RIO CHAMA TRAIL

After one day rest of having an inflammation shot to reduce the swelling on my rib cage I was once again rearing to head out on a trail.  And was told that I could, so up bright and early and ready to hit the trail, backpack filled with snack, lunch and plenty of water, we took to the Rio Chama Trail.
The day was beautiful with sun out bright and temps just perfect.  The Trail head starts at either Heron Lake or at El Vado Lake.  It runs through the Chama wildlife management area and it’s 5.5 miles-one way.  However, due to the fact that the trail does go through the wildlife management-we could only walk a ways before we had to turn around.  The wildlife management is closed until Memorial weekend, when it all opens up to hikers.
So being that we are camped at Heron Lake, we started at that end.  When first driving towards the trail head, you see what we would call a graveyard for junk.  It belongs to the state park and it’s where they either store or keep their extra docks; whether in good shape or not.  Also is a huge pile of large boulders that they use as blockage to areas they don’t want folks near.
But once parked, is a very nice area with a few picnic table and a couple of benches overlooking the trail head and the canyon.  Plenty of shade with large Ponderosas around.
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When first starting out at this end (Heron Lake), you will descend down a wooden staircase before you start with switchbacks until you get down to the river and the swinging bridge.

If hiking in springtime, be warn-you may get buzzed by hummingbirds; Specially if you wear red hat! 
As you approach the river you come to an extension bridge, or as some call a swinging bridge that goes across the Rio Chama.  This was built by the Youth Conservation back in the 80’s.  since then the State Park has tried to maintain this trail through federal grants.  The staircase and the bridge is solid, but the switchback shows signs of washout and abuse.  The repairs are done the best way it could be done.  However, this trail is not for those with bad knees, hips or are frail.
Many only go as far as the bridge, and then turn around, instead of taking the hike further on, as we did.  The bridge is really amazing as how it’s being supported.
           
       
In the above pictures, the first one shows the cables that support this bridge.  The second picture shows one of four cements that supports the cables. Third picture shows the size of u-bolts that are used.  And the fourth picture shows how far apart the boards maybe in crossing.  Word of caution:  if small children are with you-you might want to watch them closely-so not to get their foot caught!
And yes, you can make the bridge swing-we did! 
I was hanging on while Brian was both trying to take my picture and swing the bridge.
Now that you are done playing on the bridge, it’s time to take the hike.  At first we thought that we would climb back straight up the ridgeline-but instead we veered to the right and went along the edge-keeping the Rio Chama in eyesight the whole time.  Then we curved and slowly started the climb upwards.  We just went slow and steady and enjoyed the view. 
You are socked in with Ponderosa, Juniper and other types of trees.  Being it was morning, it was cool during this part of the hike, and breathtaking.
What seemed like we should have gone at least  3/4th of mile or better, we only went about 1/4th of a mile.  This was due  to the climb upwards and going slow.  We came across a picnic table out in the middle of nowhere, with somewhat a view through the tree lines of the Heron Dam.
   
As we continue on the hike, we came across an interesting spot where a large boulder had sometime recently broken off, coming down the mountain side and crossing over the trail before landing in it’s new permanent spot.      To one’s eye that didn’t know better, they would have assumed that this happened in the last few years.  But upon reading and researching it was learned that it happened back in 2005.  Here is a picture of the slide, and where the rock landed: 
     
There were points of the trail that was overgrown and narrow and at times we even wonder if we were actually on the trail.  The only marker you have is after each mile, if you look closely you may come across a mile marker.  The terrain was uneven crossing from rocks, to solid mud to needle pack or leave pack ground; and you really never knew what was or might be around the bend.  We always kept our eyes wide open and our ears tune to our surrounding at all times.
We finally came to a place where there was a marker that explained the area and that the overview from there was now overlooking El Vado Lake.  This was a good resting area for refueling our bodies with nutrition.
 
Farther down the trail we came across a spectacular view of both El Vado Lake and Heron Lake.
 El Vado Lake with the pennisula…You can’t see it well in this picture, but the middle house apparently was recently destroyed by a fire.  Can you image the view these people have?
We kept on this hike, we knew that we could not do the whole hike this day and would only travel half of it.  Every time we thought we might turn around, our curiosity would get the best of us and we would say “let’s go to the next bend”.  We still had plenty of water and we know that when half gone, we would have no choice BUT to turn around-for our own safety.
Anyways once again we said we would go to the crevasse in the rocks-but again we decided to climb through this crevasse and reach the top mesa before turning around.  It was very narrow and due to the weather warming, we had to go cautiously for unwelcome critters (snakes).  I only got half way up when I was greeted with 100’s of flies.  I told Brian to turn around and head back down.  Not sure what had caused all those flies, but we didn’t want to stick around and see either.  It was time to head back. (We soon later learned that at this mesa-the trail closes and becomes part of the wildlife management).
Heading back, a little slower, we came across some scat.  It belonged to a bear.  What discover that it apparently crosses here frequently because there was “old” scat with fresh on top.  As we were “examining” this scat, we heard noises below us and then a cub bear crying for momma;  It defiantly was time to get out of there! 
Whew-that was a little too close.  We both had our mace ready, whistles/horns in hand and we kept looking back over our shoulder just to make sure we were not being followed.
All-in-all we had a great hike and loved every minute of it.  We calculated on our GPS (E-Trex) that we hiked just about 5 miles round trip and took us 4 hours.  We had to take lots of camera breaks and of course water and food break.
   
Some day we may return when the whole trail system is open and due the whole thing-round trip. 

ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

We have been traveling and visiting New Mexico’s state parks now for over a month.  We started out at Navajo Dam near Farmington.  Elevation there was only at 6100 above sea level.
Now to some that isn’t really much-while to others anything over 4000 feet is too high.  Last year while working at James M. Robb/CO River State Park near Grand Junction, we had a older lady that came from the mid west area that got elevation sickness and we were barely over the 4000 feet.  She ended up having to cut her family visit and go back down to sea level.  I really felt sorry for her and her family-for that meant going almost back home.  I remember saying to Brian that I sure hope that never happens to us while we start our adventure.


Now 12+ years ago when we started to live in an RV and I went to my doctor for my “last” check-up with him; I remember him telling me due to the fact that I do have bad lungs (Severe Chronic Asthma)-I would have to take altitude climbing very serious and gave me strict instructions to go by;  and they were:  anything over 4000 feet, I must only go about 500 feet a day, come back down at night, got back up during daytime for about 2-3 days.  At any point if I felt heaviness in my chest-descend immediately and don’t go back up!  He didn’t think I could ever really go high in elevation and stay any length of time.


Have I taken his advise?  Well, no not actually.  And I haven’t done bad-until now….Since starting our travels, each year my asthma has improved greatly.  Recently I had donated my nebulizer machine to a clinic and no longer carry any kind of inhaler.  But I almost wish now that I at least have an inhaler. 


I had no trouble ascending from 4000 feet to 6000 feet.  Even at 7000 feet, I still wasn’t showing much sign of distress in my lungs or chest.  Oh I occasionally would have a little shortness of breath after extreme hiking and would have to take short breaks to catch my breath, but Brian too was having the same effect-so nothing too worry about.  Just take it easy and go slow.


Now that we have ascended to over 7500 feet, breathing started to get a little more stressful.  We have been here for over a week and only hiked a couple of days with rest in between.  Shortness of breath was coming more frequent-but for the both of us.  I notice since being here, that I’m a little more short temper and agitated and didn’t’ know why.  Surely by now we should be well adjusted to the elevation.  wrong!


Generally, yes, a week adjustment  is sufficient for some to acclimate their bodies to elevation.  BUT it actually takes 3 months for a body to develop more red blood cells to get your oxygen level back to normal.  During this time your body retains more water fluids that actually can go to your heart, lung and brain.


That still wasn’t the total case for me when we made a quick dash to the urgent care in Tierra Amarilla in NM.  I started out having difficulty a few nights ago waking up with what I thought was a racing heart.  I ignored it until it happened again the other night.  But upon getting up yesterday I still had chest pain (felt as though Brian was sitting on my chest and wouldn’t get off), and very short of breath.  As I moved around, I felt better.  Going into Chama to run errands, felt fine.  But after coming back and doing some work, the shortness of breath came back along with the chest pain and the racing heart.  I knew it wasn’t a heart attack, but also knew something just wasn’t right.


Upon entering the clinic I was taken back immediately. an EKG was taken and my theory was right-I wasn’t having a heart attack.  But it wasn’t my lungs either-for they had no wheezing and sounded clear.  Which also meant there wasn’t fluid building either.  So what was causing me to be in distress? 
The last several days we have been socked in with rain and humidity which was enough to cause an onset of severe inflammation on all of my cartilage in my chest and rib bones.  The inflammation was putting added stress on my heart-making it feel as though it was racing.


The doctor was hilarious!  As she is pressing on my chest bone, asking me if that hurt-Brian makes the comment back that oh no we got a quack!  She turns around and actually smacked him! 
But in all seriousness, I had to have an anti-inflammatory shot to reduce the swelling so that I can get back to enjoying life!  I actually had a wonderful team and got excellent care in such a small tiny community.
But at first the doctor talked about us having to descend back down.  I was devastated, for we already had paid for the Cumbre & Toltec Train ride and I wasn’t ready to leave the area yet!  I now don’t have to leave!


But here is a few tips for those that are planning on traveling to higher country and they are not acclimated to the elevation:

• Don’t go from 0 to 100 !  What I mean by that, is let’s say you are at sea level and you plan on camping at 10,000 feet above sea level.  Do it in increments.  Start at 4000 feet for a night, then climb a few thousand and stay for another night or two.  Providing you are not having any difficulties or your body isn’t in stress.  
• Once in high elevation: don’t over exert yourself-even if you feel fine.  Wait a day or two.  Even setting up camp can be stressful to your heart and lungs and you don’t know it. 
• Don’t drink alcohol the first night or two-again give your body time to adjust.  alcohol goes to the blood stream  faster  in higher elevation.
• Take water pills and an anti-inflammatory pill (ibuprofen) to help reduce extra fluid build up in your body.  But please consult your physician first; specially if you have any medical conditions.

Here are some signs that your body maybe in stress from high elevation:

• Headaches.  This is normal to most that ascend.  But if gets extreme-then it’s probably a warning sign that you may need to descend.
• Loss of Appetite:  This could be the beginning and warning sign that something isn’t right, don’t ignore it!
• Agitation or Grumpiness:  Remember, less oxygen the higher you go, which means less oxygen for the brain-can make one more grumpier than normal.
• Shortness of Breath:  this is very common when ascending and can be expected.  However, if gets extreme even when sitting down-then it’s time to think about descending!  Seek professional help!
• NAUSEA:  If you get to the point that you feel sick, you need to seek professional help and descend immediately!
• Dizziness Or Light Headed:  Once again-you need to descend ASAP!  This means fluid is starting to build and you need to go back down and seek medical attention.

Once fluid has started to build around your lungs, heart or in the brain,this becomes a serious medical condition and needs proper medical attention.  Thinking that descending is going to help, it will, but you will need professional help as well.  Folks die every year because they ignore the warning signs.  And don’t think age matters-it don’t….


Unfortunately because my lungs are damaged due to past asthma attacks, I will not be able to spend any time over 9000 feet and above.  I can go for the day and be okay, but not overnight.  So elevation I must always know how high I’m at.


Remember: this is just an advise, and before any elevation climbing, check first with your own physician before going on such an adventure and don’t ignore your own body’s warning signs.  Only you know what your body can or cannot handle.

EL VADO LAKE, NM

El Vado Lake is tucked away and does not get a lot of spring time visitors. Partially because it is so far out to the lake. Coming from HWY 84/64 turn onto Hwy 112, you go about 10 miles then turn right onto the Park entrance road and travel another 4 miles before entering the park.


When we pulled into this lush green park-there was only one other camper. 
We found a perfect spot with a fantastic view of the lake.  It actually was a shared site-however one half was being redone and no one was or would be working on it-so we had the whole area to ourselves.

Upon entering the park, we needed to fill our tank with water.  As Brian was busy doing this I was checking out other sites-just to make sure the one we picked was perfect. As I’m checking it out-here comes a 5th wheel in.
Now being older and not in shape-I make a fast dash to the car, and go park the car on our future site.  Whew-just in the nick of time, because that 5th wheel had the same exact spot in mind.
That site become ours for the next few weeks.  At one point we were the only campers in the park.  Occasionally we would see maybe one or two other campers coming in but only for a night or two.
Springtime at El Vado lake is very slow.  The lake isn’t big, however it’s the only lake near Chama that anyone can take a boat and run it wide open.  Therefore we have been told that come summertime the lake is very, very busy with all types of boats, pontoons, jet skis-you name it-if it’s got speed it will be on the lake.  While there-we were lucky to only see one or two boats on the lake.
Again we were fortunate because by summertime-the grassy fields will burn up and turn more brown than the lush green that we had the pleasure of enjoying.

Half of the campground was closed and only the main area (Elk Run) was open for business.  Elk Run has two full hook-up sites that are generally used for volunteers.  Otherwise sites had water and electric or were totally primitive.  Pinion Beach and Shale Point have no electric or water on sites.
Compare this park to Navajo it’s by far a smaller park run by only two rangers and was by far in much better condition.  Once entering the park you go from paved road to gravel roadways.  The main area (Elk Run) is more solid pack than Pinion Beach or Shale Point.  All sites in Elk Run gave you plenty of space for large rigs to get in and move around and you were not on top of one another.  Several sites were share sites-each having their own electric and water. 
No large trees to hit on, all were trimmed back to give the big rigs plenty of room.  Shale Point is not large rig friendly and there really is only a few sites down that way.  A smaller unit could get in there if they choose too. 
Being this park is more in the High Desert of the mountain area-there wasn’t really any big trees to speak of.  Lots of Juniper and Pinions.
Pinion Beach is large rig friendly, however, the road is not gravel pack as the main area was.  If no heavy rains are predicted, you could get in and out with out any mishaps.  Some sites were very secluded and close to the lake.  We wish this was open when we were there-maybe another time.
The shower building does not open until about a week or two just before Memorial Weekend.  There is a pit toilet near the boat ramp and one or two in the two areas that were closed.
As for wildlife viewing; many osprey's were nesting in the closed area.  And from afar we discovered a pair of eagles that were also nesting.  We came across some mule deer and enjoyed watching them romp around the rabbit brush.  

One of the reason’s of wanting to stop and spend time here was the trail that links El Vado Lake to Heron  Lake-The Rio Chama Trail.  According to research it would be a perfect place for hiking and viewing wildlife.
We didn’t realize that part of the trail crosses over to the Wild Life Management Area and therefore was closed on the El Vado end.  We were told by the lake manager the reason the trail was closed was so that hikers don’t disturb the wildlife as they are with their young ones. It would open again on Memorial Weekend.  Now in the same breath he then claims that Turkey hunting was allowed in this exact area that are closed to hikers!  Now-that made absolutely no sense what-so-ever!  It’s not okay to hike-where we are quiet and there only to view, not to hunt.  Hunters are there to hunt….What is wrong with that picture???
We took a quick tour over to Heron-and the Trail is open at that end…..no-it makes no sense at all to us…wonder if I need to contact someone about that situation and what kind of response I would get????
All-in-all we did enjoy our quiet time there at El Vado Lake.  But it was also starting to get boring since the trail was closed and so it was time to move on a little sooner than planned.  That’s why we love not being on any kind of schedule.
We decided to only go a very short distant-Heron Lake.  Here, there are three intertwining trails-including the Rio Chama Trail-that is open from this end.  More to look at, to see and to hike!

LAKESHORE DRIVE?

On most of the lakes and even some coastal areas of the Gulf, we have come across the most popular name for streets: Lakeshore Drive.

Lakeshore Drive usually means folks with lots of money that will have fancy homes and some being gated.  The streets are probably in better shape than the main streets in the town. 

Whenever we come across Lakeshore Drives we are always amazed by those that live in that area and then say to ourselves “not in our lifetime will we ever own such a home”.

Now I can honestly say we have come across a Lakeshore Drive that we actually could afford to live on-if we ever choose too to settle down….

This Lakeshore Drive is situated right along the western side of El Vado Lake in NM.  And I’m pretty sure that property value will never be extremely expensive here nor will taxes be high.  Not much money is spent on road improvements.

 

It’s almost a given that if you plan to live on this Lakeshore Drive, you will need a 4X4 vehicle and high clearance would be wise.  Only due to the fact that it was dry when we took our little tracker on this little tour that we didn’t need to put it in 4X4 ourselves.  But if it had been wet or even snow-we would not have gotten through.  some of the ruts I had to dodge and there were one or two hairpins that we prayed another vehicle was not flying around the corner.  We ran into one jeep at the beginning of this little adventure.

Lakeshore drive is 16 miles along the lake with homes and even campers tucked in where one would never imagine they could get in-but they do.  Some areas of the road is one lane only!

In order to access this road, there is a width limit across the El Vado Dam and is only 10-feet.  There is a warning sign that if you touch the barriers on either side-you must back up! 

         We have never come across a dam like this before.  Our teeth were jarred by the time we crossed over and our nerves rattled!

If you really like seclusion and privacy-then this would defiantly be the place to go.  There is however one minor problem to owning property in this section of Lakeshore Drive.  You can have septic tanks put in-but there is no water table for drilling your own well.  You have to haul water in from other areas.  The fish hatchery in Los Ojos every Tuesday allows those folks to come down and get free water.   A few will “sneak” into the park and fill water that way.

^{Homes that are tucked in along Lakeshore Drive.}

Now on the North end of El Vado Lake is a much more developed community that does have the fancier homes with sewer and water on the property and yes, private fences, however the road isn’t paved, but hard pack gravel and easy to get around anytime of the year.

After talking with the park ranger of El Vado Lake it amazes him on how many big RV’s will try to take this road to a few of their primitive campsites on the west side of the lake. When they finally get to where ever  they maybe trying to go, their RV’s usually have damage done one way or the other. It’s NOT a road for RV’s-unless it’s high clearance and made for that kind of roughness.

Lakeshore Drive does eventually end and become Hwy 95 to Herron Lake; which is adjacent to El Vado Lake.

WEEK OF 04-23-2012: Movin’ On

Our time at Navajo Dam was drawing to an end.  Although we are allowed 21 days at each state park, we left a few days prior to our time.  We came in on a Saturday-HUGE mistake!  We didn’t expect the park to be busy yet and it was.  And we didn’t want to keep our move days on a weekend.  We prefer a Tuesday or Wednesday.  So we bumped our move day ahead to keep to Tuesday.  The park was nice, but it was time to go.

But before we left we took time the previous week to go to the Aztec Ruins.  It was interesting to see and you learned a few things.  It’s amazing on how the Indians back then made their fortress. 

Also this past week we went down to the boat launch area and to our surprise sitting in the parking lot was a 101 foot, 30 feet wide houseboat waiting to be put back together and then put in the water.

Curiosity got the best of us so we had to go back down there the next morning.  We soon learned that this particular houseboat use to belong to a few big shots in the McDonald food chain out of Kentucky.

   

It was sold to local family in Farmington.  The houseboat traveled over 2600 miles!  Had to be in contact with D.O.T. all the way-closing some parts of highway (mainly with bridges) to allow them to pass through.  It had 5 pilot cars and took them one week to travel.

We did get to meet the new owner and he graciously and excitedly gave us a tour of the inside!  Six bedrooms, 3 full baths plus another 2 or 3 half baths along with a Full size laundry room.  Kitchen had a buffet bar not to mention the rest of the kitchen and then the living room.  All we could say was “Wow”! 

This is Ryker and his parents are the ones that just bought this!

Anyways that was our big excitement for the week before it was time to move on.

As we looked at the map we notice that there will be no Wal-Marts with in over 100 miles (one way) to our next few destinations.  So we decided the day before our move to head into Farmington to stock up on what we could for groceries.  And since our Anniversary (20 years) was a few days away we would head to a Chinese Restaurant.  The food was horrible and limited…but oh well…the company was great.

Once again we pluck in our next destination into Ms. Garmin to have her help guide us through the country side.  The next morning we are up and getting ready to head out.

Tuesday 4-25-12: I’m a bit nervous in getting the motorhome out of our spot.  I don’t want to hit the side of the tree and I fear of slipping and rolling the thing down the hillside.  Brian says I did a good job and didn’t hit the tree or rolled the rig.

Happy Anniversary and we are once again on the road.  As I stated we had our destination in Ms. Garmin.  When we came to a crossroad, we thought for sure she would keep us on Hwy 64, but instead she wants us to turn on some country road.  I pulled over and we decided not to take her way, but the old fashion way-the atlas.

Several hours later we arrive at the park.  Now we have been told by other campers that visited here years ago that it wasn’t a very pretty park.  We have to contradict them for we find it beautiful!  There are only one or two other campers and the park manager that lives on the premises.  It sure to be a quiet time here.

Because it’s springtime, is basically why everything is so green and beautiful.  As we eventually met the park manager, he states that this particular park will get busy and the grass will turn brown.  although El Vado Lake isn’t very big and a narrow lake; it’s a deep lake it will get very busy with boaters.  Heron Lake is just a hop, skip and a jump away and it’s not as deep and they don’t allow large motors on it-so everyone comes over to El Vado.

There is a 5.5 mile trail (The Rio Chama Trail) that links the two parks together and eventually we plan on trying to see how far we can get on this trail. 

But for now we just have been walking the closed section of the park in hopes to get a glimpse of God’s creatures.  The Osprey are nesting and there are three active nest in the park right now.  The one set doesn’t mind if I take pictures, but the other one has gotten a little testy when we get close.  So tends to call on her mate and he lets us know he is close by.

We have seen signs of both mule deer and Elk, but only have come across the mule deer so far.  I did get permission to spot light one night in the park for the elk-for they are inside the park late evenings.

Now across the way-I have spotted an Eagles nest-but haven’t been able to get close enough yet to get any pictures.  Taking another walk in the closed section of the park, we come across some fresh scat that we were not familiar with.  Going to the visitor center over at Heron-we soon learn it’s bear scat!  Then a camper informs us that there was fresh bear scat just below our site!  So again we need to keep a close eye out!

Since arriving here a few days ago, the weather took a turn on us.  We got hit with strong gusty winds that we (yes, including Brian) was fearing.  It felt as if the motorhome was being lifted up and off the ground!  Not to mention all the rocks and dirt that was flying right at us.  then came the rain (which we haven’t seen since leaving KS).  The next day, there was so much mud and dirt plastered on the motorhome and in every compartment.  But yet it’s still to chilly and nasty to get clean up and had to stay that way for a couple of days.

The weather since that storm has been in the lower 60’s and lower 30’s at night.  We yet have to see the sun come completely out-hopefully today and we will warm up!

APRIL 25, 2012-2OTH

We recently celebrated 20 years of blessed marriage.  Wow!  Where have the years gone? 

We got married in Freeport IL, at a beautiful county park just outside of Freeport.  We both still remember the day as if it was yesterday.  What was to be a small wedding turned out to be bigger than we both anticipated with over 100 guest.

Being that I was married previously-I could and would not wear white-so I had to find a dress that would fit the color theme that we had chosen; blue & pink. 

We both agreed that we did not want to get married in any particular church so we chose this park just outside of town that had a tabernacle and a reception hall.  When you rented the reception hall, the rest went with it-which made it perfect for us.  If weather was perfect-then we would be married outside, if not, then the tabernacle would provide us the shelter we would need.  It had no heat, but kept us out of the element.

We had to be at the park office on a particular day to sign up on a first come-first serve basis for Oakdale Nature Preserve for the day we wanted-April 25th.  We got our date, however the following week we get a phone call from the superintendent of parks wanting us to change our day because of Earth Day and they had planned on celebrating it at Oakdale.  We stayed firmed and said it was their error and they had our money-we won.

I made all the flower decorations for the wedding, and the lady that use to babysit Brian many years ago, made our cake.  We did our own food preparation with help from Brian’s family.  Brian’s brother Steve and his wife Diane came down the night before to help with decorating and Brian’s sister, Wanda video our wedding.  Our neighbor who was into photography shot all the pictures for us as a wedding present.  We did our own music on cassette.  My three girls, Becky, Melissa & Jessica would be my maid of honor, and bridesmaid.  And Brian’s best friend, Rick was his best man.

The most special part of our wedding was that Brian had become good friends with the previous minister to the church that he worked at and when he retired and moved to Southern IL, Brian called him said he was getting married.   Ernie (the minister) was honored to travel all that way to marry a good friend.  It would be his last performance as a minster for a wedding.  Ernie died later that summer….

In the weeks to come was busy preparing things and finalizing all for the wedding.  Where we had bought our rings, was from a jeweler that Brian knew and was friends with.  So he picked up our rings to make sure they were clean and all was perfect for our wedding day.  Two days before the wedding he brings them back claiming that there were stones missing out of my ring and it had to be sent away to be fixed.  I told him that wasn’t a nice joke to play on a woman days before her wedding and that I would get even one day….

 The day before the wedding we had the rehearsal.  Brian’s friend, Rick comes in wearing wild colors with a battery operated squawking parakeet on his shoulder.  The girls decided they would join in with Rick and act goofy.   It was very hard for both the minister and Brian to keep a straight face I panicked and was nervous!  We all  had a good laugh when Ernie came to the part with the ring exchange and our rings were changed out for a huge washer and a bolt!

We knew a few days before the wedding that a cold front was moving in. Brian was worried that I would freeze in my dress, and I refuse to wear a coat. So I quickly sewed a shawl to help me stay a little warmer.

Wedding Day:  Neither of us got much sleep the night before, but we were up bright and early and once again heading back to the park to make sure all was ready.  We had all the food there and ready to go with again help from family and friends. It was cold, windy and rain.

Then it was time to get the girls hair done and dressed and hope they didn’t get dirty before the wedding.  Then I had to get ready myself.  Guest were arriving and the excitement began.

As I wait just outside the tabernacle with my father and my daughter, Becky; my dad turns to me and said: “Girl, God has given you one last chance at happiness and a good man-don’t go messing it up”  Then becky turns to me and says: “Yeah, Mom, this is your one and last chance to run”.  So I pretended as if I was going to run and both my dad and Becky grabbed me, everyone inside was looking in confusion and then I walked down the isle with a smile on my face!

We really couldn’t have asked for a better day.  Sunshine would have been nice, but God gave us what he did and we accepted it.  The wedding and reception went with out any problems and the Park services was still able to do their Earth Day, just at another park.

20 years later; girls are grown,  Brian’s dad and his sister Wanda are both gone as well as both of my parents.  But our memories is still alive within us and we are still going strong for hopefully another 20+ years.

CLUSTER MODULE

Okay now you ask: What the heck is a Cluster Module?

Well, it’s what controls all of your dash board lights, ALL of your instrumental gadgets on the dashboard such as your speedometer, odometer, fuel and mileage just to name a few and then depending what else you might have on your panel.

Module Cluster-the bad one

One out of every nine manages to go goofy or bad on motorhomes.  So what causes them to go bad?  Well I will be glad to try and explain as the mechanic explained it to us.

When a motorhome is built, it’s starts with a car manufacturing building the engine compartment, frame and chaise.  then it gets sent over to the RV manufacture and here is where they actually build the remainder part of your motorhome.  It’s also where they add the extra blows and whistles they want to.  Some being important to a motorhome; like the back-up camera. 

But for some unknown reason they decided to run the slide-out mechanism and the out side step to the engine battery and cluster module.  When they do this, then they have to re-modify the cluster module.  When doing this is so easy for the RV Manufacture to cut, slice or damage that particular instrumental panel; which in our case they shorted it out when they spliced into it.  They overloaded the Cluster Module without it being re-inspected by the car dealership to make sure all is up to standard code. 

Now I’m not saying they should actually send them back-for I know this would cost loads of money-but they could hire a mechanic that knows what he is doing to inspect the engine compartment before sending them out to be dealt with the dealership and us consumers.

When taking a cluster module out and replacing it isn’t as simple as it appears.  Once taken out-and replaced, your vehicle will not start.  It must be hooked to a computer, and all the information for your engine must be reloaded into this new module. 

Computer downloading all the information into the new Cluster Module so that we can get back on the road again.

In the 2-1/2 years of owning our motorhome we have gone through 4 engine batteries, and 3 Ford Dealership before we found the one in Parker AZ that actually knew what he was doing!

 Our wonderful mechanic hard a work fixing our motorhome.

He took the extra step to finally find the problem.  One dealership mechanic told us that we needed to drive our motorhome at least 100 miles a day to keep the battery  engine charged!

Now because it was an add-0n to the motorhome by the RV dealership that actually caused the problem-Ford could have said no to the repair under warranty-causing us thousands of dollars; because the warranty under the RV was done. (RV warranty was 1 year-Engine warranty is 3 years).

So if you are ever having battery engine trouble on a new motorhome and it’s under warranty. Don’t let the mechanics push you around. Ask them to check the module cluster to see if it’s performing or if there is some kind of short in the system.

NAVAJO DAM STATE PARK, NM

Navajo Dam State Park is straight west from Farmington, NM.  Just outside of the town of Aztec on Hwy 550 you will turn right onto Hwy 173.  Hwy 173 gets used a lot by the oil & electric company with their large trucks and the road is good but will jar things around in your rig a little.  When you come to the town of Navajo Dam, turn left onto Hwy 511.  Once you cross over the dam, and go around the curb about another 1/2 mile or so, you will veer to your right into the park.


Once upon a time this lake was quite huge, but due to recent years of drought, the lake is below normal pool level, but still big enough for bass boats, houseboats and jet boats to have a little room to play.  But on a busy weekend-one will have to be more cautious than maybe during the week.


The campground itself is very rustic looking and for some large rigs a bit intimidating.  We ended at Pine-main.  There is a combination of both elect/water, full hook-up and primitive sites in this loop.  Pine has 5 separate loops from A-E.


In “A” loop is where you will find the full hook-up sites-but only just a few. the rest are electric with the exception of one site that is primitive. All the other loops in Pine have either elect/water or are primitive. 
Just past the dump station, if you turn right you are in “E” loop. Turn right at the bathroom again, go around the loop and on the right side you will come across a gravel type road.  Going in is three sites, one has access from the paved road while the other two are from the gravel road.  The road is narrow and very uneven.  the lower site is just about impossible for any size rig to get in.


Not rig friendly, but perfect for a tent or two.


however the very last site, rigs can get in-but don’t expect to be on even ground.  This is where we parked and had a great view of the lake.


  We had a great view from all four direction and loved this spot!  This was a primitive site.


Although there has been large rigs in Pine-main, it’s really not designed for large rigs.   The road is narrow with breakage on the edge of the roadway, making it impossible not to hit branches or to drop off. We even seen one 5th wheel scrapping the tree and doing damage to his antenna not to mention the scratches he put in his rig.  Here is a view of some rigs in spots and notice how they just about stick out in the roadway:


   
These rigs are nearly in the roadway! 

I’m not saying large rigs shouldn’t camp here, for once here, the view and rustic of the area is just gorgeous!  But word of caution:  If you are a triple axle or unsure with your large rig, I might suggest going to Cottonwood for camping.


I also might suggest if you are a large rig coming in; once entering the campground, the dump station is on the right and down the hill.  If you stay on the main road, to your left is “A” Loop, go just past the host and playground (on left) you come to a three intersection: one is “B” loop with a one way sign-stay out of there if your big!  not much room to move around.  But instead veer a little to your left (you will find a green fencing on your right where there is a gas well-follow it).  You are now in “C” loop and there are one or two sites that a big rig might fit in.  But keep going around the bend and you soon go into “D” loop. There are sites on your left with great view of the lake and marina.  These sites are a little more accommodating for the bigger rigs.  But word of caution: only one site is not reservable….


Once again you will come across yet another gravel roadway, and although we checked it out-there was no way we could even possibly think of getting our small motorhome down there!  We did see a truck and small camper down there, but we also saw evidence of his spun out when he came back out and I’m sure he had to put the truck into 4-wheel drive.  But nice sites for tents!


This is not RV Friendly!  They use too large of rocks for their roadway.


Pine is not the only campground in this area.  You also have: Pinon, Cedar, and Juniper campground.  These three were closed and only open just before Memorial Day and close shortly after Labor Day holiday.  They are all primitive with vault toilet; with the exception of Cedar having flush toilet and shower building.


When you first turn left to head towards these three campground, you start out on black top, but once you cross over the cattle guard it becomes gravel.  It’s mostly hard pack, but getting closer to Juniper campground, you climb up hill and it seems the gravel is a little more loose in this area.


Gravel roadway to Juniper-Here it starts to get a little loose compare to the rest of the hard gravel.

Pinon Campground allows no RV’s  and believe me, after walking it, if you don’t have a 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle-we would not suggest even considering this area!  the road is very un-even, rough with large rocks and many ruts.  Sites are okay with some nice private sites and views of the lake.  I wonder if anyone has gotten into trouble with their vehicle in this area and had to be hauled out?


This is the roadway to Pinon


   Cedar and Juniper is a little bit more RV friendly with some sites that have great view and/or privacy for those that wish it.  However, once again, the road is narrow with bush hanging out in the roadway, deep ruts with large rocks.  If I owned a big diesel pusher-I would NOT want to bring my rig in here at all.  I would not want to come into these areas if there were any intention of rain-you just might find yourself-stuck....


                


Navajo Dam also has two other campgrounds besides here.  Cottonwood is below the dam and just off of 173 just before you get to the town of Navajo Dam.  It’s a gravel road, but a good road getting into the campground.  the sites appeared to be more level and wider and as I stated earlier, more RV friendly.  They do not have showers but have flush toilet and a dump station.


You are on the San Juan River with great fishing and wildlife viewing.  We were here during the day and saw a young buck coming out of the water and constantly heard wild turkeys.




The only downfall that we could really see to camping here was the knats and mosquitos!  We hate both, so opted of not coming here to camp.


there is also one other park called Sims Mesa-we did not adventure to that side and cannot say what that is like.


As for the cleanliness of the Parks wasn’t all that bad.  Not a lot of trash, but fire rings we notice could use a cleaning and could see evidence of past campers that have thrown it down the hill-us included.  Our fire ring was full, so making sure no hot spot-Brian scooped up most of it and flung it down the hillside. 


There is a campground host and he seems to be very friendly and was helpful to us.  Not really sure of his job description, but we did notice that he might clean one site, but totally skip another site.   One site has had trash in the fire ring now for the whole time we have been here and no one has bother to clean it up.
The park rules states no glass bottles outside of your vehicle while inside the park, but again evidence showed that people don’t pay attention to rules. 


I can’t speak for during peak season, but off season there is no rangers around other than in the visitor center.  If coming in you pay your fees through an honor box system that is located at the entrance of the park, and again at Pine, Pinon, Cedar & Juniper.   Both Cottonwood and Sims Mesa the honor box is at their entrance as well.  The only time we saw evidence of a park ranger was on the weekends.  We were told by the host that two do live on the premises.


Bathrooms were clean-but not spectacular.  I think they fear cleaning the showers the most,  the whole time we stayed here they might have gotten a hose down down once or twice-but that’s it.  Brian and I said that when we use to contracted for the C.O.E. and would get a “white glove” inspection-this would not pass the inspection!  But good enough to use-until the weekend groups came in.  We have been in cleaner and dirtier-so I guess we take this as being in the middle for cleanliness.


When we took a drive down to Cottonwood we both were completely appalled to what we saw.  Our American Flag completely tattered, faded and worn out!  Upon emailing pictures and a letter to the main office in Santa Fe-the Flag was replaced immediately.  It should have never been allowed to be let go for that long and there fore made us a little disappointed in New Mexico State Park and hope we never come across this again….


     

Would we ever come back here?  Oh yeah!  Even though the park is a little out of date, and we understand cut-backs.  The peace and tranquil here in the high-desert mountain was awesome!  I’m sure however during peak season this place is booming.  That is why we choose to come in early spring before the crazy starts.