Friday, January 8
Sunshine returns to our camp in southeastern California! Yesterday’s cold and grey clouds are gone.
The crew and I make up for a day indoors with a long and brisk walk together.
Bridget and Reggie trot side-by-side
While following the two canine hineys, I tackle heavy thinking.
Such as, what shall we do today?
A sun-warmed home and a second cup of coffee await
First of all, we have to soak up some rays.
Reggie attacks a chew bone. Bridget keeps a sharp eye on the camera.
Time to rest and play
I settle into the lounger and work on a second cup of coffee.
Hmm. . . . We’re almost out of water. The fresh water tank is empty and only two of the one-gallon jugs are full.
Reggie never lets me sit long without jumping into my lap.
I get up and rummage around in the PTV until I find the bag that contains the funnel. Then I empty those two gallons into the fresh water tank.
A funnel with a bendable spout is handy for this purpose
“Okay, pups. In you go! We need water.”
The Perfect Tow Vehicle carries us south on Ogilby Road to Interstate 8.
RVs clustered along Ogilby Road, Winterhaven, California
I can see Algodones Dunes on the horizon as we board the interstate and go west.
Interstate 8 between Yuma, Arizona and El Centro, California
The speed limit for two-axle vehicles on the interstate is 75 mph. The PTV doesn’t often have a chance to show her stuff. She’s either towing and kept at the 55 mph speed limit or she’s on the streets of a town running errands.
I push her up to 75.
This’ll do her good!
Wires and posts and fences and posts and wires and creosote and Algodones Dunes
We exit at Gray’s Well.
I make a quick turn-around as this is a fee area for the RVers who camp here with their motorized toys.
Gosh, it’s hard to take a photo without wires in it!
Gray’s Well at Imperial Dunes Recreation Area, California
White seems to be the color of choice with this crowd!
Unloading for a weekend of fun on the dunes!
We return to the interstate.
The next exit is a rest stop that has water spigots and trash dumpsters. It’s a tricky exit because the rest stop is between the east and west lanes which means we exit on the left side of the road.
Truckers stop here to catch some sleep.
The rest area is in shabby condition.
This is the worst I’ve ever seen it, and, in my experience, it’s never been tip-top. The big cottonwood trees have been cut down. Someone left their trash where they dropped it, rather than take it over to one of the nearby dumpsters.
It’s hard to figure why people do stuff like this.
Oh, well, the water is good.
I pull up to the spigot and unload twelve empties from the passenger side of the PTV. Reggie peers out. Bridget knows the drill.
A wheelbarrow full of gravel dumped here would make a major improvement.
I set down a piece of wood to keep from stepping my Bearpaw boots in mud. The water pressure is high and soon all the jugs are filled and loaded into the PTV in front of the passenger seat.
Twelve gallons will do us for a while.
This trucker is a long way from home!
I wonder what it’s like in Billings, Montana, today.
On the way out of the rest area, I toss a bag of trash in the dumpster. We zip eastward on the interstate and soon we’re on Ogilby Road again, passing the camps of fellow RVers.
I turn onto the lane that leads to our camp.
Gee, almost everyone has left. There’s that one guy in a van and the other guy in the Class A . . . .
Bridget and Reggie look out the windows.
The difference in ride on the sandy lane after paved Ogilby Road alerts the crew that we’re almost home. The scene ahead of us causes me to put on the brakes and pick up the camera.
Cargo Muchacho Mountains under a blue sky and “painted” clouds
“We’re home!”
The Best Little Trailer
I park the PTV next to the BLT’s tongue and plug her in. I lift the crew to the ground and we go inside for a late lunch.
“Well, that’s enough work for one day!”
rvsue
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First this time?
Ok, I’ve gone back and read this episode. It is really good. It’s a shame the rest stop is in such bad shape. Such a privilege and yet others don’t take the time to take care of that privilege.
I was surprised that all the boondocks moved on in the time you left and returned.
Take care Sue and take care of those comfy Bearpaws!
There were four campers here, scattered far apart, and two left while we were going for water. The photos you see of RVs are of other camping areas on Ogilby Road.
It seems the area we are in is used a lot by folks wanting an overnight or two-night stop on their way to Quartzsite. The guy in the van and the guy in the Class A, our only neighbors now, are obviously staying longer.
Oh yeah, I love my Bearpaws!
CONGRATULATIONS, RENEE! YES, YOU’RE FIRST!
Thank you, Sue!
I have to be first! LOL!
Sue – The good news for the people of Billings, Montana is that the weather is clear. The bad news is that the temperature is 8 degrees! Brrrrrr!
It’s a bit chilly here. 57 with rain tonight but I’m not complaining. I wish that we had warm rain, but then again, humidity sucks!
Glad that you are getting a chance to warm up! The desert looks nice and the wildflowers should be beautiful this year. (Just like the old days)
Chris B
Ditto on humidity sucking…
We have a tie! CONGRATULATIONS, CHRIS B OF THE DIEGO AND CLETE TRIBE!
Wow! What are the chances of that happening! Oh boy, for the first time in a long time I bought a lottery ticket today!
You were too fast, Renee! LOL!
It was a complete fluke Chris B! I hadn’t checked all day, so after running out to Costco, I knew for sure there would be another post with 20 comments already.
You both made it here at 4:44 p.m. 🙂
That’s remarkable!
Love! I can’t wait for that to be one of my days! ;o)
Hi, MF . . . . This boondocking is a lotta’ work! 🙂
My kinda work!
Sun, painted clouds, AND beautiful blue skies … thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome, Chris (in Portland, OR)!
Sue, You’ve probably mentioned before but what kind and how long is the awning you have on the BLT? It looks like something that might fit on my van.
Gee, Norm, I have no idea of the dimensions of the awning. It’s a FLAMMA brand. The crew is drifting off to sleep right now and it’s almost dark. If I remember, I’ll measure it in the morning for you.
Here’s the website for Flammastore.
No need to measure yours Sue. I’m not sure why I asked you the size…I can find what they have on their website…thank you.
You’re welcome, Norm… I aim to please!
I just found your site today and have been perusing … I’m 63 and longing to hit the road. Have 1.5 years left on house lease and hopefully in that time period I’ll be able to pay my debt down, finance an rv towing my Nissan Versa. Or maybe just do a class b …
I’m on SSD, craving alone time (my aunt and I have shared living expenses for the past 10 yrs) and want to see the country at a slower pace. Stopping to see family and friends along the way. I’m in the research phase now and have started selling, getting rid of stuff. I have doubts but that’s never stopped me before. Glad I found your website.
Hi, LN!
I’m glad you found my blog, too. Welcome! I love how you didn’t hesitate to jump right in with an introduction and a summary of where you are in your RV dreaming and planning.
You are now a blogorino!
You’ll find loads of information here… in previous and current posts, as well as the comments under each post. Feel free to ask questions. It sounds like you have made a great start by getting rid of stuff. Several readers are doing the same thing right now, while others remember those days of downsizing and simplifying and are now on the road.
Best wishes… I hope you keep in touch!
Thanks Sue! I’ll be checking in!
Great!
Oh, and a reminder to everyone… If you are comfortable doing so, remember to put your location after your name (the two letter state abbreviation will do or the name of your country for international blogorinos). It makes conversation easier knowing what part of the world you’re writing from…
Thanks!
hi LN, it’s great for you join the conversations!
Sue told me about how helpful it would be to read her blog from the start and i am still doing that. i am up to 2012. you can use the search box on the right-hand lists. it starts in spring 2011 and includes all her preparations and decisions. and once she started driving, you can learn about her travels and boondocks.
also, i learned a lot by reading the tabs at the top of the homepage that list MONEY per year. it is not only about money and her budgets, but includes a monthly recap of the places she camped. it is great! bess
I’m thinking about resuming the money information, now that a new year has begun, so the info will be current. Thanks for chiming in on this, bess!
Also, LN… Be sure to read posts at rvsueandcrew.com (not at dot net) when reading the ones prior to June 2013. Otherwise the slideshows won’t be visible.
“I’m thinking about resuming the money information, now that a new year has begun, so the info will be current. ”
But that would mean that your days are filled with more than just going for water. I’d love to see a money update but I’m not holding my breath. And I mean that in the best of ways. You know you’re my hero.
You are very considerate, Rick. I’m looking for an app for my phone and/or laptop into which I can enter my expenditure and income amounts. I also plan to simplify the categories, rather than break out every type of purchase right down to toilet paper and tooth floss (haha!).
We shall see how it goes.
Anybody have any suggestions for a simple, easy, budget app?
Welcome, LN! 🙂
Denise, is that you? Like Denise? The one who dreams of NM?
Denise … sorry, I thought you were someone else (obviously) … {{{color me embarrassed}}}
Welcome LN!
Sue, great pics. I have been thru there many times and have never stopped at that rest area. It looks a mess and I’m glad the water spigot was still working.
I’m leaving Tucson early tomorrow and headed to Usery Mountain Park for a few days. Then Quartzsite and lots of boondocking before having to head to Oregon Coast for the summer.
Safe travels and many happy camping adventureso to all.
Hi, Pat H.,
I look at the rest stop this way — What I need (trash bins and water spigot) works!
Have a safe and enjoyable trip tomorrow. I googled “Usery Mountain Park images”… It looks lovely, not far from Phoenix, and with lots of trails with great views!
I assume your statement about “having to head to Oregon Coast for the summer” means you have a workamping position?
Yes, I’ll be a campground host on the central coast. It’s a good way to enjoy an area without a lot of boondocking.
do you want to share the name of the campground where you will host? if you want visitors, i might be nearby this summer…if not that is cool. bess in eugene.
Bess, I’ll be at South Beach and at Beachside this summer. Come enjoy the beautiful Oregon coast.
hi Pat, you will be about 1 1/2 hours away from Eugene! we take our vintage travel trailer over to the Oregon Coast often and usually stay at Tillicum Beach campground so we could drop in and have a chat and a stroll on the beach. i am making a note of your campgrounds. when do you start working and which one is first?
I love beachside! Hope to see you there. Thanks for sharing location.
Howdy from Minnesota! Right now my outdoor thermostat says zero degrees. The temp is supposed to keep dropping through the night. The heaters in the rv are working hard but it is probably going to be a little nippy in here tonight. I was inspired by your bird feeders, Sue. I use to feed the birds all the time at my old house but I left them behind when I sold the place. I went and bought a new feeder the other day. I had a nuthatch feeding within an hour of setting it up. Now I have sparrows and chickadees, as well. Yea! No hummingbirds yet. Ha ha.
Hi, Chris (MN),
Well, you survived the last blast of cold, and I don’t doubt you’ll survive this one. You’re one rugged woman!
Good timing for the birds… They can use help at this time of year. Bundle up and stay warm!
Well, we survived. It got down to 10 below zero overnight. Suppose to get up to 1 above zero for the high today. I haven’t used the rv furnace at all this winter but I figured that I would last night. I have been getting by with two space heaters and my Wave 8 propane heater. Wouldn’t you know, it wouldn’t come on. I know that I had propane and I checked the fuse box and nothing was lit up. This morning I pulled the fuse out to look at it, looked fine, and I put it back into place. Wouldn’t you know, the furnace kicked on. Must have been just a little loose, but not enough to register. It got down to around 50 degrees in the rv but now it is warming up nicely. I am glad that I didn’t have to have the furnace checked by professionals. Would have looked like an idiot with just a loose fuse!
Saw a red-bellied woodpecker at the feeder this morning!
Hooray! You did it and you’re not a block of ice!
Thanks for the report, Chris. You show us what one can do with a can-do attitude. I like that your furnace is working. Whew!
Aww… I want to see a red-bellied woodpecker! 🙂
Chris,
Don’t know if this was your problem.
Depending on the water content in your propane gas…anything below freezing may cause the regulator to freeze. If the gas isn’t being used constantly…it will freeze. Happens with our generator.
If you “insulate” the regulator it may help. If not using a hair dryer will unfreeze it. We’ve wrapped it this year and put a five gallon bucket (upside down) to protect it from the wind chill. So far so good!
The propane should have been fine. It is being used constantly by my Wave 8 heater with no problems. I will keep your solution to mind though because that could certainly be an issue later. I know that this won’t be the last of the cold weather this winter! Thanks for the tip!
is the rest stop in California or Arizona? someone needs to take responsibility to take care of it…………
you sound like me…..I run to town to get supplies and back in an hour…thats long enough for me to deal with the public.
you got me again…I wasnt expecting you to post this afternoon…..
chuck
Hi, chuck,
The rest stop is in California, near Algodones Dunes. I think it sees a lot of heavy traffic and since it doesn’t have pavement or gravel, it turns to mud.
I learned when I had a classroom that I needed to keep it tidy and clean for every group of students coming in throughout the day. Otherwise, the students wouldn’t respect the classroom environment and they’d trash it. Same goes for people in public places. Once the deterioration starts, people seem to amp up the slob behavior.
I had an awful time motivating myself to write today. Some days are like that which is why this post appeared late in the day. I actually started it first thing this morning!
Have a good evening, my SE Texas friend…
Sue, I know the feeling…..Ive had a sink full of dishes that needs to go into the dish washer sitting there since this morning…..its 8:15pm CST right now and i still havent done them…..HA…
chuck
I’ve got you beat, chuck. I let dishes pile up in a dish pan until I run out of things to cook with and eat off of. I say I do that to conserve water, but you know the real reason… hee-hee…
Washing dishes is my least favorite chore! Don’t know why, but it is!
I am just the opposite! I love to wash dishes by hand! There is just something relaxing about the smell of the dish washing soap and the feel of the warm water….!!! I even love the challenge of washing dishes while camping and conserving water! I remember as a child that when I played “house” it always involved a tea party and then washing the dishes!!!!
Love the Ogilby Rd. area. Mom and I are parked off American Girl Mine Rd. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets most nights. And nice and dark at night.
Hi there, neighbor!
It is nice here, isn’t it. I looked at your blog — great photos of Mittry Lake and Sidewinder Road camp. Wasn’t that dust storm something! You have a nice camp oven and those cinnamon rolls look delicious. I wish I had one or two of those right now!
Hello to Mom!
Sue…reading your answer to Evelyn about her oven….I have been meaning to post this for all you boondockers but have been forgetting to…
NuWave Precision Induction Cooktop
The above is a link with my Amazon code in it. The cooktop comes in different sizes. — Sue
Several years ago we bought one of these induction cooktop stoves because we were using propane for many years and after several houses blew up in the area because of propane leaking my wife got scared and wouldnt use propane anymore…..well I must say these cooktops are topnotch….we havent used any propane since……I even bought me one to take in my camper when I go camping….
thanks for reading
chuck
Pookie, I agree that the NuWave is great. We have one we use it in our Casita BUT it doesn’t work for boondockers unless they have a generator to supply the juice. It won’t run on battery.
We have several Nu-Wave ovens and use one 6 nights out of 7! We like to cook a lot of meat and then freeze it in meal portions. We do use it boondocking because we have a generator. Robin
My readers can purchase a Nu-Wave oven from Amazon from my blog by using this link (which earns me a commission):
NuWave 20632 Pro Plus Oven with Stainless Steel Extender Ring, Black
Chuck and I have both the NuWave and the Cook top! Gotta tell you, we love both! however, you can’t bake a cake or muffins or pies in the oven because it cooks only from the top and the bottom stays pretty much raw. I can do biscuits because once the tops are browned, I turn them upside down! The NuWave is great for cassaroles, all kinds of meats and veggies! My all time favorite is taking frozen chicken, put it in a pan and lather it with Italian dressing, put it in the NuWave and 20 minutes or so later it is all cooked, tender and deliciously moist! Thumbs up from us! Good investment!
The sun has returned…..yay!
What a fun day! Is there a garbage can inside that stone structure? Looks like the birds are picking at the trash….adding to the mess. I believe CalTrans is responsible for the “maintenance” of rest stops. How much energy does it take to deposit trash inside a receptacle that is provided?
Noticed your Bear paws in the rare semi selfie photo….I’ve never seen you in a pair of jeans! Usually you are in capri style pants.
Twelve gallons will do you for a while? Yikes! Drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth and flushing the toilet? That’s amazing! I think about your H20 consumption EVERYTIME I put in or take out my contact lenses and brush my teeth. How does she do it?
Reg man peering out of the PTV is cute. Oh he’s not going anywhere! I’m surprised you didn’t try him off leash during the canine play session.
Enjoy your evening.
ps:
Did you remember to knock the sand out of your air filter? Bet the PTV enjoyed running a bit faster than the normal 55mph.
Hi, Cinandjules,
Those twelve gallons are misleading. I’ll be going into Yuma for groceries within a few days. I’ll probably fill up any empties I have by then by using a vending machine. (Yuma is in the opposite direction than the rest stop.)
Yes, I tapped the air filter before starting up the PTV after the dust storm. Mick reminded me.
No, that’s not a stone trash receptacle. There are 4-6 of the big, double flip-topped trash dumpsters at the rest area. I don’t know what that stone thing is. There’s a sign stating a parking limit of 8 hours. I bet someone camped there, dropped their trash, and took off.
It was okay to let Reggie off his tether when his play pals were here. I don’t dare when they aren’t here to tempt him home. Too many washes which are coyote highways.
You have a good evening, too!
You are probably one of the few people in the country who has not bought a powerball ticket, and this post illustrates as well as anything why you have not. Many people have to imagine a dream life, you get to remember one (at least recently).
Hi, Rhodium… Rhode Island!
Cute comment… Nope, I don’t need no 800 million dollars or whatever it is at the moment. 🙂
It’s nice to see that you, Bridget and Reggie had a day with sunshine. Even the PTV got to run faster for a change 🙂 Beautiful pic with the painted clouds! I always see figures, scenes or messages in clouds, they’re continually fascinating to me. Those are particularly nice with the color and shape contrasts of the sky and mountains.All the RVer’s clustered along Ogilby Rd. seems odd to me. Do you understand why people do that when in such a vast area there’s room to spread out ?
Hi, weather,
It’s nice to know what I find beautiful is appreciated by others, too. I think those clouds are lovely.
I don’t relate to people who cluster their RVs together like that.
Some do that because they are afraid to be alone. Others are grouped with friends or family — They might be traveling in a caravan. And still others might be city people who haven’t adjusted their personal radar to the dimensions of the vast, open desert.
Even when my friends are in the area, we don’t camp on top of each other if there’s space available.
I’m glad people camp in tight groups with each other. Leaves more open area for us loners!
While out driving a while ago I had a cloud encounter, when it was over I thought “Sue would have loved this!”. It really is nice to share appreciating beautiful things 🙂
As I crested a hilltop I noticed a multi-layered cloud bank just ahead. Right then an air current brought a wisp of it down crossing the road. I slowed to a crawl as I went through the cloud that was glowing golden red from the sunset. A deer appeared a few feet from my drivers side window as I realized if I’d been going faster I’d have hit him with the jeep. It all took less than a minute and felt like a dream…
There are people that have accidents with critters and as long as their insurance covers any damage they are just glad to be alright and consider it an inconvenience. I’m not built that way. It’s one thing to be blessed by avoiding the anguish of causing an animal to suffer. To make the incident into one of such ethereal beauty is Providence being especially generous.
I can picture it, weather! A cloud encounter at the crest of the hill! And the glowing light that slowed you down to avoid the deer… To be “corrected” by beauty, how loving is that? 🙂
Thank you for sharing your experience.
There’s a dappled light on things near the windows with patches that glimmer. Today is the first day since last summer that it’s danced with that particular quality of brightness I associate with crops in the field and clothes on the line. It’s of course been warmer and sunnier out many times in between June and now, yet the sun’s level during morning begins to wane at summer’s solstice and climb upward like a crescendo again at this time of year. It’s a subtle change I watch for the way usually I note the first day with no ice on the lake or the first appearance of cornflowers every year. Last night we had wind over 60 mph for a few minutes. Funny, I’d thought it was bringing something notable with all that force. I don’t see anything else different here, just the shift in atmosphere that speaks of new beginnings .
Good morning, Sue, I hope sunrise brought you a gift, too. Nice how the smallest things sometimes refresh our enthusiasm, isn’t it?
Good morning, weather,
I love how attuned you are to your natural surroundings — the light, the wind, when ice or cornflowers appear, what the woodland creatures are doing, the glimmer on windowpanes and so forth. That word “attuned” describes you well. You are “in tune” like a musical instrument, each note sounding clear in tone and with perfect pitch, harmonious with the patch of world you inhabit. No wonder your thoughts are like songs! 🙂
~~~ 🙂 ~~~
Hi Sue,
Glad you got to take the PTV out for a little high speed drive. That will be good for it. I had to laugh when I saw which rest stop you were at as it is a stop on the way to Los Algodones. Not one of the better facilities for sure. I didn’t even know you could get water there and I will make a note of that. Some of the larger rest stops even have dump stations.
I have been online most of the day researching small travel trailers. Looking forward to this lifestyle and living the dream.
Norman
Hi, Norman,
You bring back memories with your last paragraph! Good luck with your search for your own Best Little Trailer.
Yeah, that rest area is easy to recognize… It must be the shabbiest rest area in California!
Chris B says you’re in for a cold rain tonight… Stay warm and cozy, Norman!
I was wondering about how you get water. What about water to bathe? What about groceries? Dumping? Do you charge your coach batteries by running the engine in your PTV? I am interested in all your details! Robin
Hi, Robin,
To answer your questions:
I bathe by taking sponge baths from water in a basin. I buy groceries on the way to camps or I unhitch and drive into town. Groceries for this camp can be bought in Yuma, about twelve miles away. There are two WalMarts, a Fry’s grocery, and others. There’s a dump station at the next exit east of the Ogilby Road exit. It’s located at a convenience store that also sells propane (Sidewinder Road exit for Pilot Knob LTVA).
As you can see, the PTV has a solar panel on its roof (200 watts). That panel is connected to two AGM batteries riding in the back of the PTV for storing power. The AGM batteries are also connected to the PTV’s starter battery. Power is also supplied by the alternator. While the PTV is going down the highway its AGM batteries are being charged via the solar panel and engine.
When the PTV returns to the BLT, I plug in a cord between an outlet at the back bumper of the PTV to an outlet on a cord coming out of the BLT. The BLT has a “house battery.” Once plugged in, charge is equalized among all four batteries.
The BLT is equipped with a 12-volt system which runs off the house battery (I have LED lights throughout the BLT and use an inverter for my laptop) as well as a 110 volt system for when we connect to shore power.
In answer to your question, yes, indirectly I’m charging my “coach battery” by running the engine of the PTV in addition to solar power from the panel.
Sue, thanks for reminding me about the term “sponge bath” because i usually say “spit bath” when people ask me what i do for showers when camping at a site without public showers. i will have to remember your term because it is more accurate and polite. 😉
my mother used to say “spit bath” when she wiped jam off my face when we left home using her hanky and spit!
I won’t speak for you, bess, but I don’t make enough spit to cover the territory! haha!
you are so right because i am not a big spitter either!
I sometimes call it a bird bath.
Memories! My great grandmother always called it a bird bath.
I like that, Marsha. Nice image and sort of mentally reminds one that taking a “natural” bath (swimming, sponge bath, etc.) is not really abnormal – it’s how many of us critters do it! (Not that I have anything against shower stalls, but just…. there is room for other ways as well.)
Hi Sue and Crew… catching up with your blog after a busy Holiday season with kids and grandkids. Plus a nasty cold spell here in Moses Lake, WA (with snow on the ground, still).
The sand dunes look inviting. A long time ago the company I worked for assigned me to a six month job as production manager at a “maquilladora” in Mexicali, MX. I had a nice apartment looking directly at the border fence separating me from the USA. Crossing was pretty easy back then compared to now but still a pain which was why I lived in MX and not in the USA. But I spent a lot of weekends driving the dunes in my 4wd.
Just finishing the book you recommended about the Austrian U-boat Captain in WWI. I read it on my “bed Kindle” which is a 3rd version Kindle (often called a “Kindle KB” or a “Kindle 3D”; it has a tiny kb at the bottom). These are terrific Kindles because many of them include free-for-life 3D cell phone data service so wherever I am I can download a new book. They also have the ability to “read” any book to me. Plus a web browser!
We have several of these after a couple broken-glass incidents. New glass faces are relatively cheap from China ($29 or so) and it takes about 30 minutes to disassemble the Kindle and replace the glass. But I get impatient about delivery and end up buying a new-to-me Kindle 3D from eBay. Now I have a collection of them. So one in the RV, one in the bedroom, one in the car…LOL.
At any rate the Austrian sailor is especially interesting to me because my Sue and I (and our two kids) were cruising sailboaters for five years in the 1980s. Mostly the Sea of Cortez which has over 2,000 miles of coast line. The perfect place to cruise. LOL
Your “sponge bath” reminded me. We bought a small 1-gallon garden sprayer with a hose and a tip and would fill that with warm water and use it as our shower. On a cruising sailboat fresh water is often difficult to come by and our 70 gallon tanks would typically last us six weeks. We still use this method tent camping. A $40 toilet-tent shelter (from Amazon or WalMart) makes a good shower. We just put it up in a convenient spot near the tent. It also holds the porta potti.
And, yes, we do have a big diesel motor home but we still love tent camping! 🙂
Anyway you get a real shower with that gallon sprayer. We like that better than sponge baths.
Have fun down there. Nice to read the guest blogger too. 🙂
WDR
Hi, WDR,
Enjoyed your comment — It’s great to have you back after the holiday festivities! Thanks for tips on showers while camping.
I’m happy you are enjoying the book I recommended. I found it very interesting. For some reason I don’t understand, I particularly enjoy sea stories and also accounts of that time period. That book pulls you into the U-boat and keeps you there! Some very comic moments, too…
A Sailor of Austria: In Which, Without Really Intending to, Otto Prohaska Becomes Official War Hero No. 27 of the Habsbur (The Otto Prohaska Novels)
Interesting about your 3D Kindle. I didn’t know there were Kindles with those capabilities. I like anything that is “free for life.” Ha! I can download to my Kindle Paperwhite as long as I have the Verizon Jetpack on which I use for my laptop.
How interesting and fun to live on a sailboat cruising the Sea of Cortez. Now you’re Washington Desert Rat, where once you were Cortez Water Rat. (Couldn’t resist that!)
Keep in touch… Always fun hearing from you!
Thanks for re-mentioning the book, Sue. Now that I have read WDR’s comment, I want to read it (must have missed it the first time around, or it didn’t grab me then for some reason). I’m also an old cruising sailor (garden sprayer shower ahoy!) 🙂
You’re welcome, Pen. I hope you like it.
thanks for the tips about the kindle 3d. and also about the toilet-tent shelter and garden sprayer. my vintage travel trailer doesn’t have bathroom facilities and this idea is perfect for my storage situation. i enjoyed your post! bess
Hi Bess… glad to help.
The Kindle 3d (or Kindle KB) can often be found on sale on craigslist or eBay for about $30 to $50 or so. Usually they’re sold when someone gets a new paper-white for Christmas or other gift. This would be a good time to find them. The free 3g cell service is not on all of them; but it seems to be on most of them. In a photo you will be able to see a keyboard with button keys at the bottom. Ask about the 3g cell before you pony up the bucks.
Amazon will put 3g on even new Kindles but they now charge quite a bit extra for that.
Almost done with the Austrian Sailor book. The 1917 Flu season has started. I know that it will get nasty and hope he isn’t affected too much. Silly to worry about a story set in 1917… but… 😀
WDR
The last photo in the post of the Cargo Muchacho Mountains looks like a painting. I love the desert photos.
It’s good to hear that you do, Barbara. This desert landscape is close to monochromatic which challenges me with my camera. I don’t know what it is with the light that gave that scene a painted quality. It had that look in “real life,” not as a result of photography.
Hi,Sue. It was about 17 degrees in Billings today, but, hey, it’s moving toward the low 20’s tomorrow. The trucker is obviously in a good place at the rest area. LOL Could be worse.
As usual, I’m intrigued by your adventures, mundane as they may seem. Every post is a lesson, Sue. God bless you and the crew. Diann
I thought of you, Diann, when I took that photo and later when I put it into this post. I figured it’s a bit chillier in Montana than it is here. 🙂
Thank you for the encouragement to keep writing, even about mundane stuff like filling jugs with water at a spigot. God bless you, too.
I thought for sure we saw you parked at The Hots Springs when we came back from Holtville at 4:30 this afternoon.
Nope. That wasn’t us! I have seen the Casita-with-white-van combo in different places. For the benefit of readers… Holtville is not far from here in Imperial County, CA.
I’ve stopped at that rest stop several times over the years. It is always full of trash and very unpleasant. I’m glad the water is good and has high pressure.
I enjoy your blog.
I’m pleased you enjoy my blog, Ron. Thanks for letting me know. You’re new here, aren’t you? If so, welcome! 🙂
So there’s a tradition for that rest area…. It’s “the pits” of pit stops!
Hi Sue, I hope that you don’t mind me asking an off topic question here, but I couldn’t find a better place to ask. I’m about to head out next week on a 3-4 month adventure, and I’m thinking about starting my own travel/photography blog. I’ve looked at Blogger, and the Google Live product, but it seems that WordPress is the way to go. I’m thinking that I’ll start out with a free account to see how it goes and whether it meets my needs (as I learn what I need…). I notice that your URL doesn’t have WordPress in the title, and that it’s at a .net address. If you don’t know the answer to my question or don’t have time, that’s OK, but do you know if I get a free WordPress account, will whatever web URL I get have WordPress in the “title” of the URL? As you can see, I’m a real techie… I’m not a total dud, but just beginning to learn about blogs… Thanks so much. Rhonda
Hi, Rhonda,
My memory is foggy (what a surprise!) about the free WordPress account that I had. I think WordPress is in the URL when you blog for free… If your blog’s title is RamblingRVer, for example, then your URL would be ramblinrver.wordpress.com.
I think I upgraded to paid WP next which is why my earlier posts are under an URL that does not have WP in it.
Finally I went to self-hosting.
The free blogging offered by WordPress is a great way to start. You aren’t allowed to advertise for profit on it. For that you need a self-hosted blog — You can switch to that later.
My blog is self-hosted with Hostgator for a monthly fee and my blog still uses WordPress for a fee which allows me to post Amazon ads for income.
WordPress has many tutorials to help you learn. At first it may seem difficult. After the steep learning curve, it’s easy.
I don’t know much about Blogger. It seems people have frequent problems with it, judging from the complaints I read on other blogs. I’m sure it has devoted fans, as does WordPress.
Good luck!
I use Blogger and often struggle with it, but now that I’m into it for a few years I have no idea how I would switch over and still maintain what I have? I would love to have someone out there in the blogosphere to give me occasional advice when I have Blogger problems…anyone interested? I way underestimated my blog views in my last comment…I just topped 7000. Thanks in advance! Robin
Checking in here regularly is a great way to get views. I often click on blogerinos’ blogs to see what their travels look like, and then back to Sue’s blog. (Most of you know that if the name of a commenter is in blue, you can click on it to go to their blog). Reading this way, you still can come right back to RvSue’s comment section right where you were reading before!! 🙂
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, Sue! I think I’ll plunge in! I am thinking about either Me the Toad and the Road or Journeying since my vehicle is called Journey.
Any of your readers want to weigh in on what you think is a better blog name?
Ah, Billings, MT. I remember pulling our van into the parking lot of a large, shabby hotel building. We thought we could stealth camp there for the night. Immediately, a lady sporting a nifty star badge popped out of nowhere and told us we must leave immediately.
She said this is a women’s prison and we must leave. I was really, really tired; so I asked her what we could do to get a room here just for the night. She said, “Commit a felony!” We left!
That is a funny story, Gayle! It would make a great segment in a movie comedy. Thanks for the laugh!
Ha!
barry and i are chuckling right now!
Hi gang. First, thanks to everyone for all the support. Blogerinos are the best friends. I’m here at Tabby’s, wondering how we will keep from killing each other if I stay here to await heart surgery. But I guess I have to make the best of it. My only other choice that I can see would be to go home, then come back for surgery. But that seems like a lot of driving.
Meanwhile…trying to eat less. Just did a big grocery order of ‘diet ‘ foods. And wishing it would get warmer. I’m such a whiny baby.
Hope everyone is doing great.
Good morning, Ginger…
Don’t worry about being a “whiny baby” on this blog. You’re being direct and honest and in so doing, you’re helping us all, perchance we should face a similar situation. Plus we care about you!
Ginger, I admire the way you have faced some very troubling health issues and continue to do so! Your “can do” attitude is inspiring! I wish you well with your upcoming surgery and know without a doubt, your attitude will get you through with flying colors!
No one here would ever accuse you of being whiny! You’re awesome, and we’re all praying and pulling for you.
Hi Sue,
I have a question for ya…
When you park the BLT near one of those “thicket areas” do you ever worry about animal predators lurking there? I noticed you seemed to park closer than normal, I’m assuming to watch the hummers better. When I saw that I thought about Bridget and how she loves to be under the BLT and Reggie on his tether so close by. This is not to question your wisdom but merely to ask because it did surprise me a little.
Oh, BTW, did I see the appearance of the new multi-colored rug?! You know, the one that was forever finding its way to you… Well, I like it! If that is the new rug, we need a “Drum Roll” for it. May it have a happy and long life fitting in with your BLT and the crew. 🙂
Second, BTW, I went van camping in our freezing temps, without heat and really loved it. Learned a lot doing it! Spent three days and nights and never left the Van, just organized quiet…was heaven on earth. No TV, no radio, no anything except me, the van and nature. Watched all the critters and birds. Listened to the rain off and on again, 2 zero degree sleeping bags and my Sherpa and I slept like lumber. I think I like Winter camping – and I’m shocked about that!
Hi, Pamela K.,
I enjoyed reading about your winter camping experience. I’ve never tried anything like that and now I wish I had. (I’m not tenting at this point in my life.) I guess if you have the right equipment to stay warm and dry, it’s invigorating to live with the critters during winter. 🙂
No, I’m not placing the BLT any closer to vegetation than has been my practice for the past four years. If you look at photos in old posts, you’ll find us near trees and bushes. Yes, wildlife do like the shelter that vegetation provides. They also like to be left alone. It isn’t the nature of a wild animal to attack when a big, strange thing motors toward them. They move on.
I do stay alert, especially during middle-of-the-night potty runs. I am always with the crew around our camps…. and I do mean ALWAYS. Thank you for your concern for the pups, Pamela.
Sue,
I didn’t tent camp. I was in my Chevy Conversion Van – winter camping in it. I personally would never consider tent camping in winter but I have read about those who do it. Those who snow-camp are the ones that get my attention, now that is some serious camping in winter! I think most winter tent-campers and winter snow campers are younger people…much younger than this ol’ gal, I sure couldn’t do it! Nope, I was glad to have something with hard sides of my van all around me, lol. That said, I do enjoy tent camping during the summer months when I go with only my Vespa to camp.
Sue, BTW…again…was that the famous multi-colored rug or not? Geez, I can really tell I had your attention when you read my post, lol. Reggie must have been pestering you to go out at the time. 🙂 That Reggie, such a fireball of energy. Tell him to share some of that mojo with the rest of us!
I don’t know what rug you’re talking about. The rug I wanted but couldn’t have shipped is much different from anything I own now. So the short answer is no, that’s not that rug.
Sue,
OK, I guess that was the same rug because you did say it was different than most of your other stuff. I didn’t know you couldn’t get it shipped, bummer, you were really looking forward to getting it…
That rest stop gets so much use, I don’t know why they don’t take better care of it. Users don’t help when they abuse the service, but it clearly doesn’t get the upgrades of similar stops. Love that you’ve nearly got your area to yourself now!
Hi, Jodee,
Yes, it is wonderful to have all this real estate to enjoy. The crew and I are going for another walk in a little while. The sky is an incredible shade of blue today, although I do see some grey, heavy cloud cover to the southeast of our camp.
Safe travels to you!
Inverter question. Why 400 watts? I assume you can plug in without running vehicle and or plug into casita. I bought a 175 said good for laptops. That was not really true unless running engine. Thanks saying
Darby Wells Rd was pretty . You are so right.
Hi, Jan,
From my 400 watt inverter I plug in my laptop, chargers, phone, kindle… This is a case where more is better (but as Sidewinder Pen points out, as long as it is not too much).
The Sonoran Desert is still beautiful, even though Darby Wells area isn’t what it used to be for boondockers due to the fence put up to keep stupid people from doing stupid things on non-public property. Oh, well…
I’m glad you enjoyed the area around Ajo…. There’s something charming about Ajo and special.
On the 175 watt inverter “not being good for laptops” unless the engine is running. I’m wondering something: Not an inverter expert, but the way the inverter works is it draws a certain number of DC amps out of the house batteries, and turns that into 120 volt AC power (which is what is running your laptop if you are using a household “wall plug in” with it).
Doing the calculations, 175 watts is 14.5 amps DC. So if it’s running full tilt, it’s drawing 14.5 amps from your battery(s). Most laptops don’t take nearly that much (mine takes 3 amps if I’m not using it, and up to 4.5 or so if I’m using it at the same time). So unless you have a SuperPower laptop, I can’t see it needing 14.5 amps to charge.
So what else could cause you to need to run the engine? Well, if your battery(s) aren’t up to pumping out enough power, then the inverter might need “help.” Running the engine could provide that help (then you are essentially charging from the engine alternator, through your batteries).
Also, you could have low voltage, either through voltage drop if your wires are skinny, or because your batteries are low. I would guess this is the more likely scenario. Again, when you run the engine, you are upping the voltage (thanks to your alternator), and so then your inverter can supply enough.
Neither of the above scenarios would be the “fault” of the inverter being too small (actually, the smaller the better as long as it is large enough, because large inverters impose their own draw, which you’d prefer to avoid).
If you look on the computer or maybe the power brick, it will probably list Watts consumed (and perhaps fewer watts put out, due to inefficiency). Watts is the universal power consumption number, and can be applied to AC or DC to get the number of amps consumed (or the reverse). You divide by voltage (12 for DC; 120 for AC). For a real life example, my laptop, when drawing 4 amps DC, is using 48 watts. When I’m plugged into AC, therefore it’s using just under half an amp (AC). So you can see I could easily power my computer with a 175 watt inverter (I need around 50 watts).
In real life, I use a DC “cigarette lighter” type plug in for my computer, because it wastes less power than using an inverter and a “house” plug in (AC). But I do carry a tiny inverter just in case, and I can easily charge my laptop with it. Looking at it, it’s only 75 watts.
Thanks. I first tried the house cigarette style plug in. House battery was full.
Inverter showed power. Plugged in laptop light went out. Unplug laptop intverter no show light. Plugged into the dashboard van cigarette type showed power but laptop was iffy. ( I was trying to watch a movie, I do not believe my laptop draws that much) so turned on van and all was well.
Soooooooo I must have wrecked the house plug?
I haven’t had the need to use it til yesterday after owning my van 9 years!
Maybe I need an electrical lesson. And now an electrician.
Hi Sue,
I’ve been reading your blog for quite some time – even went back and re-read from the start of your journey. I’ve not posted before because I didn’t really have anything I felt might be relevant to the conversation as I don’t RV at this time…. However, it finally dawned on me that the least I could do is introduce myself and say thank you for sharing your journey! I really enjoy reading about your adventure, particularly the ones involving the crew, as I too much prefer the company of animals to most of humanity. 😉 I’m planning and dreaming to do what you are doing some time down the road but reality is such now that my time to hit the road hasn’t come yet. It will eventually and until that happens I can continue to enjoy your blog. Thank you!
Hello, Dineen, and welcome to my blog (even though you’ve been with us a long time)!
You live in a great town in a beautiful setting. I hope to go back there someday.
Anything you want to talk about is “relevant” here. We discuss all sorts of things. You already have a connection with most of us through your love for animals. Several of us prefer animals to people! Feel free to share your dream of full-timing (no matter how far away the reality of that dream may be) or ask any questions that come to mind.
Yes, “continue to enjoy” my blog! Thanks for introducing yourself, Dineen. You are a blogorino!
welcome Dineen! i say, “ask away!” new questions prompt us all to contribute and share. bess
Thanks so much for the welcome! I really appreciate it!
Thanks, Sue! I appreciate the warm welcome and will carry the blogorino title proudly! I agree that my hometown is a great place to live, particularly being so close to Yellowstone. I certainly hope you can make it back some time. 🙂
Welcome, Dineen! 🙂
Thanks so much for the welcome!
Welcome, Dineen,
Not everyone here is an RVer. We have a little travel trailer, but still spend most of our time in our home or in our little place in the mountains. We travel vicariously through Sue and Crew the rest of the time. As stated by Sue and others, this blog is always interesting and we share all kinds of things and encouragements. Welcome again.
Thanks, Applegirl!
Sue, I think I remember when you were looking at rigs and visited the rv class b forum long ago. You let everyone know you ended up with a van and ordered your camper. Been following you since. Been a fun ride.
That WAS a long time ago… I’m happy you’re riding with us, Jan.
Jan,
I took a look at your blog. Wow, the photos! I had to just keep on scrolling down and reading and looking. I like the text/explanations/ID’s. Congrats on your retirement and hitting the road 🙂
Pen… Why not write this comment on Jan’s blog? I’m sure she would like that.
I just returned to my campsite farther down the “road” from you. If you and the crew feel inclined to visit, you will be welcomed. Otherwise, I’ll pretend neither of us is here. 😉
Hi, Al,
That is a nice campsite you have. I almost chose that site when we came here. The tire tracks going into the wash made me decide against it. I thought it might be a place where ATVers would be roaring past my window (it happens!). As it turns out, it has been quiet down that way. Enjoy!
I decided quite a while back that I cannot visit readers or have them visit our camp. If I could limit visits to an occasional reader, that would be fine. I learned that one visitor now and then doesn’t work. First one visitor and then there’s a bunch of drop-ins and drive-bys.
Since I blog about my days, I’d have to lie by omission or be honest and blog about visiting with you and then someone else would be encouraged to come here and then another and then another driving by taking photos and . . . Therefore, I keep to myself.
It’s all or nothing, it seems, so I choose nothing. Therefore I don’t get together with readers. I hate having to be this way. You’re a loner. You get it.
Thanks for the invitation, Al, and also for your understanding. 🙂
Oh, and also… I appreciate the opportunity to explain the above… Several new readers lately…
Hey Sue and all
I’ve been researching researching and it’s all so overwhelming! There’s so much info, good thing I have a bit before I make a final decision. I think the biggest issue for me is I have some debt which I’ll pay down, but I’m a renter on SSD … have no home to sell for rv purchase so I’ll be faced with rv/car payments. But it seems to me that all the standard bills one has living in a rented house can be translated over to rv fulltiming. Except maintenance which is usually handled by landlord. I just need to make sure I don’t inundate myself with info too far out from my 1.5-2 yr departure date. I’ve had this dream for a long time. Sue, you’ve given me hope. As I’ve said before under LN (forgot the state in prior post) I don’t really like people popping in and have never really been a “let’s get coffee” kinda gal. This lifestyle so appeals to me … anyway, that’s it … I’m rambling … again!
Going by what you’ve written, it looks like the one bugaboo is having a payment on an RV, whatever kind you choose. It’s hard to save on SSD… Do whatever you can toward your goal. Definitely get rid of all debt.
Rambling is okay here! I can understand that all the options and possibilities and challenges regarding a major change in lifestyle like this can be overwhelming. Been there! Fortunately you have the internet to help you find your way to what is best for you. And your fellow blogorinos to answer questions…
hi LN, also, remember that you can find wonderfully maintained used RV/trailers/vans. buying new has advantages but don’t discount used. you should be able to find something within your budget when you are ready to look. things to look for are floor plan, size, storage, amenities like: AC, furnace, tanks, easy of travel, etc.
you could also go visit some dealers right now and buy in 5 years. just see what is out there. up here in Oregon we have lots of new and used dealers that are happy to show you around. it helps if you have in mind what your budget might be in the future. you don’t have to tell them that your purchase is 5 years away, but you can tell them that you aren’t buying Today so they don’t go into their pressure sales pitch. i really appreciated my visits to the dealers and i remembered to be friendly & grateful with the staff.
sometimes just looking keeps your spirits up and when you see all your options, you will be invigorated to get that debt paid off so you can get on the road.
Hi LN….I believe one on a limited budget might want to consider a trailer and tow vehicle combo. You know you can buy usable 20 or 30 year old trailers, but a older RV could have limited years on its engine
Al…Enjoyed looking at your blog…great sense of humor you have! Do you take lessons from rvsue? Enjoy the warmer weather…its coming!
Hi, RVSue, Bridget and Reggie
No cloud in the sky! It’s a perfect winter day to soak up some rays. It is fine these days in Tokyo, Japan. 🙂
I love this place. I have been there in winter, 2013. I went through the Imperial Sand Dunes on SR-78 from Ogilby Rd. Arid land, but beautiful scenery.
I think that Water source of I-8 rest stop’s spigot, probably come from the All-American Canal that flows along the Interstate Hwy and leads to the Colorado river.
Hi Fuji-Maru,
Maybe we passed each other in winter 2013 🙂 That was the first winter I tried desert boondocking, and I camped by Ogilby Road.
You bring up something I have often wondered about, which is the source and testing (if?) of many public water sources. Such as rest areas, campgrounds, etc. Never had a problem, but still interests me.
Tokyo sounds so exotic (i.e. “foreign” in a good way) to me! Even just a mention from you who lives there is really interesting to a traveler/curious person 🙂
Hi, Sidewinder Pen
You told me the origin of your nickname. I never forget the Sidewinder Rd.
I am interested in the past and future of the Salton Sea, also the water source of your country, particularly arid regions.
FYI, sometimes Tokyo is called “Tokyo Desert” in Japan, because hearts of people living in Tokyo is dry. 🙂
Hi, Fuji-maru,
Wow! Your English writing is greatly improved since you first came to my blog. Congratulations! Perfectly written… 🙂
I remember when you mentioned seeing the dunes near here. They are beautiful.
Enjoy your winter sunshine!
Thank you, RVSue.
You are my great english teacher even if you had retired from a school teacher. 🙂
Checking in after a busy weekend. I really enjoyed this post as it reflects not only your daily life, but also it showed your self-discipline on getting out a post when you didn’t feel like it. We all thank you for your dedication!
I’m currently involved in gathering tax info. I hate this time of year. My husband and I both run our own businesses, so it’s loads of paperwork – yuck! Your blog this morning is a wonderful distraction. It also got me thinking of the things we have to deal with that slowly wear us down. Sue, you’ve done a great job of eliminating the bulk of it.
The sun is rising into a clear blue sky this morning. The few scattered morning clouds have that touch of gold an purple – absolutely beautiful. I’ll go out and grab a few minutes of frosty fresh air with the pups before I hit the books again.
Oh yeah, my Packers won last night!
Hi, Applegirl NY,
Ugh. Taxes. My return is simple and easy . . . easy to HATE! Good luck with yours.
Thank you for all that you noted about this post. I appreciate the compliments. Your words help my motivation!
A frosty morning in upstate NY… *sigh*
Hi Sue, we spent the weekend at the Salton Sea, it was beautiful, the weather was great, the birds were greater, even found my favorite, Sandhill Cranes in the fields with hundreds of Snow Geese. I guess they stick together.
We were at Corvina Beach all weekend when we were not out birding…the Pelicans asked about you and I told them I did not know if you were going to visit this year, but I would give you their regards. Also Steve gave his regards.
Thank goodness he was there, as when we were getting ready to leave our car would not start!. I guess we left the doors open toooo long, plugged in to many cell phones and it drained the battery. So a quick jump from the ever present Steve and we were off. He is a cool guy, and still is roaming the area moving from campsite to campsite.
Salt Creek was closed this weekend, too much rain last week and there was sooo much mud. We were fine, like you said. Loved listening to the seagulls waking us up with their chattering.
Oh by the way, we took the car into the mechanic this morning and he checked it and said that the battery was getting weak and probably needs to be changed…so that is what we are going to be doing….after all it made it almost 5 years. So I guess it was time. But we always carry jumper cables with us and we were rescued…. I thought about you at night, the trains! oh those trains! After the first night, the second night was like sentries guarding over us, over and over and over..ha! Enjoy the beautiful desert weather, it is back to work and the gray coast for me.
Thank you to the blogorinos who wished us fun this weekend, it was had by all.
Welcome to the new blogorinos joining us…
Hi, Shirlene!
I’m tickled that you had a great time at the Sea! I thought of you several times, pleasantly reminded of your plans when looking up at the beautiful blue sky and knowing that you had great weather for your weekend. I clearly imagined you at Corvina Beach with a panorama of sea birds along the Sea’s shore.
What a fun report! Well, sorry you had that battery problem. It’s good it happened when and where it did though.
Oh, the birds! Thanks for giving them my hello. I love them, one and all, as you do.
I can hear that ol’ train… You know how to enjoy what is given. I’m happy for you and I’m happy that you are a part of this blogorino family.
Have a great week!
Hi Sue and crew,
I see someone else asked about this but I couldn’t find a reply. How do you know the water you get from random spigots, like the rest area, is safe? Is it posted somehow and that didn’t show in the picture? Thanks. I love the picture of Reggie in your lap. Nothing beats a heated padded bench, huh Reg? My Tommie thinks he is a lapdog too. The only problem is the dog overflows my lap. LOL
Hi, Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in SoFlo (for now)….
About water from spigots… It’s been my experience that spigots of non-portable water are posted as such. Of course, I have no way of knowing if all the spigots I encounter have been tested recently. However, in four years I haven’t had one experience with bad water.
I do take the precaution of only drinking public spigot water that has been boiled, as in perked coffee. I only drink plain water that is bottled for drinking and purchased in stores or from vending machines. The crew drinks the water from spigots without it being boiled first and so far, so good!
Campground spigots are tested regularly. I don’t know what system is used for protecting the public from bad water coming from spigots at rest stops, for instance.
Before obtaining water from a spigot at a convenience store/gas station, I always ask permission first and also ask if the water is potable (drinkable).