Arline/Don, California, Day 5, Oct 17, 2019

Really had a great day yesterday and it was really great to just relax in such a beautiful area.  I wish I could say that today went as well...it had both beauty and challenges.  I did learn how to take some pictures while I was driving... without going off the road....wish I would have thought of it before in Colorado.

The following two morning pictures are at last night's campground. 

The beginning of the day was absolutely wonderful......peaceful.....relaxing......

As the day wore on things got more interesting...The winds were beginning to pick up as I drove so most of the trip today was 'white knuckle driving'......gusts to 40 mph, at least.  I soon arrived in Utah and can you believe the speed limit went up to 80 mph.....and I thought 75 mph was fast enough.  The really strange thing is that when I came to road construction the 'work zone' speed limit was 70 mph.   It just seemed strange to me that these workers get the job done without slowing traffic much whereas Missouri road crews have to take the 'work zone' speed down to 45 mph....usually from 65 mph.....go figure?????

Another thing I noticed was how barren Utah is.....both in land and people.  I drove for a long time and I kept passing exits which all had a sign that said 'No Services'.  After awhile I was starting to get a little concerned.  I had filled up with gas when I left but the tank was now about 1/2 full and I begin to wonder how long these 'No Services' signs would continue.  Apprehension begin to build so I said 'Hey Google'......'When is the next gas station'.....Turned out it was only 30 minutes away so I arrived with a 1/4 tank left....which in my RV won't last long, especially in the wind.  However, as you can see that it did have a lot of great scenery  along the way:

After I filled the gas tank it was only about 25 miles to my planned camping spot.  It was Fremont Indian State Park at the Sam Stove campground.  I couldn't make reservations because the computer reservation system said that after Oct 15 they weren't taking reservations and it was first come first serve.  I got there and drove into the campground which only has 7 RV spots and noticed there were plenty of open spots.  I started to back into one when I noticed there was a 'reserved' sign on it ......looked at the others and it was the same.  So I drove 3 miles down the road to the office where I was told that in September they just extended the reservation time to the end of October.  However, she did say they have 3 overflow spaces so I took one.  Went up and backed into one when I noticed it only had electric.  So I pulled out and took the next one when I noticed the sewer connection was at the front of the spot, not the back where it should be.  I decided to go ahead and hook up to electric and water.  Turns out there was only one spigot for water with multiple outlets.  Well, I could still work with that until when I hooked up the water and turned it on, the multiple connector broke off.  I had my own 2-connector and thought I would put it on, but I couldn't get the broken piece off...........There wasn't any cell service so I couldn't call to get it fixed.  This is where I reached my limit.....Unhooked and put away what I got out.....drove to the office and got a refund.  Continued my trip to a KOA in Beaver where I am typing this.

Long stressful day, so think I will hit the sack and see what joy tomorrow brings.  It may not sound like it but I am still having a great time.......and smiling.....