Monday, March 2
Boy, did it rain last night!
It drizzles, on and off, for most of the day. During a brief time of sunshine and no rain, Rusty walks Timber on-leash. I get the same idea. I put Bridget on-leash and we meet them as they return. Rusty has seen coyotes around camp which is why we’re keeping the pups close.
I turn and take a photo of our camps.
“Hurry up, Bridge. We need to finish this walk. It’s starting to rain again!”
We run together toward the Best Little Trailer.
Tuesday, March 3
I step outside with the near-empty coffee pot, walk away from our campsite, and look at the sky while dumping the old coffee over a creosote bush. No more rain! A good day to go into town . . .
Bridget eats the chopped chicken that I cooked for her yesterday and I make myself two scrambled eggs. After breakfast and blog, I go outside, unhook the empty propane tank, and place it in the back of the Perfect Tow Vehicle. I toss in a bag of trash. I make sure all the empty water jugs are on board, too.
“See ya’ later, Rusty!”
Soon thereafter Bridget and I are motoring into Lake Havasu City.
Bridget fusses for a walk-around. I pull into a parking lot and she gets her way. Of course.
Hey, there’s a vet’s office. . .
I toss Bridget into the PTV.
I walk inside to inquire about dogs available for adoption. Western Arizona Humane Society is suggested. I’m familiar with the organization’s website. After checking the location with the lady in the vet’s office, Bridget and I buzz over to the shelter. It’s not far.
I’m greeted cordially as I enter.
“You’re welcome to take a look.”
My hopes rise as I push open the door to the dog area. To a chorus of loud barks I walk both avenues of cages, searching each one. Too big. Too big. Pit bull, cattle dog, pit bull, husky . . . .
I climb into the PTV.
“No boy for us today, Bridge.”
I stop at Big Lots for a few items, including a gift for Rusty, something he mentioned that he wanted.
A freshly painted, handmade camper is in the parking lot.
After the Big Lots store, I look for a place that sells propane.
I pull into a Sundance gas station and park next to the propane tank. Bridget is still fussing and, since there’s a shady place to walk her around flowering bushes, I don’t mind giving her another go.
When we come back to the PTV, a couple has blocked us in with their big Cambria Class C, obviously wanting propane also and not realizing that’s why I parked there. The man goes inside to get someone to pump the propane.
The propane guy opens up the little side door of the Class C and attempts to pump propane into its tank. No good.
He can’t attach the nozzle.
The lady watching, remarks, “They didn’t give you much room.”
The propane guy gives up and goes inside to find someone to help. When he comes out, the lady from the Class C graciously tells him to fill my tank first. She backs up the Class C to let me out and we’re on our way. Four gallons of propane @ $3.19 a gal. — plus an ice cream sandwich and Arizona tax — comes to $17.12.
Next we turn onto Mesquite Avenue.
I fill up five one-gallon jugs with drinking water for a dollar, dump the trash, and we head back to camp. I’m not in a sight-seeing mood today. This was a git ‘er done trip.
Rusty greets us as we drive up.
“Do you remember, Rusty, when I said I’d send you a gift to thank you for letting us camp next to your house in Chino Valley?”
He nods his head.
“And I never did send that gift.” I open up the back of the PTV. “So I’m giving it to you now, to thank you for letting us camp next to you.”
I hand him the rolled up patio rug.
Bridget loves anything domestic. Whenever I do housework or set out our blue mat, she’s right there watching. Bridget sees Rusty unrolling his new mat by his camper, so she hurries over to supervise.
Then Timber wants to see what’s going on. Timber’s presence sends Bridget under the camper. (Note little legs below license plate.)
Rusty plays ball with Timber.
He lobs the blue ball really high. Timber waits for it to bounce once and then he leaps to meet it. The photo (below) shows another successful catch!
I borrow two more movie CDs from Rusty’s collection.
I watched “JFK” with Kevin Costner last night. Tonight I’ll watch Nicole Kidman in “Australia,” and tomorrow night — our last night at this camp — I’ll watch Russell Crowe in “Master and Commander.”
I gave Rusty a selection of movie CDs of westerns starring John Wayne and Sam Shepherd, plus the Sandra Bullock flick, “28 days.”
It’s nice, when living on the road, to have books and/or movies to share.
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
I love RVSue shoppers.
FLASHBACK!
The crew cools off in the creek at The Falls Campground, Wyoming, Summer 2012
🙂
Hi, Geri!
Now that I have read the blog…..
I love your gift to Rusty, very nice rug! Sure will keep a lot of dirt from getting tracked into the camper!
Really loved seeing the photo of Spikey and Bridget in the water! I miss Spike too!
Excited to see where you are headed next!
An outdoor mat is a must-have! Not only do they cut down on the dirt tracked in, they make the outdoors seem like home.
Were Spike & bridget brother and sister ? They look alike.
My regards, Lucy.
Hi, Lucy,
No, they weren’t. They came from different animal shelters in different counties. The symmetrical markings of a tri-color face is typical of rat terriers. I find that appealing. I don’t know why.
So glad you had a good day. Today I installed Turbo Tax Premier and edited personal data it transferred and entered most of the income. I call that a day’s work. LOL
You are such a good girl, Velda! I don’t think I’ve ever filed before April.
They have been recommending you file early this year because there are active hackers using data bases to sneak in and pretend to be you and falsifying your income then getting your refund. It’s happened over and over but they say this,year particularly bad and the sooner you file the less likely bad guys can tie up our account with false info. Well, that and husband keeps bugging me about it and he’s cranky enough as it is. LOL 9 more treatments!
You’re understanding toward husband’s crankiness. This ordeal of radiation treatments is hard on you, too, I’m sure. He’s down to single digits!
Hackers…. The evil in this world is wearisome. It’s always something.
Always good to get out for awhile. I, too, felt joy and sadness at seeing the picture of Spike and Bridget.
Loved the rug you picked for Rusty.
Hi, Barbara,
The photo brings back good memories of how refreshing that creek was for all three of us on a very hot day.
Ditto!
I was hoping that you would have some good luck at the humane society. No biggie! When the time is right…….
Have you seen many desert flowers out that way? I think that we will be heading out to the desert later this week to see if the rain did some magic on helping the blooms out this year.
Chris B
Hi, Chris B.,
I haven’t seen flowers around here. R., who is in Anza Borrego, reports seeing desert lilies in bloom.
The desert around Picacho Peak State park is blooming like crazy with poppies, lupine and daisies. Just beautiful!
It looks like the wildflowers are now my followers…. They will bloom wherever I go, right after I leave.
Hi Miss Sue and Bridget too!
Gosh I was on the edge of my seat! But the right one will be there, right around a corner! I know there is a boy out there somewhere just a waitin’ on you!
I can’t put a photo up but am including the info on a Casita for sale–this is a friend of a friend, so I have no other knowledge of it at all. I just know you don’t find used ones that often, and it looks clean in the photo I saw. It is off the ROVT Trash to treasures facebook page (vintage trailers mainly).
** Miller Enee
I’m selling my Casita, if you know anyone who wants it they can come down to Tucson/Vail, AZ to get it.
My phone 520-465-0490….. $13,000
I hope you have a great evening.
Hugs from Hoquiam, where the sun keeps shining and the gray skies are confused!
Barb
Hi, Barb,
I’m happy to have you share that information here. That could be a very good buy.
I hope your evening is great!
Such a nice gift! Rusty and Timber will get lots of use out of that rug.
Bridget and Spike were having a nice cool off, know you both miss him.
Hi, Judy L.,
Did you see my sister’s comment to you recently? Yes, that rug will serve them well, especially after a rain.
I didn’t see it before but went back and found it. Sent reply Hope she finds it too. Parvin is the family name if she don’t. It would be neat if she knew some of them.
I have read and followed your blog so much till it feels like I almost know you and Bridget take care
🙂
Good movie choices. I enjoy the part of M&C where the doctor previews the evolution of wildlife on the Galapagos, study of which is made famous by Darwin. I am sure the rain is welcome in the area, but its no fun to be shut in to the camper. Better a bit of rain there, than the snow everywhere else. Cheers!
Hi, K & B in CO,
We don’t mind a few rainy days… usually it isn’t until the third day that we start feeling cabin fever, and rarely does it rain on us for that long.
Now camping in snow? One day is enough! Hope you enjoy your evening.
There is such a huge variance in propane prices if you shop around. They need to have a “gasbuddy” website for propane! Not such a big deal when you’re only filling a small tank, but we have a 20 gallon tank, so 50 cents a gallon makes a big difference on the cost.
We filled up this morning just north of metro Phoenix for $2.59 a gallon, tax included. 🙂
Wow, that is a good price for propane. There are some things I can’t be bothered with and one of them is shopping for the best price on propane or gas. If I need either and it’s right there, I’m filling up and forgetting about it. Of course, like you say, I don’t have a big tank.
That was a very nice gift for Rusty. He and Timber seemed to enjoy it. It is to bad that Bridget doesn’t give Timber more of a chance. $3.19 a gallon isn’t to bad a price for propane. Hope you enjoy your movies tonight.
Hi, Lisa W.,
At first I thought “Australia” was going to be weird with a comic-book tone, and then it took on depth that made for a very entertaining and satisfying movie. The stampede sequence was incredible!
That was quite a rain, wasn’t it? Just went on and on – and it was “real” rain, not just the typical spatter. There aren’t much for flowers where I am, but it is even greener than before (which was already pretty green).
I never thought of Big Lots for one of those rugs. I still don’t have one and can see it would be a great addition. Maybe I’ll stop in at Big Lots next time I’m in town.
Hi, Pen,
I think the patio mats on Amazon are better buys. I didn’t think to include one when I placed my order. That’s why I bought it at Big Lots. The selection there is small. Of course, they have new stuff coming in frequently. Big Lots is a weird store. It’s like a combination of a dollar store and a furniture store.
Thanks for that additional info, Sue.
Big Lots sells patio mats? Nice! That 3rd photo…this is the first time I’ve noticed that the PTV is actually bigger than the BLT! It struck me funny. Don’t worry and keep looking, there’s another PCM (Perfect Crew Member) out there for you, and he’ll appear at just the right time. Happy Camping to you and Bridget; Rusty and Timber too!
Hi, JanisP.,
You never can tell what Big Lots will sell. I figured they might have stuff for RVers because Lake Havasu City is one big RV lot mixed in with very nice homes (my first impression!).
Thanks for the encouragement on finding the right addition to our family.
Just want to say how much I enjoy reading your blog! That’s all. 😀
And that’s what I love to know, Dyann. I’m glad!
Some days you just have to get things done–yours was very productive. The mat is a perfect choice for Rusty! I typically don’t put our mat out until we know whether or not we’re going to stay for awhile. We’re enjoying Pancho Villa SP & there’s going to be a big celebration this weekend on the 99th anniversary of the invasion so we’ll stay for that. Next year will be the centennial–won’t miss that. The photo showing Bridget’s little legs is adorable. It’s sweet that she’s domestic–that might come in handy some day.
Hi, Dawn,
Your comment shows how living in an RV gives you endless choices… where to go, where to camp, what to see now, what not to miss in the future… fun!
Yeah, Bridget has interest in domestic tasks. Too bad she doesn’t have an opposable thumb. 😉
Sounds like you have an interesting and fun weekend ahead of you…
Yea right, if she had an opposable thumb she could sit on the bed as you clean the BLT and point to say “You missed a spot.” 🙂
Hahaha! Oh, Rick, you’re hilarious. That sounds like Bridget!
LOL!! 🙂
Hey have you tried Petfinder.com? A lot of the shelters list their dogs there, and you can put in where you are and filter it to within 100 miles. Since a lot of the shelters don’t seem very good about identifying the correct breed, it might be best to just put in “terrier” for your search. Saw some cute ones there! (Carson and Popov were my faves)
I appreciate your desire to want to help me. You’re new to the comments section of this blog. A while back I posted the following message due to the numerous suggestions re where I should look for a new crew member.
I appreciate the opportunity you give me here to post it again, as I probably need to do so periodically until I bring him home . . .
MESAGE TO READERS:
Many of you have made suggestions where to look or go for a new crew member. I understand the caring that prompts those efforts to help.
My years of involvement in canine rescue, including providing a foster home, gave me knowledge of the many available resources.
I’m looking at county facilities and humane societies. I’ve been familiar with Petfinder since it’s beginnings many years ago, also Petango, Petstew, Adopt-a-Pet, etc.. I also frequent the rat terrier rescues, Jack Russell rescues, other breed rescues, as well as the general state rescues, local rescues, and little in-home rescues. I don’t do Craigslist.
Thank you! He will be found!
Oops, sorry! Sounds like you’ve got it covered.
No need to apologize… I was flooded with suggestions recently, thus the message. 🙂
Hi, Sue! It is so nice to read about you and Rusty getting together again. That patio rug is the best gift for hIm. I’m sure he will really come to love it even more as it proves its usefulness.
I am officially on the road. I gave up bricks and sticks for rubber tires! Tonight is my fourth night! What an interesting learning curve it is proving to be! I’m staying in an RV park for a few weeks so I can get the lay of the land (or the RV in reality!) and be somewhere I can get help if needed. I think I’m already in people overload! You are one of the blogs that helped me to get here so a big thank you!
You’re welcome, and CONGRATULATIONS, DEBORAH!
HOORAY FOR YOU!
Into day five already… I’m very happy for you and I agree with your decision to camp near people while you become accustomed to all that is new to you. I did something similar by camping in NM state parks the first few months.
Once I had the solar panel, batteries, etc. and the propane heater installed, I tried boondocking and loved it! As you know, you don’t have to fashion your RV life to match mine. That’s what is wonderful… You can live in a tight community or vast open spaces or somewhere in between . . . . or move from one type to another, as your mood tells you. Travel a lot with short stays or settle somewhere that makes you happy. . . . Keep in touch with what makes you happy and let your life play out to suit you!
Thanks for the report. I think your comment is encouraging to those who are in the wondering/dreaming/planning stages. 🙂
Awwwww….the last pic 🙁
I miss him.
I’m happy though, that you guys had a great day! And those other shots of your day are really nice. It looks like Rusty is going to enjoy that rug!
Boy…you got me thinking about the advantage of having a propane tank able to be removed and taken to be filled without having to drive the whole rig over!
Things that make you go, “Hmmmmmm……”
Hey, did you ever consider the Oliver trailer, Sue, when you were working out your full-timing plan?
Cindy,
Oliver Travel Trailers was on hiatus due to the economy when Sue bought the BLT. We picked up our Casita in May 2010 and if Oliver had been in production then we may have considered it. They sure are nice fiberglass trailers.
Hi, Cindy,
You know, I hadn’t given any thought to the removable versus non-removable propane tank issue until I saw that big, beautiful Class C parked in a no-parking spot in that busy gas station in order to buy propane.
I considered the Oliver trailer — they are high quality — and then, as Marsha explained, the company stopped production. They did me a favor. They took away the temptation to buy a much more expensive trailer when I’m perfectly happy and satisfied with the BLT!
Yeah Sue and Marsha,
I knew about the temporary lapse in Oliver’s production. But, since you had checked into it that tells me you were at least considering it.
But, I’m wondering since they can make a trailer already set up with the right kind of solar, larger propane tanks…and other boondocking amenities…would you guys think that if you were looking today for trailers that you might buy the Oliver, given that…especially you Sue had to spend $ later to set up your solar and other boondocking things…that maybe would be taken care of on the Ollie?
It’s hard for me to answer your question, Cindy, without investigating what solar comes with the Oliver and what other changes that have been made since I looked at them several years ago. Having said that, I assume the Olivers being made today are top-notch and also top-end priced. There’s a point at which the extra expense isn’t justified for someone who hauls their trailer on really rough and rocky roads and isn’t looking for the prestige of having the highest price fiberglass egg available.
But, as I indicated, I don’t know what I’m talking about!
LOL!
Well, they offer a 320W solar package with an optional 2000 watt sine inverter (you can get just the 600 W one instead, though)…pretty awesome. And optional AGM batts. too. And optional larger propane tanks, too.
Also, the Wilson 4G Amplifier, and the WIFIRANGER Pack 2.
All stuff that boondockers usually buy, anyway. And sometimes (often…I hear) installed wrong….LOL!
I know YOURS is “Right” though
🙂
That is a fantastic set-up! I wonder what size trailer goes with it.
You can get it on both their 18′ and 23′ I think, but their 23′ for sure, cause that’s what I was looking at.
I figured it would have to be a bigger trailer… 23′ is too big for me!
Chuck and I owned an Oliver and loved it! They are back in production and the customize you trailer to your needs! Several Oliver friends had them install the solar and they let you choose the fabric for the interior cushions! The Oliver folks are good to deal with! They are also now making a 22 or 24 foot trailer and it is touring the country now. Our friend, Larry Harmon, is doing this tour. You could contact him via Facebook and see if he is coming to a town near you!
BUT, that being said, Chuck and I started out with Casita! He had his and I had mine and we met on the Casita forum! We loved our Casitas also! They are so easy to tow!
Really Geri?
That’s cool…but, why don’t you have it anymore?
BTW, the new Ollie you’re talking about comes in both 18.5′ and a 23.5′
And it’s already been here to AZ…and I missed it 🙁
The reason we don’t have the Oliver anymore, we decided to go fulltime and volunteer or work camp around the country! Plus the fact that there wasn’t enough room for 2 persons clothes, AND we had 3 dogs. We had kept my home in Florida, so for our 3 Oliver years, we had a place to keep our things we didn’t have room for in the Oliver
Here’s the link to the 23.5′ brochure: http://olivertraveltrailers.com/brochure/2015-OTT-Legacy-Elite-2-pages.pdf
Hi Sue,
What a perfect gift you picked for Rusty and Timber. It looked great too. Bet he’ll think of you everytime he pulls it out. 🙂
You are doing the right thing to find your forever fur baby. Keep looking and the perfect little dude will find you.
I know it must be nice to have a friend camping near by for a change.
I’d love to camp near you sometime in the future.
Deb and rosie and lily
not too close lol
Hi, Deb and rosie and lily (such sweet names!)…
Oh, you wouldn’t love to camp near me. I’m much more agreeable in print than in person. Just ask Shirlene… I was a complete snob and ignored her the whole time she camped nearby. . . 🙂
I wouldn’t mind staying at this camp longer. However, the search to complete the crew motivates me to keep moving to new areas . . .
LOL…..yep. But I respect boundries.
Today I drove from Tucson to Yuma. Went past Picacho Peak area and out Hwy 8. Flowers all the way…yellow, blue and white. Then I went north on 95 to Quartzsite, then west to Blythe. Spending the night at Super 8, then back to Quartzsite tomorrow to check out flea market. Then home again. Didn’t see flowers on 95 but it was getting dark. But the desert is definitely blooming.
Went to Algodones today and got two pairs of glasses. One is sunglasses. Took 2 hours and $300. Including eye exam. Pretty cool! My sunglasses have really cool dark purple frames. I’m very pleased with my trip. Algodones is a fun place to go. Very safe. Got some good dentist recommendations from people I met who live in Yuma and get all their dental work in Algodones.
Also found out I am developing cataracts in both eyes! Rats! There’s always something. But I was hardly nauseated at all today. I’m getting better I think!
Ok, I’m tired. The Super 8 in Blythe is not bad for $69. Has a mini fridge and microwave, and is pretty clean. I’m hitting the bed and hoping I can sleep without my recliner!
Ginger… You accomplish in one day what takes me weeks! Good heavens, girl.. You do make things happen!
Los Algodones is fun. I should go there someday when I don’t need glasses or dental or anything other than to experience that town. I’m glad you’re happy with the glasses.
I hope you are enjoying the Big Q today….
Hi, DesertGinger,
Sounds like you are having a wonderful trip! What a treat to see the desert in bloom! You got an awesome deal on the two pair of glasses. Enjoy! 🙂
What a wonderful day! Love the new decor for Rusty & Timber! Very thoughtful of you Sue. Every time I see Timber he seems to be such a happy dog and looks so healthy! Poor little Bridgett is just too small to play with him. He scares her. I am so glad you are having a good get together with them. Movies on a rainy night are wonderful. Have much fun you guys. Take Care
Hi, Diane,
Yeah, Timber and Bridget are not a good match. Spike was smaller than Timber, but he had big attitude and that made it possible for him and Timber to like each other.
Always nice to see you here. Wishing you a wonderful day!
That nice that you are hanging out with Rusty and Timber for a bit !
Hi, Sue,
Yes, we’re having a good visit. We have our own projects going on in our respective homes and we have short chats and share exercise time with the dogs..
Desert Ginger,it’s wonderful to hear you are out and about after the year you have had. You GO Girl!
It has been so nice to meet Rusty and Timber through your blog. I wish them God’s blessings and happy trails! I am so glad that you all had the opportunity to camp together. You are very special people.
Thank you, Karla. I hope all is well with you. You had another blast of winter recently, according to what I read online…
Yes, we are covered in snow again. That makes it all the more enjoyable to view your pictures of warm and dry places. Yesterday I purchased two of William L.H. Moon’s books to read during this stay in time. Have started Roads To Quoz. He has quite an interesting style of writing.
Sue,
I enjoyed your post and and visiting with Rusty and Timber, I admire how simply you both live yet enjoy your lives so much. My new little dog Tula is a joy to me, she is so sweet and looks at me with so much love and gratitude my heart melts.
Happy Trails…
Hi, Willow,
Tula knows how good you are to her and she appreciates her home. I’m happy you found each other. I wish you many, many years together, full of good health, fun, and snuggles.
Aw, so sweet, Willow! You and Tula are the perfect match for each other! 🙂
Thanks for the shot with perspective of your camps. That’s nothing like the commercial campgrounds I’ve seen. You have a nice natural setting and only one neighbor, who is at a comfortable distance and is a quiet friend. Commercial camping is very different.
That blue handmade camper is almost exactly what I have been designing. (Not sure why my brain stays on that; what I want is a minivan, but “instinct” says make a second plan.) The only differences I would have are a lighter truck under it and a sloped, not stepped, roof-line.
I’m glad you and Rusty have each other for friends. Everybody needs at least one person like that. Thanks for the reminder about getting a mat.
Hi, Calvin R.,
You are so right when you mention that commercial camping is very different from boondocking. When I hear of someone or a couple giving up RVing because they hate it, I wonder if they only experienced sardine-can camping on pavement, which didn’t suit them at all.
Your feedback on the truck camper is helpful for me as a blogger. I thought someone might like to see what this person had put together. I try to include things of interest to a wide variety of people and situations. I enjoy coming across the resourcefulness of inventive people.
Yes, get a mat. I love mine, so does the Bridge.
I don’t know why it strikes me as funny that you went to Big Lots from your wonderfully remote little spot in the desert. Of course I know you’re near a town…..but it’s like you changed dimensions rather than just drove down the road 🙂 Few things say “home” more than a rug at the door. I know Rusty and Timber are so grateful for that loving gift. Nice that Class C Lady noticed their error and made it right. Not that you were in a hurry, but nice matters. Big smiles from the refreshing water pic – good life!
Hi, Jodee,
I can see where it would seem funny… From creosote bushes to Big Lots…. 🙂
Actually, your comment has me thinking about the ideal camp — a place that is secluded, peaceful, beautifully natural, and with a feeling of remoteness, yet stores, water, propane, dump station, trash bins, auto repair, etc. are only a short drive away.
Fun! Lets go!
Amazing how, without needing a body of water or any special attraction that draws people to certain spots, simply unspoiled desert can be so beautiful ,as is shown in your seventh photo .Hope the four of you enjoy your ’til next time wrap up visit day.Great to have 😉 also nice to get back to time when it’s unavailable, so isn’t expected.It doesn’t matter how much I enjoy and care about someone,seven days that include making a point of getting in face time can start to feel like a job or obligation.
Funny,when you posted the photos of Timber on your rug,I’d thought he wanted to be on it ,with or without Bridget.Everyone ,critters included,enjoys a clearing of grass or cloth of some sort as a break from course textures like sand and rock to sit and walk on. I’m glad Rusty and he now have that, as well as it’s other benefits they’ll enjoy.Very thoughtful choice of a gift,Sue.Glad what you needed is filled,too, so you can relax and enjoy today and then tomorrow’s move.
Hi, weather,
Timber does like the rug. I wanted to post a photo of him lying on the rug. Whenever I come out and point the camera at him, he jumps up and trots around. That’s the way Timber is. 🙂
Like I’ve said about camps, I say about house guests… Leave wanting more!
Rusty and I don’t feel obligated to entertain each other. He works on his truck, putters inside his camper, reads online, etc. and I have the things that I like to do. We don’t have shared meals, happy hour, go places together, or any of that… which tends to tire people of their company.
We live comfortably and with ease, nearby but not infringing on each other’s time and freedom to live each day as we want.
As you know very well, beauty can be found anywhere in nature. Enjoy what surrounds you today!
==========
I’m a huge DIY fan but when it comes to homemade campers, I’m surprised more don’t buy an older used camper and just redo the outside if they want fiberglass or painted plywood, etc. I think most folks will be very hard pressed to design a better interior than most any factory build — very little space is wasted. I bought an older 8′ camper (doesn’t include the cabover bed) for $300 that I used for many years — slept in it hundreds of nights — and sold it quick in the middle of winter for $250. The buyer wanted to give me a significant tip for helping to load it on his truck but I refused. He had no provision on his truck for tie-downs so I cautioned him to keep it under 45 MPH until he got home. As he left, he drove full speed over a speed bump and then I knew: not only had he never loaded a camper before, he obviously had never hauled one before either! :o)
JIM & ANNIE — BOISE, ID
==========
Hi, Jim and Annie,
The guy crashing over the speed bump with his “new” camper… You have to shake your head sometimes at what people do. Maybe he was excited about his purchase and therefore didn’t see the speed bump. . . . (trying to think the best here, not easy! Haha!)
I was curious about the weather in Boise during this week in early March… I looked it up: highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s. I wonder if you have a lot of wind or snow there . . .
==========
I’ve been calling this “the last winter against my will” but it has been wonderfully mild — beginning in early Feb. Most nights are below or near freezing but daily highs in the 50s and even 60s have been quite common. We’re headed to Lost Wages this weekend to get married — gotta’ get legit before we hit the road, eh? — so we’ll get a little sneak preview of what March in the future will feel like. We don’t usually get much in the way of high winds in Boise itself. Though a town near here — Kuna — is a whole different story! If all goes well, we’ll be spending our summers there and there isn’t a single original roof in that whole area which hasn’t been repaired multiple times and usually with different color shingles each time! Two-story houses (like the rental we have) are taller than the trees and *really* get hit hard — especially if the ridge runs north/south (as ours does) because the prevailing wind is from the West.
===========
If it was easy to move like an RV, it would be moved already. :o)
JIM & ANNIE ~ BOISE, ID
===========
Obviously, other people have other needs and opinions. That’s fine. I would go crazy in a cookie-cutter world.
I have a couple reasons for not wanting a manufactured RV.
(1) Money. Seems obvious. If I can get what I want (and only what I want) new for $500 or so, why spend thousands on an older (pre-abused) unit? Most older used units do not hold up in constant use. Even new RVs mostly come with a statement that they are not intended for full-time use, and such use voids the warranty.
(2) Other than Class B’s and “fiberglass eggs” (like the Casita) the majority of manufactured RVs are made with “stick and staple” construction. I cannot imagine that stuff holding up in a collision or rollover the way sturdier vehicles do. If I wanted a bigger home, I’d convert a school bus or box truck. Those are made to industrial standards.
(3) I am a minimalist. I have no use for fireplaces, washer/dryer combos, slideouts, or anything else that I do not need. I define “need” in a narrow way, too.
Boy…I hear that, Calvin!
I know nothing about construction, tho. That’s why I’m looking at the Ollie trailer for down the road.
But, what do you know about Class Bs that I don’t know?
The retaining of the original body (except the roof) defines a Class B. (Those “B+” motorhomes are correctly small Class C units.) The replacement of the roof with a fiberglass high top requires bracing of the rest of the unit if it is to retain its strength, but I doubt it has the issues that other RVs do. Fiberglass eggs, including the Casita and the Oliver, are altogether different, but typical RVs are made with 2 x 2’s and a thin skin, and I do not see that as a strong construction.
Thank you Calvin,
I was at the Camping World show in PHX this last weekend hoping to see some fiberglass trailers….none were there, though.
However, there were the new Leisure Unity Bs there. They can’t keep ’em in stock. People are on a waiting list ordering them. But….you’re right…they are a compact version of my C (mine is a 25′ no-slide Winnebago). They DID look a lot better constructed on the inside than most everything else we saw. I was surprised, actually.
I believe there are a few exceptions to the “stick and staple” contruction method. It’s certainly worth checking. Probably they talk about it on their web site somewhere.
Could be…I’ll look at the construction part of that more closely if they’ve got that part spelled out.
Cindy, since all fiberglass trailers with the exception of the Bigfoot are sold through the factory and not a dealer network you will not find one at a RV show.
If you want to see one you can check with the manufacturer’s and they can put you in touch with a local owner who will show you their trailer. If you buy one the owner gets a small commission.
If your interested. fiberglassrv.com has a great community of true belivers and more info than you could ever imagaine.
Ah…thank you, Badger! I was wondering about that. I was sooooo disappointed that I didn’t get to see MOST of what I expected to see, that day.
But I didn’t know about the owner-show connection…that’s a great idea…thank you, again!
P.S. I will check out that forum!
Get a Sprinter van. The roof on my Leisure Travel van is the metal Mercedes built it with and safety tested it before it left Germany. And we can stand up inside easy. Units back to their beginning around 2003 are coming on market at decent prices.
You are right about the Sprinter roof being metal, original, and stronger. The Sprinters can be used for Class B motorhomes such as yours without replacing the roofs, and that is an important advantage.
I cannot afford a Sprinter, new or used. Also, the Sprinters that I see here in Ohio have a strong tendency to rust in a few years. The pattern of that rusting is not typical of our road-salt rust, either. They look as if the rust comes from water dripping down from the roof. I am not sure what happens, but not 100% of them do that. The manual may give means of protecting the finish. I encourage you to do that.
We have owned our Sprinter since it was”born” in the LT factory in spring of 05. No rust. Our part of CA has been in drought for years but we keep an eye on it. Vulnerable place for early ones is where hood covers front section where wipers are. We keep it clean.
Good Morning Sue….I am happy for you to be moving on, although a little sad that you are leaving such good friends….Bridget will probably be grateful for the chance to get you back to herself again without that PEST!
I hope the weather in Boise is good next week, I will be going there to visit my daughter and son-in-law who moved there last November…my first trip to Idaho, and I am looking forward to it…Still in the 30’s at night I hear and 40’s to 50’s during the day…but snow is gone for the season they think.
I will be following along with you, although on my cell phone…if I comment forgive my mistakes as the letters are too small for me to easily see.
Sweet goodbyes to Rusty and Timber until next time…may their road be smooth and full of wonder as well as yours.
Hi, Shirlene and good afternoon!
I saw a report online of temps in the 60s during the day, maybe there’s a warming trend just for you! Have a good trip and a wonderful time. I know you will. 🙂
If you can check in here, great. No worry about typos…
Happy me….cant wait to see where we go next.
yep, Rusty will think of you and Miss B every time he steps out on that rug….
what a thoughtful gift….
again another nice blog and great pictures….they make me want to hit the road
and head west….
chuck
Your comment reminds me of a very poignant memory. My parents in their latter years bought a home. With all that’s required to set up in a house in a different part of the country, their budget was stretched tight. The kitchen-eating area was large and the vinyl was in poor condition. I knew that bothered them both because it made the house look bad.
I took my mother down to a carpet place and had her choose what vinyl she wanted. Typical of her, she chose a very cheerful pattern.
Some time after that Dad told me that each morning when he walked into the kitchen for a cup of coffee, that floor told him how much Susan loved them. (I was always Susan to my parents.) This is making me teary-eyed… a bittersweet memory. I wish I could have done more for them. Oh, how they would’ve loved to live like I am now!
Thank you, Chuck.
What a kind compassionate daughter you were Sue…glad you have this sweet memory!!
I try to tell everyone I know about your blog….if I had been reading a blog like yours 8 years ago when I retired I would have packed up the wife and hit the road. Im too old to try it now going thru selling the house and everything that goes with it so I am riding with you in mind in spirit even if I cant go in body…thanks again for all your posts and pictures…
You’re welcome, and thank you, Chuck, for telling people about my blog.
meant to add that Master and Commander is a good movie but I had to watch it several times to get to like it….especially liked the duo music that Doc and Captain played throughout the movie….
I may have seen Master and Commander once before. I’ll figure that out tonight. Some movies do take a repeat viewing or two in order to be appreciated. Not many, but a few…
Nice rug! Looks like both Rusty and Timber love it! What a neat gift!
Big Lots can be fun…hit or miss..definitely a lot of things to browse. Great prices too!
Enjoy!
Hi, Cinandjules,
They have Big Lots in New York too, eh? Lots of choices in Lake Havasu City. It’s one shopping plaza after another, up and down side streets, too.
I noticed the welcome sign says LHC was established in 1964. You know you’re old when you go to a city that wasn’t established until you were in high school!
There is one in Rome NY about an hour away. We frequented Big Lots when we were in CA.
1964? I was 3! You old geezer! 😉
Hi Sue. I’ve been kinda offline for awhile and clicked your most recent blog post from my email and I see Rusty is with you. I have been trying to work my way ALL the way through your blog so still stuck WAY in the past. I went into my bookmarks to try to figure out where I had last left your blog, and low and behold I am on “RV Sue Meets Camo Man!” and I read with glee about your first meeting of Rusty. I also just read the post about “The mountain man’s gift” and got to the part where he stops and turns…. and said ““Sue? Thank you for being my friend and a sister in Christ. May God bless you through the night.” that caused me to get all teary eyed and I whimpered “Oh!!!! I want to be his friend too! What a sweetie!”
You BOTH are just so incredibly sweet and amazing people. I’m so incredibly glad I was able to see this post today AND go “reminisce” over your first meeting!
Hi, Tracy,
I enjoyed your comment very much. And here’s my reaction to you reading how Rusty and I met . . . .
Keep going . . . The story has several developments . . .
YOU AIN’T SEEN NOTHING YET! 🙂
Hi Sue,
I suspect that you are still answering comments that maybe you have not moved on and are still going to be able to share one more campfire with Rusty and Timber…Or maybe you have moved and are getting a new post ready. Whatever, that is what freedom is all about..you put your left foot in, you take your left foot out….never mind.
The plan is to move camp tomorrow (Th). It’s very windy today. If it’s this windy on Thursday, we’ll stay. If it’s only breezy we will go. I have found places to camp along our route in the event that I want to cut our travel short to get out of the wind.
Rusty and I don’t sit around campfires together. For the most part, we keep to our space, both of us enjoying our own company. 🙂
Perfect relationship for you…each giving and receiving what the other needs.
When I need alone time, I let Rusty know and he understands without becoming offended. I like that.
And you know, I know that, and respect that also. 🙂
Thanks for the ‘Jimmy Veeder Fiasco’ book recommendations.
Great stuff, right up my alley…..
Half way through Dove Season, can’t wait for the rest…
I’m tickled, AJ, that you like those books. Make sure you read “Plaster City,” too.
Plaster City (A Jimmy Veeder Fiasco)
Hi, Sue!
Love the mat that you picked up for Rusty and Timber. The color compliments Rusty’s rig.
I have enjoyed this post about your busy errand day and all of the blogorino’s comments. Hope you and Bridget have a good evening! To everyone in the path of this storm, please stay safe, dry and warm! Hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise and good morning!
Another blizzard…. At least they’re saying it will be the last of the seasons.
Just wanted to chime in on the earlier discussion of various trailer and Rv choices, DIY or solar city decked out and set up……..My husband Mark has a passion for taking something old and giving it a completely new life cycle……I wonder if more people who would otherwise be priced out of an RV or trailer retirement and have Do It Yourself skills……should not consider following his lead? The shell of an aluminum 70’s trailer was researched and purchased on Craig’s list, as was a 1978 Class A RV…….now he has 2 blank slates to build his dream projects…It warms my heart to recycle these well-constructed relics from our childhoods! My thrifty nature does cartwheels and handstands knowing we paid pennies on the dollar compared to today’s models…and in about 5 yrs , the price of solar components should be downright affordable for all!
Sue Cleaner Greener,
You and your husband are so right to see the beauty and value in re-doing the older models of RVs. My husband and I own a Vintage Airstream and while the newer RVs are quote~beautiful~ the Older ones are like the fine Classic Cars of yesteryear. I have often wondered why more of the layed off Union Tradesmen do not take to re-doing the classics. They have the welding, iron working, plumbing, millright skills and often have the tools already needed for the tasks. My husband and I have none of those skills but if we did we would jump all over it. A real sense of histroy and pride follows the end project when it is completed. Maybe many of those older classic RVs would remain in the USA too! Many are going to other points around the world and rebuilt over there, used as full-time homes. Many have gone to Asia for years decades. Now the Middle East is getting several shipped there too. I guess I’m glad that the classics are getting new life wherever they go but it would be nice if we, in the USA, tried harder to keep them here. We Americans work such long hours and have such short vacation days, well…it is too hard for many people to have the time to invest in doing them correctly. Kind of sad really, but true enough that for many our jobs own us until we are retired.
@ SueCleanerGreenerVegas – if there was a “like” button on this site I know your comment would have a ton of them by now!
I’m here but I don’t have any input so I just read in silence. Beautiful yesterday (wed) and the forecast is for wall to wall sunshine for the next couple of weeks. I imagine you are, as Willy Nelson would say, “on the road again”…..Take care Missy!!
Good morning, Jim,
Change of plans… We’re staying put for another day. I’ll explain in a blog post. . .
The winds of yesterday are gone this morning. What a pretty, full moon last night. . . .
Oooo, oooo, oooo….jumping up and down…can’t wait for next post… and Good Morning Sue and Bridget…
Do I hear, maybe…, puppy news coming??
That would be a Great reason for your delayed travel plans!
Whatever the reason, hope it is a good thing.
I’m home. Got home yesterday about 530. Went to Big Q flea market. Not a lot of vendors left, but some. Didn’t get anything.. Then drove home on Hwy 10. Phoenix is a big mess….lots of traffic. Doesn’t appeal to me at all.
Going to my coffee group this morning then work at 1pm. Hope my new glasses help me see! Everyone have a great day.
Hi DG, so glad you are feeling well enough to be out and about.
Phoenix was a mess when I left it in 91. I can’t even fathom what it is like now.
Are you still going to the Escapees Roundup?
When and where is that Alan?
Starts this Sunday in Tucson.
http://www.escapees.com/Escapade/Default.aspx
Hi Sue,I see you decided to stay there today rather than move.I’m curious,of course,yet as I know you’ll share some of what’s up in another post ,won’t ask questions.Just leaving a note to say I hope and trust all’s well.Now that most tall plants here don’t have snow or ice on them the birds can perch on branches.A male cardinal was on one almost right beside to me when I was outside.They’re gorgeous when seen close up that way.I thought of how much nicer it is for you to have the higher zoom capacity on this camera compared to the one that got wet.Neat the way gains come from loss.If you’re playing,have fun with whatever it is,if not sending prayers for peace until next time.
Hi, weather,
We’re fine. Nice of you to wonder about us. 🙂
Cardinals are so pretty against the white of snow. In the desert we have phainopepla, which you probably know have a crest like a cardinal only they’re all black. I made a link so you can hear the phainopepla’s song.
Enjoyed the bird song, Sue!! Sure do miss my cardinals that frequented our deck back in NC!! Gorgeous birds. They had up to 4 batches of babies each year there and were both so busy always taking care of them…both parents working together!!
Aw-w,putting the link in for me was incredibly nice of you,thanks!What a delightful voice,you know how much I love hearing birdsong,and at this hour mine are quiet so it was even more of a treat 🙂
I’m glad you liked it!
Hi Rusty and Timber! Glad you and Sue and Bridgette had a good visit!
🙂
Sue,
Your travel delay brings a question to mind…
How do you always seem to handle the weather delays with such grace?
You just seem to have the ~roll with the punches~ down to a fine art.
Is it because you have several years of full-time travels behind you or have you always been that forgiving of the weather conditions?
I have a 10 day trip planned for next week. Glorious days in Fla at the beach…
but checking the weather earlier today it is suppose to rain most of that time! Really crest fallen right now. This trip was suppose to be my solo trip in my new-to-me Chevy Express Conversion Van. While I do love the van, I do not want to spend my solo trip inside hiding from the rain 🙁 I guess I will learn to be more accepting of the bad weather over time…but the timing right now really sucks-wind.
When you are retired and boondocking there is no where you have to be at any particular time. It is easy to go with the flow. 🙂
That’s exactly the response I would make, Alan. Being retired makes the living easy — no schedules, no pressure, no deadlines, no need to hurry anywhere!
Another thing I used to worry about was getting sick for that ONE week I had a big vacation planned. I still hate getting sick, but at least it’s a little easier to accept if you don’t only have ONE week that gets ruined (and then of course you are fit as a fiddle on the day you go back to work…. grrrr).
Hi Pen!
Yep, that was my main concern about going away rain or not…getting sick there with cold or flu was not sounding like much fun. It was a real concern when biking in Daytona, Bike Week. I just don’t want to risk it this year and will wait for Panama City Beach instead…
Hey, I’m retired too!
But when events are scheduled, plans are made to attend them, then that is a little different when the weather turns bad. Just disappointing when that happens…i’ll get over it and find something else to do to take it’s place. It can’t be raining and storming everywhere 😉
Tell me more about your van Pamela….what is a conversion van? Expensive?
My new-to-me van is like Sue’s Chevy 1500 except it has the Exployer Package on it. That means I can take it and camp in it during some weekend outings or like the ten days I have planned in Daytona during Bike week this year. I plan to pick up the van on Sunday. Then head out on Tuesday if the weather improves by then…still hoping on the weather clearing but it doesn’t look so good right now thru the 15th. Shows rain still on Mon and Tues 16th and 17th…my scheduled return dates. Have to see how it goes, play it by ear.
Google – Chevy 1500 Exployer Conversion Vans. I’m very pleased with mine. It is a Low Top, not the Turtle Shell High-Top. I heard the High-Tops can leak over time so I went with the Low-Top. Not as much head room but still very nicely appointed. Should make a nice tow vech for the Airstream and /or my scooter trailer and scooters.
Google – Chevy Express 1500 V8 5.7 liter Vans with the Exployer Conversion Package. Not the same as a Chevy Exployer model.
Gin,
I think it is Ford who has the Explorer model or something. Anyway, not the same as my Chevy Express 1500 with the Exployer Package.
Sorry your trip wasn’t as great as you had hoped. Sometimes that happens with road-trips, thankfully not that often 😉