EXTREME RV LIFE: From SUMMER to SNOW in 36 hours

A return to camping at Starvation State Park in Duchesne, Utah

On Wednesday 10/16 I left Vernal, about 60 miles east of Duchesne. I’ve been staying in Vernal for the past couple of weeks. As with past stays, I paddled, biked and swam. Pelican Lake and the Brough Reservoir were my water bodies of choice during this stay in Vernal. The rec center continues to be first rate, and biking around town is (in general) a pleasure.

But… each day was “summerlike” with afternoon temperatures reaching the low to mid 80’s, only cooling to the 70’s over the past couple of days (Oct. 15 and 16.) YES, I said October – MID-October!

AND THEN IT HAPPENED…

At about 3pm yesterday (Oct. 16, 2024), the winds picked up, showers and thunderstorms rolled in and summer was OVER – just like that! This morning I awoke to autumn which it appears will last a few HOURS before winter sets in.

Both Vernal and Duchesne (Starvation State Park) are at about 5500 ft. elevation, separated by only 60 miles the climate is very similar between the two towns. As I write this at around mid-day Oct. 17, rain showers are rolling through and the temperature is around 50F. Clearly, one cold front has brought a change, BUT…

By Tomorrow Morning (10/18/24)

Temperatures will be in the mid-30’s. Rain will still be falling – rain which MAY mix with or change to snow here in the valley. Duchesne is on the edge of the Uintah Mountains, just east of the Wasatch. The mountains are expecting between 12 and 24 inches of snow by late Friday!

Tomorrow will AT BEST reach the mid-40’s here in town as the second cold front passes through tonight. I’m “camped” on my computer at Black Sheep Coffee in Duchesne for the early afternoon. It’s amazing for a town of 1600 people how many congregate at this eclectic coffee shop. I’ve mentioned Sonora before and she’s still running this coffee shop. Black Sheep Coffee is at the east end of the commercial district in town.

Honestly, I would not be surprised to wake to flakes of snow falling – just about 36 hours after summer ended! Hence, SUMMER to WINTER in record time AND a true shock to the body.

The moisture IS very welcome!

Northeast Utah only receives about 10 inches of precipitation (rain and melted snow) each year. This ONE storm, basically comprised of two cold fronts will produce about 3/4″! Since all I’ve seen is clear skies and ZERO precipitation since leaving Anaconda in early September, its actually kinda nice!

October 18 UPDATE…

I woke up later than usual. I stumbled downstairs at 8:30am, raised the shades and saw SNOW falling outside! It’s 37F, it poured rain all night and is now changing over to snow. I checked the report from the local airport. As of Noon MDT, we’ve received 1.28″ of rainfall. OVER AN INCH is nearly 15% of the precipitation experienced ALL YEAR here!

The extreme rainfall overnight (and snowfall at elevation) also dampened (or ENDED?) the wild fires in the region.

Quick updates on RV Skirting “News” and the RV Industry…

• I spoke with Dave of Boise Extreme Skirts earlier today (10/17), he has ONE skirting appointment remaining in November. All additional work is being scheduled for December. IF you need a GREAT RV skirt, contact me for a quote and Dave allows me to provide you with a discounted price.

• RV Sales continue to struggle. I just sold two campers for my Concierge RV Clients. One was a DRV 43 Atlanta 5th wheel, the other a Fleetwood Flair 34J motorhome. Both had book values of over $90k. The motorhome sold for about $75k and the 5th wheel for just under $60k. And it took several weeks to find buyers for each.
• I have had a few buyers as well, and for each, I negotiated hard for each – securing deals on a late model Newmar Mountain Aire and on a new, leftover Arctic Fox 5th wheel for a couple of folks. The Mountain Aire was purchased for WELL below book value and the Arctic Fox for BELOW dealer cost!
• As we head into late October and November, there’s a natural “ebb” in my Concierge RV business, so if you’re looking for a “guide by your side, who also has your back”, contact me! This LINK details my Concierge RV Buying and Selling Service.

Lastly, please do leave feedback below. I read and respond to all comments. Also, please do subscribe to my newsletter (free) to be notified of new posts.