2 Months on the road. April 16, 2012, 12:30:17 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129899My wife and I have started a 2+ month road trip in our 2005 26.5' MB! We are having an outstanding time! I like that the Lazy Daze allows us to camp in unimproved areas and enjoy all of its conveniences (we have 2 solar panels). We started at the Circus Circus KOA (around $53 per night),in Las Vegas (don't ask, it stays there!). We then went to the Grand Canyon ($9 per night), Rancho Sedona RV Park ($38 per night) and are now in the Usery Mountain Regional Park ($25 per night) in Arizona. We have been staying as long as we want and planning our next location when we know we will be finished with the current one. Wonderful way to travel! Thanks to this forum, I have found many new locations in Arizona and New Mexico. In a few days we leave for the Saguaro National Park and start seeing that area. We do not have a toad, so we are a bit limited. During our travels, we want to see Carlsbad Caverns, Yellowstone NP, Bryce NP, Zion NP, maybe Mt Rushmore and points in between. After Carlsbad Caverns we will check out 2 or 3 locations in New Mexico and then head north. My wife and I would appreciate suggestions as we travel and I am hoping that I can check in and get ideas for our next few weeks of travel.Thanks, Lance
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #1 – April 16, 2012, 12:39:30 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129900Quote"During our travels, we want to see Carlsbad Caverns ...and I would appreciate suggestions as we travel..."Thanks, Lance Lance Since you obviously do not avoid commercial RV parks I suggest that you check into the KOA located about 13 miles north of Carlsbad. You won't be sorry to find that they will deliver your pre-ordered dinner right to your LD door.Steve S. Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #2 – April 16, 2012, 12:53:31 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129901Kartchner Caverns State Park is not to be missed. Very unusual and unique. A pristine cavern, unlike Carlsbad. The cavern in Sonora Texas is very nice. http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.htmlGo there after Saguaro (Kartchner is East of Tucson on AZ-90).best, paul"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive... to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."~ Marcus Aurelius During our travels, we want to see Carlsbad Caverns, Yellowstone NP, Bryce QuoteNP, Zion NP, maybe Mt Rushmore and points in between. After Carlsbad Caverns we will check out 2 or 3 locations in New Mexico and then head north. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #3 – April 16, 2012, 06:10:09 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129904"My wife and I have started a 2+ month road trip in our 2005 26.5' MB! We are having an outstanding time! We do not have a toad, so we are a bit limited. "LanceSounds like you are having a great time. Before pulling a toad, we would rent a car occasionally to explores areas unavailable to the LD. Enterprise delivers within a certain range and so do most car rental companies. We used the LD for day touring but many times it wasn't any more expensive to rent a small car, once the fuel expenses were added in. In a car, you can see and explore so much more and have a less stressful time doing so. You probably will not be in these same areas soon so make sure to see everything you need to and eliminate any future regrets. It's cheaper, monetarily and psychologically, in the long run.Larry
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #4 – April 16, 2012, 11:33:32 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129910Silver City NM is in an interesting area. If you're there, consider the museum at Western NM State U. where there is a fine collection of Mimbres pottery. wnmumuseum.org says "the largest, most comprehensive permanent exhibition of prehistoric Mimbres Mogollon pottery and artifacts in the world..."John
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #5 – April 17, 2012, 10:47:40 am Yahoo Message Number: 129915Quote My wife and I would appreciate suggestions as we travel and I am hoping that I can check in and get ideas for our next few weeks of travel.Thanks, Lance Hi Lance, I'm going to Patagonia Lake beginning 4/25 (or 26th) in mid-southern AZ...we may have others from the LD Southwest group along, too. This isn't a formal GTG, but it looks to be a fun venue. We share toads, too!!Lisa and Ghost Rider
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #6 – April 17, 2012, 11:41:42 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129939Thanks for your recommendations!My wife and I will be leaving the Usery Mounta
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #7 – April 18, 2012, 09:46:46 am Yahoo Message Number: 129943We tripped across Kartchner Caverns last year and loved it. There is a great story about how it was discovered and saved. We stayed in the very nice state park campgrounds there. Keep enjoying your travels.John & Patti Golden, CO__Kartchner Caverns State Park is not to be missed. Very unusual and unique. A pristine cavern, unlike Carlsbad. The cavern in Sonora Texas is very nice. http://azstateparks.com/Parks/KACA/index.htmlGo there after Saguaro (Kartchner is East of Tucson on AZ-90).best, paul[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #8 – April 18, 2012, 09:53:44 am Yahoo Message Number: 129944If you go to Kartchner Caverns, be sure you take both tours. Well worth the extra time.Dick
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #9 – April 18, 2012, 10:00:08 am Yahoo Message Number: 129945Rockhound State Park
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #10 – April 18, 2012, 12:29:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129952Hi John, Do you have a recommendation for a place to stay
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #11 – April 18, 2012, 04:12:05 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129957We were there 9 years ago so the news is pretty stale. We used an in-town commercial cg "Silver City RV" that was pretty plain but had hookups and was an easy walk to town and the University museum. Since we go toadless like you, we were happy there. Back then the Gila Cliff Dwelling had a BLM campground just a few miles from Ag City. Easy access to the archeology site as I recall.I really would like to get back to that area sometime. John
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #12 – April 18, 2012, 05:00:08 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129958"LANCE M" wrote: recommendation for a place to stay in Silver City? --- No recommendation to offer (I rarely stay in an RV park), but many people find the "RV Park Reviews" website to be helpful; here's the link for reviews for Silver City: http://rvparkreviews.com/regions/New_Mexico/Silver_City.html Joan
Re: Silver City NM RV parks Reply #13 – April 19, 2012, 12:00:11 am Yahoo Message Number: 129971Quote Hi John, Do you have a recommendation for a place to stay in Silver City? Thanks, Lance Lance, we stayed at the KOA there several yrs ago and it was very nice. Friendly staff. KOAs generally have more amenities than we need (and they charge for them), but I've had pretty nice experiences at KOAs. http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/New_Mexico/Silver_City.htmlChris (currently in Cerritos, CA parked in front of Pat's cousin's - with special permit from the city, of course)
Re: Silver City NM RV parks Reply #14 – April 19, 2012, 12:32:59 am Yahoo Message Number: 129974Lance, the Silver City RV Park right
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #15 – April 19, 2012, 06:07:01 am Yahoo Message Number: 129977If you're going to be
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #16 – April 19, 2012, 08:44:00 am Yahoo Message Number: 129980There are a couple of nice campsites along NM 15 on the way to Gila Cliff Dwellings. Primitive sites with no water or tables but they do have potties. However, NM 15 is kind of a Mr. Toad's wild ride. We were there in March. Even in low we heated up the brakes. The view from the 2 peaks you climb is incredible. There was a recent fire somewhere near Copperas peak We spent one night of that trip at City of the Rocks parked in between two other LDs. On our way out, this fellow came up to talk with us-he turned out to be the fellow who sold us our rig! Lk in 87 tkSent by iPhone
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #17 – April 19, 2012, 08:45:46 am Yahoo Message Number: 129981The catwalks trail was a blast. Bighorn is right on the road and nothing special at all. But free. Lk in 87 tk
Re: Silver City NM RV parks Reply #18 – April 19, 2012, 11:52:14 am Yahoo Message Number: 129985I've gotta jump in and HIGHLY recommend Rose Valley RV Park. It's in town, but feels like out in the country. Big open spaces. Walking distance to Albertsons, some restaurants. Great staff. Rustic western atmosphere. When full timing, we stayed here 3-4 months at a time. http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/New_Mexico/Silver_City.html http://rosevalleyrv.com/Where ever you stay -- hope you enjoy Silver City and exploring the surrounding areas. Fun, funky little town.Deena
Re: Silver City NM RV parks Reply #19 – April 19, 2012, 04:44:15 pm Yahoo Message Number: 129988Quote I've gotta jump in and HIGHLY recommend Rose Valley RV Park. It's in town, but feels like out in the country. I second this recommendation. Check availability if you plan to be in the area during the weekend of 5/5. The Tour of Gila, cycling race will be underwater.Malcolm Yosemite NP
Re: Silver City NM RV parks Reply #20 – April 20, 2012, 10:03:39 am Yahoo Message Number: 130004AND -- another very busy weekend is Memorial Weekend, when Silver City arts council sponsors an annual FREE blues festival. Most RV parks and motels are booked well
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #21 – May 06, 2012, 09:42:58 am Yahoo Message Number: 130381Hi! We are one month into our trip and below are the memorable locations we have visited so far:Las Vegas Circus Circus KOA, park ok, expensive but Vegas was fun. Usery Mountains Regional Park, near Mesa, AZ. Wonderful Sonora desert campground with electric and water. Great hiking. Kartchner Caverns - nice campground and "living" caverns were memorable. Gila Cliff Dwelling Monument, AZ - beautiful area and cave dwellings. Stayed in Silver City. Carlsbad Caverns, NM, were spectacular, stayed in the Carlsbad KOA. It was best in area. Villanueva State Park, NM - Great place to stay, secluded campsites, beautiful views, nice hiking. Lake Trinidad State Park, CO, nice campsites, pretty area, some hiking and biking. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO - Awesome campsite, views and hiking. We liked this best so far. We are now traveling to The Mount Rushmore National Monument. Will be looking for places to stay in the Black Hills National Forest area. Then off toward Yellowstone National Park.As always, I appreciate any suggestions.Thanks, Lance
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #22 – May 09, 2012, 05:26:01 pm Yahoo Message Number: 130435Quote"...and below are the memorable locations we have visited so far: Carlsbad Caverns, NM, were spectacular, stayed in the Carlsbad KOA. It was best in area.""As always, I appreciate any suggestions."Thanks, Lance LanceI have two suggestions... As you travel west from your present location see if your path takes you to Garryowen, MT and the Custer Battlefield. You wont regret it. There's a good RV park located on Reno Creek. And if you have a hearty appetite there's the Crow Indian Trading Post just across from the entrance to the battlefield where you can find the best fry-bread tacos this side of heaven. Turning back south to Ranchester, WY take Rt. 14 over the Big Horn Mountains and on into Cody, WY. DO NOT miss the Buffalo Bill Museum; www.bbhc.org/ It will cost you the better part of two days but it's well worth it. When you're not in the museum try the breakfast at the Erma Hotel downtown. There's a nice RV park on the curve in Cody; Codyponderosa.com Now you are situated for an advance on Yellowstone by just following the road west out of town.www.bbhc.org/ Codyponderosa.comSteve S. Lazy Bones & Jiggs
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #23 – May 11, 2012, 09:28:20 pm Yahoo Message Number: 130507Thanks, we do not have time to go to Garryowen but will go to the Ponderosa RV park as you have suggested. Lance
Re: 2 Months on the road. Reply #24 – May 13, 2012, 09:37:10 am Yahoo Message Number: 130528Really enjoyed Custer State Park and Mt Rushmore Memorial. Crazy Horse Memorial and Mammoth Digs were good. Saw lots of wild life at Custer State Park. Had bison just outside of our campsite, fed burros from the windows of our RV and saw lots of bison and deer, pronged horn antelope, prairie dogs, wild turkeys and hugely beautiful sites on the wildlife loop. We are headed for the Madison Campground, in Yellowstone today, from Cody Wy through the East Yellowstone entrance.