Where Have I Been?

A Dusty Trail, A Crib Board, and a Whole Lotta Miles

Good morning! You might be wondering where I disappeared to—or maybe you already guessed I was off chasing another camping story. Either way, buckle up. This one’s got dust, drones, card games, and a whole lot of “Are we there yet?”

We hit the road on July 15th like a couple of gypsies, and day one was a beast—418 miles (that’s 672 km for the metric folks). We rolled into a campground at 9:45 p.m., just fifteen minutes before the gate slammed shut. The camp host gave us a look that said, You two are either very brave… or very dumb. Probably both. But hey—we made it. Barely.

We snagged the first pull-through spot like pros and got to work setting up camp at NASCAR speed. Hoses were flying, leveling blocks were tossed, and prayers were muttered. I didn’t have time to enjoy it—I was up early cooking breakfast and washing dishes like I was auditioning for “Camp Wife of the Year.” By 10 a.m., we were back on the road.

🚗 Chasing Dennis Down the Map

Cell service pulsed sporadically, like a radio struggling to find a clear station, but I managed to keep in touch with Dennis most of the way.

He told me to watch for him between mile markers 404 and 406. Simple, right? Except we were currently cruising past marker 581. And the numbers were going up. 590. 600. 617. What in the reverse GPS magic was happening?

By the time we entered the Cell Signal Bermuda Triangle, Rick was just following his gut and the tires. And boom—just like that—a “Welcome to Utah” sign popped up like a congratulatory banner. Mile marker 407. Close enough!

Dennis had said he’d be parked “just past the snow fence,” which would’ve been more helpful if there weren’t fifty miles of snow fence out there. But miraculously, we spotted his dusty white truck waiting for us. We followed him four more miles down a dirt road, and there it was—his campsite, with Vicky and the dogs waiting to greet us.

🐜 Camp Life and Cowboy Vibes

After miles of dust and searching, we finally exhaled at camp. Rick and Dennis leaned against the truck, channeling their inner cowboys, swapping stories and kicking tires. Vicky and I dropped into our chairs and instantly became dinner for the bugs. I finally hollered, “I’m setting up the screen tent!”—and marched off like Wonder Woman, only to realize halfway through I was gonna need backup.

But we got it up, and just in time to visit without bugs. It didn't take long before I crawled into bed—long before the first star twinkled. Sunsets are for other people. I’m a sunrise girl through and through.

Turns out Dennis is too. He made it to about 9:30 before declaring to Rick, “I’m done,” and disappearing into the night.

🎣 No Fish, Just Fun

We were camped right near Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Gorgeous spot—close to the water, no shade, and apparently a fishing paradise. But we don’t fish. Rick’s idea of sport is driving, and mine is staying caffeinated and keeping up.

So off we went—56 miles (90 km) to Vernal, Utah. Now that was a cute town—only 10,000 people, which made Kalispell (population 31,000) feel like a metropolis. We stayed on the main roads and took in the sights.

Once we got back, the real competition started—crib. We didn’t count how many games we played, but it was enough to say it got serious.

Dennis had won a crib board at the 2023 family reunion, but only two players can play. Vicky doesn’t play, so Rick and Dennis duked it out until Rick got hot. Then we switched to Mom’s crib board so all three of us could play. Dennis may have whined more than me (which is saying something), but Rick was on a roll.

🚙 Scenic Drives and Sick Days

The next day Dennis wasn’t feeling great, so Vicky took us on a little sightseeing tour. She showed us some of their favorite spots—and scoped out a few new ones for future camping trips. One place, called Sheep Creek, had Rick practically drooling. It was prime drone territory.

Of course, he didn’t bring the drone that day. But no worries—Rick was up before dawn the next morning, back at Sheep Creek with his drone, getting all the shots he’d dreamed about. That man loves a good backroad and an aerial view.

🛶 Boats, Rocks, and Imaginations Gone Wild

Sunday, we planned to go out to breakfast with Dennis and Vicky… but missed it. So instead, we ended up at the Red Canyon Overlook, and oh my stars—it was breathtaking. Down below, boats zigzagged through the water like toy ships. I imagined what it would feel like to be down there, looking up at the tiny dots we were above.

Vicky mentioned rocks breaking off the cliffs and crashing into the water, and my imagination immediately staged a full disaster movie. Rick, on the other hand, was focused on the rafting takeout point. So the next day, off we went again to find it.

Cute picnic area. No camping spots. But we did get to watch the rafts glide by with folks casting fishing lines like they were in a commercial.

👋 Time to Roll Again

And just like that, it was Tuesday. Time to say goodbye. We gave Dennis and Vicky a week of our company, and they gave us a week of theirs.

It was dusty, loud, beautiful, a little buggy, a lot scenic, and filled with good crib games and great company.

Would I do it again?

In a heartbeat. Maybe with a little more bug spray. 😉