Hello -- Getting situated etc

[Starlight]

Hello Van Buddies !!

Just in case anyone was wondering where I disappeared to --
well --
I'm camping near Mancos, Colorado.
Very nice - except it is "monsoon season" and the afternoons are usually stormy. After this next weekend, the weather should be calmer. Looking at weather maps, it looks like the entire four corners area is in the weather pattern. Otherwise, it's cool in the shade.

Madden Peak Road (FR 316/568) is an easy camp, but there are others in the area (Echo Basin Road-- very popular with locals). I don't get to town but every few days, and don't know when I'll be online next.

Just starting out on my camping adventure - it has taken time to get organized and get rid of and/or acquire the stuff I don't need/need. It's quite a trick with a minivan. My biggest problem is -- my tailgate is jammed or not working-- can't get it to open. It was easy access to things.

To Patrick --
I mixed the metallic aluminum with regular green rustoleum paint- and, you were right, alrighty -- it streaks -- but I did it anyway. Just don't look too close and you can't tell. I know, I know -- you warned me.

I hope all are having a wonderful summer.
I'm looking for another camp as good as this one, that doesn't require a whole lot of mountain driving -- close to a small town, etc. I'm just enjoying the camping side of it... rather than doing the tourista thing.

luv

 

[wayne49]

Hi Starlight,

Is there stuff up against the tailgate that might be pressuring the door against the latch? Maybe you already tried that.

Hope you get calmer weather soon.

-Wayne

 

[Patrick46]

To Patrick --
I mixed the metallic aluminum with regular green rustoleum paint- and, you were right, alrighty -- it streaks -- but I did it anyway. Just don't look too close and you can't tell. I know, I know -- you warned me.

hey...as long as YOU are happy with it...nothing else matters!!!

Good to hear that things are moving foreward for yas.

as for the tailgate issue...
is it binding?? Does it even close all the way properly??
The hinges my be shot, or maybe there's an issue with the latch mechanism. Have you tried good 'old WD-40?? Sure couldn't hurt!

 

[akrvbob]

I'm pretty sure I've camped on that road before! Two of my favorite places in Co are Leadville which is a pretty good drive away and Ridgeway which is pretty close. Take 550 from Durango north to Ridgeway. 550 is in my top 5 favorite drives in the country!!! It's gorgeous. Ridgeway is a great little town! It's where John Wayne shot his move "True Grit" very beautiful area. It has little shopping but Montrose is just north of it and it has everything you could want.

I also highly recommend Leadville. It's a larger town with a Safeway. Vail is 30 miles north and has a Walmart just outside of it. Lots of beattle kill at Vail so it's not pretty anymore. Great fishing at leadville!
Bob

 

[Starlight]

Thanks for the tips, Bob.
As a matter of fact, I had looked at Ridgway first-- to live there. Neat little town, I thought.
Frankly, I wouldn't take the 550-- I'm hoping to limit white knuckle mountain driving.
I might make it the round-about way in a couple of weeks, not sure.
It would be great to know the best forest roads-- (short ones... hopefully)... around there.
I'm wondering if I might make it to the RTR this year-- if I can find it (specific directions helps).

As for the tailgate -- I might be able to access it through a plug/hole on the inside. I can manage without using it. I wish I had a camera -- I'd send pics. I'm keeping my eye out for a cheap used camera-- not phone-- that runs off AAA batteries. Once I get that going, I can work on my website. Tra la la -- just camping for now and really liking it.

Luv to you all. I couldn't have managed any of this without your help. mwahhhhh

 

[akrvbob]

Starlight, It's been awhile since I camped there and I've forgoten the specific directions. The one I can tell you about are down on 550. One problem is that you aren't going to have cell or internet at any of those campsites, just too many mountains.

You would be very welcome to join us for the RTR!! It's going to be a lot warmer there than anywhere in Colorado that's for sure. I'm sure there is a very specifiic map on the gatherings page at the top of this page. Just click on the "Gatherings" button and there is a map. If it isn't clear email me and I'll make sure you make it.

The dates are January 6-20, 2014

 

[Starlight]

Thx Bob-- that's what I like about camping around Mancos, CO -- four bars on my phone. I'm going to check out Bob Moore Reservoir north of town... albeit hwy 184 is under construction-- heard something about a music fest or amateur show or something near there.

The RTR on the Gatherings folder is for 2014. I won't make that one...
If I remember right -- when I tried to follow the directions on google maps just to see where it was -- it was tricky to find the road you were referring to-- which I guess ran along I-10 and then turned south --???
If you make another map of your site, would you put an X on a google earth pic or something???

 

[akrvbob]

I haven't updated the post yet but it will be in the same place. Here is the map. Is this not clear enough? Remeber, there is a verbal description of how to get there on the post.
Bob

 

[akrvbob]

I haven't updated the post yet but it will be in the same place. Here is the map. Is this not clear enough? Also, the dates are January 6-20 of 2015, not 2014.

I hope you can make it, if not then maybe next year!
Bob

 

[Starlight]

Thank you, Bob.