September 19, 2013

From Moab to Capitol Reef to Bryce Canyon

A Most frustrating day!

I put a lot of time into researching our destination taking into consideration distance, type of road, weather, etc.

I wanted to stay at a campground at Capitol Reef NP.  When I researched it I read reviews that suggested we arrive early as all the sites are first come first served. 

We set the alarm for 6AM and pulled out of Ken’s Lake Campground by 8AM.  I went to gas up while Monte went to the feed store to dump the tanks.  We were delayed by road construction and didn’t arrive at Fruita Campground until noon.  We had driven 150 miles to get here and IT WAS ALREADY FULL.

What was frustrating was that there were actually some tent sites available and there were several different large RV sites being occupied by a small car and one tent. 

We couldn’t find any place to stay so we decided to skip Capitol Reef and continue on to Bryce Canyon. 

 

We called the campground.  There was a recording stating that there were sites available.

 

Just as we were approaching the town of Richfield, Monte radioed back to me that his check engine light had come on.  NOT AGAIN. 

The truck was running okay so we continued into the town because we both needed gas.  When Monte saw there was a Dodge Dealer he went in and asked if they could read the code.

It turned out to be an accelerator position sensor.  They didn’t have the part but said they could order it but it would take 4 days.  The mechanic assured Monte that it was safe to drive and if the light were to come on again he could just pull over, turn off the engine for a few minutes and the light should be out when he turns the truck back on. 

When we told him we were going to be going to Zion next week, he said we could go to the dodge dealer in St. George to have the sensor replaced.

By the time we arrived at the Bryce Canyon entrance booth it was 5PM.  There was a sign stating that the campground was full. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We didn’t enter the park but went back into town and pulled into the Bryce Canyon shuttle parking lot to work on plan C.

We called the RV park directly across from the parking lot.  They only had one site left in their overflow lot.  We could have it for a mere $29.50 for no services.  We passed on the offer.

Monte checked on his GPS for BLM or Forest Service campgrounds.  There was one 10 miles away.  When we tried calling we kept getting a message that all circuits are busy.

We drove to the campground and, YEP-full.  BUT the camp host told us about a very small 4 site forest service campground up the road that might have an opening.  There is no sign on the road advertising the campground located one mile off the main highway down a gravel road.

 I mentioned to the host that we didn’t have that much water and he let us fill up.

On the road leading to the campground I disturbed a herd of antelope.

We found the campground and WOW- there was one site available. 

We paid for four nights.  Our next destination is Zion.  I had originally planned on us staying in the park but I think I have to do some more research and try to find a BLM or Forest Service (or a boondocking spot) outside of the park.