#35 TIMBER CAMP a.k.a. AWOL CAMP

When we pulled in to Timber Camp last night, all was dark. Our rig's lights were the only way for us to find a spot to camp. Where we are, we are pretty isolated from anyone and are probably about a half hour from the closest town. There is a large dirt day-use parking area, with a  large closed off group camp area. Next to those areas, is our small campground. There is a circular dirt road that carves its way between the pines and juniper trees. Picnic tables and large metal fire pits with grills are scattered amongst the trees, and a few pit toilets can be seen.

As we made our first turn around the campground we spotted a lonely white sedan. We assumed people were camping and expected to see some sort of tent or camp set up. There was nothing. Just a car parked in a camp site. I thought it was odd. Steve thought perhaps there were a couple of teenagers having some private fun nearby. He took the dogs for a walk and came back saying he had seen no one. I went to bed feeling a little uneasy and checked to make sure all our doors and windows were closed and locked. If we had pulled in to the campground during the day, my mind probably wouldn't have been worried as much.

This morning we woke up to beautiful pines and blue sky. I love this type of environment. The sun is warm, but not too warm... and the smells of the trees and brush are amazing.

As we were eating breakfast, three Sheriff vehicles pulled in to the campground and Steve and I immediately knew why. That solo white car. We both guessed that there was a body in the car. We both knew something was up last night! Steve walked over to the deputies and found out the scoop...

There is a man who is AWOL from the Navy and we learned that he was running from having two lives and two wives! The Sheriffs found three cell phones in his car and what appears to be all of his belongings. This person is now missing and his car has been here since March 30th. Camping in the forest here is limited to 14 days, and today is day 14... so, the tow truck came, along with a little search party looking for the missing sailor. No one knows where he is. Did he start a new life? Who knows!  It was very interesting to see all the action today and to wonder what happened.

Now, Steve is doing a little maintenance on the rig while the kiddos and I play in the sunshine outside. Alex and I had a big morning of Math and school... and he is very happy to be relaxing now.

We all love this great spot, but Steve and I both feel that moving on is the best move for us. Our plan is to head further north and explore! And we need to mail this Lego friend back to Albert... she hitched a ride with us from Gilbert. Oops!