Contents
- 1 John Martin Reservoir
- 2 Friday Frenzy: Gearing Up and Hitting the Road
- 3 Campsite Conundrum and a Change of Plans
- 4 Saturday Splashdown: Jet Skis, Sunshine, and a Shopping Spree
- 5 Sunday Departures and Unexpected Discoveries
- 6 A Window of Opportunity (Lost, That Is!)
- 7 Lessons Learned and New Horizons Ahead
John Martin Reservoir
Hey everyone,
Just back from a weekend getaway to John Martin Reservoir with my buddies Paul and Kerry, and let me tell you, it was an adventure (with a few unexpected twists)!
Friday Frenzy: Gearing Up and Hitting the Road
Our journey began on Friday, June 28th, around 4 pm. We picked up Paul’s camper and jet ski from Charlie’s place in Pueblo, feeling the excitement of a weekend on the water. We swung by Kerry’s house to grab her, then made a pit stop at the Walmart in La Junta to stock up on camping essentials. With bellies full of anticipation (and snacks!), we arrived at the lake around 8 pm.
Campsite Conundrum and a Change of Plans
Imagine our surprise when we discovered that our go-to camping spot from last year was now a designated day-use area only! Looks like they’d changed the rules. Undeterred, we ventured on to the Point Campground, a seemingly deserted haven. We set up camp, built a fire, and whipped up a delicious dinner under the starry sky. Just as we were settling in, a friendly park ranger informed us that this campground required reservations (oops!). Luckily, he was super helpful and guided us through the online process. For a mere $22 per night, we secured a spot for the next two days (no fancy hookups, just a basic toilet, but hey, the price was right!). The only downside? This particular site offered no direct water access.
Saturday Splashdown: Jet Skis, Sunshine, and a Shopping Spree
Fueled by a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning, we launched our jet skis and made a beeline for the day-use area on the opposite side of the lake. The bonus? We practically had the place to ourselves! With the sun high in the sky (hitting a scorching 90 degrees!), we spent the afternoon indulging in our aquatic passions – jet skiing, water skiing, swimming, and tubing. A quick trip to the store in Las Animas for some supplies, then back to camp for a well-deserved dinner and some rest before another windy night.
Sunday Departures and Unexpected Discoveries
Sunday dawned cloudy and windy, a stark contrast to the previous days’ sunshine. Despite the blustery conditions, we enjoyed our fair share of hot and sunny moments throughout the weekend. Bidding farewell to John Martin Reservoir around early afternoon, we embarked on a post-adventure exploration. Several lakes caught our eye, but Blue Lake emerged as the clear winner – a potential destination for future camping adventures, especially with its seemingly reservation-free status!
A Window of Opportunity (Lost, That Is!)
Unfortunately, our return trip wasn’t without its hiccups. Back in Pueblo, we discovered that Paul’s camper window had become an unwelcome hitchhiker along the way, leaving him with a pre-trip repair project before our next escapade. On a brighter note, we dropped the camper off at Kerry’s place, said our goodbyes, and headed home with a heart full of memories (and maybe a slight sunburn or two!).
Lessons Learned and New Horizons Ahead
While a few unexpected twists added to the adventure, the weekend at John Martin Reservoir was a success. We learned a valuable lesson about checking camping regulations before arrival, discovered a potential new camping gem in Blue Lake, and most importantly, shared some unforgettable laughs and experiences with good friends. Until next adventure!
Martin
