Big Days at Bayfield

We headed into Bayfield for the Fall Excel Rally on Thursday Sept. 27th .  It was only about 150 miles away but that turned into the longest 150 miles of the trip. Soon after we left Blanding we were headed up a hill and the truck stalled.  Hmm – what’s that about?  Luckily there was side road Jack was able to pull onto to get out of the way.  Still not quite sure what happened but we suspect it had something to do with the diesel oil filter.  Jack did his magic and we were on our way again.  We stopped in Cortez, CO for some needed groceries.    What would RVers do without Walmart parking lots? Just about Durango we needed to feed the diesel drinking black beauty.  Oh, that turned out to be quite stressful finding a gas station that the Biff II would fit.  Turned out we weren't going to make it under the canopy but we could pull close enough to the pump with the truck. We then backed out a bit and maneuvered our way without hitting anything. Whew!  Durango sure has grown and is quite congested – get us out of here quick! (See my post from last year for more about Durango)  So close but so far away, we were driving down Highway 160 and according to the Trailer Life guide the RV park was at mile marker 110 -  wait a minute Jack I think I see a bunch of Excels over there!  Turns out the RV park was at mile marker 101.  So down the road we go looking for a place to turn around.  All in all by the time we got to Bayfield we were worn out and ready to relax!

The next few days were spent socializing with fellow Excel owners and enjoying Heritage Days in Bayfield.   Highlights were the sheep drive and Tic Tac Sheep Plop contest.  Yes, it is what you think.   They also had a fun parade and a spectacular fireworks display Saturday night.  Campfires, socializing and election of new officers was on the agenda for the next few days.  Monday morning everyone pretty much cleared out and we were the only Excel left at the RV park.  Quick word about where we stayed -  Pine Riverside Park or Bayfield Riverside ( I have seen it under both names)  is a well taken care of park with very friendly staff.  We spent the next few days relaxing and exploring the area.  The weather has been perfect and the fall colors great!  Next stop only about 35 miles away in Pagosa Springs to meet up with my daughter Emily and her hubby JR.