The crew and I leave our camp on Sidewinder Road.
We stop at Les’s camp to say goodbye. One day while Les was sitting at our campsite, he looked at the hummingbird feeder and remarked, “I need to get myself one of those.”
I feel badly leaving neighbor Les and the hummingbirds that are regular visitors to my feeder. It’s Christmas Eve Day.
Hmm . . . I’ll give the feeder to Les and the hummers will fly over to his camp . . . .
The crew waits in the Perfect Tow Vehicle while Les and I sit and share a few laughs. I tell him we’ll probably be back before spring. We exchange a ’til-we-meet-again hug and Christmas wishes. . . .
I turn the PTV westward and drive Interstate 8 about five miles.
At the rest stop near Imperial Dunes, I fill up the fresh water tank and ten one-gallon water jugs. I dump our trash and get back on the interstate and head eastward to Yuma, where I gas up the PTV. Route 95 takes us north toward Quartzsite.
Our destination is the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge.
We go up Palm Canyon Road.
Not many campers here. Bill and Ann’s travel trailer should be along here somewhere. Well, those people up there found a good spot. . .
I drive closer. Wait a minute . . .
“Hey, that’s Al and Kelly and Pheebs!”
It’s good to see Al and Kelly again. What a surprise to find them here!
Soon Pheebs has Spike running around like a young pup. Even Bridget is delighted to see Pheebs again. Kelly gives me a tour of their new Winnebago. . . very nice!
Al and Kelly (Travel with the Bayfield Bunch) are the ones who helped me with my first boondock. One never forgets that!
Al and Kelly . . . doin’ the hand jive . . .
The sun dips low in the sky, so I head off to find our camp.
As I’m maneuvering the Best Little Trailer into position, Bill and Ann come walking down the lane from their campsite. Sammy and Julie run to greet the crew.
Tomorrow the crew and I will go to Bill and Ann’s campsite for Christmas dinner.
Darn! I didn’t get our Christmas card made in time for Christmas Eve.
Typical! Maybe I can convince Bridget and Spike to pose for a card before the holiday is over . . .
Have a blessed evening!
rvsue
“REAR VIEW MIRROR”
Christmas Eve 2012
“When what to her wondering eyes should appear . . . “
Merry Christmas Dear RVSue
Kofa! Wonderful place great place for photos. There are teddy bear cholla fields out there thick as can be. But in morning light their needles glow.
Again best wishes to you.
Hi, Alan,
Coming to Kofa reminded me of you and your recommendation to explore the canyon. I hope to do that. Great to see you here . . .
Merry Christmas!
Back a bit from the entrance to Palm Canyon is a trail that goes south, around the peak. It is an excellent hike.
Bill and Ann, in the performance of their volunteer duties, have become familiar with the trails. I plan to take the crew on a hike into the canyon as Bill and Ann say it’s not too strenuous for us. I’ll ask them about the trail you mention.
Sounds like you are set for Christmas. Glad you are with friends.
Wishing you and your readers a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas
Love you Sister Sue!!!!
Love you,, too, Pauline… Love and Christmas blessings on everyone in your neck of the woods!
Merry Christmas, Sue!
Thanks so much for sharing your adventures. I enjoy reading about them so much. One day we will join you, but until then we live vicariously through your blog.
Merry Christmas, Casitagirl! May all your dreams come true . . .
Merry Christmas Sue. It was very nice meeting you!
Ilse
It was nice meeting you, too, Ilse, and sweet Maxwell. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Sue and Crew. Enjoy your “new” home.
Thank you, Sierra Foothill Mama. I’ve enjoyed your comments over the past months. Merry Christmas!
I enjoy your conversations with all your readers. The discussions are the cherry on top of your blog. Merry Christmas to ALL.
Have a wonderful Christmas with friends, Sue. You do seem to make them wherever you go! I’m quite jealous of where you are right now. I was “ready” to try something besides the southwest for a winter, but I’m certainly enjoying your photos in the meantime. Perhaps if we get somewhere different, I won’t be yearning westward quite so much… Ah well, it’s Dave’s turn to be where he wants (fishing!) for a while.
Thank you for the Christmas wish, Renee. Good luck to Dave wherever he drops a line . .. . and Merry Christmas to you both!
Merry Christmas to all out on the Kofa.
Thanks, Gaelyn… same to you!
Imagine… Al and Kelly arrived here only a few minutes before we did.
Merry Christmas Sue and crew,
Glad you can celebrate this wonderful holiday with friends.
Sue if you don’t mind my asking, what part of TN is Mick in? I am in the Nashville area.
Mick lives in the southeastern corner of Tennessee.
Merry Christmas, Barbara!
Merry Christmas Sue and all. Peace be with you.
Thank you, Edie. Have a blessed Christmas!
Merry Christmas Sue, Spike and Bridget. Your blog is the gift that keeps on giving! Have a great holiday with friends.
Kellee and crew (Becker, Blue, and Chevy)
Merry Christmas to you, Kellee, and to Chevy, Becker, and Blue. My blog wouldn’t be much without readers like you. 🙂
You are a poet! (do you know it?) 😉
Merry Christmas Sue, Spike and Bridget…….
I hope you have a peaceful and happy Christmas in your BTL out in the desert. I’m looking forward to a nice Christmas dinner with my grandsons, son and wife…in sunny Arizona too.
I enjoy reading your traveling adventures and the antics of the crew….have a Happy Christmas dinner with your friends…
Hi, Willow,
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Sounds like a happy day for all of you. Nice to hear from you… Now go enjoy those grandkids!
I love it when my two favorite bloggers meet up somewhere….
Merry Christmas Sue
Hi, Mark,
Serendipity strikes again! Thank you for the honor of being one of your two favorite bloggers. I’ve enjoyed your visits here, Mark. Merry Christmas!
A very Merry Christmas to you and the pups from the Lone Star State. Hope Santa is good to all of you!
Hi, Susan… Santa was very good to me this year… I have my new PaperWhite!
I hope your Christmas is beautiful and bountiful. Warm wishes to you and your loved ones!
Hey Sue… your little map up there is wrong. It has you NE of Phoenix… up near Payson. Ya’ll would be freezin’ up there!! Sounds to me like you’re in a much better spot with friends nearby for the holiday. Enjoy
Hi, Connie,
Yeah, that map is a pain. It is going to disappear for a while. I don’t feel like fighting with it any more!
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Too bad… I enjoy checking up on where you are… being a map person – who has myself placed on a map inside my head. But it’s one thing to have you parked in the middle of a nearby lake and another to have you all the way across the state.
I think the map widget is getting tired. As time goes by, it wanders further afield.
Hi Sue,
I’m wishing you and the Crew a peaceful and merry Christmas.
katydid in Chicago (where it is 17 degrees with light snow)
Hi, katydid,
I’ve never been to Chicago (and if I keep seeing weather reports like yours I probably never will. LOL!). Merry Christmas!
While I live in southern Illinois, about 280 miles south of Chicago, I have family in Anchorage, AK. I have to say the coldest walk I’ve taken in my life was in Chicago. The term “windy city” is absolutely true, and it goes right through you.
I moved from Minneapolis to Chicago during the Winter years ago; and, although the temperature was ‘warmer’ in Chicago, the wind off Lake Michigan made it feel so much colder. It was often fun to be outside in the Minnesota Winter; in Chicago it was PAINFUL.
I’ve heard that several times over the years. It amazes me that so many people live there.
And any kind of wind can drive you batty after a while… Cold wind is the worst.
Hi Sue….Wishing you and the crew a very Merry Christmas! Good to see that you are spending the holiday with friends. Peace be with you.
Peace be with you, too, Deb. Hope you’re keeping safe and warm. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Sue and Crew. Love reading your blog.
And I love hearing from you, Kathy. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas RVSue and Crew. It is nice to have dinner with friends while sharing part of the day.
Your blog is The One I look forward to reading every day. Your readers and commentors provide a wealth of information.
Hope you have a great day and enjoy Christmas in the desert.
Clayton
Hi, Clayton,
Yes, my blog’s readers are the greatest! I’m honored that you look forward to visiting here every day. . . Have a wonderful Christmas in Texas!
Hi Sue, Here in Plano, we’ll have family for Christmas tomorrow afternoon and evening so Mom and I have pretty much all day to get the turkey, dressing, etc. cooked. It’s sooo nice to have a relaxed day instead of rushing to get everything done by 12 or 1.
As we remember the Reason for the Season, may you, crew and friends have a peaceful and Blessed Christmas. I’m with the others being glad you’re with friends and in a beautiful place for Christmas. And we appreciate your ongoing gift to all of us.
Sounds like a marvelous and happy Christmas with family. Thank you for your faithful reading of my blog and comments. Warm wishes to you and Paul!
Merry Christmas to all three of you!
Merry Christmas to you, too, Colleen!
Hi Sue,
Just wanted to wish you a merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
Roger
Same to you, Roger. Enjoy!
Merry Christmas RVSue, Bridget and Spike.
Love the pic of the mountain…….and the saguaro cactus. Glad you and the crew have company for tomorrow!
Enjoy
Warm wishes to you, Jules, and the rest of your family! You have been a blessing to me throughout the past year, Cindy.
Merry Christmas Sue and Crew ,,,,,,And All
Merry Christmas Rusty and Timber. Always so nice to see you posting! Have a wonderful holiday and make sure you spoil Timber too much. 🙂
Merry Christmas Rusty! And Timber too! 🙂
Merry Christmas, friend! Hugs to you and Timber …
Merry Xmas Rusty, Hope you are faring well these days and that Timber is healthy and happy. Hope your truck is still running good. Let us know how you are doing every so often, you have lots of friends here at rv sue’s.
And A Very Merry Christmas to you and yours Sue from us and all our critters up here in snow country.
Merry Christmas, Trip and Lisa!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas Aunt Susan. Please know you are in my thoughts. I love you tons! Take care of you for me.
And I love you tons, too! I think of you often, Tawnya, and it’s always good. Have a great Christmas Day with those you love.
Wow, you gave away your hummingbird feeder. What a nice Christmas present for Les. And now you’re surrounded by good friends 🙂
Merry Christmas to You, The Crew, and All of your followers.
Patti & Bandit, the beagle
Merry Christmas to Patti and Bandit! I hope you have a wonderful day.
Merry Christmas Sue.
Guess we missed you here, maybe later on down the road, travel safe.
Hi, George and Suzie… I had to leave. Never turn down a free meal offered by a great cook, no matter how many miles to get to the table . . . That’s my motto!
Safe travels to you, too. I don’t doubt our paths will cross some day, as mine did with the Bayfield Bunch. Merry Christmas!
Peace and Love be with you. And, to all your readers.
Have a happy Christmas in your new home, Emily!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Sue and crew. Thanks for writing an excellent blog. I love reading and keeping up with you.
You’re welcome, Karen. And thanks for letting me know you enjoy my blog. Health and happiness for the holidays and 2014!
Merry Christmas Sue, Bridget & Spike!
Merry Christmas to you, too, Dawn!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, Sue, Bridget, and Spike! Nice to be spending it with friends close by in a lovely desert setting. Up to 24 here on the plateau, hope you are warmer.
Hi, Ruth,
Yes, it’s a lot warmer here. I’m pleased to find it’s warm here (low 70s for high), even though we moved several miles north of Yuma.
Thank you for hanging with me and the crew this year. Enjoy this special day!
Happy you have ‘plans’ for Christmas! Merry Christmas, Sue!!
Hi, Linda. . . I always have plans for Christmas. Sometimes those plans are simply a candle, the nativity verses, hot chocolate, and a snuggle with my best pals…
This is turning into a very special Christmas for us. I hope yours is, too!
Merry Christmas Sue, Spike and Bridgette.
Merry Christmas, Allen! Nice to see you drop in here . . .
May you have a Terrific Christmas and a Great New Year!! Thank you Sue for your ongoing gift of sharing your travels!! Enjoy the season! Dixie
You’re welcome, Dixie. I’m glad you found us that rainy day way back when. Best wishes to you and your family for the holidays!
Dear Sue,
Wishing you and the crew a very Merry Christmas! We hit the road as fulltimers in June 2014, meanwhile your adventures keep educating us. Love those 2 four-legged crew members. Bless you and your kids.
Merry Christmas, Donna… Wow! It won’t be long and you’ll be living your own full-time adventures. How exciting! Your next Christmas will be on the road . . .
I got a little ‘choked up’ when reading that you’d given your hummingbird feeder to Les. What a lovely Christmas present; you were so thoughtful and he’ll remember you and when he received it forever. From Cajun Country in Louisiana we wish you, Spike and Bridgit the happiest Christmas ever!
‘Virtual’ hugs . . .
Mary-Pat, Lacy and Eleanor
Hi, Mary-Pat . . . Ooh, good hugs!
Have a wonderful Cajun Christmas with Lacy and Eleanor!
Merry Christmas Sue. I am enjoying your travels, thanks for sharing your experiences.
You’re welcome, Gary. Nice to hear you’re enjoying our vagabonding. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Merry Christmas Sue and crew! You give us all gifts all year round! Enjoy your day!
Hi, Dawn… I’m already enjoying Christmas morning by reading all these kind messages to me and the crew. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Have a beautiful blessed day ..filled with love,laughter and good friends!
Hi, Betty-shea,
Whatever you do today, I hope you are filled with peace and promise for the year to come. Merry Christmas!
No matter your sex or age be it little girl or old man there’s magic in the idea of Christmas. Where good people gather to celebrate with the aroma of Turkey or Ham in the air to watch their favorite football team or the eyes of those little ones opening presents, it’s a special feeling one experiences this day. I wish all Sue’s readers a Merry Christmas. As for you Missy I’d feel a great loss if I didn’t have your blog and thoughts to digest each day. You and the kids are so special to so many. *Big Huggggggggg
Beautiful message, Jim. It doesn’t matter where you live or how you live… Christmas is a special day indeed.
Thank you for being a loyal reader and frequent writer on my blog. I know many of my reader enjoy your shenanigans here. 🙂 As do I!
Hugs to you and Detta… God bless you both!
Merry Christmas Sue, we are thinking of you all and I thank you for sharing with us all through the year. Wishing you the Best!
Hi, Diane… Always happy to see you appear here! I hope all your wishes come true this holiday season and in 2014.
Merry Christmas, Sue! This is our first Christmas on the road and our son’s first Christmas handling the celebration by himself with his family. Glad to say all is good! Wonderful to have technology to see that all goes well. Was happy to see pics of our cats and that they are happy as well. Have a great day! You and blog followers have inspired us knowing that there is a community of us of a certain age out here enjoying retirement 🙂
First Christmas on the road! Wonderful!
One of my best memories of 2013 is the time I blocked you with the PTV and watched you, Kathy, run toward me with arms open wide. 🙂
Merry Christmas, Kathy and Gil!
Merry Christmas to you and the crew!! So nice that you run into people you know. I think you have more friends on the road than I do in my own home town. lol.
That’s the way it is, Ginger, when your home moves around. It’s been fun having you drop in here regularly with comments. I hope all is well with you and your loved ones. Merry Christmas!
Hi Sue,
Merry Christmas and all the best in the new year. Say ‘Hi’ to Bridget and Spike for me.
Cheers,
Barrie
Barrie! Good to see you here again. I wish you peace and much happiness this holiday season and for the new year!
Merry Christmas, Sue and to all you readers. Rusty and Timber, I hope you have a great holiday, too. Sue, it sounds like you’re in very nice company. Of course, you always are with your canine friends. Enjoy the special day with whomever!
Jane
Same to you, Jane. It’s been a wonderful year with my readers. I hope you are enjoying this special day!
Hi Sue & crew
Merry Christmas to you and all your followers.
always here but seldom comment.
Hi, George,
Nice to see you here! I hope you are enjoying your Christmas in North Carolina. Thank you for reading my blog and for the Christmas greeting!
What a nice feeling to come to the blog today and read all the good wishes and thoughts amongst the readership. It’s a bit brisk and windy where I am over in NM, but warm here in the comments section 🙂
I can kind of picture where you are because I was “over and down the way a bit” at Road Runner BLM a week or so ago. I enjoyed having a Saguaro right outside my window. Will be interesting to see/hear about hiking in the area, as I have a feeling I’ll be back.
I wish a wonderful day to everyone,
Pen
Hi, Pen,
My oh my, girl, you certainly are using those wheels! New Mexico weather, I found, can be unpredictable. Love that state, great food . . . It was fun meeting you at Sidewinder Road. I enjoy your comments, too!
Merry Christmas!
Heh, yeah. I think I’ll stay put for a bit longer each time once I have a rig with solar panels. When I have to charge up every day or so it almost seems easier just to drive somewhere (and probably better for the engine). I do miss the feeling of “settling in” even though I love to move! I think something like the “two weeks and then strike out for the promise of a new camp” that you often do would be just about right most of the time. I’m looking forward to it.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Phyllis in Oklahoma
Thank you, Phyllis! Good tidings to you, too!
Apparently winter is going to be your social time! LOL Hopefully someone in the bunch has the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers ready. 😉 May you enjoy a tranquil and peaceful Christmas.
Thank you, Ladybug. The same to you!
There is an old ghost town out near you. It is on the right as you head north on hwy 95 leaving Yuma. Also the road to it you will run into the mysterious blimp that is sometime tethered to the ground or flying high in the sky. The wind here in Wikieup Arizona is gusting to 30 mph today. When you light your candle would you ask the giant that sleeps in his ice cave up north to roll over, his snoring is making me shiver. Have a holly jolly xmas.
Hi, Joe,
I saw that blimp, flying high. Some of your wind is coming over this way, but the sun is still shining. Wishing you and Mrs. Joe a wonderful Christmas Day!
Kofa is one of my favorite places. Sent some friends of mine there today as a matter of fact. I hope you all have a great Christmas.
Hi, Michael . . . It is beautiful here. Bill and Ann have been telling me about the many trails and caves to discover.
I hope your Christmas is wonderful!
My oh my. What a surprise to come home from a day on the refuge and find two of our favorite bloggers stopped in our wide open front yard. How much fun for a Christmas day!
From Quebec City….. I had been in the Algodone Dune Imperial in 2010…. will return.
Thank you to memory all this…. Sue I read all your post each week…. Have a very happy New Year…. and a lot of friends… (xcuse my english)
André Roy Québec, Canada,
Hi, Andre!
If you heard my French, you would know you don’t need to apologize for your English. Great to see you here! I wanted to take more photos of the dunes but it didn’t happen.