Jesse found my camera! Cleaning out a bag of clothing handed down from Friday, he came across the camera! I was so excited that I immediately ran around trying to re-take photos I’d already taken with the analog camera. Now that I will be able to post pictures, you might begin to understand why we are loathe to leave. The white rectangle at the far end of this picture is our trailer. We figured out that Labor Day weekend is coming up and today will head to town to get online and try to figure out if we should stay here (free and we’re already camped, so we definitely have a spot) or move on to Navajo Lake and Mesa Verde. Without reservations, I’m not sure we should even try to leave. Yesterday, Ellen, Pike and I hiked up a mountain across
the valley from us and got very close to the ridge top. Ellen was very dissapointed not to get to the “bridge” but did make it all the way up. I carried her down, but we very impressed that she got to the top herself. In this picture, above the large group of trees you can see a small green saddle of grass. That’s where we got to. You could see almost all the way to Chama from there; it was amazing. I took pictures, but now that I have the digital camera, I just might have to drag everyone back up there to take more pictures.
We had thought we could make a run for California and meet up with everyone at the Mullarkey campout, but honestly, I can’t imagine the trailer could make it into the campground and we just can’t tear ourselves away. We’re thinking of heading to Elk Creek Campgound (has a river and water; we last only 3-4 days on 35 gallons of water, especially with Jamie taking a shower daily) as it seems just as beautiful and the kids would have creek water to play in. Not too excited about paying the $14 nightly fee after camping free for a while, but it would be nice to have water. 
We’ll definitely be in the Bay Area by Sept 11-15th but we might have to make a dash there.
We had planned to leave here tomorrow, but we’re getting used to the altitude and wonder about finding places to camp this weekend. If I can’t get reservations or find a place to boondock, we just might stay in this area. Wouldn’t have to twist our collective arms…
Please tell Sissy “Happy Birthday” for me!!!!!! Don’t know when you will see this, but whenever it is, pass on the message to her, please. The area you are now in seems peaceful and very pretty. I am certain the quietness is intoxicating….and very addicting. I have been glued to the TV today watching the horrific scenes from one of my favorite areas……N Orleans and the Gulf Coast. I see that you read my post, so you know how I feel about that place(s).
I look so forward to reading your posts and hearing about your adventures…..and afterall, everything IS an adventure, isn’t it? I am just anxious to get on the road again and see what is around the next bend and over the next hill. Well…..better close so you don’t waste all your time reading this…..hahaha
John