AZ - Antelope Point Canyon Campground

 After our Boondock Adventure at Lone Rock we had to refresh and restock before moving on to Lee’s Ferry so we decided to check out the other Campground in town.

It was a nice and clean campground but the site we had booked was suppose to be 70 feet long and while it mentioned ‘no turf’ we still assumed we be having some yard.

The site was NOT 70 feet long but 60 (we measured) as we were hanging over in the back and front. If you go on their website it does state that all sites are 70’.

Then the site was a narrow concrete pad and when you stepped out your door you stepped into a rock landscaping section. Oliver and Keetna were not amused. There are lots of sites with turf which is of course nicer but ours was the only one available when I booked. Turf also translates from $50 a night to actual $90 a night. So since we were here for just 3 nights we made due. There were a couple of other quirks however. They have a community fire pit and BBQ are but to get to them one has to walk through other campers sites as there is no separate path leading to it. I looked but struck out. The good parts were it looked very clean, wide roads to maneuver and while the two shower rooms where in a trailer they were nice, large and clean as well.

It is of course located by the Marina and you can have a cart pick you up from your site to drive you down to the Marina. A nice service indeed and we did love going down there. A nice gift shop as well as the Restaurant we ate at before we headed to Lone Rock.

Over all we got done what we needed but we will try another campground if we return, the Wahweap Marina Campground. We checked it out and they have a nice layout and access to Lake Powell as in a swim beach, boat rentals etc etc. 

AZ - Lees Ferry

Nature and history collide in this wonderful area of Arizona. This gateway into the Grand Canyon one can watch rafts launch on their adventures through the Canyon and one could choose from a 7 or 10 day trip. There are 90 rapids to conquer with the first itty bitty one right there by Lees Ferry where the Colorado River intersects with the Paria River (called a riffle).

There is a beautiful sandy beach to enjoy (the Colorado River is however ice cold) but for the brave, one could go for a little swim.

The campground is a FCFS and has many sites with about 5 spots that can fit some bigger rigs. We found one the first day that barely fit us but were able to move the next morning when a larger one opened up. No hookups but a dump station and water is available. Quiet hours are from 22:00 to 6:00. 

The one negative in the beautiful place was me getting accosted by two humans who took offense to our size as well as us using our generator during cooking time which was well outside the quiet time which we always honor. I tell you some people are just miserable and they love to judge others. Truly sad for them but not our loss for sure.

I got several hikes in which were wonderful. The Lonely Dell Ranch with its beautiful orchard, old farm buildings and a cemetery. Right on the Paria River which meets the Colorado River just about a 1/2 mile down stream.

Of course there is the history of John Doyle Lee who the Ferry and Area is named after. His connection and part in the Mountain Meadow Massacre is dark and heartbreaking and it shows one can’t outrun justice for long. 

I also hiked the River Trail and we explored the Navajo Bridge and saw the American Condor which is a sight to behold. 

One night Ron and I got to sit and listen to two fellow campers play bluegrass music on their guitars. So beautiful and relaxing. No city lights or noises other then the dark sky.

Ron and I also celebrated our 25th Anniversary here and went to a local restaurant which served native dishes and was very good. They even treated us to a yummy expresso and ice cream dessert 🍨 

We really enjoyed our week here and it was perfect for relaxing, soaking in nature and learning more about the rich history out here in the West.

UT - Kanab - Grand Plateau RV Resort

 What a most beautiful area but then almost everywhere we stopped so far in AZ or UT we fell in love with the scenery.

Stopping here in Kanab also had the gift of us seeing friends we made on Page, AZ, Jamie and Christopher.

The RV Park for one was wonderful with nice pull thru’s, a wonderful dog park that Oliver loved and a heated pool with a hot tub. 

We explored the Sanctuary and I got a couple of hikes in. Jamie and I rode our bikes around the Reservoir as well as explored some new trails. We also did the hidden Lake and Cave hike. So beautiful.

Ron and I had a very good Cuban Dinner in town and we enjoyed the Happy Hour across the Street at the Dark Skies RV Park where Jamie and Chris were staying.

I had to take a one hour drive to Hurricane UT to pick up more dog and cat food as that was the closest Tractor Supply Store I could find. But the drive was beautiful so it was a fun outing.

I have to admit that as of now Utah is hands down in the top three of beautiful places to see. Maine still holds my heart but darn Utah sure makes anyone that loves the outdoors happy as well.

Colorado is hardly taking a spot anymore. Maybe because we lived there for 15 years but they are quite a bit behind the infrastructure other states provide when it comes to hiking, biking, water access etc. It’s just not compatible. 

UT - Red Canyon (Campground)

 How absolutely magical it is here in the Red Canyon. I admit when we left Kanab I had not yet figured out where we would stay. I knew there was the Red Canyon Campground, there was the Red Canyon Dispersed. Amping option and the North Campground inside Bryce Canyon National Park. Both established campgrounds have no hookups but sites and are FCFS. Of course the Boondocking is free. I got discoursed about the North Campground when I read reviews stating it was established in 1933 and the roads would be narrow and heavily treed. So we aimed for the Red Canyon Campground first and other then the entry (with a big ditch) we got a most wonderful spot. Sadly the water as well as the dump station are not open yet so zero access. It is $11.50 for the night but the site is very pretty and I love how one can get straight on a hiking trail from the campground.

The Red Canyon visitor center is just 1/2 down the road as are the two famous tunnels which are about 1 mile the other direction. 

We did take a drive to the dispersed camping and while it looks nice we found it be limited access for our size, plus finding a level spot could also be a challenge.

Of course in all of this I wish we could have gotten our week back at Ruby’s which I had booked after our stay at Zion but canceled due to impending snow. Now they are booked solid.

So far I hiked on two trails in the Red Canyon and it is a fairytale with those precious hoodoos and rock formations. Magical.

RVing…. A People Watchers Dream

 It is now August 2024 and we left the Oregon Coast to head to the Renegade Rally in Angel Fire that will start in September.

We stopped at a nice KOA Journey RV Park in Green River Utah and this morning we had breakfast with a view and entertainment.

I admit I have been fascinated seeing all the Rental RV’s like Cruise America in every National Park and RV Park we stayed this summer. It has been fun meeting couples and families from all over the world that rent them and explore the West. We met people from all over Europe and many Americans and it’s been fun.

This morning however, I think we witnessed a family that ran out of steam and patience 😉 

We were entertained by counting three kids, ranging from age 8 to 15 and their two very tired looking parents battle it out. First there was the throwing of shoes that flew out the door one by one (they seem to carry a lot of shoes), then the locking each other out of the RV. First one of the kids locked everyone out. Then eventually the Mom got in and locked herself in, at this point I was rooting for her to start it all up and take off. I would have been very tempted (except that they still had the power and water hooked up). Dad seemed at a total loss just walking around aimlessly. Then there was some fighting between the kids and finally after an hour of back and forth everyone was in and the dad disconnected the power and water in record time, jumped in, started the RV and pretty much gunned it out. All in less then 5 min.

My guess by walking the pups and getting a closer look (because I am not nosy but crave information 😉😂) I figured out they were Americans. For one, one of the kids when he walked past me waved and smiled, which I can attest no European kid I know would do to a stranger, no matter how cute the dog. Next, they had one of the bays filled with lots of dead water bottles (no sparkling water was to be seen).

Ah how I love the entertainment. People watching I perfected after all when I was flying and Airports are plentiful for this.

Now RVing you can choose the exposure you like. RV parks are great for this. But we also like privacy so hence why we boondock or use State Parks and COE’s.

Making up stories about people is a gift I acquired from my Dad who ruled in this subject. 

I do hope this family is nearing its end of their journey as in sleeping 5 people in 25 to 32 feet seems challenging even if they advertise it can sleep 6. Brave souls indeed.

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.