Sunday, September 14, 2014

Rt 95 South Hanksville to Blanding..a Hidden Jewel

I know, I’m almost a week behind…other then very sparse internet, there is no excuse….

DSC_0131

©2014Horst Kelly Photographer

So lets pretend its Tuesday 9 Sept….I woke up to a wet muddy campground….hitching up created more mud…when finished I moved the vehicle to a gravel area…and decided to take a shower and rid myself of this “Hanksville Dirt”..

DSC_0147

©2014Horst Kelly Photographer

Its now around 1130 and I pull out of the campground on rt 95…its starts to climb…Mmmmm what is this and soon enough I enter the Glen Canyon Red Rock Plateau …its overcast with some drizzle and rain…not good photo ops opportunity,,,but what a GEM…I did not realize that I was going to have  these vistas today…and views they where….when you’re up high and look down into the Canyons, it is a sight to behold….there where several places I had to be in 3rd gear, but Giff took it in stride.

DSC_0074

©2014Horst Kelly Photographer

A 120 or so miles later I when down the last rise and unto a plateau, pulling into Blanding…it was early enough and I wasn’t sure where I wanted to send the night..so I kept heading towards Bluff, Utah some 25 miles south…in the direction of Monument Valley…

DSC_0129DSC_0142

©2014 Horst Kelly photographer

I arrived in Bluff about the same time a “Torrential Downpour” started. Now  what..Bluff has three or so RV campgrounds, but I really wasn’t in the mood for that..as I drove throw this very poor Hamlet, I noticed a sign for “Sand Island” CG…a BLM sponsored facility…as I pulled off the road and went down a gravel road, I stated questioning my sanity. Its pouring rain with no end in sight and I am sitting on The San Juan River which looks like it could overflow any second. About this time a Ranger drives up…I ask him about flooding..”No way” in our lifetime is his answer…and tells me I have the whole campground to myself if I want it….I thank him, pull around to loop B and as I meandering around I see it…Site 19, right on the river, not much shade, but who cares….its still raining, I back in..decide to spend just one night here and mosey on…I pay my 5 dollars and settle in…

DSC_0065

©2014Horst Kelly Photographer

Colorado River

A couple hours of relaxation while listening to the rain hit the roof of Ms Casita, the rain suddenly stops…..going outside I finally realize what a hidden treasure I have found  in this campground…the name sure sounds familiar…and I’m thinking did I read in JerryC’s blog that they stayed here ….Anyway, it appears to be central to most of what I want to see, so I’ve decided to make this my “Headquarters” for several days…at 5 bucks a day….it certainly beats most places…it is something to write home about.

DSC_0056

©2014Horst Kelly Photographer

Sooo, the next 3 posts or so are going to be about doing stuff in and around Monument Valley…they will be posted as I can get to them…I apologize for that, but without instant internet, there is no easy solution…

DSC_0158 

©2014Horst Kelly Photographer

Sunset view at my Campsite…Sand Island

Till next time ….Happy trails…Horst sends

6 comments:

  1. Five bucks in paradise....wow!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just goes to show that Big Bucks doesn't buy one paradise. :)..I see you two continue to enjoy life to the fullest...keep it up!!...safe travels...Horst sends

      Delete
  2. Having a great time catching up with your travels!! I have had colitis for most of August and just been out of commission. Horrible stuff!!
    You truly landed a jewel....$5 a night is awesome!!!! Looking forward to hearing about your time in Monument Valley!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Was wondering if all was well with you Guys...Glad to see you're on the mend....I've been really enjoying this past month....more so due to just "winging it", and it seems to always end up better than my original plan...Monument Valley has been a treasure trove on at least two occasions...more to follow... :) take care of yourselves...Horst sends

      Delete
  3. Stay away from SE NM and west TX...hurricane remains headed that way!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I appreciate you thinking about me and where I am....currently in Page, Az...had intended to meander south to the Superstitious Mountain area...no go..rain all around...even here...I am leaving here tomorrow and going to land at Pagosa Springs Co... God willing and the Creek don' t rise...thanks again for the heads up...Horst sends

      Delete