050525 Bonito Campground Coconino National Forest 35.369639, -111.540498
Got to use my "America the Beautiful" pass to visit the Bonito Lava Flow and sunset crater. After hiking the trails, in the rail, learning about how volcanos shape the land. It took a long time to answer all the questions for the Earth cache, no physical caches in a this area. I did proceeded to find a nice Geocache along the rode outside the park area. The ground in all loose volcanic sand.
The weather was still cloudy and rainy when I checked in at the Bonito Campground. Elevation 6926' There were about a dozen campers, but everyone seemed to stay in their rigs avoiding the rain. I didn't even set up my table and chair outside, no reason getting everything all wet.
Way off the beaten path, not very far from the state line, Lyman Lake sits half way between St. John and Springfield. The lake was low and muddy looking. I didn't anyone fishing and the only water activity were a brief paddle boarding.
The space I had had a real nice shade tree, up on the the hill with a good view of the lake. No geocaching on state parks, but I did get in some real nice hiking and rode Jagurandi along the beach.
I rode out to Rattlesnake Point Pueblo ruin, built between 1325 and1390, occupied by the ancestors of modern Pueblo Indian groups. The pueblo overlooked the Little Colorado River.
I really enjoyed seeing the Indian history and imagined how it would be to live as they did.
I only wanted a place for one night. I left home and did some geocaching in the area. This is a Harvest Host location. A membership program that is kind of like Airbnb, where the membership includes one night stay and they offer things to purchase. Farms, Wineries and just peoples property. The protocol is to purchase something.
I thought this was just a farm, but it turned out to be a long term RV park. They had electrical, water and sewage hook ups for additional $.
There was no "Wild West" at all. Just a office/store where you can buy convenience store items. I purchased electrical hook up $30. I was the only camper in the camper area, so it wasn't bad, but not really camping. Other Photos
I found a cool Letterbox cache and some other traditional caches before checking in.
I need to be home this week so I can put out my recycling and compost for pickup. But I did I booked a site at Lyman Lake State Park for Friday and Saturday 😎
Mogollon (MUGgy-own) Rim is a 200-mile long escarpment that marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. This escarpment is between 100 and 2000 feet high and is a dominant geomorphological feature of the state of Arizona.(GCZ5FD). I heard out about this location by watching the Vancaskeys on Youtube. I was intrigued with their description of the views and only 120 miles from Phoenix it is. So I knew that the Van would make it but I didn't realize the elevation was over 7500 feet. The Rim Road is narrow, but well maintained with a lot of logging industry in evidence.
At 1330 It was raining a little when I turned off to look for a place to camp. I got out and walked to the edge of the ridge to take in the beautiful views. There were only two other campers, a 5th wheel by the entrance and off in the distance I could make out a 4x4 with a teardrop trailer, By the time I got parked and set up, the rain completely stopped and the sun shown through partly cloudy skies. Taking advantage of this wonderful weather, I jumped on Jaguarundi to go geocaching.
The first night was very peaceful and believe it or not I had good cell service, so I listen to the Padres game while I made a salad (forgot salad dressing 🙁) and heated up taco shop leftovers. The rest of the evening I sat outside and stargazed. The next morning I got up just in time to take down the Moon Shade before the ice cold wind took it down. Question, do you normally take down the shade at night? Probably a good idea I suppose.
The second day was filled with a combination of biking and hiking. The geocaches I found were traditional regular sized deep in the woods, the way it was ment to be. Later on I expected the icy wind 🌬to die down like it did the day before, but it never did and the temperature kept dropping. I found myself hunkering down inside the van. The Windy.com had the wind at 15-20 knots with gusts up to 30. Needless to say, I did not put the Moon Shade back up, and could not keep the camp stove lit outside. I had planned to make a fire, but it was just too windy. I am so glad I packed my thermal pajamas, thanks BRH.
The next day was like the second day, 45°F with wind chill 34°. After breakfast, I packed up to go do some road caching. After finding a couple I found myself back down the Rim road, so I just headed home.
Only about 2 1/2 hours west of Sun City, this is a popular weekend fishing spot and OHV sports. But during the week, there was very few OHV, most of the campers were there for the smallmouth bass. I took my time and arrived at about 1500. I reserved space B33 and started my setup. There was no service, but I remember reading that the reviewers showed cell coverage. I jumped on my ebike and rode around all the other camping areas. I saw wild Burros on my trip over to the C,D & E. I also discovered good 5G in Campground E, so I returned to the van, packed up and moved to E3.
I figured I would recheck in in the morning.
My new campsite was on the edge of the culvert where the wild Burros wandered down towards the lake shore. At night, I had an amazing view of the night sky and the full moon. In the morning, I headed out on the ebike and made my way to the office. The volunteers were very helpful, so I purchased a t-shirt and park stickers. I proceed to go after the remaining geocaches in the area, ending with a nice hike up above the lake. Did some more exploring on the bike.
The next morning I tried my luck at fishing, but I really was not into it. I kept thinking I hope I can release it if I catch one, because I really don’t want to deal with it. I ended up walking more than fishing, enjoying the cool wind off the water. After lunch, I rode around the park some more, then took a refreshing shower using the van rear faucet.
040235Coconino 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.
040125Dead Horse Ranch State Park Campground is my RV park with hookups maiden voyage. I wanted to experience the whole connecting electrical and water and most importantly dumping the gray tank.
I arrived just after check in time and had no problem finding my spot. Backed in and leveled, connected the 30amp and city water. The 30 amp charges the batteries as you use it. The inverter detects the connection and the juice is routed to the AC service. Easy peasy.
What I didn't realize is the city water doesn't fill the tank. THe flow is diverted to the sink. The only way to get water in the tank is through the “gravity fill”. I noticed right away that everyone else had an inline filter, which I didn’t have. I was able to figure out these connections no problem. Soon after getting connected it started raining. I made some coffee and hunkered down and let it rain.
At about 1600 the sun came out, so I went for a walk on the nearby trail and found two geocaches, the second one has a view. By the time I got back it was time to make dinner and get settled for the night.
Next day I got up early and took a shower then cooked breakfast. Watched some Youtube videos and was ready to leave by 10am. On the way out, I stopped at the dump station. Pulled in behind a fifth wheel and was able to get coached as they dumped. I was able to drain the gray tank without incident. The only thing I didn’t have was a pair of gloves. Only took a few minutes, pulled out and went into the gift shop and bought some stickers, then headed for FR 525 in the Coconino National Forest, near Sedona.
040125Virtual 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
03/29 and 30/2005 Lake Pleasant
There were only 3 people in the class, myself and a couple also from Sun City Wendy and Mark. Starting at 8am, we went to the classroom for an hour, then we went onboard a 22' Catalina. Captain Clint took us out teaching us all the way on the written and unwritten rules of entering and leaving a no wake zone. We rounded the final buoys and entered the lake proper. Mark and I raised the mainsail and unfurled the jib, then the next thing I knew Captain put me at the tiller and I was sailing!
We covered tacks and Jibe and all the points of sail, but mostly beam reach, close reach and close hauled. Captain Clint does not like down wind sailing. We took turns at the tiller and practiced tacking and working as a team. Probably had only 10 knots of wind, mostly from the south. But if you got the right balance of sail trim and heel, we could get moving about 6 or 7 knots. We learned that if the boat is heel a lot, which is uncomfortable, it is inefficient and will slow and stall. If there is no heel at all you are pretty much sitting still. As we practiced the points of sail, we learned to feel the boat and the sails getting in the right trim and moving smartly through the water. I was pretty nervous because I completely forgot my waterproof sound processor cover. I soon forgot all about it once we got going. We came in about 2pm and Captain Clint said be back here tomorrow at 8am, the wind will determine if we go out or take the written test.
The next day the wind was predicted to come up later in the morning, so we manned the classroom for the 100 question multi choice test. I missed 4 and only because I was not paying attention to stand off or give way. Anyway it was a passing score! Woohoo! By the time we got in the boat all the pressure was off. We each took turns leaving the dock and redocking, while Captain CLint told sea stories. I was last and it took me two attempts because I was listening to sea stories. After my successful docking, I took her all the way out, hoisted the main and unfurled to jib, but the wind was light from the south, so we crept out into the middle of the lake motor sailing. By about 1115, the wind came up enough to practice Man Overboard maneuvers.
The wind increased and Mark and I did circles around the island hazard completing all the points of sail, then Wendy took us in. Because we were going to a different spot on the dock, Captain Clint took her in by sail "show off" and we tied her up. Back in the classroom, we received our logbooks with Captain's Clint's signature. We will receive the official stamp in the mail.
I can't say the class was hard, it was pretty easy, but I learned a lot, mostly to just let the conditions move the boat, just guide it where and how you need.
032725 - 03282533° 48' 36.9612" N 112° 13' 36.7572" W Shakedown cruise for the new van.
Forgot to bring my hearing aid chargers. The cochlear should be fine, but the small one will run out.
Need to pack new eating utensils. The ones I bought are terrible.
Woke up to the sight of balloons in the sunrise. AG1 and made coffee using the electric kettle. Everything seems to be working fine.
Decided to go geocaching before breakfast. Jump on the 🚲 and road over some rough trails, got chased by dogs and found 3 caches. Skies looking a little dark, so I made my way back to the van to make breakfast
Made more coffee using the electric kettle. Chopped up all the stuff and plugged in the cooktop, but it shut off right away. So I kept trying by resetting the inverter. But after 3 tries the inverter would not come on.
So I packed it up and came home to cook breakfast. When I got home I discovered no electricity worked in the van. AC or DC, but the “Go Power” battery monitor still shows 200ah and 100% - This is very confusing.
I called CW service, they gave me the number for tech support. Dean walked me through the system and we were both confused why the battery monitor showed 200ah 100% but Dean had me put on a voltage meter to the battery terminal and that is when I found the breakers tripped at the battery posts. I reset them and the inverter came back on as well as the 12v system.
Dean walked me through connecting the van to the house 115 outlet to charge the battery. That seems to work fine, but later I discovered that it tripped the breaker on that circuit.
Lesson learned. The cooktop and electric kettle will run the battery too low for the inverter. Solution is propane stove.
Later, at home, I connected the shore power to the house, 1st circuit tripped TV/Internet system, tried another outside laundry room but it also tripped. Both 15A breakers. I found a 20A circuit in at my bench in the shop. Using an extension cord, this one did not trip right away but the ext. Cord heated up and it did trip. Need to get a 20 Amp extension cord.
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.
