With a light morning breeze blowing through the RV, I glance out the window toward a view of the Colorado National Monument….well, kind of a view….as I peek around, up, and over other RV’s there sits the Monument in the distance. Ah, the RV experience; it is what we make of it. Unfortunately for now, I don’t have the views or space I have become accustomed to.
The month of August finds us parked in a full-fledged RV Park in Grand Junction, Colorado. We normally gravitate toward State or Regional Parks. For now, we have no fantastic views or hiking trails out our front door….bummer. I think I’ve become a little spoiled. The Junction West RV Park in Grand Junction is an ok place to call home while Al and I do a little organizing and repairing on the RV. The Junction West RV Park is conveniently located to shopping, restaurants, AND my brother’s house. It also offers nice spacing between rigs, showers, laundry, and free WiFi. Yep, this will do while we tend to the business at hand.
I’ll admit, I sure wasn’t ready to leave Ridgway State Park or the views southwest Colorado has to offer. I’m always hesitant to make a recommendation on a location or campground. I’ve come to realize, the personal element quite often plays a major role in ones overall experience, as does weather.
For example; let’s say the weather is nasty for your entire stay or you and your partner aren’t getting along or you become ill, the best scenery in the world cannot compensate for any of these examples or a combination of negative factors. Thus, your experience might be one you wouldn’t care to repeat or recommend.
On the other hand, when the stars are aligned, all is well in your little world, your life is filled with joy, you and your partner are in harmony…. the most mediocre view, so-so weather, and an ok location can conjure up the most pleasant of memories; such fond memories, that it becomes a place you hope to return to as well as recommend to your friends. Then your friends go and can’t figure out whatever were you talking about.
When we first pulled into Ridgway State Park I wasn’t overly impressed. I couldn’t figure out why everyone talked so highly of the place. However after my eight day stay, I would put this place at the top of my list of favorite places. What made MY stay so enjoyable that I would call it a favorite and even recommend it? Well, I’m pretty sure the stars were aligned and hubby and I were in harmony, so that helped….LOL, but the real reasons why I fell in love with Ouray County;
- The views….the photos say it all…..talk about beautiful country!
- Location; lovely Ouray, Ridgway, and Telluride are nearby
Ridgway, Colorado - hiking and biking trails out our front door and beyond are abundant
- beautiful lakes; enjoy water activities or sit lakeside and ponder life
- family and friends; my brother and his wife joined us plus we met up with fellow RVer’s / bloggers
Al on the left, sister-in-law middle, my brother on the right…..good food, good company - weather; cool nights for sleeping – comfortable daytime temps for hiking – the occasional storm to add drama
mountain storms can be scary and pretty at the same time! - excellent spacing between campers; campsites are well spaced
Plenty of room around camp for everyone to warm their toes - plenty of interesting history; the movie “True Grit” staring John Wayne was filmed around Ridgway. Ghost towns and remnants of old mines are readily found in the backcountry.
- nature……nature abounds
- A 4-wheelers paradise; exploring the backcountry via a jeep or ATV, miles and miles of gravel and dirt roads take you up and over mountain passes
I’m sure I’m missing something, but I think you get the idea of why this area has become a favorite spot of mine. Yes, I’d say there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this southwest part of Colorado. I think it’s one of those places worth visiting at different times of the year. I know I’m hooked. I foresee a revisit in my near future!
Ah, but first……those RV repairs….. 😥
Live Laugh RV 