Trip Log

To see Trip Photos: http://beardogco.com/TripLog/TripPhotos.htm (Bigfork to Missoula 12/9-12/16/2005) http://beardogco.com/TripLog/CampVerde.htm (Camp Verde, AZ 12/17/2005-12/18/2005) http://beardogco.com/TripLog/PetsCampVerde.htm (Pet photos 12/19-12/22) - latest update 12/25 http://beardogco.com/TripLog/MotorhomeSetup.htm (Motorhome 12/19-12/22) latest update 12/25 http://beardogco.com/TripLog/AZScenery.htm (Scenery 12/19-12/22) latest update 12/25 http://beardogco.com/TripLog/BackInMt.htm (12/29-12/30 photos)
Date	Depart From	Arrive At	Comments
John Steinbeck: Travels with Charley I am in love with Montana - for other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection but with Montana it is love, and it's difficult to analyze love when you're in it... I've had that quote framed in my home since moving here in February 1994...
12/31 4 p.m. I am sitting in the "Beast" in my own driveway - it is leveled, plugged in and the heat is on. A GREAT trip - we will roll again! Happy New Year to all!
12/31	Dillon, MT	headed for home	We'll close up the year with a run for home as soon as it's light - It's 32 even in Butte and road map shows clear and dry to just before Missoula which I expect will be clear by the time we get there. We'll stop in Missoula to fill propane and dump tanks to arrive home clean and dry and ok to sit un-winterized until we can get in the "shop"! - Snow advisory cancelled in the Flathead but will hold in Missoula if that changes.
12/30	In Dillon, MT		Enjoyed a day off the road - went to Patagonia Outlet in Dillon, found coffee and a few other supplies in case we get snowed in - I might have misjudged weather and they changed forecast a bit midday...still supposed to be warmish but will have to check things in the morning.
12/29	Brigham City, UT	Dillon, MT	In Dillon, MT!!!! - and glad to be here. Monida Pass was icy for about 10 miles but no wind, sunny and they had a lot of sand down so went slow and no other traffic going North - much better than expected. We are in "OUR" kind of park - ranches all around, away from the highway - we are on the end by ourselves with an acre of area to run - Karl went nuts off leash and Bob has been out also. Gorgeous view and sunset - yep, I'm a MT woman - but had to find out!
12/28	Cedar City, UT	Brigham City, UT	Weather looked to be best to get to Dillon tomorrow and hopefully home on Friday. SLC went fine - lots of traffic at 2 p.m. but no awful lane changes needed. Another awful RV park! - small, tight spaces - the "pet" area is a messy, field with clay mud and picking up is obviously not enforced - so we are throwing caution to the wind tonight and tomorrow by walking in the tent area. Will leave ASAP in the morning - we've been successful at leaving at 8:30 last 2 mornings - will try for 7:45 tomorrow pending weather - supposed to get a rain/snow mix but it is still nearly 50.
12/27	Kingman	Cedar City, UT	Survived Las Vegas-not as bad as south bound trip - Late into Cedar City campground because I checked into the KOA and then checked out and had to negotiate town, etc. to get back to where I am which I don't want to stay - but good thing about RV travel is shut the door, close the curtains and all is well inside! Will check weather and probably move just to Fillmore, UT tomorrow, get some work done and be ready to get through SLC earlier in the day than I would be from here.
12/27	Kingman	headed for Cedar City, UT	I’ve received phone and email messages from friends and family wondering if I was ok – because of my decision to head back to MT. I’m fine – in fact great! This trip has been and I fully expect it to continue to be great fun, a continual learning experience and incredibly refreshing to mind and soul! I’ve had Flagstaff in the back of my mind for a couple of years and more recently Cottonwood and Sedona and I had high hopes but I think I conveniently forgot what “desert” would be like – and this is probably the BEST time of year. Neither Karl nor I like the dust and dryness and it was a bit warm afternoons, even now – can’t really speak for Bob... While I enjoyed and appreciate certain parts of the desert and certainly the red rock area around Sedona is stunning – not the kind of environment I would like full time. I was in a comfortable RV park but still – adds expense versus being “home”, while I could get Karl out for runs and walks he spent a good part of the day on cable in the shade, I was letting Bob out a lot but “against” the rules. I decided I’d rather go home where they could be out and play in the snow, get work done, save some money and think/plan Spring and Summer travel – in the North! I think for possible places to live I’ll concentrate on MT – but I still want to look at Wyoming and South Dakota. I love traveling this way and this motorhome is comfortable to “live” from – some of the driving is difficult but this trip went a long way in my learning how to manage that and also how to set things up so they are the easiest for all of us. So today, after a bit of work – which is also refreshing by the way! We are off to try a different route through Las Vegas with Cedar City, UT in mind for a destination – versus St. George because think I found a great RV park in Cedar City. We’ll check weather – maybe stay there a bit if things look iffy. Cedar City has been upper 50’s during the day, sunshine and just below freezing at night so very manageable. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated – I am so grateful to have all of you – mine with all of you. We roll at 8:30 hopefully!
12/26	Camp Verde	Kingman, AZ	I was paid at Zane Grey until Wed a.m. and thought I would stay until then and then move to Kingman for a few days hitting Las Vegas early on 1/1 while everyone hopefully sleeping, but weather looks good to MT right now - sloppy maybe but warm and supposed to get cold and snow after the weekend so I packed up this morning and left and am now in Kingman - if weather still looks the same I'll leave as soon as it's light and hope to get through L.V. 10-11ish - using a different bypass - probably stopping in St. George or Cedar City although if I feel up to it will get back to Fillmore. I'd like to get to Dillon and have time to spend a day or so there - we'll see how it works with driving and weather - might be a late day tomorrow. 4:34 p.m. - just looked at weather - will check again in the morning, but if things look ok to get to St. George will go there and see what the forecast storm does.
12/25	In Camp Verde, Az		Had a great dinner! - and it was a beautiful day.Karl and I took our Cottonwood - Sedona trip - huge disappointment - red Rock in Sedona was beautiful but towns were a let down. Cottonwood a "vanilla" suburb and Sedona felt like "Stepford comes to AZ" - so disappointing as I expected to like both - Oak Creek Canyon - again gorgeous natural beauty but overdone in a too perfect way. We did have a great walk in Tuthill AFB park just south of Flagstaff - then drove though Northern Arizona University - maybe suffered from disapointment of the start of the day but nothing that made me want to look further in Flag. Will start back to MT this week or weekend - maybe stay some in St. George - will check map and weather....
12/23	In Camp Verde, AZ		Task list set up - took the afternoon off and got supplies for Christmas dinner. Karl and I took a 2 1/2 mile walk up a hill overlooking the park early in the morning while it was cool - this afternoon hit 68 and felt very warm to all! Had a nice early evening walk also - everyone is fading now...
12/22	In Camp Verde, AZ		Photos delayed - a long work day yesterday and probably today also and maybe tomorrow as we get things set up for next task group - but that's what keeps this rolling roof over our heads and kibble in the bowls - we'll play on the weekend! Current plan is to pack a picnic on Christmas day and head off for a recon of Cottonwood and Sedona - back for dinner outside at sunset and then decide about staying here - thinking about staying here for a month and then splurge on a week in Sedona and then ??? - Sunrise has just turned everything rosy - beautiful. 68 yesterday and supposed to be in 70's on Christmas Day - just about hitting the freeze point at night so pretty comfortable - doesn't stay warm long enough to make any of us uncomfortable...
12/21	In Camp Verde, AZ		Have been to actual town of Camp Verde - very quaint! - lots of galleries - very BAD coffee - I actually threw out 3 drinks from the 3 places that I tried... but Karl and I have been invited to the coffee group mornings in the feed store...this is quite an honor for an out of towner. I may go as I've learned from eaves-dropping on Bigfork coffee groups that there is a lot to learn from these groups especially in the area of higher math... The feed store is actually a combo shop - feed and drive through liquor - makes sense to me particularly as there is also an archery/liquor store, 2 liquor only stores and the grocery has liquor also - not many bars though ??? - everyone drinks at home? This will take more investigation - probably the coffee group can enlighten me. Fun, fun, fun - oh I am working - photos of this and other things to be posted tonight.
12/18	In Camp Verde, AZ		Day 2 in Camp Verde - got out Christmas Box and set up an outside Christmas area - had lunch and worked outside after decorating. Karl and I had 2 long walks along the creek and Karl, Bob and I were outside together most of the day. People are very nice - about 1/2-2/3 are here for the winter and the rest in and out 1-3,4 night stays. It's very quiet the 2 lane highway adjacent is not very busy and no noise at all last night - I opened my bedroom windows slightly to see the moon and listen to coyotes and javelinas - boys not bothered by either! I'm looking forward to sitting in this nice place, getting some work done and eventually exploring Flagstaff, Cottonwood and Sedona from here in the Jeep.
12/17	Kingman, AZ	Camp Verde, AZ	Just a quick note to test connection and update arrival - parked and setup - 4 p.m. gorgeous park with beautiful sycamore trees - Karl and Bob are both outside - 66 currently with a soft breeze. More info and photos later. An easy drive from Kingman - Flagstaff to Camp Verde 7335 feet to 3200 feet - gorgeous views on the way down! The park is beautiful - my aircard works very well and great places for Karl so we can stay - currently paid to 12/27.
12/15			Still in Kingman KOA - have winter shovels and heavy jackets stowed, lighter stuff rearranged - all stocked up and rested. Today and tomorrow are work days and then have reservations at Zane Grey RV Park in "rural" Camp Verde - no WiFi and will only be able to stay there if the air card works - we'll see - heading there on Sat a.m. 12/17.
12/13	Cal-Ari-Nev, NV	Kingman, AZ	A short driving day (58 mi) but forgot what the passes were like to Kingman - not scary, just slow going - I don't have all that much oomph for steep ups! Downs were not a problem - 2 short areas to gear down, the rest doable at normal speeds. Found a fairly nice KOA in Kingman - away from the highway so quiet, Wi-Fi, nice field where Karl can run. We had lunch outside, then Karl and I headed off for some quick supplies. We'll stay here until Sat a.m. - then use the weekend to move to Flag-Camp Verde or ?? - I'll probably take the photo column out and put up a separate page for photos - time for uploading with iffy connections like last night.
12/12	Fillmore, UT	somewhere between Searchlight, NV and Laughlin, NV ?	In an RV park - full hookups along 95 - L.Vegas so awful - noisy, dirty, traffic, etc. - feel lucky to have survived it and just wanted away - not even Camping World enticed me to stop - after 5 check in - poor connection - tomorrow will move to Kingman, AZ for the rest of the week - at least that's my current plan. Hey, it is warm!!! - 60 at check in - I'm outside now to get a usable connection and it's still 40 at 7:15 p.m.
12/11	Idaho Falls	Fillmore, UT - 5 p.m.	Tough driving through SLC - thought Sun afternoon would be quiet, but was busy and my first experience on city hwy - a bit unnerving - sure wouldn't wnat to be doing that all the time! But settled in - the ice did melt off the roof and slides are out and we have oodles of room - Karl got a toy out for me to "throw". The "boys" are doing so well and such good company. Despite 3 days of somewhat stressful driving - I LOVE THIS! - a short day to Las Vegas tomorrow and I'm looking forward to sitting there a bit and hopefully enjoying the warm!
12/10	Missoula-approx 10 a.m.	Snake River RV Park and Campground, Idaho Falls	A longer day today - arrived 4:20, walked Karl, set up...still cold. Not much traffic today and mostly dry roads. Icy and windy parts I could go my own pace on 4 lane with no one around me. Brief stops today to make Idaho Falls before dark . Everything worked!
12/9	Bigfork, MT headed to Missoula - maybe on to Dillon	Jim n Mary's RV Park - Missoula	Jeep is hooked up, engine is running - all good to go. Rolling approx 11:45 a.m. Took off 11:50 a.m. - stopped once for generator - quit, wouldn't restart - reset breaker outside, all ok to Missoula - got Propane then to Park and set up by 3:10 - Walked Karl, then all of us had a snack outside in the snow - most other people here are winter liveaboards - probably thought we were nuts.

To see Trip Photos: http://beardogco.com/TripLog/TripPhotos.htm (Bigfork to Missoula 12/9-12/16/2005)

http://beardogco.com/TripLog/CampVerde.htm (Camp Verde, AZ 12/17/2005-12/18/2005)

http://beardogco.com/TripLog/PetsCampVerde.htm (Pet photos 12/19-12/22) - latest update 12/25

http://beardogco.com/TripLog/MotorhomeSetup.htm (Motorhome 12/19-12/22) latest update 12/25

http://beardogco.com/TripLog/AZScenery.htm (Scenery 12/19-12/22) latest update 12/25

http://beardogco.com/TripLog/BackInMt.htm (12/29-12/30 photos)

Date

Depart From

Arrive At

Comments

John Steinbeck: Travels with Charley

I am in love with Montana - for other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection but with Montana it is love, and it's difficult to analyze love when you're in it...

I've had that quote framed in my home since moving here in February 1994...

12/31 4 p.m.

I am sitting in the "Beast" in my own driveway - it is leveled, plugged in and the heat is on. A GREAT trip - we will roll again!

Happy New Year to all!

12/31

Dillon, MT

headed for home

We'll close up the year with a run for home as soon as it's light - It's 32 even in Butte and road map shows clear and dry to just before Missoula which I expect will be clear by the time we get there. We'll stop in Missoula to fill propane and dump tanks to arrive home clean and dry and ok to sit un-winterized until we can get in the "shop"! - Snow advisory cancelled in the Flathead but will hold in Missoula if that changes.

12/30

In Dillon, MT

Enjoyed a day off the road - went to Patagonia Outlet in Dillon, found coffee and a few other supplies in case we get snowed in - I might have misjudged weather and they changed forecast a bit midday...still supposed to be warmish but will have to check things in the morning.

12/29

Brigham City, UT

Dillon, MT

In Dillon, MT!!!! - and glad to be here. Monida Pass was icy for about 10 miles but no wind, sunny and they had a lot of sand down so went slow and no other traffic going North - much better than expected. We are in "OUR" kind of park - ranches all around, away from the highway - we are on the end by ourselves with an acre of area to run - Karl went nuts off leash and Bob has been out also. Gorgeous view and sunset - yep, I'm a MT woman - but had to find out!

12/28

Cedar City, UT

Brigham City, UT

Weather looked to be best to get to Dillon tomorrow and hopefully home on Friday. SLC went fine - lots of traffic at 2 p.m. but no awful lane changes needed. Another awful RV park! - small, tight spaces - the "pet" area is a messy, field with clay mud and picking up is obviously not enforced - so we are throwing caution to the wind tonight and tomorrow by walking in the tent area. Will leave ASAP in the morning - we've been successful at leaving at 8:30 last 2 mornings - will try for 7:45 tomorrow pending weather - supposed to get a rain/snow mix but it is still nearly 50.

12/27

Kingman

Cedar City, UT

Survived Las Vegas-not as bad as south bound trip - Late into Cedar City campground because I checked into the KOA and then checked out and had to negotiate town, etc. to get back to where I am which I don't want to stay - but good thing about RV travel is shut the door, close the curtains and all is well inside! Will check weather and probably move just to Fillmore, UT tomorrow, get some work done and be ready to get through SLC earlier in the day than I would be from here.

12/27

Kingman

headed for Cedar City, UT

I’ve received phone and email messages from friends and family wondering if I was ok – because of my decision to head back to MT. I’m fine – in fact great! This trip has been and I fully expect it to continue to be great fun, a continual learning experience and incredibly refreshing to mind and soul! I’ve had Flagstaff in the back of my mind for a couple of years and more recently Cottonwood and Sedona and I had high hopes but I think I conveniently forgot what “desert” would be like – and this is probably the BEST time of year. Neither Karl nor I like the dust and dryness and it was a bit warm afternoons, even now – can’t really speak for Bob... While I enjoyed and appreciate certain parts of the desert and certainly the red rock area around Sedona is stunning – not the kind of environment I would like full time. I was in a comfortable RV park but still – adds expense versus being “home”, while I could get Karl out for runs and walks he spent a good part of the day on cable in the shade, I was letting Bob out a lot but “against” the rules. I decided I’d rather go home where they could be out and play in the snow, get work done, save some money and think/plan Spring and Summer travel – in the North! I think for possible places to live I’ll concentrate on MT – but I still want to look at Wyoming and South Dakota. I love traveling this way and this motorhome is comfortable to “live” from – some of the driving is difficult but this trip went a long way in my learning how to manage that and also how to set things up so they are the easiest for all of us. So today, after a bit of work – which is also refreshing by the way! We are off to try a different route through Las Vegas with Cedar City, UT in mind for a destination – versus St. George because think I found a great RV park in Cedar City. We’ll check weather – maybe stay there a bit if things look iffy. Cedar City has been upper 50’s during the day, sunshine and just below freezing at night so very manageable. Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated – I am so grateful to have all of you – mine with all of you.
We roll at 8:30 hopefully!

12/26

Camp Verde

Kingman, AZ

I was paid at Zane Grey until Wed a.m. and thought I would stay until then and then move to Kingman for a few days hitting Las Vegas early on 1/1 while everyone hopefully sleeping, but weather looks good to MT right now - sloppy maybe but warm and supposed to get cold and snow after the weekend so I packed up this morning and left and am now in Kingman - if weather still looks the same I'll leave as soon as it's light and hope to get through L.V. 10-11ish - using a different bypass - probably stopping in St. George or Cedar City although if I feel up to it will get back to Fillmore.

I'd like to get to Dillon and have time to spend a day or so there - we'll see how it works with driving and weather - might be a late day tomorrow.

4:34 p.m. - just looked at weather - will check again in the morning, but if things look ok to get to St. George will go there and see what the forecast storm does.

12/25

In Camp Verde, Az

Had a great dinner! - and it was a beautiful day.Karl and I took our Cottonwood - Sedona trip - huge disappointment - red Rock in Sedona was beautiful but towns were a let down. Cottonwood a "vanilla" suburb and Sedona felt like "Stepford comes to AZ" - so disappointing as I expected to like both - Oak Creek Canyon - again gorgeous natural beauty but overdone in a too perfect way. We did have a great walk in Tuthill AFB park just south of Flagstaff - then drove though Northern Arizona University - maybe suffered from disapointment of the start of the day but nothing that made me want to look further in Flag. Will start back to MT this week or weekend - maybe stay some in St. George - will check map and weather....

12/23

In Camp Verde, AZ

Task list set up - took the afternoon off and got supplies for Christmas dinner. Karl and I took a 2 1/2 mile walk up a hill overlooking the park early in the morning while it was cool - this afternoon hit 68 and felt very warm to all! Had a nice early evening walk also - everyone is fading now...

12/22

In Camp Verde, AZ

Photos delayed - a long work day yesterday and probably today also and maybe tomorrow as we get things set up for next task group - but that's what keeps this rolling roof over our heads and kibble in the bowls - we'll play on the weekend! Current plan is to pack a picnic on Christmas day and head off for a recon of Cottonwood and Sedona - back for dinner outside at sunset and then decide about staying here - thinking about staying here for a month and then splurge on a week in Sedona and then ??? - Sunrise has just turned everything rosy - beautiful. 68 yesterday and supposed to be in 70's on Christmas Day - just about hitting the freeze point at night so pretty comfortable - doesn't stay warm long enough to make any of us uncomfortable...

12/21

In Camp Verde, AZ

Have been to actual town of Camp Verde - very quaint! - lots of galleries - very BAD coffee - I actually threw out 3 drinks from the 3 places that I tried... but Karl and I have been invited to the coffee group mornings in the feed store...this is quite an honor for an out of towner. I may go as I've learned from eaves-dropping on Bigfork coffee groups that there is a lot to learn from these groups especially in the area of higher math... The feed store is actually a combo shop - feed and drive through liquor - makes sense to me particularly as there is also an archery/liquor store, 2 liquor only stores and the grocery has liquor also - not many bars though ??? - everyone drinks at home? This will take more investigation - probably the coffee group can enlighten me. Fun, fun, fun - oh I am working - photos of this and other things to be posted tonight.

12/18

In Camp Verde, AZ

Day 2 in Camp Verde - got out Christmas Box and set up an outside Christmas area - had lunch and worked outside after decorating. Karl and I had 2 long walks along the creek and Karl, Bob and I were outside together most of the day. People are very nice - about 1/2-2/3 are here for the winter and the rest in and out 1-3,4 night stays. It's very quiet the 2 lane highway adjacent is not very busy and no noise at all last night - I opened my bedroom windows slightly to see the moon and listen to coyotes and javelinas - boys not bothered by either! I'm looking forward to sitting in this nice place, getting some work done and eventually exploring Flagstaff, Cottonwood and Sedona from here in the Jeep.

12/17

Kingman, AZ

Camp Verde, AZ

Just a quick note to test connection and update arrival - parked and setup - 4 p.m. gorgeous park with beautiful sycamore trees - Karl and Bob are both outside - 66 currently with a soft breeze. More info and photos later.

An easy drive from Kingman - Flagstaff to Camp Verde 7335 feet to 3200 feet - gorgeous views on the way down! The park is beautiful - my aircard works very well and great places for Karl so we can stay - currently paid to 12/27.

12/15

Still in Kingman KOA - have winter shovels and heavy jackets stowed, lighter stuff rearranged - all stocked up and rested. Today and tomorrow are work days and then have reservations at Zane Grey RV Park in "rural" Camp Verde - no WiFi and will only be able to stay there if the air card works - we'll see - heading there on Sat a.m. 12/17.

12/13

Cal-Ari-Nev, NV

Kingman, AZ

A short driving day (58 mi) but forgot what the passes were like to Kingman - not scary, just slow going - I don't have all that much oomph for steep ups! Downs were not a problem - 2 short areas to gear down, the rest doable at normal speeds. Found a fairly nice KOA in Kingman - away from the highway so quiet, Wi-Fi, nice field where Karl can run. We had lunch outside, then Karl and I headed off for some quick supplies. We'll stay here until Sat a.m. - then use the weekend to move to Flag-Camp Verde or ?? - I'll probably take the photo column out and put up a separate page for photos - time for uploading with iffy connections like last night.

12/12

Fillmore, UT

somewhere between Searchlight, NV and Laughlin, NV ?

In an RV park - full hookups along 95 - L.Vegas so awful - noisy, dirty, traffic, etc. - feel lucky to have survived it and just wanted away - not even Camping World enticed me to stop - after 5 check in - poor connection - tomorrow will move to Kingman, AZ for the rest of the week - at least that's my current plan.

Hey, it is warm!!! - 60 at check in - I'm outside now to get a usable connection and it's still 40 at 7:15 p.m.

12/11

Idaho Falls

Fillmore, UT - 5 p.m.

Tough driving through SLC - thought Sun afternoon would be quiet, but was busy and my first experience on city hwy - a bit unnerving - sure wouldn't wnat to be doing that all the time! But settled in - the ice did melt off the roof and slides are out and we have oodles of room - Karl got a toy out for me to "throw". The "boys" are doing so well and such good company. Despite 3 days of somewhat stressful driving - I LOVE THIS! - a short day to Las Vegas tomorrow and I'm looking forward to sitting there a bit and hopefully enjoying the warm!

12/10

Missoula-approx 10 a.m.

Snake River RV Park and Campground, Idaho Falls

A longer day today - arrived 4:20, walked Karl, set up...still cold. Not much traffic today and mostly dry roads. Icy and windy parts I could go my own pace on 4 lane with no one around me. Brief stops today to make Idaho Falls before dark . Everything worked!

12/9

Bigfork, MT headed to Missoula - maybe on to Dillon

Jim n Mary's RV Park - Missoula

Jeep is hooked up, engine is running - all good to go. Rolling approx 11:45 a.m.

Took off 11:50 a.m. - stopped once for generator - quit, wouldn't restart - reset breaker outside, all ok to Missoula - got Propane then to Park and set up by 3:10 - Walked Karl, then all of us had a snack outside in the snow - most other people here are winter liveaboards - probably thought we were nuts.