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Summer camping NW
  • PW and JKW's trips
  • Phil Woodford
  • PW and JKW's trips
  • Phil Woodford

Summer camping NW

This summer we are planning a 2 month camping trip through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, and Wyoming. Read more
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  • Summer camping NW
    Happy despite the 2 hour wait
    Happy despite the 2 hour waitA juvenile gray jayHall of Mosses trailFerns almost as tall as Phil!Huge treesHuge snags (dead trees)The moss grows most heavily on the big leaf maplesKind of like a cathedral draped in moss!So pretty1Child crying in the background was very unhappy and screaming at one point. Ruined the hike for me.

    Hoh Rain Forest Olympic National Park

    July 10 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    We had our coffee and breakfast of bananas, oatmeal for Phil and grits for me before we set off for the Hoh Rainforest. It was about a 20 minute drive from our campsite and we were congratulating ourselves for being almost there as the Visitor's Center opened. The congratulations soon turned to a deep sigh as we sat in a long line of cars for nearly 2 hours waiting to get in. Because parking is limited, they meter admissions to match those leaving the park.

    We had no where else to be so just watched ducks swimming on a pond and waited. We were nearly hit by a German family in a large rented motor home which resulted in a lot of horn honking. They were going to back the 30 ft motor home down a narrow causeway to a turnaround point. The father sheepishly gave up on that idea after nearly backing into us and they waited (not so patiently) with the rest if us for parking to open up.

    Phil and I visited the exhibits and then took one of the short hikes. The trail was about the moss that grows here on the trees. It was quite beautiful. There were many small children on the trail. Some were happier than others and there was a lot of very loud crying so Phil and I decided not to take a second hike which also had a lot of young families. Instead we had a picnic on the tailgate and then headed back for a shower.

    We are waiting for our laundry to finish at the laundromat in Forks now. Then we'll get a few groceries (Phil misplaced his body wash at the last campground) and head back to cook supper.

    In the morning, we will try to go very early to Ruby Beach where there are tidal pools. The tide should still be pretty low. We'll see what else after that.

    By the way, Forks, WA, is apparently the center of the universe for the Twilight books and shows. I know it has something to do with Vampires, but that is the extent of my knowledge.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Bogachiel River
    Bogachiel RiverSame river upstreamTadpolesRuby Beach from on highOne of the cool looking stacksMore rocks in the waterBarnacles about 6 feet up on the rock so it's at least that far under water.Bigger barnaclesSea anemoneRuby beachPost roast with fake gravy!

    Ruby Beach

    July 11 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    We set our alarm for 5:30 am to try to catch a lower tide (low tide 4:30 am). But when the alarm rang, we decided it was really too cold to go to the beach. We rolled over and slept a few more hours. After rising at 7:30, we drove to town to fill up our LP gas bottle, ate breakfast, and mailed some birthday cards.

    Back at camp, Phil showered (I showered before breakfast). We walked to the Bogachiel River near our campsite to take pictures and then packed up to head for Ruby Beach. It is supposed to have red rocks, but in today's light everything looked gray. The afternoon low tide was at 4:30 pm. We arrived about 3:30 and got a parking site with no waiting!

    We walked up and down the beach, but didnt see any of the "tidal pools" we'd read about so figured that must be when the tide is much lower during the early morning. It was still pretty neat to walk in the Pacific Ocean and see the "stacks" which are those big rocks and small islands in the surf.

    Tonight we are having a "pot roast" that I bought by mistake. Its a little prepackaged roast that isnt meant to be grilled. At home I would cook it in the crock pot, but I seared it, added wine, potatoes, carrots, and shallots and it will be good for a couple of meals. It does take longer to cook, so I am glad I got the LP gas bottle refilled!    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    A canoe of red cedar was what many tribes used to hunt on the open sea.
    A canoe of red cedar was what many tribes used to hunt on the open sea.A whale skull at the Ranger StationThis old tree is fostering other trees even in death.Beach #4 at high tideThe other side of the beachSea otterMan catching smeltsSea lion or sealOld cedar tree that has fallen and is still living and still providing shelter to other young trees.Part that has fallenThese are the rootsSome deciduous trees also taking hold on itSo amazingPhil by another big treeSo many of the huge old trees are protected on this areaAnother oneRoots are massiveHere's one that has fallenBiggest red cedar. It is on state lands.SignSome white foxgloves. Most here are pink.They really are robust.This one is taller than our car!

    Sea lions, otters, fishing, and big trees

    July 12 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 66 °F

    Today we had a pancakes and sausage breakfast at the campsite. I buy the pancake mix made with Almond flour by Birchbenders (keto friendly mix). That doesn't make my blood sugar go up and I use the no-sugar syrup. It was good to have some big fluffy pancakes!

    After breakfast and showers, we drove to the Kaloloch Ranger Station. On the way back we stopped several places. Beach #4 is supposed to be the beach with tidal pools, but it was high tide so they were all covered. Instead, we watched several men fishing for smelts in the surf with nets. One in particular had more success because he was working while watching a sea lion. Wherever the sea lion moved, he moved there as well. I think the sea lion was literally chasing the fish into his net! We also saw an otter further off shore. Apparently they are more rare here than in Alaska, mainly because they were hunted almost to extinction. The whole scene was fascinating and we watched nearly an hour.

    Then we drove to two different big cedar tree sites. One was on the National Park and the other was on state of Washington lands. It was really cool to see how these huge old trees were continuing to support the forest ecosystem.

    There's been and still is a lot of logging in this area. The town of Forks is a logging community and everywhere you can see the aftermath except on National and State lands. Some areas are replanted as a renewable resource, but you can still see the stumps of what were trees that were hundreds of years old in their midst. People do need wood for lots of things, but its sad that the really old trees were sacrificed.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    4Saw this banana slug at our campsite this morning. He was about 5 inches long. They are natives here
    4Saw this banana slug at our campsite this morning. He was about 5 inches long. They are natives hereOld 1/4 ton jeep at the camp check in station.This was the emblem the sideAll unpacked.Right next to the showers

    Drive to Ft Stevens, OR

    July 13 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    We went into Forks before leaving for gas and to hose the car and camper down at a car wash. The drive down Highway 101 is scenic and currently has many spots getting repairs. In some places half the road is gone due to a slide, but other places they are resurfacing the road or building new bridges.

    We crossed several harbors and the Columbia River to reach Ft Stevens which is a decommissioned army post.
    It is a huge campground, but very nice. We have electricity and showers are just steps away.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Ft Clatsop is part of the National Park system.
    Ft Clatsop is part of the National Park system.The replica of the fort is behind us.1Panorama of the beachPart of the shipwreck. Maybe a mast?There quite a lot of the shipwreck still here after 120 years!Beach combersA jelly fish!You can see how long the ship was

    Lewis and Clark and an old ship wreck

    July 14 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    This morning after coffee and breakfast we headed to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. The Corps of Discovery explored the Louisiana Purchase up the Missouri River, across the Northern Rockies, down the Clearwater, Snake, and Columbia Rivers to the Pacific Ocean. Cpt's Lewis and Clark and their 30 men stayed at the mouth of the Columbia through the winter of Dec. 1805 to late March 1806. They build a fort (Ft Clatsop) and finally began their journey home March 23, 1806.

    Phil and I toured the Visitor's Center and the replica of the fort. It was tight quarters. Today's soldiers have little to complain about in that regard! We also watched 2 movies. One was from the Native American perspective. The other a general account of the whole 3 year mission. All very interesting.

    Afterwards we got a few groceries and then went to the beach near our campsite. There is the shipwreck of a British sailng ship from 1906 on our beach. It somehow got beached in the sand and so it remains.

    Tomorrow we may visit the museum for the fort here and then drive a bit further down the Oregon coast exploring.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    In front of the Tillamook Visitor's Facility
    In front of the Tillamook Visitor's FacilityYou can see down into the plant to watch the cheese being made and packaged.Grilled cheeseCheeseburger1Flight of 3 ice-cream. One is expresso chip for me to taste.

    A cheesy day at Tillamook

    July 15 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    After breakfast we drove to Tillamook, OR, about 60 miles down the coast. The Tillamook Cheese Cooperative has a Visitor's Center at their HQ cheese plant. There were a CRAZY number of people there. It's a really nice facility with a very large educational area, a store, and a restaurant/ice cream bar.

    We did the self tour which allows you to see how the cattle are cared for. There is a model cow for kids to learn how to apply a milking machine. There's photos and videos and all kinds of info about cows and dairy farms. Tillamook is a cooperative owned by about 90 area dairy farms according to the information.

    The next part of the tour has windows down into the cheese plant so you can see how the cheese is made and packaged. It was really interesting. Then there was a cheese tasting room where you could try different kinds of cheese.

    We ate lunch in their restaurant. I had grilled cheese and Phil had a cheeseburger. They also had pizzas and salads. Afterwards Phil got a flight of three ice creams.

    Its supposed to be raining in the morning so we'll pack up tonight as much as possible. We have a long drive (354 miles) tomorrow down Highway 101 along the Oregon coast to our next site at Harris Beach. Its a busy scenic highway so we expect it will take most of the day. Checkin is not until 4 pm though.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    1Harris Park Beach
    1Harris Park Beach1Really nice beach nearbyOur home base the next 4 nights

    Long drive, but set up at Harris State Park

    July 16 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 63 °F

    It was about an 9 hour drive on highway 101 to our campground near Brookings, OR. We are not usually such road warriors, but it was rainy most of the day. There was a lot of road construction causing delays. Traffic was relatively light although there were a lot of small towns.

    The road follows the Oregon Coast so it really is stunning much of the way. We are at another state park with showers and electricity. The beach is pretty interesting and I will enjoy exploring it.

    Phil wants to get the oil changed tomorrow and we might also try to get haircuts. We'll need a laundromat again soon, too.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Harbor in Brookings, OR.
    Harbor in Brookings, OR.Tsunami damage poster.Made hard boiled eggs for future breakfast after shoppingHarris Beach on Friday afternoonBarnacles on seaweedAir pods help the seaweed floatHere's a bull kelp (edible)A shell just washed upPart of a crab's ahell

    Oil change and beach time

    July 17 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    We took the car for an oil change this morning and also got a free deluxe car wash. We had lunch at a seafood place on the harbor and also read about the tsunami that damaged the harbor and boats.

    After some grocery shopping, we went to the beach and walked the edge of the surf. Although it was sunny, it was only in the low 60's. It was not too crowded for a Friday afternoon.

    Our campground is full again tonight (over 200 campsites). The showers and toilets are super clean and well stocked although not as new as the last campground.

    Tomorrow we'll do some laundry and maybe try for a haircut. So far its been a nice stay. I helped 3 ladies figure out how to hook up their camper yesterday (they had borrowed it from a relative.)    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    We're down in the far southwest corner.
    We're down in the far southwest corner.Viewpoint of the dayQuite chilly!

    Chilly and a little smokey

    July 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Another quiet day. We got some laundry done and chatted with neighbors ar the campground. Phil got a haircut. Mine will have to wait as there are no "walk-in" shops here and it is a weekend.

    The map showing smoke from Canada includes us so it isn't just campfire smoke we are smelling. Also lots of beach fog and it is overcast and in the low 60's. I have a heavy wool "camping sweater" on. Phil's wearing 2 shirts and a jacket. We are using our battery heated camp chairs, too.

    We are here 2 more nights. Very nice. Campsites are small, but the campground is well maintained.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Next to the road on the drive. You cant really see how huge these trees are in a photo.
    Next to the road on the drive. You cant really see how huge these trees are in a photo.Roses at our campgroundBehind the camper is the Mystic Forest.Huge stump at our campsiteThis is probably a part of the tree from the stump at our campsite.A baby redwoodA tree on our walk

    Redwood National Park

    July 20 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 64 °F

    Although we had to drive only 45 miles to our new campsite at the Mystic Forest RV Park, there was significant road construction that slowed us considerably.

    We stopped in Crescent City, CA, to do a quick grocery shop and eat some lunch. We arrived at the Mystic Forest at about 1:30 pm. Our host, Patrick, checked us in. There's no cell service here for our AT&T phones, but they do have WiFi. Patrick was careful to note that there are bears and wild animals here and to keep food out only when eating or cooking. (BTW, mt lion was spotted in our last campground while we were there.)

    We set up the camper next to a huge old redwood stump that is now providing a place for other trees to grow. We also took a short hike through the forest. No living huge redwoods, but lots of other trees and plants. Some younger redwoods. We did see a lot of big trees on the drive into the campground from Crescent City.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Trees are huge
    Trees are hugeAn early morning walkRhodadendronsTwo huge twinsPlaqueLady Bird Johnson grove dedication siteAn iris growing in the forestSee how big they areA tiny chipmunkThe lands around the Lady Bird Grove were clear-cut before the park was dedicated."The Big Tree"Fireweed at our campsiteHere's the seal closest to me

    3 short hikes around these sacred trees

    July 21 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    We rose early to be some of the first to visit the Lady Bird Johnson grove of trees today. This special site was dedicated to Mrs Johnson in 1969 just one year after Redwood National Park was dedicated. She had been there in 1968 to see the trees and was back in 1969 to have the grove dedicated in her name. Anyway it was a spectacular walk, not quite 2 miles. The trees are so awesome. You just feel their energy being near them. They can live up to 2,000 years and the coastal redwoods are the tallest of the redwood species.

    After this first walk, we visited the coastal Visitor's Center on the beach near Orick. I watched seals (or sea lions not sure which), pelicans, and shore birds all working together to catch fish at low tide. There were 6 or 7 seals within the 100 yards of beach, maybe 20 pelicans, and at least 60 or 70 shore birds.

    On our way back toward our campground, we stopped at "the big tree" and took a short hike to see even bigger trees. We'll go back tomorrow to do a 2 mile hike to see a cathedral of trees. We also stopped at a trailhead and took a hike where a logging road was removed and restored to a trail. There were interpretive signs along the trail explaining the process. The trail was supposed to be a quarter mile, but ended up being just over mile out and back.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Stellar jays are everywhere here. They are camp thieves and also eat the eggs/chicks of other birds.
    Stellar jays are everywhere here. They are camp thieves and also eat the eggs/chicks of other birds.The roots of a huge redwood.Snag next to living treePanorama or the tree base and snagSunlight filtering through in a small glade.1The trees are a football field high!Forest floor is carpeted with ferns as tall as me.Yes, way over there is a Roosevelt elk. Very few left in the world.

    Last day in the Redwoods

    July 22 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    We are heading out early Thursday for Medford, OR, for 2 nights so Phil can take a telehealth appt with the VA, so today's our last day here.

    We arrived at the Big Tree parking area by 9 am and there were only a few cars in the parking lot. The Cathedral Trees hike was really fabulous. The hike went slowly up the hillside winding among the 1,000 year old plus trees. Each one was unique and almost more fabulous than the last one. You could just feel the calming energy from each tree. Some of the snags or dead trees were larger than a house at the base and they provided sheltered homes for all the new baby trees.

    The only issue we found with the day was that the hike was 4.4 miles instead of a 2.1 mile hike as posted. We had a short stopover at the Prairie Creek Visitor's Center to use the bathroom and see the stag elk in the nearby meadow. We got back to the car and then went to the nearby tribal gas station for fuel and lunch (the casino restaurant was not open and the grill at the Bar and Grill was not functioning).

    The weather here has cool. Temps not above 75. Some sun.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Sparkling pool at our hotel
    Sparkling pool at our hotelThe camper and pickup getting a rest today.Our home for 2 nights

    Catching up on housekeeping

    July 24 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    We're down to the final 3 weeks of the trip and boy is it hot compared to the northern Pacific coast! Medford, OR, is 82 F compared to highs in the low 60's the last two weeks.

    We are headquartered fir 2 days in a room at the Town Suites in south Medford. We washed all our sheets, shook the sand out of the sleeping bags, and laundered all our warmer clothes so we could get out the shorts and t- shirts again. We even went to the pool yesterday for a bit!

    Phil has a VA telehealth appt today. We have to do some restocking on important items like coffee and coffee creamer. I have booked us campsites or hotel rooms up through the 14th of August or so when we'll be heading back to Missouri. In the meantime we will be at Crater Lake, Boise, the Sawtooth Mts., the Targhee National Forest, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Wyoming's Snowy Range before we start for home.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Yes, the water really is that blue and beautiful.
    Yes, the water really is that blue and beautiful.Report from rim of Crater Lake.A visitor (Stellar Jay) watched us eat our snack lunch.Several kinds of young trees growing together.Camp is set up.Bear box if needed

    Crater Lake

    July 25 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    It was pretty short drive from Medford to Crater Lake. Right now, the campground is almost empty for a Saturday at 4 pm. There a few people here from yesterday, but online it says the campground is full. There's a group of PCT hikers up near the camp store. They are picking up shipments mailed to them by their support people and they pick them up along the way every few weeks. One guy was disappointed to learn his package hadn't made it to the camp store today from the post office.

    We drove up to the rim to see if we could eat at the lodge, but they were full. In that case we took the obligatory photos and came back to our campsite to eat a snack.

    The sky is a brilliant clear blue today and the water is reflecting that deep sapphire. No snow around, not even up higher on the mountain.

    We're here tonight. Its quite cool and there's a gentle breeze. Much more pleasant than Medford. Tomorrow we start across the southeast Oregon desert. We'll stay one night in Burns, OR, halfway to Boise. In Boise, we'll stay 2 more hotel nights (getting soft in the heat) and then to a campground up above Sun Valley in the cooler mountains again.

    PS: we saw a Pine Martin tonight on a short walk. Very cool.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Early this morning at Crater Lake
    Early this morning at Crater LakeChanging terrain to desertLunch stopAir quality where we are now. Staying in a hotel.

    Fire and route change

    July 26 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    We awoke to a beautiful 44 F morning. We ate at the restaurant near the campground which also serves lots of PCT hikers.

    Our trip to Burns went well. We saw a Badger. We stopped at Christmas Valley for a picnic.

    As we got closer to Burns, OR, we noticed a lot of smoke in the air. We stopped at a rest area right outside of Burns to check the facts since we'd had almost no connectivity most of the past 2 days.

    There was a huge fire right outside Burns where we were supposed to stay tonight. The highway between Burns and Boise was also closed for 60 miles due to a different fire.

    We made the decision to fuel up and take the only remaining open route to Boise tonight instead of waiting. Burns was in early evacuation stages. At first we thought we might be able to get out of the smoke and camp, but the further we drove, the more smoke there was. In fact we drove very near at least 5 different fires.

    One town where we got extra fuel is under an evacuation order right now and we were just there 2 hours ago. We were able to get a hotel room in Nampa just outside of Boise. The hotel where we'll stay tomorrow and Tuesday was completely full tonight.

    There are tons of firefighters and firetruck on the roads. The air quality here is very poor. It doesn't look like our next campsites are currently impacted by smoke or fire. We'll reassess each day to make sure.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Worse than yesterday!
    Worse than yesterday!I am re-learning how to wear my mask.

    The smoke has caused us to change our plans

    July 27 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    Well this morning the smoke was worse than last night. We moved from one hotel to another and after looking at the smoke forecasts over Idaho and Wyoming, we are canceling most of our remaining camping reservations and will start our way back to Missouri.

    If the air is clearer in Laramie, WY, we may still camp for a few days in the mountains there. We have canceled our two Idaho campsites in the mountains, Yellowstone, Tetons, and our stop in Thermopolis.

    We'll leave Boise on Wednesday morning and drive to Ogden, UT. Then the next day take the interstate across southern Wyoming to Laramie. We'll play it by ear from there. If it is smokey, we'll stay in a hotel and continue east.

    It is disappointing, but you really can't function long outdoors. We got out our stock of Covid masks to wear when we are outside just going to and from the vehicle..

    The routes into Idaho from. Oregon were are all shut down this morning except the one we took late yesterday. The interstate (I-80) is shut down as is highway 20. Lots of towns under evacuation orders. Some buildings burned on the wildlife refuge where we volunteered last summer.

    We are organizing for the trip back today and tomorrow. Reservations cancelled and reviewing maps for smoke and fire issues.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Laundry and Jeapordy are our indoor activities.
    Laundry and Jeapordy are our indoor activities.Air better. Still bad though.

    Smoke makes for a boring day

    July 28 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    Although the air quality is better today, it is still keeping everyone inside. How dull! We did go to the grocery store for ice, get fuel, and eat lunch out. This afternoon, we did our laundry and watched Jeapordy. Didn't get to see any of my old Boise buddies.😐

    Tomorrow on to Ogden, UT. Looks like the air quality there is poor as well.

    Fires still burning here. Reports of cattle and buildings lost, but no lives yet, thank goodness. Roads still closed west of us in Oregon. Glad we got out when we did.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    We had a picnic here today.
    We had a picnic here today.A lot less smoke the further we went.A little rain tonight in Ogden, UT.

    A little rain, a lot less smoke

    July 29 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 93 °F

    It was still in the high danger for smoke when we left Boise today. The further south we got, the less smoke. Tonight we are in Ogden, UT, at a Courtyard Hotel. There was a thunderstorm that moved through and its still raining now.

    Tomorrow we are going to drive 295 miles to Rawlins, WY, to camp at a KOA. That is closer to the Snowy Range. We'll get up Friday and go looking for a campsite in the Medicine Bow National Forest. We have a few favorites so we'll check those sites first. Most are First Come First Served so I am sure we'll find something we like.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Stopped for a bathroom break at the Bear River info station in Evanston, WY.
    Stopped for a bathroom break at the Bear River info station in Evanston, WY.Covered wagon front seat on display.Makes our tiny camper look roomy!The back hatch for what little you could bring with Ma and the Young-uns.In front of Mike's Steakhouse in Rawlins, UT.Beautiful skies. No smoke.Our tree is on the wrong side for shade so sitting in the shade of the camper.

    Across Wyoming

    July 30 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 82 °F

    Good driving today by Phil. We are at the KOA in Rawlins, WY. We've stayed here twice before on our way back and forth to the wildlife refuge last summer. It may have changed hands, because everything is a little more spiffy than last year.

    We ate supper, got groceries, did our chores setting up for the evening and are relaxing in the shade now. Tomorrow we'll turn at the Saratoga exit and go up into the Medicine Bow National Forest (Snowy Range) and snag a campsite for several days before heading further towards home.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    We are halfway up a hill in the canpground.
    We are halfway up a hill in the canpground.Our site has nice tent pads.Fireweed and other flowers in bloom.These are lupine.We are just below where the trees stop growing due to elevation. Still a patch of snow or two.Panorama of our campground.

    Nash Campground

    July 31 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    We didnt get one of our favorite campsites, but we did get one at a higher elevation (just under 10,000 feet) at Nash Campground. This campground was closed for a long time due to dead trees posing a danger from wind. In 2024, they did a lot of work and reopened the campground. We have a really nice spot, but not much shade. Its only in the low 70's up here though.

    We set up camp and then went for lunch and to get ice. A neighbor's screen house blew away while we were pulling out. Glad I have mine tied down tightly.

    Still lots of wildflowers up here. Tomorrow we'll go on a hike. I saw a hummingbird a minute ago so will put up my feeder, too.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    1A little visitor
    1A little visitorSmall blue spruce1Live from the hummingbird feeder!1Another guest!1Love the moose!

    Wildlife galore!

    August 1 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    It was quite cold last night so tonight, I am putting my winter coat where I can get it to walk to the bathroom. Phil even needed an extra blanket!

    I made pancakes and sausage for breakfast, then we drove to Laramie for gas, a few groceries, and lunch. We also had to stop and pump water at another campground since our campsite has no water. It is the old fashioned, human powered pump. Phil pumped while I held the jugs.

    This afternoon we had quite a good show. A young cow moose walked through the campground, stopping to browse on some bushes. We also have a whole flock of hummingbirds at my feeder. I am glad I put it up.

    Last evening, there was a bit of drama over the campsite next to us. When we first arrived, there was a big screen house there. The wind was strong and it was tipping so I put extra guy wires on our screen house. After lunch, the screen house was gone, and a small tent was there. A girl in a white car with a dog came and went a few times.

    Then a jeep with a couple from California pulled in asking if anyone had seen their screen house. The white car pulled in moments later. The screen house was in a big heap at the bottom of the hill in the trees by the creek. The girl thought the site was open. In the end neither party stayed the night and some boys from Colorado got the site just before dark.

    Its very busy up here!    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Solar panel on the picnic table with batteries connected underneath.
    Solar panel on the picnic table with batteries connected underneath.2Young bullParticularly tasty bush!Today's guest.

    A little smokey and more wildlife

    August 2 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Today we charged some batteries with the solar panel. We also went for ice at Centennial which is at the bottom of the mountain (8,000 ft elevation. )

    Still lots of hummingbirds. I am refilling the feeder daily. Tonight a young bull moose visited the campground. After making a passage through the upper part of the campground, he went to the same bush the youg cow stopped at yesterday. It must be particularly delicious.

    Tomorrow we are going to Loves to take a shower and then will go to the School of Nursing to visit a few friends.

    The smoke started to come in tonight. It isnt bad right now, but if it gets worse, we'll just pack up and leave earlier.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Extra campground guests
    Extra campground guestsMoose right by our camperGrazing but the camper

    A trip to shower and see friends

    August 3 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    This morning we went to the Loves Truck Plaza and paid for showers. Really nice facilities!

    Then we went by the School of Nursing to see old friends. We also paid a social call to our financial advisors office. It was good to see them, too. Taylor, our main advisor, said we are his only "nomad" clients and that he never worries when we come up with a new trip or idea (like moving to Branson.)

    We had several more moose last night at the campground. None if them seem aggressive, but we give them their space.

    Supposed to be cold tonight and around freezing in the morning so will have my parka in the camper for my walk to the bathroom.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    This morning at 6 am it was below freezing.
    This morning at 6 am it was below freezing.At noon it was a little warmerView at Brooklyn Lake Campground.Brooklyn Lake panoramaView at Sugarloaf campgroundPanorama from Sugarloaf Campground.High temp at libby Flats at the top of the pass at 3 pm.

    Last full day in the Snowy Range

    August 4 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 68 °F

    It was about 30 F this morning at 6 am when I woke. Phil and I stayed under the warm covers until the sun started to warm the camper windows. We decided to go to the Bear Bottom Grill in Centennial for a hot breakfast.

    There was moose in the campground at sunrise and another this afternoon. Although the campground is mostly full, it is quiet. We met a couple from Prairie Village, KS, (near my brother's house) camped right across from us.

    After a picnic sandwich lunch, we drove around to some of the other higher altitude campgrounds. Both are beautiful and have camp hosts. The ranger told us they have a hard time getting camphosts and that they need one for this campground. She gave me her email and also her supervisor 's email in case we want to consider it next summer. I think she really hoped we might stay here until September this year.

    We will be all packed up when we go to bed tonight. In the morning, we'll hitch up and drive to Laramie for coffee and breakfast and to get fuel again. Then we'll drive to Sidney, NE, and stay at the campground on the what used to be the headquarters for Cabellas, a sporting goods chain bought out by Bass Pro Shops.

    So in the morning we are really started for home. It will take us several days, but we think we'll be in Branson by Monday, Aug 10. We have a lot to do when we get back. Phil had a batch of VA meds delivered to the old house in Gainesville today so it took a while to sort that out. Difficult from 10,200 feet with limited cell service, but our friend was able to swing by and pick up the package to hold until we get back.    Read more

  • Summer camping NW
    Pine Bluffs rest area between Wyoming and Nebraska.
    Pine Bluffs rest area between Wyoming and Nebraska.Archeological area and walk at Pine Bluffs.Landmark of the Cabela's HQ.Big camping park with laundry, showers, hookups.Back of Cabela's store from the campground.1Yay! Toilet (flushing) and shower just steps away!

    Sidney, NE, on our way home

    August 5 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    Well, we dont have to walk a quarter mile down and back up a hill tonight at 10,000 feet to use the bathroom! We are at the Cabela's campground in Sidney. Plenty of other folks are here, too. We sourced a new grill pan for camping to replace the last one that I must have left somewhere. We entered the annual pickup Cabelas/Bass Pro/ Toyota truck giveaway and we tried on some clothes we decided were not quite right.

    The trip from Laramie was uneventful except that Phil thinks the guys putting out the traffic pylons for road construction must be high when they do it. Some are in the middle of the lane you need to drive in and the rest seem overall haphazardly placed. We saw a pickup and Airstream camper wrecked in the other lane, possibly from the pylon locations. Lots of emergency vehicles. I hope no one was hurt.

    We cooked our last grilled camping meal outdoors as we plan to dine tomorrow night at Kearney, NE, at one of our favorite places along this route. Of course there will still be morning coffee and probably oatmeal tomorrow and the next morning though. Tonight's steak and potatoes were not up to my usual yummy meal, so maybe it is good we're on the home stretch.    Read more