2012 . . . What a year!

Oh, the places we’ve been!

Highlights of 2012

[slideshow]

rvsue

Note:   The photos from the first half of the year are not in my WordPress media library because they weren’t transferred when my former laptop died.  Therefore, they aren’t in the slideshow.  Those photos include the Sonoran Desert, Burro Creek, Ash Fork with Rusty and Timber, Williard Springs, Lee’s Ferry, the Grand Canyon, Zion NP, Upper Kent Lake, Fremont Lake, Wheatland, the Black Hills, the wild horse sanctuary, buffalo at Yellowstone NP, and much more.  Those photos are not lost.  They can be seen in the blog posts.

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64 Responses to 2012 . . . What a year!

  1. klbexplores says:

    Yep, you have had an awesome year. I have learned so much from you and have gathered courage like steam for my own travels. Thanks for letting me tag along!!

  2. Happy New Year to you Sue and the Crew. Thanks for letting me tag along on your travels. I can not wait until I can get on the road! I am living through you and your pictures.

  3. geogypsy2u says:

    Fun to look back on the year. Thanks for sharing your story Sue, and crew.

  4. Pat says:

    Happy New Year!!!!!!!! And what a year…great pics, great writing and the courage you have given others to follow their dreams. Thank you so much. The next year is going to be even better.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I like your prediction that the next year is going to be even better. It’s hard for me to imagine how it could be better, but then I never imagined this past year! Happy New Year to you, Pat.

  5. Dedra says:

    What new adventures await this year!
    I’ll be along for the ride and looking forward to it.
    Tell the crew Hi!

  6. Glenda Cornwill says:

    My turn to wish you and the dear crew a Happy New Year and all the very best for 2013 !! Thanks for the review of all the lovely photos. Along with everyone else that loves your accounts of your travels with the crew, I wish you many happy trails in this new year! Love Glenda and her crew in OZ!

  7. Reine says:

    Great pictures, Great year. We’re so glad you and the crew were able to live the life you want and see more of God’s beautiful country than most folks. Have a blessed 2013.

  8. katydid says:

    Your beautiful pictures tell the story of a remarkable journey down a road less traveled. We are all blessed by the reminder that such an option can be within our reach too. Do we dare to take such bold steps?

    For me the answer is, “not yet.” But I certainly look forward to living vicariously through your adventures in this new year.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      If my blog helps readers see more options for their lives, whatever those options may be, then I’m greatly rewarded for the effort I put into it.

      Together let’s have a wonderful year on the road!

  9. Ed says:

    Happy New Year 2013!

  10. Sra. Julia says:

    Happy New Year and may 2013 be a wonderful year for you! You have done well in your travels and learned a lot hopefully the adventure continues!
    Happy Trails!

  11. Happy New Year Sue and Babies !!You have some great photos there. Any plans for this coming year? Any new spots on the horizon ?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Well, Susan, I change my mind so often, any plans are hardly that. Right now I’m thinking about Glacier National Park, but where we end up going is anyone’s guess. Happy New Year!

  12. cinandjules (NY) says:

    Oh my goodness………….all of the places you’ve been to and allowed us to join you. It’s been absolutely awesome. Can’t wait to see where we go in 2013. Thanks for taking the time to capture all the gorgeous pictures and writing about your travels. Happy New Year to you and the crew. May this year bring you joy/happiness, good health for you and the crew and safe travels. You ma’mm are truly living on less and enjoying life more! Way to live your dash!

    Any idea how many miles you’ve traveled?

    • cinandjules (NY) says:

      PS: It’s currently -11 degrees………….I should make an appointment for a frontal lobotomy! 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      What an upbeat comment! Thank you for all those good wishes! When I put the slideshow together the full picture of the past year came into mind… and that slideshow only touches on part of a half-year of travels.

      I wish I’d made a note of miles from when we left the Casita factory in Rice, Texas, or from Jan. 1, 2012, but I didn’t. One of these days I’ll look up some of the oil change receipts and from them make my best estimate. Oh well, it’s not the numbers, it’s what can’t be measured that’s important . . .

      I wish you both a memorable 2013 . . . in a good way, that is!

  13. Jack says:

    Congrats, you are now a salty experienced camper. Few have or will duplicate your travels. Myself, I find I prefer to park more and enjoy more. Safe travels!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      To each his own, right, Jack? I doubt I’ll keep roaming like this, year after year. Right now it’s what suits me. I’m glad you know what suits you at this point in your life. Have a great year!

  14. If you still have your old computer, take it to a shop and they can transfer them for you. Be Safe and Enjoy!

    It’s about time.

  15. Sherry says:

    Great pictorial summary Sue. You definitely have a very popular blog. 300+ followers knocks my socks off. I need some blogging lessons. ;-)). You have done a great job and like all the rest. I’ll be around for more in 2013.

  16. Carol in OK says:

    Thanks for the memories, Sue, and thanks for allowing me to tag along on your journey. I found your site a couple of weeks ago, went back and read your blog and comments from the beginning. I was entertained, educated, and fell in love with those little rascals who ride along with you . Although I’m a seasoned camper, I’ve never been a boondocker. That’s my aspiration for 2013. Thanks for being my inspiration. May the new year bring you joy and many beautiful places to camp.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Lovely last sentence, Carol. Thank you and best wishes for your new year.

      If I haven’t welcomed you yet… I do so now… Welcome to my blog! One of my favorite compliments is to read that someone has gone back and read our adventures from the beginning and is still with us.

      Watch out for that boondocking … Once you try it, it becomes addictive!

  17. Donna D. (stickhouse in CT) says:

    Glad you still have all your photos on your blog. It’s a good idea to have a back up external hard drive just in case.

    You have a kayak? Didn’t know that but still haven’t caught up on your former posts from when I first discovered you. I love kayaking but need to get a sit-upon or like yours since I can no longer get out of my kayak without help. (knee problems) Off to read more of your former posts.

    Happy New Year!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Donna . . . Happy New Year to you, too!

      My kayak is a Sevelor inflatable, two-seater. I wouldn’t say it’s easy to get in and out of. I usually fall into it!

      Here’s a link to the post about the day the crew and I almost drowned on our trip down the Madison River.

      And here’s another link for the day we floated on the Williamson River. (The post that follows this one has a slideshow.)

      • Donna D. (stickhouse in CT) says:

        Just read your links. How fun! I prefer flat water (lakes) but have been on one river that has some white water. Had the same experience with a rock that you did but I ended up getting swamped by the waves and had to abandon ship. Got wet and cold but was able to keep a hold of my kayak and paddle so no problem.

        Reading your canoe experiences, I’m thinking a sit-upon kayak might be better for me than a blow up. Plus I don’t have to have extra room for pets.

        In reading your posts, I sometimes feel as if I’m reading about my future self. lol

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          I’d love to have a hard-sided kayak. I don’t know if you noticed the ones that Bill and Anne have…. beautiful kayaks. I don’t have any place to carry one. Otherwise I’d get one. The inflatable is okay. And it does have plenty of room for the crew. What fun we’ve had with it so far! Good luck getting one that’s right for you, Donna.

  18. tinycamper says:

    Sue, I’ve followed you from the beginning… from your agonizingly delayed start to now — with an equal mixture of admiration and envy! 🙂

    The post that sticks with me most is when your GPS led you astray and you went on the back lanes to get to Coyote Mountain (I think that was the name) and then when you got to the top of the mountain, you had to back down to let a big 5th wheel pass.

    When you kept boondocking after that, I knew you would make it! I have loved the journey as I follow you around. Thank you so much!!!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Oh boy, did you bring back memories! That Coyote Road experience was the scariest of all, but the blog post about it is one of my favorites, too! I guess because we survived. We were on our way to Coyote Creek State Park in northern New Mexico, which turned out to be a great place.

      Thanks for the compliment… Always a pleasure to hear from you. Have a great year!

      Here’s a link for anyone who wants to read about the crew and me on the terrifying Coyote Road. (I still consider it the worst road we’ve been on.)

  19. Ed Smith says:

    Happy New Year Sue. I never got to meet you in 2012 but I was within 50 miles at least a dozen times. Good and safe travels in 2013. Perhaps our paths will cross this year.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      If and when our paths cross, it’ll be great to meet you, Ed, and I mean that. (Thank you, though, for respecting my privacy.)

      I’ve enjoyed having you travel along with the crew and me. Have a very happy new year!

  20. Rattlesnake Joe says:

    Yahooo we made it through the End of Time. What awaits us now? What ever it is RV Sue will see us through.

  21. Timber n' me says:

    Well, Sue, We saw place’s you’ve been on your 2o12 travels, n’ met th’ folks you met, and canie corner too,,,great times, and now we all are ready for what 2o13 will bring,,,,,,may your travels be more joyful n’ safe, ,,,,,,bless you Sue And Crew,,,,,,,,,,,,and Timber ses hi too

  22. Bruce Knutson says:

    My gosh, what a wonderful year for you and your sweet crew! I’ve just finished reading every word of all posts, and have so enjoyed being along for the journey. Thanks for creating this and being so good about keeping it up-to-date. I’ve purchased three e-books on boondocking, but I’ve gotten more useful info from your postings (you’re the best at recommending great places to camp, for instance). My wife and I are looking forward to starting our own adventure in a couple of months or less (just sold all our furniture!). If we happen to see you we promise to respect your well-deserved privacy and leave you alone. Please keep posting! We love being able to follow your adventures as you live out your charmed life.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Bruce…. What a great compliment… Thank you! I’m glad you’ve found my blog useful.

      My life has been “charmed” this past year. It wasn’t always, so I really appreciate it and hope it continues. It has been a fantastic life, ever since the crew and I pulled away from the Casita factory in Texas. I wish you and your wife as much happiness in your adventures as I’ve had in mine!

      It was such a great feeling when the furniture was all gone . . . Freedom!!!

  23. Deb from Orlando says:

    Thank you and the crew for a great year of tagging along with you. Wonderful pix. Those mountains are breathtaking. I have bought a travel trailer and have it in an RV park. Will live there until I retire and then will take off. You’ve been an inspiration Sue. I have learned a lot thru your writings and those of your readers. Have much more to learn. Keep sharing your adventures in 2013 — may you have many more.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I like your plan, Deb. You should have an easy transition into a new way of living. It’s not a requirement to jump into the deep end like I did!

      Thanks for the good wishes for the new year… I wish the same for you, too. I appreciate seeing your name pop up here . . . We will keep on learning together, okay?

  24. Page says:

    Happy New Year, Sue and the Crew! Thank you for letting us ride along and dream

  25. Bob G. says:

    I know that the desert gets cold where you are. I’m not sure how long it stays that way.

    Now that it’s January, I’d be interested in any comments you’d like to share on the effects of daily temperatures on your overall boondocking experience. I have camped in a blizzard, and in temps down to 8 degrees F. But those were accidents/stupidities, and I rapidly adjusted by skedaddling south. I think being cooped in by weather, day in and day out in a 14 foot space with two dogs, would have me blithering in a week or so. Thus I’ve never tried it.

    This may just be a personal tolerance issue. Are you ever tempted to flee to an area where you can comfortably spend more time outside? Or do you just not mind being outside in the cold? Or is it just not that cold yet?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Bob,

      Your comments are always thought-provoking. In fact, I think I’ll answer some of your questions in a blog post… Thanks for giving me a topic!

      The short answer is this… No, I haven’t felt cooped up at all. I do like being outside. I enjoy cool weather as long as I’m bundled up. You say the desert gets cold where I am… So far this has been the warmest place around, if I can trust the weather reports I read online. Blythe, Wellton, Gila Bend and southern AZ places had nighttime lows below freezing… The crew and I have had no need for the heater yet, here near Yuma.

      More on this at a later time… so stay with us! Have a great year, Bob.

  26. rvsueandcrew says:

    Happy New Year to you, Linda. I’m having fun these days planning for 2013.

  27. fossildreamer john says:

    Happy New Year Sue, Thank’s for the ride, Its been a pleasure and I am looking forward
    to see were we will go this year ? Bet we will have a blast… Safe travels Sue..

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hey, John… You’re most welcome. I have very little idea where we will go in 2013. Whatever adventures are ahead, I’m glad you are riding with me and the crew! Happy New Year!

  28. AZ Jim says:

    Looking back is usually fun but knowing you from reading your blog, looking forward is more your forte. And as that is your strong suit so is it mine and so I look forward to another year of RV Sue and her canine crew. Happy New Year Sue, crew and all.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi Jim!

      About looking forward instead of back… I thought the same thing when I saw all the well-organized, well-written, and interesting reflections on the past year on other blogger’s sites. All I managed to do was slap a slideshow together…

      I’ve got my sights on the new year! Happy to have you along with us! Let’s have a fantastic year together.

  29. Timber n' me says:

    yey, RRRvvveetherrrreyyeeett

  30. Mary Ann says:

    Watching your slide show, tears came to my eyes to think of how by living your dream you are giving so much to others and to those two lucky little dogs!

  31. Cari in Texas says:

    Thanks for the memories, Sue! It was fun to see again everywhere you’ve been. I noticed that there is usually water nearby for Spike to soak in, lucky dog! I appreciate your honesty about your travels as a solo woman and inspiration that it can be done! All the best to you and your crew, and hopefully we’ll see each other on the road one day!

    I pass the Casita factory once a month on my work route, and I think about you each time. At this point, I’m not sure if a trailer is what I want, I’m leaning more towards a small Class C. I’m going to another RV show in January to take a closer look at what’s available and start talking prices/financing. My plan is that by the end of 2013 I’ll have an RV of some sort sitting in my driveway!

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