The Spring Road Trip, 2025

11 01 2025

After being delayed by snow and extreme cold, we’re finally headed south towards our first scheduled stay in Quartzsite, AZ.  It’s about a 5 hour drive down to Albuquerque, where we’re parked at American RV Resort, west of downtown along Route 66.  We’ve been at this park before – it works fine for an overnight, but suffers a lot of noise due to its location on I-40.  Sunday was the first NFL wildcard game, and with Denver wining a wildcard position, we decide to stay put and watch the game.  Unfortunately the Broncos lose – but hey, at least they made a playoffs!

Snow! in Albuquerque, American RV Resort

On Monday we’re all set to make the 4 hour drive to Holbrook, AZ.  But, even before we hitch up, the snow starts to fall.  After a cold and wet departure, we’re in snow on and off all the way across to Gallup.  Fortunately it’s dry and sunny as we arrive in Holbrook, at the OK RV Park.  This is our first time to OK – and find it much quieter than the KOA that’s nearby but much closer to I-40.  From Holbrook, we’re off to Camp Verde at Verde Ranch RV Resort.  This is a favorite, and frequent stop for us.  Nice level sites and full hookups make our quick overnight stay very pleasant.

Fork in the Road food truck at Verde Ranch RV

From Camp Verde, it’s a relatively easy drive across Phoenix for at stop at the Blue Beacon Truck wash and on to Quartzsite.  The weather has finally moderated in Quartzsite with highs pushing into the 70’s and lows in the 40’s.  There are about 30 rigs in the Circle of Montana’s when we arrive and as always, we had a great time with new and old friends from the Montana Owners group.

From Quartzsite, we’re off to Cathedral City, CA.  We’ll be at Outdoor Resorts, Palm Springs for 2 weeks.  More from the Coachella Valley!


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Off to Woods and River, Del Norte, CO

27 09 2024

Good morning from the banks of the Rio Grande river in Del Norte, CO!  We’re parked at Woods & River RV, a beautiful park with groves of trees that are just beginning their fall color transition.  Sites along the river are enormous and we’re parked “backwards” so that we can share our door-to-door area with a good friend that is joining us as well as enjoy the beautiful view out the back windows.  These lower sites provide power and water, but no dump ports.  However, there is a dump station available or other sites above provide full hookups.

Woods & River RV, Del Norte, CO

Woods & River RV, Del Norte, CO

Woods & River RV, Del Norte, CO

Del Norte is a small town on the western edge of the fertile San Luis valley in southern Colorado.  Outside of Idaho, this area produces more potatoes than anywhere else in the US.  Along with lettuce, spinach and quinoa – the valley is known for the unique soil minerals, warm days and cool nights.  While exploring the area, we discover the “Worth the Drive Family Bakery” in Monte Vista.  This Amish bakery is indeed worth the drive with delicious baked goods including yummy cinnamon rolls, fried pies and wonderful sourdough breads.  We also enjoy a few beers at the local Three Barrel Brewing Company in Del Norte and great dinner at Colorado Grill & Taphouse.

Cherry Creek State Park, Site #31

Cherry Creek State Park, Site #27

From Del Norte, we’re off to Cherry Creek State Park in the Denver area.  We’re returning to have repairs done to the front cap from damage that occurred during the delivery inspection of the new rig.  Our site #50 provides full hookups, but is a bit noisy due to it’s proximity to Parker Road.  Better sites would be in the Coyote loop, specifically #27 or #31.  After leaving the trailer overnight, we’re very pleased with the results when we return to pick it up.  Austin with Mobile Polishes did an amazing job on the repair.  Thanks again Austin!

This will be our last trip of the season, next weekend will be time to winterize the new rig.  We’ll hit the road again in January, first stop will be in Quartzsite for the annual gathering of Montana Owners along with the big Quartzsite RV Show, the largest gathering of RVers in the world.  More from the desert of Arizona!


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We Had Plans…

23 09 2024

Way back in mid-May we placed an order for a brand new Montana 3231CK.  This model is slightly larger than our current model and has a redesigned kitchen and larger bathroom.  We’re ordering the Legacy Package which includes full body paint, the mid-sized solar package and the new 12V refrigerator.  Based on feedback from the Montana factory we expect to take delivery sometime around late July or mid-August. We’re pleased to hear that on July 17th the new rig rolled off the production line and went to the paint shop, with an anticipated ship date of July 31st.

Montana 3231CK Floorplan

Assuming that delivery will be in sometime in August, we proceed with plans to attend the National Montana Owners rally that opens on the 5th of September in Goshen, IN.  By mid-August, we’re wondering where the new unit is.  By the end of August, we’re cancelling plans for the national rally, plus about 12 other campgrounds or state parks that we’ve reserved before or after the rally.

Finally on September 17th the new Montana arrives to our dealer, Lazydays of Aurora.  There is no real explanation for the delay, but we suspect that it got “caught” in the factory transition from 2024 to 2025 model year, and maybe even moved aside as they readied new units for the RV shows in Goshen, Hersey and Tampa.  Regardless of the reasons, we were pleased that the new Montana is finally ready for delivery.  That was until our sales rep called to let us know that the dealership had damaged the unit with a scissor-jack that had rolled into the front cap, puncturing a small hole and scraping the paint.

Arriving in Aurora the next day, the damage is really fairly minor – but still, this is a custom paint job!  We’ve already talked with the repair company that Lazydays recommended and are assured that the repair is relatively easy and the results will be completely unnoticeable.  So, we continued through the PDI process where Lazydays was very responsive to everything that we wanted done, and signed all the paperwork and took delivery of the new unit. Even with it’s scratches, we think it’s beautiful.

The New Montana! At Circle the Wagons, La Veta

Our first 2 nights in the rig are at Chatfield State Park in the Denver area.  Then, instead of heading directly home, we spend 1 night with friends at Circle the Wagons, our favorite park in La Veta, CO.  We have one more trip planned, and then will be back in Denver to have the front cap repair done.  More from Del Norte, CO at the end of the week…


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Off to Frontier Days

20 07 2024

In what has become an annual tradition, we’re headed to Cheyenne, WY for the 128th presentation of the “Daddy of ‘em All” rodeo, carnival and concerts.  We’re seeing two concerts this year, Lainey Wilson on Friday and Thomas Rhett on Saturday.  And, we’ll spend 1 afternoon enjoying the rodeo and carnival.

Cheyenne Frontier Days, Lainey Wilson

But, before arriving in Cheyenne, we’re parked at Boyd Lake State Park, just north of Loveland, CO.  We’ll be in two sites during our 4 night stay, #39 and #126.  Both sites offer 50A electric. Water can be filled on arrival, and there’s a dual dump station for use on departure.  The big news at Boyd is the expansion and rebuilding of the former A loop.  Originally with about 30 sites, the loop has been expanded to the north and now boasts about 85 sites, with about half of these new sites offering full hookups!  The construction fencing and gates are still closed on this new area as they finalize site utilities and try to get some ground cover to grow.  With an planned opening date in June, they appear to be about 90 days or more behind schedule.  But, this new space is going to be great – we can’t wait to check it out next year!

Boyd Lake Campground Redevelopment

In Cheyenne, we’re at AB Camping again this year – we think the best and only option for CFD stays.  The BBQ restaurant serves up tasty burritos for breakfast, amazing smoked meats for lunch and dinner along with delicious pies and ice cream for anytime. And, with regular shuttle service to Frontier Park, no need to hassle with parking and traffic. Thanks again Marc and Jane – it was a great stay!

Cheyenne Mountain State Park, site #16

From Cheyenne we’re headed to Cheyenne Mountain State Park outside of Colorado Springs.  We’re parked on Gobblers Gove loop, site #16 for the next 3 nights.  As with many sites in this park, the views out across Colorado Springs are awesome.  From Cheyenne Mountain we’re headed home.  With only 6 weeks at home since the beginning of the year, we’re anxious to actually spend some time there.


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Home from Sequim

10 07 2024

We’ve crossed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and left the Olympic Peninsula, skirted south of the greater Seattle area and joined I-90 beginning our trip home. Our first night is in Easton, WA. Located at over 2000’ in elevation, Easton is surrounded by natural beauty of tall pine forests and picturesque lakes. We’re parked at Silver Ridge Ranch. With about 45 sites well spread out in the tall pines many of these sites provide horse corrals. Offering 30A and a water connection, site #11 is nice and private, but #10 would give better StarLink access.

Tacoma Narrows Bridge and Mt. Rainier

Silver Ridge Ranch, Easton, WA

The next day, we’re parked at the Pendleton KOA in Pendleton, Oregon. This is perhaps the tightest campground we’ve ever been in. Centrally located back-in sites (we’re in #37) are short and narrow. We pushed back all the way to the neighbors ladder, and are barely able to get steps down next to the truck. If there’s a next visit here, it needs to be one of the sites along the south side, #73-101. We had an excellent dinner at Mac’s Bar & Grill in downtown Pendleton, and would highly recommend any of the menu items here.

Pendleton KOA, Pendleton, OR

On Sunday, after a long day, we’ve arrived in Glenn’s Ferry, Idaho and are parked at the Three Island Crossing State Park. This is a beautiful state park! Nestled into a large bend in the Snake River, this Oregon Trail river crossing was famous for it’s treacherous and dangerous waters. Until, in 1869, when Gustavus Glenn opened his ferry service. Primarily for moving freight to and from the railroad town of Glenn’s Ferry, this ferry service was also used by emigrants. We’re parked in site #67 in the lower loop. Most of these lower sites are surrounded by tall cottonwood trees which give some relief in the 100+ degree heat “dome” that the western US is experiencing. Whew…it’s hot!

Three Island Crossing State Park, Glenn’s Ferry, ID

After relaxing an extra day in Glenn’s Ferry, we’re parked at Riverside RV Report in South Weber, UT – just a few miles north of Salt Lake City. This is a very nice, new park. However, located right next to Interstate 84, it suffers from a lot of highway noise. From South Weber we’re bound for a quick overnight at Green River, UT. We usually stay at the State Park here, but this time decided on the nearby KOA. This park is a typical “Journey”, offering a quiet place to park for a night or two. With temps again pushing into the triple digits, we’re especially pleased to have 50A service along with full hookups.

Riverside RV Resort, South Weber, UT

We’re looking forward to cooler Colorado mountain temperatures as we arrive to Mountain Landing Suites & RV Park in Pagosa Springs. Located at over 7000’ elevation, daytime highs are still warm, into the 90’s, but evenings cool quickly into the 40’s or 50’s! This is a very nice park located a few miles west of downtown! One of our favorite restaurants in Pagosa is Riff Raff on the Rio – a brewery of craft beers with some excellent food choices too.

Mountain Landing Suites & RV Park in Pagosa Springs, CO

After 42 nights on the road, and about 3200 miles, we’re ready for some downtime at home. But, only for 2 weeks – on July 20th we’ll depart for our annual visit to Cheyenne Frontier Days. More from Cheyenne!

 


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Sequim & John Wayne Marina RV

1 07 2024

Good morning from lovely Sequim, WA – the Lavender Capital of North America!  We last visited Sequim in 2016 and are once again parked at the John Wayne Marina RV alongside picturesque Sequim Bay.  After our short visit in 2016, we’re back for a full week that includes the 4th of July festivities.

Lavender Fields of Sequim, WA

Sequim is located on the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula, the large arm of land separated by Puget Sound from the Seattle/Tacoma area. This coast overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which creates the border between the US and Vancouver Island, Canada.  On a clear day, it’s easy to see the city of Victoria, BC only about 20 miles across the Strait.  To the west of Sequim is Port Angeles, and to the east is Port Townsend.

With almost perfect weather every day, we spent most of our week exploring Sequim and the surrounding area.  On Saturday after enjoying snacks at Jose’s Famous Salsa Cantina (they make a Lavender Margarita!), we joined friends who we have not seen in years and years in their new home in Port Townsend. Sunday was our day to explore other camping options in area.  Crescent Beach is a private campground just west of Port Angeles.  This beach is beautiful, and the full and partial hookup sites offer great views over the beach and Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Crescent Beach near Port Angeles, WA

Adjoining along the Strait is a county park, Salt Creek Campground.  With about 100 sites high up on a bluff, there’s little in terms of beach, but a beautiful view out across the Strait towards Victoria.  These electric/water sites are well spaced and many offer great shade from towering evergreens.  Rates are around $50/night, plus a seemingly very expensive one-time reservation fee of $15.  Following our park tours we enjoyed a cold beverage at Stymie’s Bar & Grill located on the beautiful Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course.  The menu at their dining room, the Double Eagle Steak & Seafood looks delicious – maybe on the next trip!

Salt Creek Campground, Port Angeles, WA

It’s been a long time – pre-Covid, that we’ve checked in with cousins in the Seattle area. So on Monday we hopped the ferry from Kingston and took the relatively short ride over to Edmonds.  It’s been years since we’ve been on a Puget Sound Ferry, but it’s still high on our list of the best ways to travel around the Seattle area.  Warned that the ferry service often misses schedules and had ships out of service, our trips to and from Edmonds couldn’t have been better.  We enjoyed our day touring around the area including a stop at the impressive Snoqualmie Falls.

Snoqualmie Falls, WA

“City of Puyallup” Washington State Ferry crossing from Edmonds to Kingston

Our last 3 days in Sequim were spent enjoying our new e-bikes.  We explored much of the Heritage Trail that runs all the way across the northern peninsula from south of Port Townsend to Port Angeles.  The lavender fields were beautiful, the parks relaxing and the 7 Cedars Casino offered plenty of cold, refreshing cocktails.  After a full week in Sequim, it’s time start the journey home.  We’ll once again be doing lots of “1-nighters”, first stop is west of Seattle in Easton.  More from there…


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Portland and McMinnville

25 06 2024

After departing beautiful Westfir we’ve followed the Willamette River downstream as it bisects Portland before joining the mighty Columbia.  Fourth largest river in the US, the Columbia forms in the Rockies of British Columbia, flows northwest until reversing course, entering the US in eastern Washington.  It’s joined by the Snake, it’s largest tributary, just before flowing westward towards the Pacific Ocean creating the state line between Washington and Oregon.

We’re parked at Columbia River RV Park, literally on the banks of the Columbia in north Portland.  This is a beautiful location, however with Portland International Airport just over a mile to the east, landings and takeoffs are a bit noisy.  The Portland Yacht Club is right across the street and Columbia Edgewater Country Club is next door.  With about 150 sites, this older park provides full hookups, back-in and pull-through sites that are adequate, but a bit tight.  A clean laundry room is equipped with huge, commercial type washers and dryers along with showers, a clubhouse and rec room.

Columbia River RV Park

On Wednesday we took a trip to McMinnville, about an hour south west from Portland. McMinnville calls itself the “Heart of Oregon’s Wine Country”.  And, if the number of wine tasting rooms is any indication, they are right!  There seems to be tasting rooms everywhere you look.  The historic downtown is beautiful with old restored and well preserved buildings.

3rd Street, McMinnville, OR

Beginning a walking tour of the downtown area, we first stopped at the Atticus Hotel.  Purpose built in 2017, this 4 story structure fits perfectly with its neighboring history.  Inside are luxurious rooms and suites along with Cypress, their mediterranean inspired restaurant.  For those looking for accommodations outside of an RV park, we’d highly recommend Atticus.  After a brief walk around town we found a table at Pinot Vista Tasting Lounge for some wine/beer refreshments accompanied by local singers and band members.  For dinner, we enjoyed Pinch, a relatively new restaurant serving interesting dishes from Dungeness Crab to Lamb Rigatoni to Alaskan Halibut, and, of course with an extensive wine cellar. We had an excellent afternoon in McMinnville! JD, thanks for being an exceptional tour guide!

Atticus Hotel, McMinnville, OR

Pinch Restaurant, McMinnville, OR

Back in Portland, we’re surprised to find little in the way of entertainment or restaurants on “our side” of the river.  Heading across the aptly named “Washington-Oregon Bridge” that carries I-5 over the Columbia, we found the relaxing casual riverside restaurant of Beaches in Vancouver, WA.  The scenery was fantastic, food was tasty and the service was excellent!

From Portland we’ll make the short trip up to Sequim, WA –  nearly the furthest point north and west in the continental US.  More from the Strait of Juan de Fuca…


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The Willamette River Valley

18 06 2024

The Willamette River Valley – just the name conjures up images of wineries, forests and rushing waters.  As it turns out, it’s all of these things and more.  The Willamette River flows for nearly 200 miles from the high mountains south of Eugene until it reaches the Columbia just outside of Portland.  In these mountains about 40 miles southeast of Eugene is Westfir  – a former lumber town, now a small tourist destination with picturesque views of mountains, forests, flowers and their famous covered bridge.

Office Covered Bridge, Westfir, OR

The company town of Westfir was first established by the Western Lumber Company around 1923. The mill produced Douglas Fir lumber, much sold to the Southern Pacific Railroad as they pushed westward over Willamette Pass between Klamath Falls and Eugene.  The Office Covered Bridge, the longest existing covered bridge in the state, joined the mill site to the town and mill office over the North Fork of the river.  This former company office building is now the beautiful Westfir Lodge with 9 guest rooms, a small market and comfortable outdoor patio.

Westfir Lodge, Westfir, OR

We’re parked at Casey’s Riverside RV park, in a pull through full hookup riverside site #44.  This is a beautiful park!  Each of the 56 sites enjoys shade from the well-manicured trees and shrubs.  In between each site is lush green grass and beautiful flowers.  Riverside pull through sites run about $60/night, and back-in, off river sites are $50.  Other amenities at Casey’s include 2 guest houses, a small, clean laundry room, a group use Pavilion and a large outdoor fire pit area.

Casey’s Riverside RV, Westfir, OR

Casey’s Riverside RV, Westfir, OR

Casey’s Riverside RV, Westfir, OR

Outdoor activities include great fly fishing, hiking, biking and river rafting.  With newly acquired e-bikes, we were anxious to explore some of the biking trails in the area.  Old forest roads and railroad easements provide miles and miles of enjoyable riding in the mountains and along the river near Casey’s. Our first ride was along Buckhead Creek on Forest Service Road #5828 which is a fairly aggressive uphill trail. Our next ride, in search of the covered bridge, took us into the small town of Westfir for pictures of the famous bridge and cold beers on the patio at the Westfir Lodge.  Our 3rd ride, and the longest at about 20 miles, took us along North Shore Road which turned into Forest Service Road #5821 and ended with a beautiful view of Lookout Point Lake.   Along with our biking adventures others in our group enjoyed floating the river and most importantly, Sunday night pizza at Big Mountain Pizza in nearby Oakridge – which was delicious!

Lookout Point Lake, near Eugene, OR

Lookout Point Lake, near Eugene, OR

After a week enjoying perfect weather and fun times at Casey’s, we’re packing up and bound for Portland.  More from there…


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We’re off to Oregon!

14 06 2024

We’re off to Oregon to join friends from the Montana Owners group in the small town of Westfir, OR, about 45 minutes southeast of Eugene.

We have 4 “1-nighters” planned, which means by the time we arrive in Oregon, we’ll be ready to pause and enjoy for a few days. Our first stop is in Durango, CO at the Oasis RV Resort. This is a favorite park, and we’ve spent several chilly nights here on our way south to Arizona in January and February.  Our next night is at Green River State Park where we’ve stayed numerous times.  Our 3rd night is at Great Salt Lake State Park.  This park of only 5 sites doesn’t garner great reviews, but we found our stay pleasant – with easy access, full hookups, quiet, dark nights and a good view out the back window.

Great Salt Lake State Park

Great Salt Lake State Park

After Salt Lake City, we’re parked at Village of the Trees RV Resort in Delco, ID.  Indeed an oasis along the Snake River, we first stayed in this park way back in 2016.  And, as luck would have it, we’re parked in the exact same site, #A9!

Village of Trees, Declo, ID

From Delco, ID we’re bound for Caldwell, ID, just west of Boise where we’ll spend a couple night catching up with a friend that just moved to Idaho from Colorado.  Abundant Life RV Park in Caldwell is a relatively new park, and offers great facilities and roomy sites in a convenient location.  We’d highly recommend this park!

Abundant Life RV Park, Caldwell, ID

Abundant Life RV Park, Caldwell, ID

After Caldwell, we’re headed to Bend, OR.  This is our longest segment so far, with nearly 6 hours on the road across what ends up be fairly boring eastern Oregon.  But, arriving in Bend, we’re glad to be here for 4 nights.  We’re parked right in town at Scandia RV & Mobile Park.  Its not new or fancy, but it’s very close to everything in Bend, and we have a nice private back-in site under huge pines.  We enjoy an afternoon wandering around the Old Mill District, check out downtown and of course the “required” beer samples at the famous Deschutes Brewery.

Scandia RV & Mobile Park, Bend, OR

Deschutes Brewery, Bend, OR

From Bend, we’re headed to Westfir, OR…more from the Willamette River Valley!

Welcome to Westfir, OR!


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Headed home from South Padre

12 05 2024

After 3 weeks on SPI, we’ve once again crossed the Queen Isabella causeway bound for Harlingen.  We’ll spend 3 days in Harlingen cleaning and resupplying for our trip home. We’re planning a fairly rapid departure from South Texas, it’s gotten way, way too hot and humid!  We’ll spend 3 nights on the road across Texas and then 2 nights in New Mexico before arriving back to Colorado

Site #23, Isla Blanca RV Park, SPI

Our first night out is at favorite state park, Lake Casa Blanca in Laredo.  Normally we stay on the “100” loop, this year we’ve opted for a new location at site 303.  This is a long (over 100’) pull through on the far north end of the campground.  Providing 30/50 amp power and water this is a very private site and was perfectly level allowing us to stay connected to the truck.

Lake Casa Blanca, Site 303

Another 3 hours or so takes us to Del Rio at the Sleeping Lady RV park where we spent one night last year.  This is a well maintained park, gravel roads and concrete pads on pull through sites provide full hookups and even a bit of shade from the small trees.  As we arrive, the temperature tops out at 109 in Del Rio, and about 60% humidity, and we’re anxious to hit the road the next morning.

Sleeping Lady RV Park, Del Rio, TX

Continuing west from Del Rio, we leave the Rio Grande valley at Sanderson and turn north to connect with I-10 at Ft. Stockton.  We’ve stayed in Ft. Stockton many time but today decide to continue to Balmorhea State Park, home of San Solomon Springs which creates the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world.  The campground at Balmorhea has been closed for refurbishment for years, and we’re anxious to check things out.  The pool is closed for cleaning this week meaning the normal throngs of people won’t be able to access the park.  We’re among only about 10 others in the RV new campground and have a very quiet evening.

Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale, TX

San Solomon Springs at Balmorhea State Park

Our 4th day on the road takes us out of Texas, and into eastern New Mexico near Carlsbad.  We continue to Roswell for a quick overnight at Town & Country RV Park. The original plan was to spend one more night on the road in Santa Fe. But, we get an early start and decided to make the 6 hour run all the way home.

Spanish Peaks, Huerfano, County, CO

It’s been a great trip.  115 nights at 25 different parks and resorts for a total of about 4300 miles.  Our next trip is already completely planned, we’re headed to the Pacific Northwest through Oregon to Washington where we’ll spend the 4th of July holiday with family in Sequim, WA.  More from the road to Oregon…


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