Our time was up and there were no more spaces available at Sibley Lake so we hooked up Rosalita and drove about 10 miles west on hwy 14. We had checked out this campground (Tie Flume) as were wandering around looking for Moose; and made a mental note of it as a definite possibility for our next stay: secured a space there for 3 nights.
The South Tongue River runs right next to our Tie Flume Campsite and at 8400′ in elevation the nights are beginning to get much colder; 37 degrees this morning at 7am. Out site is right along the river and close enough to set up our chairs by its bank, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner: feels like a country Paris; instead of sidewalk cafes, we have creek-side dining. There are grassy areas along the river and large boulders that create the sound of water bubbling and crashing its way downstream. There are a lot of willows along the banks, but not the swampy conditions that Moose seem to relish. One night we saw 3 deer sampling the ‘grassy area’ from our campsite just before sunset. Squirrels and chipmunks are the entertainment most evenings by the campfire; watching them run up a tree, chew off pinecones, and then run back down the tree, gathering the pinecones, and stashing their winter supply in some secret place. One morning as Patti was reading in Rosalita, a squirrel was busy chewing off the pinecones up above and they were landing on the roof of the RV, about scared her to death! They are so busy we get tired just watching them.
Another one of our pastimes is supplying the stories that go with what other campers do, or why they do what they do. We make up ‘soap-operas’ for their antic behaviors that entertain us to no end. Today one of our fellow campers came down to the river’s edge and took our picture eating dinner by the stream.
We are testing out our new batteries, as there is no electricity at this campground: frugality is the word for the day, since we are staying for 3 nights. (We did fairly well with DC usage… only used 1/3 of battery power for the 3 nights).
Friday 28th
I very much enjoy my morning walks along the river with my camera. I haven’t seen much wildlife along the trails, except for small trout jumping at flies and mosquitos. Took a dip in the river this morning, COLD and very brisk, yet pleasingly invigorating. Not sure how many mornings that will happen.
This evening just before 9pm Patti called to me to look at the moon… I, of course, grabbed my camera and tripod and outside I went. The moon was full. The smoke haze from the fires added a nice hue and I was able to capture the moon haze glow on the river. It was great fun as I am not all that familiar with the manual settings and/or night photography. Thank you Mother Nature for the marvelous view! I might add, that Patti, bless her heart, stood out with me on this full moon night guarding against all the wild animals that could happen along and frighten me, since I had my nose in my camera and my eyes on the moon. Thank you Patti.
Saturday 29th
Took a walk along a trail heading in the opposite direction of yesterday, again, right along side the S Tongue River. It was so pleasant with no one around, just the occasional squirrel, chipmunk, birds and 5 ducks this morning. On my return trip to camp there were various people making use of the trails, some fishing, some just watching the river.
‘Not all who wander are lost…’
When I first heard this saying, I fell in love with it; now it is my mantra.
As I walk along the path this phrase keeps playing in my mind. I often feel that I have been a wandering Taoist Monk, a Gypsy, a Native American, or pioneer in my past lives; maybe all. It does not bother me to ‘wander’ by myself along these nature trails; it is very meditative and I love just taking-in the nature that I see and feel. There are times when I would love to share my trail adventures with Patti, but this is not a possibility; maybe that’s part of the reason I take so many pictures to share with her. Patti, of course, oohs and ah’s at the pictures I take and that brings me pleasure knowing she can experience the journey with me through pictures.
Sunday 30th
As we pack up to move camp, the sun is rising and it is glorious! The colors reflected on the River take my breath away. I race to the river knowing these colors do not last long as the sun makes it’s way toward the zenith. Alas, after I put my camera away, we travel south, once more… Sad to leave this marvelous camp…
gypsyroadgallery 
Looks like a beautiful place to hang for a while! I heard there was such a thing as “Happy Campers” and your photo captures that image perfectly. Beautiful photos, as always–thanks for sharing the journey; we wish you well!!
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