My new local friend, Diane, picked me up and we went to the RV park so see how things looked.
The road in had a few large puddles but was not covered and surface was firm. The river was still running fast but was within its banks. The river sites now look like river bottom: dirt, sand and other river debris. They will likely have to redo all of the sites and roads to those sites. The walk is covered and we will not be walking by the river. There is good walking on the other side of the park.
The water came up to my former site but did not cover it. Only one site in the upper section got water and not too much. Power is on and water is from the city system and is good.
I could have gone back today, but it is supposed to rain overnight again plus it is nice to be next to the nursing home to visit and to be able to take Emmett.
The forecast is for the river to continue falling to its normal level even with tonight’s rain. And this week is to be sunny and dry.
Unless something unusual happens, we will move back to the RV park tomorrow late morning after a morning visit with Emmett.
I would not have wished this flooding at all, but it did give me an opportunity to see how things went for several days without full hookups. I used the generator a little, my EcoFlow battery backup as usual for USB charging, vacuum charging, grain mill and stand mixer. I was in water conservation mode which went fine. Actually, doing dishes with less water is more challenging than showering with less water!
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.
It is probably hard to see from the photos, but obvious to me walking by the river every day. It is running HIGH and FAST!
There is a chart with the minor, moderate, max that shows the crest near 6 foot tomorrow evening corresponding to the warning.
I suspect that here in the RV park, the river will overflow the banks possibly to the walkway and maybe even to some of the river sites. The river sites are closed for the season.
My site is not only another 300 feet or so away but also approximately 3-4 feet higher. I don’t believe any RVs here are in sites low enough or close enough to be flooded, but it is the closest I have ever been in any situation to flooding.
Some of the household is not that concerned, although Emmett has pretty much been damp all day. We started 2 walks with no rain, but always got caught towards the end.
I did NOT ride to visit my folks. I told them I wasn’t going to if weather forecast was correct but my mom called me in the afternoon to make sure that I was not riding and was safe in my RV.
It is nice to be “sitting” with no need to move! I took Sunday as a day for myself, but otherwise have been riding my bike to the nursing home to visit and have lunch with my mom and her husband.
The bike ride is easy on a nice bike lane and so far weather is cooperating. I’ve been lightly sprinkled on twice but otherwise missed some rain and wind squalls. The ride is 1.5 miles and takes me 10-15 minutes. I’m usually gone about 2.5 hours. Emmett and Oscar are doing fine with that … glad to see me but not over the top and they both look like I woke them up!
The staff and my rv neighbors are all very nice and the grounds beautiful with opportunity for short or long walks. It is a good place to be!
Sunrise over the Rio Grande.
Sunset over the RV Park.
Above, the Rio Grande from the River Walk.
Snow on the mountain tops and lovely sky and tree colors.
I have been a bit up and down as far as energy … felt really good the 3rd day, then a day where I struggled … altitude, I think. I always feel better after the bike ride so pushed through it all.
Today, felt very good after a very good night’s sleep.
Emmett seemed to be struggling a bit also. He was off his food for 2 days but last night and today all normal. I read that dogs, particularly senior dogs (Emmett is 8 1/2) sometimes stop eating as they adjust to altitude.
We are settling in nicely at this point and enjoying all of it.l
I made this mostly chatting video and tried to link it to a previous post but YouTube was not having it. And I looked at other posts with YouTube links and they were all broken. I checked just now and all seems ok … fixed or some internet anomaly. I don’t know. This is not anything very exciting … me talking and some background views of Colorado City.
Meanwhile, my get up and go got up and left … maybe combination of travel day, vaccine, and altitude. I am sitting at 7980 feet here in Del Norte. I had hoped that the gradual trip would ease me into it. Not really altitude sickness, just tired which is like the combination of all as noted.
I am drinking plenty of water and some electrolyte enhanced as the “humidity” is less than 20%, i.e. very dry. Emmett and I took a long walk and I have my bike ready so will try the trip through town. I’m fairly sure that it might be better to move rather than sit…
***Edited (evening) to add: I did bike to the nursing home. Easy ride as there is a bike path on the main road through this small town. Per my watch/phone, it was a bit over 1.5 miles and took me 8 minutes. No stress and flat, easy pedaling. I sat with my folks at their lunch and then came home. A good first day here. I almost didn’t go on the bike but am so glad I did. My mom was so happy to see me and I got the first bike trip done.
Back at home I took a nap, walked with Emmett, took another nap :) !! More like cat naps but hopefully a good night’s sleep. Ultimately, I think it was good to kind of push through the “slows”.
We left Colorado City about 9:45 and had a nice drive … short stop at a park (??? didn’t record name) about 35 miles down the road because a lot of unusual noises of things… all well, one cupboard decided to have a bit of an issue but resolved, Emmett and I walked and on we went.
Stopped next at Walgreen Drug in Alamosa. I got my COVID and Flu vaccine. Got gas and propane. Arrived Del Norte at the nursing home where my mother and her husband are. Had a nice visit and I took Emmett in as they love animals … their dog is living with a former neighbor who brings Buddy regularly.
My Mama and Emmett. Mama is 91 and she looked great!
As she explained, it was her shower day and she was “not dry” … referring to her hair :)
We visited a bit and I explained where I would be and dependent on bike/walk so we would all see how it worked.
On to the grocery which is right next to the nursing home – YEA! And I was semi-familiar with it from last December visit. Mostly stocked up .. I was tired so missed a few things, but still … Wild Thing II could deal with a mini apocalypse food wise!
RV Park is beautiful!
Not the prettiest site, but I have no entry door neighbor which makes the early morning out easy.
Lovely grounds!
A paved walk around the park … next to the river…
The money shot!!
Lovely setting and so nice that there is a walkway that allows all to enjoy.
The color is spectacular … maybe peak.
So happy to have arrived safely, to see my mom looking well, to see Emmett meeting my mom … stellar arrival day.
***edited to add … it is SO quiet… rural RV park far from a highway and just quiet. So happy!
