Sunday, February 22
It’s good to be home at our camp along the Salton Sea after an unsuccessful journey to Palm Springs to find a new crew member. I heat up a bowl of chicken noodle soup for supper.
Tomorrow we reach the 15-day limit at Corvina Beach Campground and will have to leave the area. I still don’t know where we are going next! Gosh, I hate to leave. These past two weeks have been wonderful.
Monday, February 23
I pack up and hitch up. Bridget is on the bench seat of the Perfect Tow Vehicle. I turn to her. “You ready to go to a new camp, sweetheart?”
As we approach our new friend’s truck camper, he comes out and I stop. We say goodbye and wish each other good luck.
Driving the length of the campground toward the exit I glance at the Sea one more time. The early morning light and shadows on the Santa Rosa Mountains have become a familiar sight.
A ribbon of nine brown pelicans skim a few feet about the water’s surface, keeping pace with us.
“So long, brownies! Thanks for the escort!”
I point the nose of the PTV northward on Route 111.
We stop at the state park campground next to the headquarters. I dump the waste tanks, get rid of trash, fill up with water, and we’re on our way!
At Mecca I make a short detour on Route 195 to buy gas ($2.79 a gal.) at the AM/PM travel center. I dart inside and pick up a cup of coffee and also a berry danish (because I can!). Before leaving this convenient truck, RV, and car stop, I buy a foot-long sandwich at Subway. This will be lunch when we arrive at our new camp.
We turn northeast onto Box Canyon Road.
The road takes us through fields of grape vines, grapefruit trees and other crops I can’t identify.
Bare rock mountains are ahead of us.
We’ll be in the box canyon soon. We may have some rain today. I’m glad the wind is gone.
Thick grey clouds throw dark shadows in the deepest part of the canyon.
The box canyon was once a popular camping area. I don’t know if it still is. I don’t see any campers today.
It’s obvious the area is frequented by off-road vehicles.
Roads that once led to campsites are now torn up and pulverized to loose sand. It would be foolhardy to attempt to take a rig into that! I bet it’s an interesting area to hike.
I’m unable to photograph some of the most dramatic portions of the canyon due to this morning’s shadows. It’s a very scenic drive, meandering through tall rock outcrops. I drive slowly, stopping occasionally for a photo out the window of the PTV.
We emerge on the other end of the canyon to a brighter sky.
The landscape opens into a wide, flat expanse between the Cottonwood Mountains to the north and the Orocopia Mountains to the south. The freeway can be seen to the left of us. Eventually Box Canyon Road turns and meets Interstate 10.
I feel a rush of anticipation at the thought of finding a new camp in an area where we’ve never been.
A sign states our choices: Los Angeles to the west, Joshua Tree National Park straight ahead, or Blythe to the east.
We board the freeway and head east.
To Be Continued . . .
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Here are links to a few of the items ordered by readers:
Keter Folding Work Table
Plaster City (A Jimmy Veeder Fiasco)
Spring Flower Bulbs, Easy to Grow, 75 bulbs!
Puppia Soft Dog Harness, Camouflage, X-Small
Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2 32GB – White (Certified Refurbished)
Apache Pressure Washer Gun Kit with Wand and Spray Tips, 4,000 psi
Our new boondock . . . I’ll tell you about it in the next post!
First? Now I’ll go back and read.
Congratulations, Cynthia!
Loved all of the photos from the Corvina Beach campground. I’m enjoying “our” trip!
Nice to have you riding with us, Carol.
Am I first? I’ve been through that canyon, it is beautiful. Love your pictures.
Thanks… I really enjoyed the drive through the canyon. I’m glad you saw it.
third? was a nice surprise to see you posted a new page…..now to gobackand read…
chuck
Hi, Chuck,
I almost didn’t post. One thing about a very small home…. The bed is right here and it’s very tempting to crawl into the covers and let the blog wait!
nope, 4th but I’ll take that…..after reading your blog you reminded me of when I used to take the boys camping for a week and leave mama at home for a breather…we would hit the road and I would ask them “where ya’ll wanna go”?….it was always colorado but several times we made it all the way up into Wyoming and South Dakota just meandering never have a plan on where to spend the nite. we would stop at a camping spot that looked good most of the time boondocking by a lake….
chuck
That’s the best way to travel! You made great memories with your boys. . . .
I am curious Pookie, have your boys become campers as adults? Do they take their kids camping? I fell in love with camping as a girl scout and never with my family. I have often wondered how folks discovered camping as a way of life.
OK, now that I’ve read I have a question: Can you not just move within in BLM area to another campsite near the Salton Sea and get another 14 days or do the rules require that you leave that entire area?
In most places you have to move at least 25 miles away and stay away for at least 14 days. Sometimes the rules are relaxed in the off-season in certain places.
I may be putting too fine a point on Cynthia’s question but Corvina Beach Campground is not BLM land. It is owned/controlled by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. They have their own rules and regulations and the best that I could find was the following:
“CAMPING TIME LIMITS (CCR 4455): Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles is limited to a total of 30 days in any calendar year. Between May 15 and September 15 (peak season) the maximum time limit is 7 consecutive days for any person, equipment, or vehicle. After a time limit is reached, a camper cannot re-register for a minimum of 48 hours.”
If I am reading this correctly, and that is in fact the rules, then Sue could have stayed there for a maximum of 30 days – uninterrupted.
This is not meant to contradict the answer that Sue provided concerning BLM land.
I knew it was a state campground and yet that flew right by me, Ed. You’re right about the 15 days. Since I was going along with BLM I gave my stock explanation and left after 14 days (habit!). As you probably realized long ago, I don’t always think before writing.
My friend told me I could stay 15 days and then return after 15 days. He also told me that during the off-season, if demand is not high, the ranger will allow continuous camping beyond 15 days. I didn’t want to broadcast that, and I didn’t want to camp there on that basis, as doing so may make the ranger change his interpretation and consequently my friend losing his privilege. Imagine blogorinos gathering for the winter at Corvina Beach… 🙂
…without you, presumably! :)))
That’s a nice meander up through the desert. Box canyons are nice.
Hi, Calvin R…
Yeah, box canyons are like a separate world. Box Canyon Road is a convenient and scenic way to go from Joshua Tree National Park and I-10 to the Salton Sea or Anza Borrego Desert State Park.
I feel bad that you have to leave. Such a beautiful place and I so enjoy your photos. The Salton Sea is going on my “Must See” list.
Hi, Shawna,
“Always leave wanting more”… That’s my motto! We will go back, Lord willing, for a third visit at the Salton Sea.
You do get,don’t you ,how much courage it took for those brown feathered friends to show up there to escort you out,right?Your anticipation hopefully balanced leaving the sea behind.It seems a bittersweet story…you do say you like to leave a camp while you still want more,it’s just ,somehow,this time 14 days was short-changing you a bit.Perhaps because things interrupted your just being there.Or the entirely likely other answer-I’LL miss seeing the place,Ha!
Gorgeous stone in the photos today!Rock and sand can be so beautiful.Hope the new camp is great.Am I turned around or are you heading out of California?
Hi, weather,
I don’t know if those brown pelicans are the ones who were scared away by the kayakers or if they’re a new flock. Whatever the case, they gave us a poignant goodbye!
Yes, the fourteen days flew by. (I’m still thinking birds!) It is good to leave with the hope of returning.
Are we heading out of California? Maybe, maybe not. 🙂 I like to tease!
I hope you had a good visit with your friend the other day . . . .
Ah-h,the hope of returning part hadn’t occurred to me,that does make it sweet.Speaking of teasing,I’ve had to juggle driving with road conditions in mind,so have postponed visits.Hers was one of those!We’re likely doing that Wednesday,then my grandson’s one will be Saturday…woo-hoo-big doings for a country hide out one like myself to hit the city so much 🙂 Have a good night wherever you are.
N’nite to you, too!
🙂
Geesh,was getting ready to tuck in ,close laptop,had to tell you this-instead of my email notice of new blog post showing the Bow Canyon title and first few lines this one says Amazon-thanks for shopping…must be you clipped the bottom instead of top to send.Maybe too late to amend for this one,just wanted you to know for future reference/cautionary note.Delete this reply if you chose to for any reason .
wow,never mind both these-now it’s the normal way in my email-internet mystery…
I know why that happened. I prepare those links with the Amazon thanks on a separate page. Then I save it and copy it into the draft of the post I’m working on. Tonight I hit publish instead of save by mistake! Haha! I quickly removed it but I guess I wasn’t fast enough.
Double treats for everyone!People love to get new post e-mails from you!Again,if you want to put a note of explanation above,feel free to clean up this thread by delete x 4,thanks for the laughs I’m having 🙂
Oh, that’s the way it is with my blog. Here it is, warts and all!
Oh Goodie,then n’nite.
Blythe! You are an adventurous woman! That’s Jimmy Veeder Country! LOL
Oh, gosh, Diann… You have me looking up this passage from Big Maria
“Frank couldn’t stand Blythe. It wasn’t that much different from the reservation , but something about the town depressed him. Like most desert towns he knew, Blythe was a sun-faded patch of concrete and dying palms. It felt like it was one good gust away from being swallowed by the sand that surrounded it. Or maybe it had been swallowed and spat out like a wad of indigestible fat. Blythe was the kind of town that you drove past on the highway, hoping that quarter tank of gas would last until a more hospitable stop down the road.” — Big Maria by Johnny Shaw.
Hi, Sue!
I am loving all of the pictures of this post! I will miss the Salton Sea, too…so peaceful and the sunrises and sunsets have been spectacular. I am looking forward to learning more about your new camp. Glad that the weather cleared for worry free travel, and that you were able to enjoy the scenery…so, so pretty!
Have a good night – looks like you and Miss Bridge are tucked in a nice, quiet campsite! Hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
It was fun sharing the Salton Sea. Blogorinos seemed to enjoy it a lot which had me appreciating it even more. Good night to you and Gracie!
N’nite! 🙂
Nice tour of the canyons near your camp. Hope you enjoy your new location too. Take care.
Thank you, Pleinguy. I wish you well, too.
I am currently in the BLM dispersed area just south of JTNP. It has become very windy this evening and a little rain, too. Expecting more wind tomorrow. Even so, I feel as though I have the whole desert to myself here and I love it.
Hi, mockturtle,
I know where you are! I think that rain moved this way. I heard some rain during the night, not much wind though.
“Even so, I feel as though I have the whole desert to myself . . . ” Fantastic! That’s what I love about boondocking. I’m glad you found “your” desert. I’m enjoying “mine,” too!
I’ve been here since Thursday and will have to go up to JTNP and dump my tanks and take on water [$5] in a day or two but I plan to move back here for a while. Dang, it’s really windy here today! But sunny! 🙂
There’s always the Box Canyon Road across the interstate that leads to Mecca and Route 111 that goes to the Salton Sea. . . 🙂
Are you sheltered from the wind there? I notice the trucks down on the freeway [which I can see at a distance but, thankfully, not here] are going about half-speed today. We’re under a ‘wind advisory’ until 3pm.
Yes, we are sheltered somewhat. We still are having wind. From your description of the trucks on the interstate, I’m glad we’re camped where we can wait for the weather to settle down. Thanks for that… I avoid driving and towing in wind whenever I can. I hope you do, too.
Yes, the NOAA advisory calls for winds in the 45mph range so do stay put until tomorrow, at least.
Bye bye birdies! See Ya next time!
Hmm…the other side of the canyon looks nice!
Weird sight…people parked on the side of the road camping!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Where there’s a clear, flat patch of ground with easy access from an interstate, you often will see someone’s rig. They might be taking a bathroom break, having lunch, unloading the OHV (if it’s a toy hauler), walking the dog or cat, or planning to spend the night.
Sometimes I pass those “parking lot camps” on my way to a boondock. I’m not saying I’d never camp overnight along a freeway like that, but I’d much rather search for a scenic spot without road noise. Of course, not everyone who owns an RV has the time or inclination to do that like I have (nor do they always have the right rig for scouting out a boondock).
I was waiting for a email from you today.. checked several times and was happy to see it. Loved all the photo’s as usual and I know the right special crew member will happen when it is right.
Also I look forward to seeing where your next camp will be. hugs Deb
Good morning, Deb,
I waited for comments last night — I surf the web and do online puzzles while “waiting” — and when there was a lull I shut down my laptop. Seems whenever I do that, a bunch of comments comes in! 🙂
To know that folks wait for my new posts means a lot to me. Thanks for telling me that.
Sue as always, even the most mundane activities can be inspiring to many of us. yep. you did it again. you might not think much of it but you do touch the hearts and souls of many of us both sedentaary and, in my case, nomadic. THANK YOU!!!
You’re welcome, Kent. Nice message to start my day!
I think you need to drive to Santa Cruz, CA an adorable female chihuaha type dog black and brown was found along side the freeway now I am sorry for this upsetting story so tune out anyone who may get upset, the dog was thrown out of a vehicle with its puppy, she refused to leave her puppy in fact they had to have her puppy with her in the van that took her to a shelter because she was so distraught. Some people make me wonder what the hell is wrong with mankind. I bet people will be fighting over her bless her little heart.
Hi, Shelley,
Sad story…. You’re kidding about needing to drive to Santa Cruz to pick up the chihuahua, right? That’s almost 9 hours from here. Yes, I’m sure she will have a home soon, if not already.
Sorry you didnt find a new crew member, one is out there somewhere for you, just waiting for you, that’s why you’ve been striking out—you and he(she) are already aligned…
Im sitting here thinking of your brown Pelicans, and seeing the sparkle on the Salton Sea while watching snow fall and accumulate all around us…winter is not going away easy this year…the birds in my yard are scrambling at the feeders reminding me of shoppers in the IGA grabbing the last loaf of bread off the shelf. Out I go to fill them up don’t want my birds to go into bird feeder rampage!
Hi, Sondra-SC,
The birds remind you of shoppers at IGA grabbing bread off the shelf… I can see it! 🙂 Birds are incredible. I can read all the science behind their ability to withstand the cold and it makes sense. However, I look at their tiny legs like sticks and I am amazed. Good for you for helping them make it through this winter. I suspect they’re helping you make it through, too! Enjoy!
Now you’re in my “home town”! Bill and I went to high school at Eagle Mountain High just above Desert Center. I learned to drive on dirt roads between Hayfield Rd and Chiraco Summit at the age of 11. We took our first run in the rig to Lake Tamarisk a couple weeks ago. I’m ridiculously excited that you’re in that area 🙂 Glad you had a good travel day and have found a new sweet spot.
Hi, Jodee,
I had no idea this was your growing-up place as I passed the exits for Desert Center, Hayfield Road, Chiraco Summit and Lake Tamarisk. You probably will enjoy the next post about the “new sweet spot.” 🙂
Love the photos today. They are just beautiful. Someday maybe (sighhhhh)
Thank you, Jean. The photos pale in comparison to the real thing. I hope you do drive the Box Canyon Road . . .
I love it when you are on the road taking us to new places! Never thought I’d love bare rocks until they showed me their colors, their stripes, their personality! * sigh* no rocks in Florida!
Hi Geri, I am glad you are posting again frequently here…it feels like we can keep in touch…How soon are you leaving Florida, or are you?
Hi, Geri,
The rocks have been here a long time and I expect they’ll be here still if you should return to the West. Hint, hint . . . 🙂
But you got lots of sink holes. That’s kind a like a rock in reverse. A sink hole is to a rock as a black hole is to a planet.
Hi Shirlene, Sue and Alan ! Currently we are in Crystal River Florida, no sinkholes yet! We had to cancel our camp host job in Myakka River State Park this Spring due to some health issues. Instead we will be going home to Eastpoint Florida the first of April. Hopefully that will give my back time to heal so we can be camp hosts at St. George Island State Park Aug & Sept! After that we will be hosting at Fort Gasden, on the Apalachicola River for the Forest Service! So we will be in Florida a while longer. But we love the Apalachicola area of Florida, so it won’t be too much arm twisting going on!
Good Morning Sue, I am glad to see a new post so soon, I was curious where you were going to end up and I was not expecting a post so soon, expecting that there would be no signal…So pleasant surprise for me today…I have to say that seeing where you are camped now makes my heart feel just as good as the Salton Sea. I know how much you appreciate your privacy and the Salton Sea was a shared beach. Now there you are again, out all by yourself, like we are all used to. Feels like home. Be safe and warm in your travels. The weather had cleared here so it is probably clearing up your way also. Where ever you are, where ever you go, you have the RV Sue Nation along with you. Love and hugs.
Oh my gosh, Shirlene, I’m laughing into my coffee! “RVSue Nation!” That’s hilarious!
You know me well. Yes, as much as we enjoyed camping along the Salton Sea, it is also a delight to be here. After setting up this camp and wandering around (like you see Bridget doing in the last photo), I thought the same thing as what you wrote.
At first I missed the squawking of the shore birds and the periodic rumble of the passing trains. That has been replaced with prevailing silence, interrupted only by an occasional caw of a raven or the song of a smaller bird I’ve yet to identify.
Yes, I’m surprised to have a signal, too! This camp gets bonus points for that. Thanks for your affectionate “good morning,” Shirlene. I hope yours is good, too!
About your search, I know you have been looking at shelters, but I would check at the local feed stores and Veterinary offices bulletin boards, a lot of times people have puppies trying to find homes before they end up in a shelter – and a lot of times they can recommend a shelter to check. The other good options would be a local newspaper…. (although that may be problematic for you to get a paper). Just a thought, wishing you well in your search. And of course online http://www.puppyfind.com/ comes to mind which is where a lot of shelters as well as personal people advertise – but I am betting you knew that already.
Thanks for the suggestions, Tammy. I’ll keep those in mind. I am continuing to search whenever the requirements of my lifestyle make that possible.
First thing this morning I stood listening and,wonder of wonders,didn’t hear anything-no traffic close by or even in the distance,no one’s voice.Hope it was like that for you.too,Sue.The one pic you showed of your site made that seem possible.Funny,I don’t hear the voices of the troupe as noise,or even the sound the light steady wind has in it.Those seem part of me-like my breath or heartbeat somehow.Here’s to the apart from gifts of morning!
I’m often stunned to find in your message what I’ve been thinking or experiencing within the previous few moments. It happened again!
Before seeing your comment, I re-read what I wrote to Shirlene about the only sound being from birds. I paused to listen to the silence and became aware of the sound of wind in the canyon. It had become, like you describe, “part of me.” Wow!
More evidence that people can be (and I say, should be) attuned to the sounds of nature, and comfortably so. Whereas our recent foray into a city atmosphere — actually several cities joined together like one humongous shopping strip — was a nerve-wracking experience. How much better to be apart from that!
I’m happy that you are able to reside in the silence you love… the silence of the wind in the trees, of waves on the shore (when not frozen solid!), of the troupe you love. 🙂 Have a wonderful day, weather!
It is remarkable,and really nice, how “on the same wave length” we often are. Thanks for the wonderful day wish 🙂 !Part of it was noticing how amazingly fresh winter air smells…
Well,now I’m back inside and watched the news to see the forecast .I wish the people that hadn’t been driving at sunrise had been able to stay home,too.The local highways were riddled with accidents again.Thank God no fatalities have been reported because of that lately,yet you know how rattled those involved and their families must be.On country roads, if there’s a crash, it’s usually just one or two vehicles.
We are so blessed,by what has become part of us,and to be able to be apart from so much else.I was glad ,and not surprised,to read that you heard a crow near you this morning,the sweetest things come to those that appreciate them.May the ones Bridget and you most need and want be with you both .
🙂
Good Morning Weather! Always good to see an early morning comment from you. Enjoy your day.
Sue and Weather, Often we need to wait and take time to listen to the angels…I think you are surrounded by angels.
🙂
Here we are in Wikieup Arizona on Hwy 93 out in the middle of nowhere. The rain and wind has cut the haze and the Sonoran desert is bright and beautiful. RV Sue is remembered here and many campers that pull in to the Hidden Oasis RV Park are fellow blogerenos. Wikieup was written up in the 2001 Arizona Highways magazine. With only a population of 300 we keep the ‘Legend of RV Sue and Her Canine Crew’ alive and well. Here’s hoping a new crew member comes along pretty quick. To all fellow blogerenos if you’re in the area just stop a spell, jaw a bit and we’ll leave the light on for ya. Desert Rat Kate & Rattlesnake Joe
That’s wonderful news, Joe! I hoped the young couple who own and operate Hidden Oasis would receive more business. When the crew and I were there it was obvious that they were working hard and putting a lot of themselves into the business. I’m pleased that you thought to remind blogorinos of their RV park. They also have a little cafe and a laundromat available to the public, whether staying in the RV park or not.
Hi RJ, I just looked up Hidden Oasis on-line and they have a YouTube video that shows the area….nice..I think I will put it on my list when traveling through AZ…thanks for the recommendation.
For those who would like a little tour of Hidden Oasis, here is a nice little video that gives a brief tour. This park has been inspected and reviewed by everyone and organization and I didn’t see one negative review. What a nice place to spend some time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAKnsLMYYO8
Thanks for posting the link, Jim.
I read a comment in a magazine today that I think is relevant. “Happiness isn’t something you chase. It’s something you recognize. Another word for this is gratitude.” I believe one of the reasons you are enjoying life more is that you are grateful for what you’ve accomplished and look for things to appreciate each day. An attitude of gratitude may prolong our lives and definitely makes the life we live more meaningful.
Right now I’m grateful for a fun and interesting blog to read. Thanks Sue.
You’re welcome, Reine. I agree with the quote you posted!
Thank you! I so love travelling with you. Your eye and voice take me away….
You’re welcome, Ida. Nice of you to stop by… 🙂
The first photo is my new Desktop Missy, did ya predict that one?
In a way, I did. I made it my wallpaper, too.
Hi Sue,
Just an update on those dogs. I saw on the news that so many folks showed up the had people draw numbers. The highest number got to pick the dogs of their choice first. They doing another drawing tomorrow. I guess it is good you didn’t have to get in all the mayhem.
That illustrates how difficult it is to adopt a dog these days… other than a chihuahua or a pit bull, that is.
Yesterday around noon I drove through Box Canyon on the way to Joshua Tree. it was windy and rainy last night but my tent stayed dry and warm. I trust you’re enjoying your new home somewhere in east CA or west AZ.
Hi, R.,
You went through the canyon about two hours after we did! Thank heavens your tent held up in the wind and rain. I think you like Joshua Tree a lot.
Hi Sue, I don’t know where you are, but do you plan to stay there a few days or is this just a temporary stop over until you know where you are going? How’s the weather there, cold, warm like Salton Sea? I just thought I would ask you some questions since there does not appear to a landslide of comments at the moment. I expect you and Bridget had your lunch and settling down for a book read and a nap for Bridget..She is such a really good dog and wonderful companion for you. Cheers!
To answer your questions. . . The length of our stay will depend upon the weather… specifically the wind. The BLT follows the PTV very well in wind, but driving on a windy day is not as enjoyable. Since I have a choice of what day I’ll drive, I’ll wait for a calm day. Of course, I do avoid moving camp on a Saturday. I have a general idea where we are going. The details I’m making up as we go along. 🙂 I do want fresh groceries soon.
I haven’t checked the weather for the Salton Sea. I think a cooling trend was on its way there. Since it’s slightly cooler here than when we were at the Sea, I suspect there’s not much difference in the temperatures.
Bridget has been a great hiking companion today! Now she’s napping.
”
Sue,
I have a question and the answers will help Klemper and I to calculate monthly van gas costs and total van mileage. We are trying to estimate, based on your own total travel miles per year when you make your seasonal loop, how many miles do you put on your van each year and what was your average MPG for those years? We are currently looking at a van much like the PTV and are trying to estimate the monthly costs and annual totals.
Thanks,
Pamela K.
I’m sure Sue will give you a very polite, detailed answer but while you are waiting for it please go to the tabs Money 2012, Money 2013 and Money 2014 at the top of the page. If you are going to live your life on the road the same way Sue lives hers then you can total the gas expense that she shows in each one of those tabs. If you are not going to live the same way she does then any answer will probably not apply. There is also the problem of forecasting future gasoline prices when trying to estimate the monthly costs and annual totals.
I tend to believe that people who elect to live Fulltime in an RV will adjust the way they live to match the amount of money that they have available. If gasoline becomes expensive then they tend to use less of it or they cut their expenses in some other category. If you are worried about MPG then you may not be ready for the life of a Fulltimer.
Edlfrey,
My husband and I have been full-timing for about the last 15 years. We understand about the monthly gas costs divided by days and average prices based on our former Suburban Turbo Diesel and our travels in the Deep South and the Midwest. Now we will be traveling much of the same annual loop that RV Sue travels through the Southwest and West. We are going to be driving a gasoline van much like Sue’s so her totals of miles and gas per miles is of interest to help us calc our spending needs as a measurement. We want to get a real world accurate measure of the mileage and the MPG from someone who has been there and done that recently with a similar rig.
Thank you, Ed. I agree with your comment.
Hi Sue,
Gasoline costs, while a large travel number, are only one measure of total vehicle travel costs. The other costs are normal monthly maintenance, which you have well documented, and annual mileage, which speaks to the overall vehicle longevity. We were looking to get a handle on overall vehicle longevity if we were to do the “Western Loop” (Yuma, AZ to Butte, MT to Seattle, WA to San Diego, CA back to Yuma, AZ). That loop for each of the years on the road would seem to be similar to the path you have traveled over these last few years. What were the total miles that you traveled in each of the years you have on the road and what was your average MPG for each of those years?
Thanks.
Hi, Pamela K.,
I’m sorry to say I have not kept track of how many miles we’ve traveled in each year. I always intend to do that and then I forget! I am fortunate to be able to have a lackadaisical attitude about the gas efficiency of the PTV’s engine while towing. The one time I estimated mpg it was 12-15 mpg and that was for mixed conditions, good and bad, highway, city, stop-and-go, non-stop, mountains, etc. (BTW, 12-15 mpg is the manufacturer’s estimate and that’s without towing!)
I tend to judge things according to how I experience them, instead of mathematically. (Maybe I burned out teaching math!) 🙂 What I mean is this… I’m happy with the mpg of the PTV because I don’t feel pain at the pump, and only a slight discomfort when prices go up. This freedom from worry about gas prices is because that expense is offset greatly by the relatively little I pay to camp (less than $800 annually). If gas prices were to soar and start causing me pain, I would do as Ed mentioned… Either I would travel less distance or I would cut the camp fees down to nearly nothing (I know I can do that and still be a happy camper!).
I hope my money reports are helpful. You will notice that 2012 is in a summary form. I plan to do the same for 2013 and 2014 and for the years thereafter, keeping only the current year in monthly reports. I’m procrastinating on this project! I hope there’s enough posted on those pages to be helpful for you and Klemper.
I admit that I did not buy the PTV for gas mileage reasons. I bought it because I saw it as the best tow vehicle to pair with the BLT, providing the storage I need. It has turned out to have good mpg considering what it provides for us.
Sue,
Thanks for your kind reply. I know of a way to simplify the mileage question…
How many miles were on the PTV when you bought it?
And how many miles are on it now?
That would give a fair number accounting for Gas Costs Per Mile and the average number of Vehicle Miles Per Month or Vehicle Miles Per Year.
Thanks for sharing.
Okay… I’ll have to find the document with the odometer reading when I bought the PTV. It’s dark right now so I’ll take the present odometer reading tomorrow.
If I don’t get back to you on this tomorrow, remind me under the next post.
Oh Cool!
That will be very helpful info, thanks! 🙂
Pamela K.