Ref #
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Date
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Location
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Campsite & Other Photos (click links)
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Comments
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11/7/17
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All done with Ramblin' 2017! Back in my winter home on the Central California
coast. Expected to get in a few more nights of
camping during Oct when visiting my kids. However,
the fires in Northern CA interfered with that some.
I enjoy being on the road, but it's good to
get back to a "real" bed and long, hot showers.
:)
This year's stats:
- 9,011 miles, 10.8 mpg, $2.96/gal average
fill-up (gasoline), $2.39 min, $4.09 max.
- 104 nights camping (including 11 boondocking,
but excluding in driveways, etc.) in 75 different
campsites. 17 nights @ $0/night.
- $10.60 average campsite fee, with discount,
and $15.80 without. Free campsites (boondocking,
etc.) included in average cost.
Thanks for following my ramblin'.
Feel free to contact me via email or
my guest book.
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72
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11/6/17
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Gilroy Garlic USA RV Park. In Gilroy, CA 200 ft.
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Within
CG Nice Sunset
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Very nice commercial RV park with 170+ paved sites.
Most RVers here appear to be "extended stay"
folks, but the park does have short stay spots.
All the usual amenities: showers, laundry, pool,
etc. Close to large shopping centers with stores
and eating places. Some hwy noise from nearby
US101. $49 (back-in with full hookups).
Don't usually stay in this type of CG, but it's what
worked into my schedule best. Only the 2nd commercial
CG for this year.
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10/20/17- 10/21/17
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Same CG as 5/31/17:. Doran Beach Regional Park CG (County). In Bodega
Bay, CA.
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Camped
Down There Beach
Scene #1 Beach
Scene #2 Beach
Scene #3 Bird
Life
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Camped with my son and his family. They were
in a tent site and I was in a nearby RV site. The
RV site was in a different area than my 5/31 one. I
prefer the 5/31 one, as there is more room between sites.
But, I spent most of my time at my son's site,
anyway. Beautiful sunny weather.
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71
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10/18/17
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Sandy
Beach CG (County). About 2 mi S of hwy 12
at Rio Vista, CA. 30 ft.
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Within
CG #1 Day Use
Area Turbines
@ Sunset Sacramento
River #1 Sacramento
River #2
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Nice CG with about 40 paved sites on level land, in 2 loops. All
sites are pull-thru, parallel to the road. Shade
varies a lot with site. Large lawn area
in middle of loops. The wide Sacramento River
is a short walk away and visible from some sites. Nice
day use area by the river. Flush
toilets and showers. Free-if-camping dump station. Launch
ramp. $35 (w/water & elec); $20 if 65+ geezer
(a good deal).
2nd time here. Unusual reserved site designation
method here. On Sunday they put
cones on all sites reserved anytime during the coming
week and expect
campers to check the reservation board (at the sometimes
unmanned
entrance station) to see if a site is really
reserved for the day you arrive. Hmmm. Doesn't work too good for first-time-there
campers..
Came to this CG after trying a federal Corps of Eng
(COE) CG near Jackson, CA. If you had no reservation,
a sign said to call an 800 number (which
was Recreation.gov), and pay for the site. I called
and got at least a minute of blah-blah and then
was told a long wsait was to be expected. I left
the CG. I hope this very inconvenient method
doesn't become SOP for more federal CGs. I assume
a service charge would be appliced, like a normal reservation.
:(
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10/7/17
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Same CG as 5/14/17, Pinnacles National Park CG
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Was in the RV section this time, since that's all
that was available. Sites very close together.
I like the 5/14 "standard" area better,
since the sites are farther apart and it's cheaper.
Here it's $36 with electric (which I didn't need
or use). At least I got a site, though!
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70
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10/6/17
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KCL CG (BLM) in Carrizo Plain National Monument. About
43 mi E of Santa Margarita, CA on hwy 58, then 26 mi
SE on Soda Lake Rd (part dirt), then 1/4 mi SW on gravel
rd. 2300 ft.
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View
From CG #1 View
From CG #2 Old
Something Nearby
Soda Lake
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8 well developed gravel sites, close together, on level land. 4 walk-in
sites
in a corral area. Scattered shade
from a few large eucalyptus trees. Nice view of the plain.
Pesky flies. This place is in the boonies and probably miles
to the nearest house, so
very peaceful here. Vault toilets. Lowest price you can find @ $0.
2nd time here. Had the place all to myself
again. Yay!
Would have liked to stay a 2nd night, but my schedule
didn't allow it.
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10/3/17- 10/5/17
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Was visiting friends in Southern CA for a few
days.
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69
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10/2/17
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Los Alamos CG (Dept. Water?), off I5 8 mi S of Gorman,
CA. Take Smokey Bear Rd exit, then S to lake entrance,
then right and follow road N & W about 2 mi. 2800
ft.
Note: My Garmin GPS tried to route me another way
from Smokey Bear Rd, which was longer and I don't think
would have worked.
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CG
View
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93 sites in 3 loops on hilly, sandy land. No or
little shade in sites, except for about 6 with shade
structures. Flush toilets and sinks. Pyramid
Lake nearby. Slight hum from I5, but overall very peaceful.
Pay dump station. $20
(higher for shade sites).
6th time here, since convenient to I5 to/from
SoCal. Low of 34F. This place has bounced
back and forth on taking the Senior Pass. Now
they are back to taking it. Yay!
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68
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10/1/17
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Tehachapi Mountain CG (County). 8 mi SW of
Tehachipi, CA on uphill, curvy Water Canyon Rd. 5500 ft.
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CG
View
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Nice CG with 60+ dirt sites spread out in different
sections over a large area on hilly land. Lots of pine,
oak and other trees. At the end of the road and past any
housing developments for peaceful camping. The
section I was in wasn't suitable for large rigs. No
sure about the rest of the CG. Vault
toilets. $18.
4th time here. Low of 35F. Boy was it windy driving S on
CA14 today. Had to work to keep my rig in my lane!
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67
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9/29/17- 9/30/17
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Boondocking site (BLM). Not a developed campground. In
the Alabama Hills area a few miles W of Lone Pine, CA,
off Whitney Portal Rd. 4700 ft.
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Area
Views #1 Area
Views #2 Area
Views #3 Area
Views #4 I
Feel Insignificant Sunset
Time Risky Business Mt.
Whitney
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A very large area with dirt roads throughout. Very interesting rock formations close by and
the majestic Eastern Sierras in the distance. Mt.
Whitney visible from some locations, but not mine. Sites
are usually beside the dirt roads, so you
might get someone driving by every now and then. However,
absolute
quiet at night. $0.
5th time here, but in late May all other times. My
usual sites were taken, but found a new one. A
couple of hours later a small RV parked within a 100
ft of me. Grrrrr. Some people started climbing
up the rocks by my site just as I left. No thanks!!
This area was the site of many, many movies, especially
old cowboy ones. In the middle of the night I
awoke to the sound of a galloping horse and the shout
of "Hi Ho Silver". Could it have been
the ghost of ...... naw. :)
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66
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9/27/17- 9/28/17
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Tuttle Creek CG (BLM). 5 mi SW of Lone Pine,
CA via Whitney Portal Rd & Horseshoe Meadow Rd.
5100 ft.
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Mountains
View #1 Mountains
View #2 Valley
View #1
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80+ dirt sites, well apart, on sloping ground. Zippo
significant shade. Beautiful view of the Eastern
Sierra mountains and the Owens Valley. Very small
creek in CG, but sometimes stocked with trout. Just several
miles away from the highest point in the lower 48 -
Mt. Whitney, 14,494 ft. Vault
toilets. $5 dump station and $8/nite.
5th time here. Was $5 last year. Not
many others here (yay!). Nice weather and not
too hot. I really enjoy the open feeling here,
where you can see miles and miles. Saw a
long-eared jackrabbit. Don't see them very often.
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65
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9/26/17
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Upper Gray's Meadow CG (USFS). 6 mi W of Independence,
CA on Onion Valley Rd. 6000 ft.
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CG
Creek Within
CG View From
CG #1 View
From CG #2 View
From CG #3
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35 paved sites (most close together) on sloping
land at the base of the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Small
creek alongside CG making nice music. Sites near
creek have trees for shade, but others very sunny. A
wide variety of trees; oak, birch, pine, plus ???. Even
some ferns around. Nice views of the mountains
and valley from much of the CG. Vault toilets. $21.
3rd time here. Lower Gray's CG with 14 sites
about 1/4 mile away.
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64
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9/24/17- 9/25/17
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Goodale Creek CG (BLM). 29+ mi S of Bishop,
CA on US395, then 2 mi W on Goodale Rd. 4000
ft.
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Within
CG Typical
Site My Backyard Sierra
View #1 Sierra
View #2 Sierra
View #3
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43 sandy-dirt sites on sloping & level land in
a high desert setting. Just a few trees here and
there. Concrete tables and metal firepits. Spectacular
view of the Sierras just a few miles away. View
to the Owens Valley the other way. Interior paved
road has many pot holes. Vault toilets. $5.
Glad to have an overnight low of only 40F after the
2 nights at high elevation. :) A bit windy here,
but not bad.
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63
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9/22/17- 9/23/17
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Bitterbrush CG (USFS). About 12 mi SW of Bishop,
CA on Line St (aka CA168). 6800
ft.
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Within
CG CG Creek Area
Scenery #1 Area
Scenery #2 Area
Scenery #3 Area
Scenery #4 Area
Scenery #5 Area
Scenery #6 Going
Into Mountains
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Nice CG with 30 gravel sites on level land, well
apart. Bring your own shade. Small creek
along one side of CG. Beautiful views of the Sierras.
Lots of fishing spots (lake and creek) in this
area, along with other FS CGs. Very nice and helpful CG hostess. Vault
toilets. $26.
Camped with a long time friend from SoCal. We
tried some fishing, but not much luck. However,
still had a load of fun, including a couple of hours
of jamming each night in his comfy trailer. Beautiful
sunny skies, which were welcome with day temps in the
50s. Lows at night of 29F and 27F. Brrrr!
Fall colors in the aspens just starting.
Met someone who follows my website there! Only
the 2nd time that has ever happened.
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62
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9/21/17
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Brown's Millpond CG. 4.5 mi W of Bishop, CA on US395,
then 2 mi on Ed Powers Rd and Sawmill Rd. 4400
ft.
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Within
CG CG Stream Mountains
From CG View
Leaving CG #1 View
Leaving CG #2
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65+ wide dirt sites on level land; 18
with water & electric. Close together, as with typical
commercial CGs. Far enough off US395 for minimal
noise. Great views of the Sierra mountains. Tiny
creek runs through middle of CG, separating the 2 rows
of sites. Many trees along the creek.. Flush
toilets, pay showers and laundromat. $25 (or $30
with water & elec.)
Scrubbed staying at a nearby BLM CG because the wind
there was howling 20 to 25 mph , but not here.
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61
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9/20/17
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Iris Meadow CG (USFS). 23 mi NW of Bishop,
CA on US395, then 4 mi SW on paved Rock Creek Rd.
8400
ft.
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CG
Meadow CG
Stream Canyon
Wall Next
Morning On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Here #3
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14 rather primitive sites on level land. A
few out in the open, but the rest in aspen trees at
the back of the CG. In a canyon, with steep walls.
Creek flows along one side of CG at base of canyon
wall. Large meadow at front end of CG. Flush
toilets. $25.
Back to high priced USFS CGs in California. :(
Very windy in the afternoon and rained some at night.
Next morning cold and dreary (see pic).
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60
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9/18/17- 9/19/17
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Boondocking site (USFS) Not a developed campground. From
the June Lake, CA loop road (S end) junction
with US395 go 7+ mi SE, then 1/2 mi NE on Owens River
Rd, then 1/4 mi N on unmarked dirt road (map says 02s214). 7500
ft.
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My
Backyard Going
To Site Leaving
Site June
Lake Who Me?
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Nice, good size clearing in the tall pines and easy to
get to. Only about 1/4 mi off a paved road via
a one lane dirt road. US395 is about 1/2 mi away,
but only trucks produce a bit of a hum. Had it
all to myself. The usual boondocking fee of $0.
3rd time here. Other spots in this general area.
Lots of wind, especially one night. Didn't get
a good sleep. Low of 33F.
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59
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9/16/17- 9/17/17
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Hartley Springs CG (USFS). From June Lake Jct
on US395 go SE about 3.5 mi, then SW on dirt Obsidian
Dome Rd 1 mi, then NW on Glass Flow Rd less than 1 mi
to marked CG entrance, then another 1/2 mi to CG. 8400 ft.
First night camping in California since 7/14/17.
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Within
CG Mono Lake
#1 Mono Lake
#2 Sierra
Mtns Beauty Approaching
Sierras
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About 25 primitive dirt sites spread out over a wide area. Sites
only have a wooden picnic table and a fire ring (rock
or metal). Lots of pines, including some very
large ones, among large open areas. Sandy soil. Seems more like
a boondocking area, but the sites are numbered. About
1 mi from US395, so no noise. Pit toilets. Same
price as boondocking at $0.
Low of 35F. Only a few others here, so pretty quiet. Some
minor ATV/motorbike activity. Stayed 2 nights
because I'm not in a hurry. :)
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58
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9/15/17
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Sportsman's Beach CG (BLM) on Walker Lake, NV. 15
mi N of Hawthorne, NV on US95. 4100 ft.
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Lake
View #1 Lake View #2 Morning Sky
Art Within
CG Big Sand Pile On The Way Here
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18 paved (but broken) sites on sloping land with great
views of a large lake. (Note: Other sites
closer to lake, but I didn't see them or count them).
Only shade is from shade structures that cover
the picnic table. Very near a moderately busy
hwy that still has some traffic at night. Vault
toilets. $6.
For some weird reason BLM put the pay station down
by the lake, not at the CG entrance where many of the
sites are??
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57
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9/14/17
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Bob Scott CG (USFS) 6 mi SE of Austin, NV on US50 ("The
Loneliest Road in America"). 7100 ft.
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View
From CG Eureka
NV #1 Eureka
NV #2 On The
Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Here #3
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10 paved sites (1 for groups) on sloping land. Many sites
not level, Lots of small trees, including pinyon pines. Very convenient to US50 travelers,
but also results in some primarily daytime noise. Not
really that busy of a hwy, though. Flush toilet.
$10.
Down to 36F at night. Fourth time
here.
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56
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9/13/17
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East Creek CG (USFS). From Ely, NV go about
17 mi N on US93, then 3+ mi E on NV486 (Duck
Creek Rd), then follow CG signs E about 3 mi on
dirt good road. 7200
ft.
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My
Backyard Within
CG Approaching
CG
|
Remote and primitive CG with 7 dirt/gravel sites
on either side of a 3/4 mi single lane dirt road. A
variety of trees, including aspens, and low bushes.
Small creek alongside some sites. Not a
place for big rigs or trailers. Absolute quiet
at night. Vault toilets. $4 (usually $8, but no water now).
I think I was the only one here. Did hear an
ATV come by, but only one time.
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55
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9/12/17
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Ward Mountain CG (USFS). 7 mi SW of Ely, NV on hwy 6. 7300
ft.
|
Nicely
Equipped Site Within
CG Ely Train
Station #1 Ely
Train Station #2 Ely
Train Station #3 Ely
Train Station #4 Ely
Train Station #5
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Very nice CG, with very well developed and equipped
sites. 30 gravel sites
on level ground in 2 widely separated loops and another
area signed as "For RVs". Two
group areas, also. Plenty of pinyon pines and
junipers. Some slight hwy noise, but not bad.
Less in Loop B, farther from the hwy. Various
trails nearby. $4 (usually $8, but no water now).
Fifth time here. It's one of my favorite CGs!
Rained quite a bit at night. Stopped by the
train museum in Ely. Interesting place. Decided
not to take a train ride the next day.
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54
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9/11/17
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Wheeler Peak CG (NPS) in Great Basin National Park,
NV. 67 mi SE of
Ely, NV on hwy 50, hwy 487 and Caves Rd. (Note: Once inside
Park, take Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive about 10 mi to CG
- no vehicles over 24 ft allowed).. 9900 ft.
Highest CG so far this year! Might also
be the highest in my entire ramblin' career (have
to check)!
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My
Side Yard CG
Color View
From CG Hiking
Trail Hiking
Trail Creek On
The Way Up #1 On
The Way Up #2 On
The Way Up #3 On
The Way Up #4 On
The Way Up #5 Near
Park Visitor Ctr
|
37 paved sites on hilly land with picnic table
and firering on concrete pad. Paved road within
CG. Various pine & spruce/fir trees, plus aspens.
Some aspens starting to have color. Several hiking trails start from the entrance to
the CG. Vault
toilets. $12.
Tried a short hike to a lake I did way
back in 2009. Got tired, so I turned back. Looking
at a map afterwards, I think I was close. :)
Had really planned on heading to Ely,NV today. However,
it was a beatiful sunny morning, so I decided to make
the trip to the top of the road, at 10K ft, which I
diid back in 2009. Glad I did. Beautiful scenery.
Once here I thought I might as well camp here.
:)
This area is loaded with small bushes filled with
pretty yellow flowers. Forgot to ask what they
were. Anyone know?
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53
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9/10/17
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Baker Creek CG (NPS) in Great Basin National Park,
NV. 67 mi SE of
Ely, NV on hwy 50, hwy 487 and Caves Rd. (Note: Once inside
Park, take gravel Baker Creek Rd about 3 mi to CG.) 7600 ft.
|
Within
CG CG Color CG
Creek Near
CG #1 Near
CG #2 On The
Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Here #3
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Somewhat primitive CG with 38 gravel sites in 2 loops on sloping land. Sites only
have a concrete picnic table and firepit ring on dirt. Area
trees include pinyon pines, junipers and
aspens. Small creek along one side of CG. Vault
toilets. $12.
Third time at this NP.
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52
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9/8/17- 9/9/17
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Oak Creek CG (USFS). 4+ mi SE of Oak City,
UT on Center St. and paved Oak Creek Canyon Rd. 5900 ft.
|
In
Front Of Me Within
CG CG Creek CCC
Picnic Shelter Second
CG Section On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Here #3 On
The Way Here #4
|
Nice remote CG with 19 gravel or dirt sites in 2
sections. Loop near entrance (where I am) has
6 sites around a grass area. Second section is
separated from first by a group area and a 200 yard
dirt road (no map on CG board, so I didn't know it was
here at first). CG is in a canyon with scenic
orange-ish rock bluffs on either side. Many leafy
trees, including CG namesake oaks. Small creek along
one side of CG. Vault toilets. $12.
Liked it here so
much that I stayed a 2nd night. Both nights only one
other site in the 6 site loop was occupied. A family reunion was in the group area, but they
were too far from me to be noticed. Almost like
boondocking. :) Rained a bit on Saturday morning
Finally got some smoke free skies here. Yay!
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51
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9/7/17
|
Utah Lake State Park CG. About 2 mi W of I15
on Center St. in Provo, UT area. 4600 ft.
|
Mountains
From CG Smoky
Drive To Here
|
Very nice state park CG. 55 paved sites in
2 loops. Little natural shade, but nice size "gazebos"
for each site. No bushes = no privacy, but sites
well apart. Boat harbor/launch ramp and day use area. Nearby airport generates sporadic
noise. Free-to-campers
dump station. Flush toilets and sinks. $30 (w/water
& elec).
3rd time here. Another smoky drive today, but
seems less here in Provo.
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50
|
9/6/17
|
Scout Mountain CG (USFS). About 9 mi S of Pocatello,
ID on I15 take exit 63. Follow FS brown signs
to Mink Creek Rec area and CG. Most of the way
is on Mink Creek Rd (paved). Last few miles very
curvy. 6400
ft.
|
Site
Setup Within
CG #1 Within
CG #2 On The
Way Out
|
Very nice, remote CG with about 25 gravel/dirt
sites on
sloping land. Sites in a long loop with 2 crossroads
with other sites. Many sites very deep. Very
well developed sites. Plenty of tall Douglas
fir trees. Excellent site privacy in most sites
due to spacing and low bushes/leafy trees between sites.
Very quiet at night. Vault toilets (w/tile
walls & floors!). $12.
Another loop (D), with a separate entrance, appears
to be for groups. Didn't ask host.
Still very smoky skies driving today. :(
|
49
|
9/5/17
|
Stoddard Creek CG (USFS). 12 mi S of MT/ID
line on I15 then take exit 184 and drive 1 mi W on campground road. 6300
ft.
Bye, bye Montana. Hello Idaho (again).
|
Dillon
Museum #1 Dillon
Museum #2 Leaving
CG
|
Very nice CG in a heavily wooded area. 21 sites
(including 1 group and some doubles), split between 2 levels. I'm
on the "hilltop" level. Some
sites paved and others gravel or dirt. Well
developed sites, with parking, eating and tent areas
nice and level and boxed in with wood. Many sites very
long for large rigs. Very handy to I15 with only very
slight truck noise.
$10.
5th time here. Very smoky drive to get here.
Nice boondocking area about 1/2 mi W past the
CG (see 8/20/17 entry).
|
|
8/22/17- 9/4/17
|
As usual, had a great time at my cousin's in Dillon, MT.
But, like Willy, I'm on the road again.
|
Big
Hole River Where
I'm Staying Smoky
Sunset Not
A Big Fish My
Big Fish #1 My
Big Fish #2 Red
Ball Setting
|
Had lots of fun, but it was smoky most of the time
from fires out of the area. Enough to ruin the
views, but fortunately, not enough to affect breathing.
Hotter than usual, too.
Had a great day of fishing with a guide on the famous
Madison River. I caught around 6 in the 14 to
18 inch range (and several smaller). See pics
to left. My cousin caught more - one around 20
inches! Fished several other days on local rivers
and lakes with less impressive results.
|
48
|
8/20/17- 8/21/17
|
Boondocking site (USFS) Not a developed campground. Off
I15 near Spencer, ID. 6300 ft.
|
Around
Me Eclipse
#1 Eclipse
#2 Eclipse
#3 Eclipse
#4
|
Very nice boondocking spot, with plenty of shade from
tall spruce/firs and space for many rigs. Convenient
to I15 travelers with only minimal sounds from it. The
usual boondocking fee of $0.
Wanted this area due to the eclipse. Very near
the 100% zone. Tried a nearby CG, which I've been
to before, but naturally it was full. Continued
on the dirt road and spied this spot. Only a couple
of more rigs here when I arrived, but by dark there
were at least 6 more (mostly cars w/tenters). Almost
all left the next morning.
Before the time for the eclipse, a fellow from near
Helena, MT came in and started setting up a telescope.
I went over and chatted with him. He was
projecting the eclipse on a sheet of paper. I
took several pictures as the eclipse progressed (see
left). Stayed there for the whole eclipse and
we had a great chat about various subjects. Thanks
Dave!
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47
|
8/18/17- 8/19/17
|
Bannock County Fairgrounds, near Pocatello, ID, for
the Bannock
County Bluegrass Festival. 4600 ft.
|
Other
Campers Music
Stage #1 Music
Stage #2
|
Small bluegrass festival, but some very good music!
Mostly local and regional acts. Headliner
was a band from KY, that I've never heard of. RV
parking was near an arena with some sort of horse event,
resulting in frequent PA announcements. Also,
sporadic horse "whinny" sounds occurred, since
the horse people had their trailers close to the RV
parking. Music stage was across the street,
where the horse event PA couldn't be heard. Weather
was around 90 and very sunny. However, there were
awnings to shade the seating area, which made it comfortable.
Didn't do any jamming, but some kept me awake
the 2nd night. :)
You might wonder why I've been hanging around SE
Idaho for a while, before crossing into MT. It's
because of the big eclipse event! I wanted
to be close to the 100% zone on the big day (which is
tomorrow). Standby for the results. :)
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46
|
8/17/17
|
Blackfoot Reservoir CG (BLM). 11 mi N of Soda
Springs, ID on ID34, then 4 mi NW on China Camp Rd and
Dike Rd. 6100 ft.
|
Within
CG Lake
View #1 Lake
View #2 Site
Setup On
The Way Here
|
Well above average BLM CG with 16 well developed
sites on sloping land. Each site has electric.
The usual BLM "no tree shade" environment.
Nice shade structures over picnic tables, however.
On the finger of a very large reservoir. Lots
of geese flying around and honking. Launch ramp. Free-if-camping
dump station. Vault toilets. $10 (add $5
for use of electric).
There is an area with less developed sites for
$5/night, but I didn't see it.
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45
|
8/16/17
|
Summit View (USFS). 8 mi NE of Georgetown,
ID via Stringtown Rd and then Left Hand Georgetown Canyon
Rd for about last 5+ miles. 7200 ft. [Note:
Not really any "summit view" from here].
|
Within
CG CG
Flowers Weird
Tree Trunk On
The Way Here
|
18 dirt/gravel sites in 2 loops (plus 3 group sites). Lots
of aspens/firs/pines, low green stuff and wildflowers.
Very slight
noise from the nearby dirt road, but super peaceful
at night. Pit and vault toilets. $14.
Was headed to another CG, but FS office told me it
had been closed. They suggested this one. Was
here in 2010, also.
|
44
|
8/15/17
|
Emigration CG (USFS). 16+ mi W of Montpelier,
ID on US89 and ID36. 7200 ft.
|
Within
CG CG
Wildflowers On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Here #3
|
25 gravel or paved sites, in 2 loops, on sloping land in a mix of conifers
and (I love 'em) aspens. Medium busy hwy near
the CG, with mostly daytime noise. Some wildflowers
still around. Saw people with buckets heading
out to pick huckleberries. Flush and vault toilets.
$17.
Low of 35F. Was here in 2013, also.
|
43
|
8/14/17
|
Paris Springs CG (USFS). About 4.5 mi W of
Paris ID on Paris Canyon Rd (paved then dirt), then 1+ mi on dirt
NF427 (watch
for CG signs at intersections). 6500 ft.
|
Within
CG CG
Springs Bluff
Above Springs CG
Creek Reserved
For Birds On
The Way Out On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Here #3
|
Nice secluded CG with 11 gravel sites in a single
loop. At the end of a canyon. Plenty of
aspen and spruce/fir trees. A wide variety of
lower vegetation, including sagebrush. CG namesake
springs are a less than 1/4 mi walk (it's worth it).
Springs create creek around one side of CG. Very
peaceful here, since in the boonies. Vault toilets.
$14.
All but one site in this CG are reservable and all
were occupied when I arrived. Fortunately, the only non-reservable
one was empty and I snagged it! :) When I left about
noon the next
day, there was only one site occupied.
|
42
|
8/12/17- 8/13/17
|
Palisades Creek CG (USFS). 7+ mi SE of Swan
Valley, ID on US26, then 2+ mi NE on good gravel
Palisades Creek Rd. 5300 ft.
|
CG
Site Stuff CG
Creek #1 CG
Creek #2 Trail
Behind Me On
The Way Here [from prior visit] Trail
Bluffs #1 Trail
Bluffs #2
|
Really nice, small CG. In a canyon and well
away from the hwy. 8 gravel sites (incl. 1 for
host and 2 doubles) on level land, with a small creek
alongside. Well developed sites, with sand tent
pads, metal mesh picnic tables, fire pit and BBQ stand.
At the end of the road, so very quiet at night.
Large parking area for horse trailers near CG.
Several hiking trails in the area, with a trailhead
for a creek trail a few hundred yards from CG. Very
friendly CG hostess. I
like this place, so I stayed 2 nights. :) $12.
Was here in 2013 on the same exact dates!
This time I got the best site in the CG, at the
end of the CG road. Great view of the creek
and far from the next site. Tried fly fishing
for about 30 minutes and not a hit. :(
|
41
|
8/11/17
|
Boondocking site (BLM) Not a developed campground. About
19 mi E of Idaho Falls, ID on US26, then 10 mi
zig-zagging on various backroads (use your GPS). 5000
ft.
|
Behind
My Site Snake
River #1 Snake
River #2 Lava
Field I
Bought It! (not)
|
I was headed for what I thought was a 22 site developed
BLM CG. However, it was really a dispersed camping
area (with fire rings) along the beautiful Snake River.
It was late Friday afternoon and plenty of spots
were taken. However, I found one that worked out
fine. River is on the otherside of the road.
Not visible, but a short walk away. Lots of empty
boat trailers parked nearby, awaiting fishermen floating
the river. $0.
The backroads to get here go through a very popular
area with commercial campgrounds and a golf course.
It's interesting that you can see US26 from the
river, but it takes 10 mi of driving to get back to
it!
|
40
|
8/10/17
|
Little Wood River CG (BOR). 10 mi N of Carey,
ID on (paved, then dirt) Little Wood Reservoir Rd.
5300 ft.
|
Within
CG Lake
View #1 Lake
View #2 CG
Sunset Picnic
Area Surrounding
Area
|
Nice remote CG with about 14 gravel sites on level
land, in a prairie grass and sagebrush setting
Most sites have grass in the picnic table area. Alongside
a 2.5 mi long reservoir. About 5 sites overlook
the water. Some leafy trees, but no significant
shade for sites and some have none. However, there
is a very nice, large picnic area with plenty of trees
for shade and grass. Very peaceful here. The
lowest price you can find at $0.
A couple I met at a landromat in Hailey told me about
this place. Glad I came to check it out. My
first CG in about 3 weeks w/o pine type trees.
|
39
|
8/8/17- 8/9/19
|
Murdock CG (USFS). About 8 mi N of Ketchum,
ID on ID75, then 1+ mi N on North Folk Rd. 6400 ft.
|
Within
CG CG
Stream #1 CG
Stream #2 Sheep
Invasion #1 Sheep
Invasion #2 Road
Past CG On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2
|
Nice remote CG with 11 gravel sites on level land in
a canyon. A mix of pines,firs/spruces and aspens
in the CG. Hillsides
on either side of the CG are loaded with trees. Pretty
meadow at my end of the CG. Nice
stream, a fork of the Wood River, across the road. Very
quiet here, since well off the hwy. Vault
toilet. $16.
Had one of the most bizarre things happen at
a CG in all my years of ramblin'. Looked out the
back window and hundreds of sheep were moving into the
meadow behind me! See pictures to left and a short
video here
(might take some time to load).
Really liked it here, so I decided to stay 2 nights. Fished
the stream across the road and in 30 minutes caught
and released a couple of 11 inch rainbows on my spinning
rod. Yay! :) Rained both afternoons I was here.
|
38
|
8/7/17
|
Pettit Lake CG (USFS). About
18 mi S of Stanley, ID via ID75, then 2 mi W on dirt
NF208 (watch for CG sign on hwy). 6900 ft.
|
Within
CG CG
Fence & Lake CG
Sunset Fish
Hatchery #1 Fish
Hatchery #2 Nice
Place For Cows
|
13 dirt sites on level land. Scattered pines
for possible shade. On a good size lake,
although no sites right on the lake. Many have
lake view through the trees, though. Lake is very shallow
at the shore. What you see from the CG is only
a small part of the lake, though. The CG entry road continues to a
trailhead parking lot. Some sites are along this
road and might get dust. A few private houses
also use the CG road for access. Vault toilet.
$16.
Leaving Stanley I visited the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery.
Chinook (aka King) Salmon were currently making
the 900 mile return trip from the ocean,
via the Columbia, Snake and Salmon Rivers,
to their birthplace at the hatchery.
|
37
|
8/6/17
|
Sunny Gulch CG (USFS). 4 mi S of Stanley, ID
on ID75. 6300 ft.
|
Within
CG CG Site
Stuff Stanley
Museum Old
Farm Equipment Bicyclist
Event Salmon
River Nice
Location
|
Very nice CG with about 45 gravel-over-asphalt sites in 2 loops. Back
loop has 2 levels. Some double sites. Very
well developed sites, including gravel tent pads. Sites spaced well apart. Privacy
mostly from spacing. Skinny pines for skinny shade.
Hwy alongside will generate some daytime noise, but back
sites are farther away from it. Salmon River is behind
back sites, down a hill. Was here in 2016.
Vault toilets. $18.
Today I visited the very interesting Stanley Museum.
Saw a few "old" things that I remember
in use as a kid. :)
|
|
8/5/17
|
Same boondocking area as 7/31/17. 6500 ft.
|
Smoky
Mountains Smoky
Sunset Stanley
Scenery #1 Stanley
Scenery #2
|
After checking out another nearby boondocking area,
which was very crowded, I returned back to this one
I used earlier this week. Not same exact spot,
but less than 1/4 mile from it. Since it's Saturday
there are way more rigs here than my first visit.
Many pulled out on Sunday before I left around
2 p.m. Must still be "worker bees".
:) $0
Very smoky skies appeared today due to (I'm told)
fires in Oregon. Compare the "Smoky Mountains"
picture on the left to the "Nearby Big Mountains"
from 7/31.
|
36
|
8/4/17
|
Iron Creek (USFS). About
2 mi NW of Stanley, ID via ID21, then 3+ mi on somewhat
rough Iron Creek Rd. 6700 ft.
|
Within
CG My Teeny
Creek My
Backyard Grouse? On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2
|
8 gravel sites on level land in pines and spruces.
Sites arranged on either side of the one way dirt road
through the CG. Small creek near sites on one
side of the road, but not visible from the sites. Road
through CG is the biggest downside, as vehicles frequently
drive through to see if a campsite is available and
create dust. However,
since it's one way, they don't come back in the other
direction. Vault toilet. $16.
There was one site available when I arrived in late
afternoon. Even though I wasn't impressed with
the CG, I decided to take it. Later, however, I
changed my mind about the CG. There was a teeny
stream at the back of my site. This made
a great spot to put my chair and read and enjoy the
stream music. :)
|
35
|
8/3/17
|
Bear Valley CG (USFS). 21 mi NW of Stanley,
ID on ID21, then 12 mi W on dirt Bear Valley Rd. 6400 ft.
|
Within
CG On The
Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 Nearby
Stream #1 Nearby
Stream #2 Old
Style Bridge
|
Remote CG with 10 gravel sites on 2 levels.
Upper level has 3 long pull-thru sites. Pine trees for shade, but amount depends on site.
Alongside a dirt road, but very little traffic. Small
stream nearby, but not visible from sites. Skeeters,
but they are slow and easy to swat. Only 2 other
sites occupied. Vault toilets.
A gift from Uncle at $0.
Last summer I traveled the adjacent Landmark-Stanley dirt road
for 45 mi from the other direction going
to Stanley. Had to use it due to fires near other
roads.
I'm hanging around in this high elevation area until
the temperature at Idaho lower elevation cools down next
week. Plenty of different CGs to checkout. :)
|
34
|
8/2/17
|
Lola Creek CG (USFS). 18 mi NW of Stanley,
ID on ID21, then 1 mi N on dirt and bumpy Lola Creek Rd. 6500 ft.
|
Within
CG CG Stream
#1 CG Stream
#2 Across
The Stream
|
Nice secluded CG with 21 gravel sites on sloping
land. Plenty of tall pines for shade. Very
pretty stream (Salmon River fork) alongside the CG,
but not visible from sites. Just a very short
walk through the trees to get to it, though. Tall
bluffs across stream. Bothersome skeeters and
flies. Vault toilets. $10
|
33
|
7/31/17- 8/1/17
|
Boondocking site (USFS) Not a developed campground. About
7 mi NW of Stanley, ID via ID21 and Stanley Lake Rd.
6500 ft.
|
Nearby
Stanley Lake Nearby
Big Mountains Tree
Ornament On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Here #3 On
The Way Here #4
|
At first I checked the 3 campgrounds around Stanley
Lake. All were full. On the road to the
lake I saw many rigs parked in the forest, so I did
the same. Got a nice open spot w/o any close-by
neigbbors. Full sun, but I used my camper for
shade when outside, until late in the day. My
solar panel was happy here. Very few sounds of
civilization, except for the infrequent hum of distant
generators. Did a lot of reading, played my mandolin
some and took a couple of short walks. Daytime
highs in the mid to high 80s and a low both nights of
33F. $0.
A lot of the drive to get here was along the beautiful
Payette River.
|
|
7/30/17
|
A motel in Ontario, CA.
|
Oregon Trail
Ctr #1 Oregon
Trail Ctr #2 Oregon
Trail Ctr #3 Oregon
Trail Ctr #4 Oregon
Trail Ctr #5 Oregon
Trail Ctr #6 Oregon
Trail Ruts
|
Hardly ever motel it while ramblin', but was
not up to camping in 100F+ weather! Since the
weather was getting hotter in E OR, I decided to head
for higher elevation in Stanley, ID. However,
too far to drive in one day. That's why I
ended up in a motel for one night. That loooong,
hot shower sure felt good the morning I left. :)
Before arrving here, I did my laundry in Baker City,
OR. Afterward I visited the very interesting Oregon
Trail Interpretive Center outside of town. We
sure have it a LOT easier than those making the 2000
mi trek from Missouri to Oregon, with many walking
most of the way! Even saw some trail wagon
ruts that are still there 150 year later.
|
32
|
7/28/17- 7/29/17
|
Union Creek CG (USFS). 20 mi W of Baker City, OR on hwy 7. 4100
ft.
|
Back
Door View Within
CG Lake
View #1 Lake
View #2 Boat
Launch Ramp
|
Very nice CG with 56 gravel sites in 3 loops. Site spacing
is about the widest I've seen in an FS CG. Plenty of
tall pine trees. Most sites have some shade, except maybe
mid-day.. Tents sites also avaiable. On the large Phillips
lake. No sites near the lake, but many (including me) have a "through
the trees" lake view. Launch ramp. Flush toilets
& sinks. $20 (w/water & elec), $22 (w/full
hookup). Note: 50% discount does not apply to
the utility part of the site fee. E.g., $20 site
is $13.
Very unusual to find a FS CG with hookups. I
didn't plug in, but it sure was nice not to hear
generators running. :) 2nd time here.
Stopped in La Grande to get my oil changed and tires
rotated. Took longer than I expected. Since
it was Friday, was worried I wouldn't find an open site.
However, more than one available when I arrived
about 5:30 p.m. Yay! Since it was the weekend
and I had a good site, I stayed 2 nights. Was in the
low 90s Sat. The heat is starting to get to me.
:(
|
31
|
7/27/17
|
Bear Wallow Creek CG (USFS). 10+ mi E of Ukiah,
OR on OR244 3900 ft.
|
Within
CG On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Here #3 On
The Way Here #4 Wait
For Me!!
|
8 gravel sites, well apart, on level land. In a grove of pines,
which shade most sites.
Short interpretive trail starts behind CG. Hardly
any water in the creek now. Alongside the hwy, but not a lot of traffic. Another
similar CG (Lane Creek) just a mile or so to the W.
Vault toilets. $8.
Had the place all to myself. Almost like boondocking!
:)
The drive from last night's CG was along the beautiful
Blue Mountain scenic hwy (see pics). Made the same drive
in the past.
|
30
|
7/26/17
|
North Fork John Day CG (USFS). 25 mi N of Sumpter,
OR on hwy 220 (aka CR24 & FR 73). 5200 ft.
|
My
Backyard Wiithin
CG CG
River Gold
Dredge #1 Gold
Dredge #2 Sumpter
Main Drag
|
13 gravel sites, plus some walk-in tent sites and
a group site, on level
land. Lots of medium sized trees, but some sites
get a lot of sun.
Next to the very clear North Fork John
Day River (designated Wild & Scenic). Trail
into the wilderness starts at CG. Alongside a
paved FS road, but hardly any traffic. Third time
here. $8.
On the way here I passed through Sumpter and went
to see the historic gold dredge. Sure is a big
thing!
Rained a bit in Sumpter and at my campsite. First
time since I left for MT.
|
29
|
7/25/17
|
Boondocking site (USFS) Not a developed campground. About
9 mi NE of Prairie City, OR on US26, then 1/2 mi N on
USFS road. 5200 ft.
Note: The turnoff from the hwy is about at the summit
of the road. I think there was a sign for a "Sno-Park"
there.
|
Boondocking
Sunset Painted
Hills #1 Painted
Hills #2 Painted
Hills #3 Painted
Hills #4 Painted
Hills #5 Painted
Hills #6
|
Just call me "The Accidental Boondocker".
:) Was headed to a USFS CG that was in my GPS.
When I got to the coordinates, there was nothing
there. I didn't want to continue on down the narrow
road, in case there was no place to turn around. So
I just used a nice wide place in the road where I was.
There was a homebrew firepit there, so looks like
it had been used before. Nice and peaceful here.
Only minimal noise from the hwy. Later when
I got a Net connection, a Google map showed a campground
a bit further down the road. Since there was no
sign on the hwy at the turnoff, I suspect it was one
that had been closed. Oops, I was wrong. Sign
for CG turnoff is about 1/2 mi further E on the hwy. Oh
well, I saved a few bucks. $0.
On the way here, I took a side trip to the John Day National
Monument Painted Hills area. Some nice and unusual
scenery there (see pics).
|
28
|
7/24/17
|
Ochoco Divide CG (USFS). 31 mi NE of Prineville,
OR on US26. 4700 ft.
|
Within
CG After
Leaving CG
|
Nice CG with 25 gravel sites on sloping land. Most
sites are level, deep and well separated.
Plenty of tall conifer type trees for shade. Only
negative for this CG is the very noticeable daytime
noise from US26 alongside the CG. CG located at
the summit of the hwy. Vault toilets. $13.
|
27
|
7/23/17
|
Blue Bay CG (USFS). 13+ mi NW of Sisters,
OR on US20, then 1 mi SW on Suttle Lake Loop Rd. 3500 ft.
|
Lake
View #1 Lake
View #2 Zoooom!!
|
27 dirt sites in 2 separate areas. Most sites
are on sloped land, above the lake, with a "through
the trees" view of the lake. The remaining 6
sites (where I was) are on a flat area near the launch
ramp. Several sites in the main area are not suitable
for an RV, due to slanting. Plenty of tall trees for
shade. On the 1.4 mi long Suttle lake. Hwy
1/2 mi across the lake results in some noise. 2
other FS CGs within a mile or so. Vault
toilets. $18.
Close to 90F when I arrived in late afternoon, but
cooled off quickly later.
|
26
|
7/21/17- 7/22/17
|
Lost Lake CG (USFS). 33 mi SE of Detroit, OR
via OR22 and US20. 3900 ft.
|
Meadow
View #1 Meadow
View #2 Lake
View See
A Frog? See
A Goose? Hole
In The Lake Does
It Run? Even
Number
|
Primitive CG with 14 dirt sites on level land. Sites
split between near the entrance and at the end
of a 3/4 mi dead end road. All sites have
a nice view of a pretty meadow and the "lost"
lake (low now according to people I talked to). Most
sites are in tall trees for some shade. Very busy
US20 nearby produces a steady hum during daylight hours.
Sites at end of road, where I am, are the
farthest away from it (about 3/4 mi). Vault
toilets. $8.
I liked it here so much, and because it was the weekend,
I stayed 2 nights. Had a beautiful view of the
meadow. Saw some interesting nature sights: -
Hawks circling the meadow and diving down to snag a
meal - Flock of large geese feeding - Hundreds
of tiny, less than one inch, baby frogs hopping around
the lake. Hard to not step on one (oops, sorry
little feller). - A "hole in the lake"
where water is pouring in (see pic). Read here
about it.?
|
25
|
7/20/17
|
Southshore CG (USFS). From Detroit, OR go about
3 mi SE on OR22, then about 4.5 mi on paved, zigzag Blowout
Rd. 1700 ft.
|
Site
Lake View My
Backyard Within
CG Lake
View #1 Lake
View #2
|
30+ sites (a few tent only) in a beautiful
setting. All but tent-only sites are paved. Tall
spruce/fir trees and a wide variety of other vegetation,
inlcuding ferns, create lots of shade. Add to
that the beautiful Detroit Lake alongside the CG and
it's really nice. Several sites have a good view
of the lake, but access is difficult to impossible due
to a steep bank. Easier to get in at the boat
launch ramp. Even though OR22 is almost a mile
across the lake, you'll still hear a bit of hum from
it. Vault toilets. $20.
This CG just went on reservation service this year.
I got a really nice site, but it was reserved
starting the next day. Host said all sites booked
for the weekend. That was also true for the
other 3 FS CGs nearby on the lake.
After traveling up the CA/OR coast for over a week,
I got a hankering for warmer weather. Headed inland
for it. Hope it doesn't turn to "too hot".
:)
|
24
|
7/19/17
|
Devils Lake RV Park. At N end of Lincoln City,
OR just inland of US101. 100 ft.
|
Within
CG Nearby
Devils Lake Waiting
For Food? Cape
Perpetua #1 Cape
Perpetua #2 On
The Way Here From
The Cockpit
|
Nice place with about 80 paved sites with full hookups, on sloping
ground. Flush toilets/sinks/showers/laundromat.
Rec room also. Nice office people. $43.
Passed 2 nearby state parks that had FULL sign up.
Decided to bite the bullet (and the credit card)
and use an RV park.
Lucked out as they only had one space left. It
was a gravel overflow site behind the office. Worked
out fine, as it was nice and private and I wasn't crammed
between 2 big rigs. :)
|
23
|
7/18/17
|
Alder Dunes CG (USFS). 7+ mi N of Florence,
OR on US101, then W on access road. 100 ft.
|
Within
CG After
Leaving CG #1 After
Leaving CG #2
|
Nice CG with 37 paved sites in 2 loops. One
loop appears to be the reservation loop, while the other
is first come. Sites
typically sloped a bit, so RVs might need leveling blocks.
Excellent site privacy due to low growing
bushes. Alongside US101, so trucks are noticeable. Didn't
know there was a small lake near my site until I peered
through the bushes. Surprised I hardly saw any
skeeters from it. Vault
toilets. $24.
|
22
|
7/16/17- 7/17/17
|
Eel Creek CG (USFS). About 11 mi S of Reedsport,
OR
on US101, then 1/4 mi W on access road. Watch
for CG sign on US101. 50 ft.
|
Within
CG Climbed
This .. ..To
See This Sand
Dunes Elsewhere Coos
Bay Bridge
|
Very nice CG with 52 paved sites on level land in
2 loops. Excellent site privacy due to low growing
Oregon "green stuff". Lots of shade,
too. Sand dunes just a short walk from CG. US101
nearby, but you'll only hear the trucks a bit.
Like new restroom bldg with flush toilets and
sinks. Host said place hardly ever fills. $22.
Very few other sites occupied. Liked it so
much I stayed a 2nd night. Host warned me about
thieves driving through CG late at night trying
car doors to see if they are open and (naturally) stealing
what they want.
|
21
|
7/15/17
|
Huntley Park CG (County). 7 mi E of Gold Beach,
OR on Jerry's Flat (aka South Bank) Rd. 50 ft.
|
CG
River Need
A Rock? Within
CG [below from 2014] Rogue
River Bridge Oregon
Coast #1 Oregon
Coast #2
|
70 grass sites on level land, alongside the wide
Rogue River. Some sites tent only Shade
varies from heavy "grove of trees" type to
nil. The river view sites (where I am) have the
least. You must cross a gravel bar of about 100 yards
to get to the water. Flush toilets and showers.
Nice and quiet here at night. Good deal
at $12.
Was here in 2014 at same price.
|
20
|
7/14/17
|
Miller Bar CG (USFS). From US101 in Brookings,
OR, take North Bank Chetco River Rd NE for 10.5 mi to
Miller Bar Rd, then down the narrow, curvy, steep hill for
1/2 mile to the CG. 150 ft.
|
Other
Campers #1 Other
Campers #2 CG
River Fun
In The Water #1 Fun
In The Water #2 Crescent
City Vew
|
Was expecting a typical FS CG, but found a dispersed
camping area, wiith no designated sites, on a gravel
bar by the pretty Chetco River. Campers are strung out
along the river farther than I can see. I stayed
at the base of the road leading here in order not to
get stuck in the sand/gravel nearer the river (no 4WD).
Lots of people in the water swimming or boating.
Vault toilet at base of access road and porta-potties
elsewhere. Neat place! $10.
Reminds me of my childhood in Arkansas being on the
gravel bar of a river. :)
Several large trailers along the river. Would
hate to drive one on the very steep access road
and encounter someone coming the other way!
|
19
|
7/13/17
|
Florence Keller Park CG (County). About 4 mi NE of Crescent City, CA
on US101, then W on Elk Valley Crossroad. Follow signs from there (sign
for park entrance kind of hidden).. 150 ft.
|
Within
CG My
Backyard Big
Old Stump Crescent
City Beach Surfer
Dude Oh
No, Not Again!! On
The Way Here
|
Nice CG with 50 paved sites on level
land, although some sites sloped considerably. In a
beautiful, dense Redwood forest, so plenty of shade.
Some gigantic stumps around. Several
walking trails. Just
off of US101, but the trees do a good job of decreasing
the noise. Flush toilets (restroom interior a
bit messy). A real deal at $15!
Much road construction on US101. Have had to
stop for 1 lane traffic multiple times the last 3 days.
Glad I'm not in a rush. :)
|
18
|
7/12/17
|
Elk Country RV Resort CG. About 48 mi S of Crescent
City, CA on US101. 50 ft.
|
Within
CG Elk
Warning Little
Red School House Miles
To ???? On
The Way Here
|
100+ grass/dirt RV sites with full hookups. Also
many tent sites, some with electric. About 40
RV sites are in the woods (didn't check them out). The
rest are in a large meadow. CG slongside US101,
but at the back of the meadow (where I was) it wasn't that
loud. Wild elk come into the CG some parts of
the year (office said they had just left). Flush toilets/showers/sinks/laundry. $37
(w/hookups).
Stopped at 2 state/county CGs that were full. Later
saw this one and decided to stop. Glad I
did. Got nice site in the back of the meadow with
no one real close to me.
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17
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7/11/17
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Standish-Hickey State Park CG about 90 miles S of Eureka, CA
off US101. 700 ft.
Off to Montana now. Constant camping for
the next 6 weeks!
|
Within
CG River
Camping Area Eel
River
|
Very nice CG with about 160 dirt sites (some sloped
a bit). Three CG sections on 2 levels; two by
US101 (where I am) and the other "down the
steep hill" by the Eel River. Loaded with tall
trees, including Redwoods, that provide a lot of
shade. Noise from busy US101 noticeable
from upper level sites, but less so at night. Flush
toilets, showers and sinks. $30 ($40 by the river).
Was here in 2007, by the river, for $20.
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|
7/7/17- 7/10/17
|
Because I changed my original route to Montana, I passed
near my 2 kids N of San Francisco. Decided I'd
better do some more visiting with them. :)
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|
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16
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7/6/17
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Mt. Madonna CG (County). About 9 mi W
of Gilroy, CA on CA154, then 1 mi NE on Pole Line Rd.
1600 ft.
|
My
Backyard Mighty
Tall Trees Within
CG
|
Beautiful 3000+ acre park with 117 paved sites in
tall Redwood trees. 30 of these sites have
water and electricity for RVs. Yurts are
also avaiable. Four well
separated CG sections on hilly land. 20 miles
of hiking/equestrian trails among the trees. Some skeeters,
but they were slow and I could swat them. Flush
toilets. $34.
A bit warmer here than I expected when I arrived.
Thought that by going towards the ocean 10 miles from 95F Gilroy,
it would be significantly cooler. Still 90F at
my campsite. Had a nice shady backyard, though,
so it wasn't bad. Really nice CG. Would
like to visit it again.
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15
|
7/5/17
|
San Lorenzo CG (County). In King City, CA.
290 ft.
|
Within
CG My
Backyard
|
Part of a large county park. Amost 100 sites,
close together, on level land. In 3 concentric
loops. A mix of paved and grass sites. Most
sites have water & electric (25 have sewer,
also). Many sites have significant shade, due to
large leafy trees. About 1/2 mile away from busy
US101, but noise level low. Flush toilets,
showers & laundry. Agriculture museum in the
park, along with much old farm equipment spread around
the grounds. $32 (w/o hoolups).
Third time here. Expected it to be about 95F
when I arrived about 5 p.m., but it was a very pleasant
85F with a nice breeze.
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14
|
7/3/17
|
Aliso Park CG (USFS). 2-1/2 mi W of New
Cuyama, CA on CA166, then 6+ mi S on paved (and somewhat
narrow at times) Aliso Canyon Rd. 2800 ft.
|
Within
CG On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2 On
The Way Out #1 On
The Way Out #2 Fog
Bank Ahead
|
Primitive CG with about 10 unmarked dirt sites on
level ground. Look for a picnic table. In
a tall grove of leafy trees. One of the shadiest
CGs I've been in. Vault toilet. Very peaceful
at night. $0 (Adventure Pass Required).
It was 95F when I arrived about 4:30. Hooray
for the shade! That and a slight breeze made it
tolerable. Down to 75F at 9 p.m. and a low of
65F. Talked to a nice young gal who was also there.
ND school teacher on a summer trip tent camping
around the West.
Never seen a vault toilet in a FS CG this bad. A
few sacks of trash inside and the toilet was filled
with something (trash or ????). Glad I had my
toilet.
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13
|
6/30/17- 7/2/17
|
Wheeler Gorge CG (USFS). About 8 mi N of Ojai, CA
on curvy hwy 33. 1800 ft.
|
2nd
Site CG
Vegetation CG
Creek Within
CG
|
70 paved sites, sometimes close together. Most well shaded by large leafy
trees, including live
oaks. In a narrow canyon, so late sunrise
and early sunset. CG
is alongside hwy, but minimal traffic. Small creek
runs though CG. Vault toilets. Fifth time here. $25.
Arrived about 5 p.m. on Friday. Sign said "Campground
Full". Talked to host and she said a couple
of spots available. I got one. Yay! Later
decided to stay a 3rd night. Very helpful hostess
told me a nice spot had just come open for one night.
I like it!
I had planned to go to MT via AZ and NM this year.
But too dern hot there (90F-115F), so I decided
to take a cooler route.
|
|
6/19/17- 6/29/17
|
Visiting with my kids and friends.
|
|
|
12
|
6/13/17- 6/18/17
|
Robinson Creek CG (USFS). 9 mi SW of Bridgeport, CA on
Twin Lakes Rd. 7000 ft.
|
Area
Scenery #1 Area
Scenery #2 Area
Scenery #3 Bodie
Ghost Town #1 Bodie
Ghost Town #2 From
The Cockpit
|
Very popular CG with 54 paved sites in tall pines on level land. Shade
varies significantly with site. The very
nice Robinson Creek wraps around the CG. Usually good fishing, if
they have stocked recently. Many sites on the creek.
My favorite Sierra CG. Several other CGs nearby. $23.
Had a great time camping with my daughter and son and family.
This was my 41st straight year to camp in this area.
The campsite I had reserved was closed due to
flooding from the very fast running creek. Host
had arranged a good replacement, though.
|
11
|
6/9/17- 6/10/17
|
Buckhorn CG (COE). On Black Butte Lake. 12
mi W of I5 near Orland, CA on County Rd 200 (aka Newville
Rd), then 1
mi S on lake road. 500 ft.
|
Big
Cloudbank Big
Fan Very
Full Lake Nearby
Scenery On
The Way Here
|
63 paved sites in scattered oak trees in five separate areas.
Minimal shade. About 25 additional "parking
lot" type sites (overflow?) shown on the map. Lake
view from most sites. Flush toilets/sinks/showers. Free-if-camping dump
station. $20.
3rd time here. Last time, in 2012, lake was
very low due to drought.
|
10
|
6/8/17
|
Potato Patch CG (USFS). About 44 mi NE of Chico, CA
on curvy CA32. 3400 ft.
|
Within
CG CG Creek
#1 CG Creek
#2
|
Very nice CG on level land with 30 paved sites, many
very deep, in 2 loops. In a beautiful setting
of tall trees and bushes.. Usually good
site privacy site due to spacing and vegetation.
Fast flowing Deer Creek on one side of the CG
and a fairly busy hwy on the other. Creek access difficult,
since about 25 ft befow CG level. Vault toilets.
$14.
Rained just before I got up and on and off til I
left, about 11 a.m.
|
9
|
6/7/17
|
Elam CG (USFS). About 51 mi NE of Chico, CA
on curvy CA32. 4400 ft.
|
Within
CG CG
Creek #1 CG Creek
#2 On The Way
Here Mighty Pretty
|
11 paved sites, in a canyon, alongside the pretty
Deer Creek. 4 sites are beside the creek. Fairly busy hwy across the creek,
but the music from the stream masks it out some. Vault
toilets. $14.
Got the last site! Rained some during the night. Made for a cloudy,
cool next day. Some people were catching
fish. Not warm enough for wimpy me to fish. :)
|
8
|
6/6/17
|
Domingo Springs CG (USFS). 8+ mi N of Chester,
CA on paved Feather River Rd. 5000 ft.
|
CG
Stream Spring
Across Hwy Unusual
Fence Nearby
Feather River A
Full Lake Almanor
|
18 dirt sites on level land, in 2 sections.
RVs will need leveling in some sites.
A small creek running through a meadow separates the sections. 14
sites in the main section (where I am) in a single loop. In
a grove of dense, tall conifer type trees. On
the bend in a paved road, but very little traffic. Remote,
but easily accessible. Absolue quiet at night.
Vault
and pit toilets. $14.
I'm the only one in the main section. Yay!
So no one complained when I played my mandolin.
:)
Looks like lots of boondocking possibilities on the
road to here.
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7
|
6/4/17- 6/5/17
|
Gurnsey Creek CG (USFS). 15 mi W of Chester,
CA on hwy 36. 4800 ft.
|
Within
CG CG Meadow On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2
|
Nice CG with 30 paved or dirt sites, well apart, on mostly level land in
dense, tall conifer type trees. Very shady. Group
sites in separate loop. Right alongside
a fairly busy hwy, so some related noise. Handy
to S entrance to Lassen National Park. Vault toilets.
$14.
Low of 39F. Was here in 2011, also. Same
price.
|
6
|
5/31/17
|
Doran Beach Regional Park CG (County). In Bodega
Bay, CA. 20 ft.
|
Within
CG Backdoor
View CG Beach
View #1 CG
Beach View #2 CG
Beach View #3 On
The Way Here #1 On
The Way Here #2
|
Nice CG with 120+ sites (a few tent only). Beautiful
location on a long sand spit dividing the ocean from
the bay. Two sections, about 1/4 mile apart. The
one I'm in has 81 paved sites in 9 circles, more suitable
for RVs. The second has paved sites with more
room for tents. Pit toilets nearest me, but flush
elsewhere. Dump station for $7. $35.
Very scenic drive coming here on CA1 from Pt.
Reyes Station. Tomales Bay on one side and farming
land on the other..
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5
|
5/26/13- 5/27/13
Remember
the fallen
|
San Benito County Fairgrounds (Bolado Park) for
a bluegrass festival. 8 mi S of Hollister, CA
on Hwy 25. 600 ft.
|
Festival
Camping #1 Festival
Camping #2 Music
Stage Surrounding
Hills
|
Fun little bluegrass festival with local acts. Met
a local friend on Saturday there. Was too lazy
to do any jamming. Lots of it going on into the
wee hours, though. Nice weather.
|
4
|
5/24/17
|
Pinnacles National Park CG. 29 mi S of
Hollister, CA on curvy-at-times CA25, then 2 mi SW on CA146.
1000 ft.
|
Within
CG Really
Big Tree The
Pinnacles Same,
Zoomed In Nearby
Countryside #1 Nearby
Countryside #2
|
120 gravel sites (incl 37 w/elec) on level land.
Also 14 group sites. Several
really big oak trees and other smaller trees and bushes.
Swimming pool. Saw lots of quail, some rabbits and
a deer in the CG.
Lots
of hiking trails nearby (easy and hard). Flush toilets
& showers. Free dump station.. $23
(no electric). Park entry fee also required
3rd time here. Was a National Monument when
last here in 2011.
|
3
|
5/22/17- 5/23/17
|
San Simeon Creek CG in Hearst San Simeon State Park.
5 mi S of San Simeon, CA on CA1. 100
ft.
|
View
From Backyard Death
Watch Flat
Area Sites #1 Flat
Area Sites #2 Beach
Walk View #1 Beach
Walk View #2 Beach
Walk View #3
|
Nice CG with 110+ paved sites, plus about 18 tent-only
sites. 35 sites are on a hilltop (where I am),
while the rest are in a flat area. Flat area
sites have many trees and lots of grass. Pacific
ocean view is a short walk from flat area sites, by
going under CA1 Noise from hwy depends
on site location. All will have a least some.
Temporary porta-potties. $25 (normally $35
if flush toilets and showers open).
Adjacent more primitive Wahburn CG has 60 sites
at $20.
|
2
|
5/21/17
|
Islay Creek CG, Montana de Oro State Park. 5 mi SW of
Los Osos, CA (via Los Osos Valley Rd and Pecho Valley Rd). 100
ft.
|
Quail
For Dinner? [below from 2016] Within
CG Local Waves
#1 Local Waves
#2 Local Waves
#3
|
Secluded CG in a beautiful State Park on the coast. 50
paved sites on level land in two sections in a canyon. Feels
more like a typical USFS CG, than a State Park one.
Loads of hiking available
along with a beautiful beach cove. Spectaclular scenery. You can even
hear the waves crashing at your site when the surf is big! Vault toilets. $25.
Fourth time here (since it's only 5 mi from home).
|
1
|
5/11/17- 5/13/17
|
Parkfield, CA ("The Earthquake Capitol
of the World") for the Parkfield Bluegrass
Festival. NE of Paso Robles, CA in farming country. About
15 mi off of CA41/46 or 25 mi off US101, via San Miguel. 1500
ft.
|
My
Backyard #1 My
Backyard #2 Music
Stage Other
Campers #1 Other
Campers #2 Other
Campers #3
|
My 5th time at this great mid-sized bluegrass
festival. Try it, you'll like it. Weather nice,
except one day cloudy and cool.
Lots of good
music by primarily regional and local acts. Three
of the bands were made up of young guys and gals
between ages 15 and 25. Wish I could pick that
good! :)
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