Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas from Quartzsite, Arizona! 

Red Feather Lakes Area

August 17 to 19

The Red Feather Lakes area is a sight for sore eyes for sure.  We had been there at least three times but our adventures were limited to Deadman Road for dry camping and Dowdy Lake.  Our itchy feet (and paws) led us to a 20-mile drive on dirt/gravel roads through Roosevelt National Forest.  We also visited West Lake where I caught several medium-sized rainbow trout.

In our endeavor to know the area better, we bought a map by National Geographic.

Unable to get a spot at West Lake which has eight first-come, first-served sites, we dry camped in Deadman Road.

Although much smaller than Dowdy Lake, West Lake is not in any way less picturesque

Quiet time with Daddy

Lake John

August 10 to 12

This year is definitely a learning experience for RV novices that we are.  Next year, we won't leave securing prime spots in highly coveted campgrounds to Lady Luck (because after this season, that will be just plain STUPID).  Reservations will have to be made.

Last weekend, for instance, we were crossing our fingers for a place at Chambers Lake where there are six first-come, first-served sites.  It placed tenth in Gil Folsom's Colorado Campgrounds: The 100 Best and All the Rest in the North Region.  As such, it was not surprising that it was full when we arrived there on Friday afternoon.

So, on to Plan B.  We drove to Walden and followed the signs to Lake John.  After five miles from the turn off, we were contemplating on Plan C, i.e. joining some friends at Delaney Butte, for the site wasn't in sight.  But we bravely carried on and ... eureka!  

The sites by the lake where we camped are free.  Uphill is John Lake Resort where full hookups are available at 30$ per night.  There's also a restaurant, bar and a general store.  I requested Peter to come back here before the season ends. 

Matilda in the middle.  A big group composed of at least four RVs on our right.  On our left was a friendly retired couple escaping the Nevada summer heat - Gilbert and Cely.  I think Gilbert took pity on me after seeing that I had not caught any fish.  He changed my bubble, swivel, leader and hook, showing and patiently explaining each and every step.  

I caught three Rainbow Trout - two around 11 inches each while this one measures 17.5.  I was too excited that I forgot to ask Pete to take a photo when I was reeling it in.

After dinner on Friday night, I took Brontë for a walk.  We saw a deer coming down the hill. 

It was watching us the whole time.  Brontë behaved very well - she was content with sniffing and following the deer with her eyes.

It crossed the street ...

and disappeared in the grass by the lake.

Female Yellow-Headed Blackbird

Mommy Mallard and ducklings

Mommy Barn Swallow

Swallow nests in the toilet.

Swainson's Hawk

They're horsing around!  They decided to have a siesta right in the middle of the road :-)

Frequent Visitor

When Brontë's not out playing in the backyard, our furry neighbor pays us a visit.

Walang Humpay Na Pagpapaypay

sa ilalim ng punong mangga (imahinasyon ni em), nagsisipagpaypayan ang mga dalaga (o dala na???). 

 at ang mga manunuyong dayuhan, sa pagpapalamig ay pahuhuli ba?

If Looks Could Kill ...

Makuha ka sa tingin.

State Forest State Park

July 20 to 22

While camping at the Red Feather Lakes two weeks ago, Matilda's fridge and water heater stopped working.  We brought her to the dealership so she could get the TLC that she'd require.  She mended very well and was raring to go gallivanting again by Thursday, the 19th.

We headed to State Forest State Park the next day and arrived around 3.30 PM.  After setting up, the rain started to pour albeit for a short time, just enough to cool us down.

Hundreds of tree stumps are scattered all over the campground presumably decimated by pine beetles.  Pete and I could only imagine how much more shaded and private the sites used to be.  Be that as it may, we had a grand time exploring the area.

It's raining ... it's pouring ...

And just like that, it cleared up.

At the North Michigan Reservoir

Sleepyheads

I wish my sister were with me to pick some wild raspberries for confiture.

Chickaree (pine squirrel) warned Brontë to scram with its loud screech.

Purple Finch