May 2004

As of May 15, we started another season on the road. However, this season will be a little different from the past seasons - we are not going to research any new National Forests. We decided to take something of a break, spend time with our grandson, Tyler, visit Canada to compare Parks, campgrounds, and experiences, revisit a bunch of National Forests we did early on, and visit family and friends when and where possible. (Doesn't it sound busier than if we were just doing our usual routine?) And, we are traveling in our new 31-foot Winnebago Class C motor home, which tows our new Suzuki Grand Vitara(a.k.a. Squirt).

Although change doesn't come quickly to National Forests (unless you count disasters like fire and flood), some campgrounds we surveyed four, or more years ago have seen changes. Perhaps the changes are the result of money collected from the fee-demo program or were reconstructed after of some disasters, but after a brief review of our research, we realized two things: first, a number of campgrounds, especially east of the Mississippi River, have seen enhancements; and two, we did a pretty lame job in those early years. Because we have learned so much from our work and our readers since we began, it seemed only right to give some that research the same quality of work we did in the later years.

We began this season with a couple of days in the Tonto National Forest (NF) at Cholla campground which is about an hour drive east of Phoenix, AZ. Cholla campground is a pretty unusual campground for several reasons. Rebuilt when the Roosevelt Dam was raised 70 feet, Cholla features limited lacy shade from Palo Verde trees, lots of fantastic views, solar heated "hot" showers, practically no other campers, and the scenic Apache Trail. It didn't take Fred long to get into picture-taking mode (Check our new site, www.forestcamping.com, this Fall for Fred's most excellent photographs.)

From the Tonto NF we headed north to the Coconino NF to resurvey some "improved" campgrounds out of Flagstaff. One morning was spent at an RV garage getting some little problems fixed than it was off to Zion National Park (NP) were we enjoyed a couple of days sightseeing and hiking. Next came a couple of days at the Dixie NF's Red Canyon campground just west of Bryce NP in Utah. There, we did a bunch of hiking and four-wheeling the Fremont Trail in Squirt. Fred had the best time going up the hills, than down the hills, cross ravines and through the woods. Suzi wasn't as enthusiastic about this adventure but did enjoy the sights along the way.

One thing we learned while at Red Canyon campground was Ralf, our new 9-pound puppy (exact breed unknown but it would appear he is a combination of several little fluffy white breeds) is more a street-walker than a bushwhacking hiker. On asphalt or cement surface that dog was ready to move out. But irregular dirt surfaces with rocks and weeds seems to intimidate the little guy. No question about it - we have to work on Ralf's hiking skills.

Next we were off to Sandy, UT (just south of Salt Lake City) and a few days at a private campground and some more small problems with the RV to be fixed. While here we experienced a definite change in weather. The rain began and didn't seem to want to end. The drop in temperature and falling moisture brought a bunch of snow to the surrounding peaks and a beauty that has brought a vast number of new residents to the Salt Lake City area. We were told people of the Mormon religion are now the minority in the Salt Lake City area.

Next stop, Island Park, ID and Targhee NF's Buffalo campground. Not only is this a pretty campground right on the banks of the trout full, wide and crystal clear Buffalo River but has electric hook-ups. Dahlia and Tyler (daughter and grandson) drove in from Big Sky, MT to spend a week camping with us!

Tyler is now 21 months old and full of everything that makes a boy. He is a happy, healthy little guy, cutting his back molars and not really happy with being confined to a stuffy RV or car seat for prolonged periods of time. One day after another with rain, hail, even snow, limited playing outside is not his idea of fun. Thank goodness for the snowsuit Tyler received from his Uncle Douglas. It got a workout during our visit. In our opinion, Tyler's parents are doing a fine job and they have an amazing amount of patience.

After eleven straight days of precipitation (six of those days spent with an active toddler) we got a couple of days of bright sunshine. All the sunshine really made the area's beauty shine - bright blue water flowing past a dark green forest with deep snow-capped mountain peaks and sapphire blue skies. Incredible beauty, fun things to do, and family that's what camping is all about.

You might be wondering about the impact of these "out-of-sight" gas prices. Well, they are painful when you are getting somewhere between six and ten miles per gallon on the RV. The plan is to get somewhere, park the RV, do all our exploring in the car and, otherwise, play it by ear for our time on the road.

June and July will see us exploring the Canadian Rockies and as many Parks as possible. Dahlia says after June 15, falling moisture becomes a novelty in Montana. We are hopeful that is the case in Canada. These two desert rats are ready for some dry, warm weather. But all the wet we have experienced couldn't dampen our pleasure in all the fun we've had so far. More about our continuing adventures and Canada with the next installment of the "Wanderings".

Suzi and Fred