Papa Wes Adventures

When your 2 year old grandson is already cleaning gear after class.

I have been wanting these new tools for quite a while and kept putting it off waiting to see how they each performed. Since I travel alone across the country every so often and then go camping in some really remote areas, I have been wanting to add some security features. Last year, Camille, Alex and I were camping up at 10,600' in late September. At the time, we were the only ones in a remote valley tent camping. Our friends Suzie and Danny had already left after camping with us for several days. The temperatures were dropping at night into the low 20F range and once down to 19F. If we hiked up the side of the mountain behind our camp high enough, I might get one bar of cell phone. We also used the satellite text a few times. Both very unreliable and only worked if we got up high enough.
On top of the iffy connectivity, I found that I had a slow drain on my Jeep battery. I had to use my new DeWalt jump pack three times. We experienced a 70-mph wind and lightning storm with trees falling over. I have been making a few purchases to reduce the risk taken when traveling and camping.

New tool # 1 - DeWalt DXAEPS-14 12V Automotive Battery Booster Jump Starter/Power Station with 120 PSI Compressor, 500W AC Power Inverter, and 15W USBa & 25W USB Ports

New tool #2 - Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater, RT97 Upgraded Version, Radio Repeater, Full Duplex Long Range, Compatible with Raspberry Pi, Portable, LCD Screen, for Remote Area, Emergency Rescue, Logistics

New Tool #3 - Starlink Mini Overlander - Vehicle mount for on the move, camping and remote internet access.

New tool #4 - WeBoost Drive Reach Overland
The first and only cell signal booster
made specifically for off-road adventure.

Trail Team 360

Heading to Cloudcroft, New Mexico area starting June 29th through July 5, 2026. Camping in National Forest land. Specific location to those that let me know they are coming. All are welcome - plenty of room for tents to regular vehicles.

Altitude is 9,165 F MSL. Road off highway is rock/dirt. Bumpy, but any vehicle can make it. Can get a little fun if raining. Rolling mountainous terrain. Campsites available within 300' of trail.

ATV's and UTV's are allowed. You must have EITHER a licensed ATV, UTV or off road motorcycle OR purchase a New Mexico Off Road permit from the NM Forest Service. (Conveniently located a few miles from camp). There are not as many trails as Colorado. A number of scenic areas and places to go nearby.

Mexican Canyon railroad Trestle - Old Wooden RR trestle remnants. You can see from a scenic overlook on Hwy 82 west of town or hike out from Trestle Picnic Area Road right in town.

Cloudcroft itself has a charming downtown with shops, eats and pubs. Depending on weather and fire conditions, we will have a communal campfire going most nights.

Sunspot Highway to the south will take you out to Sunspot Solar Observatory, White Sands National Sand dunes. Hollaman AFB and more if you are willing to drive.

I will be bringing my outdoor kitchen, cast iron set up and have a communal kitchen available. You bring your own food. Grocery store in town is pretty well stocked.

Come the whole time or any part.

Camille, Alex and I took a short trip up to Colorado. Left on February 10th at 7:00 in the morning and drove straight through arriving at Chinook cabins and RV Park in Southfork, Colorado at around 8 in the evening. On the way up nothing was out of the ordinary until we got into the area around Sweetwater and then on up into the Panhandle there was significant headwinds that made my Jeep swerve of on the highway.

Alex did exceptional during the trip. He got sick once and threw up but it was a small amount we cleaned it up and got back on the road 10 to 15 minutes later. Camille and I discussed what kind of animals we would see on this trip that are not native to the area of Texas where we live. We listed the following that we thought we might see. In New Mexico we would probably see pronghorn antelope, rabbits, coyote, and possibly the large Ravens. In Colorado we had the possibility of seeing bald eagles, mule deer, elk, moose and up near Creede we might see some bighorn sheep.
We checked in with Cheryl and Keith at the Chinook cabins and RV park, got our key to the cabin and went to unpack and settle in for the evening. On Wednesday we drove up Hwy 149 to Creede, Colorado with hopes that we would see town with snow and the winter look we've never seen. Along the highway, we saw a Bald Eagle flying over the Rio Grande River. Also spotted a few Mule Deer and a herd of Bighorn Sheep.

We arrived in Creede a snow baron city with most of the shops closed and very few people venturing outside. We drove up to bachelor's loop to find the road closed for the season. Then we attempted to go down Willow Creek Rd. And we're able to travel approximately 2 miles back up in the mountains on this road. We ran into ice and snow patches along the way Especially in the shady areas and the steeper inclines. We got to turn around and head back towards town. We checked on Kipps Bar and Grill to make sure they were open and then proceeded out of town.

We left creed on Colorado 149 headed west and we traveled 17.8 miles before turning onto forestry service Rd. 556. This was a forest service road that had numerous Turns, switchbacks and narrow trails. We were headed up to the north clear Creek waterfall which was 4 more miles down this dirt road. You can also access the Falls via Co 149. We just chose the more adventurous route. When were the only ones there and we were able to walk out and look at the waterfalls which were completely frozen over. We took lots of pictures and looked at the falls from different angles and did some hiking. However, the temperatures were in the mid to lower 20s and the wind was blowing so we didn't stay very long.

We then drove back into Creede and straight to Kipps Bar and Grille. If I am in Creede, I must have my Pilewski Enchiladas. If you like spicy and great taste – I highly recommend you try this dish. Especially with cold beer. After dinner, we loaded up and headed back to our cabin.

We had decided that on Thursday Camille would go skiing up wolf Creek ski area and Alex and I would drop her off and then go exploring on our way back to town. We left the cabin around 7:30 in the morning and drove up US160 towards the ski area. All driving 50 miles an hour on the highway we approached the sharp turn at Park Creek Rd. And hit black ice and the back end of the Jeep skidded out. I let off the gas and regain control, and we kept heading up the mountain. Before we got to the ski area, I hit three or four more patches of black ice and eventually put the Jeep in 4-wheel drive high and had no more problems. The drive up was beautiful there had been recent snow and there were lots of frozen waterfalls on the sides of the cliffs. The South fork of the Rio Grande River that runs along the side of the highway was mostly frozen over.

After we dropped Camille off, Alex and I turned around and started heading back down the mountain. We checked several of the side roads which all turned out to be blocked off. The first one we could go any distance along was Beaver Creek Rd. Which is also Forest Service Road 360. We were able to drive out to Beaver Lake until the road was blocked off. We turned around and came back to Tewksbury Rd. And drove to the dead end. And then found a flat spot at the base of one of the mountains where we could let Alex and Xena out to go walk around in the snow.

Then the three of us headed up to Million Lake which was completely frozen over and had at least six or more inches of ice formed on the surface. We were able to go walk out on the lake and play on the ice for a while. After that I took Alex and Xena back to the cabin and we hung out there for a couple of hours. Around 3:00 we decided to go out sightseeing and drove out Co 15 to Agua Ramon Rd (Co 630) Add decided to do some off roading. Dirt Rd. Going through the grasslands and gaining in elevation the area was scenic and offer views of Blanca mountain north of Fort Garland which is approximately 53 miles east, I could also see the great sand dunes as well as the valley or the town of Southfork and a good way up towards the continental divide near wolf Creek ski area. This is an ATV Rd. and goes all the way up to the Wheeler geologic area and connects with the number of all other off road trails. We will be exploring this during our October trip.

Meanwhile, Camille met up with Cheryl Johnson around 12:30 and they skied together till the area closed at 4:00. Then they drove back to town and we met up at our cabin.

Friday was our last day and we decided to drive all the way back up to wolf Creek pass and let Alex have a chance to sled and uses new skis. We waited until about 10:00 AM to let the traffic die down and any ice melt off the road. We got up to the continental divide and pulled off into a parking area. Found nice little sledding hill. Camille and I took a few turns making sure that we could stop. Then we took Alex and he seemed to have a great time. Even sent him down a few times on his own. Camille put his skis on him and let him try that. He can walk in them pretty good, but the hill was not adequate for him to ski. It was either deep snow or ice. So, we packed up and headed back to our cabin. While Camille and Alex were napping, I took the Jeep and went back up Aqua Ramon Rd. To cut down some firewood to bring back to New Braunfels. We went out to eat and then returned to the cabin to pack up and clean up as we were leaving around 7:00 in the morning on Saturday.

Saturday, we left the cabin at about 7:15 in the morning and headed east on Colorado 160. It had snowed overnight maybe an inch or so, but it made everything bright and beautiful. Before we got to Fort Garland, we ran into a couple of patches of fog. Camille and I had already discussed traveling a different way home to see some different scenery. So when we got to Fort Garland we turned right on Colorado 159 And headed South towards New Mexico. The highway turns into New Mexico 522 at the state line and continues on down to Questa, NM. Along this area we spotted several wild horses and a few wild donkeys. We turned onto NM 38 and drove through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to Red River. The area had been blanketed with snow overnight and was really beautiful.

We slowed down going through town and turned into the parking area at the ski resort. Camille took some pictures of the ski area and the people walking to it and then we drove on eastward out of town and continued on we got the Eagle Nest. Then we turned onto US 64 and later onto NM 434 toward Angel Fire. In Black Lake, we turned toward Mora, NM. We used to take this road when we went skiing at Angle Fire or Red River. When the kids were young, we would leave New Braunfels between 10-12 PM and I would drive through the night while they slept. Then we would arrive in the mountains during daylight hours. Lots of stories from this area over the years.

The highway construction crews are working on this toad and for 30 miles the speed limit was 25 MPH. Scenic but very slow. Once we arrived in Mora, we turned and headed toward Las Vegas, NM and then started making our way back home. Arriving at the house at 1230 at night.

Next planned trip is to Cloudcroft, NM at the end of June for a week of camping and ATV riding.

Happy Thanksgiving

Week 3 - Trail Team 360

Getting the camp squared away after the move from 5 Mile Park did not take long. We had the Camp kitchen shelter up, just needed to organize. Both tents were up and just needed some re-arranging. Firewood and the fire pit were next. This spot always has an abundance of dead trees close enough to hand carry / drag them back to cut up. I have my gas-powered chain saw for bigger trees. I also have a small 8" battery powered saw that works great. Quiet, and powerful enough to fell trees, trim and cut fire logs. Within an hour, I had enough for 3-4 days.
Mid-morning, Linsey, Mark and their girls, Vanessa and John Richard, Michelle, Will and their son showed up at our camp with their new side by sides in tow. We spent a little time chatting and let them check out our camp site before off-loading their machines.
The first trip of the day was up FS 360 from our camp to Poage Lake. One way is around 14 miles on gravel roads. Speed limit is 20 mph. You don't want to go much faster with a group because of the dust. And the faster you go, the less you get to see.
By this time of the trip, the aspens were changing with a flourish. Yellow, reds and orange mixed in with the evergreen spruce, and firs made a spectacle to see. Plus, a lot of the leaves are starting to fall onto the road making a magical yellow carpet.
On the way up we stopped at an off-road camping area next to Beaver Creek. There are gold flecks in the sand that are easily seen and picked up. The creek is small but deep enough for trout to thrive. We saw rainbow, brown and speckled trout in the deeper pools.
Then on up to the lake. Arriving we staged the machines and everyone broke out lunches before we hiked up to the lake. Poage Lake is at 11, 400' msl nestled up to the base of a mountain peak on the south side. Being a high mountain lake, there are mountains in the distance that reflect of the water. Several of which already had snow. We met some folks and started talking. Did not take long to establish that they were fire fighter, police and into search and rescue. We compared notes for a bit and then headed back to the machines. On the way back, the group stopped at several waterfalls for pictures.
I went ahead to check out a trail I thought the kids especially and the adults as well would really enjoy. We named it Fairy Glen. Not especially long, but it cuts of the main forest service road onto a two track hunting trail. Along the way, there are small creeks flowing across the trail, a few hills and some scenic panoramas to enjoy. Frequently we see mule deer, fox, coyotes, grouse, and a lot of colorful birds.
About 1/2 mile into the trail the aspen groves get really thick. Just barely wide enough to get our machines through, the trees are up close and their canopies arch over the trail making a tunnel of yellow, red, orange and green leaves held up by the white tree trunks.
We finished the 2.4 mile loop trail and headed back to our camp. Along the way back down, you are treated to a view of the canyon that has Beaver Lake about 2,000 feet below and maybe 2 miles away. The fall colors make an outstanding backdrop for the royal blue lake.
Back at camp Mark and Will loaded up their side by sides and headed back to their cabins. They are staying at the Chinook Cabin and RV in South Fork. The cabins are 100 + year old mining cabins that have been relocated and refurbished. Each cabin has a theme. Tey are right off US 160 in town at the base of one of the mountains.
Next day we met at 9:00 AM on the highway and drove up US 149 to Creede. This route follows the North Fork of the Rio Grande River through mountain flanked valleys for 20 miles with breath taking scenery all the way. Then it gets better when you enter Creede. The old town is tucked into dramatic mountain cliffs and old-world style atmosphere shops, hotels, homes and restaurants.
We drove through town to the OHV staging area and unloaded the machines. Suited up, we headed up Bachelors Loop. A 14 mile historic road that travels through abandoned and active gold and silver mines. The road is gravel and at a significant grade. If the weather is dry, most any vehicle can make it. If wet or snow, you better have 4 wheel and high clearance vehicle.
The canyon is narrow, and the cliffs extend up 1,000 or more feet on either side. Within the first 1/4 mile the mines begin. You can stop and walk up to most of them that are near the road. Every year we go, there are more of the mines being closed down and taken apart. Guessing it's because of certain government agencies and a lot of people that do not respect the no trespassing signs.
One of the largest is the Commadore Mine. It sits within a few feet of the road, You will literally drive close enough to touch the logs and then drive under part of the old structure. Then the road gets narrow as it follows a raging creek that crisscrosses up for the next several miles. Always keeping an eye out for oncoming traffic. There are few spots wide enough to pass. Traffic coming down hill usually has the right of way. (It's harder to back up going uphill).
There are 16 mines right along the road that you can get out and explore around the outside. Some are tucked up in the trees and are easily overlooked. We completed the loop in about one and a half hours.
Once we got back to the staging area, the group all decided more. So we checked out a new trail called Rat Creek Trail. We rode through town on the designated OHV streets and headed back out on the west side of town. Reversing back up part of the Bachelors loop, until we got to the Rat Creek Trail head. This trail heads out and is a designated two track OHV for both ATV's and UTV's. Rocky and embedded in the forest, we start ascending. Saw some mule deer, grouse and mountain lion tracks that crossed the road. The trail is very remote and should not be traveled alone and especially without letting someone know when you will start and intend to finish.
We crossed numerous creeks and water puddles. Lots of scenery with mountain valley, running creeks, meadows and peaks with snow already accumulating. We climber to 12,400+' and a mountain pass. Stopped and played in the snow, took lots of pictures and the started the descent down the other side. Passed a working silver mine and some smaller operations. The trail circles around and meet back up with Bachelors Loop. Wanting even more, we took an additional trail down Willow Creek Rd. This is a continuous switchback gravel road. It descends a little over 2,000' and meets back up at the OHV staging area.
I will add more when I have time. TBC

Week 2 - Travis, Chelsea and Owen arrive

After Danny and Suzie left for home, we had a couple of days with just the three of us. We stayed around the campsite and did a few trails on the ATV's. We had a campfire going almost around the clock unless we headed away from camp. There were so many downed trees, so out came the chain saw and axes. Eventually we had enough wood for at least a week. We did learn a valuable lesson. Propane is hard to ignite at high altitudes. Our Butane stove saved the day and worked great until we ran out. We also learned that not a single store in South Fork or Creede carry Butane fuel for camp stoves. **Upon returning home, I ordered a bulk supply.**
Throughout the first two weeks is roundup from the high country. The cattlemen lease thousands of acres during the Spring through Fall each year. Cattle are turned loose in the high-country meadows and are left to forage until October. Then roundup begins with the cowboys and cowgirls using horses, dogs, ATV's and other off road vehicles to start pushing the cattle down to collection points.
This means daily that cattle are walking through our canyon and sometimes through camp. The dogs are aware and watch the cows closely. They only react if a cow or calf comes too close to the camp. Then they just bark and stand their ground until the cows decide to move along.
During those few days we did some exploring and took the Jeep and the dogs along. We went farther up the mountain on Park Creek Road until we got to the Summitville Gold Mine. Then we took the Summitville Rd and Pinos Creek Rd toward Del Norte.
The Aspens were spectacular mixed in huge stands and also mixed in with the pines and furs. We saw a sign for a lake we had not explored before and decided to go check it out.
We took FS 329 south to Fuchs Lake. Man made reservoir at around 10,800' elevation. The lake was considerably low but offered several campsites next to the water. Would be a really neat place to camp and bring the canoe in the summer. The sign saying three miles was very misleading. It was more like 5 miles. Next trip, we will explore a bit farther.
We then drove back to Pinos Creek Rd and headed down to Del Norte. The intent was to look for Butane, but no one had any. We stopped in town at Boogies Restaurant. Home cooked meals and man the absolute best Southwest Chicken Fried Chicken I have ever had. They have sweet tea and free refills (something I have seen lacking in many restaurants outside of Texas).
Travis and Chelsea arrived in town on October 1 and stayed in a rented cabin just off of Hwy 160. Really nice rental at Wolf Creek Wilderness Cabins. We went down to meet up and spend some time with both grandsons getting some play time. Everyone was tired, so going out to eat was the plan of the day. Ramon's Mexican Restaurant has always had good food. We have had several meals where the mixed drinks were less than satisfying. Chelsea and I both got Margaritas. Both tasted like dirty water. We asked for a tequila shot to spice up each drink, no Beuno!! They did at least not charge for the drinks.
Next morning, Travis, Chelsea and Owen came up to our camp and hung out. The boys had a blast playing, we did some kids ATV trips and some adult only exploring. At least Owen stays awake for his rides. We had tree swing going, campfire burning and exploring the creeks.
Day three we rode the ATV's with all aboard up to the Summitville Mine and then over to the Continental Divide by Elwood Cabin. It started getting cooler, so we headed back to camp. The crew took off back to their cabin and we followed them down. On the way back after our visit, we saw a really large coyote on the road.
Day four we met them down in town on our way over to Creede. This was their first time and the scenery did not disappoint. We went through town and proceeded up Bachelors Loop. Stopped for photo shoots and exploring the various mines. We went around up and over to the Last Chance Mine. It's a place to see if you haven't been there before. However, be aware if Jack is your greeter, he insists that you listen to his story. Unfortunately, the story has gotten worse. We are now informed that he drove explosive trucks across the US and up into mountainous terrain often times speeding and driving without regard to others, all in an effort to get the explosives off the road asap because they are dangerous.
We left the mine after the required looking around and headed back to Creede to spend some time shopping and eating at my favorite restaurant in town, Kipps Bar and Grille. They have a dish called the Pilewski Enchilada's that I get every time. Three flour tortillas stuffed with pulled pork, provolone & chipotle, and covered with chili Verde sauce. Covered with shredded cheese and avocados.
We headed back to their cabin at Wolf Creek Lodge after a packed event day. Stayed a while and then drove back up to our camp. The plan was to head back down in the morning and then see them off. Travis informed us that there was a chance for rain starting that night and getting stronger as the day progressed. He was right. Just as we got back to our camp the wind started picking up. We had placed our tents right at the tree line and there were many dead trees around that could potentially hit us. Then the wind really got strong coming over the mountain top behind us. The tree stated swaying, and one gust blew down quite a few dead trees. We evacuated to the Jeep and drove it out of the immediate danger area. A few minutes later the wind died down and we decided to break down our entire camp and move it several hundred yards out into the open and away from any trees.
We left Alex in his car seat. Camille and I then started with one tent at a time, emptied the contents and then carried each to the safer camp site. This included two tents, the kitchen shelter, trailers and ATV's. This was accomplished in about an hour and a half. We were impressed. And the fun part was we planned to break camp and move to a new site the next day. It did rain most of the night.
Day 5 we woke up and headed down to see Travis Chelsea and Owen off. They would be leaving that morning to head home. Travis cooked breakfast, they loaded up and off they went.
We headed back to camp, broke everything down and loaded it on the trailer and in the Jeep. About 2 hours later, we were driving out of our canyon, down Park Creek Rd and then onto Hwy 160 headed back towards South Fork. Right on Beaver Creek Rd and out about eight miles to our new campsite on Trail 360. This is National Forest land and boondock camping is allowed anywhere within 300 feet from the centerline of the nearest road. We have stayed at this site for the past four years and really like the location. It is primitive and you bring everything that you need or do without.
First order of business was to get the tent and the kitchen shelter set up. Then firewood cut and stacked, firepit built and finally supper cooking. The elevation at this site is 9123'. Right off the bat we noticed that our propane burners started working and Camille's Mr Heater stayed on all night. We had our supper, then sat around the campfire and watched the stars and satellites for several hours. We heard Owls that sounded very close and a pack of coyotes off in the distance. Several Elk were bugling down in the valley below.
Tomorrow, October 6th, Mark, Linsey and their girls, and Will, Michelle and their son, and Vanessa and John Richard were coming out to our camp.

Several Trips planned for 2026:
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January 4-7 South Fork & Creede - Winter Break
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June 28-July 3 - Cloudcroft Campout & Off roading
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September 28-October 16 - 2026 FALL COLORS Campout and Off Roading
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If you are interested in location or details, contact Wes or Camille

Week 1 - Suzie and Danny @ Five-mile park

We had picked this campsite a couple of years ago. We had some other friends with us and were exploring logging roads and campsites. We pulled into this site and got out to let the dogs run and walk around exploring. The last campers had left a small watermelon in one of the creeks, so it was named watermelon camp. Elevation 10, 360' and right at 12.5 miles from the nearest highway, 1 mile off of the main dirt road. There are four creeks that come together, all have gold flakes showing. Each has small trout that congregate in the deeper pools.
The valley is about 250 yards wide and a quarter mile long. Spruce, pine and aspen make up the majority of trees. The day we arrived; the aspens were just starting to change to their fall colors. There are many pines that are dead due to the pine bark beetle and weather-related circumstances.
Getting to the camp requires an eight-mile drive on US 160 from South Fork, then turning left on Park Creek Rd for 12.5 miles. Park Creek Rd is a dirt/rock road with a speed limit of 20 MPH. It follows Park Creek which starts up near the Summitville Gold Mine. Many smaller creeks join it as it makes it's way down to the Rio Grande River along US 160.
Once you get to the cut off for 5 Mile Park, you turn right and start to descend into the valley on a two-track old logging road. It is just wide enough for one vehicle and almost no place to pull over if another vehicle were approaching. Hillsides on your left are covered in boulders, trees and other vegetation. Several small streams run down the shoulder and across the road. On your right is a steep drop off. Starting off at several hundred feet and slowly tapering off as you approach the canyon bottom.
Since I am pulling a double axel trailer, there would be no place to pull over for another car. Camille took her ATV ahead to make sure no one was coming. The road is pock marked with wash outs and large puddles. Slow and first gear all the way to the bottom. Then we have to cross the creek. The creek bottom is all rock and maybe one to two feet deep.
After we cross the creek the logging road continues on for several miles. Our camp area is off to our left a few hundred yards. There are multiple camp sites for tent, car or RV. Suzie and Danny and their dogs chose the site closest to one of the creeks. Nestled into the tree line, they set up their tent with a view of the mountains across the valley and towards the west.
Camille, Alex and I set up a little farther back in the woods where we could have the two tents and our camp kitchen next to each other. While Camille worked on setting up the kitchen and her tent, I started gathering firewood and building our fire pit. Danny and Suzie came over with their camp kitchen table and set up to cook our fist camp meal. We ate and sat around the fire until around 8 PM. Then it was time to hit the sack for the night.
We heard what sounded like rain during the night, then sleet and finally snow. Looked like maybe 1" had settled over the valley. At 9:30AM the sun peaked over the mountain top to our east and started melting the snow off. Gone by 2 PM.
For the next three days, I would get up and get the coffee going and the fire stoked. We had so much firewood with all the dead trees. After the sun came up, everyone would gather for breakfast and fire toasting.
Suzie and Danny decided to leave a day early as it was supposed to rain. And packing wet gear while wet and cold is not as much fun as it's made out to be.