Sunday, July 13
“What is going on out there?”
I’m sitting at the table by the back window of the Best Little Trailer, checking this blog. The curtain is pushed back to reveal another beautiful morning at our camp in Ashley National Forest in northern Utah.
My attention is diverted from the laptop by movement out the window. Shadows flutter around the long shadow-line of the antenna pole.
I step outside to investigate, camera in hand.
“Aha! It’s the bluebirds!” Taking a break from the laptop, I settle into my camp chair and watch the comings and goings of Mama Bluebird and her three offspring.
The young’uns compete in the air for the privilege to perch next to Mama on the antenna.
Earlier, at daybreak, deer graze around our camp.
I count seven altogether and each one has antlers like these two.
(Due to very little available light, the photo has a blue cast. I had to monkey around with the pic in editing in order to present it here. How is it that deer know precisely how to pose for a good photo?)
After a day of sightseeing, I’m happy to stay at camp with Bridget and Spike.
I sit in the camp chair under the pine tree perusing my Wyoming atlas while the crew lies dozing in the grass. A canine visitor appears! He startles Spike and Bridget out of their slumber and they commence to bark.
It doesn’t take long for the pup’s cheerful personality to win over the crew!
The pup does his best to engage Bridget and Spike in play. He runs wide circles around the field of flowers, bounding over the tall grass, and coming in for drive-by invitations to join him in the fun.
Bridget and Spike look at this wild display of youthful energy with disdain.
I attempt to read the pup’s tag, but he’s too excited and playful. Eventually he gives up on the stodgy crew and returns to his owners who are parked at the neighboring campsite on the other side of a stand of aspens and pines. They leave shortly thereafter.
I’m in the mood for more photography!
Hmm . . . What shall I shoot? A white butterfly performs loops over the wildflowers in front of me and provides the answer. The chase is on!
In the next exciting episode . . .
TERROR visits the peaceful camp of RVSue and her canine crew!
rvsue
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Hang in there, champ!
Very nice, you see a lot of wildlife. 🙂
Thanks, Jenny. That’s one of the reasons I wanted solar power, in order to camp where I can see wildlife.
You have really outdone yourself with the butterfly photos!! Wow!
Hi, Patricia . . . I had a ball trying for those photos. It was tough narrowing down the batch to a few for this post.
You’re fortunate that you saw some many different types of butterflies in one location 🙂
The third butterfly photo reminds me of the fins if a beta fish, how lovely.
That pup was precious, thanks for sharing your day.
You’re welcome, Lee J . . . That puppy is the cutest thing! And what energy! He made me realize how staid Bridget and Spike (and I!) have become. It’s been a long time since any of us three have run around a field for the pure joy of it.
Lot easier to bounce and run around when you’re 5 pounds soaking wet! 😀
Wow! The butterfly pics are gorgeous! Amazed they let you come this close without flying away.
Thanks, Frenchie. . . After several failed attempts, I perfected my technique. Move slowly and approach from behind the butterfly. Have the lens already in zoom and click the shutter quickly . . . That’s the trick.
Beootiful photos! So many different butterflies. We haven’t been seeing as many on the East Coast this year.
Thank you, Marcia… Hmm, I wonder why there are fewer butterflies. Maybe the crazy weather has something to do with it.
Wonderful pictures!!! You have a great eye and I love looking at things through your eyes….And that pup is adorable!!
All packed and ready to go
Love you
Pauline
Love you, too, Pauline. The anticipation mounts! I bet T-B is very excited. Have a fantastic time in upstate NY and in The City!
Love the butterflies! Both the flittering kind and the cutie pie social butterfly.
Hi, Robin . . . What a friendly pup! He was having a great time running around the field. I wish I could get Bridget to run like that, instead of sitting every chance she can.
TERROR visits the peaceful camp of RVSue and her canine crew! That’s not nice. We’re gonna keep up with you without cliffhangers. Presumably you survived since you’re still writing. 🙂
Hi, Reine,
Do you feel like I’m trying to manipulate you? Haha! I’m just anxious to tell you all about it. . .
It is like the Cliff hangers in the serials I used to watch at the theater on Saturday morning, kept me coming back!
Having read this,slo-owly,awed with each pic,I literally started snapping my fingers dancing and singing “cause you’ve got -Personality-m-m-personality-charm-love…personality”.(Lloyd Price(“You’ve Got”)Personality/you tube- for the curious)
That song hadn’t come to mind in I don’t know how long,until I thought “this post is just full of and screams personality!”. I absolutely love that you called the last one Champ.
In conversation and print I’ve often described we who’ve outlived challenges as wind-tattered.It’s my expression for the frayed edges -that have given beautiful delicacy to our appearance and wisdom to our souls,and the scars that prove daunting situations only mark the journeys- of the heroic in our stories.Champ,it’s just perfect.
You have a way of adding depth to my posts with your reflections, weather. I enjoy and appreciate that.
The photo of Champ struck me as poignant. While the other butterflies fly with perfect wings from one beautiful flower to the next, this tired and battered butterfly makes his way as best he can through the dried grass and sticks on the ground. That’s why I named him Champ!
*sigh*
Well said, Weather.
Sue, this was a joyous post from fresh faced puppies, birds, posing deer, butterflies and then, of course, Champ.
There’s something about this camp. It has a very cheerful atmosphere. Yesterday the crew and I went to see another forest road, the one that goes to Bowden Draw not far from here. People camp over there, too. I drove away with an entirely different feeling about that area. Weird, I know.
Champ’s struggle and placement compared to the youthful , and that you were aware of it, was portrayed by your design of the post with him last. Your reply held an even more clear portrait-of your amazing mind and heart.
A privilege I’ve often had is being with such ones,when near the end of their journey they’ve clung to life for one more- feel of soil,”I love you”,scent of air,”good bye”,glimpse of beauty.touch,memory-..appreciating something enough in this life …to let me know…
that they are the ones that will most enjoy the next one as well,-they’ll arrive there describing this earth in ways that will make the Creator Himself proud all over again,excited to show them new secrets made especially for those that “get it”
We, the “Champs”,never stop winning Sue,sigh…yes, and then smile,just waiting for the page to turn
The more I think about it and read what you’ve written, Champ is the loveliest of all. 🙂
Have a good night, weather.
🙂
Beautiful,
Thank You
I just watched the most beautiful video about an old dog named Barabas, who was brought to the SPCA to be put down. He had been mistreated and neglected and was in bad shape. They decided to nurse him back to health. He formed an attachment with one of his caretakers and they became very close. He died recently of old age but the video of this old guy getting stronger and happier and loving his last little bits of life was so moving and lovely. Every last second is a precious gift, but I think we see that more with the old and infirm….we remember.
WOW pretty shots there today Sue! So delightful to observe mother nature out west.
Love the moths, butterflies, flowers and deer in velvet. Yes, Deer do seem to pose, HA! You made my day, was feeling a bit depressed lately. Feel better now…Thank you.
You’re welcome, Diane . . . . I hope you continue feeling better. If my photos helped, then it was worth the effort of chasing those butterflies, photographing them and posting them here. 🙂
Hi, Sue,
Very pretty butterfly pictures! The third one is my favorite. The butterfly’s wings look almost iridescent. I also like the picture that has the water droplets on the green leaves.
What a cute, friendly little pup!
Speaking of pups… I was trying to take an Imodium AD when the tiny pill slipped out of my fingers. I heard it hit the kitchen table, then a chair. I searched for it in vain. I started to look behind me on the floor….guess who found it? Gracie had it in her mouth. My commands of “Drop it!! Leave it!!” were ignored. I tried to get it out of her mouth. Down the hatch it went! A quick call to the vet for guidance. I had to get 2T of hydrogen peroxide down her throat to induce vomiting. If I was unsuccessful, I would have to take her to the vet. Well, I was successful, after having her chomp down on my fingers a couple times! After all was said and done, I found that I had run out of paper towels for cleanup! My neighbor saved the day, bringing a spare roll over. Gracie is upset with me….she is so put out that she does not want her nightly “Mommy time” where she jumps up on my lap for some extra love and attention. I am such a mean Mommy! 🙂
You have me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the next blog installment!
Hope you and the Crew have a peaceful, uneventful night!! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
YOU had ME on the edge of my seat! Good heavens, what a scare! I’m glad Gracie’s okay. She’ll forget all about it and be back wanting cuddles again.
Gee, having Bridget or Spike eat a dropped pill isn’t one of my concerns. They’d think it was a trick. Anything unusual that has anything to do with me is cause for suspicion in their minds.
Your Gracie is very agreeable about pills. As you found out today, that has a bad side!
“Gracie very agreeable about pills….” Ha! In the thankfully few instances that Gracie has had to take meds, I have had to hide the pill in cheese and even then, sometimes she would find the pill and spit it out! I am not sure why this pill was so alluring. I think that just the fact that I did not want her to have it made it all the more appealing!! 🙂
I have been granted forgiveness….just got a Gracie kiss and nuzzle on my knee! All is well with the world!
Aww… a happy ending to the story!
Just a hint for dog parents, if you ever have to get hydrogen peroxide into your pooch to induce vomiting a turkey baster works great. I had to use it the time my dogs ate a couple pounds of raisins. Yes, raisins can be poisonous to dogs!
A turkey baster. . . Perfect! I’m going to buy one at my next visit to Wal-Mart.
Even better would be a large syringe (no needle). I think a turkey baster is kind of big and awkward.
But a turkey baster is likely in your house in an emergency. We have golden retrievers so they are a good size for them.
Hello all,
Good hints – thank you! I have a medicine syringe that holds 2 teaspoons…I think I found it at a pharmacy. First and foremost, I had to trick Gracie into thinking we were going outside so I could put her leash on and then take her into the bathroom. She always runs behind the sofa when I have to give her a bath, trim her nails or remove a tick. Smart little pup! 🙂
Here’s a tip for you next time….mix the peroxide with a tablespoon or two of ice cream and the pup will lap it right up. I have had lots of experience with pups poisoning themselves.
Gee, not my Tillamook . . . 🙁
That’s the first thing I thought, Sue. “Not my Chunky Monkey!” LOL! Glad that Gracie is okay.
Great photos, as always.
I won’t be asleep tonight worrying about the terror you experienced. I do know about terror! 😉
Chris
Oh, my experience doesn’t come close . . .
Hi DesertGinger,
Thanks for the tip! Hope you are having a good day and continue to see a little improvement with each passing day!
Have a good evening and take good care of yourself!
BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES !!!! Such a variety …. Seems peaceful and lovely there !!! Enjoy every minute of it !!! The frisky visitor sure was cute ….
Hi, Sally B,
There’s one variety that I didn’t capture and it was a beauty… a big, yellow butterfly and the only one of its kind I’ve seen.
We’re still enjoying each day here. I need to figure out how many days it has been since I dumped the black tank. Most likely that will be the determining factor for when we move to our next camp.
TERROR visits the peaceful camp of RVSue and her canine crew!
TRUST ME blog readers, I am nestled behind a truck repair shop calming down, it wasn’t me, I PROMISE!!!!
Sue, you take the nicest pics! So surreal. I look forward to them daily. Of course, I most enjoy the Crew’s mischief the most, but they have been very well behaved the last couple of years.
The morning Spike patrol and neighboring camp site inspections must not have paid the little fellow too well, or he’s retired!
The little visitor sure looked cute, and probably wondering why the Crew just didn’t feel up to romping around with he/she.
Great photos….
Thanks, Kay. Funny you should mention the crew’s antics and how Spike seems to have retired. Today I was thinking about the Canine Corner and Spike’s retirement from watchdog duties. His hearing loss makes it difficult for him, although he does detect strange scents and barks. Bridget has picked up the slack.
I’ll be very happy when you can tell us you’re no longer hunkered down behind a repair shop!
You’ve found so much variety with the butterflies at Ashley National Forest…how wonderful! Around these parts (the California coast) we pretty much see monarchs and are lucky if we glimpse something else, so it is great that your location affords you so much fluttering diversity. I love seeing all of the amazing gifts that your travels bring to you (and to us, via your blog).
Hi, ZenOnWheels,
This is indeed a place for viewing wildlife. I saw two marmots yesterday but the chubby little devils hid behind a log and then disappeared before I could take their picture. I have a plan to photograph some bighorn sheep before leaving this area. With a little luck, I may succeed!
Um… now I am scared! Terror ???? That is not good. I figure you are writing, so you are OK, but what the heck???? On edge of seat now! 🙂
Gorgeous spots. For those in the real world… today I, met with a woman in town who is fed up to HERE with…. you can fill in the blanks. Then I went and picked up some plants that I will take care of for a friend who has lost his business space AND his home space. Then I came home, to my little house, and my little yard, both of which I can care for on my own… and am GRATEFUL. Grateful for less.
Less = Contentment <3
Very wise conclusion, Barb. I like your “equation” for contentment.
OOPs!!!
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
Whew! You can’t leave, Barb, without giving me some hugs! 🙂
That cute pup looks a lot like my pup Chloe, who at 7 still has pup enthusiasm and would be behaving the same as your visitor.
Such a lovely day again! Beautiful pics.
I totally understand about a place feeling different. I was in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico once and it felt so spiritual to me. I swear I could feel ancient spirits in the air around me. I think most places have their own feel.
It didn’t seem peaceful over there. Most of the rigs were empty. I don’t know. Maybe I’m comparing it to this place . . .
I bet Chloe is a doll! I don’t know how long I could manage that “pup enthusiasm.” I imagine the people coming to the forest, opening the car door, and saying to the pup, “GO! Run yourself tired! And don’t come back until you’re exhausted!” 😉
Hahaha! I have had that feeling about Chloe more than once!
Hmm, ” Terror ” (?) was hoping this was the post you would share but will try and patiently wait… Have been thinking lately that you are in Black Bear/cougar country and was going to ask if there are signs about that in the area?
So enjoy watching butterflies, the mystery of their ability to be so delicate and beautiful yet so strong to manage flight in winds which for us would probably be equal to hurricane force, the colors even muted ones are gargious, they glide around effortlessly it seems. Also bird watching, how great for you to see blue birds parent and fledglings no less 😉 !! Then to capture a shot of 2 handsome bucks with majestic racks in velvet!!! Amazing doesn’t it all just take your breath away sometimes!! (?)
Then what fun to have such a cute lil’ full of energy visitor, his/her parents better keep a close eye on that one…
Enjoy the gloaming Sue and Crew, until soon!!
T~
Hi, Tawanda,
All that you describe, put together in one place . . . It is unreal! Sunday especially… Bluebirds flying around the BLT, a squirrel spiraling up and down the pine tree, butterflies, wildflowers, a cheerful pup… unreal.
Well, Monday came along and along with it came a BIG DOSE OF REALITY. Oops! That’s the next episode. LOL!
You got BlueBirds, we got Cardinals and lots of them. Don’t know how they fly in this humidity and rain!
You have taken some beautiful shots. I see a really nice album in the making. You may not scrapbook but they are so lovely. “Butterflies ~ Blossoms and Two Pups.”
Thank you, Mary Alice. This blog is my scrapbook.
RV Reality >> Join Sue and Crew as they face the unknown that only nature can provide >> Forget the Kardingdongs >> This is REAL >> Tune in for TERROR in the WILD >> Tomorrows thrilling Adventure >> Don’t You Dare Miss It!
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You’re so silly, Mick. “Kardingdongs” LOL!
Love the pictures and look forward to each installment. It’s my take a break and put my feet up time. Both my canines have some terrier in them along with various other mixes. They do love to explore and are not hesitant to greet and play with others. We had so hoped to travel to Flaming Gorge this year as it’s one of my RV favorite destinations but it looks like we’ll travel toward Boise instead to be with family.
Hi, Captain K,
Always glad to give somebody a break. 🙂
Better that you spend time with your family. (not that you asked for my opinion.) Flaming Gorge isn’t going anywhere.
Terriers rock! I love their attitude.
Have caught up on 5 blog entries and all I can say is : I am loving Utah………lovely photos of scenery, flora and fauna…………just superb!!
Thanks, Glenda!
Good morning Sue,
Part of today will be spent with a dear friend I only get to see a few times a year.Though we stay in close touch with email and texts it’s a more satisfying fun to get together!What luxury to do just what we want on a weekday rather than dread what occupations made us endure.It really never gets old, does it?
Days like this I feel so grateful for provision that allows me to leave everything”just so”,for the troupe to have the comfort of their favorite spots,water and food until I return.The profound blessing of trying to be nothing more than ourselves is something I’m glad to ponder often recently.Hope that’s all you need as you greet whats around you today.
Good morning, weather,
To look forward to the day with happy anticipation rather than dread . . . Retirement is fantastic! I wish you a fun day with your friend, being yourselves together, relaxed and receptive.
Yes, the desire “… to be nothing more than ourselves” is an important component of a contented life. Enjoy visiting with your pal!
🙂 ’til later
Your camp feeling cheerful,yet down the road you detected the absence of peace-that’s exercising the gift of discernment.Today our visit was planned in a waterfront village I know like the back of my hand.On arrival,each place I normally park brought a conviction that there’d be costly trouble if I didn’t move along.Always honoring such impressions I chose,instead, to pay for parking where I felt nothing troubling around.
After a terrific day with my friend, I arrived home in time for the local news reporting that the police had busted a transient meth lab -at the time and location- I’d left the “trouble felt coming” behind.
What comfort I get by reading that you,too, honor those moments of awareness by making better choices.As you say ,the whole is greater than the sum of the parts 😉
Wonders never cease! Every event like you had today, when you’re urged by an inner voice to leave an area and then later learn the wisdom in that urging, reinforces you to listen ever more closely in the future. In 2012 I drove to Vernal, UT. Readers thought I was on my way to Flaming Gorge. At first I was. When I was overcome with dread, the foreboding sent me east to Colorado instead of north through the Gorge. I’ll never know if that dread kept me from disaster. However, I’m glad I waited until this year to come here.
You had a “terrific day.” That’s wonderful, weather. And it wasn’t marred by a drug bust!
Love those butterflys…there hasn’t been very many here in W. Texas…the drought…I surely do miss them!
Looking forward to more photos!
Jeeze..I hope the terror that visited your camp wasn’t too terrible! !!
Can’t wait to read that post!
Take care RV Sue and Creww :+).
Hi, Betty-Shea . . . You know how I fancy cliff-hangers!
This is just such a wonderfully relaxing post. It makes me want to hunt up just such a site and stay for at least 2 weeks. Beautiful pictures of the birds, the butterflies and the pups. That terrier looks like s/he is grinning from ear to ear. I would be too in such a lovely place. You sure can pick em’
Hi, Sherry . . . I’ll stay here as long as the holding tanks allow. Once I hitch up to dump tanks, I move to the next camp. I like to leave a great camp while I’m still wanting to stay. Safe travels!
The buck are just gorgeous. They do pose so nicely (if not scared), don’t they. I love those new velvety antlers. Great butterfly photos! You have your own butterfly garden:)
Hi, John and Pam,
The buck pose perfectly with no effort. You know how long it would take to position two people that perfectly? Ha!
Sue, what great photos! Beautiful butterflies, the deer, the darling pup! My gosh, you sure know how to entertain!
You haven’t heard from me lately, but I’m always lurking. 😉
Beat this; took my ’98 SD out for the first time last wk. A fellow camper hooked me up to leave and on the road, the trailer bounced off the hitch! Fortunately, I was going slowly. Only minor damage to that verticle pipe on the hitch. From here out I will do my own hooking up!
Jane
Hi, Illinois Jane,
It’s good to know you’re still following along with me and the crew. Congratulations on your first time out with your Spirit Deluxe Casita! I’m very glad you told us about the mishap, although I’m sorry it happened. You’ve given me an opportunity to emphasize the lesson that you learned the hard way.
NEWBIES AND WANNABEES:
Always do your own setting up and breaking down of camp and ALWAYS do your own hitching and unhitching. If you need help the first time or two, let the volunteer helper tell you what to do, BUT DO THE ACTUAL STEPS YOURSELF.
You can see from Jane’s near-disaster that you can’t trust other people to know what they’re doing or to be careful with YOUR rig.
Also . . and I direct this primarily at women in general (not you, Jane) . . . Lose the ingrained tendency to step back and let a man perform tasks for you while you watch. That is a big NO-NO in my book. Take charge of your rig!
If a man insists on helping, you insist even more on doing it yourself. I ran into this situation a few times when I was a newbie. My response to any offer of help was “No, thank you. It’s better if I’m left to do things on my own without distraction.”
Don’t assume a man knows more about your rig than you do, simply because he’s a man. Males learn early in life to project an image of competence (swagger). Many do know what they’re doing, but some don’t have a clue, and you can’t always know which is offering to “help.”
That old saying is true … “If you want something done right, do it yourself.”
Another reason to always do your own setting up and breaking down of camp and doing your own hitching and unhitching is to make those processes automatic. Lots of folks recommend checklists to newbies. That’s fine. I purposely avoided a checklist because I wanted to imprint every step of the process on my brain and not be dependent upon a list.
Now I can set up and break camp, hitch and unhitch, without even trying to remember what to do. I just do it automatically. I’m not boasting here. I’m trying to emphasize the importance of being independent.
Best of luck to you, Jane, and enjoy your little egg home! Thanks for writing.
How lovely to be called outside by Bluebirds :-). We have a pair of Dove living in the holly bush in our tiny backyard, and their calls can draw me to the patio as well. The butterflies are so pretty, like young girls all dressed up for a party….even Champ is quite beautiful in her hand-me-down frock :-).
I have a day of healing planned today and your post was a lovely, calming precursor.
Hi, JodeeinSoCal,
The first butterfly photo in this post brings to mind a wedding dress and bouquet. Wishing you good health always . . . .
Excellent advice about doing it yourself.
I wanted to tell you about my second ‘by myself’ trip in my Casita. I have traveled alone before in the fifth wheel rv, but doing the solo act with my little ‘Rose Bower’ is the most wonderful experience ever. What a good choice for a woman alone.. Easy to pull, easy to set up, easy to live in..wow, does it get any better than that?
Anyway, I missed a turn into the campground at Alpine Lake, and ended up having to back out down a narrow road, for what felt like a zillion miles, probably a quarter mile. Nothing like practice backing. When I actually got to my site, I backed in and was set just right after two tries! So you do a real service to ladies alone, try the Casita for a wonderful experience!
Now I want to go to Arizona for a couple of weeks this winter, see what you started?
Hi, Lee J,
You have me chuckling… I love to hear about someone who has started camping in a Casita. Oh, the places you’ll go! 🙂
That forced back-up was great! Now you know you can back anywhere. I had a similar thing happen going up a narrow, dirt, mountain road, rounded a bend and met a big fifth wheel that couldn’t back up and couldn’t go forward until I backed up. No guard rail and no shoulder, so no room for a mistake!
That little test gave me the confidence to venture down roads that might not have a place to turn around.
Congratulations on setting Rose Bower “just right after two tries!” Have fun with your Casita… (I know you will anyway.)
HI!
Your butterfly pictures are wonderful! I would say “Awesome”, but I have gotten really sick of that word! Wonderful is just as good! Interesting to see the bluebirds-those must be western? bluebirds. We have what I think are called Northern Bluebirds down here ( we have 3 nesting boxes on our property for them) and the females are not as vivid blue as the male, but do have a bit of orange-red on their breast. This summer I watched a Male bluebird care for his newly fledged babies all day long trying to feed them and get them to fly. They were spread out all up and down our driveway, which is about .2 of a mile long up to the house from their box. It was quite amusing! A couple of nights ago my husband spotted a rat snake trying to climb the side of our house to eat some baby swallows which were in our swallow nest. He got our “snake stick”, lassoed it around the neck, and carried it far, far away! Those snakes are amazing climbers.
Hi, Terri . . . I know snakes have to eat, but still… I’m glad your husband ruined the rat snake’s dinner plans!
Enjoyed your bluebird story . . . .
I stand corrected-I think you saw the Mountain Bluebird!
Yes, that’s what they are! The crew and I were out and about today and an interpretive display mentioned the Mountain Bluebirds.