This past weekend got hot. It is that time of year when temps rise, and me and my family head to the hills to cool off. Mom and dad got the camper trailer all ready and loaded up the car. We were going back to Mingus Mountain. Last time, we had a leak in the trailer. No hold up this time, and we hit the road.
We headed north on I-17 and took the exit toward Prescott (89A. Mingus Mountain is actually between the Prescott Valley and Jerome). We turned on Forest Road 104 and followed this dirt road for about 2.5 miles. At the four-way stop, we turned right into the campground.
No electricity yet! Apparently, lightening hit the main box a couple of years ago, and they haven’t repaired it.
The fee is $10 to $14 per site, per night depending upon which one you pick. The maximum vehicle length is 22 to 40 feet. Unlike the Potato Patch campground across the way, this one does not have a host. The human restrooms are clean, though, and you have great cell connection. I don’t much care for those devices and feel humans spend too much time with their faces in them. That’s just my opinion. I much rather be smelling stuff, and sniff I did!
As my parents set up camp (they are getting quite good and quick at it), I checked out site out. Hey, this was the same one we used last time! Cool. The pine trees provide nice shade, and we had pretty good privacy. Mom took me for a quick walk around, and I got to meet our neighbors. Two humans and two dogs. We meeted and greeted!
When we got back, my mom gave me a surprise: a steak bone. Wholly smokes! In 15 minutes flat, I ate the entire bone. Have I mentioned that I’m an excellent bone crusher? It’s a special skill, what can I say. Anyway, we enjoyed the afternoon with cool temperatures in the 70s. My mom calls it Nature’s Airconditioning. I love it because I don’t to pant so much.
Sometime before dinner, we took a hike. Lots of trails spin off the dirt road behind the campground. At the Y”, we went to the right. All trails eventually end at the overlook. I got excited because I smelled water. It took longer for my folks to know it was there because they had to see it. Me, I followed my nose to a steer pond, at least that is what my dad called it. In I went for a swim! It’s probably good I’m current on all my shots and vaccines. It was a little murky, but I’m not picky. Any swimming hole is a good one! Woof!
We made our way around the loop and back to the overlook where you can see Cottonwood and Sedona. I remember the big tree that lives there. Unfortunately, some stupid humans carved a heart and their names in it. Seriously people? This is NOT good for the tree. Shame on you. Please leave nature as you found it. We took pictures and hung out. My folks brought books to read, and I took a little nap. The sun was warm but the breeze cool. Just perfect.
As the sunlight got dimmer, we went back to our camper. My folks cooked up some dinner, and we waited for the stars. What a show they put on for us. Since Mingus Mountains is almost 8,000 feet tall, we have an unobstructed view. We saw some constellations we haven’t seen before. Mom and dad pointed out Leo and the Dog. That one was a stretch, but I went along with them.
I’d like to say I overcame my fear of the camper, but I haven’t. Since I got stung by a bee in it, I have been apprehensive about sleeping in there. I have a memory like an elephant, so I’m told. Instead of fighting with me, my folks let me sleep in my kennel. I feel much safer in it. We’ll try again next time.
We were all in the dark as the battery died on the camper. It’s brand new and shouldn’t have any issues. By morning, my dad figured it out. A wire was loose, and that caused the battery to drain. It would charge back up on our way home, which went smoothly. Within two hours, we were home and hanging out by the pool. Gotta love Arizona! Get out there; you never know what you’ll find.
Hi! I am Kumaito (Kuma for short), a multi-tan Shiba Inu. My breed is one of the oldest and purest from Japan. I personally was born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, moved to Friendswood, Texas, and now call Phoenix, Arizona home. I enjoy running or hiking almost every day with my mom, chasing rabbits out of my neighborhood, playing with toys, pestering my brother Edmond, eating, napping … well, I love just about everything and everyone!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith (Founder of the FIT Leader Formula™) is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert, and author of eight published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/ and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog?ref=hl
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
