UPDATE ADDED 1/11/18:
Camping at Buckeye Hills is no longer allowed. There is a $6 fee for day use only.
~ ~ ~
Thursday, February 25
The sunshine is bright as I stand over the Best Little Trailer’s sewer hose. Bridget and Reggie wait inside the Perfect Tow Vehicle as the tanks empty into the dump station at Midland LTVA, northwest of Blythe, California.
Perfect day for moving camp. . . Clear, blue sky, the day is warm but not hot, very little wind . . . and it was time to hitch up and dump tanks.
The crew is fed, fat and happy as we roll toward Blythe.
Along the way, a big truck carries new hay bales where a fork lift neatly stacks them. Recently cut alfalfa dries in the fields.
Lovekin Boulevard takes us through town to Interstate 10. I power up the windows as we approach Carl’s, Jr. and drive on by. So long, Blythe!
Up the ramp and we’re on our way, due east!
In a few minutes we cross the Colorado River and enter Arizona. . . Ehrenberg, Dome Rock, Quartzsite, Plomosa Pass (1,628 ft.) through the Plomosa Mountains . . . .
About 65 miles east of Quartzsite, I take the exit for Hovatter Road.
Hovatter runs north and south of the interstate and leads to boondocking sites. You can follow it into the “back” of the Kofa Mountains, meaning the less-visited east side. We may do that someday. Not today.
Immediately off the interstate, I park the Perfect Tow Vehicle in a truck parking area.
Bridget and Reggie hop into the passenger seat, noses at the window.
They’re eager to be let out to explore and go potty.
I keep a keen eye for any hazards. Truck areas are always littered with broken glass. I’ve also amped up my snake-o-meter in response to several days of warm weather.
I can trust Bridget off-leash, even in situations such as this.
She knows not to stray far from me or far from home. Reggie runs around on his tether. All business is taken care of, including a drink. I pop the crew into the PTV.
Bridget and Reggie know the routine.
They had the obligatory walk-about and now it’s time to settle into crew positions for the rest of the day’s journey. Gosh, they’re such good, little travelers!
It isn’t long before the distinctive silhouette of Saddle Mountain comes into view.
We keep on going past Tonopah. When we reach the exit for Route 85 south to Gila Bend, we leave the interstate behind (I do so gladly, since Phoenix traffic is building up!) and we’re on the home stretch!
When we set out this morning, I didn’t know where we were going to camp.
Somewhere between Hovatter Road and Tonopah, I recalled reading and hearing about Buckeye Hills Regional Recreation Area. Hmm . . . . free camping . . . easy access . . . I’d like to try it.
The turn into Buckeye Hills is only about six miles south of I-10.
The road goes straight to a fork. Turn left to go to a shooting range, turn right to go to a camping area.
Uh-oh . . . shooting range. Well, it’s quiet right now. Better find a spot far away, for Reggie’s sake.
The road is in very good condition.
It’s wide, hard-packed dirt. High berms on each side are evidence of regular maintenance. The berms also keep people from parking rigs willy-nilly and wrecking the place.
No electricity or water here, at the present time. Rigs of all sizes — from tents to super-long Class As with slides — are perched on the rolling landscape.
The camping area consists of a loop and a dead end road.
There are shelters, picnic tables, walkways lined with rocks, and a toilet at the loop and at the very end of the dead end road.
These sites are closer together than I like. However, I see rigs on a slightly elevated road and they’re positioned a good distance away from each other.
Of course, the PTV heads right up there, the BLT tagging along behind!
It’s soon apparent that the best sites are taken and nobody looks like they’re moving out today. I slow the PTV to a crawl as I survey the berms for a break.
We don’t need a huge site. Just an established site, something level that we can back into, putting the door and refrigerator vent facing east, if possible. And with a pleasant view.
Bingo!
We slide right into this spot.
With my shovel I scrape dirt from the front of one of the BLT’s tires, pull forward until the tire settles into the depression, and she’s level!
I set up a minimal, outdoor room because we probably won’t stay here long . . . one-half of the blue mat, a camp chair, and two doggie beds. I don’t stake the mat because there’s no wind. I can always do that later, if needed.
I walk Bridget and Reggie a short distance up and down the road and around our new home.
They need to know where they are and what is in the vicinity. . . namely, a neighbor on each side, but not close.
I’m happy with this! We had a good day of travel. A straight shot across the desert, no problems, easy driving, not too far, just right!
And the best part of all?
Bridget can ride in her car!
rvsue
NOTE: So far, no gunshots to bother the Reggie Man.
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
1st finally?
Congrats on 1st, SecondLife!
That’s what I was going to ask. Oh well.
2nd is awesome too, Ilse 🙂
Ilse, How are you feeling these days? I have been praying for you and hopping you would post again soon. Take care dear lady.
Ilse,
I wish I could concede the first place to you for your courage. May you be first on your recovery.
I almost made it lol
Jerry
Top five??
Bridget looks so happy with her ride. Great spot and great weather. Reggie loves
To explore. Such a happy crew. ?
Top 5? Gotta go read now!!
OMG. It’s not like I am stalking RVsue. I can’t afford to spend a lot of time on computer except lately for researching items for my purchase. I was searching Amazon for some UHB tape for a new project then I received the email notification. May be I should name this project the RVSue project for luck. I will make sure to use your link when I’ve finally found the items.
I just checked you blog. Wow! My husband and I have a 18′ Casita as our travel trailer and I can’t wait to see how your trailer turns out. I love watching engineers fulfilling their dreams. Everything is so precise! 🙂
Chris B
So California
Oops, a typo. It’s a 17′ Casita.
Was wondering where that xtra foot came from!!!!!
Chris B,
Thank you for the compliment. It’s my first design project for some thing like this so it really keep me busy. I have been reading RVsue since the RV.net days when she was contemplating going full time. She’s provided inspirations for some of the design aspects of the project. Normally, I won’t consider having a blog at all since story telling is very difficult for me. Most of my writings were technical writings and you really have to put a gun on someone’s head to make him/her to read them! However, since I’ve been enjoying reading RVSue so much, I felt I should share the story.
I think the slimline trailer you are designing is a great idea, and I wish you success as you enjoy the process of design.
You are doing allright with your writing! I like the details and it’s not overly technical.
I worked with many engineers throughout my career. First job was at an engineering firm called Holmes and Narver in Orange. This was before word processors or computers. When my “copy girl” job was slow, I proofread specification packages. I’ve read lots of them. I actually liked it.
Can’t wait to see what’s next on your project!
Chris
My road trip partner is an engineer. It’s true: never, but never argue with the engineer! (He’d lay out the campsite in AutoCad if he had enough hard drive space!)
Gayle,
It’s because that’s how we were trained. When engineers were in school, we were taught 1.10 is exactly 1.10 with two precision digits, not 1.1. However, after years of working we became better and learnt that 1.10 may be 1.20 or 1.00 because in practice external variations will cause the product to deviate slightly and your design must tolerate these external influences. But we still keep the two digits precision! 🙂
I totally get that! Dad was an engineer, too, so the challenges of working to Mil-Spec was dinner conversation at my house — along with a few blueprints being rolled out on the dinner table! Seriously!
Nice site….I’ve driven past there lots of times before I got my rv. Wish I had explored, looks like a great place.
Hi Sue, Crew and Blogorino’s! Just popping in to see how you all are doing! Not a bad site for not knowing where you are going exactly, Sue! LOL I like it and your pics are really nice as well. Nice to see that big smile on Bridget’s face in her ‘car’. Happy, happy…the only way to be. Have a great day, all! 🙂
Love the last photo of Bridge – a rare close-up smile – at least for the camera. So glad you had a relaxing, easy drive to your next spot. Hopefully, someone will clear out of one of those good spots and you’ll be able to grab it.
Yes, Sue, it is great to see The Bridget riding around grinning’.My husband is building a rickshaw,…perhaps she would like a carriage ride in that?! Know that you and your dear dog family are in my prayers as you Nap Together. Hope my home state of Nevada gives you solitude, Peace. and Joy. I read somewhere that grief is the cost of having Loved deeply. Guess there’s some truth in that. Take Care.
Not first, but I’m in the top ten and that’s good enough for me . . . right now! Well, now back to reading the new posting.
As always, a great post. The shrubs look so green!
Hi Sue and Crew! Did you roll your windows up as you passed Carl’s because Reggie knows the aroma of burgers wafting through the air? Just wondering:0)
Pam & Maya, I was just on my way down to the bottom post to ask the very same question! I bet yes, due to legendary canine sniffing skills!
Glad you had an easy travel day with a nice graded road. Oh yeah have to be aware of snakes again:( Bridge looks happy in her stroller. And Reggie he’s a happy little camper! Happy weekend to you all!
Hi!! Luv the new camp!! I am going to explore that place next time I am near it,I have always driven past it!!
The crew look so happy and soooo sweet!!
Enjoy!!!:)
I love the pics of the mountain ranges behind the traffic on the highway. I miss that, but hope to see it again soon. I was wondering if you have seen many snakes while exploring the areas while walking? I love your lifestyle so much and admire you and the way you are taking it on…bless you and crew.!!
YAAA,,,,,,, Sue ,, You got a good spot Hopefully,,,, Glad you 3 are doing great,, nice photos too,,, Have a great stay and day at your new camp and give them pups a hug from us ,, will ya?,,,,,Rusty n’ piper
Yepperey,,, We’ll be above Bumble Bee, AZ next week, so when it’s time to do the VA vampire and see the new VA Doctor we’ll be a little closer and cooler, for my “girl”,,,,,,,,,,, rusty
Hi Rusty, nice to see you here! Hope the VA thing goes easy. Say HI to Lady Piper from me and Katie.
Hi Dawn,, I’m always here, just sometimes I don’t comment,,,, or I’m out of “Range”,,, How’s Katie doing? Piper says Hi too and thanks,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Katie is doing fine. She’s spoiled. We went to the park today and played in the snow. I’m ready for the snow to leave for good this year, but I’m sure we’ll get more before it’s all done. Katie, however, loves snow. Silly girl.
Rusty
I have some questions I would like to ask you about seeing the VA. Maybe you can persuade Sue to give you My e-mail when she can and if that is ok with you. I will be heading out, in the fall ,and my primary says that i will need to come back to Missouri once a year. to see him.
Dave,
Rusty may have something different to say in his reply but I’ll tell you what my experience has been.
The VA is not that much different than any other health provider. They want to have you in for a check up every 6 months; if you can get away with only once a year then you are ahead of the game.
You might think that the VA is the VA everywhere but being a part of the government that is not how the VA works. They have Regions and moving from one primary provider to another in the same Region is a problem but not all that bad considering it is the government. Moving to a different Region is a real PAIN.
You can always go to any VA Clinic/Hospital as a walk -in for emergency care but I would strongly recommend going back to your designated primary provider once a year.
If MO is not where you want to go back to once a year then find some place that you do want to be once each year. That can then become your ‘domicile’ for VA, dentist, vet (if you have pets), vehicle registration – all those relationships that you would usually have if living in a sticks-n-bricks. I have been doing that now for 6 years with two different ‘domiciles’ and it has worked out well (as well as can be expected when dealing with the government be it federal, state or local).
That’s right Ed,,, I go once a year,, at the time that it’s getting to warm for Piper n’ I ,, the VA gives me a test card of 3 for BM and I send it in and so far no cancer is in my body, I eat right and exercise and take supplements of herbs and vitamins of my choice, which some VA Doctors would rather me to take their Pharm, Meds, that give me bad side effects or make me High which I do not want, And as that is, I refuse their Meds, which any one can do,,, I don’t think about sickness, to dwell and worry on things makes one sick,,, Yes I have disabilities that keep reminding that they are there, but, and Sue’s policies on this blog about my faith forbids me to explain What keeps me going,, and yes, We are ahead of the game,,,,,,,,,
P.S> I have a Card that the VA gave out to most Vets that if I’m far away from Prescott VAMC, say like Oregon, I can Call my Doc to get pre-approval care, but must call in first!,,, Veterans Choice Card Program.. Go online to; http://www.va.gov and sign up for all the news from Veterans Affairs web site,, they will fill your email box with all the great stuff they have and are doing for ALL Veterans,,,,,,,,,
I just whish they’d yank out my bad teeth, but I’m not 100% disabled, so the poison is getting into my system and give a wrong blood test reading,, oh well,,, I’m praying that they fall out, and I’m workin’ on that,,,,,,,,
Rusty, would it be practical for you to go to Mexico to have your teeth pulled and replaced with dentures?
Cat Lady
Hi Cat Lady,, I thought about going to Mexico , but who would take care of my Lady Piper and I don’t have the funds to house her and do my teeth too, I also have a fear of crossing the border for new teeth… thanks for carin’,,,,,,, rusty
We often camp at Buckeye. People are starting to hear about this site. It is a lot more crowded than it used to be. The road has also been improved. I wonder if they will pave and start charging next year. Hope not.
Hi Bill and Ann !! When will you head to Florida ??? ?
Hi Sue.
It’s been a while (since I posted). I always read and enjoy your blog!
Best wishes to you and the crew, and Happy Trails!!
Larry
Hope you get some rest there before continuing on!!
Hey there Sue and Crew! Glad you had an easy time finding a new camp site! Wishing for warmer weather here! Got gas for $1.62 here yesterday! Robin in NC
What a lovely drive!
I was just reading that Death Valley is having a spectacular display of wild flowers….are you experiencing that where you are also?
Precious Bridget looks like she is loving being in her rolling throne!
That smile says it all! Enjoy!
What a great free spot!! Looks like the Bridge is enjoying herself in her car, love the smile! Can’t remember…how old is “our girl”? My little fella RiRi is 12 and doing great but slowing down a bit…sleeps a lot more than he used to.
I’m putting Buckeye on my list of places to stop at for sure, the spaces look nice and the views are wonderful. I love seeing pictures with green in them since everything here is still brown. I’m sure Bridget is happy to get to go on more “walks” since the road are so well maintained for her “car” as least she looks happy.
So glad to hear from you again!
Glad you’ve found a good spot!!!
Lynn B. (Baltimore, MD)
New home, million dollar view and no mortgage… what a deal! Loving your posts and welcome back to Arizona.
Out looking for wildflowers this week. Nada. Still too early here in N/W AZ. NOAA Weather predicted 75-80 degrees for the next 10 days so that should sprout some seeds. Best to you and the Crew. Marilyn
Glad to see you on the move again. I think that’s mentally healthy! Just my perspective.
I spoke with my brother after months of no communication. He had stopped by my sister’s home half a state away just to drop a few things off and head back to the Pacific coast.
I love my Bro. He’s like an RVSue, except his BLT is a small yacht, maybe it’s a sloop. Don’t know. He is as free as the wind, just like you, Sue. He sails up and down the Pacific coast, finding wonderful safe harbors and staying a while before heading out for new adventures.
He earned this life years ago. Saved up his money and built a ferro-cement boat. That means it’s made out of cement and iron. It’s solid and he’s been around the world, mostly solo. He’s my personal hero. It was soooo great to talk with him.
He’s a lot like you with the mantra: no visitors; you won’t know where I am; but, I hold you in high regard. HAHAHA
Just a little about my personal life.
Spring is in the air here in southcentral Montana. Today, it’s wonderful! You would think you could plant something, but the nights are still in the 20’s. Brrrrrrr. Cabin fever is coming to an end as I walk outside in the sunshine when it’s not brutally windy.
Continued good adventures, Sue.
Hi Diann,
Beautiful day here to in the Bozone! Took the afternoon off work to work in the yard. I know more snow is coming but it sure felt good to bask in the sun.
How great that your brother was able to fulfill his dream and life his life his way!
Hi Sue & Crew. Gigi, the pups, and I send our regards from down 85 at OPCNM where it is a toasty 85 degrees. The highlight here is solar showers along with a beautiful desert vista including scores of cacti. For the readers of this blog you may find that Google can enlighten your knowledge of this incredible National Monument which sits on the border south of Ajo and Why. Check out Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Keep the rubber on the road Sue and scratch the crew for us. Pepe & Gigi.
Hi Missy!! Tell me, did two little heads drop down when you passed by Carls Jr. and didn’t stop?? We miss ya when you take a sabbatical but totally understand. Looks like a promising site you found but with the weekend upon us, you’ll know soon. Great post as usual.. Thank you for your blog it’s such fun for us.
Bridget looks very pleased with herself!
Speaking of snakes….this is an amazing bird…I hope they get some in certain parts of our country!! http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/other/snake-hunting-secretary-bird-has-killer-kick/vi-BBpZ68V
Bridget looks so happy in her little car. You’re right about Phoenix traffic. I would definitely avoid if I could. My husband and I have a small class B, and we try to time our travels to avoid the traffic as much as possible. If we only have a weekend we like going to Lake Pleasant campground which is a Maricopa County park. It’s a nice short drive. Best wishes to Sue and Crew and all the Blogorinos 🙂
I know that you have not unhooked and totally understand. Some sites are temporary and some just feel like home. I pray that the right RV pulls out first thing in the morning and you find yourself in a perfect, peaceful, spot with a great view and wonderful signal. It sounds like a great area to spend some relaxing time.
I love the look on Bridget’s face; she’s not camera shy in her car. Happy pup!
That’s a great place; I was there a few weeks ago. They are not very concerned about how long you stay…one lady there told me she’d been there since October! The gun range is only open on weekends and we could barely hear it.
looks like a great place to stay awhile if you can find a level camp….
good to hear from you and your furbabies again young lady…
chuck
Happy day, new site to explore. Love the shadow on that first Bridget and her car shot. Love her face on the second one!
Buckeye Hills is one of my favorite camping spots. It’s quiet most of the time (occasional activity at the shooting range, and jet fighters once in a while) not crowded, the dirt roads are exceptionally well maintained, and it’s handy to shopping. Friends and I spent nearly a month there this past autumn.
Hi, Sue,
I love how compact your home is…how you can fit the PTV/BLT in many spots that others would need to pass by. Looks like Reggie and Bridget enjoyed their walk. Did Reggie get a new red tether? Bridget’s loving smile exudes happiness! Enjoy your stay and rest up. I hope the shooting range is quiet this weekend.
Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Happy Friday to everyone! After a very hectic, busy week at work, I will be glad to spend a quiet weekend at home catching up on the usual weekend chores.
Has anyone read “the life-changing magic of tidying up – the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing” by Marie Kondo? I was really skeptical…yeah, another book on how to get rid of stuff…what can be “new?” Well, it is actually a very good book with very good ideas. Ms. Kondo came up with a system to get rid of stuff and organize what you keep once and for all. The thing that rang true for me is the never ending task of sorting, decluttering, but never being done. I will let you all know if her theory helps speed up my purge. 🙂
Well folks, gotta go…the movie Magic Mike XXL just started…..Channing Tatum is writhing, I mean “dancing” to “My Pony”….please excuse the drool on my iPad mini!!!
? ? ?
Are you doing the 40 bags in 40 days? I’m trying to, but my schedule is insane. I know the Konmari method is supposed to be pretty awesome, I really need to get that book and read it for myself. I need a reboot to my method of decluttering and organizing…badly! Maybe I need some Channing Tatum! Yeah, that would definitely get me in the mood! For decluttering! In the mood for decluttering! Get your mind out of the gutter! 😀
Come join me in the gutter, Kerry….the “scenery” is just so fine! Ha! The 1st Magic Mike movie was much better…more dance scenes and eye candy. I have free HBO thru next month. Last weekend, my eye candy was The Rock and Vin Diesel in Fast & Furious 7. Cool cars stunts but horrible dialog and overacting…but check out those “guns”…
Ok, let me compose myself. The Konmari method simply put, gives you the order in which you should sort things and then organize what you keep. Items are sorted by category. Clothes/Books/Papers/Miscellaneous Items/Sentimental Items. Only keep items that provide you joy. It sounds corny, but the book really has some good points, helpful hints, and guidelines. By tackling the purge in this order, and completing the sorting of one category before moving on to the next, one will end up with a home filled with only what they need. I like the fact that she urges repurposing items that you already have for organization, even shoe boxes. Not like some organization gurus who preach buying expensive storage containers. I purge clothes a couple times a year, sort the pantry and spice jars for expired items once a year, and try to sort through other stuff. It seems that I am never done. I plan to give her method a try…it cannot hurt! Good luck with your purge, Kerry! And yes, you DO need some Channing Tatum!! 🙂
Using her “vertical method” for t shirts and “ranger roll” undies and socks…we make use of the no closets in our home.
BTW..using this method and Eagle Creek pack it folder and cubes…we had four huge loads of laundry…in two carry on size (22 x 14 x 9) luggage.
If you have limited space…this concept is ideal!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Wow! Impressive! Glad to hear that the method works! 🙂
Not sure of the purging part…in our case it’s organized clutter borderline hoarding! ?
Are you all going to try to purge before you make your cross country move? Maybe with having so much stuff, other than furniture, you won’t need to buy much for your AZ home, just leave the basics in NY. Just looking for that silver lining…. 🙂
Here’s a free site that’s helped me purge and clean my home http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/
She has items you can buy or not but just try her methods. As she puts it, “You can’t organize chaos” and that is so true. I’m tossing, donating stuff we’ve had for 50+ years. He thinks it’s “collectible.” I think no person in their right mind would pay $0.02 for that. Anyway, read what she’s got to say and just try her methods…they work.
I haven’t posted in quite a while, Sue, but I read you faithfully. Can’t do without the Bridget and Reggie fix, lol. Safe travels.
Cat Lady
Denise, I have Magic Mike on my Netflix list…..just waiting! We’ve lived in our house for 20 years and every drawer is full plus the basement! I need to de-clutter!!
Kay from KC!
Enjoy the Magic Mike movie, Kay! 🙂
Yes, having a lifetime of stuff to go through can be overwhelming! I keep thinking about how I will feel after I complete this huge task, knowing that I have only what I need and love. Any excess will be pitched, passed on to family or friends, or donated. Win-win! 🙂
I was highly skeptical of this method, too. I checked out her first book online from my library and am in line for her second one.
Big eye opener for me. It made sense that I find myself stuck in trying to purge when I read about her order of attack. I kept trying to deal with sentimental items first. My husband was killed in an accident 3 years ago and packing up his clothing took me a year. He had LOTS of what he called “collectibles” that held special meaning for him, but me, not so much. Still, what to do with his stuff keeps sidelining me from getting the things that I can make decisions about from getting done. KonMari allows me to leave it alone. I will cross that hurdle when it is the only thing standing between me and the life I want. Everything else will be done so I know I will be in a much better frame of mind to make the right decisions.
My closet is sorted and purged down to a very few hanging items, drawers organized and folded according to her recommendations and it is amazing how I can find everything easily and how little room it all takes.
I am working on papers today (sitting right next to the shredder). The books are stacked ready to go to the library donations and the bags of clothes are in the car ready to be dropped at St Vincent DePaul’s. Yippee!! Today’s a GOOD day!
Hi, Biz Crate,
So sorry for the loss of your husband. That alone makes the whole purging process more difficult. I had a similar problem with starting to sort in the wrong order, or never getting one category completely finished. Her books have given me the tools to tackle this chore once and for all! You have made wonderful progress! Whoo-Hoo! 🙂
Thx for sharing Konmari method on my own I wouldn’t look for that type of book but I’ll check it out. I’m certainly overwhelmed by 30+ years of stuff. Sentimental and otherwise
How weird. I’m listening to this audio book as I travel thru Nevada & Cali. Staying @ pahranagat tonite. Beautiful nite sky & coyotes howling.
Hi, Julie,
Your night sky and coyotes neighbors sound heavenly. Have a safe trip and enjoy the audio book! 🙂
Good luck, Rhonda! Do check out the book….it really was an eye-opener for me. I will post an update on my progress. Biz Crate and Cinandjules have used the Konmari method, proving that it works. Finally…a way to truly tame that clutter beast! 🙂
Nice post Sue. I love the scenery. Bridget looks so happy in her car, with her eyes sparkling and that big smile.
Angel gave me her happy dance and a bright smiling face when I returned from taking DH to the doctor and a CT this afternoon. She was running around the house like a crazed dog.
We are praying he doesn’t have some kind of cancer. He has 2 1/2 times the iron in his body as he is supposed to. The ruled out hereditary hemochromatosis, the liver function is perfect, now they are checking for cancer and/or hepatitis. We are both pretty scared right now, since he already has an enlarged prostrate with higher level PSA that he is being treated for. We are trying dietary changes in the meantime; increased veggies, fruits, rice, minimal sweets and red meat and at least 2 meatless meals per week. He has a follow up in another 2 weeks. I know a lot of us are praying for several ailing blogorinos but hope you can ad us to your prayer lists. Thanks all.
Hi, Barbara,
Keeping you and your husband in my prayers. I am glad that you have Angel to take care of you both – she is a special pup! Sending you a hug! 🙂
Sending prayers for DH and you Barbara.
Positive thoughts and prayers for DH..and make sure you take care of yourself!
DH is in my thoughts and prayers, too, Barbara. Hoping for a simple and manageable outcome!
Barbara – Saying a prayer for you and DH. I know how hard it it to wait on drs’ appointments and test results. Very frustrating. I wish you peace and comfort.
Barbra, Rest assured that you and your DH, and all who are ailing are in my Prayers,,,,
Thanks you my fellow blogorinos and Sue. We have to wait 2weeks (March 11th) for the next results.
Yay Bridget! Enjoy your desert trail rides! Looks like fun ? My mom was born in Buckeye, AZ. I don’t think she got to play in those mountains though. She was a preachers kid back in the day when they moved every 2 or 3 years. Maybe the family went together. My grandpa was an amateur rock hound. My brother has Mom’s photo album with pictures n addresses of everywhere she lived growing up. I’d like to camp out there and go into town to see if I could find her first home. No doubt the town is very different. She was born in ’37.
That “car” is a great idea Sue❗️I’ve no idea where you’d put one but they make ones with mountain bike tires. She could go anywhere❗️ Assuming she’s got you conned into pushing her?
DesertGinger…you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your recovery is going well. No need to reply…just wanted to let you know you that you are missed. Sending you a hug!
Me too.
Also sending prayers and best wishes to Ginger!!
I think of you every day Dessert Ginger. Hope everything is going great!!!
Yes DG, I’m prayin’ and waitin’ for you to tell all that your doing Great,,,,,,,,
I’m still praying for you to DG, along with all the others with issues right now.
Sue, glad you found a site you liked. Loved the pictures, the best were the last two, the kids looking down the road and the last of Bridget was beautiful. She looks like she was posing for you. What’s up with that? Joy at being driven around in her car? What a great straight on shot. Loved the mountains also. Thanks for bringing us with you.
Good Morning everyone! I hope you are taking in the views and resting up RVSue. LOVE the last picture of Bridget! We had a zillion inches of rain here in Vermont. I was up at my friend Casey’s house in “nowhere land” Victory, Vermont and the ice on the river jammed up (what else is new) and closed the road so I couldn’t get home. The only other road out was mud, mud and more mud (55 degrees). Welcome to “almost spring” here in the Green Mountain state. Hope all is well.
Great post! I love reading about the everyday process of moving from one camp to another! One thing that I love about camping, is arriving at the site and setting up. I love making my camper and the outdoor area feel homey and welcoming. I have a few things in the camper that add to the cozy feeling, like a lamp on the counter, a wire basket for fruit, a pretty tray leaning against the wall, and a pretty throw on the sofa. I try to find cozy items with a practical use. Outside, we have a rug, a couple of comfortable folding chairs, and a folding table. I have a table cloth that I use, if a table is provided with the site.
Camping Blogerinos….what ideas do you have for making your campsite homey?
Hi, Sue, I hope noises still haven’t bothered the Reggie Man. It’s amazing how one change in a situation can so alter how we feel about it. In your “Making a grey day bright post” when Loner’s Acres was still private you opened with “the sun makes her brilliant entrance, then like a beautiful woman leaving a room, she slips behind the cover of clouds”. In this one, leaving the same camp that’s no longer a haven, you open with “the sunshine is bright as I stand over the …sewer hose”. You express yourself and how you’re feeling with words, …
Bridget does that with her face and behavior. In your “Something to cheer about post her do-I-have-to? look showed how she felt about an afternoon walk. What a contrast to the expression on her face as you bring her along in her car. I can only imagine how happy it makes you to have the chance to do that for her. She enjoys an extra nap most days, occasionally being chauffeured while escorting you and Reggie is icing on the cake of the great life you give her- so sweet!
Thanks for including the pic with the forklift being used to stack bales. It’s a good reminder for me to do things the easy way if possible. When I was a kid we pulled bails out of the hay bailer’s chute with a hook and stacked them by hand. I still at times do things using hand tools when new things are available. I needed to level the T@B and a guy came over with a drill he had a special bit on for doing that. Rather than crank it down by hand he zapped it level within seconds, wow! Have a wonderful day with your adorable, good, little traveler’s and Good morning!
Weather,
Do you know the bit size? Reason I ask is our dock has the same leveling feature. If I purchased the “special tool” it was $100. I merely asked the size, and was told…went to Tractor Supply and got the socket head for $13.
Surely you have a socket set…it might be a simple addition when you get on that road and need to level it.
And if you don’t I have spare ratchet handles….I can send you.
Thanks for checking in and for the nice offer, I have both a drill and the socket head needed. I just hadn’t known people did it that way until the guy showed me. The place where I bought the trailer had mentioned the wrench that usually comes with the package in the sale so I guessed that’s how I needed to do the job. I also have ratchet handles and socket sets, I’ll only bring a few basics of those when I hit the road due to limits on space and weight, if I need more I can always buy it at that time. Because the 2 door jeep Wrangler and T@B are smaller than what many travel with I’m going to start with as little as possible to leave room for things I may decide I want along the way. A dog or two out there has been calling my name for a while now 🙂
Ok. If your spare tire is under the back of your vehicle…the same technique can be used for that also! Jeep I think it’s behind.
A dog or two sounds marvelous….or a cat or two!
Good point about using that with my spare, thanks, you’re right, it’s on the back of the jeep. The cat’s around here have places they’re safe year round at so will do fine when I’m gone. They aren’t tame at all so if I attempted to bring them they’d most likely escape somewhere that I had no assurance they’d be alright. I’ve thought about it a lot, of course, and decided quite a while ago that for their sake that’s how I should leave things. At least they were helped to survive their infancy and became strong and healthy cats, they’ll enjoy remaining that way in this village. My indoor cat has been with me for a few years and doesn’t interact with the canary finches other than to notice their songs from a distance. To make sure this little troupe travels as peacefully as they live now I could add canine companionship to the mix, any other type would be too disruptive and potentially dangerous. It’s a good thing we don’t live on farms, Ha! We’d be crying saying so long to every sheep, cow and horse or have to have trains as our RVs.
Good Morning Sue, Crew and Blogorinos,
I’m wondering if anyone has information about Desert Ginger? I know a couple of you said you were close to her hospital.
We are getting ready to leave on our much delayed trip. We intended to be down in the desert by now but with our very old dog not feeling so well we may stay closer to our vet.
Does anyone have experience finding vets while traveling? Are they willing to see non- patients? If a pet crosses that rainbow bridge while traveling what can be done with the remains. I know Sue found a spot to bury Spike but this old golden retriever is nearly as big as a small person.
Hi, Marilu, I’m sorry your dog hasn’t been feeing well. Hopefully you won’t need this soon-Most small towns won’t have facilities such as pet cemeteries or a vet that handles cremations. While traveling one could do a web search for the nearest city, for example-Dog cremation in Flagstaff,AZ and find several places able to help. If internet weren’t available any vet reached by phone could give recommendations.
Hi, Blogorinos!
A few replies . . . I’ll do this the easy way!
Congratulations, SecondLife on being first!
And Ilse on being second. BTW, the socks wash out beautifully, Ilse. I love ’em!
Nope, I haven’t seen any snakes. I’ll let you know if I do.
Thank you, Ed and Rusty, for responding to Dave’s question about VA appointments while full-timing on the road.
The only wildflowers I’ve seen are the yellow brittlebush which are along the roads. Pretty!
I don’t know Bridget’s exact age. .. 12, 13, 14?
For those of you who pray/send positive thoughts, do remember Barbara (Nashville) and her husband as they await information regarding his health. It’s scary… Diet changes are good idea… Hope to hear good news!
Wondering about DesertGinger — wishing her a good recovery — as we await an update (whenever you’re ready).
Interesting info about leveling a trailer with that special tool…
Konmari? Never heard of it. Glad it works!
Marilu … I’m sorry you are facing this stage with your loved one. I don’t think you’ll have a problem finding a vet that will help you while traveling, even though your dog isn’t a regular patient. Please feel free to ask your questions again under the next post.
A new post will be published soon!
Hi Sue. I posted earlier somewhere. Getting slowly better. My first day feeling human. Still having problems with going in and out of afib. Might wind up on a pacemaker. But I’m hangin in. Love to all.
Great News DG, May your Body Heal Rightly by His Will,,,,,,,,,,
Good to hear from you DesertGinger! Prayers still going your way! ?
We are all so glad to hear good news. Being human for a while longer has its advantages:)
My previous comment posted way too high up. Anyway, I was trying to let ya’ll know about this site http://www.flylady.net/d/getting-started/. I’ve been following her methods and decluttering my house. The site is free. She focuses on one “zone” a week. Just try it. You’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in a short amount of time.
Cat Lady
Well, it’s good to hear from you Sue. You sound like you have benefited from your rest. I love the happy look on HRH Bridgette’s face as she rides in her carraige along the avenue.
I have made some progress myself in my plans to full-time. I have found the little wood stove that will provide heat and cooking. I will use an alcohol stove insert on the days I don’t need a fire. Now I need to choose my 12v fridge, plan my solar and Internet /phone server and I am golden. I am feeling a little giddy, this is really happening.!!
Lisa, the alcohol stove and wood stove sound like very intriguing choices for your setup. Good luck planning and implementing.:)
…DG, take your time and get better. So good to hear from you!
You make it look so easy, Sue 🙂
Parker