The creek (Rio Grande River) rose!

It has been raining heavily from remnants of one of the Pacific Coast tropical storms. The river reached flood stage the evening of 10/22. Photos below: first photo yesterday morning 10/23/2026, 2nd from several days ago and then 3rd again 10/23 when the sun came out.

There was a lot of activity yesterday morning. The RV park was maybe 15 rigs, most people staying long like me or some seasonal workers: travel nurses, construction. Most staying through the winter had installed skirting to help with cold air under rigs.

It appeared the water was rising so several sticks were set out to measure. In an hour, the 2 foot sticks were half covered and all of the little islands of river sites were under water.

I started prepping to move sites and also filled my onboard water (62 gallons), emptied waste tanks and filled all empty containers I had with good drinking water … thinking that if things really went south, I was prepared to dry camp (no power, water, sewer).

Since I was disconnecting, I drove to Monte Vista (17 miles) to top off propane. Also topped gas and did a big grocery shop.

Then I went to the nursing home and took Emmett in for a visit which was a huge success. When we first arrived two weeks ago, I only took him into the entrance as I had not cleared him for going all the way in. But that is done so we walked in, past lots of activity and to my folks’ room. He was smiley, wagging tail and greeted all who put their hands out. No barking or anxiety at the strange place or people … Excellent!! We had a good visit and then left to check out the RV park.

First, I was stopped by a police officer about 3 blocks from the park who told me I could not reach the park as it was entirely flooded. I didn’t think that was correct. He allowed me to pull over and make call. Park manager was upset as I was the second park guest who had been stopped and the meadow sites were dry as was the road. Officer (VERY young!) let me go on with the admonition that it was at my risk.

No issues getting to the park but the fields next to the road had standing water that was not exactly standing, but a bit active.

I didn’t take additional photos as things were happening fast. The RV park seemed unsafe. The water was not only much higher, it was running extremely fast close to “shore”. I picked up a package delivered in the morning, spoke to the manager and made the decision to return to the nursing home for the night. In the 15-20 minutes I was in the park, the field water had covered the road and was flowing in. Not deep yet. I followed a truck out so could see depth and that the road was solid.

So.

10/24/2026

I am parked at the nursing home. Safe and level with full propane, gas and food. There are fields around the nursing home for walking with Emmett easily. I am not out in the boonies … a block off the main street of Del Norte, so easy for me to do whatever I need to do … like driving a bit to top batteries, getting any groceries or other supplies I want AND there is a very nice laundromat in walking distance.

I was exhausted last night as were Emmett and Oscar … partially/mostly anxiety probably. We all slept well.

Although I “know” a number of people from the RV park, most left as I did and I don’t have phone numbers. BUT, I walked with a woman not from the RV park who has permission to walk in the park and we have become friends. She drove into the park yesterday morning to check that I was ok and kept in touch during the day as well. She is of my vintage and just moved back to Del Norte. So … a local friend with a car :) !!

Although a bit of a pivot in plans, it is certainly not disastrous for me as it is for people who have/will suffer horrible property damage. My thoughts and prayers are for so many who lost so much: Pagosa Springs to Wolf Creek to South Fork to Del Norte and maybe Monte Vista … plus small towns in between.

Depending on the source, this is the worst flooding in the area since the early 1900’s.

My spot on higher ground by the nursing home:

Above, the building somewhat visible beyond is the grocery store.

Not done with rain …

Grumpy faced Oscar!