Better Than Planned

Heading south from Spanish Fork, we were hoping to camp at the Gooseberry Trail Head off I-70 near Salina, but it was the first time we found a place almost completely full, and the sites that were left were too small for our semi-ginormous motorhome. I found a place to park it temporarily, then we started scouting for alternatives in the truck. Within 15 minutes, we found a spot close by and got set up at coordinates 38.90890,-111.73200.

We were in the Fishlake National Forest. Rarely would a vehicle drive by. It was a huge upgrade over the rough terrain and crowdedness of our intended site. Instead of being in a hole alongside the interstate highway with many ATVs, we were surrounded by mountain views transitioning into fall colors. Al climbed to the top of the knoll and could see the highway, but nary a sound was heard at our new site. There are no water, sewer or trash facilities, but Maverik in Salina was near and convenient for all three. Internet speeds were far faster than we would need as well.

We drove Old Highway 10 paralleling the interstate through some old railway tunnels, took one forest road looking for Beanies Hole but chose not to hike through a deep wash and over to the next to see what it was, and another that led to some higher altitudes and distant views while cattle cleared out of our way.

While staying here, we took backroads and shortcuts southbound to Pando, but since the leaves were still very green, we decided to postpone heading south in hopes to return near peak golden color. We did find several campgrounds at higher elevations that we may return to next summer. Also while here, I received some great assistance from Eric at Mac’s Tech, finally getting my Windows 11 computers networked, for which I am extremely grateful! I would like to thank Todd and Greg for their advice on Facebook as well!

We would have liked to stay longer for the peace & quiet, but decided to head for the San Rafael Swell to burn some time for the fall colors to develop, and probably should have stayed an additional day as the winds were not kind on I-70.

Today we wished safe travels to Tom & Justine as we headed south on one of my favorite drives, and in peak fall color! We hope to meet up with them again soon. Nephew Mason met up with us at our new location. We will be going for a drive and maybe a hike or two tomorrow. We are happy to have outrun the howler monkeys and their bone-chilling wind near Capitol Reef, but it was nice seeing snow appear in the higher elevations from our campsite up there. I’ve been dealing with more pains than usual today, but I’m not going to let it keep me from getting out and powering through tomorrow, no matter how little sleep I get.

Share your comments on Facebook or email us at roadfronts@gmail.com