For two nights we stay at Payson Campground and RV Resort, where I do ‘chores’ like laundry, buying propane, dumping, taking on fresh water and exploring town.

I’ve reserved a site at Houston Mesa Campground, part of the Tonto National Forest, just outside of town, in the horse camp area.  Most of the other NP campgrounds are closed this time of year.

Why the horse camp area?  The main part of the campground is busy, whereas the horse area is not, so I call the Tonto National Forest phone number to find out if non-horse campers can use the horse camp area at this campground.  After checking, the woman on the phone says yes, it’s allowed at this campground, so I make a reservation with her on the phone.

As it turns out, the horse camp area is across the street from the main campground, in a completely separate area.  The roads aren’t paved here, as they are in the main campground, but the sites are huge and private.  There are flush toilets here and working water spigots too!  I’m happy with my choice.

A woman walks by with her dog, and we talk.  I learn that she is traveling solo with 2 dogs and 2 horses.  One of her dogs is a 4 month old puppy, not walking with her now because of a recent injury.  The puppy, Kiva got in the path of one of the horses and her foot was injured, resulting in the need to amputate a toe!

Kiva with her recent toe amputation.  She is actually VERY active, and I had to wait until she was asleep so that she was still long enough to take her picture.  ****************************************************

When the injury occurred, Jeannie (Kiva’s mom)  left the horses in their pens at camp and rushed Kiva to the vet in town.  When she returned, she learned from the camp host that leaving the horses unattended here is a big no-no.  In the meantime, her fridge has stopped working.  She has a part ordered for it, but needs ice to keep her food cold.  She will need to load the horses in the trailer, just to drive a few miles for ice, since they can’t be left unattended.  I volunteer to stay with the horses while she picks up ice and whatever else she needs,  and a new friendship begins.

Jeannie’s horses, Magic on the left, Ranger on the right.

Ranger, close up!

Later the camp host, Cheyenne, comes by.  He explains that they do allow people without horses to camp here, but normally only in the front campsites, not back here where I am…but since I’m already settled, and since I’m helping out one of the horse campers (Jeannie already told him apparently), I can stay.

Gosh, they need to let the reservation department in on their rules!

 Jeannie’s dog, Chevy.

More horses, and a burro wearing a dog back-pack!   ***********************************************************

Anyway, here we are until after Easter, nestled in among the Pinion Pines, Junipers, and the horses!