Camping in USA

We have experienced a variety of sites, from mountain to desert to real mountains (as a man from Boulder said comparing San Bernardino to the Rockies).

Our first experience (see earlier post) was in the San Bernardino mountains. After flying for 12 hours and having a very long Sunday we didn't want to go too far. Following Richard's advice we looked out for a map book that showed campsites. As we drove up into the mountians we realised we were still lacking some essentials - namely fuel and matches. However the area was far from remote and we found a shopping centre at Lake Gregory. The camp site at Camp Dogwood, proved to be fairly typical of what we have found - a paved pull off area for car (or RV) a table, a fire area in a steel ring. This site also had showers which were free (but cold). We both slept well after all the flights and the getting organised.




The reason we didn't go too far the first day!






The next two nights were spent in comfort which was good as it allowed us time to catch up more sleep - thanks Colin and Lisa.

Our next site was at Jacob's Lake. This was a US Forest Service site. Again it was a pleasant site set in among the trees. The camp site manager was particulary pleasant and friendly.





The following night we camped for free in the National forest - where many others had obviously camped before. It was very peaceful.












Our site at Desert View was chosen for ease of locationing By Christine and Richard who we knew would not arrive until after dark. We initially wondered if we had made a bad choice as there was an automated registration system with a mechanical voice that became a bit trying but by dark there were few new campers. The first night at this site the camp was almost full with 50 sites taken, the following night it was almost empty with maybe 10-15 sites taken. There were no showers at this site - Anne was caught washing her hair photo by Liam and Madeline was much amused.

The next site at Monument Valley was described as exposed in the guide. It was. It was also interesting getting a site. There were all these sites for RV's with no-one there at 6pm. Tents had to have other sites. We used the 2-way radios with Anne and Liam at the registration while the others looked at sites. This worked well as some other people were allocated a site and when they looked at it they wondered where they could put their tent. The photo shows the site better than I can describe it. The kids loved the giant sandpit - we did not notice any risks maybe luck. I may have already mentioned that sleeping with one's head down hill is not a good idea especially when the ground is VERY hot. We realised that the fly is not necessary and the risk of rain is low- we could have got the fly up in time anyway. Christine and Richard were able to get some breeze into their tent but it was hot.

The faculities were good in that the showers were hot but over all the site was run down and not well maintained. Other than the buildings and general cleaning the water pump leaked ( and was all or nothing so Liam and I had a bit of fun getting water bottles filled without them being blown out of our hands) . A leaking washer on a pump in a desert location seemed to override the notices about conserving water. We showered in the morning as in the evening some exchange students -or similar group took up the showers.

At our next site at Natural Bridges we used ropes to lift the fly on Christine and Richard's tent and we left our fly off - much more pleasant to have some air. There was an area where I think we were meant to pitch the tents but we pitched in among the trees to keep the tents cooler - the children used the tent area as a sand pit.

At Mesa Verde we did camp in the official marked area and we did use the flys - it was raining as we arrived. This shower quickly passed. We had more rain in the night. We followed all the rules regarding bears but did not see any thing larger than deer. We have seen a number of animals - deer, squirrels (including the Kabab sqirrel on the north rim which has a white tail.), chipmucks, praire dogs, bats, humming birds and ravens.

At Mesa Verde we used the laundromat and showers so all ended up clean with clean clothes. Red sandstone is very photogenic but as dust very quickly ensures all one's clothes are dirty and the children grimy.

One thing we have enjoyed is very few insects. The lack of sand flies is no loss. We did notice mosquitos when we were camping in the forest but covered up. We did buy repellant. It was a bit concerning to read notices about plague at Natural Bridges but we followed the instructions - ie used a table cover and did not poke around animal holes.

Out final camping was in the Rockies (Big Meadows) - a total contrast. We lit the fire in the fire place and all had on out warmer trousers and jerseys. I think it was the first time since San Bernardino that I slept in rather than on my sleeping bag. It was easier to get to sleep. We did have to dry the flys because of condensation - not soemthing we had to think about before.This site was rather expensive at $14 for the facilities - long drop toilets and no water that didn't need boiling - we had our own. It was a extremely pretty site with big trees and wild flowers. It was just as well that we saw no bobcats or lynx as I don't know which is protected and which isn't, and I would not have been able to tell the difference.





Murray will no doubt have more experiences during his two weeks travel while I am at various conferences.