UT - Lone Rock Beach Camping And The Perils of Sand Dunes

 Ah the joys of camping on the beach. Sun, Sand, Water and Fresh Air. Pure perfection for us but it did come with some wicked challenges for others. 

Boondocking can be the ultimate dream but it has challenges. 

We  arrived at Lone Rock Beach last Thursday and on the first day here, that very afternoon we watched a Van filled with tourists from Romanian get stuck about 20 meters down the Dune next to us. In this case Ron was able to supply some straps and our neighbor his Jeep. That got the little Van back up to stable ground and off they went. After dinner we heard some commotion outside and what we found was a decent sized 5th Wheel with a dually pickup truck dug in parallel to the water on the dune. Another big pickup truck (350 Dually) tried its best to get it out but each vehicle only dug in deeper and deeper. Lots of digging, lots of black smoke and the whole Lone Rock Beach Neighborhood was entertained. Some sat in their lawn chairs drinking beer. Ron and I watched with fascination and who should come to the rescue? Our neighbor in his little Jeep. They hooked up in a row, with the Jeep leading, and the two trucks and RV behind him. They went down the dune by the water and from there they were able to pull out eventually with just the two trucks pulling. The little Jeep that could for the win!

While we camped at the Roam America Horseshoe Bend RV Resort we met a very nice couple that travels in a true Big Rig (HDT) and they came out to see us at the beach. While we were down by the beach the four of us met this really sweet young woman named River, who travels with her Pet Parrot Yogurt in a C-Class. She was very adventures and drove her Class C all the way down the deep sand. She realized her mistake and told us that she was worried about how to exit the dunes.

 

The next morning I went and walked the length of the beach to see where would be a good spot for her to aim for to get up the Dune. I also wasn’t sure when she would try to leave so we went about our day. That evening, right after dinner I looked out and saw her get ready to move her RV. I tried to get to her as fast as I could and when I reached her I saw a young couple a bit down the beach in a car and asked  them what they thought the best way out would be. The five of us decided on a spot and she positioned herself and went for it and came about 30 yards short of more solid ground. Unfortunately for all of us the wind was picking up (so lots of people left and huddled down, plus it was farther down the beach so less people overall and it was starting to get dark. The young couple however committed to helping us and I called Ron to bring some straps to see if we could pull her out. Sadly their car, while 4 wheel drive, did not have the power we needed. We dug tires out, tried to go back or forward. No luck. 3 hours later Ron was able to back the RV down to the beach for the night with the promise we be back to try again in the morning. 

Morning came and thank goodness River, Ron and I got help from a young man that was camping close by in a Mitsubishi Van. 4 wheel drive and very Mobil. He could not pull her out but he made several trips up and down the dune to find the best route and to pack down the sand. Plus we had 2 shovels and a will. We gave it a first try to no avail. While River and I took off to find help (we struck out as no one wanted to risk it, or just didn’t have enough adventures spirit in them😉) the boys were able to dig the RV out and inch her 10 feet at a time back down to the beach. When we got back to the scene of the crime the RV was back down very close to the water. Just in time for us to get a video of Ron stepping hard on the gas to pick up speed and rush her up the sand dune. We were holding our breath and it looked that he would be coming up short but he clawed her up those last few feet and after 2 hours of work she was on solid ground! Darn we felt beyond accomplished. We really got attached to River and Yogurt and we exchanged Instagram handles as well as phone numbers so we can stay in touch and follow each other's adventures. 

What I loved from this experience is seeing young people out there soaking up life. It made me so happy. River is here from China on a Visa touring the US for a year, the young man has been full time traveling in his Mitsubishi for 3 years now following his Rock Climbing adventures. They are both just pure amazing.

Both of them moved on after this which was a good choice as just an hour later we got hit with some strong winds, gusting up to 47 mph for the rest of the day and the whole day after.

I also got another beautiful little Hike in with Jamie who made it so much more fun. It's just better hiking with others! I wish each campground or even boondocking spot would have a board up for like minded hikers to plan outings.....

We have 2 more days left here and they are suppose to be nice and sunny. This morning we spend a few hours sunbathing by the water with Keetna. I really wanted to get in the water but it is freezing cold. Even Keetna wouldn’t go all the way in. Well, we didn’t but we saw others go in and we watched three dogs launch themselves into the water catching balls. So I guess we are just to chicken or to old 😂

Also, since River left there have been no more incidents yet as you people get stuck. Ron thought we should put up a sign that reads 'Only 2 Wheel Drive Allowed On The Beach'. After all we are getting bored not digging people out 😂

As to Camping on Lone Rock Beach it is wonderful! Might be one of our favorite Boondocking spots from here on out. It is absolutely Big Rig Friendly and one has to just read the reviews and scout it out. You will clearly see where all the campers line up parallel to Lake Powell, above the Dune. There the ground is packed down and rocky. You will face Sand but no beach camping can avoid this. You will however avoid salt as this is Lake Powell and not the ocean and that is a big benefit. 

We give it 5 stars as we love the beach and being by water. Quiet, dark and starry nights as there is no city pollution here. 

We are planning on resupplying, Cleaning and restocking Lucy at the Antelope Point Marina RV Park for 3 Nights and then aim for Lee's Ferry. 

So hoping we can meet up with some of you on the Road!

AZ - Page ♥️ Arizona

 Thanks to Ron’s friends Gary and QBee we changed our plans from Death Valley and headed to Page so we could meet up with them for a few days.

It was an absolute highlight for me to have a close to professional hiker and photographer take me on several amazing hikes. QBee and I went to the Horseshoe Bend for the Sunset the day we arrived and then the next day we started out with the Beehive and New Wave Hike, followed by the Hanging Gardens Hike, The Glen Canyon Overlook and for Sunset the Waheap Overlook. Each night we also met up with both and some of their friends for drinks and food. It was truly wonderful. My hiking needs were fully met.  There are about 52 hikes one can take, 32 of them are easy to moderate. Heaven.

We booked us a week at the Roam Horseshoe Bend RV Resort. It’s only 1 year old but offers big rig access, nice bathhouses, a dog run (fenced in gravel yard) and a pool (out of service due to a broken handrail). It has lots of nice walking and hiking right from the Resort. It runs at $89 a night.

Our issue came when we saw that the pull thru was an adequate 70 feet but had all the hookups at the very end. For us that is always bad news as we have Lou behind us so our hookup access needs to be in the middle. Then came the next problem, the first 30 to 40 feet coming into the pull thru were level and then it started to slope down, why we weren’t sure but after looking at other sites that was a common practice even at the shorter back in spots. This meant Lucy was slopping down and it took maneuvering to get her level, which now also translated in our very long and extended sewer line heading uphill to the hookup. Not ideal in any way, so while it is a beautiful RV Park it did not make a good fit for us. This said we found a lot of other great parks in the area so for our return next year we have options.

In the following 5 days, after Gary and QBee left, Ron and I went back to The Horseshoe Bend and explored the trails close by. I went and took my bike on the Trail Rim loop, 13 miles of crazy trails that included me pushing and carrying my bike several times. I was beat up and bruised but loved it. 

We toured the Upper Antelope Canyon which was magical. We sat and watched a partial total eclipse and it was amazing how chilly and windy it got for the time of the eclipse. Oh and last but not least we explored the Antelope Canyon Marina and saw boats in just every price tag. Just getting down to the Marina was so much fun. A ride in a powerful golf cart that moves down a very steep section. We had lunch right by the docks and I had some very yummy Calamari with tomato basil soup while Ron had a Salmon Club Sandwich. 

Page, Arizona is incredible. Between the desert, canyons and rock formations you get Lake Powell, blue and clear, it is a dream. Water is my element and to find it in the desert means perfection. 

So this meant we didn’t quite feel ready to move to far yet. While we stayed at the Bauers Ranch Campground the week prior a neighbor mentioned to Ron the Lone Rock Beach Campground on Lake Powell and on the border of Utah and Arizona, just 9 miles from Page. 

So this is where we are now. More on this on my next post. I am still trying to figure out how to add photos to my blog again as just writing about Page does not do its beauty justice.