The campground is full of campers!
The crew and I sneak out of the Casita before sun-up and look around. There’s no apparent signs of life. We quietly walk away from the campground so as not to wake the sleepy working folks.
The clouds near the horizon are pink.
Sunrise is soon. We look for a good, high spot with an unobstructed view. The orange gleam appears. I look down at Bridget to the left of me and Spike to the right. The crew is looking at the sunrise, too! Later Bridget gets a fit of happy energy and runs ahead, leading Spike and me on a jog down the road outside the campground.
Back at our campsite, people are beginning to stir.
Across from us, a man, woman, and three children eat their breakfast at their picnic table. The mother says something and the father throws his head back with a big laugh. The children look well-behaved. I praise the crew for sitting quietly in their pen while a dog barks incessantly over by the restrooms. Two young boys with buzz cuts whizz by on bikes.
A couple stops by the crew’s pen.
The lady comments, “Oh, these look like rat terriers.” A brief conversation and they move on. I drink my tea and try to focus on my laptop, but the real world interests me more this pleasant morning. I put it aside, adjust my chair way back, close my eyes, and listen to the campground sounds. I’m glad the weather is nice for people needing a break from work. Before long they’ll be off with their boats and their chairs and their fishing gear and their lunches packed in coolers on wheels . . . .
As for the crew and I, we’re going to the laundromat!
The lady operating the laundromat says, “Sure, bring the dogs in. It’s hot out there!” before leaving for the day. The only other people in the place are a young woman, her five-year-old daughter, and her mother. We talk as the clothes spin. They tell me they drove 35 miles to this place. “What?” I exclaim. “Thirty-five miles! You could buy a washer/dryer for the cost of the gas.”
It's a long drive from here to there in the West!
The young woman smiles and explains she has a washer/dryer.
They just bought a ranch and it’s not hooked up yet. Her mother adds, “When the clothes are done, we’re driving another 40 miles to our family reunion.” It’s for the Chavez-Montoya family and it’s very big. Driving a lot apparently is a way of life around here. “We drive 85 miles once a month to shop at Walmart. The T & D Market’s prices are too high. We only go there for milk and bread.” Thirty-five miles for milk and bread!
Spike and Bridget rest on the tile floor.
They try not to notice the little girl who keeps pestering them in spite of her mother’s repeated scolding. Clothes dry and folded, I wish the ladies a happy reunion. We pack up and I drive us down Route 66 looking for the righthand turn that points us back to the park. I spot a sign, “Blue Hole,” with an arrow pointing left.
Let’s go see!
The Blue Hole, Santa Rosa, New Mexico
The Blue Hole is a good-sized circular body of water right at the edge of town. It’s surrounded by grass, huge trees, and a small beach. Many families are grilling and picnicking around it’s edge. The beach is popular with children of all ages. The crew and I take a walk around the water. Spike insists on going to the water’s edge. Oh, he’s probably thirsty.
He jumps right in!
“Spikey! What are you doing!” It’s too deep for you!” Once you step off the grassy bank into the water, there’s at least a five-foot drop to the bottom. No slope at all.
Spike is an impulsive guy!
I’m still holding his leash, Bridget’s leash, and my camera. I can’t help but laugh out loud. I grab a quick shot of Spike swimming along the water’s edge. He tries to get out and he can’t. It’s too steep. I drop the camera and grab him in the arm pits and hoist him out. There you go, my sweet, little water spaniel!
A quick shake and he starts trotting, as if he jumps into a lake every day, leading Bridget and me to visit a family with a dog further along the shore. That Spikey! He really knows how to live life to the fullest!
Back home I eat an early supper.
It's been a big day for the crew!
I make a sandwich out of the chicken tenderloin I cooked up yesterday. I open the laptop to write this entry.
The crew has fallen asleep beside me here on the bed.
It’s only five o’clock. Later, when they wake up, we’ll go for our nightly walk around the Santa Rosa campground.
rvsue
No walk around the campground tonight. The Casita is being buffeted by winds and rain. A thunderstorm is in progress! No day is dull for rvsue and her canine crew!
You’re welcome, Darrell!
For most of my life I wondered what my dream should be. What is it that would be truly my own and would make me happy? I tried many activities, assumed a variety of roles, chased after different pursuits and lines of work . . . .
Now I know I’ve found my dream, like you said. Living is on a new plane. I’d say I can’t wait for each new day, except I’m enjoying the present one so much!
I wish everyone would find their own dream and live it.
“The Casita is being buffeted by winds and rain.” Aren’t you glad you’re snug inside? I love sleeping to rain on the roof. As long as it will let up long enough for the crew to have a “business break” you will really enjoy it.
FYI, windy conditions are a good time to have the rear stabilizers down. You will notice the buffeting less.
“I’d say I can’t wait for each new day, except I’m enjoying the present one so much! ” Contentment is a wonderful thing. You are truly blessed.
Yes, Reine, I am blessed.
I am so glad I put those stabilizers down a couple of days ago. Even with them down, the Casita was rockin.’ The range vent started flapping which scared Bridget. With all the rain, wind, and lightning, I wasn’t even considering going out to close it.
It’s almost dark. The rain has stopped, but there are storm clouds all around. I took the crew out to do their business. It’s freezing out there! You were right . . . a cold front is moving in. Spike’s black suit is still wet from his swim today. He started to shiver so I brought them right back in. I got my coat out of the PTV so I’ll be ready for tomorrow’s early morning walk.
LOL!!! In my next life I want to be Spike.
The napping photo is priceless. (Is it just me or does Spike always seem to be pointing toward magnetic north?).
P.S. After Labor Day are you tempted to return to the Blue Hole when you’ll have that slide all to yourself?
Spike as compass . . . Now that’s funny!
That slide is tempting. No, I don’t want to give it a try after Labor Day. It’s so cold!!! Brrrr! And just a few hours ago it was sweltering in the sun.
The picture you painted watching the sun come up…..all I could think of was the Dylan song….
Clowns to the left of me! Jokers to the right! Here I am stuck in the middle with you……
sorry Spike…..sorry Bridget…..lol
That Spikey was a joker at the Blue Hole! I should have known he’d do that!
It’s supposed to get down to 58 in Santa Rosa tonight. You might want to get your heater out and plugged in – but you’ll be surprised how quickly heating water for tea will take the chill off the Casita.
I’ll turn the knob on the air conditioner that activates the heat strip. That is, if it’s a 3-dog night. We can handle a 2-dog night, no problem!
I forgot about the heat strip. Our AC was made before they added that feature. If it ever dies, we’ll replace it with the new one with the heat strip. It would be a nice feature to have. Probably won’t be a 3-dog night when you’re snuggled under the quilt.
I like the idea of being cocooned in the Casita. It was that quality that attracted me to it. We’re on our way to Yellowstone – but I had to get caught up with what was happening with you and the crew. Here’s to all the adventures that lie ahead.
Same to you, Marsha. Enjoy Yellowstone!
Sue & Crew,
Save all of your blog posts. You are now writing the second chapter of the Great American Novel. Can’t wait for the next installment.
If you stay put in Santa Rosa, we’ll be passing through on the way east on Sept 24. If not, I’ll bet our paths cross somewhere down the road.
Hotel, I would love it if our paths were to cross!
I love the way you write. Your blogs are so much fun to read.
Sun rises and sunsets are the best with some clouds. After walking Fred I had to run to the Safeway and the sunrise was so beautiful of course I took the camera out of the car to download pictures and didn’t grab it on my way out. Maybe tomorrow will be another beauty.
Another morning person!
As I looked at the sunrise yesterday morning, I was thinking of the thousands of sunrises I missed throughout my life. Oh well, don’t look back, right?
I’m happy you enjoy my writing!
Sue and crew,
You think you had a storm? Try 3 1/2 inches of rain overnight and 45-55 mile an hour winds….
that’s what we got as by-product of hurricane Irene.
I’m glad you, Spike, and Bridget are enjoying the benefits of retirement.
Bob (aka stude53)
You must be east of here!
I hope the rest of the hurricanes stay out to sea.
Sure am enjoying your reports, never miss them. Are you going to do a photo tour of the Casita one of these days? Just how you have arranged it to make it livable for YOU! Things you have added, or plan to add?
Hello, OT!
I’m pleased you are enjoying my blog. I will do a photo tour. I’ve posted a few photos . . . the stove, the kitchen sink, and the bed area.
Since I’ve only had the Casita about three weeks I’m still experimenting with possible arrangements. The Liberty Deluxe has facing bench seats on opposite walls. I don’t really need two bench seats. I’m thinking about putting white storage boxes (plastic with drawers) on the bench seat next to my kitchen sink. They would have to be affixed in a way so they could be removed. I don’t like making permanent changes because I change too much!
Once I have things organized better, I’ll be posting photos of my arrangement.
Thanks for the reply, I was going to send you an email,but for the life of me couldn’t find it. Oh well, what I was going to say is, the majority of the Casitas I have looked at in use, the owners make up their bed on the big table in back and use the smaller table one up front. Makes a pretty good size bed AND you get all that room underneath it to store stuff. One guy had even put in one big plastic container from Walmart think it was and inside that, had other smaller ones to keep separate items . , Socks, extra foods, DOG Food!!! 🙂 Towels, etc etc..
BUT you will make yours especially for you so go for it girl!!! BTW, you ever find yourself in my area, I got a 3/4 acre ( fenced) back yard with electric and water available if you want or need. Shoot can even provide you a dump station.
Thanks for the invite to your 3/4 acre!
I do keep the back area made into a bed. After a few days I removed all tables. I either eat at a picnic table or I use a folding bed table (like sick people use), Without the tables set up the crew and I can maneuver in the Casita much easier and it is also easier for me to pull out the storage boxes I have under the bed. Actually I keep two storage boxes and a laundry basket under there. The laundry basket has clean clothes so when I want to get dressed or change, I just pull it out and everything I need is in it.
HINT: http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Riana_Abiquiu_Lake_Nm/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=73364&topTabIndex=CampingSpot
Thanks, OFM.
Santa Rosa appears to be an oasis in the desert. The photos are great! We vicariously live your adventure as we plan ours. It is good to see the temperatures have cooled for you. In Oklahoma we went from 103 yesterday to 75 today, but no rain. 50 days and we are out of here.
Keep counting those days! You’ll be in single digits before you know it!
It was wonderful to get the rain. It was damp and cold this morning. By afternoon, the dark clouds were gone and it was very pleasant.
I’m not posting today. The signal I’m getting is very weak and it goes in and out. I’m having an awful time just answering emails. Maybe tomorrow.
Thanks for the compliment on the photos . . . they could be so much better. it doesn’t help when I smudge the lens with sunblock cream!
Sue, someone sent this on RVBuddies around the campfire Don’t know if you would be interested
http://blog.rvlifestyleexperts.com/2011/09/new-edition-for-ebook-for-women-rvers-released.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2Frvhometown%2Frv_home_yet+%28RV+Home+Yet%3F%29&utm_content=Google+Reader
That sure is long I don’t know if it relates to either one of us. I did order the book you recommended. Hope you and the team are enjoying yourselves
Thanks, JoJo.
I must admit . . . and please don’t take offense . . . I stay away from anything that is directed specifically at women, especially solo rving. Invariably there’s the chapter on security . . . Oooh, the boogey man is going to get you! As if men never are the target of theft or violence.
If I hear one more time about putting a pair of men’s boots outside my doorstep I will, I will, I will . . .I don’t know what I’ll do!!! That is the most condescending, stupid suggestion I have ever heard! As if an evil person looks at a pair of boots and says, “Uh-oh. There’s a MAN around. Better go away.” And a pair of footwear, just by virtue of it’s possibility of belonging to a man, is more powerful than any live (and possibly armed) woman. Grrrrrr.
Okay. No more ranting. I hope you enjoy Party of One. The first chapter is worth the price of the book.
Yer right Sue. Us males could use a trick or two like that. You know, to ward off evil. So I put my thinking cap on, and came up with somethin’.
And sure enough, ever since I took to throwing an old pair of underwear out there, I’ve not been bothered by man nor beast. Not even once.
Bob
Yeah, but how about the women?
Strangely, they don’t show up much either.
Bob, who can usually rely on his sense of humor to ensure privacy.
Bob is just to funny. I don’t own a pair of old man boots. LOL I just keep a can of hornet spray close at hand. Its some nasty stuff. I don’t believe in guns I can hurt myself. I only belong to RVBuddies as they have lots of good camping tips and its free.
I’m not familiar with RVBuddies. I’ll have to check them out sometime.
I’m not a died-in-the-wool gun person. However, if threatened, I’ll become one fast!
Hope all is well with you, JoJo!