There is no such thing as a minor detail.

July 13/14

The day before we left our lakeside oasis at Otter Creek, as is my custom, I scrutinized my Benchmark Atlas to get a sense of the next stop.

 

I have one of these for each of the states we plan to visit. They are great resources, as they focus on public lands and recreation areas. Planning to drive about two hours, I looked at an area about 10 miles north east of Provo Utah, about 5 miles off the main road, but on a paved road the whole way. I also typically consult the internet for any hints about our destination or the route to be taken.  Because we were off the grid, I skipped that step this time. It all looked easy-peasy, I thought.

 

 

 

 

 

This was the first time we traveled on an interstate since leaving I-17 at Flagstaff. Oh man – the speed limit is 80 here! Not us. We trundle along about 65, which is the max I am comfortable driving the camper van.

 

 

 

 

All was well as we turned off Interstate 15 at Provo, and headed north east. All was still well as we turned onto the road toward the campground, Mt. Timpanagos. However, what I had failed to discover in my research is that the campground is at an elevation of 7,600 feet. Provo is at 4,500 feet. That’s an elevation gain of more than 3,000 feet in just a few miles. Needless to say, we had to take it very slowly, and my transmission was thankful when we reached the spot. My self-talk was stern…”Self, we’re in the Mountain West. Details like elevation gain are important. Lesson learned”.

 

A campground in the forest, on a stream, with three bars of Internet. For $11 a night. Can’t get better. At least until we have to go back DOWN the mountain. Without giving away the details, just know that we made it.

Thanks for following along.