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The most perfect campsite is secured early Friday morn with absolutely no hassle! We leave the rally early enough to run 5 miles up the mountain to dump and return back to the nearby forest campground of Haviland Lake. Uh, oh! Another egg camper is parked right in front of registration, hoping to get one of the few sites open on a Friday.
But it’s one of the full timers that we camped with during the rally. The camp host says there is a premium electric, lake view, double site coming open and we grab it!
Camping with electricity is an unexpected luxury. Very grateful that we are easing into this new world of Colorado mountain camping.
Diane, our new camp mate, helps me back into the site. (It’s nice to get directions from another woman….she seems to know how to help me maneuver the wheel.)
We set up the baby Clam between our trailers and it becomes our new hangout. My solar powered butterflies soon decorate the ceiling.
Sylvester is enjoying the new quiet…away from the multitude of dogs at the rally. He meets and tolerates Houdi, Diane’s beautiful cat…..which I neglect to photograph!
David and I decide to ride up the mountain to Silverton. He keeps bumping and running into things and his blood thinner keeps him bleeding. During the rally a retired RN gave me lessons in wrapping bandages. It is time to buy more first aid supplies.
Silverton, Colorado
The narrow gauge rail train arrives from Durango to Silverton. We keep thinking about taking the trip…maybe soon?
David enjoying the view.
Diane and I decide to take a little hike to a nearby lake. It is the first real exercise my body has experienced since arriving at 8,000 feet. I am huffing and puffing at every little rise. So sad!
The lakes are lovely…but it’s difficult to get the right shot.
The days are warm, the nights are nice and cool. We get a few showers but mostly it’s sunny….highs in the mid 80’s. This is the sun part of this post.
We stay four nights at Lake Haviland….just unable to part with such a great camp.
Tuesday we say our goodbyes and head toward Pagosa Springs. A friend has emailed us and invited us to an impromptu gathering on his lot in the mountains. Four trailers are there to greet us as we arrive late in the afternoon.
We have one pretty day before the monsoon rains begin.
We spend our time exploring and visiting with friends……think I just said that about the last campsite!
Pagosa Springs is known for it’s hot springs….going for a dip is on our to do list.
We watch kids surf the San Juan River at the Visitors’ Center.
Our group decides to attend a barbeque at the Parelli Ranch.
It starts raining hard just as we arrive (and continues off and on for the next three days). But we are in a huge enclosure with room for eating and watching a horse show at the same time. There’s also live music….excellent entertainment!
This ranch is the world wide headquarters of the Parelli School of Natural Horse training. It’s fascinating to hear about their techniques. The horses follow their trainers around like pets with no bridles or gear.
We are content at the moment. No current thoughts of heading home soon. If it gets hot again, we plan to head higher into the mountains.
Looks like you are enjoying yourselves.
ReplyDeleteSylvester is a very handsome cat!
Yes, thank you, a very special camping cat!
DeleteHope all is well in your world.
I highly encourage doing the train - when I've done it, I do the train both directions instead of the bus/train option.
ReplyDeleteOk, John. Maybe all we need is that little push!
DeleteWe learned it is less expensive to ride the train in both directions....so that will be the plan.
Wow...you Guys are getting in the groove of this lifestyle.....and what a great area you're in........another person who bought some land in Pagosa Springs is Rob Rupp(casita Adventures)...at least he had some a couple years ago according to his website/blog...
ReplyDeleteIt you decide to head south..there is a great CoE Lake/Dam, campground...Abiqui Lake....I stayed there 4/5 days and used it as a central point to go to Taos, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, etc. Also in that area is Ghost Ranch Retreat, made famous (kinda) by Georgia O'Keefe).... or you can just relax, drink your favorite Beverage and watch the sunset.......have a great time and thanks for sharing...good to see David on the bend...Horst sends
Horst, what great info! Now that you remind me, I remember when you were at Abiqui Lake...I bookmarked it!
ReplyDeleteYes, we are fortunate to also know Robb!
Still learning this area...may head toward East Fork campground tomorrow.
Happy trails to you.
If you're still there please tel Rob hello, and I hope all is well...I still think(with a smile) of the 2012 trip that we met and his large roll of twine "find"..haha...we are still suppose to "hardwire " a Yellowstone Trip. :)) take care, safe travels...Horst sends
DeleteHorst, we have dispersed to all directions but will be sure to convey your sentiments the next time we see him.
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ReplyDeleteAren't you glad you are not down here, sweltering! Sylvester is so handsome.
ReplyDeleteKim, that sweltering stuff is why we are here. Sylvester says "thank you".
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DeleteHi Lynne!
ReplyDeleteHey we're almost in the same state! I'll head into colorado on I70 tomorrow. Spending a little time near Denver, then south to the St Charles CG in the San Isabels for a couple of weeks. I hope to spend August and some of September in Colorado - maybe we will meet up somewhere!
That would be great! Missed you at Q this past winter. We are spending most of our time around the San Juan Forest but might make it that far north...Currently just east of Pagosa Springs and enjoying the forest.
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