The colors of fall are popping out all around our camp!
The crew and I board the Perfect Tow Vehicle and leave our camp in Fishlake National Forest, Utah to go to town. Gooseberry Road curves down the mountain to Interstate 70. We come around one of those curves and oh my, how things have changed since our last drive to Salina!
One of our propane tanks is in the back of the PTV and it needs to be filled.
Down the Salina exit ramp from the interstate, I spy a big, white propane tank at the Sinclair station and pull in. After the man fills our tank, I go inside to pay. I also buy a quart of motor oil. The PTV took a quart before we left camp, and I always make sure I have at least a quart of oil on board.
I ask the cashier at the Sinclair station if I can dump trash in their dumpster.
“Go for it,” she replies. I do.
A Carl’s Jr. is next door and I have a hankerin’ for fast food.
Our order filled, I park the PTV in the shade of some trees at the edge of the lot. I unwrap a chicken sandwich for me and a hamburger patty for the crew to share.
Bridget and Reggie sit patiently by my seat, eyes on my every move.
I tear the patty into bite-size pieces.
“Here ya’ go . . . One for you and one for you and a bite of sandwich for me.” Eat and repeat.
Of course, as long as we’re in town, we zip over to Barrett’s grocery for a few items.
On the return trip up the mountain, the crew and I stop at Gooseberry Campground where we camped over Labor Day Weekend.
We need water.
The group campsite is unoccupied. It’s a good place to park and fill up the jugs. Out of the thirteen sites in the campground, only five are occupied.
The jugs filled and loaded onto the PTV, I walk the crew around the loop and then we travel the two miles or so back to camp.
The weekend flies by without incident.
I feared a lesser, but still annoying, version of the madness of Labor Day Weekend. As it turns out, only one RV camps on Oak Ridge Road over the weekend, and the ATV traffic is light.
One morning Bridget, Reggie, and I walk Oak Ridge Road and I find a horseshoe.
We continue walking until we come to a corral. A man and a woman are out and about. As we approach, I talk to Reggie about not barking at the animals.
“Hi! One of your horses lost a shoe!” I hand it to the man. He’s wearing a cowboy hat. We talk briefly.
“What do you use these horses and mules for?” I ask. “I’m up in the little camper. I’ve seen you take the horses by in a trailer, and I heard them walking by last night.”
“We herd up cattle with them,” he replies. “The mules we use to pack salt.” (I think that’s what he said.)
It seems like they have things to do, so I don’t hold them in conversation. Before they leave in their pick-up, I ask if it’s okay if I take a picture and he says, “Sure, go ahead.”
I’m waiting for a mail shipment from Americas Mailbox.
It should arrive on Wednesday and contain the stickers for vehicle registration renewal of the Best Little Trailer and the PTV.
As long as we’re staying here a few more days, I place an order with Amazon.com.
There’s a UPS Customer Center in Salina. The customer centers are the most reliable shipping destination in my experience as a vagabonder. Well, reliable AND free.
Here’s what I order . . .
Is this blog fascinating or what?
Tent stakes
Holding Tank Deodorizer and Waste Digester . . . Of all the kinds I’ve tried, this works best for me. I never have an odor problem from the black tank. I order two packages because I can’t always find this in stores.
Fleece Dog Vest 
Bridget needs a sweater. I lost her pretty purple one somewhere in the Mojave Desert. Darn. She looked fantastic in that sweater and she liked it, too!
I don’t order one from Amazon because it’s tricky getting a good fit for a larger dog. I’ll look for one at Wal-Mart which is where the purple one came from.
Meguiar’s Premium Marine Wax 
Utah Benchmark Atlas
My total order comes to $79.15. Actually it comes to zero because I use the points earned with my Amazon Visa Card!
The comments section of this blog is very active, to say the least!
If you don’t bother reading the comments, well, that’s okay. However, you might check the discussion on van dwelling under the previous post. You’ll find excellent information on the equipping of vans and also analysis of types of vans for use as a camping get-away vehicle or for full-timing, written by readers with several years of experience.
Thanks again to those who took the time to share some of what they know about vandwelling!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Very nice post, RVSue. I will be down your neck of the wood soon.
Thanks, Jack. I’m glad you like it, and CONGRATULATIONS on being first!
Will you boondock in the forest?
I do not know as of yet whether I will be boondocking, for I have received several requests north of you from NP forest rangers that they need help to clean up several of the campgrounds. I like this, for they let me stay as long as it takes to clean up a campground. 🙂 For example, I was able to stay a week longer than you at Ward Campground (Ely, NV) because of the service that I and many other volunteers perform.
I’m glad you mentioned that, Jack. Usually when I stay at a campground, I do some cleaning. You know, picking up trash, taking the beer cans out of the fire ring, raking the site if it’s littered with pop tops and cigarette butts, and so forth.
I’ve often thought… Gee, it would be nice if I were allowed more time or some other compensation…
Anyway… For the benefit of readers… How do you set up the volunteer relationship? Do you just walk into the office and propose to help the first time? Or is there a regular procedure? You say you received requests . . .
I hope you don’t mind sharing this with us. If you’d rather not, that’s okay.
Contact is usually now because of “word-of-mouth.” However, in the beginning I use to go into the NP regional office and introduce myself after setting up camp. I showed them identification (and also my passport for further federal identification). Also, I usually brought in several large bags of trash that I had already collected and request that they be thrown into their trash bins. Then . . . that is when the “thought” clicks with them.
“Hey, would you like to continue to do this and help us out?” My response is, “Sure, but it may take me longer than the usual fourteen day limitation.”
Ranger: “Well, that is OK. Why don’t you move into the Campground Host’s site–since you are performing the same duties–and we will send someone up to restore power at the site.”
I laugh to myself . . . “Oh Yeah!” Then I smile and nod and ask whether when the ranger makes their rounds they can pickup the bags of trash instead of me having to come to the field office to deposit them. They usually agree with this simple request. One time, the ranger gasped how many bags of trash I had already collected. He had to make another trip to collect all the bags. This goes a long ways toward building a good reputation.
Other times, it takes a little negotiation. My usual negotiation is four hours of picking up trash, cleaning grills, etc. for one more extend day of stay. So, since the legal duration of a stay is usually 14 days, for each day I work, I earn another extended day! At some locations, I have stayed for 28 days–and then the ranger(s) ask me to stay longer! Since they are the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), I usually can oblige.
At the present time, I am at the Craters of the Moon Preserve (Arco, Idaho), and have not paid one penny for my campground in the Preserve’s Campground. Tomorrow, I begin my southward migration into Utah.
I began this post by saying that now, I receive requests for help is because of word-of-mouth. How does this work? Well, rangers talk to each other. And based on the quality of your service, they give other rangers your information (email address & phone number). After a while, one develops a reputation, whether good or bad. If a good reputation, then one will not have to spend hardly any money to stay at ANY National Parks’, Monuments’, or Preserves’ campgrounds. But, my interests lie in National Forests . . . so that is mainly where I select to do my service.
Furthermore, I keep a record of all the campgrounds that I have cleaned or helped to clean. Moreover, I keep a record of the ranger’s names, regional offices’ phone numbers and emails. Why? This helps the rangers to relax (because there are many bad people out there) and they have tangible evidence of prior work history.
In addition, a “business card” with your name, email address, and phone number may help. It is also something that a ranger station can keep on hand — and probably is another reason I receive so many requests.
I hope that the above comments help, RVSue. We need many, many more volunteers to keep the National Forests clean for future generations.
One additional note: a ranger may ask for one of their forms to be filled-in. It checks for any criminal history, DWIs, DUIs, etc. If you have such a history, then no need to apply.
Jack,
Such a needed service to help the rangers in the National Forests and you are doing beneficial exercise for your extended stay. You have developed a win-win situation for both you and the area. You are an exemplary volunteer.
Congratulations and thank you!!!
I agree with Marilyn. I admire your initiative and resourcefulness, as well as the good work you are doing for our national parks and forests.
Thank you for the detailed explanation. I hope it inspires others to consider volunteering.
It wasn’t until I signed off last night that I realized you’re the guy I met at Ward Campground! Ha! Good to hear from you again, Jack.
Jack, thank you for your service & for keeping campgrounds beautiful! You’re absolutely right–all federal lands are a national treasure that deserve care, love & respect so that future generations can enjoy them as much as we do. I’m glad to see the initiative that gives all grade 4 students & their families a year-long pass to federal lands. Perfect way to nurture the love!
What a lovely thing to do and with benefits to you too, Jack!! Great idea!! Thanks for sharing this!!
Good work you are doing, Jack. I like the added benefit of staying a little longer in a nice park.
First??? :p
Okay I’m back after reading your blog, really nice fall pictures!
Tina
Northern, CA
Thanks, Tina!
im 3rd? lol
Yup… 🙂
I hadn’t thought of UPS center for having Amazon shipping. Always learning from this blog.
Listening to the Giants on the internet is one joy from having 4g 5 bars and electricity, missing baseball on the radio of my favorite team.
Ms. B does look good in purple… hope you can find a replacement.
It’s cooled off in Pueblo, but still got up to 94 today. Corky would have nothing to do with the lake, kinda played tag with the water but only with his nose. Someday he’ll go swimming I hope.
Have a good evening, sleep well under those shinning stars.
Hi, Carlene,
Reggie is the same way as Corky about water. He will wade a little bit, mostly just sniffs the water.
You have a good evening, too. No shining stars for us tonight, cloud cover. We even had a brief rain shower.
Hi Sue and Crew!
This forest is enchanting, just love these photos. I remember that last year you missed Bryce Canyon, I hope you make it this year- it’s amazing! Unfortunately Maya and I are headed back to NY. I injured my knee and back pretty badly in a fall. My medical insurance will only work in NY. But we will still be following your adventures!
Oh, that’s crazy, Pam- You have to go back to NY because of medical insurance. I hate how insurance influences our lives…
Anyway… Sorry that you hurt your back and knee. It sounds major. I hope you can be fixed up soon!
love looking at these posts now as we’re about 6 weeks from going on our trip south…can’t wait to start boondocking again….sure getting used to these yearly trips south
Hi again, barb!
RVing, whether boondocking or not, is addictive! Don’t you love the change it gives, the anticipation of seeing new places, having new experiences…
I bet six weeks seems long right now! 🙂
it’s torture waiting lol I had rotator cuff surgery 6 wpeeks ago just got out of the sling and can type! pt starts tomorrow ugh will be doing this till we leave. I have a dr appoine tment followup on the 3rd of November. still on the fence whether or not I’m keeping that or not would put us a week behind from leaving. But…I probably should keep the appointment.
You know you should. I wish you a quick and sound healing.
Gosh and I am in early too………….usually I come in to read a post and there are already 150+ comments. Have just read the last 4 posts, doing a catch up with you and the crew. Am looking forward to all your photos bringing the autumn colours to my screen, as we move into spring here. Loving the aspens………something about them has always seemed mystical to me. I almost hear the air moving though them. Love to Bridget and Reggie boy!
Hi, Glenda,
I love the sound of the wind through the aspen leaves. Sometimes I mistake it for the sound of water in a creek. Good to see you here…. I hope you are enjoying a lovely spring.
Sue,
I was just thinking about the wind in the aspens. Then I scrolled down and you wrote my exact thoughts. Those silver dollar type leaves make the most soothing sounds from the wind blowing through their leaves. It is music to my ears.
Enjoy a few choruses for all of us.
Winds through the apsen trees…never heard that. Added to my bucket list!
Glenda, on the front page of our local paper, http://dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=149808 , is a story about 3 Australian firefighters. My tablet will not insert a link to the story. Hope you can find it.
Thank you so much for that……….the fires over in California are terrible at this time. I know Australia has sent firies over there to help……….it is reciprocated when Australia itself is in trouble.
Beautiful pictures! Love the fall colours. I have a question on using the Benchmark atlases. I just got the Oregon one and we’re planning a trip south in March. How do you know where to boondock? Do you look in the recreation section or the landscape section? Do you look at the little dotted roads that are noted BLM/Forest service roads and which of those go through the little yellow bordered areas?? I thought it would be more straight forward with areas marked out on the maps (like “here is a campsite…..) but apparently I don’t know how to read these maps….. If you get around to replying that would be fab 🙂 Happy camping.
Hi, Jill,
I use the landscape section the most. You can tell what areas are public lands by the colors. Green is national forest, yellow is BLM. Then I look for potential boondocks by studying the roads within those areas.
The solid lines are paved roads, the dotted ones are gravel or dirt, the lesser dotted lines are 4wd and so forth. Look closely and you’ll see very thin, hairlike lines… Those are what I call spur roads. You’ll see that they sometimes lead to a creek. I like to explore those for boondocks.
It takes time, practice and experience to get the most out of the Benchmarks. Become familiar with the legend/symbols.
No, boondocks are not marked. I can’t imagine how any mapmaker could show that! You have to go on the roads and look for them, after studying the map. I wouldn’t want boondocks on a map. That would take all the fun out of finding them!
Campgrounds are shown (tent symbols) and that helps me find inexpensive campgrounds like Gooseberry. The brief descriptions are helpful and reliable.
The more you look at your Benchmark the more you will see…. Good luck!
FABULOUS!!!! Thanks! It’s awesome that there are so many areas that people can go! LOVE it! We can’t wait to get on the road 🙂 Have a great day!
RVSue, your dogs are too cute! And your pictures are very pretty. Thanks for the advise a few posts back about finding cheap or free campsites. We are currently staying at one in Montana before we move on to the sugar beet harvest in North Dakota in a couple of weeks.
You’re welcome, Shelby. It’s my pleasure to be helpful. Thanks for the kind words about the crew and my photos.
Sugar beet harvest in North Dakota… interesting. Sounds like hard work!
How do you use a UPS Customer Center? Just show up when your package does or do you need to contact them before hand?
Hi, Rob,
Online I find where the UPS Customer Centers are located. These are different than UPS stores which charge for receiving shipments. Once I find the mailing address for the Customer Center I use that as the shipping address, of course, with my name at the top of the address.
Okay…. Also online will be the hours of the Customer Center. This is important. Some of them in small towns have weird hours like 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays.
You don’t have to call ahead to let them know you have packages coming in, but it’s a good idea. I had some wingnut at a UPS Customer Center send my package back to Amazon because I didn’t phone to give her a heads up (that was around the time Spike died)…. So do call.
Of course Amazon tracking will indicate when to show up at UPS…
Thanks again for still another education!
My pleasure, Rob.
Detta and I got a laugh out of your “a bite for you, a bite for you, take a bite of my sandwich, repeat.” You have a flair for comedy. Pretty pics and some nice looking horses too. I keep thinking about the exciting lives you are providing those two little crew folks. It’s obvious they know how lucky they are to have you Missy….
Hi, Jim and Detta,
I hope these two realize what a good life they have! I’m their servant, I provide them with treats that other dogs can’t even dream of (Carl’s Jr. grilled hamburger patty, chicken breast for breakfast), take them everywhere I go, walk there little fannies off twice a day, let them sleep in my bed, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
😉
Actually I wasn’t trying to be funny with that bite-for-you line. That’s exactly how I eat! If I don’t give them alternate bites, they pester me so much I can’t enjoy my food. It’s a pretty sick situation here….
Thanks for complimenting my photos. You both have a nice evening…
Got tickled with servant comment. I take Angel out 4 times a day. A long walk down to the lake early am, short walk, around 1:00pm, a long lake walk around 6:30pm and a short an sweet potty before bed, in the back yard.
Today, DH and I had our lunch out on the porch, so I tethered Angel to the railing and gave her a soup bone to keep her occupied as she already had her food alotment. I will give her a little snack before bed.
Usually after our morning walk, I will give her a milkbone as a treat if she takes care of all her business, otherwise she just gets fed. This morning she turned her little black nose up at the bone and waited for her food, which I mix with the marrow & some of the juice left from boiling her soup bones. She also likes the water from tuna mixed in her food, not too much to make it soggy though. Nothing like spoiling our fur babies.
I still can’t get over how good she is. Last night I had an HOA Board meeting, which lasted 3 hours. When I got home it was like I had been gone for 3 months. She gets so excited. Now she thinks we should play chase or “keep away” with my socks, when I get home. What a little GOOF!
what a sweet looking sister in a purple sweater in the last photo,,,, all your photo’s look great sue,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Thanks, Rusty and Lady Piper!
Lovely photos, as always. Thank you, Sue. Nice Autumn colors there.
You’re welcome, Pamelab, and thanks for the compliment. At this time I estimate about ten percent of the aspens around here have turned to yellow, maybe less than that. It must be glorious when all of the leaves have turned!
Hope you find just the right sweater again for Bridget…we would not want her to get cold and not feel well!! Loved the gorgeous Fall colors…long been my favored season!! Trees here turning some now…already…seems early this year, after all the heat…maybe the leaves are just tired of the drought…it has sprinkled here of late…off and on. Welcome indeed!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
Yes, the fall color does seem early. I’m thinking about taking a drive over to Maple Grove just for the heck of it. That’s the place with the vibrant fall color I photographed last fall.
We had a little rain last night and yesterday. I wish you more, too!
Between Bridget’s chubbiness and a good sweater, she should stay plenty warm this winter. 🙂
Well, I suppose as dogs age their temperature thermostat might work not so well, just like ours…hubby is constantly messing with the temp in car and house…going from hot to cold.
Hey Sue, I hope you find Bridget a nice cozy sweater. I look forward to hearing about your Walmart excursion.
We did it !! A full day of traveling and I have used many lessons from you Sue, maybe Sue-isms? Driving into the NF, exploring one primitive camping area, It seemed I could hear your voice. ‘Yup, nice site, flat, lots a trees, ooh that one is soft looking, uh oh barracaide by a mud hole, we’re out a here!’ Chuckle. I ended up at the grounds just up the road, 4$ with my pass :-), and individual showers included, yeah. I had just enough daylight and energy to eat the other half of my foot long Sub, chat with my closest neighbor and figure out our sleeping arrangements. Fell asleep in front of our fan with Buddy’s vibrating purrrrrr buzzing through my pillow. Bittersweet tears as I drifted off, thanking God for tonight and asking Him for more of them with Buddy by my pillow. Thank you, thank you, thank you Sue for all you have shared and taught me. I would never dare be out here, crickets chirping at a lake, old man at my side without those lessons. Boy do I have a ton to journal tomorrow, er today…haha, since it’s 1:58 am, oh well, that’s what a 40 oz soda and 8 hour drive get you. Now another nap…..
OK….that’s one of the sweetest comments I’ve ever read. And there have been lots on here. I am so happy for you! I wish you many more days and evenings like the one you described. I hope to be “right behind you”! I can’t wait to use all the things I’ve learned from Sue and the other experienced folks on this blog. 🙂 And you are right…..Sue’s blog gives a person courage to try a different way of being. Have a wonderful second day! MB from VA (for now)
Hi, MB… Now Lisa is the one who’s inspiring, right? And someday, you will be, too. Love it!
I’m not fulltiming yet, just traveling toward my goals, just as you are.
Fulltiming or not…. You’re stretching your horizons and that’s inspiring!
Agreed! 🙂
Nice posts Lisa and MB.
Hi, Lisa, Tommie and Buddy,
I join MB in saying I’m very happy for you! And I”m also very proud… It sounds like you had a very adventurous first day checking out primitive camping. Wow!
You did a great job finding a camp with individual showers for $4. I bet there are folks in Florida who are wondering where that is….
I had to smile at all the “lessons” you say you’ve learned from me and my blog. (including a sub sandwich on move day… 🙂 )
You make my efforts very satisfying, especially the part where you wrote “I would never dare be out here, crickets chirping at a lake, old man at my side without those lessons.” Sweet indeed!
You get an A+ . . . . One more lesson . . . Try to go easier on yourself in the future and don’t drive so far in one day! Ha!
Congratulations and enjoy!
Yes, today will be shorter by far.
Oh my, Lisa. You have me in tears with your sweet words. Happy trails to you & your crew.
Oh…one question. Did your cat adjust fairly well to riding? I have a 15 year old who will go with me. (Had her since she was 6 wks old.) She is a good cat and goes with the flow…..even goes for walks (no leash) up the farm road with us in the evenings. I bought her a harness and leash the other day and told her that if she was going with me on the road she would have to learn to wear one. No problem! It took her about 5 min. to get used to it. I am going to start taking her on short drives next. Just wondering how Buddy did.
Sounds like a great trip so far. You’re on your way to pick up a fiberglass trailer, right? (Am I remembering that correctly?)
I hope you wake up to a lovely morning at your campsite 🙂
Hey, BTW, those pics are beautiful as usual. I just realized, Tommie, Buddy and I could be the BLT crew, chuckle, life’s funny huh?…
It certainly is . . . Um, BTW, is Tommie a man or a pet?
Tommie is neither man nor pet. He is my faithful Service Dog. An American Bulldog Labrador rescue who then returned the favor and rescued me 🙂
Oh, wow! I hope you didn’t tell me that before and I forgot. If so, I apologize. My memory is terrible. Thanks for replying.
Now your happy note this morning is even sweeter! Yay, Tommie — Good job! 🙂
ainley53 in Houston, WOW!!! Great pics Sue.
Thanks, David!
Hi Sue!
The autumn pictures startled me! Here in Ohio, we can expect fall color to begin in two or three weeks, but I know that altitude changes the timing. Also, here in Ohio we’re pretty much still waiting on summer. I guess not this time. The pictures are nice, though. You have a good eye. The aspen picture in the middle of the list of products is a really dense stand. That surprised me too.
Thanks for the information in this posting. I like having very concrete things to think about right now, even if the specifics will vary in my case. Thanks for the reference to van-dwelling in the comments on the previous post. I’m one of those that only reads limited comments, due to time constraints and what not, and knowing what is there gives me something to study.
Thanks also to Jack Spratter for the information on what he does. Beyond the obvious advantages of spending time at a nice location and saving money, it’s also a great way to serve my spiritual values. I will do a separate comment on his part of the thread once I think over what to say and/or ask. It seems to me an ideal way of getting time in “bucket list” places where boondocking would be difficult.
Hi, Calvin R.,
Thanks regarding my photos. I was surprised, too, by that stand of aspens, not only the density, but also the large area the thicket covers. It was quite magical to walk among them and fun to take that photo.
I understand you not reading every single comment. There are so many! 🙂 And we do get silly sometimes… Quite regularly though, readers share good information and ideas, and when they do, I want what they’ve written to be seen by those who could learn from it or simply enjoy reading it.
Thanks for the helpful feedback, Calvin.
I love what Jack is doing . . . even if one doesn’t clean up to the extent he does. If everyone did something positive — left their campsites and the ones around them in better shape that they were found — what a difference we would make!
It would be nice if no-one messed them up in the first place; but given the realities, it’s so wonderful that people (such as you and Jack) clean them up.
I usually spend part of my first day with a garbage bag cleaning up. I don’t carry a rake (not so easy to store), but I really like that you rake your site to restore it – that’s a great idea.
Oops! Forgot to follow.
Okay.. 🙂
You had me chuckling with, Isn’t this blog exciting? right before your shopping list. I decided to make a Camping Wishlist on Amazon and have added a few of the items that you and others use, for whenever I get on the road. Cool nights here in Ohio, still some warm sunny days, thank heavens!
Hi, Patti,
I like your wish list idea. I did something like that before we hit the road only my list was on paper. You’ve given me another idea. Maybe ever so often I’ll include a few of my favorite things in a post.
I’ve never spent a night in Ohio, just drove through a corner of the state. Enjoy the cool nights — good for sleeping!
Patti, When we knew we would be moving into an RV I made a Wish List on Amazon and asked family and friends to only gift us from that list for Christmas and birthdays. We knew we didn’t want more things to try and find a place for or have to get rid of. It worked great and we got a lot of items we needed for our new life. Anyone can access the list unless you make it private. Have fun!
Fall sprung! We are ‘up north’ in Ottawa Ontario right now. Still green here, but I expect it will happen shortly here too.
Hi, Dawn,
Yes, the fall color arrives early here because of the elevation. Isn’t it wonderful that readers can travel around and still appear here on this blog. . . Of course I still marvel at the miracle of radio. Haha!
Have a great day!
Good morning, Sue! Picasso and I are also up in the mountains but here in NC. This is the first time in 20 years that I’ve been experiencing anything close to fall (having lived in warm climates for far too long) and we both are loving it! The leaves are not yet turning here as they are by you but I’m sure we will see that during our journey! Well, there was one lone tree yesterday all decked out in its resplendent colors but that was just off the interstate and impossible to photograph!
The temps are falling into the 40’s at night now so I finally realized it was time to put a polar fleece on my poor, little dog. The last time he wore something like that was when we were in Canada for Christmas and the temps there were around zero! I was surprised to see how appreciative he appeared to be to have it put on him. No complaints as he stood there and allowed me to put it on him!
We have another week here in the NC mountains and then we go off to Kentucky for a few days and finally hit Indiana, our northernmost goal, to hang with my son and his family. I haven’t seen my grandkids in nearly two years so this will be a fun time as long as Picasso and I don’t freeze! My DIL already asked us to consider staying an additional month so we could be there for Thanksgiving! As much as I’d love to on one hand, I would have to do an awful lot of figuring to manage to keep from being too cold. I’m kinda doubting it will happen but as I said to her, one month at a time!
As always, so much fun to read about your adventures with your pups. Somehow even the mundane is fascinating. There is something so affirming to me to know that the very same things I’m now going through have been done by someone else. Finding the right things of warmth for the crew, sharing food, etc. Yesterday Picasso and I went to a restaurant and sat on the patio. We were alone out there so I shared my food with him, similar to what you do! Then there’s finding a way to get an Amazon delivery! But it all works out, doesn’t it? And then there’s all the other fun in between! Again, thanks for your words of wisdom!
Good morning, Deborah K.,
What a fun, newsy comment! I enjoyed reading it very much, right down to you sharing your food with Picasso on the restaurant’s patio. I’m beginning to understand why readers like to read about the mundane in my life…. Well, really, nothing is mundane when one lives in the moment, right?
I do appreciate you letting me know what you find fun to read in my posts. I do try to write in a way that folks will enjoy and your feedback is helpful.
What a wonderful DIL! To invite you to stay for an extended period… My initial reaction was “leave ’em wanting more,” but then I don’t know your family. You may have a delightful stay if you can keep warm enough!
Picasso likes his sweater. I’ve seen that same response in Bridget and Reggie. I wonder if it’s more than the warmth. Maybe it’s a feeling of being special and loved. That’s what I see in Bridget’s sweater photo in this post. 🙂
I’m glad you are enjoying NC and experiencing fall again. Have a wonderful trip north!
The pics are beautiful, the first one is my favorite, the aspens and colored leaves are great!
Ms. B looks stunning in her purple sweater. It’s amazing how you find the quiet, remote sites you find. The 4 wheeler’s are, it seems, just about everywhere anymore. Is the town you go to just a small town and is that usually where you shop, small towns? Do they have the items you need most of the time, like groceries, etc? Thank you for sharing the changing colors in the forest that you see. Is the early morning temperature cold there now? I love seeing the change from the summer color’s to the fall color’s, fall is my favorite time of year as for the colors, love them! Have a blessed day!
Hi, Linda, and good morning to you!
Salina is a small town. I’m trying to recall if it has a traffic light. I don’t think so. In the center of town where the main streets cross is a four-way stop. There’s one grocery store…. small, of course. For stocking up, Richfield is only about 20 miles away. I imagine many Salina residents go to the stores there — Fresh Market, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc.
You ask if the small town grocery stores have what we need as we travel around. Yes, they do (although I don’t cook with exotic ingredients). The one thing that is unreliable is high quality dog food. When I find the crew’s kibble, I buy a large bag or two medium bags.
In short, yes, we find what we need almost all the time…
I’m pleased you enjoy seeing the autumn colors in my photos. The early mornings are chilly, mid 40s maybe? …. although the day warms up nicely. I notice from the weather widget in the sidebar that we’re in for cooler temperatures this week.
You have a blessed day, too, Linda!
I’ll add my 2 cents worth to what Sue has said.
First, the 4 way stop in ‘downtown’ Salina has a flashing red light which might be considered a traffic light but no red, yellow green one.
Second, I don’t cook with exotic ingredients either but need to be flexible when shopping in the small towns that I frequent. There are times that the small town grocery stores do not have what I WANT but will always have what I NEED.
Third, I completely agree with Sue about dog food. If you want to feed your dog grain free dog food then you need to PLAN on where you are going to buy it. You will not find it available in any small town grocery or large town grocery for that matter.
You’re right, Ed. Salina does have a flashing light. I forgot. I’m always so intent on figuring out who’s supposed to go first. 🙂
Once again thank you for the beautiful photos. Love to see the leaves which gives me hope that the temps will drop here soon. Really good info on reading the map. I definately need work on that ! Enjoyed the info from Jack as well. What a good idea. It’s amazing to me how some people leave things.
Now this may seem silly but…..if you can’t find purple, which looks very nice, go for red. I can just see her white, black fur (which is kind of the coloring of my girls) against the red. Also red is what I put on the girls, lol. I would think it would make her easier to spot although you keep them close.
Ok, you eat the same way we do sometimes. One for you, One for me. It’s a bonding thing I guess or like you said, sick. But who cares. Plus my beagle gives me the paw and there is no getting away from that. You gotta love em.
Hi, Alice,
I hope you are enjoying your morning in southern Florida. 🙂 I appreciate you noting those items in your first paragraph. And thanks for complimenting my photos.
I’ll look for red for Bridget! You’re right. She would look stunning in red. Of course, I think she’s stunning without a sweater. Ha!
I love your response to our sharing our food with our crews… “But who cares.” One of the things I love about being my age is I really don’t care much what other people think. How important that is when we’re young!
Beagles are great dogs. I hope y’all have a very nice day!
“Oh look, she’s eating a hamburger. Watch what happens when I give her the paw – she can’t resist!”
😀 😀 I bet it IS cute and irresistible. Like when they take a paw and rub one side of their nose. Awwwww.
Just had to get out the maps and find out how far Salina is from those flash floods that took so many lives last night. Looks like you’re not in harm’s way for now. It’s always something, isn’t it?
Love the photos on this post. We’re coming into my favorite time of year. I switched my screensaver over to fall foliage yesterday. I’m ready for that first fire in the fireplace, although down here in the South, that may be a while. 🙂 I’m envious of the crispy mornings and evenings you will be enjoying in the coming weeks.
Looking forward to seeing what you settle on for Miss Bridget’s new sweater. 🙂
Hi, Suzette,
I didn’t know about the tragedy in Hilldale, at the southern border of Utah with Arizona. I just looked it up… Boy, those desert washes can be dangerous. It’s kind of you to think of us and to be concerned.
I don’t know which part of Tennessee you are in, but what I’ve seen of the state during autumn was gorgeous with color on the hillsides. Your description of “the first fire in the fireplace” is very appealing… 🙂
I bet the Wal-Marts have a good selection of dog sweaters now. I need to think of Bridget the next time I’m in one.
Thanks re the photos. Have a wonderful day, Suzette.
How very “you” to think autumn,cooler temps,the crew needs sweaters…I love your priorities 🙂 Now that you’ve become less hesitant to deal with potential light snowfalls and colder overnight conditions than when you started the RV life,have you considered something that might be nice for yourself as well?Colombia’s Sleet to Street Jacket on Amazon has a zip in fleece lining,pockets,hood and other details that would perhaps be nicer than making do with what you have,and could even be considered as an overdue practicality.Your birthday is a month away,being as frugal as you are I know you think buying a slice of cake is enough celebration so I’ll term something that costs more as a long term investment,Ha!
Great photos this post,the “nature’s own arrangement” vignettes of fallen trees decorated by plants changing their leaves colors are really pretty,and again,so “you” to notice and appreciate.So,talking to Reggie about not barking at some critters seems to work?What an intelligent family you three are!
Good morning, weather!
Ooh, that is a very nice jacket! I like several of its features and it has a hood! My present jacket which is a London Fog I bought at a thrift store for $7 is missing its hood.
Columbia Women’s Sleet To Street Interchange Jacket
I’ve never spent a hundred dollars or more on a coat for me. This one suits me very well. I like the Dark Raspberry and Purple Dahlia colors. 🙂
You are thoughtful and kind to suggest I make this purchase. I’ll seriously consider it in time for my birthday. 🙂
You’re right. I’m less hesitant to camp in snow and cold than when we first set out. On the other hand I was thinking about Reggie and his susceptibility to cold. It doesn’t take much to give him the shivers. That gives me enough reason to avoid camping where it’s cold because he has to be able to go outside. It’s the chihuahua in him — not designed for cold.
Right now we are experiencing a cold rain. The crew is still asleep. I may put the heater on — mostly for Reggie’s benefit. The Bridge and I don’t mind a bit of chill in the air.
I love finding “nature’s own arrangements.” I’m often given credit for composition in my photos when it’s nature’s handiwork. Thank you for noticing…
Oh, about Reggie and barking… This is so weird. There were cows hanging around that horse corral, too, and Reggie didn’t bark at all. One cow– a youngster– walked right up to him! Another time we walked by a big black cow like in that photo I posted and Reggie went up to the cow, quietly… I was stunned! I don’t think this behavior has anything to do with what I said to him. The cows are such a presence around here, maybe he’s becoming used to them or maybe he’s following Bridget’s wise example. 🙂
I hope you and your troupe are enjoying this morning. I need to head back to the coffee pot . . . Thanks again about the coat!
P.S.Interesting details about the jacket I find helpful are an interior security pocket(think phone,ID,cash,cards) ,the lining is actually a separate flannel-like quilted coat,it’s a fold away or use storm hood(those stay on in wind and function to either cover forehead or be worn higher up ),the wrists are adjustable ,it tends to run big-comfort matters,it’s washable and rainproof.
I saw those things… One of the reviewers mentioned how well the hood stays on..and the quilted coat would be very practical.
Hi,Sue,did you go to Maple Grove?That was among the prettiest places you’ve shown us.I imagine it’s nice to be in during all the seasons .It’s going into the eighties here until Sunday.Summer is doing a wonderful job of staying in place before autumn’s official beginning.Butterflies and bright sunshine -it’s a picnic time with sunglasses on day 🙂 I hope you and crew have a beautiful one,too!
No, we haven’t gone to Maple Grove yet. We may before we leave the area.
How nice that you can enjoy the last phase of summer. Enjoy your picnic! It’s nice here, too, this morning. Sunny and breezy.
Hi Sue,
Please don’t pitch a hissy (thought you’d enjoy that!!), but I don’t often read the comments in the blog (due to lack of time only………), so I appreciate when you point out a good reason to go back and check out a conversation :-). THANKS!
Hi, Lacy,
Oh, no hissy-ness going on here . . . I’m sure that many of my readers don’t bother looking at comments. I’m so grateful to have people read my posts!
I’ll remember that about pointing out the hidden gems in the comments section. Thank you. What part of the country are you in, if you don’t mind me asking?
I love the Fall!!!!! Your pictures are beautiful, of course. The aspens remind me of the white birch back in UPSTATE New York. The temps have finally dropped some here in Northeastern Mississippi …. High 80’s
Lots of Love and Big Hugs to you and the crews
Hi, Pauline,
Gee, a Mississippi cold wave… high 80s. 🙂 Love you!
Good morning, Sue! I appreciate your list of Amazon purchases–more items to add to my RV Wish List. Bridget looks particularly pleasant in purple–hope your shopping trip yields a stunning replacement.
Your photos are always so gorgeous–love seeing fall color. I loved the photo of the horse too & respect that you ask people before you take a photo.
Things have definitely cooled down here in our corner of the NW. Jim & Ari just went out for their morning walk & it was 47 degrees! We just finished smoking & canning 16 salmon. Lots of work but so worth it when you open that jar during the depths of winter & inhale the goodness. We’re counting the days until we head south & I’ve pulled out the Benchmark maps. One of my goals this week is to make notes from your blog of the places you stopped during your Nevada trek.
Take good care; ear skritches to the crew.
Good morning, Dawn,
Smoking and canning salmon… how very Northwestern-ly of you! Wholesome nutritious food as well as tasty…
Time for dreaming and planning over your Benchmark. 🙂 If you have any questions about stops along your way south, feel free to ask.
Thanks for all your kind words and compliments on the photos. I’m glad I caught those photos the other day. Too rainy today for traipsing around in the woods.
Keep warm!
Hi there! Good for a person & tasty–perfect combo! Thank you for your offer, Sue; I appreciate that very much. It’s been rainy here–hope we have some clouds or a bit of sunshine soon so that we can wash & wax the trailer. I’m putting flannel sheets & an extra blanket on the bed today–fall is most definitely here.
Good Morning Sue, I loved the pictures, and it is looking more like Fall all the time. Raining like cats and dogs here this morning. I hope some of it drifts up North, they need all the help they can get with the fires. Have a good Day.
Hi to Weather and all the Blogorinos.
Hey Marla, I may have the day off tomorrow…how bout coffee in your area?
Good morning, Shirlene,
You’re having rain, too. That’s a good thing, and, yes, let it rain on those fires!
MARLA? YOU THERE? You have an invitation . . . . 🙂
I’m here, I’m here!!!
Crammin in all my work before I have to leave for a dentist appt, ugh….
Yes, I can meet up with you tomorrow, Shirlene! Let me know how your schedule pans out…..yay!!!!
Hi Sue!! 🙂
Ok Marla, I think I have the whole day off. If you are available, I will make it a day off. Maybe lunch? Do you need gas? Lol….. 562 822-1615 after 4:00 pm.
I am available!
Lunch it is! I’ll call ya after 4 🙂
🙂 ttfn
Hi,Shirlene 🙂 hope the rain lets up before you drive back to the beach.
Hi Weather, good to hear from you. I hope the rain lets up so I can walk to lunch, ha! It is supposed to stop before I go home, but I would not care since we need the moisture so badly. I hope things are good down by your little beach 🙂
Good morning Sue and crew – thank you for the preview of fall colors, and I really look forward to more of your high desert photos as the season marches on. After getting a hitch and wiring installed on my vehicle in anticipation of a November Casita delivery, this weekend was my first ever backing up a trailer practice. I was using a small empty flatbed trailer to see how it all works, and all I can say is it will definitely take some practice! But in a couple of hours over the course of 2 days I did get the hang of which maneuvers result in which outcomes. Of course a larger heavier travel trailer will be a whole new learning curve, but I do hope to feel more confident by then – since I will have to back up out of my uphill driveway where the trailer will spend its off time, this is my main goal. Well that and buying fun things to outfit my tiny house on wheels!
Enjoy your day! And when you have a chance I wonder if you can comment on your experience/desire to camp in Baja and Canada. I have been following your blog around the West and I think you toyed with the Baja idea early on – do you still have plans to go beach camping? And do you think about spending a summer north of the border sometime? Would love to hear of anyone’s experience along these lines… Cheers
Hi, Molly,
Good morning to you, too. Thanks for the progress report on your preparations for your Casita, including backing up practice. You may find a Casita is easier to back up. A lot depends on the ratio of the wheel bases of tow vehicle and what you are towing. Your can-do attitude will have you backing your Casita onto a dime. 🙂
I’ve never camped in Baja or Canada. At this point I’m not thinking about doing that. There’s still a lot for us to explore here in the States. Also, re Canada… As I’m sure it has some beautiful camping areas, it’s so darn far! As a reader of my blog you know how slowly we move, the short hops… To go to Canada and Alaska requires pushing oneself on the road — being the only driver — and I’m not feeling that.
Not to say I won’t camp Canada or Baja in the future! Just not there yet. Cheers to you, too, Molly. 🙂
ANYONE HAVE A COMMENT ABOUT CAMPING NORTH OR SOUTH OF THE BORDER?
Winnie Views blog and Tioga George blogs have info on camping in Mexico. Winnie Views spent all last winter there, traveling around the country.
Great tip Barbara – I will check out those posts. Thanks~!
Totally appreciate the time factor for you Sue – I am close to Canada, but if I needed to get back down to the lovely southwest states for the winter that would definitely be a LONG haul from the northern lights. Hmmm…
Molly –
I know you must be super excited about your new Casita. I hope you will think of doing a blog or a Facebook page so we can follow along with your adventure. Those of us who aren’t there yet have so much to absorb, and watching someone start down a road we wish to follow is very inspirational. Best wishes that all will go well as you begin this adventure.
Thanks for planting that idea Suzette – I know from reading this wonderful positive blog that it takes a major commitment and I am not sure I have that drive, but I do love all of the input and support among this nice community. Food for thought!
Nice fall pictures! We only saw reds in rockport no yellows.
How is the rain in Salina? Lots of flash flood warnings for today and Wednesday.
Wow lots of good information on van living.
We love our little 19′ sprinter 2500. We get 20 mpg. And it’s just big enough to not allow hubby to fall on the floor! We have 48″ open space from the front seats to the bed on one side and Stove, sink, fridge on the other side. The front seats swivel to give additional living space. At night the wheelchair and our 80lb. Service dog fit in that space. We got the low top and put the Sportsmobile penthouse top on it. This way the top can be down and I can still stand straight up in it. We could so go full time and not have any problems. We did add a carrier in the back, a stowaway2. It adds lots of storage. We have two solar panels that will keep the fridge going if we boondock.
Hi, Michelle,
I’m glad your Sprinter is working out well for you, your husband, and your service dog. And you could even full-time in it or boondock… I’m so happy for you!
I love all the beautiful photos. I especially like the second one with the reds & gold. Those horses were sure pretty, too. Since you were talking of sweaters, I guess I should think of getting one or two for Angel? I have no clue about that stuff. Never had an inside dog before, nor such a small one.
I never sweatered my dogs either, living in Florida and then Georgia. Plus they were bigger dogs with more fur.
You can pick up a sweater for Angel for less than $10 at Wal-Mart, See if she likes it. Hold it in front of her after she’s worn it at least once and she will let you know. 🙂
Hi Sue,
I love fall. I love the cooler temps after a hot summer and love the trees! Your pics are beautiful as always!! We have been quite busy with work and still have a couple busy weeks left then we are hopeful to get out again camping before colder temps set in for winter.
Take care of you and the crew!! Hugs!
Hi, Jolene,
I do hope you can get out for another camping trip. Winters are long in Iowa…
So nice seeing fall colors popping out! We cactus noticed it here in the FL panhandle today as we drove around! Of course we don’t get the vivid colors y’all get in the northern states and in the mountains, but there is a subtle difference in the colors right now! Weather is cooler too, in the 60s the past few nights and in the low 70s all day ! Felt wonderful!
I love Brigets purple sweater, but agree red would look really good on her! I got my chuckle moment when you told about Reggie eating Glen Canyon ! Hahahahaha! What a little character he is! And what a good sister Bridget has been, teaching Reggie about being quiet around Cows, horses and campgrounds!
What a good pair of friends you travel with! ?.
Radar and DoogieBowser get their last haircut tomorrow until Spring! Their hàir grows so fast!
And yes, take weathers suggestion and treat yourself to that coat for your birthday! Take care! Hug the crew from us!!!
Hi, Geri,
I was relieved to see he had eaten Glen Canyon because we’ve been there already and I wasn’t planning on a return trip in the near future!
I bet Radar and Doogie are cute with new haircuts….
Always good to hear from you… I appreciate you keeping in touch. Wish you weren’t so far away. Hi to Chuck!
I wonder if anyone else has noticed it’s gone. You know, fly to the US, rent an RV, drive up there, and “Whaaa? Where’s the Canyon?”
🙂
“Eat and repeat.” Priceless.
🙂
Hi sue
Just wondering about what food staples you recommend. Am going to reunion where meals are provided for four days then will extend trip camping along the lochsa hwy 12 in Idaho. Usually would bring frozen prepared meals but not an option in this case. Will need to provision in coeur d’alene prior to setting out after reunion. Of course rotisserie chicken is on the list. You or followers have suggestions? I will bring staples such as oatmeal, pb&j, apples, tasty bites.
One of our trips we got some MRE off Amazon. They worked out and you can buy singles. They have packets that heat the meal all you need is water and a cup for you coffee.
We keep Mountain House freeze dried meals around for emergencies – would take them camping in a minute! They are very tasty. All you do is add boiling water and wait a specified number of minutes, stir it up and you’re good to go. Pouches usually have one or two servings. They’re really quite good. Not cheap. But worth the convenience.
P.S. Other brands we have tried are not nearly as good. Not even in the same league.
We are a fan of Mountain House also!
So far we haven’t had one entree didn’t like! We used to include them in military care packages…they were a hit!
Hi, Julie… I don’t buy any differently than when I lived in a regular house, so I’m not a good source for ideas on what foods to stock. We are near stores often enough . . .
That’s what I was thinking of saying. Eat the way you do at home (what I do).
That said, I do stock some items to tide me over between “good” stores (which for me is something like a co-op), or in case the fridge goes haywire or there is no ice, or I’m going to be away from the rig, or I’m low on water, or I just don’t want to go to town yet…. you get the idea.
For me that’s a bunch of Clif or Lara bars, rice, tuna in envelopes, Annie’s gluten free mac and cheese (Amazon!), curry in jars, nuts, flaked unsweetened coconut, dried fruit, jugs of water, etc. Not that I wouldn’t have had those at (non-rolling) home, but I tend to lay in a bit more now, since I may not want to leave a boondock, local stores may not have what I want, I may grab a backpack and go off for the day with a friend, etc.
Other than that I eat just the same as I ever did (which may not be saying much 😉 😉 )
PS: Oh, I also lay in a few jars of “fancy treat” food in case I DO get down to the beans and rice, or just need a treat. This would be something like olive paste, olives, lemon sardines, roasted peppers, dried mushrooms, etc. Stuff I wouldn’t buy/eat on a regular basis, but that add some excitement if necessary. I got into this habit boating (when at sea, meals become even more important than on land, if you can imagine that).
Thanks all for the good ideas. I forgot about foil packed tuna. Thanks to sue again for this wonderful blog.
Julie,
Are you going to be extended camping in an RV, B-Van, Van, Car, Tent Camping…?
Will you have a Fridge or just a Cooler or both? I ask because I DO pack and stack different foods or say they Cooler VS Fridge.
For cooler camping without a Fridge…
I make it a point to pack pantry items, ones that can be ready heated on most any heat source. I make make-ahead meals and put them in those little sealed Mason Jars, those work great in the cooler (the hard plastic ones with the rubber seals). They take up little room and are easy for any leftovers. I tend to take 100% fruit juices too. Nothing is sweeter than a glass of juice on a camp morning or night. I also make certain to have a mix of raisins and nuts, great together or mixed with chocolate bits, keep choc bits in the cooler in a Mason Jar 🙂 Other things are pretty normal for pantry items, spices, and dressings. I LOVE Lock-N-Lock brand storage containers for both the cooler and general out-of-the-cooler storage. I do NOT use those Blue Ice things in my cooler. Some folks do I just never had luck with them and they tended to leak…
I DO take plastic jugs and cut the tops off of them, making them easy to fill with bag-ice for the cooler. That way the foods stay dry and the cooler stays cold. When the ice in the jugs melt I use the water for kitchen clean ups and such.
Hope that helps 🙂
Happy, safe travels to you 🙂
Wonderful, sweet photo of Bridget in the yellow leaves. (final post photo).
Thanks, Linda.
Love the color of the leaves and the aspen trees.
Ah the pecking order….one for you…and you…and me! So cute!
The last photo of Bridgee babeee is adorable!
Don’t forget to write the saw on your list!
How many jugs of water do you have….and how long does that last? The BLT has H20 for your sink and toilet…how long does that last?
Hi, Cinandjules,
I think I have eight jugs at the moment. It varies between 8 and 10. They wear out after a while.
I’m not sure how long the water for the sink and toilet lasts. Ever so often I use a funnel and pour more water in the tank, and I don’t keep track. I fill up jugs whenever I have the opportunity, sometimes when I only have 2 or 3 empties. The usage depends on so many variables, how often I wash my hair, how much water I use for baths, to wash dishes, whether I wipe down the BLT ,and so forth…
Update regarding my painful left leg misery over the past 4 days. Dr. says acute sciatica; a first for me at age 68 so guess I have been lucky. Rx is set of exercises, anti-inflammatory meds + potent painkillers. I feel a little better tonight after a long afternoon nap. Loving my heat pad.
Getting nippy in the mornings here. Wisteria leaves turning yellow. Time to get the last veggies out of the garden. Cold is coming early here this year.
I also suffer from sciatica. Took forever for me to get a real diagnosis. Nowadays when I have a flareup I take prescription-strength ibuprofen and ice my spine. 24/7. Yes…I even sleep with ice bags lined up my spine. You get used to it pretty quickly. Usually four or five days of this treatment whips it back into shape for another several months. I think the key for me is to know exactly where the problem originates on my spine. My pain doctors told me where that is. So, that’s where the ice goes. Ice is nature’s miracle cure. Give it a shot. Can’t hurt, and it might help. Hope you’re doing better soon.
Thank you, I will give it a try. Last night felt pretty good; this morning excruciating pain again.
I’m sorry you are experiencing that pain, Kathy.
I’m glad you found something that works for you, Suzette.
So right about ice! I also have sciatica. I can’t live without ice. And here’s another tip….many places will do what is called a ‘block’. Usually in docs office, sometimes hospital outpatient. Basically they inject your spine with a combo of numbing agents and anti-inflammatories. Often they will do it, have you sit a bit and check it out, then do more if you still have pain. Then, in my case I get at least 6 months pain free, during which you are supposed to take up an exercise routine to strengthen your core muscles. If you can hold your spine in position, you won’t get sciatica problems. It’s usually very effective.
My sciatica was fixed in two weeks by my chiropractor…worth a shot…IMHO..good luck with that it is painful.
I got my first case of sciatica last Dec! Owie! You are so right about the ice! I was doing PT for the sciatica then I fell, nobody’s fault, nobody near me, my left side just gave away and I fell! What did the damage to my spine was that I twisted, trying to find something to hang on to, to break my fall. So that brought on another series of words I can’t spell or pronounce! Hahahahaha! But I have a good chiropractor here and she keeps me pretty much pain free! Sciatica is serious stuff! If you feel yourself falling, fall with your spine as straight as possible! Good luck ladies!
Love the fall colors 🙂 Nice that you got to talk with the rancher and find out what the horses and mules were used for. I didn’t even think about access to salt blocks for range cattle, they must use a lot to have pack animals hauling them. Looking forward to seeing the Reggie Man and Miss Bridget in their new winter duds!
Hi, Jodee,
I think they pack a lot of salt because there are a lot of cattle on these mountains. I see them grazing on mountain slopes in the distance. They maintain open areas scattered around the forest which makes it nice and probably is a boon for fire suppression.
I really like the horse photo. What beautiful coats! (If that’s what you call it on horses.) Meant to mention that above.
Thanks, Pen… More horse photos in the next post!
Ok, my update. Tenants move in Sunday, so I’m leaving Saturday. Right now I got assigned a story, again about Syria. So I’m working on that and will be for a couple of days. So pleased with all the van info…thank you Sidewinder Pen!!! Now that I will be getting rent I should be able to save up money pretty quickly. I’m hoping to buy my van next spring, then use it next summer. So things are moving along. Hope all is well with everyone!
that’s nice.
Good to hear, Ginger.
Glad you have renters and can go on with other plans, Ginger!!