I don’t make a decision to break camp until mid-morning.
Bridget, Spike, and I are up early, wandering around the now-empty Upper Rush Creek Campground.
The forest awakens.
We’re drawn to the noisy creek.
The creek runs behind each campsite.
I like a rustic campground.
We pass a corral for horses. Spike sneaks away and comes back muddy from the belly down. “Spike? A soak in the creek already?”
There’s something about being alone in the woods.
We stop for a few minutes to let Bridget rest.
Bridget sitting on this stump is just the right height for kisses!
Shall we stay or shall we go?
How wonderful to have a choice every day where to live! I decide to break camp and hit the road. “Let’s go to Eagle Lake today!”
We continue south on Rte. 299 and then take Rte. 139 past the town of Adin.
We drive across a wide valley of farms and hay fields which reminds me of Montana.
Fire is a real danger with dry grass all around.
Now we’re out of the valley and gaining elevation.
Aspens in early October brighten the roadsides.
Is this why California is called The Golden State?
Bright ribbons of yellow line both sides of the road for many miles.
I have a great crew!
Bridget and Spike know we’re moving to a new camp. They also know there’s plenty of time to nap while the PTV hums along.
Eagle Lake is up ahead!
At last the lake comes into view!
I know of two possible boondock sites at the north end of the lake. However, I see that the lake is very low making them not very attractive. I don’t want to camp where the crew and I have to walk a quarter mile to reach the water’s edge. Hmm . . . maybe the south end of the lake is deeper.
What a beautiful lake! I hope I can find a waterfront campsite.
A home on the lake is nice, but I’d rather have a home on wheels.
Part of the west side of Eagle Lake is open for private development.
The afternoon sunshine turns the lake a lighter shade of blue.
The rest is managed by the Bureau of Land Management or the National Forest Service (USDA). We pass Christie Campground which is closed for the season. The next possibility is Merrill Campground at the south end of Eagle Lake.
We’re almost there!
I drive into Merrill National Forest Campground.
I park at the information/self-pay station. Immediately Karen the camp host comes over to explain that half the campground is closed for the season. That’s no problem because it’s a big campground. She tells me there are three choices: full hookups, electric and water, or no hookups. I’m pleased to hear that the “cheap seats” are the best — They’re positioned with a clear view of the lake! I choose a site with only one neighbor and he’s not nearby. The Senior Pass price is $10 (no hook-ups but, good golly miss molly, look at that view!).
Home at last!
rvsue
rvsue and her canine crew 