2015 in review: Part 7 — August

August begins at Miller Lake, Oregon!

P1060482Miller Lake is west of Chemult, Oregon, in Winema National Forest

P1060526Our campsite at Digit Point Campground, Miller Lake

If you’d like to see Bridget’s post about this camp, click here:  “Guest Blogger: Digit Point Campground on Oregon’s Miller Lake.”

Smoke!

We’re at Miller Lake when the first indication of forest fires appears.  Little do I realize how the fires will influence the rest of our summer travels!

Soon we experience thick smoke all around as we head eastward from Bend on Route 20.

Our next camp is in Great Basin grassland.

P1060536-001Chickahominy Reservoir, Route 20 about 30 miles west of Burns, Oregon

We find Chickahominy Campground empty.  Later one other camper pulls in for the night.  The reservoir is very low.  Fortunately the crew and I are not bothered by smoke at this camp.

P1060544-001We relax for the afternoon and the next day pull out after morning walk.

A short drive and we’re back in forest again — Idylwild Campground!

P1060580Idylwild is a Malheur National Forest campground about ten miles north of Burns.

P1060590The campground loops are paved which allows Bridget to ride in a manner befitting her royal station.

Her Royal Highness walks only when she wants to!

P1060592

Reggie has a grand ol’ time meeting the camp host’s pugs and trotting around the campground.

P1060568

In the photo below he tours the little garden which is dedicated to our veterans.

(Small photos may be enlarged by clicking on them.)

We leave Idylwild and go north on Route 395 and turn for Parish Cabin Campground.  The trees are leafless and blackened by a fire.  The campground doesn’t appeal to us so we keep going.

Our next camp is a handy stop along Route 395 — Starr Campground.

P1060605I avoid driving far in one day — Starr Campground provides a pleasant overnight camp.

The next morning we motor about twelve miles to historic mining town, Canyon City.

The crew and I get out of the Perfect Tow Vehicle and enjoy a stroll around town.

P1060612-001One of several outstanding murals by Larry Gordon Kangas seen around the town park

This next camp is another one of my favorites!

P1060664Wetmore Campground is one of three campgrounds near Unity, Oregon

Wetmore Campground is all ours! 

No other campers!  Besides the quiet atmosphere and natural beauty, there’s also a water spigot at our campsite — a big deal!  Only $2.50 a day with senior pass!

Bridget, Reggie, and I enjoy the shady trail.  Every dawn and dusk a doe and her fawn graze behind our camp.

P1060645P1060648

August 12th the crew and I journey eastward.

The drive begins comfortably but as the day progress, temperatures climb.  The day turns into a scorcher.  The PTV doesn’t have air conditioning that works.  We make it to Vale, Oregon, about twelve miles before the border with Idaho, and head for Vale Trails RV Park.

With great relief, the crew and I settle into a site with electric and we relax inside the Best Little Trailer with a/c blasting away!

P1060675Vale Trails RV Park — Not much for scenery, but a welcome, cool respite on a hot day!

The next day — another scorcher and another run from the smoke of forest fires and an escape from the heat!

P1060677We overnight at Mountain Home RV Resort  for electric hook-ups for the air conditioner.

Keeping ahead of the smoke, the crew and I make a dash for Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains.

P1060696P1060737

Murdock Campground is in the Sawtooth National Forest near the confluence of Big Wood River and Murdock Creek, north of Ketchum, Idaho.  Bridget, Reggie, and I walk along the river and relax at camp.  This is where Bridget is attacked by dogs running loose in the campground (no injury).

We move further into the forest to boondock by ourselves.

P1060753The Big Wood River as seen from our camp

P1060756P1060775

 

P1060749When the view of the mountains north of our camp disappears in smoke, I scrap my plan to move us through those mountains to Challis and beyond.  Fires are popping up all over the West.  I envision being stuck in a long line of evacuees on the one main road through the mountains.

Time to move out!

The crew and I zoom southeast on Interstate 84, and shortly after crossing into Utah, we stop for the afternoon and overnight at Lottie-Dell Campground in Snowville.

P1060796Lottie-Dell Campground, Snowville, Utah

The next morning, after a good rest, I’m ready to cover lots of miles to stay ahead of the smoke.

In hindsight I wonder what on earth I was thinking when I decide to drive through the metropolitan sprawl of Salt Lake City from Tremonton at the north end all the way to Nephi at the south end.

(NOTE:  If I ever mention doing this again, someone please take my keys.  Thank you.  —  Sue)

Like a teeth-bared rottweiler the Perfect Tow Vehicle valiantly charges through the multi-lane, interstate traffic with the Best Little Trailer, like a scared puppy, hanging on behind.  It seems like we will NEVER escape!

Nephi at last!

This is one of those times when a familiar camp, no matter how many cow plops have been deposited in the area, is a very welcome sight.  I get out my shovel and clean up the campsite.  I put out the awning.  The crew and I go for a walk.  Turkeys gobble on the slope nearby as we relax outside in the early evening.

P1060801Nebo Loop boondock in Uinta National Forest east of Nephi, Utah

August 20th we reach our destination — Badger Mountain!

At Ephraim we drive the Ephraim Canyon Road to nearly 9,000 feet and find a pretty campsite among aspens and firs.

Ahhhh!

P1060821This is the third year we’ve camped Badger Mountain in Manti-La Sal National Forest

The air is cool and delightfully mountain-fresh! 

The crew and I walk the lane which meanders through swaths of wildflowers.

P1060907More scenes from Badger Mountain when I resume the review of 2015 after a post for Christmas!

rvsue

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P1060916CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!

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99 Responses to 2015 in review: Part 7 — August

  1. Linda Rose, Muffin, Murphy, Molly & Midgy in Carmichael, CA says:

    Attempting to be first?

  2. Corkerinna620 says:

    2nd??

  3. Linda Rose, Muffin, Murphy, Molly & Midgy in Carmichael, CA says:

    Yay, made it. Now ill go back and read.

  4. Sealarkesmiles says:

    Congratulation Linda Rose and the 4 C’s! And I am second but that’s ok….Life is Good!

  5. Sealarkesmiles says:

    OK, 3rd will do. LOL

  6. Linda Rose, Muffin, Murphy, Molly & Midgy in Carmichael, CA says:

    It’s interesting to read about the fires and the hot weather. We’re so thankful here that were getting rain and snow for a change. Sure is nice to have winter finally. Looks like some excellent purchases for you on Amazon. I’ve been sewing gifts like crazy so not as much shopping which is good for me but not so good for you Sue. I noticed someone got the Echo. I’ve had mine since they first came out. I’m sure it will be a welcome purchase. Merry Christmas to all the blogorinos..

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I’m thankful, too, that California is being rained and snowed on.

      I’m all for people sewing or making gifts whenever they can…. Good for you, Linda Rose! I used to sew, many years ago.

      It sounds like you’re pleased with your Echo.

  7. Diana Byers says:

    Maybe the top 10… 🙂

    I show up on your purchase list more often that the comments section. Thank you for mentioning your satisfaction with your Panasonic camera a few posts ago. It came today and will be delivered for Christmas…. very fast service from Amazon.

    All the best to you and your wonderful crew… I so enjoy your take on life!
    Very Merry Christmas.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Diana,

      If you show up in the Amazon purchases list more than in comments, you must consistently make interesting buys. I try to choose items for the links that are interesting and/or useful.

      Thanks for buying your Panasonic through the links here. I appreciate that very much and hope the camera is enjoyed. I also appreciate the feedback on Amazon’s speed of service.

      Merry Christmas to you, too, Diana!

  8. Such a wonderful look back on your year!!TY, I am enjoying the photos!!!
    I hope you are at a beautiful site for Christmas- Have a sweet day and lots of happiness,love and laughter in the New Year!!
    Hugs to you and the cutie-pie crew!
    Shea.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks for the sweet note and wish for our Christmas, Betty-Shea. I bought another 2-week permit at Midland LTVA which will take us to New Year’s Day.

      This may not be the prettiest camp, yet sometimes convenience and warmth are most important. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

  9. Renee Galligher says:

    Wow! You are fast. I look away and bam, there are a multitude of replies! Congratulations to Linda and the four M’s! Yay!

    I’m familiar with Murdock campground by Sun Valley. Not too far from there is the Forest Service station and a dump station. Head NE of there towards Galena summit and beyond Stanley and there are really nice FS campgrounds, but better yet, lots of boondocking opportunities. That’s where we do the majority of our camping. Bull Trout Lake CG and the Martin Lake section are very nice for paid FS camping. On the road heading to Bull Trout is a lot of boondocking areas along various small lakes. When you head this way again, make note of it. Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to help you. It’s all on your Idaho Benchmark too. You may be able to see some of the boondockers by using Google Maps or Google Earth. Thanks for the great post. Merry Christmas.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Renee,

      Those super boondocking sites further north from Murdock were what I had intended to find. The smoke was really bad. Maybe another year we will return and drive up to the summit and beyond. Thanks for the info and offer to answer any questions. I’ll forget that it’s you making the offer so stay with us and when we wander that way, remind me! 🙂

      Merry Christmas to you, Renee.

      • Renee says:

        Will do, on reminding you when you travel back this way again. We were going to head north to Kamiah then over scenic Hwy 12 to Lolo and up to Glacier, but the terrible fires up there detoured us and instead we went to Wyoming.

        Today is Christmas Eve!

  10. AZ Jim says:

    More nice memories. I remember well the fire scare and how I was hoping you weren’t pulling in anywhere you couldn’t get out of quickly. It turned out fine. Getting close to Christmas but the blogorinos are still coming in and posting. This is my daily “must do”, reading what you are up to and the comments. Nice post again Missy.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Jim. I remember your concern re the fires. I think more than anything — more than bears or snakes or storms or weird people or Valley Fever or whatever — I’m most likely to skedaddle to avoid forest fire. It’s scary how often I come across campfires that aren’t put out completely. I’m surprised we don’t have more wildfires than we already have.

  11. Sandi, Northport, wa says:

    Great pics Sue, Wa state lost 300 homes last year in fire season, the year before was bad too, next summer, the coast!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks re the photos, Sandi. Good to see you here again… I think it was August when you last commented, remarking about the fires going on in WA. I admit that I forgot about the terrible loss of homes. Probably some weren’t insured…

  12. weather says:

    This post explains why you need a few weeks of recharging by the end of the year. It’s not all skipping through daisies chasing butterflies for you sometimes. Running from smoke, fighting off dogs trying to attack Bridget…Thank God, and your keeping your wits about you, that you three came through it all unharmed- and found beautiful places to stay ! I love the last photo, it seems that Badger Mountain is a special place. Do you have a few favorites ones?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Excellent point, weather, about the need to rest and recharge and that the vagabond life isn’t an extended dream vacation. It’s life and that comes with challenges.

      Yes, Badger Mountain ranks in my top five favorite places. I love that mountain. I have a few other favorites — at least they were favorites when we were camped in them. Some of my favorites are no longer high on my list — like Maple Grove Campground near Salina, UT, which is showing wear. I shoot myself in the foot, so to speak, by blogging about our camps. By exposing them to the internet world I make them unappealing for us to revisit because of the loss of solitude and privacy. I can’t help sharing them here!

      I trust there are many more beautiful camps for us to find and enjoy. 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Now I’m wondering what camps I’ve shown over the past 4+ years are the favorites of readers….

      Hmm…

      • weather says:

        Near the top of my list is Kalaloch in Washington. You were understandably unhappy to have the wind and rain keep you inside and ruin the view. For me being on an ocean side cliff during a wild storm would feel exquisite. It will be fun choosing more favorites. Sleep well when you do,n’nite

  13. Cinandjules (NY) says:

    I can vividly remember being a bit concerned for you and the crew during the wildfires!

    I kept reminding myself….this isn’t her first rodeo! She knows what she’s doing!

    Ah Manti La Sal…..and Badger Mt….absolutely beautiful!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      And do you remember my first rodeo? In Lander, Wyoming? Ha!

      Wildfires and camping are a bad combo…. We made a run for it and landed where we felt safe . . . on Badger Mountain. Utah had a fire south of there with smoke, of course, but it didn’t come our way.

  14. Yes! I will gladly relieve you of your keys if you ever even THINK about driving through Salt Lake City again! Sheeeeesh Woman! What were you thinking? Hahahahaha!
    Thanks for the rear view look at the past year! Most of all Sue, I want to thank you for letting all of us, friends, relatives and Blogerino’s ride shotgun and enjoy the view with you! I know they will all agree when i say you are our breath of fresh air and feed our dreams of what is possble!
    ? Merry Christmas Sue, Bridget and Reggie, thank you all for the gifts you give us daily to open and explore! Yall are LOVED!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Geri… What a nice thank you note!

      Love you and Santa Claus aka Chuck, too. 🙂

      Merry Christmas to you, Chuck, DoogieBowzer and Radar!

  15. Piper n' Rusty / Az says:

    Great Post Sue and photos too!,,, Fires n’ Smoke all ways pushes us all to move on to bluer skies,,,,,

  16. cateW says:

    Merry, merry Christmas to Sue, the sweet fur babies, and all the wonderful blogorinos! Here’s to more adventures on and off the road in 2016!! May all of our family experiencing health challenges be blessed with comfort, healing, and freedom from pain.
    Hey Sue, did I miss the posting where you revealed your new hobby? Or is that still in progress? Thank you again for continuing to brighten my days, and inspire my future.

    Blessing to all and to all a Good Night,
    CateW

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, cateW,

      On behalf of all the blogorinos, thanks for the Christmas card, wish for good health, and blessing. The same to you!

      No, I haven’t mentioned The Hobby because it’s something I want to do outside at my folding table. It’s either been too cold or too windy for that. I’ve done a little bit. If I ever get it together, I’ll post a photo.

      • cateW says:

        Oh the suspense and the mystery. When The Hobby is revealed via text and a photo, it will have been another thing to look forward to on Sue’s blog. Since weather has hampered your ability to engage with The Hobby…maybe its something you are anticipating also?

        Just finished the posting about your Christmas and the gifts for the pups. Reggie, you are sooo cute I can hardly contain myself…moving in to Bridge’s new bed when she gave it up, and that poor sock monkey is in for a rough life. Bridge..I know Mommy Sue will find a cozy bed that you will love. Meanwhile, you get extra cuddles…lucky girl.

        That photo of the moon on Christmas morning was so lovely…another winner, Sue. Glad to hear you enjoyed the holiday.

        Hugs, CateW

  17. Diann in MT says:

    Merry Christmas, Dear Sue and Crew!
    I think you may have caught Bridget’s most candid, trusting and happy moments of all time on those couple of photos midway through the blog. She is sooooo happy and content!
    I remember hoping that you would re-appear in Montana last August, only to be diverted by the horrible smoke. This year, the Northwest and Montana are receiving great snow and moisture. Maybe, next year, Sue. Have a wonderful holiday wherever you end up.
    Diann

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Diann!

      Good to hear about the moisture on Montana. Maybe we will go to Montana in 2016. If we do it will probably be in the fall. Merry Christmas, Diann! Thanks for being part of my blog. 🙂

  18. Dawn in MI says:

    Have a wonderful Christmas Sue and crew! I’m so enjoying this recap of wonderful sites you’ve stayed. Sitting here in northern Michigan, house sitting for a friend. Her house sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and I count myself lucky to be in a beautiful place for the holidays. May you find yourself somewhere beautiful this week too!

  19. Alice (So. Fla) says:

    A Merry Christmas to you, your fur babies and all the blogorino’s (who post some of the cutest things) .

    Be safe enjoy your holiday and all the best to you in 2016 !!

    (Don’t actually ever see things I bought from Amazon and am concerned if you are getting credit. When I check out I don’t see any indication???)

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you, Alice. Merry Christmas to you, too!

      And thanks also for using my blog as a gateway to Amazon! The customer is given no indication that the credit is given. You can rest assured that I have received commission from your purchases. If ever you want me to look up an item on my Amazon order report in order to confirm I received credit, I’ll be happy to do so.

  20. Pookie in SE Texas says:

    number 37 but thats ok……Ive already got my blue ribbon for
    being first last week….HA
    I love these posts you are doing Sue,,,,little longer than your
    usual posts plus I get to re live your experiences….
    I believe Casita should be paying you to advertise for them….
    you do a good job with that!
    thanks again missy
    chuck

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Chuck….

      Yes, you’re a blue ribbon member of Blogorinoland! 🙂

      Casita has paid me for advertising for them. Whenever someone orders a trailer from them and they mention my name, Casita sends me a check for $200. I’ve received two checks so far. Pretty neat, isn’t it!

      I’m glad you’re enjoying these reviews. Thanks for letting me know.

  21. Sidewinder Pen says:

    That first photo is gorgeous! I also love – and remember – that adoring look Bridget gave you from her stroller 🙂

    I hear you about Salt Lake City. And it goes on forEVer. Ugh! Definitely a good reason to take one’s keys away! (Or request it anyway.)

    Isn’t it nice to just settle in sometimes, especially after a summer on the go? I like it too. But then being “on the go” again is exciting and wonderful too. A good contrast.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Pen,

      I’m not surprised that you would like a water photo. 🙂 Yes, it is nice to settle in. The contrast makes the travel months all the more exciting and enjoyable.

  22. Val R. Lakefield On says:

    Merry Christmas Sue, Crew & blogorino’s. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year.
    We are having an unusual warm December & I quite like it. It is almost warm enough to still go camping. My husband played 18 holes of golf today Breaking his earlier record of Dec 1 golf. I have been driving in to the long term care home daily since my mother fell so no snow is a real bonus. I only stay half an hour just to help her with lunch. Once her cast is off I won’t go daily. Our animal shelter is very busy. Folks are so kind, making donations & bringing in goodies for the staff & volunteers. Two cats went together to their new home today. One was found very injured at the dump…so they named him “Dumpton” A nice black & white fellow.
    In the early years I had get my turkey in the oven & have the family race to open gifts and then we all had to go in and clean cat cages & feed the animals. I no longer have to do that so the morning is much more relaxing although there is still a turkey to cook. My favourite day is Boxing Day when you just reheat everything.
    Enough rambling…..back to work ? Life is good

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Val R.,

      You are a good person — visiting your mother every day and working hard for the cats at the shelter, even on Christmas, and cooking a nice turkey dinner, too! You could be out golfing! (hee-hee)

      The important thing is you can say “Life is good.” I wish you a happy Christmas and a relaxing Boxing Day!

  23. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    We are having severe weather and tornadoes here tonight, so I may not be able to get on line, if I lose power.
    I have been very busy this week with my “work at home” job, plus a few other things going on, but I wanted to take time to wish you, the crew and the blogroino family a very Merry, Blessed, and safe Christmas.
    I also want to thank you for for sharing your life and the beautiful photos with us again this year. I know you have had some hectic times with the fires over the summer, but each of your posts really lift my spirits. I also enjoy reading the comments and have learned so much over the years.
    Again, Merry Christmas everyone. HO HO HO!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Barbara (Nashville),

      Thanks for the words about my blog and photos. It’s quite a privilege to be able to lift your spirits. I’m happy whenever I learn that my blog makes someone’s day better. I also thank you for being a regular contributor to the comments section. You make my blog better!

      I was reading the weather situation in your area a few minutes ago. A tornado touched down in northern Mississippi which made me concerned for my sister and her family. I found out it was northwestern Mississippi and they are in the northeastern corner not far from Memphis.

      I wish you safety in the passing storm and a very Merry Christmas!

      • Pamela K. says:

        Sue,
        Glad to hear that your sister and her family were safe from the storms. Wicked times when those twisters pass through, scary indeed.

    • Pamela K. says:

      Barbara,
      I thought of you being in the greater Nashville area as the storms passed through. I told Klemper I hoped you were OK. We used to live in Germantown (just outside of Memphis). Many a nights I stood watch all night as my children slept in the bathtub for safety’s sake during those tornado warning. Memphis is below the water line and even the large homes do not have basements to go to during the storms. The bathtub is a common safe haven for children during those times. I’m glad you were safe from the brunt of it all. Scary times, each and every time…I remember all too well. Two and a half years of “Tornado Alley” (Memphis, West Memphis, Arkansas) was enough for us and headed back to Minn-e-snow-ta and drug out our roof rakes again, lol. I guess it’s true anywhere, “Mother Nature” does have her own way with us, doesn’t she? Be well and be safe this holiday season and into the new year!

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        Thanks for the concern, Sue and Pamela K. We were so blessed and fortunate in that the severe storms hit all around our area. It got real close (7 miles away.) You are right about no basements. The master closet is our safe place. It is huge and we have all our emergency supplies there. It is right in the center of the building as we are attached to one other unit.
        I was glad to here that Pauline and her family are okay. I was wondering what part of MS they were in. We are supposed to get more storms tomorrow. Angel & I will have to run between the raindrops.
        It was so beautiful here today, 70 degrees & sunny. When we took our afternoon walk, there was a guy sunbathing on his patio. What an unusual Christmas.

  24. Ann M in Virginia says:

    Sue, wishing you, the crew, and all the blogorinos the very best Christmas and 2016!

    Thank you for all your posts. Can’t wait to see where you go in 2016!

  25. Joyce Sutton says:

    Oh my Who bought the Echo. Lol. Fun fun probably not on wheels.

  26. Elizabeth in S.E. New Mexico says:

    Sue and Fur Kids….. AND all the Blogerinos! What great pleasure all of you give to many of us who mostly just read every post and enjoy the beautiful pictures and great” conversations.”

    My “Hitch Itch” has gone beyond “severe”…. It is difficult for me to accept that the RV traveling life is over for me. Your blog Sue, kinda keeps me in the feeling of traveling in several “rigs” that served me well for a bit more than 31 years that I have lived in an RV exclusively.

    Becoming a Full Time RV traveler was probably the best thing I have ever done for myself, though perhaps buying my first awesome Technics keyboard was the best thing I have done for myself…. Both choices have filled my life very very well! No more traveling for me is okay with me. Playing the music I love is still a passion that I suspect I will be able to do as long as I live….Your wonderful Blog Sue, kinda keeps me in the game. Thanks so much and Happy Holidays to all of you!

    Here at “The Ranch” in S.E. NM where I have been a resident for a bit over 15 years along with other Escapees RV Club members who populate this park. There will be a big party tomorrow night…. I have been playing Christmas music for a couple of weeks at our every day Happy Hour. There will be a big holiday meal on the 25th, like every Christmas since I came here…. All is well with me and mine. I am very thankful for many things in my life…..Best wishes to all of you and Happy Holidays…..

    Elizabeth and Clyde Cat too…..

    • Elizabeth in S.E. New Mexico says:

      The chopped up format is NOT the way my post looked when I posted it!
      Sorry folks…. E2

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, E2,

      Reading your message it’s apparent to me that you live a full life no matter what lifestyle or where you are. You give of yourself through your music and your vitality. Have a wonderful time at the party and enjoy the Christmas feast!

      Warm wishes to you and Clyde Cat …

  27. DesertGinger says:

    So here is some stuff from the hospital summary of my case: her RVSP is very high 80-85 mmHg and consistent with severe pulmonary hypertension. (Note: doc in Tucsontold me just before Thanksgiving that my echocardiogram showed I was fine, just fine). This reflected on patients AGB results which clearly showed respiratory failure with hypoxia and pAo2 of only 51 mm Hg. Now, I don’t know what that means, but I understand severe pulmonary hypertension and respiratory failure. So how did my Tucson docs not notice this?

    I’m afraid to go home since I am apparently dealing with incompetent docs.

    Anyway, I’m getting care now and hope I can improve things. Doc today told me I won’t be getting off oxygen. That’s a bummer; being on oxygen is really a hassle. So many things I can’t do. I always assumed I would live to be 90, like my mom and kinfolk. I’m having my doubts now. This is all pretty sad for me.

    But I didget my new MacBook Air. I’m setting it up now. Merry Xmas to me.

    • weather says:

      Hi, Ginger, I looked up the meanings of all the abbreviations in your comment and read a lot of pertinent research findings, etc. I found possible reasons for what you report happening, cases of people living with your conditions for 30 years then realized something. You probably didn’t come here for explanations, hope or encouragement. You may have commented just not to feel alone. So, I hear you and will just say that someone 3000 miles away on a map but close in heart loves, is praying for you, and sends a hug with a wish for your Christmas and every day to hold some happiness.

      • DesertGinger says:

        Well Weather I am looking for friendship and support but if you find any good/encouraging data that is good, too!

        • weather says:

          Honestly, it didn’t occur to me to look for data as that’s usually collected by finding failures to base statistics on. I googled a bunch of things like
          long term survivors of COPD, lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, heart disease, etc.

          There were support discussion boards and forums with humans, not numbers, writing about how well they were doing decades after being diagnosed and outliving their prognosis. I didn’t write them down as I was looking more success stories. I do recall noting that Steve Hawkins lived 52 years after being diagnosed with a disease(ALS) that wrecked his use of limbs yet though it also affected his heart and lungs it sure took a long time to wipe him out. Johnny Carson had emphysema a type of COPD for almost 30 years and still lived to be 79.Leonard Nemoy had known he had problems for thirty years until he felt bad enough to get diagnosed before passing away at 83. My point is to note the decades survived beyond medical expectancies. I have watched you tackle every problem with a plan, a solution and a victory. These celebrities had no secret that you don’t, they, like you do, believed they could reach for more and got it.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning, Ginger! Sending you hugs!

      • Cinandjules (NY) says:

        Good morning DeGin,

        Enjoy your MacBook. I have no doubt you will FIND a way to conquer the obstacles in your path. Technology today has made it possible to still be “active” with small oxygen devices you can take anywhere.

        Stay strong!

        • Nivrapa in AZ says:

          Hi Ginger!

          I am so very sorry that you are having these health challenges. Not a good situation to deal with at any time, but it seems particularly difficult at this time of year.

          I sense that you are afraid and angry at the news of your diagnosis. It is a natural response. I also am aware that many times these feelings stem from fear of the unknown. One of the ways you can combat these feelings is to become informed of your condition,

          Do you really understand your diagnosis, how you got to where you are, the meaning of your test results, your prognosis now and long term? Become as knowledgeable as you can and then learn some more. I would definitely be asking lots of questions of my docs and other health care providers (technicians, nurses, therapists, etc). Having limited insight to your problems can only hinder any improvements that can be made. Perhaps hooking up with a support group could help you cope and be of benefit , both emotionally and in understanding. You seem to be pretty computer savvy and that could be a place to start. Would establishing a rapport with a specialist in your area of need provide you with a higher quality of care? Would getting a second opinion be helpful and lessen your stress level? Just throwing out a few thoughts for you to consider.

          Ginger, YOU are your best advocate right now. Your destiny is not determined solely by your health care providers, but also by YOU. You’re a smart gal and you can do this!

          As we stand on the brink of a new year, I wish for you the courage and strength to confront your health issues. May 2016 be a healthier and happier year for you. A heartfelt hug from me is comin’ your way!

          Audrey

          • DesertGinger says:

            Good suggestions Audrey. I will look for an online group. I have a cardiologist and a us monologist in Tucson, both are apparently not too sharp since both told me I was fine. I’m hoping I can find someone better.

  28. Nancy from South Georgia says:

    So very glad I found your site, Sue. I remember somehow just messing around on the computer, searching RV stuff, and came upon it – just could not stop reading for hours. It was so interesting to me to read how you methodically prepared for your new life. You had a dream and you figured out a way to go out there and live it.

    Thank you for all of the information and beautiful photos you’ve given since the beginning of your journey, and for linking all of us Blogorinos for inspiration and sharing. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s comments so much.

    Very Merry Christmas to you, Sue and your Darling Crew

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome…. and I’m glad you found my site, too, Nancy! It tickled me to read of you finding my blog and reading for hours. 🙂

      Just as you enjoy reading the comments that appear here, I’m sure your comment is enjoyed by other blogorinos, too. Thanks for the wish for our Christmas to be merry. I wish the same to you!

  29. Good Morning Sue, it is Christmas Eve morning for me, at work, no one around…kind of nice, I know I will be very busy later and unable to comment. So I would like to again wish all my fellow blogorinos a wonderful Holiday and I hope wishes and dreams come true.

    I have a question for you. We are planning a trip to the Salton Sea on Jan 8 and 9th. I remember the campground called Corvina Beach…my question is what was the name of the campground you and I shared? The one with the train! And also does the first campground you stayed at, have trains? We are going with some friends and want to share the Salton Sea adventure with them and I only saw one campground. How did you like the first campground you stayed at? Sorry, I guess that was more than one question huh.. 🙂

    Hugs to you and the crew…. Stay warm and happy.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Good morning, Shirlene!

      There are three campgrounds on the northeast shoreline: Mecca Beach which is a state park and has water, a dump station, and a nice day use area. Then further along is Corvina Beach where you and I camped. Going further south, less than 5 miles, is Salt Creek Primitive Area. Since the railroad tracks run along side the road the length of the Sea, you hear and see the train at all three camping areas.

      Of the three, I like Corvina Beach the best. Of course if I went to Corvina and there were a lot of people there, I’d prefer Salt Creek. I’ve camped at both.

      Click on this link to see photos of Mecca Beach and Salt Creek. “A new camp at the Salton Sea and ‘Spikey, you didn’t!”

      Then you can move to the post after that. Scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see a slideshow. (You have to be at my dot com URL to see it.) That slideshow contains my favorite photos of the Salton Sea.

      I hope the birds are in great number when you visit with your friends!

      • Thanks Sue, and yes we are going on a bird excursion, lots there this time of year. Thanks so much for the info.

        Any blogorinos that might be in the area, come by and say Hi! We will probably stay at Corvina, since we already know it and liked it and not as far South. But who knows, look for our Pop-up trailer!

  30. cc and canine (Eastern Missouri) says:

    Merry Christmas to you and the crew….may you be blessed with another wonderful year of great campsites and sunsets!

  31. I still can’t believe we stayed in the PNW all summer and dodged all of the smoke the whole time. However our trip south on 395 in September showed us the sad remnants of those not so lucky 🙁 You really found some beautiful locations around your quick stays for AC along the way!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jodee… I’m glad you were able to enjoy the PNW last summer. I hope the wind in Borrego Springs has calmed. Be careful not to breathe in the dust!

  32. Ginger Davies says:

    Merry Christmas to you and the crew. It’s been a rough year, but reading your blog has brought smiles to my face.

  33. Utah Bonnie says:

    I’m really enjoying your reviews and catching up on missed posts from the year. I really felt your pain of driving from Tremonton to Nephi in a day through the Ogden, Salt Lake, Provo metropolis. One reason I don’t live there anymore!

    There are a lot of places I’m putting on my list to visit when I launch based on your blog. I have my eye on a lightly used Casita and need to figure out how to convert a Camry into a Tundra but this will be the year and I’m nervously excited.

    It’s been fun watching Reggie mature into his road warrior self with a hankering for drive up food. I still giggle when I think about his little fit when a burger didn’t jump out the window and in to his mouth.

    Merry Christmas to you and the crew.

  34. AZ Jim says:

    Missy we have a problem. It’s Christmas Eve and you not only don’t have a chimney but you move so often Santa couldn’t find you anyhow. Luckily for us we found ya. Have a nice Christmas with your little loved ones. Bridget, You are a sweet and loving big sister to Reggie and a little lady and Reggie we are so happy for you and you are a very lucky boy. Merry Christmas to all of the Blogorinos…..

  35. Pat H. says:

    Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!!

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