Dillon, Montana and Countryside RV Park

We left Logan this morning (without The Girls) at about 8 am and started heading north with the grandkids, Cierra and Hunter, for a couple days in Glacier National Park.  Since smart RVers only drive about 60 mph (and we're smart RVers), we decided to stop half way in Dillon, Montana.  I was actually wanting to boondock right outside of town to save some money, but Scott made reservations at Countryside RV Park.  And so, here we are.

From the road

Countryside RV Park - Dillon, Montana

Countryside RV Park is located just 1/4 mile off I-15 in Dillon at 30 Sawmill Rd. There are really no trees to speak of, which is always disappointing to me.  However they do have a very large community grassy area to play horseshoes and bocce ball.  And, the park is open yearly.  They also have a fire pit.

Scott and 8 year old Hunter, the men of our party, checked us in.  It was the fastest check-in I'd ever experienced and they were back very quickly and that made me happy since I was tired of driving! 

Price is $42 but offers senior and Good Sam discount.  As a nice surprise, we did get a Military discount so that was very nice.  Here is the outside taped price list by the front of the office and a map of the park below that.

Price is $42 but offers senior and Good Sam discount.  As a nice surprise, we did get a Military discount so that was very nice.  Here is the outside taped price list by the front of the office and a map of the park below that.

We were assigned space C9, which I thought was just a tad small for our 40' trailer and an extra long RAM 3500 dually, but it worked out just barely and it was just for the night.

Very narrow and short spot.

We just barely fit our Montana in the space and the truck is behind.  The first 3 vehicles aren't ours.

We were assigned C9 - very narrow and tight - but conveniently located.

I decided to take a little walk around the facilities and get my bearings.  Since our unit was on the backside of the office near the bathrooms and showers I decided to start there.  Well, the bathrooms were a little strange to me with curtains to give you privacy.  The interesting thing about the curtains was that it wasn't one long draw curtain but two short curtains on either side of the seat.  Very odd.  The curtains were rather odorous - almost dusty smelling and if you are using the facilities the curtain hits your knees and you're forced in inhale the curtain smell.  I'll be using my RV toilet, thank you.  I also washed my hands and the water from the sink sprayed so hard that it swished up and shot out of the bowl and all over my shirt and shoes and even soaked my socks!  Again, my RV bathroom will be most welcoming from now on.  I didn't even try to turn on the showers for obvious reasons!!

Restrooms & Showers

Cool Totem Pole by the Bathrooms

Ladies Shower Area

Ladies Shower.
This was a hand-held; the other a small shower head.

Ladies Shower

Ladies Shower Sink

Toilets with Curtains.  Definitely NOT my favorite!

Bathroom Sink

Dresser in the Bathroom - Clean, but strange to me.

Next I walked to the office to see what the main facilities had to offer and was shocked by the tacky decor and the odoriferous smell!  I realized they were going for a rustic cowboy theme (which I think was totally fun), but the decor was outlandishly placed and I felt very claustrophobic in the area.  The hosts office was absolutely atrocious and so cluttered I have no idea how anyone in their right mind could work in such filth.  Scott and Hunter both commented when they checked in how it smaller strongly of urine!  Ick!  To each his own, I guess.  I think they should invest in a deep cleaner.

Office near the far wall

Very Messy Office

Decor

And more decor

More Decor - Where does Marilyn or a motorcycle rider fit into a Cowboy theme?

More office - I did love the bell

I will say that the office/media room is technically connected to the showers and restrooms via a hallway was a locked.  An open door would have made much more sense but shut it off for use for whatever reason.  The office did have some DVDs and books to check out.  That was a nice surprise.  Since I didn't know Dillon very well I was looking for some pamphlets on the area and while they had a few things they were not very organized...just a lot of the same cluttered feel of the rest of the unit.

Books, DVDs and Literature and storage area.  Bathroom connector door to the right of the Literature table.

Now, a few words about the park.  While small, I really liked the layout with a large central grassy area that had bocce ball and horseshoes.  It was a nice welcome site under the previously unfortunate circumstances with the pool, water, clutter and odor!  The park itself is quite clean and a high contrast to what you'd find inside!  Sites are average with gravel pads and crab grass / grass between pads.  Large grassy community area and large pet area that is not enclosed.

Large Grassy Area in the Center of the Park.  Office is ahead with the blue roof.

They did have laundry facilities.  While small, they were adequate for the amount of people staying at the park.  It was clean, but again, aged.

Two washers

Two dryers

Ironing board ad folding table in need of repair.

Cierra was really excited to go swimming in the pool and bugged us for an hour about it, but it was under construction as you can see.  That is very disappointing in 89 degree weather.  You'd think it would have been repaired and ready for summer travelers well before the end of July.

Very sad that there was no pool to splash in located in such a hot, dry area.

We also learned that our bedroom sliding door came off the track and it took Scott 45 minutes to remove the door and reinstall the track.  Then he noticed that the center Island trash bins were sticking out and not flush against the counter.  Upon inspection and complete removal of the area, we discovered that there were missing screws (a common occurrence with Montana's) and some of the framing wasn't even installed or connected!  What really aggravated me the most is that I asked our dealer to repair this specific problem when we waited for them to prep our coach for us as well as the sliding bedroom door.  The large TV up front in the large window still isn't working well yet and we still need to get to the bottom of that.

I'm NOT happy with the construction of our island!

Drawer alignment not even connected to the wood!

Missing screws

All torn apart

On a funny note, we took the kids into Dillon for dinner at 4B Restaurant which is actually a diner.  Cierra decided to eat 2 crackers with grape jelly in her mouth all at once and the kids had a good laugh about that.  The diner was so hot inside (I don't think they have A/C), I guess they were trying to find something to do so they didn't whine about it.  The decor looked about the same as the RV Park, so it must be a recurring theme in this area of Montana with 1980's decor and buildings.  

Starting to crack up

Full blown loss of control.  Gotta love Grandkids!!  :-)

At least they filly got down to business and ate dinner.

Also located at the RV Park was a pretty cool "Sawmill Saloon" of sorts that we walked over to and checked it out.  While pearing through the windows we say there were two beds in one room and music gear in another.  I assume a kitchen was also in there.  Must be a guest house for musicians who come to the RV park.  I would say this is a coolest part of the park!

The Sawmill Saloon

Kids checking out the Saloon

My overall rating for the RV Park was a 3/10.

Places of Interest in the Dillon, MT area:

• Virginia City, MT - Historic Tour Company gives tours in an old 1941 fire truck around the area daily from 10 am to 6 pm.  Adults $9, Kids 12 and under $5.  406-600-2598.
• Alder Gulch Railroad - Adults Round Trip $10, Kids/Senior 55+ is $8; Adult One way $8, Youth/Senior $6.  Groups of 6+ $8 each.  Children 4 and under are free.
• Alder Gulch Summit Tours - 90 minute + ride through the heart of Montana's gold country.  June-August every day.  406-546-9787.
• Nevada City Museum - Adults $8, Youth/Senior 55+ $6.  Children under 4 are free.
• River of Gold Gold Panning Experience $8 per person.
• Ghost Tours 9 pm daily except for Monday from mid-June to mid-August. 406-843-5700.
• Nevada  City Living History Museum opens May 27- Sept 4th - 7 days per week from 10 am to 6 pm.

Family Reunion Checking Out "Gypsy Rose"

On the 4th of July at the 2017 Doner Family Reunion, everyone wanted to see the new RV, "Gypsy Rose".  So, Scott and I took Josh Peelman (our fabulous son-in-law) to get it hitched up from our storage unit to take back into Logan to the church parking lot.

Here you can see a few photos of the some of the family getting the grand tour.

Ryan, Alyse, SJ, Josh N, Scott and Roxy

Alyse

Ryan is checking out everything in the front of the coach while I smile for the camera.

Ryan is checking out everything in the front of the coach while I smile for the camera.

Ryan is annoyed with Becky for taking his photo!  LOL.

We also had a fun time over the 4th of July at Freedom Fire, Minnetonka Caves, boating on Bear Lake, photos and a camp out at Spring Hollow and lots of fun!

American Heritage Campground - Olympia, Washington

On May 26, 2017 we arrived in Olympia, Washington for our daughter's wedding tomorrow and stopped and stayed for the next few days at the American Heritage Campground.  We'll stay here through May 28th.  90% of the campground is shaded with all those beautiful pine trees of the Pacific Northwest.  We were given site 45 - one of 6 campsites that was NOT shaded.  BUT, we did have the whole field of grass for the girls to run around in.  It was an extremely large site and since we weren't going to be at the campground for more than a few hours, it didn't matter that it wasn't shaded.  If I had been camping there, the shade would have been very welcome to keep the trailer cool.  Something to consider...

The roadway is quite narrow but the foliage makes up for everything!  Some sites are shallower and deeper than others; some wider and narrower.  Most people had some very large 5th wheels so even the big boys can stay and camp here.  It would be good to view this campground before selecting your site if you're queasy about backing in.  But, the on-site manager is great about helping you back your vehicle into place very quickly and efficiently which was very much appreciated.

Amenities include:

• 30 amp 
• Water
• Dump Station
• Camp Store
• Pool
• Laundry
• Playground
• Horseshoes
• Pavilion
• Volleyball
• Bike Track
• Fire Pit
• Grill
• Pet Area
• Shade Trees

Our price was $33 per night (2 people) but they do offer 10% Military discounts.

Nightly Rates... Nightly Rates include 2 people and one vehicle per site* Check in is 1pm; Check out is Noon
Full Hookup RV Site (30 amp, water, sewer)	$ 40.00 + tax
Electric & Water RV Site (30 amp)	$ 33.00 + tax
RV site with no hookups	$ 33.00 + tax
Tent Site ~       Primitive Camping w/table & fire pit	$ 25.00 + tax
Camping Cabin	$ 50.00 + tax
Children*   (age 3 - 17)	$ 4.00 + tax each
Extra Adults*   (age 18 & up)	$ 10.00 + tax each
Day Visitor*   (visiting registered campsite)	$ 5.00 + tax each

The bathrooms weren't the greatest but for a campground they are acceptable.  2-3 stalls, sinks and toilets.  Only the basics were met.  This was a very friendly place with many campers decorating their RVs and were very friendly people to everyone around.  We met a cute couple by us with their two dogs and we went on a walk with them in the park.  All 5 dogs enjoyed the stroll.

Park is shaded except for units 27, 28, 29, 45, 48

My rating for this campground would be an 7 out of 10.  It is very family friendly and had a lot of amenities to offer.  I only wished we had longer to enjoy this campground since we were back and forth between Olympia and Portland for two straight days.  But, the wedding was fabulous!

Jeff and Becky Walton

Drfitwood RV Resort - Boardman, Oregon

On May 25th, 2017, our the way to our daughter's wedding, we stopped half way toward Washington in Boardman, Oregon at the Driftwood RV Resort.  I have no idea why they call it a resort because I thought it was NOT anything to write home about.  As a matter-of-fact, I doubt I'll ever stop there again.  It was in actuality a mobile home park - and a pretty disgusting one at that.  If you like dirt and weed and dilapidated RVs and mobile homes all around, then you'll love this place.

Now, on a good note, the on-site managers were very nice, so that was a plus.  They were located in unit 50.  We stayed in unit 49.  Overnight travelers stayed in united 47-51, so there wasn't a lot to pick from.  I didn't go inside the building with the kitchen because it was closed up when we arrived and the managers were having their anniversary that night.  I just felt like I was in a concrete jungle and going to be mugged at any time.  The website is very vague and a little misleading and now I understand why.

The price for the night was $35.00 plus $1.00 for an extra pet.  However, they do offer 10% discounts for AAA, AARP, Good Sam and Military members.

My rating 2 out of 10.

Park Map

Mesa Verde National Park - Balcony House

On May 6, 2017 we spent the day checking out Cortez, Colorado.  We visited the Cortez Quilt Company where I bought a cute camper quilt pattern.  Scott wants me to make the quilt for the RV.  I can't decide if I like the blue and red version or the colored one they are both so cute!

I can't decide if I like this red, white and blue version...

...or this fun scrappy one the best!

I just love the fun Amy Bradley quilts!

Here's a version that someone did.  I really this this to make it bigger!

We also relaxed around camp and walked the girls.

Later that afternoon and went to Mesa Verde to see the cliff dwelling.  Today we went to tour Balcony House, a 1-hour excursion that is only accessible by guided ranger tour and costs $5.  Tickets can be purchased from the Mesa Verde Visitors Center.  Tours are offered from late April to mid October.  It is the most strenuous of all the tours and you have to climb up a 30-foot vertical ladder (practically straight up!) and about 4-5 smaller ladders plus a small tunnel in the wall.

Heading down the stairs to get to Balcony House

Getting ready to climb the 30 foot ladder!

This is steeper and harder than it looks!
With my Meniere's Disease I can't look up and also, don't look down.

I'm so small I could stand up in the little room right after I crawled in.

Most people had to crawl the entire length of the tunnel.

Scott and I at the first room

Our tour guild, Ranger David Nighteagle

According to the National Park Service it is the ruins of "Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from AD 600 to 1300.  Today the park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings.  These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States.  With 40 rooms, Balcony House is considered a medium sized cliff dwelling.  Only 10 sites in the park have more.  Evidence of how room and passageway construction in the alcove evolved through time can easily be seen in Balcony House.  Today, the tunnel, passageways, and modern 32-foot entrance ladder are what make it the most adventurous cliff dwelling tour in the park."

Because Balcony House is on the east side of the mountain, you want to do this tour in the late afternoon so you are shaded from the sun.  And, conversely, do Cliff House in the early morning hours as the sun is rising so  you are on the west side of the mountain and it's not too hot.  Cliff House opens after Memorial Day.  When we return to Mesa Verde in August with our grandkids we'll be doing Cliff House tour.

Cortez, Colorado & Four Corners Monument (May 2017)

On May 5, 2017, we left Monticello, Utah we traveled on to Cortez, Colorado to go to Mesa Verde National Park.  We made the mistake of going down Hwy 191 through Blanding and cut over to Hwy 262 (because the GPS said so), which proved to be a VERY BIG MISTAKE. The road was very narrow road but even worse bumpy for miles and miles until we got to Montezuma Creek, when the road finally leveled out!  I would never advise doing this route if you have an RV.  It was very bumpy and the roads were insanely crazy which made hauling an RV -- even the little 22 foot very jerky!

Once we got on Hwy 162, it became Hwy 41 in Colorado.  Interestingly, there was a Native American Walk to the Four Corners to fight Diabetes that just started as we approached their starting point.  We had to wait quite some time before we could proceed to our destination of Four Corners.

Four Corners was quite interesting because I wasn't aware it was on Navajo land.  We had to pay a $5 entrance fee, but it was fun to say that we stood on four states or four places at once.  There are a lot of good locations at Four Corners to park with any type of Class A or TT or 5th Wheel.

Standing on 4 places at one!

Four Corners

Four Corners - Navajo Land

The only place in the US with 4 states that intersect.

At Four Corners, in each side of each state, are kiosks with Native American vendors selling their wares.  We purchased a beautiful dream catcher and decided to hang it in our RV over the bed.  We got the black fur, green turtle (long life) and feathers with turquoise beads.

Love my dream catcher!

Finally, we left Four Corners and checked in at Sundance RV Park in Cortez.  I thoroughly enjoyed this RV Park.  We were assigned to unit #16.  It was very spacious with a lovely shade trees and grass.  We were originally assigned at pull through at unit #31, but there was no grass for the girls so we asked to change.  This was wonderful because there was a nice large area for the girls to play in their caged area.  The park also has a large amount of grass for playing and a dog exercise area.

Site #16, Sundance RV Park, Cortez, Colorado

We were also located right across from the bathrooms and laundry area.  I have NEVER in my life seen anything quite as clean as this bath/laundry house.  It smelled fresh and was spotless.  I was astounded!  The restroom had about 6 stalls and 2 sinks; the 3 showers had a dressing area and fabulous shower heads.  We'll be there again in a couple weeks and I'll take more photos and add this to the next blog post on this site.  They are very pet friendly and loved the girls.  They have free Wi-Fi and large sites.  Most of all everyone was very friendly and people loved to visit with each other.

The park also has a kitchen, large shady grassy area and patio area.  The park is also located right on the main drag, so it's easy to walk around town as well.

Prices & Discounts
Rates are $40 per night; $240 per week (get 1 night free) and a monthly rate of $600.  They do also offer 10% off for AAA, AARP, Military and Good Sam members.

Amenities included:

• Low Daily, Weekly & Monthly Rates
• Extra Long & Wide Sites
• Full Hook-Ups (50/30/20 Amps)
• Shaded & Grassy Sites
• Clean Restrooms & Showers
• On-Site Laundry
• Phone Hook-Ups
• Picnic Tables
• RV Parts & Accessories
• Free Cable TV (over 70 channels)
• Free Wi-Fi
• Several Discounts Available
• Listed in Trailer Life Travel Directories
• RV Service Available
• Pet Walk Area
• Vehicle Wash (fee)
• Close to Supermarket, Public Fitness Center, Swimming Pools, Library, Visitors Center

I'd give this place a 6 out of 10.  There weren't a lot of extra-curricular amenities other than the necessities but I felt very relaxed and comfortable at this location.  I could have sat outside all year at this location.  And, they are open every day of the year.

Back Up the Boat...I Mean Winnebago & Mountain View RV Park

Initially, we bought a cute 22' Winnebago Remington Sunny Brook 21DS travel trailer to do our weekend trips with.  It was a very functional trailer except that it was just a tad too small when Scott was sleeping since it was a split queen bed.  The length was just too short for him although I was very comfortable.  As you can see there is a sofa that converts to the bed, which made the length short.  The table in the photo actually tucks behind the sofa under the overhead cabinets so there was a nice amount of room once the slide was extended.

Here are the photos of our first travel trailer.  We sure loved her but with 3 dogs, it just wasn't practical or large enough at night.

Our cute first trailer!  She was small but super great!

Slide view

Rear View

Love seat with 1/2 the bed showing

Love seat folder down

Queen Bed extended over the folded down love seat

Main cabin with sofa, TV, Jensen stereo, tiny  kitchen and bath in the back.

Toilet and mini shower

Mini sink with closet storage

MONTICELLO, UT and the Mountain View RV Park - Our First Trip

When we had our little 22' Winnebago Remington we went to two RV parks.  The first on May 4-5, 2017 was in Monticello, Utah called Mountain View Park.  

Since this was our first park, we didn't have anything to compare it to, however, the hosts were very nice and friendly.  We were assigned a back-in site (#9) and they helped me back in our trailer and gave wonderful encouragement the entire time. It only took 2 tries to get it all backed in and that made me quite happy and accomplished.

The site itself was very clean.  It was a bit rustic, but for the area, it fit right in.  Monticello is a very small desert Mormon community near many of the national parks in southern Utah.

Our cute little 22' Travel Trailer

Scott

The park contained a decent shower facility and laundry hookups.  There was also a somewhat crab-grassy dog kennel area where we let the girls run around, but be cautious if you have small dogs, because they could get out under the fence where the gates were.  The center area had pull through sites with grass and the few around the center section were back-ins that were mainly gravel.  They also have a convenient dump station.

Restrooms

2017 Reservation Rate 
RV Sites with full service cable - $38 per night
Tent Sites $20 per night
Weekly and monthly rates are also available.

The office is open from 8:30 am to 8 pm daily.

Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi at all sites
• Restrooms with showers
• Dog area

Mountain View RV Park is located near the north end of town, but the town is so small you can actually walk anywhere you'd like quite easily.

Web photo

Web photo

We were in Unit 9

Overall, I'd give it a 5 out of 10 rating.

While we were in Monticello, we also attended the Monticello LDS Temple, which was a very nice experience.  I met a lady whose son is my neighbor back home.  What a small world!