Wildfires

Wildfires Near Us

We forgot about these. When we worked at a campground in Bishop, CA, we experienced several wildfires near us. One of them created smoke that we originally thought was fog.

About mid-way through Montana while driving on Interstate 94, we noticed haze in the distance on the horizon.

That Haze (click to enlarge photo)

We thought it was pollution at first. However, when we arrived at our current campground near Anaconda, MT, the smell was unmistakeable — something was burning.

Besides the smell, we’ve been noticing how dry Montana is. The ground looks like straw . . .

Flirt Matches the Ground

Luckily, we’re only in the path of the smoke from these fires. On Friday we’re on our way again to a spot up the road from Missoula. Here are some photos from our current campground . . .

PHOTOS FROM A PREVIOUS CAMPSITE

We met Micky, a retire nurse, full timing in a small casita. Her blog is here — Wandering Spirit.

She is traveling with two beautiful Golden Retrievers — 11-year-old Shiloh and 14-year-old Joy . . .

Shiloh (left) & Joy (right)

Micky was also traveling with a cardboard cutout of Mick Jagger . . .

Mick

Go South, young man!

Instead of heading West for the Pacific Coast, we’re making a left turn and taking I-15 south.

We figure we’ll see the Pacific Coast when we go to Alaska.

However, we were able to land a reservation at a campground (Zion River Resort) near Zion National Park which we’ve wanted to visit for a long time.

Jan is serving as the Activities Director for Zion.

In the mean time, we’ll spend Labor Day in Nugget RV Park a super dog friendly campground in St. Regis, MT.

Makoshika State Park

Click to enlarge

Jan found this gem just outside of Glendive, MT.

It reminded us of the South Dakota Badlands. A great day trip.

Check out Jan near the rock ledge — a few years ago she never could have done this. Very scared of heights.

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Land of 1,000 Ponds

Click on map to enlarge

While driving from Minot, ND to Glendive, MT, we travelled through one of the most unique areas we’ve seen.

Just outside of Berthold, ND we started seeing all these little lakes alongside the road. I Googled the area and the little lakes were everywhere. They were interspersed in the farms on the rolling hills.

Larimore Dam Recreational Area

We’re finishing up a week in the Larimore Dam Recreational Area, and it’s been a very good camp site.

Above all it’s been inexpensive — $125 for a week in a full hookup, pull through site with WiFi access. That’s cheap. Spending an entire season would only set you back about $1100.

Despite being almost full, this campground has been one of the quietest we’ve ever stayed in. Good camp neighbors too.

The week here also gave us time to fix our TOAD lighting system.

Our Site 46

Tomorrow we’re off to Minot, ND and then Montana where we plan on spending Labor Day.

Stay tuned.