48 before its too late

So day 71 saw us at Craters of The Moon NM#19. Strange and erie place, that does look like the moon. It is a very large lava bed with volcanic features. The most recent eruption occurring 2000 years ago, with more to come.. The preserve covers 750,000 acres.

Monday 17th we left Craters of the Moon and headed south arriving at Twin Falls ID and were stunned by the Snake River canyon. Whilst there we saw BASE jumpers leaping off the bridge, apparently the only legal man made structure for BASE jumping ( Building Antenna Span Earth). Personally I cannot see the appeal of throwing yourself off a 400+ft bridge. But it was stunning.

That afternoon we passed into Nevada #29 and spent the night in Wells.

Tuesday 18th we headed back into Utah, stopping at Bonneville Salt Flats. Another strange and fascinating place. The flats cover an area of 46 sq miles, near the center the crust is almost 5 ft thick. World speed records have been set here since 1914. One of my favorite films is The Worlds Fastest Indian with Anthony Hopkins.

That night we camped at Antelope State Park just outside of Salt Lake city and had the most amazing view from our site with a glorious sunset. And we went floating in Salt Lake !!

Wednesday was just a driving day heading towards Moab. Piglet got a service on the way, so he is all tuned up and roaring to go ! Arrived in Moab Thursday afternoon and set up camp. Went downtown for a beer in the evening and a bit of a wander. We had to get Chris a new hat as he left his Tilley in Antelope park 😦   He now has a very nice Stetson.

Day 76 Friday 21st. Today we headed into Arches National Park #20 100 million years of erosion have created this landscape boasting one of the greatest densities of natural arches, over 2000. Landscape Arch being the longest at 306 feet base to base.

Tonight we are heading out on a Jeep Tour, I am thinking it is going to be rock climbing in a Jeep !!!! I’ll let you know if i survive !

Tuesday July 11th we arrived at Yellowstone, entered in on the east side. I had managed to secure a campsite at Grant Campground by consistently calling the reservations phone line ( the website claimed to be fully booked for the next 3 months). Just after passing though the gate we saw our first Buffalo , magnificent creatures. Big brown eyes and look almost cuddly.

After setting up camp we took off on Piglet and went to Old Faithful. Who erupts approx every 90 minutes, expelling 3,700-8,400 g of boiling water reaching heights of 106-184 ft. From here we went on walk and saw some amazing Hot Springs , small geysers and mud pots.

Next day we packed up and moved to Canyon Village campground . On the way we stopped at West Thumb Thermal Basin on the edge of Yellowstone lake. The lake is so large it creates its own weather system. It has 141 miles of shoreline, is 20 miles long by 14 miles wide and is 410 ft at its deepest spot.

Came across some stunning waterfalls too.

Thursday was an early start, 6am . Couple of tips when camping in Yellowstone if you have not booked 6 months in advance. The reservable sites do have spots come up through out the day , so keep calling the same day reservation line. The first come first served sites, you need to be there by 7am to get a spot. So this was the reason for the early start. Also were hoping we would see more wildlife early in the morning too. But was a little disappointed in that dept. We did see Coyote,  Buffalo,  Elk and Musk deer. Got a campsite at Mammoth Hot Springs at 7.30am. After breakfast we set off to Mammoth Hot Springs and Travertine Terraces,  Ice cream for lunch and back to RV .

Another early start to secure a campsite at Tower Falls. Tower Falls was the place to see bears, but unfortunately we were never quick enough with the cameras ! Between us we have 4 , you would think we would get to one ! At this site one bear calmly strolled right though the middle during dinner ! Anyway today we headed to Lamar Valley and saw herds of Buffalo. What an amazing sight . Just truly incredible, just how you imagine they should be.

None of our photos do any of the park justice. It is truly stunning and by far my favorite  due to the diversity of the park.

That night I had picked up a stomach bug, lets just say thank god i was in a RV and not a tent !! Next morning , Saturday July 15, we discovered the house batteries were flat , due to the fact we had been dry camping for 7 days without hookup. (and the bathroom had been working overtime, chris) Thankfully the camp host was opposite us and we could plug into his electric to bring the slides in and get us on the road. This time heading into Idaho #28 !!!

Hope everyone is well and we will be with you again soon xxxx

 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Chris was itching to go climbing !

Pikes Peak 14,115ft up !

(Unfortunately it will not let me upload the video, but i think you can see i am not entirely comfortable.)

Howdy Partner

 

Not bad for a free campsite.

So today is Sunday July 16. Its been about 10 days since I last hit the blog, mainly due to lack of Wifi. So where have we been???After leaving Mesa Verde we drove though Telluride and into Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP#14, this involved a very steep climb for Winnie and by the time we reached the campground there was the inevitable check engine light, but fortunately we had purchased one of those code readers and no biggie, just over heated and needed to cool down. 

After setting up camp ,went for a stroll with Cole and was promptly chased by deer !! Just momma protecting her babies, but made for an amusing scene as i am running away with Cole who wants to make friends !! Next morning we got up early and took Piglet out to explore. Stunning National Park , 2000ft gorges, yes my fear of heights was way up there and consisted of my pulling Chris back from edges whilst he was trying to take photos !! 

Wifi here (currently Idaho Crates of the Moon) will not let me upload photos so they will have to come in an update again.. Sorry.

From Black Canyon we travelled on to Pikes Peak. Sunday July 8th. Piglet rose to the challenge like a champ. Pikes peak is 14,115ft , starting point of 7800ft. 19 mile drive to the top. I believe Piglet set a world record of 62 minutes, that’s 19mph average, at most times Piglet was barely above walking speed. But we made it, and once again the height thing was an issue, you would think by now I would be getting used to it ! So if you can imagine 2 people on a scooter and the pillion is leaning so far over to middle of the road it looks like the whole thing is going to tip over ! When you see the pics and video ( found it took my mind off the sheer 1000ft drop 2 feet away from me ) you will understand. Next stop was Rocky Mountain National Park #16 (#15 was Florissant Fossil Beds , was not inspired). And Sam’s Club for the night. 

Sunday July 9th we left Colorado (quick oil change on the way) and entered Wyoming #27, this was just a travel day and took us to within 150 miles of Yellowstone. I cannot believe the scale of the land here, just hundreds of miles in every direction of nothing, no houses, no trees, no animals, nothing but the long road in front. Until we reached Lander WY , here we stayed at a city park right beside the river and free, does not get much better. From here we headed into Cody WY, Rodeo Capital by all accounts . Visited Heart Mountain WW11 Japanese Confinement Camp, can not help but see history repeating itself.. There we stayed at Walmart, must be the most popular Walmart in the country, last one before Yellowstone. There were approx 30 RV’s parked overnight , either heading in or out. The Rodeo was just down the road so off we trotted. Yee Haw !

Tuesday July 11, day 66 we entered Yellowstone National Park #17. Which I am going to save for its own blog with photos. We spent 5 days here and was breathtaking . 

Will put up photos for this blog asap. Hope everyone is well . I am currently attempting to cook a Roast dinner in the RV, beef, potatoes, carrots , peas and gravy . Now before the brits ask, No , no yorkshire puds. I know a disgrace but give me credit for attempting . 

Love 48beforeitstoolate x

8948 miles and $1179 under budget !! 

Sunday July 2nd we drove to Mesa Verde National Park #13. Stayed at a campground just at the entrance as it’s 4th of July and NP sites were full. But had a pool , full hook up and good views . Went into park briefly and booked 2 tours for the 3rd and 1 for the 4th. At $5 pp well worth it . As we were at Vistors Centre we happened upon some traditional Hopi Dancers performing their annual dance on the sacred ground.

Monday 3rd July

Up early and drove Piglet to the Balcony House tour, the most scary for me as there was a 30ft ladder to climb !! But well worth the effort.  Then went onto Cliff Palace for another Ranger tour.  Small world moment, another family on both tours were from Powell TN ! She teaches at Hardin Valley Elem. So if you know her and she was in Mesa Verde , say hi from me !

These pics are from Balcony House , Cliff Palace and Long House, all amazing places.  Thoughts are they were occupied from approx 1100AD – 1300AD. As to why they left is up for debate..

Wildlife…. So far have been a little disappointed in the wildlife , but having said that we came across a young bear on the road into Mesa Verde..

ok not so bad…unless you are on a small scooter (like us) and I am busy thinking “where the **** is momma bear????” Do we ride though bear and momma , or ditch scooter and run ?? Fortunately baby bear was a yearling , so therefore kicked out by momma sometime ago. But so cool to see up close. This is what i was hoping for in this trip ! Close and personal !!

Dust Storm incoming

Truth or Consequences !

Monument Valley

McPhee Reservoir Camping

Hi there, Wifi is very poor at the moment so I am not even going to attempt to upload any photos. But to give you a quick update on where we are and where we have been. After leaving Carlsbad we drove to white Sands National monument and across the Great Continental Divide (8239 ft) for the first time and through Lincoln National Forest. Camped for the night at Leasburg Dam State park and experienced our first dust storm, even though we were shut up in the RV , the dust got in everywhere ! Just like in the movies… From there we headed north through a town called Truth or Consequences. I kid you not, i have the photo to prove it. Spent the night in Caballo State park. We are learning that State parks are a good place to stay, generally have electric and water for around $25 a night and very safe !

Monday 26th drove up to Albuquerque (was a turkey…sorry always comes to mind) and onto Jemez Springs Indian Reservation, still in New Mexico, stunning red rock canyon and dry camped in a stunning setting. Tuesday we headed to Aztec Ruins National monument and another disappointing campground. Another thing we are seeing is that private campgrounds close to major attractions are appalling , it seems that they just want to make a quick buck, where they could be beautiful camping spots. We are learning !

Next day we headed to Monument Valley and wow is all I can say… Stunning ! Amazing ! and i promise to post pics asap. And a decent campground too ! Here we did 2 guided tours , one sunset into Mystery Valley and a day tour in Monument Valley. Had an Aussie family camped next to us for the 2nd evening, shared some wine with them, even thou it was a “dry” campground !  Friday we headed back into Arizona and drove right passed Four Corners Monument , the queue looked grim !!! and into Colorado. Camped for 2 nights at McPhee Reservoir up in the mountains making a much needed change from the desert !

Sunday and we headed into Mesa Verde . Have booked tours for the next couple of days and of course Independence day is tomorrow.Â

So Happy 4th to you all , enjoy, have fun and be safe xxxx

So after an uneventful night (day45) in a so called campground, i.e. no rattlers much to Chris’ disappointment. We set off into Big Bend National Park #8, took piglet into The Basin, could not take Winnie due to the switchbacks. Very pretty. Then we drove to Castolon and the Rio Grande, Mexican border. No Need for a wall here ! Whilst the scenery is stunning, not much in the way of differing cacti, mainly Prickly Pear, I thought there would be more. Maybe have to wait for the rains.

Spent the night in Alpine at a very nice site and got the laundry done !

Day 46/47 we travelled towards El Paso TX and into Hueco Tanks State park. One of the top climbing/bouldering areas in the world. So a natural stopping point for Chris.

And another anxious night and hike for me !

We had hoped to do some star gazing here but the clouds came in and the wine came out! Also not a single sighting of any kind of snake ! Not quite so anxious..

Day 48 headed north towards Carlsbad and Carlsbad Caverns National park #10, New Mexico #23. Stopped in at Guadalupe Mountains National Park #9 for lunch. The only campground close to the caverns is appalling. Unkept,, employees not at all helpful. Which really is a shame, it could be fantastic and make a fortune. Anyway it has full hook up which is very much needed, heat index of 126f/53c !!! We left Cole in the air conditioning and headed to the caverns on Piglet. Oh boy it was like riding in an oven !!!  Caverns were amazing, possibly the most wow factor so far. So huge ! The photos do not do it justice. If you ever have the chance to visit, do it ! 800 ft down into the earth (rode the elevator back to top) and some of the most awesome natural formations i have ever seen !

So today Day 49 we are heading to Roswell to see some aliens and then White Sands National Monument. We are way ahead of our schedule so will probably stay a few days in NM.

So far we have travelled 6290 miles ! Crazy !!! But loving every minute of it.

So day 40 found us in Hot Springs Ak #20. Stayed in the National Park . Hot Springs itself was nothing special, the town was quite run down with lots of empty buildings. But it had preserved the spas from the 1940’s which were interesting to look around. You could just imagine the ladies and gentlemen of the time partaking of the hot springs .

From here we travelled to south into Oklahoma#21, had lunch at Hochatown State park, nothing to report. Then into Texas#22 and just stopped at Tyler in what can only be described as a concrete pad !! But it had full hook-up so we had air con – it was 98!!

Day 42 and we headed to Austin TX#22, to not only experience the music scene , but also to see the wonderful and hospitable (Jennifer) Newland. After arriving at her lovely home, several beers and a shower later we set off for downtown Austin. Mexican dinner, which was yum, and off to hear some music. Newland is herself a singer/songwriter #apianoandagirl , so who better to show us Austin’s music scene . The highlight of the night was finishing off with Bob Schneider ( who dated Sandra Bullock). If you don’t know who he is , look him up !

From Newland and Austin we headed through the Hill country and stopped at Enchanted Rock, a very large piece of pink granite !! From here we headed to Del Rio and the Rio Grande on the Mexican border. Miles and miles and miles of nothing but desert ! But fascinating. We stopped for the night at Seminole Canyon State Park. In the middle of nowhere !!! Loved it , the sky was amazing at night, so many stars, don’t think i have ever seen anything like it. Unfortunately we both could not get any photos, think it was just too dark.  In the morning we got up and went on a pictograph tour in the canyon. The pictographs are over 4000 years old. Had 2 other couples on the tour with us, super sweet couple, Rob and Roger, and then a fellow brit from Lancashire , who was not so friendly !

So tonight find us just outside of Big Bend National Park in an RV park (??) if you can call it that, in butt f*** nowhere !!! And for those that know me i will not be stepping outside of the Rv unless it is on fire !!! (I will be out looking for anything that moves, Chris)

Think it is wine time

lots of love   #48beforeitstoolate  xxxx

Day 32 saw us heading to Manchester TN after a few days at home, where we recharged the batteries (literally and metaphorically). We met up with the girls in McMinnville for lunch and then headed to join the throngs heading into Bonnaroo. We joined a large queue running though the center of Manchester itself and prepared for a long wait. We arrived at 4pm local time and camping was due to open at 8 pm. We started to inch forward quite soon after arriving, and thought hey maybe they have opened early ! Nope, we were diverted onto the freeway where we travelled 20 miles south to directed off at an exit, only to be told your are too big to go this way , go back ! Well why weren’t all RV’s diverted correctly in the first place. So 20 miles back up the freeway and we join another queue on the hard shoulder and started to wait again. But to our surprise we were on the move again and were let into the grounds, after a quick search of the RV and a scan of wristbands we set up camp. So camp was set and beer opened by 7.30pm ! Not too shabby ..

Day 33 Thursday the music started at 4pm with little known bands , Chris and I went and saw Luke Combs and The Lemon Twigs , neither of which really did it for us so we wondered Centeroo and got our bearings for the days ahead.

Day 34 Friday was a day of British bands, starting with Blossoms heralding from Stockport, they have had some success in Britain and hoping to make it here.

Next up was The XX, excellent indie band from Wandsworth, and finishing up the night with none other than U2 !  Who started straight into Sunday Bloody Sunday and then proceeded to play the whole of Joshua Tree and yes they still have it !!

Day 35 Saturday, after a fairly good nights sleep Saturdays music had a late start for us with Joesph at 5.45. band of 3 sisters from Pacific Northwest, well worth seeking out .From there we headed over to The Head and The Heart, American folk band , again very good. Then it was Cage The Elephant !!!! Fantastic, loved them , gave a great show !

Finally the highlight of the weekend for me Red Hot Chilli Peppers !!!! Love love love ! They know how to rock , played all my favorites and ended on Give it Away . Crawled into bed around 1.30am.

The final day Sunday started with another British band Royal Blood heralding from one of my old haunts Brighton in East Sussex. Excellent band, from there it was over to Umphery’s Magee, who unfortunately gave a below par performance, very disappointing, maybe they had rocked it out too hard the night before. To finish the festival off we saw Lorde and The Weeknd, both not favorites of ours. But both gave very good performances and thoroughly enjoyed them.

So here ended Chris and I’s first Bonnaroo, will we go back ? Most definitely .

Fun facts :

Approx 75,000 people attended.

The farm is 700 acres. It becomes TN 6th largest city when the festival is at full throttle.

It was started by 4 college grads who wanted to pay off their student debt. They hit the jackpot !

The name Bonnaroo is homage to a Louisiana’s musical history and comes from a Dr John album “Desitively Bonnaroo “.

Over 160 bands played this year.

Live by The Roo code, recycle, reduce and reuse whatcha got !