Roving Reports by Doug P: 2020-22 Leadville Colorado, Along route 24

Monday, August 24, 2020

2020-22 Leadville Colorado, Along route 24

2020-22

Leadville Colorado, Part 1

Downtown Leadville Colorado
former Silver Mining town, now Tourist destination

Distance Traveled: 15 miles

Campground: Turquoise Lake, May Queen campground. Reg. $24, Senior rate: $12. No hookups. Water for filling water jugs available, dumpster, and pit toilets. All sites except a few are reservations only. I lucked out as someone was leaving, once again, just as I arrived on a Thursday no less and got the only non-reservable site at this campground. Note: the price went up from this past spring of $18 to $24. The campground as many forest campgrounds are now being leased out to private companies to manage and maintain.

Turquoise Lake, May Queen campground.

I had scheduled an apt. to have my windshield replaced on my exit out of the Steamboat Springs area. Auto Glass Masters of Oak Creek, about 15 miles south of Steamboat were able to replace the glass in no time at all. Professional, easy going, and Progressive Insurance picked up the cost, no deductible. So technically, I spent the night behind their shop in Oak Creek before heading out in the morning to my next destination.

my view for the night
after new windshield installed

Progressive Insurance paid for it, no deductible

Oak Creek, south of Steamboat Springs CO.

Tacos, ice coffee, and breakfast the next morning, all ways of supporting the local establishments. For a small town, they are being extra careful and were one of the first this past winter to close their ski slopes and insist on all the safety protocols due to Covid 19. Good for them. I had a stack of books I’d read, and before heading out, wrapped them up, wrote a note and mentioned I’d sanitized the books before depositing the little gift at the back door to a Senior housing center. Hope they enjoy a good read or two.

Distance Traveled: 122 miles

traveling Highway 24 to Leadville

What a spectacular drive, along hwy 24 (from I-70 to Leadville)

old mining houses, would make great resort cabins today.

On my way to Leadville, using my trusty apps, I found a great dump station and potable water at a rest-stop off of hwy 70. Then it was onto hwy 24, ascending 4,000 ft through the Tennessee Pass (10,424) and on into Leadville. The drive along this mountain road was not bad at all, though there were warnings regarding a 34 ft limit for trailers and a huge fine would be enforced if over that limit.

Stopped in Leadville for propane. Sure seems like I go through a lot of propane, but it is used for running the fridge and furnace on those cold nights (usually turning it on around 5am) in the morning. A quick tour of the old mining town, now tourist town before heading to Turquoise Lake to find a camping spot.

The road leading into town is currently being repaved. Shops and stores are fairly busy with tourists, though not quite as bad as Steamboat Springs. Looks like everyone is wearing masks outdoors and in the shops. That’s at least a good sign.

Well, only a few miles out of town is Turquoise Lake. I had a couple places around the lake for boondocking, but when I got to the lake, discovered signs everywhere, restricting camping to only established campgrounds. Soooo, with that discouraging information, I proceeded to drive around the lake in search of a campground. Ending up at the furthest end of the lake, at May Queen campground.

some snow capped mountains around Turquoise Lake

forest fires, smoke in area

one of 22 tunnels built to divert water from West side
of the Continental divide to the dryer, east side.

moody early morning shot of Turquoise Lake

I must say, my luck at getting a campsite continues. As I was nearing the campground, a camper was exiting. Checked out the self check in board, drove the length of the 24 campsites, and found the only site that was non-reservable. And it is at the end of the campground, close to the lake for gorgeous views. Score and a Yipee thrown in to boot. I’ve signed up for 4 days at half off senior rate. The camp-host was very nice and with the location, I think I may just stay a little longer.

Just a note: I have not made advance reservations all summer. With the flexibility of the Class C camper, I never worry about finding a spot to park for the night.

Now just so you don’t think this is all just me, driving around getting free or cheap campsites and it not costing anything. Let me share a list of things that have had to be repaired or replaced this summer travel season.

Oil and filter change, along with air filter cleaning (it’s a permanent air filter)
Steering wheel pump and line were damaged and had to be replaced (Big O tire did an awesome job, getting parts from the Mercedes dealer.
The combination, Radio, GPS, DvD/Cd player was acting erratically. Requiring me to reset it periodically. DVD player didn’t work. Replaced with a basic 6” screen stereo radio receiver.
TV died. Replaced at excellent price with same size tv and it operates on DC or AC. And the replacement TV weighs about 10 ounces compared to the old one that weighed about 10 lbs.
Mobile Tire service. Tire was flat. Repair guy found the valve stem was bad, replaced it. And all paid for by Progressive Insurance.
Windshield got damaged on a Colorado road that was being oiled and graveled. Warning signs to stay a good distance from other vehicles. Doesn’t help when someone passes me.

I will tell you that these are all to be expected type things that can go wrong with just about any camper on the market. The Class C was purchased as a 7 year old camper and I expected I would have a few repairs along the way. And I might add I always budget for such repairs or updates that might occur while on the road.

What an inspiring location to have landed in. Surrounded by Thick forests and mountain views at an elevation of 10,500 ft. A stunning lake, mostly fresh air, as the smoke from early this morning has cleared off creating clear views of those mountain ranges and lake. Waking up this morning to 49 degrees and this afternoons high is 76 degrees. Sunny skies, well, I just couldn’t be more pleased. Not a bad place to be as much of the country swelters in 100+ degree weather.

I’m enjoying another book. This one on my Kindle paper white, which makes for really easy reading as the font and background are perfect on the eyes. It’s a compilation of shorts stories created by various writers with the theme being Sherlock Holmes arrives in the U.S. Each one written with in a tight, quick style. Developing each story totally with excellent beginning, middle and ending. Makes me feel like I’m a fast reader having gone through a half a dozen stories in just a few days.

Part 2 will contain:

Tour of Historic Homes

Tour of Opera House

move to next destination, Twin Lakes and boat tour

More Photo’s

Leadville Colorado

No comments:

Favorite Camping Resource Books

Camping on a Shoestring, 3rd Eastern Edition by Don Wright (Great list of free and cheap campgrounds eastcoast, lists many city and county park/campgrounds)
Camping with the Corps of Engineers by S.L. Hinkle (a complete guide to campgrounds owned and operated by the US Army Corps)
Coleman, National Forest Campground & Recreation Directory (A detailed list of all the campgrounds in National Forests)
Don Wright's Guide to Free Campgrounds, Western Edition (Great list of free and cheap campgrounds, lists many city and county park/campgrounds)
GOOGLE SEARCH (Don't forget to use the Internet to search: use (city name, campgound, camping for your search)
Military Travel Guide USA (Lists all the Military campgrounds for DoD and retired military)
Passport America book (lists all the half price campgrounds)
RV Camping in State Parks, D.J Davins (A listing of all state parks)

Camping Club Info:

CAMPING CLUBS:

Joining the various camping clubs can be a great help. Each makes their own mark on camping and building communities within the camping world.

Many of the camping clubs I've listed are 1/2 off clubs. By joining, you get 1/2 off the camping rate for one night, a week and some are unlimited stays at their campgrounds.

Also, most everyone who plans on camping for part of the year or is thinking about full-timing get either the Motor Home or Trailer Life magazine. Both offer tons of helpful hints and trips to take throughout the year. Good Sam’s has Highways magazine which you get free with your membership.

I joined a number of clubs and magazines the first couple of years before I became a full timer, just to get an idea of what the community was like out there. After a couple of years, I’ve kept my favorites and dropped the rest. Listed in no particular order.

TIP: Always call ahead and inform them you are a member of a particular CLUB. Sometimes campgrounds drop out or change their policy. It's always good to call ahead and confirm they are still members in the club you've joined.

Escapees: It’s one of the best communities of Rv’ers you’ll ever find. With great support groups and individual clubs with just about every interest and hobby a person could think of. They own a number of campgrounds that you can get really great rates for camping and they provide a 10-15% discount at other campgrounds throughout the country.

http://escapees.com/index2.asp Membership: $60.00 + $10 enrollment fee.

Good Sam’s Is good, but personally I haven’t had much need for them, and their 10% off campground fees has not been much of an incentive. They do have lots of Rally’s and caravans if you have the inclination and are willing to pay for the trips. The trips can be very pricey.

https://www.goodsamclub.com/Membership: $29.95

Passport America: My favorite club!!!!!!!!

It’s a 50% off camping club that gets you 50% off the campgrounds that have signed up with Passport America, (1,800+ campgrounds) good online web site and book for browsing campsites.

If you join, please let them know your were recommended by:

D Palosaari C-271417

http://www.passport-America.com/main/default.asp

Membership: $44.00

Happy Campers: Another 50% off camping club and mirrors Passport America with perhaps a few different campgrounds than what Passport has. Their camp book is small and doesn't have good maps for directions.

http://www.camphalfprice.com/Membership: $49.95

Camping Club USA: recently merged with Passport America

Recreation USA:

I found this club on the Internet and it advertises that all of it’s campgrounds go for $10.00 a night. They also have a half/off section as well. I have been a member for two years, and though I've stayed at a couple of campgrounds on their list, many are no longer available or haven't heard of Rec. USA and I end up not being able to use the camping club discount. Always call ahead on this one to confirm that they are still participating. I've met the owners of the club and they are nice, it's just that they don't seem to keep up with the campgrounds who are supposed to be participating.

http://www.campingandcampgrounds.com/member_updates.html Membership: $44.00 per year.

Brief History

I grew up in the Copper Country's Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I started working from age 13 at the Copperama during the summer as a dishwasher. I remember being so small that I had to stand on two wooden pepsi crates to put the dishes in the dishwasher. After highschool, I attended Suomi College (a Finish oriented college) renamed to Finlandia University a couple years ago.

I had a chance when I was around 20 to travel to Florida with a co-worker from the Copperama (after our usual layoff in the fall) and upon arriving in Fla, I sent a letter home the second day and said, "I'm Staying". My Mom wrote back and said, "Stay, it's the best decision you made in your life.... and when you get settled, we'll come visit".

It worked out well, having moved from one peninsula in the U.P. to Florida, another peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. I love water.

Mom gave very little advice, but reminded me that no one would ever be able to take care of me after I left home, that I could not come back home after I left (except for a weeks vacation), and that I should never ask for a loan, because they didn't have the money.

What she did give me though, was some advice. And that was to look at the years my Dad struggled with making a living. Getting layed off from his construction work every winter until he finally got a job with the State of Mich. at MTU as a maintenance worker. Life was good after that.

So when I got to Florida, I got the hint and after a short period of working at 7-11 and a couple other small jobs, I started to apply for any Gov. job. City, County, State and Federal.

I finally got a job with the Navy starting out as a GS-2 temporary part time not to exceed 90 days putting cans of beans on the shelves at the commissary. My foot was in the door and a career that eventually spanned 31 years ending up as a Logistics Manager.

my desire to travel was realized after years of camping and enjoying the great outdoors. I got started camping just to save money and it became a lifelong source of joy.

Hint to those just starting out in the working world: Every job has it's fringe benefits, some are written down, some aren't. Learn what they are and take advantage of them.

Example: If I got on committees that required travel, I could travel at the Goverments expense. Plus, I could extend my stay after the work as vacation. The Gov. paid my way out and back for my job and for my vacation!

Dreams do come true. Stay focused and keep working on them and one day, yours will come true too.

Roving Reports by Doug P