Sometimes adventures may require you to be random, adaptive, flexible and willing to deviate from the plan. If you are willing to do this, some of the best memories can be made.
Several summers ago, I planned the perfect camping weekend. I chose dispersed rather than campground camping. I favor dispersed camping since you camp in random beautiful places, avoiding an often overcrowded campground. You must pick a location where dispersed camping is allowed and then find a spot to camp. Of course, the goal is to leave no trace, meaning leave the land the way you found it. I love to disperse camp!
Location is set. Weather is looking good the week prior to the trip. However, the night before my trip to Jones Pass the weather changed from 20% chance of rain showers to 90% chance of rain. I woke up to soaking rain outside.
Now the situation required some creativity, meaning a change of plans. Driving several hours from Jones Pass the weather was completely different. I arrived at Rabbit Ears Pass by Steamboat Springs, CO, which I had not visited since childhood. The temperature was now in the high fifties, cloudy skies, but no rain. I was smiling.
Then the challenge came. How do I find a dispersed camping site?? This could prove very challenging especially in an unfamiliar area. I could not believe it, within an hour of arriving I found the perfect site. This could not have been planned better. This site had a perfect stone fire pit ready to use and a beautiful field of yellow wild flowers by a small pond. It was so exciting.
I set up my tent. With the campfire burning bright, it turned out to be the perfect night. Clear skies, an amazing fire, a beautiful sunset-who could ask for more?
Random fact, I later discovered the pond I camped by was one I had fished as a little girl with my family. (See picture below)
Keep wandering, continue to find adventure, be flexible and always allow for spontaneous randomness.
