Sawtooth Canyon Campground is a free BLM campground.
As I write this, the crew and I are the only campers here, except for Ranger Jim and his wife Janet who are camp hosts. Our campsite has a picnic table, shelter, and fire ring, all in good condition. It’s tucked up along big boulders which provide privacy and a windbreak.
Our campsite is next to the kissing rocks.
I love to camp where I can turn 360 degrees and not see any evidence of human presence.
The only campsite near us and it’s vacant!
Let me go back in time to . . .
Monday, November 5
Spike investigates not far from our campsite
Karen and Randy from Apple Valley, California, come by as I’m finishing a breakfast of raisin bran outside the BLT. (They’re a couple I met at Owl Canyon Campground.) It’s nice to see them again. Of course they have their three adorable rat terriers with them!
From left to right, Pearl, Rattles, and Pixie
Walking the dogs around the campground together, we join fellow campers, Joan and Francois, for a brief visit.
Later that day Spike, Bridget, and I see a coyote behind Ranger Jim’s site.
An early arrival for dinner (Photo zoomed and later enlarged in editing)
Jim has a pool in his backyard that attracts various wildlife. I learn that coyotes have an extensive vocabulary of sounds. What songs they sing for their supper! Jim says he sees the coyotes flush the chukars, and then the coyotes jump up and catch them in the air.
The boulders at Sawtooth Canyon are much different than the tan rocks at Alabama Hills or the lava rocks at Fossil Falls.
Tuesday, November 6
I’ve enjoyed visiting with Francois and Joan the past few days.
Here come Joan and Francois for a last visit.
They stop by this morning to use my air card and return my California Benchmark map. We exchange emails and phone numbers and hug goodbye.
The crew and I are going to stay at Sawtooth Canyon Campground for several days.
The weather is wonderful, highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-50s, all week. I read online that temperatures for the Barstow, California, area will drop to a Saturday high of only 54 degrees and a low of 37 degrees.
The kissing rocks from the other side.
I hope the predicted cold overnight will keep the rock climbers and campers away over the three-day weekend. I’m selfish. I want this entire campground all to myself while I pay nothing!
rvsue
Canine Corner: “Spike behaves himself” by Bridget
Good boy, Spike!
I’m very pleased with Spike’s behavior lately.
He didn’t embarass himself again when Pixie, Pearl, and Rattles visited us the other day. Young Pixie came over to him, and instead of slobbering around her like a lovestruck fool, Spike discreetly looked away. He actually listened to me when I told him she’s way too young for him!
How ya’ doin’ Bridge?
Not only did he control himself in front of our guests, he’s been very attentive towards me lately!
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I don’t agree with that. I’m going to keep working on Spike. It’s a big job, but I’ll make a gentleman out of him yet.
rvsue and her canine crew 