October 4, 2016
Fellow Wander the West'er "Hoyden" was taking a month long road/camp trip during the month of October and her trip route was going to take her through Reno (my town), so I arranged to meet up with her on her way through for a quick overnight camp at Buckeye Hot Springs, CA.
Hoyden's itinerary was going to have her at Buckeye on Monday and because she was planning to stay a couple of days in the area, I arranged to meet her on Tuesday afternoon.
We just had a little taste of cold winter weather on Sunday, but the weatherman said it was going to be a nice all week, so off I went.
I arrived at the boondocking site at Buckeye just before 3:00 PM and Hoyden had already set up her rig in a wide spot somewhat near the springs. After a quick meet & greet, I popped my rig up just behind hers and we sat in the warm sun, visited and watched all of the dogs get acquainted.
The area was fairly busy, considering that it was mid-week in October, but it was hunting season and there were plenty of people looking for deer.
Hoyden and I had only been visiting for about an hour and a half, when a nice Toyota Tundra, sporting a FWC Silver Spur Hawk drove up nearby. We waved at them and then Hoyden motioned for them to come over and they did. Once they pulled up, we found out that it was fellow Wander the West'ers: MuleHawk (Luke and Annie)!
The MuleHawks were four months into their year long journey through the U.S. and it was just by chance that they were at Buckeye when Hoyden and I were there. Luke and Annie had just come from a soak in the nearby hot springs and were staying the night. You can also follow them on Instagram at MuleHawkAdventures.
We had a very nice time getting to know one another, but when the sun sets in October, it gets cold fast, so we all headed inside our campers for the night.
Even though we all stayed warm overnight, I knew it had been cold because the cup of water near my bed was half frozen. Luke and Annie had hung their towels over their front bumper to dry overnight, but they too were frozen solid in the morning.
I only took a few photos on this trip and I was shooting in RAW format for the first time, so as you can see, I still have a lot to learn about RAW.
All bought together by WTW...
Here is the MuleHawk (and their frozen towels)
Luke was showing Dawn and I their new Aluminess Bumpers.
Here's Dawn's rig and mine is behind hers.
After thawing ourselves out a bit with some hot coffee and breakfast, we all hiked the short distance, along Buckeye Creek, to the hot springs. We had seen a fly fisherman the day before and he told us that the fishing was amazing. During our walk along the creek, we could see that the river was teeming with 10-12 in trout. Note to self: bring fly rod next time.
Dawn, Annie and Luke enjoying the 104° water.
We soaked for well over an hour and enjoyed the scenery and the company. After the nice soak, we hiked back to camp, ate lunch and visited until about 3:00 PM. Luke and Annie were going to stay another night and then head out for Bodie and Mono Lake the following day.
Hoyden and I headed north to Reno, where she was able to take a shower and do a load of laundry at my casa. My daughter and I took Hoyden out for some very good Thai food, which is always a nice break from camp food.
The next morning, Hoyden and her hound dogs headed out north, where she'll eventually make her way to the Oregon coast and then loop back around to Arizona in time for her October "Utah Campering Gathering" at Valley of the Gods (October 18th).
I had a great time meeting these wonderful people. WTW and these little pop up rigs seem to attract the nicest people and I look forward to meeting more of you all along the back roads.
