Royal Gorge, Colorado - Back in the Mountains!

Dean  (the husband)
Shalane  (the wife  :O)

OBJECTS ARE FARTHER THAN THEY APPEAR!  That is the sign that should appear as you enter Colorado.  As soon as we saw the mountains in the distance, I felt like we were getting close.  After what seemed to be two more hours of driving, the mountains still appeared to be the same size and the same distance away.  However, I am happy to report that we finally made it!  I'm sure that even a blind person knows when they've hit the mountains!  You can smell it!  And you can feel it!  It was SO much cooler, there was very little humidity, and the smell was intoxicating!  

The next task was to find the Royal Gorge Campground that was listed on freecampgrounds.com .  The directions were, to say the least, a little confusing.  The problem was that they started with telling us to locate “Buckskin Joe’s.”  We knew that if we could find that, the rest would be simple.  However, “Buckskin Joe’s” evidently closed it doors a while ago.  As the sun was setting, we finally found what looked to be an entrance to a previously operational theme park.  Sure enough, upon closer examination, we discovered the very faded words, “Buckskin Joe’s.”   At this point, following the directions was easy, and we made our way to the campground.  To our fellow boondockers and wild campers, this campground is one of the BEST free campgrounds  we've ever seen!  The views are breathtaking, and it's clean and has large sites.  We didn't need our air conditioner since we are back up in the mountains, but we did use our fan the entire night powered by the solar generator. We are loving it!  :O)

Today was spent in an amazing place called The Royal Gorge, just outside of Canon City, Colorado.  We plan to go back tonight, so I will save our report for tomorrow’s post.  It’s wonderful to be back in the mountains!  (We even had to put our jackets on this morning!!!) Happy Trails!

Ya Learn Somethin' New Every Day

 Dean (the husband)
Shalane (the wife)

Yesterday was yet another great adventure for us.  We had decided to spend a couple of nights at a free primitive BLM campground called Meadow Valley.  It is a couple of miles south of Spring Valley State Park near Ursine, NV.   It is a beautiful campground located in a gorge, so it’s surrounded on both sides by steep mountains.  It really does provide some breathtaking views.  We always learn new things when we’re out camping, sometimes through experience, and sometimes through the quiet “think time” that comes when we’re out enjoying the peacefulness of our surroundings.   Here are a few things that we came up with this time around.

1)  Canyon breezes at night can be quite extreme.  We tried to put up our  portable shower/restroom shelter last night at about the same that the winds developed.  Needless to say, we decided we would wait until the next morning to do get it done.   Had this been video taped, it would have been worthy of America’s Funniest Home Videos!  Related to this, is to make sure everything that can blow away in the wind is secured.  This is one thing that we do seem to be pretty good at.  For instance, it would make for an uneasy sleep, as the wind roars through the canyon, to wonder if your solar panel will be there in the morning. 

2)  Before crawling into the back of the truck for the night, it is a good idea to make a checklist of all items that you will need BEFORE closing the tailgate and back window.  As soon as we got nestled into the cots, we realized that the fan that we use to keep us cool before the nightime chill kicks in, was still in the front of the truck.  This wasn’t the first time this had happened.  We have decided that from now on we will make a checklist of the “must have” items  before crawling in for the night.  I’m not gonna lie.  It’s a pain in the rear-end to get out of the truck once you’re all closed up and tucked in.  I try not to drink too much before bedtime, because I don’t want to have to get up in the middle of the night.  So far, so good.  ;O) 
3)  It is far less expensive to Greendock in the back of the truck than to take our entire trailer.  First of all, there is the difference in gas mileage.  Pulling the travel trailer to the Eagle Valley Resort, we got exactly 10 miles to the gallon.  We have had the chance to fill up one more time, since we unhitched the camper, and  I am happy to say that we got just a little over 15 mpg.  In previous posts,  we have mentioned the month long trip that we are planning in July to go back east.  We originally had talked about pulling the trailer, and it would cost in the neighborhood of $1600.  Without anything hitched up to the truck, it should only costs about $1070 in diesel.  That’s a difference of $530!   Another reason this is so great is that anytime I purchase something that Dean wants to complain about, I can just say, “Hey, we’re saving over $500 on gas!
4)  The other great thing about Greendockin’ in our truck, is knowing that we  can go just about anywhere we want. For instance, the campground that we are at now discourages trailers and motor homes due to the narrow roads leading to the campsites.   I have heard of other people converting vans into campers, however, they would still be limited on just how far back into the rugged countryside they could go and not have to worry about destroying their vehicle.  There is so much of the western United States that is owned by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management).  This land is, more often than not, free to camp on (usually with a 14 day limit).  Cheap camping in a beautiful setting is an unbeatable combination, but, again, often times you need a good truck to enjoy these lands.    True.  Even Beaver Dam State Park, where we were at the other night, only allowed Rvs about half way into the park.  After that, the roads get even worse, and you REALLY need a good truck to get back into campground number three and to the waterfall trailhead.
5)  Being in love is even better in a secluded mountain setting.  ;O) 

The six reasons why we chose a Solar Generator over a Gas Generator

 Dean (the husband) Shalane (the wife)

Since our blog is all about going 'green', you are probably wondering why a solar generator would have 5 other reasons other than just that, going green.  There are a number of things that came under consideration, and here they are:

1. UPKEEP COSTS ARE MUCH LESS

Although a gas generator with as much or more power can cost much less upfront ($300 to $1500), looking at the big picture, after adding the cost of gas, oil, spark plugs etc.,  the upkeep cost could really add up quickly if I were to use the generator often.  (I plan to use it almost daily.) The Powersource 1800 solar generator that I chose cost $1697 but has no costs to operate it.  (The batteries may need to be replaced after 5+ years, but that is all that I can think of for extra costs.)  

2. SOLAR GENERATORS CAN BE USED INSIDE

  I can use a solar generator indoors.  With a loud, pollution filled gas generator that would not be an option.

3. SOLAR GENERATORS ARE NOT RESTRICTED

Tied to that, a solar generator can be used in virtually all campgrounds, because it doesn't smell or make any noise. (The only noise I hear is when a tiny fan kicks on sometimes to keep the generator coo.l)  There are resrtictions at many campgrounds about gas generator use.  

4. STARTS PAYING FOR ITSELF IMMEDIATELY

It will cut back on utility bills.  As full time RVers, we often stay in one place months at a time and pay a monthly fee for the site, but we pay a separate fee for electricity.  By plugging in our laptop, lamps, fan, etc., to the generator, it's a great way to save.

5. GREAT FOR USE IN AN EMERGENCY

I will be able to use the solar generator in almost any emergency situation.  For instance, after an ice storm it can sometimes take a few days to get electric power back, but  I won't have to worry about conquering icy roads to get gas.   If the entire grid goes down, I won't have to worry about whether or not I have the fuel I need.

6. FINALLY, IT IS GOOD FOR THE EARTH

 It runs off of a renewable resource and it does not throw off pollutants, so I can feel good about going green and doing our small part in saving our earth's environment.  

Now, I do want to point out a couple of things that you should know.   If you plan on using it ONLY in emergency situations, don't just buy it and stick it in the closet until you need it.  I say this, not because it is difficult to set up, but because it must be charged using an electric current, and then depleted, at least 3 times before you plug in the solar panel.

Lastly, the time that it takes to recharge the solar generator is about 5 hours, so it's good to plan a little ahead of time when you're going to need it.  Obviously, this is just an average.  With more directly sunlight it could be less and with a cloudy day it could be more.  Overall, we have been VERY pleased with this generator.  I did hours upon hours of research before choosing this particular model and have not regretted the decision.  Again, if I've missed anything, or if you have any specific questions, please leave a comment, and I will be happy to respond.

I have to add that when Dean told me what he was buying and how much it cost, I wasn't so sure it was a great idea.  I didn't think a solar generator could produce much power, and I thought the panel would be too cumbersome and too fragile. I also couldn't imagine that it would be small enough or quiet enough to use in the RV.  I was wrong on all accounts.  My husband was right on the money with this one, and I'm so glad we have it.  I guess he's more than just a pretty face.  :O)  He's also good for baiting my hooks and cleaning the fish I catch.  He doesn't catch as many as I do, because he's too busy taking the fish off my pole.  As it turns out, he's smart, handsome and handy.  :O)  Oh, we did post a link for the Powersource 1800 if you want to check it out.  They should totally pay us for this awesome ad we just posted for them.  I don't know what our blog will be about tomorrow, but, until then, Happy Trails! 

Greendockin' - Boondocking With a Twist



Dean (the husband) 

Sunset in Pioche, NV

 Shalane (the wife)
Alot of people might be wondering what the word, 'Greendocking' or the way we put it "Greendockin'" means. Well, it's tied to the word "Boondocking" which is when a camper is camping without any utility hookups such as electricity, water, or sewer. We use the term Greendocking instead of boondocking to imply that while doing so, we do everything we can to help the environment by using renewable resources. For example, we provide electricity through a portable solar generator and cook using our solar oven whenever we can. We also have a solar shower for hot water. A lot of people will use a generator while out in the "boonies," but this takes gas and makes alot of noise. All that noise takes away from the quiet, peaceful reason for being out in nature for you and for anyone near you. The portable solar generator takes about 6 hours to recharge using the solar panel. I can then run a lot of different things on it as it comes with 5 places to plug in. The solar panel takes just a couple of minutes to set up and plug into the back of the generator. Don't get me wrong, the Powersource 1800 generator that I have will not run a full sized refrigerator, but I can run a tv, laptop, lamp, etc. with it just fine.

We are certainly not the first ones to do it.  People have been Greendockin' for quite awhile, we just coined the phrase.  We are excited to be able to live these adventures and are MOST excited to be doing it in an earth friendly way.  Dean and I look forward to  meeting some of you that are just getting started with Greendockin' and some of you that have been doing it for years!  We're so glad to have you along, and we thank you for your support.  Happy Trails!

The portable solar oven that we use is very light weight and is perfect to travel with. It is a lot like a slow cooker or crock pot. We're still experimenting with ours and will report on later after we've used it a little more. However, you don't have to look around much on the internet to see that many people have had great success with solar cooking, and it's a great way to use our natural, renewable resources.  We have yet to try our solar shower. We did purchase a portable shower house to use as a restroom.  When there are neighbors around, we have some privacy for our showers, potty breaks and changing clothes.  Again, we'll give more reviews on these products after we have had a chance to make use of them more.  Also, I will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have if you drop a comment at the bottom of the blog. Furthermore, we would love for you to leave comments of advise, ideas, and things that have worked for you.  We hope to be able to give more tips in our blogs, like how to stay warm on the coldest of nights and the best recipes for solar oven.