Columbine Campground, Questa, NM

 

We found another great spot at Columbine Campground in the Carson National Forest, between Red River and Questa, NM along the Enchanted Circle. It is run by a concessionaire, but they honor the senior pass so we are paying $7.50/night, half the regular rate of $15. No hookups but there are several threaded water spigots and vault toilets. No dump again but the camp host came by as were were setting up and said we could let our gray water drain out on the grass. That is a first for us! Nice that we don’t have to wait until dark to stealthily pour out our dishwater, since most places don’t even allow that. Our Verizon phone even works and we have a slow internet connection with the amplifier.

Columbine Creek runs through the campground, and although you can’t see it in the pictures, it runs right behind our huge site, so we have the constant sound of rushing water. The only downside is there are lots of flies, but at least they don’t bite!

There is also a many miles long hiking trail at the back of the campground which runs along the creek. We walked a couple miles last night and it’s lovely. I think we’re going to like it here.

As we were walking through the campground yesterday we spotted this beat up old VW covered in windshield heat reflectors. It appears to be an older woman living out of her car. Jim wanted to get her story but when we walked by she was talking to someone else so we didn’t stop. If she is still here today we may go by and see if she needs anything. Who knows, perhaps she is just traveling and sleeps in the car. Although the days are near 80, it’s been in the upper 30’s at night. It wouldn’t a pleasant way to have to live.