Friday, January 19 (continued)
The crew and I arrive at our new camp!
I’ve camped with my crew at Painted Rock Petroglyph Campground in the past and found it to be a handy and inexpensive camp when crossing Arizona.
Painted Rock is located west of Gila Bend.
To get to it, one leaves Interstate-8 at exit 102 and drives fifteen miles on a two-lane, paved road. You go past the huge Solana Solar Array.
The road is a roller-coaster of dips across washes until it goes over a crest. A valley and the campground come into view.
With the Senior Discount Pass the camping fee is only $4 a night.
I’m not fussy about choosing a campsite or how I position the Best Little Trailer. Usually I’m very particular!
I find a site away from the generator people. I pull in where the ground is level and where shade will fall on the BLT’s door and refrigerator side.
We’re only going to stay here for a day or two.
I put down the blue mat but don’t stake it. I figure the lounger and the boys’ big pillow should hold it in place if we don’t get strong wind.
Reggie and Roger deserve a walk!
They both were very patient travelers today. Oh, are they happy to have paws on the ground again!
We follow a gravel road going away from the campground.
A wash provides an interesting detour.
Besides a few saguaros, this part of the Southwest has plants I didn’t see in the area around Blythe, California. I don’t know what that thorny, silver plant is in the photo (above).
Mesquite trees grow well here.
Thick, tall grasses border the wash. The vegetation in general looks greener and more — I don’t know the perfect word — robust?
“Let’s go home now and have supper.”
The timing of this walk is around the time they go over to Skeeter’s. I’m thankful that the new environment keeps their minds off what (and who) was left behind.
Saturday, January 20
Reg, Rog, and I wake to a cold, dark morning! Immediately I fire up the Wave 3 heater.
First potty run of the day reveals a heavy overcast, hanging low, so low that there appears to be fog on nearby hills.
“Dang! It’s cold!”
By the time we’ve had our breakfast and I’ve gone online to check the blog and the news, I decide what we will do.
I don’t feel like driving in this kind of morning. The cloud cover will probably burn off by noon. I’m not going to wait until then and leave late. I’d rather wait until tomorrow, give Reg and Rog a break from the PTV.
Rather than our typical, long walk, the crew and I make quick, shorter ones several times throughout the day.
As expected, the sky brightens with each passing hour.
What I didn’t expect is the wind! I gather up the mat and the big, blue pillow, tossing both into the back of the PTV before they are blown across the campground.
Reggie and Roger are content to stay inside, once the cold wind has whipped around them. They play on the bed and take short dog-naps (as opposed to cat-naps). This gives me time to work on this blog and to reply to comments.
The last photo of the day . . . .
One of the many things I love about the Southwest:
You don’t have to wait long for the return of sunshine and blue skies!
rvsue
NOTE: To read and see more about Painted Rock and the petroglyphs, click on the Archives in the sidebar and go to the posts of January 2015.
Here’s a link to one of my memories of Painted Rock: “Doin’ the wash.” Warning: Lots of pics, including a photo of Bridget leading me home. — Sue
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Good morning Sue and Crew…
Good morning, Carlene! How are you enjoying the sandhill cranes in New Mexico?
CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING FIRST! 🙂
I see your reply below…
The cranes are wonderful… But the wind we are having is not liked by any of us… And we are shutdown and have no idea of when or if we will be volunteering. No politics here but the volunteer programs may be done away with. How sad because it is a very good way for educating the visitors. Time will tell.
Corky says hi to your guys…
I would be very sad to see the volunteer program shut down there. Why on earth would they do that? Volunteers are the life blood of Bosque!
What may happen often does not. 🙂
I enjoy your posts. I almost feel like I am there.
Welcome, Glenda! Great having you here!
Thank you for telling me that. I love it when readers feel they are a part of the experience. 🙂
I found the petroglyphs fascinating. Cold here, in Quartzsite, too, but shaping up to be a real nice day today. Enjoy your stay! 9
Thanks, Shawna.
Yes, the petroglyphs are easy to see here. I’m glad you had a chance to see them. We didn’t go there during this visit — too cold!
Love the continuing odyssey! You are a vacation in my email box.
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Hugs to you, too, Barb! I hope you feeling well today. You’ve had some rough days recently…. 🙁
That’s a description that makes me smile —-> “You are a vacation in my email box.” 🙂
It makes me smile too.
My foray into buying a van on Craig’s list was for naught. I
Had an email the same day as my inquiry saying it was sold. Disappointed but am proud of myself for getting started. That was my first experience on Craig’s list. I am trying to think positive thoughts about finding the perfect van for me.
Keep looking and you’ll find that perfect van. Are there any places near you where fleet vans are sold? That’s the kind of place where I found the PTV.
I have never heard of that. I just googled fleet vans and looks like a good place to begin a whole new avenue of research. Thank you for that suggestion.1
Wow… 1st… I will be over your way in a month or less. Leaving Basque Del Apache by the end of the month. We, the volunteers, have nothing to do anyway with the refuge being shutdown. But I certainly would NOT be on the road today. 30+ mph winds… Just to scary to be driving.
I do appreciate your camp ground info. Knowing I will be months behind you but knowing they are safe wonderful boondocking places. And Corky likes the kinda walks Reg and Rog like.
Safe travels.
Carlene and Corky
Hi, Carlene….
You apparently have the wind that we had yesterday. Thanks for the reply. I have to go offline now.
Safe travels to you, too!
Ahhhh….sunshine and blue skies. We could use some of that around here about now. But it’s nice to visit yours!
And it’s nice to share it with you, Dawn. 🙂
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, love seeing a new post from you in my inbox. I can’t wait to see where you end up in SE AZ.
What we love about the Sonoran desert over the Mojave is the amount of green, no matter what time of year. When we traveled to Phoenix, it just all seemed so scrubby and dusty. Every time we drive around the Tucson area, I’m always amazed at just how green it is. And our complex here in Green Valley is one of the prettiest around with green grass and lots of trees, which is a good thing from a gal from Oregon. I’ll admit that many times I’m surprised at just how much I love the desert life. Still noodling on the idea of moving here full time.
This week’s book recommendations are excellent thrillers–A. J. Finn’s WOMAN IN THE WINDOW (debuted at #1 on the NYT bestseller list), Harlan Coben’s DON’T LET GO (I adore all of Coben’s books). If anyone needs another psychological thriller, try B. A. Paris’ THE BREAKDOWN. All will keep you guessing until the end. For those of you who like a good memoir, Maggie Farrell’s I AM I AM I AM is due to be published in early February.
Happy travels, and warm weather is coming back in a few days. Yay!
Robin
Hi, Robin,
It seems we’re programmed, maybe from our childhood environment or maybe it’s deeper than that, to be pleased and refreshed by green. Loving the tan, grey, and brown landscapes is an acquired taste for most of us and some never acquire it. 🙂
I like the way you include book titles in your comments. Great contribution! Thank you.
Hi, Sue. I enjoyed looking at the old post and seeing the photos of Bridget, especially the one of her with her chupacabra shadow.
Hi, Kathryn,
Bridget and the demon dog! Thanks for sharing a memory of Bridget with me.
Wow, talk about WIND! I drove Interstate 10 from Phoenix to Quartzsite yesterday (Saturday) and I’ve never encountered such strong cross winds driving my rig. It was quite the white knuckle experience with big trucks blasting past–pushing me away as they approached and sucking me in as they left me in the dust. It eased up as I got closer to the mountains near Quartzsite. But I made it and today is a chilly but brilliantly clear day. Let the adventure begin–first time out since my ankle break last April 1. Yea!
Hi, Rhonda,
You survived! That drive across AZ is horrific in strong winds. Not only is it scary, it’s also very tiring.
Now you have an experience to contrast with the next time you cross AZ on a beautiful, calm and gentle day. It must be wonderful for you to be out and about again. I say “Yea for Rhonda!!”
I appreciate every one of today’s pictures, even if they make me homesick. I keep going back to the “last photo of the day” and just staring at it. Casita could do marketing with that one.
I agree Calvin! I thought the sane thing when I saw it! Casita should consider putting a calendar of Sue’s Casita photographs! 💕
Thank you, Calvin. That’s a nice compliment. Sorry about the homesickness though….
That plant is a “I triple-dog-dare you to hug me” plant.
Rochester is a little warmer today and two dogs and one cat have been thrilled to burn of some cabin fever outside (partial-feral kitty; the other cat is strictly indoors).
I could use some SW sunshine, though. Glad for your photos as always.
I like that plant name, Pat. 🙂 Glad you and your critters had some more warmth today. Rochester can be terribly cold!
I loved visiting sweet Bridget again! She was such a character you can’t help but smile at the way she would insist it was time to go home! 😀
Chuck and I enjoyed the one night we spent at painted rock. Clean, nice campground. Loved the sky in that last photo. Wow!
Hope it warms up for you!
Hugs 💕💗💕💗💕💗
Hi, Geri,
Thank you for looking at that old post and sharing my memory of Bridget… and thanks for the hugs and hearts.
We’re plenty warm. I made a cup of hot tea and turned on the heater. You know how snug a Casita is!
What a great place for a short stop. The crew had a chance to stretch the legs and take dog naps and you got to take some great pictures. Isn’t it wonderful not to be in a hurry all the time?
It certainly is, Joe. I wish more people could live their daily lives at their own pace.
You’re right about this campground. Even though it’s 15 miles from the interstate, it’s a good, restful place to take a break. It’s located at the top limit of how far I want to drive in one day from Blythe, CA.
Hi, Everybody!
Reggie, Roger and I arrived at a camp around 1:30. By 2:30 I had the outdoor room set up, complete with table, oilcloth, blue mat (staked securely), camp chair, lounger, doggie pillow-bed, dog water dish, and, of course, my griddle!
It’s a clear, sunny day, chilly and breezy. I fired up the griddle anyway, blocking the wind with the cover, and everything cooked fine.
I eat a tostada every day, varying the ingredients. So good! I make a mini-tostada for Reg and Rog to share. 🙂
We had our main meal of the day a few minutes ago. Already the boys are asleep on the bed. It has been an exciting day for them! As soon as the outdoor room was set up, they played and played and played. 🙂
When the sun sets it’s going to become cooler. In a little while I’ll light the heater to give it a head start.
Thank you for your positive reactions to this post and for sharing some of your life with us. I enjoy hearing from you, where you are and what you’re doing, and I think there are many others who do, too. Every comment, if only to say “Hi!,” adds value to this blog.
Feel free to contribute your own thoughts, to ask questions and to chat with each other.
I hope all is well with you!
Take care,
Sue
Thanks for the update, stay warm and happy 🙂 !
You, too, weather! 🙂
Just checking in to let you know all is well. I haven’t commented on several of the last posts but I have read them. I love the pictures in 1 post of the crew looking out the passenger side window at the scenery. They are sooooo cute. Glad all is well with you and the crew.
Sending Big Hugs and Lots of Love!!!
Good to know all is well with you and family. Thanks for letting me know. Hugs and love to you, too, Pauline, and to everyone. 🙂
Hi Sue and Crew,
Like the earlier poster, I enjoy your posts because it takes me away from my everyday grind. I was wondering, when on your walks, have you ever come across “critters” such as snakes, scorpions etc in the South West? Have you ever crossed paths with a rattlesnake? That would be a scary experience to me!
Hi,Deb,
No, I haven’t come across any rattlesnakes or scorpions. I have seen a few non-venomous snakes, nothing more than I saw in the states of my previous residences (GA, FL and NY.)
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Like others, reading your blog makes me happier.
My DH’s health and his sh…. attitude about trying to help himself, just drive me nuts. I am going to classes to learn about ways to help him including changing his diet to keep him off dialysis and he either doesn’t eat it or gripes it. He doesn’t drink enough water and it just gets to infuriating. Sometimes I just want to take off and let him fend for himself and see how he likes it. Urrgh! Thanks for letting me vent.
Feel free to vent here any time, Barbara. You’re in a tough situation, trying to help your husband who refuses to help himself. No wonder you get tired of it, frustrated, angry and fed up. I went through a similar situation with my father. He quit eating after his wife/my mother died (They fell in love at age 13). No matter what I cooked or brought home, he wouldn’t eat.
It gets so frustrating you want to scream!
You’re doing your best, but there’s only so much you can do. I’m glad my blog makes you happier, Barbara.
Dearest Barbara,
This is just a thought….and might help you through this trying times.
As a caregiver…it does get frustrating when you try your best to help and it doesn’t seem like you are gaining ground or have a common denominator.
You and your DH need to be on the same page…with the same goals. If you are trying and he isn’t….then you’re always going to be frustrated….and so is he. Have a talk to see exactly what you both are striving toward.
It used to drive me cray cray with my mom…then we had THAT talk…finally we were on the same page…and it was so much easier for both of us.
Best wishes…and as the caregiver don’t forget to take some ME time!
We have talked and he wants to stay off dialysis, but when I makes meals, which he agrees too, he doesn’t eat it, which frustrates me even more.
Sometimes meals sound great but when it gets to the table…they don’t.
When I was sick as a kid, my mom would say what do you want for dinner…she would cook it and I just couldn’t eat it….not sure why!
Fast forward 50 years…My mom would have a ton of meals in her mind that she wanted to eat….so I would cook them..she sometimes would barely take two bites!
Frustrated indeed. After our talk it went better…if it sounds good…but isn’t quite tasting right….do your best. You won’t hurt my feelings and I won’t keep telling you….you have to eat more! Deal?
I would say don’t take it personal because it isn’t…he really isn’t trying to make you frustrated.
Hi Barbara, As someone who has walked that road, I wish you some peace and pleasure in your days, however you can find it. It was helpful for me to remember that even if he was making illogical choices, my DH’s choices were so few that it gave him some joy just to make any decision, even if it didn’t make sense to me. It’s sometimes hard to let it out to friends and family, so I found a group of “friendly strangers” a good place to let it out. Happy if we can be that for you.
Hi Barbara, That was how it was with my mother for the last year or so of her life. She lived with us, and I was her caregiver. I finally got to the point where I just offered what I could with a warm smile, and accepted her reaction in the best spirit I could. I know she was fearful and stubborn, because I think it was the only control she had over her own life (how much she was willing to exercise and what she would eat and drink). This may be what your husband is feeling. It was still frustrating, but I learned to cope with her decisions. Barbara, take rest and encouragement in knowing you are doing your best. We can’t control the outcome. Blessings to you. Your husband is blessed to have you.
Hi Barbara,
I want to offer some support to you. Caregiving is tiring when those we care for are pleasant and cooperative. Hang in there and know you are getting all the guff because you are a safe person for your DH. He knows he can blow off steam, grumble, even be nasty…and you will still be there for him. You are a tremendous blessing to him. I hope you can find something to laugh at each day, and a little time for yourself, even 15 minutes can make a difference. Sending (((HUGS)) from one caregiver to another.
Wow, Sue. There’s quite a few campers there in that area!
Hi, Renee,
I’ve heard that the view is astounding…. when one comes through the pass and suddenly there’s a sea of white — all the RVs scattered across the desert and around town.
Quite a different view!
I don’t know if you will be able to get any more rainbow pictures any time soon, but it seems there really is gold at the end of the rainbow. According to Randall Monroe at xkcd, the geometry of rainbows is such that they can be considered to end at the sun. And like the earth, the sun’s gravity gathered up lots of elements during its formation (it makes elements too, but nothing heavier than iron just yet). So, given its size it has billions and billions of tons of gold. It’s probably easier to get gold from a leprechaun than from the sun, however. I hope nobody else mentioned this yet, I am behind on reading the comments.
Nope, no one has mentioned the gold in rainbows. Hi, Rhodium! You add a unique voice to the conversation here. Thank you for that!
Something happened that I forgot to include in a post. Del and I were sitting outside his RV one day and, being old farts, we talked about the weather. The clouds were rippling across the sky, mostly white, yet an area of grey. We wondered if we’d get rain.
I looked straight up above us and saw a rainbow. Not a full bow, a section of one that came out of the white clouds and then went back into the clouds. Right over our heads! It’s the first time I’ve ever known I was UNDER a rainbow like that.
I said to Del, “If that isn’t a good omen for us, I don’t know what could be!” (Very unscientific of me!)
🙂
Playing catch up! Brrrrr in the desert! No kidding!
Seems like Toto blew thru here last night. Wayyyyy to many folks in the “Q”. Are most of the folks “snowbirds” “fulltimers” or is Q the place to congregate this time of year?
I’m confused..as always…you pay a hundred something dollars to spend so many days on the LTV…is there someone who checks these “permits” …and surely your time wasn’t up…so can you go back if you choose to?
Having fun with that grill! BLT is looking great! Spare tire cover! License plate missing or obscured in the photo.
Gotta laugh at the honor system for depositing your funds in the iron ranger…with no envelope.
Stay warm! Eat well and laugh a lot!
Good morning, Cinandjules! Another cold morning… I write this as the sun tries to peer at me from the top of a hill. Thick cloud cover again…. The boys are still under the comforter and I have my feet in front of the heater. I hope you and Jules and your canine-feline crew are warm, too.
Ok, the LTVA permit — $180 to camp 9/15 to 4/15. No, our time wasn’t up. You can leave at any time and return as often as you like during those months. We were at Midland for 75 days which works out to $2.40 a day. You can also buy two-week permits for $40. (You can’t leave and come back under the short term permits.)
If the camp host is not at his site when you arrive to sell you a permite, he/she comes around within a day or two of you choosing your site. After that the only time he visits your site is to invite you to the socializing someone (neighboring rancher, fellow RVer) is organizing or to share information from the ranger/BLM.
You’re given a large, brightly colored sticker for your rig’s door and a smaller one for your windshield.
The desert being flat and with few visual obstructions, the host can see you driving to the dumpsters, the dump station, getting on the main road to go to town, etc. If the host sees no activity such as this, it’s likely he would come by to see if you’re all right. Of course, the host is an RVer, too, and he makes friends with those who stay a while.
My new license plate for the BLT came in the mail a few months ago — considerably smaller than the previous one. 🙂
As for Q visitors, they are a mix of full-timers, snowbirds, RVers and non-RVers, and the vendors themselves. Of course, people who want to shop and enjoy the atmosphere come from around AZ and other states. People wanting to purchase an RV come to Q for the big RV show.
Your photos really captured the cold! Nothing nicer than a cozy warm home to enjoy when it’s chilly like that!! Beautiful blue skies in that last pic.
Thank you, Jodee!
Thanks, Sue, for another great post. I love that first photo. I would love to follow in your footsteps someday, but for now it’s great fun to see it through your eyes. Meanwhile: guess what I’m eating most days now? Low-carb flour tortillas! Yum! I use my cast iron skillet to “grill” them. I have a secret weakness for hot dogs and usually try to avoid them, but tonight I cooked a turkey sausage dog (Johnsonville, smoked turkey sausage) wrapped up in a tortilla and a bit of shredded Mexican cheese, browning the tortilla on all sides so it was just a bit golden and crispy. Dipped it in a spoonful of brown mustard. You may say yuck – but it was delicious!
I got a chuckle out of our shared enthusiasm for flour tortillas. Ha! If you haven’t tried the Aidell turkey sausages, I recommend them. They come in several flavorings — I like the Italian seasoning ones and the Habernero w/green chilies. There’s also one made with apples and cheese… all good.
Your Mexican hot dogs dipped in brown mustard sounds like a treat! I went through a hot dog craving stage a while back and found the Jennie-O turkey dogs were good if grilled crisp. My gosh there are a lot of mustard varieties!
Hi, Sue!
Well, you have become my official go to resource for planning my escape into nature. I started my day off by going back to the very beginning and reading every blog to absorb as much info from them as is possible. I did a pretty thorough job of starting a notebook with lots of your tips as well as those of your followers. My time plan is that for a year (or about a year). I will work full time to save up a down payment for an RV. I have scoped out a job at an RV dealership. What better way to learn as much as I can about campers and find the perfect one for me. No need to rush things. Then spend a few months to get used to the camper. Then, HELLO YOU GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL WORLD!
Hi, Ms. T!
Working at an RV dealership is a smart plan! I hope that works out for you. Will you be a full-time RVer, a snowbird, or a vacationer with your RV? (You may not see this question — I think you’re a night person and I’m a morning person.)
Thank you for choosing my blog and the blogorinos for your “go to resource for planning. . . .” You’ll find loads of information, tips, anecdotes, campsites, etc. and learn simply by absorbing our experiences from the road.
Have fun! The anticipation and planning begins a new lifestyle of “getting out there!”
Back in Arizona! Yeah! I now know we’re in deep winter now that you and the crew are there. Amazing sight that Quartzite gathering. I’ve been reading about it for years. One day we’ll go. I can’t decide if it would be fun or a complete nightmare. Probably a bit of both. May be worth the experience for a day or so, but I’m sure we’d top out after that. Those rolling green fields are so much more appealing. Interesting fact about the medjool dates. I love those things. Nature’s real candy.
Hope it warms up for you and the crew.
Thank you, Applegirl. I hope you are warm and cozy in your home in NY.
The sight of cultivated fields is an instant tranquilizer! The color green is soothing, the freshness of new plants encouraging, and the neat rows say, “The world is not falling into chaos” (even though the day may speak otherwise).
Talk about analyzing the heck out of something… sheesh.
Enjoy your day, Girl of the Apples. 🙂
Your walk with the crew was certainly well timed to help them not think about missing Skeeter and the gang. I really like the photo of them both checking the new scents on the road surrounded by lush plants you hadn’t seen for a long time. I don’t know what that silver thorny one is either, I like Pat in Rochester’s name for it , too, Ha!
How nice for Reg and Rog to have enjoyed their respite from being in the PTV despite how cool and windy Saturday was there. I appreciate the way you make the best of situations many would complain about. I’m curious about how you know who’s most likely to not use a generator. Is it their lack of solar panels?
Good morning, weather,
I hope you and your kitties slept well in your lakeside home. Is there a sheet of ice across the lake?
To answer your question… How I figure out who is likely to run a generator (These are generalities and assumptions, so nobody jump on me, okay?):
I try to camp away from big rigs like 5th wheels that don’t have solar panels, although truck campers can have generators, too. I look for signs of “fun-lovers” (for lack of a better, more exact term). . . indicated by motorized toys at their site or a toy-hauler rig, lots of “stuff” that indicates a city, rather than nature-type mindset, which translates into a need for appliances like televisions, microwaves, hair blowers and coffee makers.
I’m like a hummingbird zeroing in on bright colors, looking for the bright red or yellow of a generator set beside the RV! I guess they’re painted that way so thieves can find them more easily?
Like most things that are a regular part of one’s life, one develops a sense for who is most likely to make noise and who most likely won’t.
To end my reply on a positive note…. The folks at Petroglyph Campground were very quiet. 🙂
Good morning 🙂 ,
Yes, there is a sheet of ice on the lake, it often lends my views an enchanted look. The sunrises’ and sunsets’ colors shine softly across it’s surface, and blend with the golden reflections on the surrounding snow covered shoreline and trees to extend the beauty everywhere I look. It’s particularly breathtaking during moonlit snowfalls, the kind of scenes artists who paint long to capture.
Thank you for explaining how you discern the likelihood of noisy neighbors. This winter has drawn many folks that enjoy ice fishing and snowmobiling here. The fishers are quiet by nature, and just enjoy their precious hours away from every day’s work, noise and crowds. Fortunately the snow absorbs and muffles much of the sound of the snowmobiles, so I can be genuinely happy for them, too.
We did sleep well, thanks, I hope you and the boys did, too. It was delightfully comforting to only be awakened by the sound of the heater blowing warm air over us.
That does sound enchanting, weather. 🙂
Hi Sue! I really liked the link to look back at your previous camp there. It was great to see Bridget in all her glory again! From the demon dog shadow, to the sitting when she was ready to stop, to the leading the way home. I love that you were able to sneak a picture of her in there looking happy. It’s wonderful to have our current furbabies, but that doesn’t mean we miss our old ones any the less. I had a dream about old mama cat, Thea, the other night. She’s been gone a few years now, but it was still nice to dream about her. I’m glad that your heater is fixed and that you can snuggle with your little ones in the warm cocoon of the BLT!
Hi, Dawn,
Dreams can be very comforting and poignant, a way to visit with those who have passed on. How nice that you were given time with your Thea again.
What a pleasure it is for me to read what your wrote about Bridget and to share those memories of her! As for a picture of Bridget looking happy, I wish I could’ve included more of those. Whenever she saw me pointing a camera at her, she tended to give me the evil eye.
Thank you for writing, Dawn. You added sunshine to what is coming through our back window right now. I wish you plenty of sunshine in your life today!
I think our pets who have passed on are often with us. Who else here has felt a familiar presence?
“We have a secret, you and I
that no one else shall know,
for who but I can see you lie
each night in fire glow?
And who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed
and feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths
and see ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind
so young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
in every brook I pass
and when I call, no one but I
can see the bending grass.”
Author Unknown
With the government shutdown are you going to be having trouble finding places to stay? I know some parks will still be open. Mostly wondering if some will be closed to campers and what about bathrooms and such?
Thinking of you and all who travel the same path.
Huggles,
Laura
Hi, Laura,
To answer your questions as best I can: No, I don’t anticipate having any problem finding places to stay. At this time of year I do a lot of boondocking. My rig is self-contained (includes a bathroom) so the rest room facilities don’t affect me.
As for the shut down, I don’t expect it to last long. A budget was made available to Congress months ago and this is politics as usual. I removed the link you provided because the site has a biased slant.
I advise anyone with concerns about camping or park facilities to rely on the official information from websites of the National Park Service, BLM, NFS, etc.
Just wondering about where Del and his gang of doggies go from where he is? I think it would be cool if you guys camped near one another more often so R&R would have their buddy skeeter to play with. Also just a little security for you in an emergency. Del seems like a nice guy. Ok! I’ll butt out!! Missy have fun and be safe…
Hi, Jim,
There aren’t many places where I could let Reg and Rog off-leash like I did at Midland LTVA. We will probably see Del and crew again.
It wouldn’t be right for me to talk about where Del camps. Sweet of you to care about the boys’ and my security. 🙂
Hi Sue! I am sorry to see you have left the LTVA. I really liked that camp and it was good to see you settle in and enjoy being more in the moment rather than thinking so much about “next”. The pleasant weather, a familiar routine, beautiful surroundings, serene seclusion and a good neighbor all contributed to helping you feel satisfied and content with this camp. The peacefulness from within was conveyed in some of your posts and so the blogorinos got to experience it, too. That’s pretty neat.
In sharp contrast to the zoo at Quartzite, I ran away to the woods for a day for some solitude with Mother Nature. For some reason, I was feeling restless last Friday and from that came a spontaneous day trip up into the Catalina Mountains north of Tucson. I threw a few things into the truck, dressed warmly, and grabbed my ever ready day pack and trekking poles for a winter’s day on the mountain. In just sixty-five short miles I had traded in my saguaros and palo verde trees for pines and aspens at 7k feet. What a contrast!
I found a small, primitive campsite on a spur road and cooked my lunch over a small campfire in the stone fire ring. The best home made veggie soup and grilled cheese sandwich, ever! I cheated and brought a Thermos of coffee from home, but even that was exceptionally good. The crisp air, warm sunshine, and simple food all made for a five star dining experience–at least in my book.
I encountered no one while enjoying my secluded spot. The afternoon was spent exploring my immediate surroundings. I sat in quiet observation and listened as the forest spoke to me. Only an occasional rustle of dry leaves, the caws of curious jays or a friendly chirp from a Northern cardinal, and a gentle wind dancing in the trees broke the sounds of silence. I took delight in watching a hawk drift lazily on a thermal current and laughed out loud at the entertaining grey squirrel as he tried to remember where his next meal was buried.
It was a beautiful and perfect winter day on the side of the mountain. Mother Nature washed away the restlessness I had felt earlier and I returned to the desert floor relaxed and happy. She had just the remedy I needed.
So, all is well in my world again after enjoying a day of simple pleasures in my life. Nope, there will be no Quartzite madness for this gal. A day with Mother Nature? Sure! Her medicine is cheap, has no expiration date, and just might cure what ails you.—Audrey
Good for you Audrey, sounds like the right recipe for getting your perspective back. Many times I’ve wished I could still do those quick spontaneous things but I had my turn in the past.
Hi Sue,
it’s been awhile since I chimed in, but I have read all your posts and seen the lovely pictures. I just smile when I see those two little guys trot ahead of you. Thanks for the respite from the cold, if only on my laptop screen.
Hopefully we will be back in the sunny southeast in another couple of months. We are continuing to make progress on the sale of the house. I recently completed scanning decades of photos from numerous albums Mom had made up. I saw so many pictures of generations gone by, that I think I could recognize my great great grandparents if I ever saw them “in the flesh”. Today I am starting my next project, a memory quilt. I have never pieced a quilt top before this but do have experience sewing. I kept some of my mother’s clothes and will make a couple of quilts and lap covers. I think she would enjoy my efforts and I will enjoy seeing some of her favorite things.
😃