Williams, Gooseneck, Arches

 

Arches National Monument

06282026 - 07012026 After spending 12 days recovering from the Colorado Crud, missing a visit to San Diego and an Old Time music camp, it was time for me to hit the road again. During the 12 days, I took care of some van maintenance items; New Tires, repaired a broken gray tank valve and raised the 12V refrigerator. I decided to start with an overnight closer to home in Williams AZ, just in case I had lingering symptoms  and to shake down the changes I made.

Williams, AZ

I found a nice spot at Garland Prairie Road Dispersed Camping near the south rim of the Grand Canyon. When I left Sun City about noon it was well over 100°F. 2 1/2 hours later I was setting up camp in 75° and sunshine.  There was still plenty of time left to go get some caches and enjoy a nice hike through the 6852' park. I found 3 caches that included a nice ammo box traditional that was in honor of a grave stone. 

Completely satisfied with my refrigerator reinstallation, I set off early in the morning west to Flagstaff then north through the Navajo reservation. 

When I first planned this trip, I automatically scheduled to stay at Sunset View campground at the Navajo National Monument, but it is barely 3 hours away and I wanted to get a little more miles in, so I continued north into Southern Utah 

Gooseneck - San Juan River

Just across the state line I stopped and logged a virtual cache called Harry and Mike's Place near the Goulding Lodge. I drove through Monument Valley on the highway that is in the movie Forest Gump, the scene where he stops running. 

I was not sure what to expect when I arrived at the Gooseneck State Park campground  hoping that there was an open campsite. There were probably 8 designated sites and I was only the second camper there. There was a steady stream of visitors throughout the day because the view of the Gooseneck canyon was breathtaking and I was camped right on the edge of the canyon. The San Juan River twists and turns through sinuous 'goosenecks' as it flows toward Lake Powell traveling over 6 miles while it advances to the west only 1 mile.  Well worth going off the beaten path to see the 1,000 feet between the overlook and the river, 300 million years of geology is revealed in the layers exposed by erosion. (GC5H9T9)

I got set up and took a long walk to get the two regular caches near the canyon. There was also a EarthCache and a Virtual cache at the visitor's overlook. So 4 smileys and a $10 campsite, throw in a beautiful sunset and a more exciting moon rise. Life is good. 

I stayed up late watching the sky, using some of the things I learned at RMSS, and tried to capture a photo of the red moon rising.  In the morning, I wanted to get an early start, but it was hard to stop staring at the views. I was able to get everything ready before 10am, but the van would not start!  I mean it was like the battery was dead. Fortunately, I have a VIKING 1000 Peak Amp Multifunction Jump Starter and Power Pack with 150 PSI Air Compressor.  I had to google how to jump start the van, because the battery is under the driver floorboard. After several minutes of purposely keeping calm, I was able to jump start. I got my multimeter out and verified it was charging and let it run for about 30 minutes. It started right up after that. I must have left something on that drained the power overnight, I don't know. I'll keep an eye on it. I set my GPS to Arches National Monument, 2 1/2 hours away and headed out of the Gooseneck. 

South Window - Arches National Monument

After a quick stop at the visitors center, I decided on the Windows arch hike. I spent about 3 1/2 hours at the park and barely scratched the surface of all there is to see. The hike was pleasant but the air quality was bad due to fires to the west.  Still there was plenty of activity on the trails and viewing areas.  The parking lots were crowded but not full which made for a very fun and quick visit. Centrally located in Utah, I'm sure I will have the opportunity to return during my future trips.  I pulled into Green River State Campground just before 1700, where I can dump my gray tank and get in a shower. I monitored my startup battery all day and it started fine the next morning. I thought about getting it tested, but it seems to be working normally.  Next stop Spirit Lake for the 4th of July weekend. 

Here is my Photo Stream thanks for visiting. 

Toadstool Geologic Park

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060626 Toadstool Geologic Park is noted for its unusual geological formations, some in the shape of toadstools, and scientifically valuable fossil deposits. Located northwest corner of Nebraska.  I heard about it as a place to visit on the Built to go podcast, so I put it on my list for on my way west. The campground consists of 12 sites with picnic tables, fire rings, upright grills and two accessible vault toilets. There is no water. There were three tent campers already there when I arrived. I parked and took the campground loop trail that featured information from a very informative Earthcache GC2CHP2. The weather was cooler in the afternoon, I was ready for a nice peaceful evening sitting at the picnic table with my salad and grilled ham & cheese with tasty Hungarian peppers. 

That's when a gust of wind blew my cap off. I looked up from my meal to see a dark sky beyond the foot hills, thunderstorm to the southwest.  I looked at the weather app which showed the rain starting a 2100.

After the sun went down, I sat outside to watch the lightning and take some pictures.  It was quite the show as the storm looked like it would pass to the west. At about 2015, I went inside and cleanup my dinner mess and put on an audiobook. 

The rain started right at 2100 and the wind was rocking the van. I was just thinking about hitting the sack when I received a weather alert on my phone. There was a link to a Nebraska Special Weather Statement that warned wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny sized hail. I stepped outside to determine the wind direction in case I need to move the van, thinking I would be ok with 50 mph head on but not broadside. The wind was coming right at my port side and the other campers were gone! I packed up and got out of the area. I ended up in Crawford NE, about 20 miles southeast. I found a place to camp at the city park. Crawford City Park Campground. 

I probably would have been fine if I stayed at Toadstool. I guess I will never know. Crawford was peaceful and there was no wind to speak of. I may have over reacted but I live to camp another day. 

👀👀👀👀Here a link to the rest of the photos.  👀👀👀👀👀

Thanks for visiting. 

Poole Knob & Stone River National Battlefield

 

Stone River National Battlefield

052926 - 053026 I left the day after the Baron's game and headed back north into Tennessee and camped  at Poole Knob Campground (Army Corps. of Engineers)  My site was at the top of the knob and for the first day I was the only camper.  There was a Bald Eagle Protection Act. sign on the road in front of my site. This must mean there is a nest nearby, so I looked around and found what looked like a big nest in the tall trees between me and the next site.  I kept checking it but I did not see an eagle. Later, after returning from my geocaching hike, a pair of Bird watchers parked on the road and were looking at the nest. Sure enough we could see the big bird in the nest.  My campsite is protected by eagles! I wonder if it knows Gwaihir 

I left early the next morning so I could attempt the Wherigo at the Stone River National Battlefield before heading west to Arkansas. There was a Regular Geocache inside the visitor center, all you need to do is ask the nice ranger. This was also the starting point for GC3X6XN Wherigo cache.  😀 Found it. Even after visiting and completing the tour and finding the cache I have a hard time with understanding the magnitude of this battle and the number of lives lost. The sheer will to fight fellow Americans and cause so much destruction is unfathomable. My trip to Tennessee starts with a symbol of freedom and a grim reminder of the American sacrifice for freedom. The wherigo was very well done. Luckily there was nobody present at the final GZ, a chops of trees in a strip mall that is being used as someones shelter.  But I found the container without disturbing too much. 

TTM 81 - 2.0/2.5 - Stones River Battlefield

Photo Share

Desert Tortoise Campground

 

Desert Tortoise Campground Lake Pleasant Regional Park 

02102026 This is the place where I took my sailing class last March. It's a nice size lake and often has good sailing wind. Fed by the Colorado River via CAP system,  the lake was formed by the completion of the original Carl Pleasant Dam in 1927, which was then the world's largest multi-arch dam, intended for irrigation.The campground is popular during the winter months and not only because of the weather, because of the Wild Burros in the area. When I arrived space #126, there was a drove of five to greet me. 

02112026 After morning coffee, I took off to hike the Wild Burro trail that follows the bank, although the lake water level is down now, but will be rising during the spring. There were plenty of people on the trail hoping to see a Wild Burro. I did run across another one on my way back. The day was overcast and cool, perfect for a morning hike.

I visited the Discovery Center that sits on a rise with a good view of the lake. I bought a park sticker and took some panoramics of the lake. 

👀 Lake Pleasant shared album 👀

Thanksgiving 2025

112325 - 120525 Sun City to Olympia and back again with points in between

Now that the repairs on Vannie D0T1D9 are fixed I was eager to get on the road again. Destination a thanksgiving dinner that could not be beat compliments of the Caron Family somewhere near Olympia. 

I had a good start heading NW through Las Vegas then on to highway 93 that parallels the Nevada - Utah North and South border all the way to Idaho. I pulled into Pahranagat Rest Area after dark, found a level spot and stayed the night. 

Morning was a quick bowl of oatmeal I headed north. I was going to stop at the Alien Research Center but the alien's were off for the holiday and they were closed 🙁 so I continued north. Driving conditions were very good and I made good time. My plan A, a casino campground in Jackpot at the north border of Nevada and Idaho, was a bust. I just didn't have a good feeling about Cactus Pete's Saguaro RV Park. So I continued north into Idaho and found a gem. 

Lud Drexler Park

USFS Lud Drexler Park right next to Salmon Lake Dam. High desert at 5000 feet. It was about 45°F when I parked. I was the only one there, including any Rangers, but they were open. I paid $13.50 and pick a site that had a view of the lake. I had to break out the sleeping bag because it got down to 28°F. In the morning I cooked breakfast inside on the butane stove which help warm the up the inside of the van. I walked down to the dam and around the park. Found a geocache near where I parked. So it was already after ten by the time I lwas back on the road. Highway 93 meets Interstate 84 in Twin Falls, I figured I would make it as far a La Grande in Oregon before sunset. For the third day I didn't really have a confirmed campsite because this late in the season the state USFS campgrounds are closed in the high elevations. So I figured I would stay at a rest stop. But I thought I would check out Forest Road 21 Dispersed Camping between the La Grande exit and Deadman's Pass.

Forest Road 21

It seemed fine when I pulled in and there was only one other camper. The ground was wet forest floor, not muddy. Satisfied, I found a nice spot between the trees. I checked the weather forecast that shows "wintermix", whatever that means,  starting at 2100 with accumulation of .3". It was already after dark, so I figure I was good, after all it was warmer that last night. I woke up at 0230, stepped out side for the necessary and discovered about 2.5" of wet snow! Now I know what "wintermix" is 😟 

Try as I might, I could not go back to sleep. I was worried about getting Vannie out of the snow. Front wheel drive is good, but with so much weight in the back, I'm always afraid of spinning my wheels. So I forced myself to stay in bed, knowing myself I would try to get out in the dark, and wait until sunrise. No telling when the snow might stop, best to wait until there is at least traffic on the freeway. I decided that I would try to go out the way I came in because I know that ground was somewhat level. So at about 0630, have everything packed up, forgoing breakfast for now, I made my first attempt, which was all that was needed. I did spin the front wheels, but there was plenty of traction all the way to the pavement. Feeling relieved, I stopped at Deadman'd Pass Rest Area and had my breakfast before heading out for the 5 hour drive to Glenwood Park. 

Gus

I arrived right before dinner time, I have a knack for that. We had salad and sausage rolls, a NW treat! Banjo and Fiddle-Mandolin caught me up on all the PNW news and the agenda for the weekend. This includes a nice walk with Gus each day, a Thanksgiving dinner that could not be beat, a music jam and a trip to Tacoma to see old friends.  I always feel welcomed and I'm treated more like a inhabitant than a visitor these days, just part of the big familia.  Thank you all very much!

Alas, I do eventually leave, usually before there is any serious work to be done, always with a heavy heart and anticipation for my next visit.  Sunday morning, after yet another fine Banjo breakfast, I headed south down interstate 5 with my sites set on Umpqua Lighthouse State Park on the coast of Oregon. 

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park

The weather forecast was very favorable for this time of year and there were plenty of campsites available.  I arrived way before sunset and set up in a nice back in site with electrical and water hookup, almost glamping for this trip. There was plenty to do, several geocaches to hunt and the lighthouse to visit. The park was maybe 1/2 full make for a nice and quiet visit. 

I walked around Lake Marie an found all the tiny geocaches, then rode Jagurandi down by the beach. At the lighthouse gift shop there was a real nice Letterbox geocache. I discovered all the travel bugs and swapped a pair. I visited the gift shop and got some stickers.  It was nice to have a whole day to explore and relax. My visit went by quick, next thing I knew it was time to get back on the road.  I spent some time planning my stops as I head south. 

I thought I would stay on the coast as I enter California, stay a night then jump east towards Reno area. The USFS and State campgrounds in the Redwood forest were closed, but I did find a first come first serve campground near Trinidad Ca.

Sue-Meg State Park

The drive down the 101 was beautiful with open skies and colorful transitions from forest to sea. The only traffic was through the numerous small towns along the route. I arrived Sue-Meg State Park about 1600 but didn't get parked until about 1700 because I had to drive into Trinidad to get correct change for the envelope drop pay station. I still had enough sun light to take the stairs down to the beach and take in the view. 

The campground area was nearly full so I was lucky to find a site for the evening.  I'm not complaining, but the difference of the facility up keep between Oregon and California State Parks was drastic. Maybe it was only because one is more popular than the other, still this is a nice park, just somewhat run down after the summer season.

Nevertheless, this was only an overnight stay and made the best of my time. Having filled up with water and emptied the grey tank in Oregon, there was no worry about it in the morning. After breakfast I was off again, only heading east across California, wanting to stay clear of any big metro areas. It took most the day driving the very curvy highway 299 from Trinidad to Reading through the Redwood Forest.  I took my time and arrived safely. From Reading I continued east up highway 44 towards Susanville.

Again, a lot of the campgrounds are closed this late in the year, so my choices for an overnight were thin.
Fortunately, Goumaz Campground was still open. A USFS free area with no facilities but nice level spots to camp. "Pack in pack out" rules apply! The forest road into the park was well maintained, mostly free of ruts and level except for the last part. I still had time for a nice walk around the forest, down a babbling creek, almost I wanted to try a fly. So peaceful it was kind of eerie because there was absolutely nobody else here. I defiantly needed my sleeping bag here, temperatures were in the 20's.  Maybe that was why I was the only one here. There was no waiting around in the morning for the temp to rise, so after a quick breakfast, I was off early making Tonopah BLM land for overnight before the end of the day. From here it was a 6 hour drive through Las Vegas and home. 

Here is a link to my shared photo album for this successful Thanksgiving trip. 

Thanks for reading my blog. 

 

Oregon - 2025

 100525 - 101025 

We parted ways on Sunday, John, Todd & Kate headed home and I took off for 

Fort Stevens Oregon on
the Columbia River. I was only able to get an RV site for Sunday night, there was nothing available the rest of the week. This was one of the biggest campground I have ever been to, but the campsites were individual, not like a RV parking lot. I got in after dark, but I did get a walk early in the morning. There was a lot of free ranging Elk, like everywhere! According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, over the last 30 years, the elk population along Oregon’s northern coast has ballooned. It seem that Elk have figured out where man cannot hunt. The areas where hunting is allowed, do not have a problem with the Elk population.  

I didn't have much time to explore the Columbia river area, so I have added this area to my list to return to. Staying off the interstate was pretty easy in Oregon, I only drove a few miles of I5 on my way to Bend Oregon and the Deschutes National Forest. 

I made it to USFS Prairie Campground before dark, so I was able to get a nice walk in and geocache. There was a cache on 250' from campsite #9, but I had to balance a log to get across the natural creek running next to the campground.  There was only one other camper, I'm pretty sure they are the host. Maybe because it was a Monday? Or, maybe it was because they have already shut off the water in the park for the winter and at 7am it was 39°F inside the van and 22°F outside! 

I am used to living without a schedule, I mean I try to schedule, but I like to keep things flexible. After a cold night at #9 Prairie campground, I proceed up the highway to visit a place Todd told me about, the Big Obsidian Flow Trailhead and Interpretive Site part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.  The trail takes you up the side of the lava flow and through massive blocks of obsidian. I completed the Earth Cache but had no cell service to upload. So I left the Big Flow parking lot and headed into the an adjacent campground to set up my Starlink to get online. Plus there was quit a few geocaches near the Little Crater Campground.  

I drove through the campground, along Paulina Lake. looking for a place to park. I found a beautiful spot right on the lake, so I decided to stay.  

I paid my 1/2 price fee and took off to find some geocaching. There was a wonderful loop trail up to the top of the side of the little crater. I found 8 cool geocaches and took in the awesome views of the lake and of the lava flow on the other side. 

I had a wonderful van life evening, salad and patty melt for dinner and I watched the game 3 ALCS.  Definitely a Win. One of the best overnights I've had in the van. 

Okay off to Nevada then home. Thanks for stopping by, here is my shared album 👀 Oregon OCT25 👀

 

Camp Kumeyaay Lake Campground

 051625 - 051825 32.8397, -117.0332

I enjoyed my stay at this small park.  At first I was taken back with the noise and the number of people nearby, but soon I found it was nice to have neighbors and hear them having such a great time. Most of all I enjoyed getting picked up and having a great time with Riley (and her parents).

Here are the pictures I took. Here is my Campendium review:

Visiting the area to attend my Granddaughter's 8th birthday party. The sites are pretty close together and there is a trail going through the center of the park, connecting the sites, so you can expect frequent food traffic through the sites. This would make a good Boy or Girl Scout campout. Most of the campers were tenting but there was a few other small vans, truck campers and class C.  Plenty of nature, but not a place to get away from the hustle bustle. What I liked most was the easy in and out while I went visiting. The gate is kept open, even though they may look closed after 8pm. If you have to go through late, use the exit gate. 

I did take time to walk the lake and the numerous trails. This is a popular area on the weekends and the campground is only open Friday and Saturday nights. The restrooms were kept clean and the showers worked great. 

Lake Cuyamaca County Park

 051325 - 051525 Lake Cuyamaca County Park - Chamber's Park Campground RV Site #19 

32.990792, -116.578829

Arriving right at 1400 on Tuesday May 13, cold and windy, I didn't need any directions finding the campground. There was one other camper and a group of tents down by the lake shore. The office was closed with a note to take to take my space and return in the morning. I parked, but did not set up. Instead I notices there was 2 new, well new to me, geocaches so I put on my warm coat and took a walk. Not much has changed with the lake,

soon I was walking by the bank where fishing with my kids, early 90's, they caught their limit and we had a nice fish fry. I remember I didn't fish because I was to busy taking fish off their lines and getting hooks back in the water, what a nice memory. Continuing around the east side of the island and across the bridge I proceeded to find the small hides. By the time I got back the westerly blow had eased to a moderate wind, so I re-parked and finished setting up. Dinner was grilled chicken salad.

The next morning I took off on the bike around the lake to check in at the tackle shop, complete an Adventure Lab and go after some more caches. Even though it was still cold and windy, the sun came out and turned out to be a beautiful morning.  The Anglers I talked to said the trout were not biting, but they did get an occasional catfish. The clouds and wind returned in the afternoon, I hunkered down inside and took a nap. 

Thursday morning I left the campground in the morning and parked on the south end of the lake. I rode up the jeep trails going after some more new hides. The last time I was in this area was March 2013 with Dan & Lisa we hiked up the Middle Peak trail. It still showed the devistation from the Cedar Fire, the largest of the 15 fires, began on October 25 2003 when a hiker lost in Cleveland National Forest sparked a fire in a desperate attempt to be rescued. In just 14 hours, what started as a relatively small blaze quickly swelled into a 28-mile-long conflagration, driven by the destructive power of the seasonal Santa Ana winds, and crossed into Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.  Today there is much new growth, very green with spring flowers, parts of the trail are over grown.  (https://www.americanforests.org/article/regrowing-a-forest/)

👀Photos👀

Tuzigoot National Monument

040125 Virtual GC6845 placed in 2002 Although it was really windy, the walk up the structure was very pleasant and educational. Along this ½-mile (0.5 km) loop trail, you will find the remains of a 110-room pueblo, its oldest rooms built over 900 years ago. There is a entry fee, but I got in free with my America the Beautiful pass. It was nice break from the ride and I got a smiley. I browsed the gift shop and I bought a sticker. read more about Tuzigoot

Geocaching 101 - Finding the cache

So I thought I would post a quick demonstration of finding a cache! This was fun. We on the Red Roost trail. Mt. Laguna

Waterfall Trail -Ogden Utah

 Well I can't make a visit without a caching trip with the Hatches. Today Cammo (Cameron), Chris and I hike up to the "Above the Falls" cache GC1G8CH and was rewarded with a beautiful view of downtown Ogden,

The transit up the ravine south of the falls was kind of dicey, but we made it just fine.  Coming down was another adventure!

The view next to the falls was wonderful and it is a long drop down!

We found three other caches on the way up and down.

Garnet Peak - View

Desert View

We started at the Pioneer mail camp ground and got on the PCT from there. About 2.5 mile to the trail that heads up the peak. The cache was placed in 2002 and was rename Phoenix Cache after the fires in late summer 2002. After the peak, we hiked south on the PCT for about 3 more miles finding various caches. It was windy, but nice and warm. We had lunch on a outcropping and headed back. Good Father and Son adventure! 

thanks Danny

Bilbo Baggins Travel Bug

Bilbo Baggins start out his journey at SUDZ in April 2013. It took him a long time to get started. Thought we had lost him because he was not reported leaving the cache, but was no longer there.  But all of a sudden he was found and dropped off near San Diego airport!

Tom20125ab grabbed him and took him on an adventure up the coast of California and then dropped him off in Germany.


No more photos have been taken. As of today, Bilbo has gone 7397.5 miles and is in the hands of Diana1963.

Don't drink all your water

First Attempt

Second attempt

Pacific crest trail near Ugly Box at Windy View

GC1PCJ2

This is up in Laguna Mt. area in San Diego county. 

Lindo Lake

Geohobbit found it! 

Simpson Park Hemet CA