Papa Wes Adventures

10/19/2026

10/18/2026

We made it!!! Yippeeee!!!!! 16 days camping @ 9400 ft elevation. Average temperature at night was 29-30 degrees. Hi during the day was averaging 50-60 degrees.

Over the two weeks we had lots of sun, 5 days of rain, a little sleet and even a brief snow shower in Creede. For one weekend we had 16 members of Trail Team 360 on ATV's and Side by Sides. Total mileage on my ATV for the trip was 356 miles.

Starlink was used for the first time for the camp and on my ATV. Exceptional reviews. Took my computer so I would not get quite so far behind. Was able to check registrations and get out some certificates.

Went out to eat with Cheryl and Keith from Chinook Cabins. Stopped in at Kips in Creede for my favorite Pilewski Enchiladas. Also went to Del Norte and ate at Boogies. They were out of all chicken fired steaks and no pies. Bummer.

The Aspens were just right. Some had already changed but the majority turned while we were there. We were able to have campfires in the morning and evenings except when there was torrential downpours.

Two days before we packed up to come home, we had a lively evening and night. Rain started at 4 PM. So, into the tents to listen to books and lay in bed. Thunderstorms were in our valley so my favorite sound of the thunder rolling through the mountains was really dramatic for several hours. Then the wind picked up. Estimated around 45-60 mph. Rattling everything we had and really making the trees sing. And surprisingly - no damage.

And as usual we packed up in the rain and freezing temperatures. I don't know if you have ever gotten so cold that your bones hurt. But that was how it was.

We finished packing around 3PM and headed out. Stopped at Chinook to say goodbye and headed out to Raton. Got a room (AND SHOWER), stayed the night and feasted at the buffet for breakfast.

The drive home from Raton was long and filled with excitement. Started out with cool crisp skies and ran into violent thunderstorms in Texline. Drove through really heavy rain and winds all the way through to Sweetwater.

09/23/2026

My favorite time of year for about three weeks.

It's the first day of fall! 🍁🍂 That means gorgeous shades of red, orange, and yellow are just around the corner. 👀

Save this guide to fall foliage when you are out leaf peeping, or even better, plant a tree so you can enjoy vibrant autumn colors for years to come. 🌳

09/20/2026

We are now down to 7 days and counting. Most other activities have stopped and now we are in prep stages for all vehicles and camp equipment. Last on the vehicle list is the winch controller on my Jeep. Solenoid or ground wire issue.
All other vehicles ready. Camping gear stowed on ready to pack. Food and clothing are set for next weekend.

We look forward to this all year long. Camping 19 days in the mountains at an average hi in the 60 degree range and mid 30's to low 40s at night. Not sure about open fires so we are taking the propane fire pit.

I have located 5 waterfalls that we have not seen and a number of trails most have not been on or none of us have seen.

09/15/2026

Trail Team 360 members going to Fall Colors

Fall Colors have already started

Bear attack 4.8 miles from TT360 Campsite

Forest Fire (Swiss Role Fire) 14.2 miles from campsite. Current update is 369 acres involved with 0% containment. The Forest Service is currently not fighting the fire due to it's remote location and slow growth.

09/02/2026

We will be testing out a number of new camping items as well as ATV and Jeep add on's during this year's 2026 Fall Colors Adventure trip to the Rio Grande National Forest in southern Colorado.

Starlink (First trial run 100% success)
Starlink for ATV (we will take it on all trails and set up in remote areas)
We Boost (so far a $500 piece of junk)
Cast iron cook set (new - 1st time use)
Cook Stove & campfire set
Coleman tent - (new to Wes) (new - 1st time use)
UPWOIGH 5 Gallon Water Jug with Rechargeable Touch Pump (new - 1st time use)

08/31/2026

The new Trail Team 360 - 2026

08/23/2026

for the 2026 Fall Colors Trip, Camille, Alex and I will start off at the 360 campsite. We will be camping the entire trip. A number of people are coming up October 1-5 for OHV trail riding.
Once they leave, we may break camp and head up to Creede for a few days, then move back down toward South Fork.

If you want to meet us to camp, call either Camille or Wes for specific locations. If you need information regarding OHV rules, we can help there as well.