Friday, June 8, 2012

Out Of Idaho At Last

We have finally thrown off the bonds of Idaho after 6 weeks of full time RV living.  Yesterday we crossed the border into Montana at the top of the Continental Divide on US Highway 20.  We made a left turn in West Yellowstone and drove 3 miles north to Baker’s Hole Campground.  This is a National Forest Service campground with 73 sites; 33 of them with electric hookups.  After 6 days of boondocking we were ready for the convenience of an electric connection.  Since this is a “first come – first served” campground, we really didn’t know how crowded it would be; and hoped that an electric site was still available.  We pulled in the entrance to find a handy faucet with a sign saying “Fill water tanks here”.  That was good, because we had pulled up here with about 10 gallons in our fresh water tank to lighten the load since we are already overweight without 110 gallons of water.  After taking a few minutes to fill up, we drove into the campground to look for an electric site big enough for our rig.  We found about 6 sites with electricity big enough for us.  We settled into a "back in" site in the woods with a view of trees.  The only problem was that there were so many trees that I could not get a satellite connection for DirecTV.  Verizon service for phone and internet access was great.  We did get NBC and ABC from our rooftop antenna, so we settled in. 

I was still missing satellite TV this morning when I noticed the guy in the “pull-through” site across the road was due to leave today.  In fact, he was starting to pack up his stuff, including his DirecTV dish.  I asked him how his reception was and he said it was “Fantastic”.  To make a long story short, we moved to his site as soon as he pulled out.  I checked with the Campground Hosts and it was not a problem for them.  So here we are with 50 amp electric, cell and internet service and satellite TV; in the woods next to the Madison River for $14 per night.  How sweet is that.  All we have to figure out is how to make 110 gallons of water last the 10 days we are scheduled to stay in this wonderful spot.  Here is a picture of the Madison River I took 100 yards from our front door:
IMG_4973
Here are some pictures I took from inside the camper looking out.  I think you will get the idea of our environment:
IMG_4983  IMG_4984
Before we left Idaho Falls, we had the wheel bearings packed, the final maintenance item on the camper that needed to be done.  We learned the magnetic brakes in the trailer were still at about 80% of capacity and the shocks were fine.  I did a cold tire pressure check this morning and all of our tires are holding the required 80 lbs. psi.  So it seems all systems are go.  I am still not understanding why the batteries seem to do well the first 3 days of boondocking, then lose capacity rapidly after that.  Maybe it is something as simple as unreasonable expectations on my part Eye rolling smile.

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5 comments:

Russ Krecklow said...

Very nice spot you have there. Thanks for sharing.

owensontheroad said...

What a great looking spot. Perfect in fact! Going to bookmark that place.

Betty Graffis said...

Another place to put in my little book of things I learn about from fellow bloggers. Thanks

Barb said...

What a beautiful campsite, and I'm always HAPPY when I get both Verizon and TV! You're going to enjoy your stay there, for sure! :)

Merikay said...

I've pinned Bakers Hole Campground in my MT board. Someday we WILL get to Yellowstone!