High Dump Station Fees Discussed

Above, the dump station at Malibu Creek State Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The topic of campground charges for using their dump station came up at RV Travel.

This involves people stopping at a campground that they're not staying at while on the road. I had to do this in September while on the way home from Ridgway, Colorado. The sewer cap at my campsite was wedged tight and so was the empty neighboring campsite's. I decided I wasn't going to waste my time in struggling to get one or the other off. So I just left.

Along the way, I stopped at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango and used theirs. They charged a fee of $15.00, even though I was in their computer as a two-time customer. I'm used to $10.00 fees for dump station usage, but felt $15.00 wasn't too outrageous. So I paid it, emptied my tanks and was on my way.

When I lived in California, I would use the dump station at the Malibu Creek State Park Campground. A $5.00 fee was charged.

The article begins with a couple's experience with a KOA Kampground that charged them $50.00 to use their dump station.

Here's a snippet:

John and Casey reported, “KOA charged us $50 to empty our tanks yesterday. Is that the going rate now?”

“Hold on,” Cliff interrupted. “You mean all you did was dump your holding tanks? $50 is outrageous!

In agreement about dump station fees

Almost everyone around the campfire agreed that KOA’s fee was far too expensive. Newbies Jeff and Marla wondered, “Why not just empty tanks at the campground where you spend the night?” Cliff explained that often small-town parks, for example, may not offer sewer hookups or a dump station.

There were reasons given why fees are charged by campgrounds. They include inconsiderate campers, environmental regulations and to help pay for amenities.

To read more, go here.

Home Again

Above, at the Ross Family ranch set from True Grit (1969).

This morning, I headed out of Colorado for New Mexico.

Before leaving, I was going to empty the motorhome's holding tanks, but the cap to the outlet (or is it inlet?) was stuck tight. So I decided to skip it and find an RV dump station along the way.

I got on the road at about 7:00 this morning. The drive was a pleasant one with a mix of pine trees and aspens, which were in their fall colors.

Above, the house used as the Ross Family home in True Grit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The price for gasoline in Colorado was over $4.04/gallon, so I decided to get gasoline in Farmington, New Mexico for $3.99. The drive was mostly downhill and I was able to coast the motorhome. I had over a quarter tank of gas starting out of Ridgway. When I reached Farmington, I had just under a quarter tank.

Above, the Welcome To Colorado sign on Highway 140. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I took the longer, but more scenic Highway 140 out of Colorado to Farmington. I tried to go to the Fort Lewis Country Store, but I couldn't locate it and there were no cars around to indicate where it was. So I gave up.

Before leaving Colorado, as I was entering Durango, I saw the 8:30 Durango train heading out of town. 

Above, at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I decided to use the dump station at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. I've stayed there twice. So I paid their fee and emptied the holding tanks. Since the nighttime temperatures are dropping, it is best to keep the tanks empty.

I got home at 1:25. Before reaching home, I stopped at Big Ass Burger in Thoreau to get a cheeseburger and their famous curly fries.

All in all, it was a good trip.

May As Well Stay Home

Above, Durango's Alpen Rose RV Park fishing pond. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past several days, I had been thinking about taking a trip to Durango, Colorado to escape the heat. I just checked the weather forecast for Durango and it is no better than Jamestown, New  Mexico.

Durango is just as hot and has chances of thundershowers.

According to the National Weather Service, here's the Durango forecast this week:

Tonight

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 10%.

Monday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Breezy.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy.

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

I may as well stay home and save some money. Oh, well. So much for that idea.

High Altitude RVing

Above, camping in Durango, Colorado, which is at 6,522 feet above sea level. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I live at 7,000 feet above sea level, higher altitudes have not been a problem for me. I've gotten used to it. That includes camping at those same altitudes.

But here are some people who may encounter high altitude sickness and other issues.

RV Life reviews camping at high altitudes and potential risks involved.

They begin with:

Camping In The Mountains? Here’s What You Should Know About RVing At High Elevations

RVing offers a unique and exciting opportunity to explore diverse landscapes. Your journey will likely take you through various terrains, including breathtaking mountainous regions. While these high altitudes provide access to mesmerizing views and plenty of campgrounds, it’s important to remember that RVing at such heights presents its own set of challenges and is not always an easy ride.

It takes time for our bodies to adjust to elevation changes. Rushing into steep inclines can cause serious medical issues, especially if you already suffer from health problems. In addition, many devices aren’t designed for high altitudes. They may malfunction or behave in strange ways.

Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about extreme altitude effects in most parts of the United States. But it’s still good to be aware of the risks and learn some ways to treat/prevent the side effects. Below, we’ll explore everything you need to know about RVing at a high altitude.

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel Poll: Do You Enjoy Riding Scenic Railroads?

Above, the Durango train at High Line with the Animas River below. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do you enjoy riding scenic railroads?

I have a confession,  I do!

Since I moved to New Mexico five years ago, I have ridden the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in southern Colorado twice. The first was in 2020 to Cascade Canyon and then again last year to Silverton. But I have ridden the train several times since 1982. The train departs from Durango, which is only three hours away from home.

In Durango, I found a nice RV park, Alpen Rose RV Park, that the trains pass by.

Above, Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have ridden others over the years. The next train I plan to ride is the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. It runs between Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico. It is 240 miles from home.

What prompted this blog post was a poll by RV Travel (posted yesterday) on riding scenic trains.

They wrote:

Even if you’re not really into trains, riding a scenic railroad is a lot of fun, especially if it really is, well, scenic.

Here are the 10 Best Scenic Train Rides, as voted by readers of USA Today (in 2021). Once you see the photos and read the descriptions, you’ll want to ride these. And if you really love trains, this book on tourist trains is for you.

After you vote in the poll below, leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite tourist train or scenic railroad that you’ve ever been on. We’re looking forward to reading your comments. Thanks!

To take part in the RV Travel poll, go here. 

RV Shipments Down From 2022

Above, at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that the pandemic is behind us (for the most part), the record-breaking RV sales of those months are a thing of the past.

At the time, RVing was considered that safest way to travel for people stuck in their four walls.

Now, RV shipments are down from last year's shipment numbers.

From RV Travel:

After years of record sales of RVs, manufacturers’ champagne bottles are still packed away as shipments to retailers continue their slide over 2022. Results for the RV Industry Association’s April 2023 survey of manufacturers determined that total RV shipments ended the month with 31,216 units, a decrease of 45.4% from the 57,192 units shipped in April 2022. Through April, RV shipments for the year are down 52.1% to 109,816 units.

To read more, go here. 

Inflation and Gas Prices Blamed For Changed RV Plans

Above, at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When 2022 began, it was my plan to head up into eastern Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota for this year's summer camping trip.

However, inflationary gasoline prices made me change my plans to go somewhere closer to home. My ex-roommate and I headed to Durango, Colorado and Navajo Lake State Park in New Mexico instead. Both were within a half day's drive from home. 

I also took some shorter camping trips to Ridgway/Ouray, Colorado and Monument Valley when gas prices further moderated.

Many others modified their vacation plans due to inflation and high gasoline prices. Currently, unleaded regular costs $3.149/gallon in Gallup, New Mexico.

RV Travel has posted an article on this and they begin it with:

According to the KOA Monthly Research Report November Edition, campers and leisure travelers’ plans changed significantly throughout 2022. At least 74% of campers made one or more adjustments to their travel plans, including three-in-ten campers who camped more as they decreased other types of travel. The November report indicates camping remains a popular mode of travel amid volatile economic conditions.

To read more, go here. 

Glory Days for the RV Industry Coming to an End?

Above, Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The past several years, including the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, have been boom years for the RV industry.

Now, thanks to the economic slowdown, inflation and high fuel prices, things have been tapering off.

Yahoo! Finance has an article musing if the "glory days" for the RV industry are coming to an end.

They begin it with:

The recreational vehicle (RV) industry was one of the few industries that prospered during the pandemic. With airlines and cruises not being particularly safe and viable travel options then, pandemic-weary Americans started looking for ways to venture out responsibly and turned to RVs.

RVs emerged as a rare travel winner in 2020 and 2021. But the recent economic slowdown is adversely impacting several industries and this time, the RV space has not been an exception. Demand and shipments of RVs are starting to slide. As recessionary worries loom large, it appears that the RV boom is nearing its end. Despite the uncertain scenario, two stocks — Cavco Industries CVCO and Patrick Industries PATK — could be attractive bets if you wish to stay invested in this space. But before delving into the stocks, let’s discuss the recent RV shipments numbers and outlook for 2022 and 2023.

To read more, go here. 

Federal Lawsuit Against The D&SNG Settled

Above, the D&SNG train at Highline above the Animas River this month. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I hadn't heard anything about the federal lawsuit against the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad over the 416 Fire in 2018.

So, I did some checking and found that the matter had been settled earlier this year.

According to the Durango Telegraph (June 23 article):

As part of the settlement in a federal lawsuit related to the 416 Fire, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is now subject to sudden closures if wildfire danger is too high, which is having mixed results just a few weeks in practice.

In March, the D&SNG and the U.S. Forest Service signed a settlement stemming from the federal lawsuit, in which the railroad was accused of starting the 416 Fire, north of Durango in the summer of 2018. The agreement held several conditions, namely that D&SNG would pay the federal government $20 million to recoup firefighting costs. 

In addition, the D&SNG has agreed to not run trains if wildfire danger is too high, as determined by a fire restriction system set by the Forest Service.

“It’s definitely a game changer for the way we do business,” Jeff Johnson, general manager of the D&SNG, said. “And cancellations are the most difficult part of this process, because we’re aware this is something people have planned for a long time. It’s on their bucket list.” 

With an incredibly dry spring and early summer, the D&SNG has already been forced to shut down several days this June, canceling thousands of reservations and affecting the two towns that rely on the tourism dollars, Durango and Silverton. 

The situation is further muddled by the fact that after the 416 Fire, the D&SNG promised to convert its fleet from running on coal, which holds a huge fire risk, to oil- and diesel-burning engines. The D&SNG spent millions to fulfill this commitment, but even still, these locomotives are not allowed to run in certain conditions. 

Above, the Animas River next to the train during the trip to Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During our ride on the train earlier this month, I did not see any evidence of the fire. The locomotive that took us to Silverton is one converted to oil from coal. Admittedly, I miss the smell of burning coal.

Fortunately, we've had a great monsoon season which lowered the fire danger in the San Juan Mountains where the train runs. We had rain while we were in Silverton and it rained prior to our arrival at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. We had some rainfall during our train ride and we saw several waterfalls along the way. 

To read the full article, go here.

Why Now Is A Good Time To Buy An RV

Above, at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two weeks ago (already two weeks?!), my former roommate and I took a camping vacation to Durango, Colorado and Navajo Lake State Park in New Mexico. We had an enjoyable time. The high gas prices were mitigated by the fact that both places were under 200 miles from home and I had some extra cash from New Mexico's rebate program.

Paul Hemphill at The News-Review says that now is a good time to buy an RV.

His article begins with:

I can hear my readers now saying “How can you say it’s a good time to buy a RV when gas prices are high, interest rates increasing and inflation on the rise?” All great points.

However, the current economic conditions also present unique opportunities to buy an RV.

Not long ago, RV dealerships were struggling to get inventory, with supply chains hampered by COVID-19. RV dealers were ordering units from manufacturers with long wait times for delivery. Now, the orders for those same RV dealerships are flowing in and, once again, filling the lots up with RV inventory.

One of the first rules of economics tells us that when the supply of a product is low, the demand is generally high. Conversely, when there is a lot of supply, the demand is often lower and therefore prices are lower.

To read more, go here. 

Durango's Alpen Rose RV Park

Above, the office and store building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My "go-to" place to stay when in Durango, Colorado is the Alpen Rose RV Park. 

I discovered it last year when I came to town to see Godzilla vs. Kong at a Durango theater. At that time, New Mexico theaters were shut down due to the pandemic.

The RV park is a nice place to stay with a canyon setting of red rock cliffs and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trains passing by in the morning and afternoon across the highway. 

They have a fishing pond, swimming pool, restaurant, laundromat, store and a huge dog run area.

Some photos:

Relaxing Day

Today is going to be a relaxing day.

We have no plans except for going to the Bar D Chuckwagon this evening and stopping by Honeyville to pick up some goodies, including some Red Cliff rum.

This morning, I had a visitor.  This bird hung around our camp for a while. 

Cancelling Campground Reservations, Do It As Soon As You Can

Above, The Beast at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Gasoline prices are reported to be dropping. Whether this trend will continue or it is just a blip is anyone's guess.

The skyrocketing gas prices have caused some people to cancel campsite cancellations, but those canceling should do it now so that others can fill those vacancies.

RV Travel has posted an article on canceling due to gas prices and they start it with:

Record fuel prices are undoubtedly changing summer camping plans for RVers across North America. These high prices could force people to cancel their campground reservations. After all, a national average price of $4.325 per gallon for gasoline (as of Monday, March 14) certainly impacts trip costs when your motorized RV averages 8 miles per gallon.

Campground owners throughout the U.S. are just beginning to report an uptick in reservation cancellations for the 2022 summer camping season. Some owners are already reporting cancellation percentages in the double digits. Luckily for them, they are also seeing double-digit growth in advanced reservations so, at this point, it’s a bit of a wash.

Cancel campground reservations before it’s too late for others

Park owners are also concerned that campers won’t cancel their campground reservations until it’s too late for others to take their place.

To read more, go here. 

Camping In Colorado

Above, inside the Lone Spur Café in Silverton. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Need some ideas for a RV vacation trip?

RV Life Campground Reviews Newsletter alerted me to an article on "Camping In Colorado". I have camped in Colorado many times, twice in the past two years. I've enjoyed it each time.

The article begins with;

Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The state has almost 10,000 miles of fishing streams, over 2,800 lakes, and more than 1,000 mountain peaks over two miles high. In fact, over half of the country’s “fourteeners” (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation) are found in Colorado.

The Centennial State is also home to the Colorado Trail, a hiking trail that stretches 500 miles from Durango to Denver. The trail crosses numerous mountain ranges, wilderness areas, national forests, and river systems.

Colorado isn’t just snow-capped mountain peaks and wildflower-filled valleys; there are also some amazing cities to visit. Denver, the “mile-high” city, has more sunny days than Miami Beach or San Diego each year. It is home to four professional sports teams (Broncos, Avalanche, Rockies, and Nuggets), and they all play within three miles of each other.  

The United States Air Force Academy and the United States Olympic Training Center and Olympic Committee are in Colorado Springs, the state’s second largest city. There are plenty of quaint little towns brimming with charm that are just waiting to be explored as well.

Above, The Beast at Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read what Colorado has to offer, go here. 

Durango Train Museum Announces Winter Hours

Above, engine no. 42 in the Durango train museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last April, I took a two-night trip to Durango, Colorado to see Godzilla vs. Kong. Theaters in New Mexico were shut down at the time due to the pandemic (but they re-opened a week after my trip), but the ones in Colorado were open. Durango, Colorado is only a three-hour drive from Jamestown, New Mexico. Convenient! (Avoid driving through Farmington, New Mexico, the traffic is horrendous!)

While in Durango, I didn't ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, but I did discover a campground that I liked very much, Aspen Rose RV Park. Across the road from the RV park, the Durango train passes by.

Above, the entrance to the Durango train museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Although I didn't ride the train this trip, I did visit the Durango railroad museum that is at the Durango train station. It had lots of things to see and is well worth a visit. It is a part of the roundhouse building.

Above, the Durango train about to depart from the Durango station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad posted their museum winter hours on Facebook yesterday:

Have yo
u stopped by our museum lately? Now open for winter hours (10:00 am - 4:00 pm daily) the museum is FREE and is a great way to immerse yourself in our railway’s vibrant past. 

Yes, you read that right. The museum is free! Do yourself a favor and pay the museum a visit.

"Godzilla vs. Kong" Today

Above, a view looking down toward the highway and RV park entrance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today's the day that I will finally see Godzilla vs. Kong and then head back home to New Mexico following it.

It has been an enjoyable little trip and I found Alpen Rose RV Park one that I like a lot. The staff is very friendly and helpful, including the maintenance workers. 

The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum had a lot of great exhibits on display, it is one place all visitors should see.

The drive home takes a little over three hours (coming here took me four hours since I took my time and made a couple of stops). The route took me through ranch and farmland once I crossed into Colorado with great views. On the way back home, I am taking a slightly different route to Farmington, New Mexico, so I will see some different things.

Great trip! 

Video: Durango Train Passing RV Park

Above, the Durango train as it was departing Durango Station this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While talking with some neighboring campers today, I heard the horn (or whistle) from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train. It was returning to Durango Station from its run to Cascade Canyon.

I walked towards the front of the RV park just as the train was approaching. I turned on the video feature of my phone and shot it while it passed by. 

I uploaded the video to YouTube.

Here's the video:

New AOL App Came As A Non-Pleasant Surprise

Above, the campers near my campsite this morning. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little while ago, I returned from taking a nice hot shower at the campground's facilities. 

I found the shower room nice and clean with good hot water in the shower with very decent water pressure.

After that, I returned to The Beast and poured myself a fresh cup of coffee and opened my AOL app on my phone. Gawd almighty! The app totally changed and is confusing as hell! Especially when sending photos from the phone's gallery.

Above, the RV park looking east. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We had no warning that AOL was changing their app for Android users. I noticed a lot of users are raising hell over the change. I added my voice to the complaints.

After that, I stepped outside and looked around. The campground is now almost half full. The sky is clear and it looks to be a nice day in Durango.

Still, the AOL matter is annoying.

Today's Itinerary

Above, The Beast yesterday at Alpen Rose RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As usual with me, I slept good in the RV. For some reason, I seem to sleep better in the motorhome than I do at home. 

It was a cold night in Durango, Colorado, down into the 30s. But it will get to around 68°, but beezy.

I plan on roaming around the old town section of Durango and visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and the train's roundhouse (or at least view it as close as I can). I spent yesterday relaxing at the campground. I was tired from the drive and found myself dozing while sitting outside. Small wonder why I slept good last night.

Then, on Friday, I will see Godzilla vs. Kong. I already have my ticket (ordered before I left home). After the viewing, I'll be heading back to New Mexico.

Since all theaters in New Mexico are still shut down and that I am "forced" to see Godzilla vs. Kong in an adjoining state, I figured I'd make the trip more enjoyable by doing some exploring.

Cold Nights

Above, Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado looking west. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Once the sun dipped below the mountain to the west of the Alpen Rose RV Park in Durango, Colorado, it got pretty chilly here fast.

Also, some winds made it even colder. So now I am in The Beast with my ceramic space heater going. It is making the inside more comfortable.

It is going to dip below freezing tonight, so it looks like I'll have the holding tank heaters on. I am relying on the water in fresh water tank. I will hook up the fresh water hose tomorrow morning. I am not going to repeat what happened at Monument Valley when sub-freezing temperatures froze the water in the fresh water hose.

Small wonder the RV park empties the trout fishing pond for winter (yes, they have a trout fishing pond). It is completely empty now.

According to the National Weather Service, the temperatures in Durango will be:

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 31. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north northeast after midnight.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 69. Breezy, with a light and variable wind becoming west 15 to 20 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 32. Breezy, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 5 to 10 mph after midnight.