely devoid of any other hikers the day we completed it. It was beautiful, serene and just what our nerves needed after hiking with so many people the day before. If you want some time to decompress and reconnect with nature check out this trail. The trail is rated moderate and wildlife encounters should be expected.

Day Three: Fairyland Loop

China Wall

Tower Bridge

Fairyland has all the makings of being the most popular trail in the park. It provides access to the Tower Bridge and China Wall and hoodoos that will blow your mind. But, it’s also 8 miles long, thereby making it less popular for your average tourist. Clark will tell you I tricked him into hiking the entire loop but I say he’s full of it. Sure, we originally intended to just hike out to Tower Bridge and then retrace our steps back to the Jeep. But once we got to the fork in the road (literally) he decided we should do the loop (okay, I may have fudged in just how far it was to complete the loop versus returning to the trailhead). Actually, he really wanted to avoid climbing up the massive incline we were facing if we just did an out-and-back hike. Fairyland is the most amazing hike in my opinion. It’s pretty much non-stop hoodoos and the views define what makes Bryce, Bryce. Be prepared for a somewhat steep descent into the canyon and an equally steep ascent out (no matter which direction you do the loop).

Bryce Canyon sits at an elevation of 7,664 feet with a high point of over 9,000 feet. That alone can challenge hikers even in really good shape. Take that into consideration when setting out on a hike. Be prepared to take more breaks if you’re not quite acclimated.

Lick Wash narrows…our first slot canyon hike.

Spring Break…a time so many students, family and businesses look forward to every year can be a thorn in the side of fulltimers as campgrounds, hiking trails and National Parks fill to capacity (sometimes overflowing) with those seeking a break from suburbia. If you read the previous couple of blog posts you’ll see a theme here. We failed to account for the fact that Spring Break encompasses several weeks of staggered schedules various school systems have these days. So, just because all the Easter eggs have been found and chocolate bunnies have been consumed it doesn’t mean it’s safe (or even feasible) to venture to certain {popular}areas of the country. And trust me, Zion National Park, is no exception. In all actuality, once Spring Break hits it’s open season at Zion…pretty much until winter.

Don’t be fooled…this isn’t the Badlands or Death Valley. It’s Grand Staircase~Escalante!

We were traveling West on Highway 89 from Page, Arizona to Kanab, Utah, passing through the Paria area of Grand Staircase~Escalante National Monument. Grand Staircase is the first monument to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management rather than the National Parks Service and at 1.9 million acres, it’s a monumental task. It’s more remote, and far less visited, than it’s bordering NPS neighbors, Zion, Arches and Bryce, yet is made up of the same “staircase” that makes these other parks remarkable. And, it’s a fulltimers dream come true during the high-season.

How could we pass up this view??

Since it’s run by the BLM there are many boondocking opportunities, unlike most National Parks which only allow camping in developed campgrounds. But, being newbies to the whole “finding appropriate campsites we could fit in” we struggled for a while to find a suitable spot. We tried the gravel pit at the BLM contact station (too far from our destination) and the Paria Movie Set site (not big rig friendly unless you want to park along side Highway 89). We took a chance and headed up Johnson Canyon Road. As daylight was fading we were hitting a brick wall. In an act of desperation we disconnected the Jeep and we scouted an almost invisible dirt road we’d passed earlier. The scrub on the sides of the road was overgrown enough to touch the sides of the Jeep but it opened up to the most beautiful camping spot we’d ever seen. And no one else was there. We knew taking the Mutiny down this road would result in some new “pinstripes” but we felt the campsite was worth it. And it was.

A little sage brush never hurt…right?

Worth it!

The one and only problem with the area we were camping was that we had absolutely no cell signal (not AT&T or Verizon) but that was hardly a reason for us to move. Instead, we welcomed the break from the time suck that social media has become. Of course, it did make finding places to hike more difficult but we had picked up some information at the Paria Contact Station and did take a drive into Kanab to use some wifi and managed to find a hike that alleviated any lingering regrets we might have had in skipping Antelope Canyon.

Lick Wash is a fairly easy slot hike suitable for most people who are comfortable hiking several miles (various sites report it’s 4.0 to 5.5 miles round trip) . It’s also an out-and-back, meaning you can turn around at any point. And, the slot narrows fairly quickly so you don’t have to hike too far to get maximum enjoyment. While we were here we passed a few people on their way out of the slot. Then we had the whole place to ourselves. It was pretty magical…

Nature is such a wonderful artist.

We read about several more slots and were eager to check them out but discovered they’d be easier to get to once we made it to the north side of the park (the access from Highway 22). Luckily, our campsite had plenty of hiking, rock scrambling and adventure without having to drive anywhere. Every single day I got up and explored the many different textures, colors, washes and mountains. Every morning I hiked to one of the washes and looked at the “highway system” of rabbit, rodent, lizard, coyote and insect tracks left behind. These are some very busy night critters.

Such cute footprints.

A multitude of colors.

Windswept textures.

How can this even exist?

Indian Paint Brush.

It never stops.

Although I had hiked by this particular wall several times, it wasn’t until we did a late afternoon hike that I was able to see these petroglyphs. They were virtually invisible until the light hit them just right. These were literally less than 1/4 mile from our front door…unmarked, no real trail to guide you there. How freakin’ amazing!

Our week unplugged really helped us overcome some of the disappointment we had been feeling as we ventured through some of the most popular areas in the Southwest. We never saw another person anywhere near our campsite or in the many acres surrounding us. Nights were dark and silent and days were relaxing and peaceful. A perfect way to spend part of Spring Break

Our spot…you can’t really even see the road in…that white stuff is actually a big, sandy wash.

Can you spot the Mutiny?

Next up: Kanab, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a HWY 89 dream and a big Zion FAIL that leads to the discovery of something even better.

View of Boynton Canyon.

There seems to be a reoccurring theme among our RVing friends…none of us can remember those holidays that often impact our ability to find a campsite and/or do any sight-seeing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about people who take advantage of long weekends and summer breaks to go camping and get outside. I think it’s great. We used to be those people…the one’s who only had certain days off, as dictated by our jobs or the federal government. But still, these holidays sneak up on us and we’re sometimes left wondering what to do and where to go when the rest of the country seems to be wanting to go camping too. Unbeknownst to us, we had just entered the Spring Break season.

We I had always wanted to visit Sedona. It’s a hot spot for all things yoga, from Chakra to Om and Mala to Shakti. I had envisioned yoga studios lining Main Street separated only by shops selling incense and restaurants serving raw, vegan food. Everyone would walk or ride bicycles and there would be meditation classes happening in every green space. Having recently become a certified yoga instructor myself, I was so excited to be with “my kind”.

Here’s what really happened:

This was easily the lightest traffic day we experienced.

RV Parks in Sedona are hard to come by and fairly expensive (I think there’s only one park in town actually). But that was okay because we were eager to get back to boondocking since free camping means more money to spend on yoga or coffee (or to put in savings…). We’d gotten a tip from our friends Watsons Wander about a great boondocking spot just a few miles out of town. We confirmed this on Campendium and left Cottonwood with our GPS set for FR525.

Now that’s a view!

When we first turned off 89A onto FR525 we saw a cluster of rigs in a large flat area on the left but we’d read that the really good spots were further up the narrow dirt road (this first spot, close to the road, is actually a staging area for commercial 4×4 tours so if you want to sleep in late you might want to venture up the road). We continued on for about 5 miles and lo and behold, the bumpy road paid off with amazing views and good AT&T and Verizon signals. It was worth all the red dust to have our door open up to the red cliffs and balloons silently floating by every morning.

Sunrise from our campsite.

Bell Rock (one of the Vortexes)…at least I got a photo of it…

Excited to check out Sedona and immerse myself in the yoga culture we went to town the next morning…and were greeted with traffic like you wouldn’t believe. Like every other tourist, we tried to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross but couldn’t find a place to park within a mile. The same happened at some of the trails we’d wanted to check out…literally, no parking anywhere. We drove to Bell Rock Vortex and checked 3 different (and very, very large) parking areas specifically for hiking and biking here and not one spot was open. There were hundreds of vehicles (and people) fighting for a spot on the trail. We, however, left without even getting out of the Jeep.

A beautiful spot for some cliff houses.

Thankfully, we were able to take advantage of our proximity to Palatki Heritage Site (just a few miles from our campsite) and toured the ruins. It was a great tour full of new information and a huge number of pictographs. Although smaller in scale than any other cliff type houses we’ve been to the area is gorgeous and tour was well worth the price of admission ($5 for a Red Rock Day Pass or free with America the Beautiful National Park Annual Pass). Only 10 people are allowed near the cliff houses at a time so do call ahead for reservations.

The trailhead…

Kachina Woman.

We were also very close to the Boynton Canyon Vortex…one of the places I was eager to hike. A vortex is supposed to be a place of exceptional energy…like a swirling aliveness that’s palpable. It may sound strange but a lot of people claim to feel drawn to certain places (like religious spaces or areas with magnetic variances) and a vortex is no different…except that you’ll often find the trees in the area grow in twists and turns. Whatever your belief (or lack thereof) Boynton Canyon is a nice hike that takes you to a rock formation called the Kachina Woman. This vortex is supposed to help balance the masculine and feminine with a side benefit of being a nice place for a picnic.

At least I managed to get in a little yoga at the Vortex.

Even though I had fallen into the trap of putting Sedona on a pedestal (and therefore unable to live up to my expectations) we had a great time. Mainly due to our incredible campsite. But we’d also managed to squeeze into town one afternoon to find a shop with handmade Native American art called The Humiovi. There we found a unique and meaningful wedding band replacement for Clark, who had somehow managed to lose his wedding ring somewhere in the Mutiny’s 200 square feet of space (we still haven’t found it). Hopi Silversmith, Gerald Honwylewa Lomanventewa created a masterpiece that now graces Clark’s ring finger. The Sun Face stands for warmth and happiness, the Wolf is the pathfinder (perfect since he drives most of the time) and also stand for fidelity and generosity. Needless to say, I’m a little jealous of his ring. Maybe there’s a symbol out there to help me overcome that feeling.

Clark’s new wedding band.

The bad news is I have no recommendations for restaurants, yoga studios or even coffee shops. Zilch. Zero. Nada. We literally did not go out to eat at all. The good news is, we still loved the area. Something about those warm red rocks truly makes this whole area a treasure…one we hope to visit again properly (but not during Spring Break).

Our site in Campground A in Catalina State Park.

Creating friendships on the road has been an unexpected benefit to maintaining even a small social media presence. We created this blog shortly before we hit the road and then decided to link it to a Facebook page so that friends and family could follow our adventures (or not) while allowing us to keep our regular Facebook accounts more personal. Not long after we hit the road, Instagram became a popular place to post “real time” photos and short captions that enabled followers to know what we’re up to right now…and we could stalk follow other nomads as well. About a year into our adventures we became part of a small beta group for the pre-launch of RVillage forging strong friendships with other beta members. We continue to meet fellow nomads now and again through RVillage.

Because of these various social media sites, we ended up at Catalina State Park in NW Tuscon last spring. After meeting Christine and Brent of  Horton’s Travel in Bend, Oregon and Jim and Julie of Imperfect Destiny in Albuquerque, New Mexico we’d gotten word that they were all going to be at Catalina State Park and booked a spot ourselves. Little did we know that this would end up being a pretty large gathering of nomads and travel bloggers!

But first, the park….

As we approached the Catalina State Park from the south we were in pretty deep traffic, passed a multitude of big box stores and fancy, suburban neighborhoods. It was hard to believe that there was a state park worth anything based on the surroundings. We made the right hand turn, directly across from a huge shopping center with In n’ Out Burger and Dick’s Sporting Goods, and entered a different world.

This Vermilion Flycatcher visited us a few times at our camp site.

Although just a few miles from both Super Walmart and Whole Foods, Catalina State Park is an oasis…but in the desert sense…filled with wildlife, great views, amazing (and sharp) plant life and lots of hiking trails (several of which are pet friendly). From the park website:

“Catalina State Park sits at the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains. The park is a haven for desert plants and wildlife and nearly 5,000 saguaros. The 5,500 acres of foothills, canyons and streams invites camping, picnicking and bird watching — more than 150 species of birds call the park home. The park provides miles of equestrian, birding, hiking, and biking trails which wind through the park and into the Coronado National Forest at elevations near 3,000 feet. The park is located within minutes of the Tucson metropolitan area.”

It was by chance, and a late reservation request, that we ended up staying in the non-electric section of Campground A, which would have been ideal had it not been for a shade tree, a low winter sun, a few cloudy days and not being able to align ourselves properly for maximum sun exposure. Combined with our being newbies with our solar, we ended up having to run our generator several times during our stay. We’d fare much better now that we can better manage our power needs but if we needed electricity I’d opt for Campground A (the electric side) before I’d choose Campground B simply because they are more natural looking compared to the”RV resort” layout of B.

The scenery was amazing even, or maybe especially, when the storm clouds rolled in.

Snack time at Romero Pools.

Either way, trail access is pretty much right outside of your door…and there are some spectacular trails here. There are easy strolls and massive elevation gain hikes, hikes to natural pools and nature hikes that will help you identify wildlife tracks and the many cacti and trees in the area. The scenery is so fantastic that I hiked every single morning…and most afternoons as well. Easy strolls (although the sand can get deep) include the Bridle Trail, Birding Trail, Nature Trail and Canyon Trail. A slightly more challenging trail (but still easy enough) is the 50 Year Trail. And more difficult trails include Romero Pools and up to Romero Pass (no dogs on these trails). You can download a trail guide here and a birding guide here.

Desert Sparrow

Kestrel

Verdin (helping himself to our hummingbird nectar).

I would highly recommend getting reservations in an actual campsite and not in overflow if at all possible. Overflow is a benefit the park doesn’t have to offer but does so in an attempt to accommodate those who want to squeak in for one reason or another but didn’t snag a reservation in time. It almost always sucks…no matter where you are…and the overflow here (aka Ringtail Loop) is hit or miss. Several friends who stayed in this section loved it while others had not-so-good experiences that negatively tainted their perception of the entire park. Tip: the showers in Campground A suck. But the ones in overflow and in Campground B are great. None of them are that far away and it’s worth the tiny bit of effort to go to the good ones and, if it keeps you from being grumpy (or dirty) go use the good showers!!!

Our top choice for all things outdoorsy.

As you know by the first paragraph of this post, there are a ton of shopping and restaurant options in the immediate area. We took advantage of our close proximity (less than 6 miles) to our very favorite outdoor adventure store, Summit Hut, to get some annual clothing shopping done. One of the casualties of a *sorta*  minimalist lifestyle is how much wear and tear our wardrobe endures. Wearing the same things day after day and washing them frequently (you’re welcome) means that they tend to wear out. Over the years we’ve become much better at choosing shoes and clothing that last longer, hold up to daily usage and wash easily. Summit Hut employees are experts in their field and can help in all areas of outdoor adventure from clothing choices, carabiners and tents to custom fitting hiking boots (they have crock pots in the back for heating and reshaping boots…seriously).

Catalina State Park is a Winter Haven for Fellow Nomads:

Just a handful of fellow nomads and bloggers we met at Catalina State Park.

We first met Beth and Taylor of The Learning Banks at Savaya Coffee Market in Tucson and our friendship blossomed (since this meeting we’ve caravanned throughout Alaska and spent weeks of boondocking together in the Arizona desert). Good news is, they still like us…I think. From there, our nomadic tribe grew and grew and grew. While at Catalina we met Brian and Leigh of Aluminarium (creators of Campendium), Shannon and Dave of 2 Wander Away, Kate and Iain of The Scenic Route and reconnected with Robin and Jeremy of Live, Breathe, Move, Brent and Christine of Horton’s Travel, Jim and Julie of Imperfect Destiny and our good friend Su even came and spent the night on our couch. For this reason, Catalina State Park will always hold a special place in our hearts.

From left to right, Taylor and Beth (The Learning Banks), yours truly,Jeremy and Robin (Live, Breathe, Move), Su (our nomadic friend who we met in Cedar Key and part of the RVillage beta group). We’re at Lovin’ Spoonful, a vegan friendly restaurant near Catalina SP.

Other incredible adventures in the area:

We climbed high enough on Phoneline Trail to get above this Red Tail Hawk!

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area: At first we poo-poo’d on going to Sabino because it cost extra ($5 for parking and $10 per adult for the shuttle) and we felt like we were already in a pretty gorgeous area with hiking trails. But our friends convinced us that it would be worth it. So, we packed a lunch and headed over to see what all the hubbub was about. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. We decided to take the shuttle to the last stop in the park and then hike the Phoneline Trail all the way back down. It was incredible and we wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. Tip: Check out the many nature programs offered here…there’s garnet panning, wildflower identification, geology hike and a junior ranger program to name a few. 

Here are just a few photos from our hike:

Panning for garnets.

Fairy Dusters…

Biosphere 2: Located a few miles north in Oracle, Arizona is an amazing man-made structure meant to simulate life on Biosphere 1 (Earth) in a hermetically sealed system. The idea, conceived by a tight knit group of philanthropic outside thinkers from Synergia Ranch (which was kinda like a commune of theater, dance and environmental supporters), was to build a truly self-sustaining Earth system that might one day be used on Mars. There were two human experiments where members lived in Biosphere 2, funded completely by private money. Nothing and no one was allowed to enter or exit the structure in order to fulfill their objective…to see if life and environment would balance itself out without outside influences. The experiments met with mixed reviews. It’s now part of the University of Arizona and is being used to test the effects of Global Warming on Earth.

It’d take too long to explain the utter amazement I felt in touring Biosphere 2. There are seven ecosystems within it’s walls including an ocean, a rain forest, a desert and a whole lot of “things” that make it work (things that make the rain forest rain and the desert arid and “lungs” that keep the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide). My favorite section, which is not part of the paid tour, is the self-guided tour through the old living quarters where the Biospherians lived for 2 years. I’m currently reading The Human Experiment by Jane Poynter, one of the members of the 2 year experiment. I so wish I had read it before we visited. Instead, I may have to just go again. Tip: I often see Groupons available for the Biosphere 2 Tour. These are usually two-for-one tickets or discounts for a group of 4. Totally worth a quick Google search!

This area of Tucson pretty much changed my opinion of the city completely. It had never really been on my list of “cool” places until now. In closing, I’ll leave you with a little collection of photos I like to call “Everything in the Desert is Trying to Kill Me”…

Prickly Pear

Verde Tree

Fish Hook Cactus

Hmmm, maybe a barrel cactus?

White Thorned Acacia (I think).

Hidden thorns…

Small but still painful!

Ocotillo.

Pretty, but ouch.

A friend we found on our outdoor carpet.

{Dates of Visit Dec 12-15, 2014}

After completing yoga school, we pretty much hightailed it from Northern California to Glendale, Arizona for our solar install. One stop we made was at The Lakes RV & Golf Resort in Chowchilla to spend a few days with Robin and Jeremy of Live, Breathe, Move. While it was wonderful to catch up with them and play a round of golf, there wasn’t anything about the area that would bring me back. And…I really want to get this blog moving so you’ll just have to read their blog post if you’re curious about the park. You can read all about the solar install here.

Once we were ready to roll again we asked Ron, our installer at D&R’s Family RV,where we should head to test out our new system. He recommended Picacho Peak State Park, about 85 miles south of his shop. We felt it would be an ideal spot since we’d still be close enough should something in the system go wrong yet was in the right direction since we already had reservations in Bisbee for the holidays.

As we approached the exit for the park I was a little worried. It looked so close to the highway and there were no towns nearby. It was also clearly a desert area…and appeared pretty desolate from our perspective…until we got closer. And then we saw how beautiful it was.

Picacho Peak State Park is actually a little piece of Sonoran heaven. It’s western side is unspoiled desert and the 1,500 peak is a stunning centerpiece to the park. And the campground? Well, it’s one of the nicest we’ve been to in our travels. Even though the desert setting means other RVs are likely going to be within view there were plenty of cacti and space between the sites that it felt private. And the sites? First of all, they’re huge. Seriously, huge. Second, they are electric only (water and dump station on site). And third, they all have pretty amazing views of the sunrise, sunset and Picacho Peak. I’m not sure you could go wrong but our site, A17, was fantastic.

The other amazing part of Pichacho Peak are the hikes. Since there aren’t a lot of distractions nearby (aka no towns, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.) it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs for a nice stroll through the desert or to really challenge yourself to climb the actual peak. We did both.

Hunter Trail was recently named the “Best of Phoenix” Winter Hike and I’d have to agree. It’s a 2mile (one way) hike to the top of the peak that requires the use of cables, wooden planks and ropes. It’s pretty imperative you wear gloves and bring a lot of water. This is a difficult trail which is, literally, uphill all the way to the top (and just as scary coming down). The link above takes you to one of my favorite hiking websites, Alltrails, where you can read reviews and find other nearby trails.

Little did we know that THIS wasn’t why we would need gloves. I remember thinking…hmm, this isn’t so bad.

Once you reach the saddle things get challenging quickly. AND, you descend first…all the while knowing you’ll have to make up for every foot you drop down.

Did I mention it gets steep?

Or that the trail sometimes doesn’t even resemble a trail?

Or that sections of the trail are actually vertical?

It’s steep. And yes, it will test your fears.

Smiling or grimacing? I’ll never tell.

It may not be Everest but at least I made it to the top of something!

Clark on top of Lesser Peak.

This hike is still one of our favorites. For Clark, he prefers when uphill sections hold a challenge…and this one did not disappoint. For me, well, I have a really big fear of heights believe it or not so this trail challenged me mentally more than physically. And it left me with a huge sense of accomplishment and nice boost to my self-esteem. This lifestyle already pushes most people out of their comfort zone but your RV can easily become a safety net…like a snail shell where we climb inside only to come out on occasion for food. I encourage everyone to go explore and to challenge yourselves whether physically or mentally (or both).

The wheels on the Mutiny kept turning. I (Lynn) had to be in Grass Valley, California on October 10th for a 30 day immersion for Yoga Teacher Training. The course was paid for and pretty much all of our travels the past 4 months revolved around getting me there on time. With just a few more weeks to go before I’d be living at an ashram, disconnected (for the most part) from the rest of the world, we wanted to take advantage of new places and get a chance to hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail in two different states (a dream come true even though I’d love to hike the entire trail).

Having lived in Northern California for 20+ years it may come as a surprise that I hadn’t been to Lassen Volcanic National Park, until now. California is home to so many wonderful State and National Parks, and the state is pretty big, that it’s easy to put off seeing everything. And truthfully, my 60+ hour work week left me pretty exhausted. Vacation time was earned but rarely taken…if you know what I mean. So, as we headed south from Bend we decided Lassen would be a great place to get back to nature after all the socializing and drinking during the Sister’s Folk Festival.

Hanging out with Avi at our site in Collier Memorial State Park

To break up the drive south we stayed a few days at Collier Memorial State Park in Oregon. This is a really great park that offers full hookups ($26 per night) but with a remote feel. Trails originate right inside the camping loop and take you along a river, through an aspen grove and even to an old logging museum. There’s no town nearby so it’s truly a place to unplug, hike, fish and relax. It is somewhat close to Crater Lake National Park though. At least close enough that we made a day trip out it (we’d been to Crater before so a day trip was suitable for us).

Crater Lake

Hiking part of the PCT in Oregon.

After a few days we headed into California passing through the town of Weed just days after the big fire ravaged the town. Our friends and fellow nomads, Mary and Forrest Clark, had just been volunteering in the area through the Red Cross DOVEs program (disaster operations volunteer escapees). You can read a bit about their story here and find information on the DOVES program here.

Passing through Weed, CA where the hills were still smoking from the Boles wildfire that devastated the area.

We camped outside of Lassen at Child’s Meadow Resort. While calling it a resort is a stretch we enjoyed our week stay. It’s a very rustic campground. No frills at all. But the views are grand. Although it’s located right on Highway 36 it’s quiet and the people who run the campground are very nice. Just don’t expect it to be anything like a resort.

One morning we awoke to a dusting of snow on the mountains.

Lassen Volcanic National Park encompasses just over 100,000 acres and is home to Lassen Peak, the world’s largest plug dome volcano. Established on August 9, 2016 this year marks it’s 100th birthday (so it’s a really good year to visit). Located at the intersection of the Cascade Range, the Sierra Nevadas and the Great Basin desert there’s are diverse habitats to explore. The park is also on the less crowded list with about 350,000 visitors annually.

Our campsite at Child’s Meadow.

Cold, foggy morning at the RV park.

Our campground was situated closer to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitors Center at the south western part of the park. This gave us perfect access to some great hikes including Bumpass Hell, Terrace, Shadow and Cliff Lakes, Cold Boiling Lake and Mill Creek Falls. It was also the perfect place to summit Mt. Lassen but during our visit the trail was closed for renovations.

Bumpass Hell – (RT 3.0 miles out and back – Easy – 300 foot elevation change) It’s like a small version of Yellowstone with boiling turquoise colored pools and brightly yellow sulfur deposits. Highly recommended due to volcanic features (we came to a volcanic park after all).

Bumpass Hell. You can make out the boardwalk over the thin crust of earth. The smell and heat radiating from the ground are clues that you’re close.

One of the boiling pools…

Terrace, Shadow and Cliff Lakes (RT 4.0 miles- out and back – downhill all the way to Cliff Lake and uphill on return). Beautiful hike through the a lightly wooded area. The colors at the lakes are worthy of photos and Terrace Lake in particular is a nice spot for a picnic lunch.

Cold Boiling Lake – (RT 1.6 miles out and back- easy, can continue on to Crumbaugh Lake and beyond) This was a quick side hike I did while Clark napped in the car after our lakes hike (see above). The hike takes you to a beautiful meadow full of birds (and I’m sure wildflowers in the spring). I was able to locate a small puddle near the lake that really displayed the bubbling of the water. The bubbling is due to gas, not heat, so the water is cold to the touch.

Mill Creek Falls– (RT 3.8 miles, fairly easy) This is a pretty hike to a large water fall that apparently doesn’t like to be photographed. It seems that there just isn’t a really good spot in which to capture the thing on film. We brought a lunch and had a great break once we arrived but I have to admit I was a little sad that we weren’t able to photograph it.

Pretty much the only photo I have of the waterfall…and it doesn’t even look like a waterfall.

While hiking is always a big draw for us we were especially excited to learn that our visit to Lassen coincided with the annual Art and Wine of Lassen Festival. And who can pass up a wine tasting even in a National Park? Held at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center the event is free to attend (and has live music) but the tasting is $7 (with a commemorative glass). Not a wine drinker? Well, for the same price you can get a pint glass and sample some of the local beers. Click here for all special events in the park.

Drakesbad Guest Ranch is another section of Lassen that’s worth at least a day trip. This historical site offers cabin rentals, horseback riding, hot springs fed pool, a small restaurant (reservations required even though it’s more of a buffet type setting) and loads of hiking trails. It’s also considered the halfway point of the Pacific Crest Trail. They host through hikers so, if you’re lucky, you might get to share a meal with some of them.

The sign at the ranch.

Hiking in Drakesbad/Warner Valley (PDF here):

Boiling Springs Lake

Boiling Springs Lake Trail– (RT 3.0 – fairly easy) – This hike takes you through the woods and to a 125 degree lake.

Can you tell how thrilled Clark was to extend our hiking day just so I could say I hiked part of the PCT in California?

Entering Terminal Geyser

Terminal Geyser– (RT 6.3 miles give or take, or 1.6 miles past Boiling Spring Lake, moderate with a 1050′ elevation change) – Of course we continued on to Terminal Geyser since it meant we also got to hike a section of the PCT! And we’re glad we did since it was a pretty awesome spot to rest before the hike back.

And…as if this post didn’t already have enough photos…

We made two stops along the way as we moseyed to the Bend, Oregon area for the Sister’s Folk Festival in 2014. The first was at PGE Pelton Park on Lake Simtustus. The park is run by the Portland General Electric which is making an effort to balance out the energy needs of consumers with environmental responsibility through habitat restoration, fish protection and by working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee to build platforms for nesting. They’ve built, and maintain, four campgrounds and several day use areas and boat ramp access points for people who enjoy the outdoors. We found Pelton Park to be quite enjoyable, inexpensive and rustic (but with hook-ups too).

Our site had a lovely view of the lake, which was pretty spectacular in the early morning hours when everything was calm and the water mirror-like. The park is ideal for those who want to kayak, canoe or fish but there isn’t a lot of hiking originating here. However, we made a day trip Lake Billy Chinook to hike the Tam-a-lau Trail. This 6 mile round trip hike offers some pretty amazing views of the Cascade Mountains and the Deschuttes and Crooked Rivers. This ancient trail was once part of a trade route and was later homesteaded by settlers. Evidence of old stone walls can still be found. Our recommendation? Pack a nice lunch and stay for sunset (provided you have a headlamp to help navigate your way back to the parking lot). Downloadable trail map and info can be found here. Be sure to check out the nearby Balanced Rocks for some interesting rock formations. You can find directions and information here.

Clark lounging in the grass with Miso near our camp site…the Mutiny is in the background.

Avi and Miso thoroughly enjoyed all the grass at the fairgrounds…

Our next stop was Jefferson Country Fairgrounds RV Park in Madras, Oregon.We really love Smith Rock State Park and never pass up an opportunity to visit when we’re nearby. We ended up staying at the Fairgrounds a full week and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. At $110 per week for 30amp service and $115 for 50amp it’s quite a deal even if it is a sleepy little town.

Oh darn, the bartender made too much margarita…I guess we gotta help dispose of the evidence.

We managed to find some really good Mexican food at Rio Distinctive Mexican Cuisine and I took two quality yoga classes at Madras Yoga Center. And, of course, we hiked Smith Rock again. Madras may only be a small blip on the map but the people are very friendly and the proximity to Smith Rock (and let’s not forget the cheap camping) make it a nice basecamp for visiting the surrounding areas.

Smith Rock State Park offers trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and running. It’s open to rock climbers and slack-liners as well. Leashed pets are allowed which makes it an ideal area to play with your furbabies Just be extra aware of the temperatures and likelihood of dehydration and heat exhaustion for both yourself and your dogs. A couple of years back Clark and I had to assist a heat exhaustion victim down Misery Ridge when he failed to bring any water yet decided to hike up the most difficult section in the heat of the day, and in full sun.

Here you can see part of the Misery Ridge switchbacks.