040235
Coconino National Forest. I made my way out of Cottonwood on highway 86A then left on to Forest Road
525. As soon as I headed up the road I could start to see the red rock canyon
sides and snow capped mountains. I am southwest of Sedona, only about 20 miles
further on 86A. Even though there is a line of caches all the way up the road,
my focus is finding a place to camp. The Forest Service has designated the
dispersed camping areas, there are signs making it clear where and where not to
camp. The first one called Surprised was about ½ full with big rigs. Next off to
the left was the Windmill, a small camping area and looked crowded.
I have heard about this area and many reviews about how bad the road and how
crowded it can get. I started to get concerned, but the road was excellent so
far, yes it was bumpy, but not bad. After a while, about 4 miles in, I turned
into Cockscomb camping area and found a spot with a view between a school bus
and a German Utility Vehicle. I considered going farther and looking at Greasy
Spoon and Nolan, but as I got out to look at the space I was greeted by a
neighbor from Germany and he was very welcoming and said that they shipped the
rig from Germany, landing in Nova Scotia.
They made their way to Arizona hoping to get out of the cold. He laughed and
said it’s cold here too. I asked if this is a good spot to camp for a couple
days, He said yes, but there will be another vehicle with them later on. So I
decided to stay there. After leveling and blocking my little van, I opened the
side door and sat, taking in the view. Also the dark clouds that were moving
over the distant ridge. Sure enough it started to rain.
About 1600, the weather cleared. I put out the solar panels and unloaded the Jaguarundi. I proceeded to ride up the road for about 3 miles, passing the final 2 camping areas. The rain came back but not hard, so I grabbed a few caches.
Soon, I was getting pretty cold, so I headed back to camp. Once in the Van with
dry clothes, dinner was a salad and one of the ready to eat meals that I heated
up in my little red pan. After dark it really starts to get cold. I figure that
I’ll just layer up, no way I’m using that electric heater and drain my
batteries. Fully jammyed, I lay under a sheet and blanket, it was cold. I wished
I would have brought more blankets, then I realized I did bring my REI sleeping
bag! I slept like a “Happy Camper”
040325 The next day it rained all morning. It Even snowed a little. I stayed inside and had a hearty breakfast and more coffee. But it cleared a little, so I jumped on the bike. It rained, it snowed, and it was kind of sunny at times. Conditions were fine for geocaching, but the wind while riding was cold. But I did go farther up the road.
Later on I decided to hike and leave the bike in the garage. I found myself on top of a nearby hill with a very nice view of the distant red rock mountain sides and Cockscomb camping area.
040425 Friday was still cold, but clear. I rode all the way the the cliffs, well as far as I could ride. Up a really rocky jeep road that ended with the view of the red rock canyons. Majestic!
Of course there was a cache there, but many muggles in these tour jeeps. I sure I got some strange looks, old guy with an ebike walking around a tree like he needs to take a piss, I say let them think what they will. At least I'm getting a smiley! I took my time and took a lot of photos.
By noon, I was back at the Van packing up for home. I decided to drive by next week's camping spot on the way home, glad I did. Hilltop campground in Prescott National Forest, there is still snow on the ground but it would not stop me. The site I reserved was a tent sight, the parking was on a steep hill. No way I would be able to level the van. Besides, this is Arizona, I want to find a place a little warmer. I got home about 5pm and started planning my next trip.
About 1600, the weather cleared. I put out the solar panels and unloaded the Jaguarundi. I proceeded to ride up the road for about 3 miles, passing the final 2 camping areas. The rain came back but not hard, so I grabbed a few caches.
040325 The next day it rained all morning. It Even snowed a little. I stayed inside and had a hearty breakfast and more coffee. But it cleared a little, so I jumped on the bike. It rained, it snowed, and it was kind of sunny at times. Conditions were fine for geocaching, but the wind while riding was cold. But I did go farther up the road.
Later on I decided to hike and leave the bike in the garage. I found myself on top of a nearby hill with a very nice view of the distant red rock mountain sides and Cockscomb camping area.
040425 Friday was still cold, but clear. I rode all the way the the cliffs, well as far as I could ride. Up a really rocky jeep road that ended with the view of the red rock canyons. Majestic!
Of course there was a cache there, but many muggles in these tour jeeps. I sure I got some strange looks, old guy with an ebike walking around a tree like he needs to take a piss, I say let them think what they will. At least I'm getting a smiley! I took my time and took a lot of photos.
By noon, I was back at the Van packing up for home. I decided to drive by next week's camping spot on the way home, glad I did. Hilltop campground in Prescott National Forest, there is still snow on the ground but it would not stop me. The site I reserved was a tent sight, the parking was on a steep hill. No way I would be able to level the van. Besides, this is Arizona, I want to find a place a little warmer. I got home about 5pm and started planning my next trip.
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