Camper | Water Dog Site

El Morro National Monument

Thursday, November 9th

Left Larry and Leslies, I 17 south to Camp Verde (left around 10am). Headed east on 260 through a bunch of little towns. Then cut north on 61 over little Colorado river and continued east. Hwy renamed 53 when in New Mexico. Was going to go to blue water state park but decided to go to El Morro National monument. Small campground, almost full. We were authorized by rangers to stay handicap site which I kind of am still handicapped. Dinner was bruschetta and green beans. Early bed. COLD.

Friday November 10^th

Woke up at the national monument. Banana breakfast then off to the monument. I did the ½ mile walk to the pool at the base of the rock and we saw the inscription rock. Did it all on crutches. Armpits got sore. Then headed east on 53 to I-40. Exited off this on Coors rd and went north to stop at Triple AAA office. Joined via the app and picked up maps. Discovered no more campgrounds in guides, bought two woodalls which are worthless so a bummer. Back on to I-25 north, through Sante Fe then took High Scenic HWY to Taos which meant…285 to 503 to 76 and then a tiny bit on 75 then north on 518. Getting late so we stopped in Carson National forest and pulled off Picuris road to camp

From Website a scenic loop: Please allow some extra time to enjoy this unique scenic byway and its tiny villages along the way. Route: From Taos Plaza, Hwy. 68 south to Ranchos de Taos; Hwy. 518 east; Hwy. 75 west to Peñasco; Hwy. 76 south to Trampas, Truchas, Cordova and Chimayó; Hwy. 68 south to Santa Fe; Hwy. 68 north to Española and Taos.

Larry and Leslies Camp Verde Arizona

November 8^th, Wednedsay

Hung at Larry and Leslies since I am very hurt

Went to lunch at Page Springs Vineyard where Leslie works (she’s manager now) and sat around chilling. Alex and Leslie took dogs down to Beaver Creek while Larry and I napped. Went to dinner at nearby Mexican restaurant (Tapatio’s) and then hung a little at the house before bed.

Big Bend National Recreation area, Laughlin , Kingman Camp Beale Loop

November 7^th, Tuesday

We left Big Bend National Recreation area, went through Laughlin and near Kingman we hiked the Camp Beale Loop. 3.2 miles, counter clockwise. Rough on dog paws (prickers) but nice easy walk, some nice views.

Drove east on 40 taking a little detour to Peach Springs (Hualapai indian reservation) and got some gas and coffees. Looks like some roads would go north to the south rim but its on the reservation so would need to investigate if this can be done. We were on route 66 doing this detour. Back to I-40, stopped in Williams at Safeway and got Bailey’s then south on 17 from Flagstaff to Rimrock (Larry and Leslie’s)

Shortly after arrived Holly and Cody were playing and they ran right into my left leg. Took me down and sprained my knee bad. Very bad, cannot walk, they had crutches which I have used since. I am afraid they may have ruptured cruciate and that I won’t be able to walk for awhile. Screwed… as no hiking for weeks and painful and can’t do anything.

Thant night we went out to a friend of theirs Italian restaurant YUM. Forgot the name 🙁

Mahogany to Sherman Pass Road

November 6^th, Monday

Left camp around 8:30AM, drove out from Mahogany to Sherman pass road. Drove down Sherman Pass. Drive down Sherman pass road was unique. We basically are on a high dessert (Kern Plateau) then down to 395.

Shermon Pass Road View Of Kern Plateau

Drove south on 395 then cut over to I-40. Stopped in Barstow for Gas and then Von’s for groceries. Nice weather, warm and drove east. Planned to stay in RV park with Utilities near Kingman but as we drove up River road cut off from Needles to Laughlin we found a Nevada State Park within the Big Bend of the Colorado River State recreation area (on Needles hwy). Not too crowded, clean, huge sites for $30 and we walked down to Colorado River in evening and dogs had a swim. Then could rinse and dry them!

Big Bend Of The Colorado State Recreation Area Camp Ground

Alex very tired so went to bed at 7pm. I watched a movie. Had leftovers for din din…easy.

Planning on visiting Larry and Leslie tomorrow.

Sherman Pass

Sunday November 5^th, plan to go up and over Sherman Pass road, 9200 foot pass…the highest if not nearly highest pass in CA.

Shermon Pass South Creek FallsWent by a turn off to trail of 100 giants, should come do again. Foggy on the way up but got progressively clearer. Stopped to take a picture of south creek falls: pretty very precipitous fall off cliff right near road. Went through Johnsondale (tiny group of cabins) and then checked out Brush Creek dispersed camp. Twas nice but dirty. Hiked up and down Brush Creek which was nice but technical. We should have brought walking sticks and worn hiking shoes.

We passed Johnsdale bride over Kern and skipped the trails there (one goes to tea cup falls)

Drove a bit south on highway heading towards Kernville and Limestone campground looked nice but was closed.

Up and over the pass, pretty drive and views but lots of dead trees…a bit of snow on trees. Passed Rincon trail and others. Big OHV, motorcycle and/or cross country ski area. Checked out Troy Meadows campground, not special, huge, a few edge sites near entrance had slight meadow view. Then turned on a forest road to Mahogany… meadows? Drove to end of road (3 miles, dirt, well maintained) and dispersed camp at end. Tiny creek below camp. Weather station, good fire pit.

Had fire and Alex cooked pork tenderloin and we had left over couscous/peas and a bit of broccoli.
Alex slept poorly…..so he will be tired.

First Day Out From Milpitas, CA

Saturday Novemeber 4^th, 2017

Left the house kind of late as had to finish packing camper and had a truck/camper connection for lights snafu.

Raining hard when left. Stopped by PJS Health center, lunch at a burger joint in Gilroy and then east on 152. Went through Los Banos then south on 99. Stayed about 7 miles west of Earlimart at Colonel Allenswoth State Historic Park. This is a ghost “town” created by an African American Chaplain Leiutenent colonel for African Americans to live independently. About a dozen restored houses with Church, Store etc.