It’s a good thing we moved here yesterday.
Our home first thing in the morning
It’s been very windy all day today. When we arrived, I made the mistake of backing the Casita close to the concrete bumper at the back of the site. I hook up water and electric and unhitch the PTV. I go to let the stabilizers down and, uh oh, the concrete bumper is in the way. So . . . we’re rocking and rolling!
Bridget and Spike remember where we take our morning walk at Elephant Butte.
"Hey, Little Buddy! Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?"
Bridget decides it's okay for me to take her picture this morning.
The crew and I are off to “Laundromat on Third” with a huge bag of dirty laundry.
That task done, we go to Walmart. I couldn’t find a high spout for the kitchen sink . . . no surprise there. I’ll order it through http://www.littlehousecustoms.com. I’ll also order some LED light bulbs from http://www.ledtrailerlights.com. I did get some super glue, so we’ll see how the light lens repair goes. I cruise over to the pet section for a bag of dog food. The crew has plenty of food, but I’ve resolved to have a back-up bag because I tend to forget dog food and then we run out. Oh, I should get them some chew bones. The only size bones are tiny or huge. I opt for huge. Spikey’s gonna’ love this!
I get to our campsite and see a white truck parked there.
It’s Chip and his assistant, Jack. They’re here to check that everything’s set for the heater installation tomorrow. Chip places the heater against the fiberglass base of the bench seat to make sure there is enough space around it. He shows me that he doesn’t need to make a big cut into the fiberglass, just some screw holes and a small hole.
He tells me I can send the installation kit back because he doesn’t want to use it. He wants to use copper pipe, not the hose in the kit, and he has the other parts. Good. Some money coming my way. Chip insists that I get a carbon monoxide detector before he comes back tomorrow afternoon. Okay. Back to Walmart we’ll go.
I put the laundry away and take the crew for their afternoon walk.
Spike is so proud of his bone, he insists on carrying it around the campground, holding it in his mouth like a big cigar.
It’s like he’s letting everyone know, “Look at THIS, you campground canine losers! I’ve got the biggest bone in the world!”
I can’t help but laugh. When we get back home, I hurry into the Casita and grab my camera. These photos were taken right outside the door.
No chew bone is too big for Spike!
Happiness is the biggest chew bone in the world!
Bridget likes chew bones, too . . .
As long as Spike softens them up for her! She waits patiently for Spike to tire out from all his ferocious chewing. Then she moves in and finishes it. Her bone sits untouched, until Spike is ready for some more chewing.
Not long afterward the new camp host knocks on the Casita door.
Bridget and Spike bark like maniacs. I push them back with my foot and manage to squeeze out the door.
“Did you know your hose is leaking?”
Oh no. We walk around to look at it. The sand and pavement under the Casita are wet. A close inspection shows it probably needs to be replaced as the leak is at a place that can’t be tightened. It’s too windy to make sure. I turn off the water. Oh boy, a new hose, there goes twenty bucks. Well, I’ve got myself a new, all-purpose hose.
I fix a big salad for supper.
Gee, it’s good to eat some fresh vegetables again. Bridget and Spike are disappointed, though, because salad means no enticing aroma and no treat for them. They’d rather I have some more crockpot chicken!
rvsue
I liked Chip when I met him. He is very right on the CO detector. I sit mine on the kitchen counter right next to my heating flame.
Hi, OFM!
Yeah, Chip is a likeable guy.
Remember our conversation about water pressure regulators vs. flow regulators? I want a REAL water pressure regulator . . . one that works. I see there are some that have a needle gauge so you know what the PSI is. Your thoughts please? Any recommendations? Anyone? Anyone?
Do you have a water pressure regulator so you don’t over pressurize your water hose ?
Your hose isn’t that old and shouldn’t be leaking already. 🙁
Bill Kelleher
Hello, Bill!
A “water pressure regulator” is standard on all Casita travel trailers. Old Fat Man, when he looked at my Casita, said I have a “water flow regulator.” . . . so that may be the cause of the leak.
Another cause may be me struggling to unconnect the hose and twisting it at the point where hose meets metal.
Sue,
You need the pressure regulator before the hose so the hose doesn’t get the high pressure.
If you are having trouble getting the hose off and on, then when you get another hose make sure the female end looks like a nut instead of round. Then get a adjustable wrench that will fit it.
It does not need to be as tight as you can get it. And make sure the rubber washer is in the female end.
Bill Kelleher
Thanks, Bill . . .
Good advice on getting a hose that isn’t round at the female end. The one I have now is round. I have the adjustable wrench . . .
The twisting was due to impatience and nervous “newbie-ness.” I know better now that I’m an experienced hose unhooker (pause for laughter). . .
I really like the looks of your spread, as shown in your first photo above. A generous sized shelter, plus picnic table = no reason not to spend as much time as possible outdoors. With all the wind you report, it does not seem possible to use your awning. Your experience of the New Mexico camp grounds “speaks” to me – come . . . come . . . . come . . .:)
Hi, Terry,
I’ve been pleased with the shelter/table set-up at all the NM parks I’ve visited. This site at the Butte has a berm on three sides made of big timbers, giving us privacy, shade, and some protection from wind.
I haven’t used the awning at all so far. No need, what with the shelter right next to the trailer. I find it hard to predict the arrival of NM winds. Sometimes it can be a very calm day and a strong wind gust appears “out of nowhere.”
I’m glad I have the awning. When my area of travel broadens, it’s sure to come in handy, especially in summer.
Hi Sue, you can buy repair pieces for your hose. Just splice it in and it good to go! No need for a new hose. I agree, you need a regulator for your water hose. You need to keep the water pressure down, high pressure can damage your system.
Hi, Jack!
I used to repair my garden hoses in Georgia all the time. I didn’t consider repairing the water hose to the trailer due to the water pressure. I figured I’d never repair it well enough to withstand it. Big difference between the water flow at these campgrounds and my garden watering . . .
Okay . . . I’ll give it a try!
Please let us know how things go with Chip. Spike is quite the ham!!! Seems like they’ve got the bone situation worked out. “Mothership”is across the street from our mobile home. Took Geris’ Trail Blazer about 8 miles past Chloride into the canyon. Hope to see you tomorrow, Chuck n Geri
Hey, Chuck!
I’ll see you tomorrow, for sure. I want to hear all about your adventure into the wilds beyond Chloride!
Hello, JoJo!
Isn’t the anticipation fun? Even Fred is getting ready! Enjoy . . . and I hope you let us know where you camped and whether you liked it there.
LOVE the pictures of Spike with his ginormous chew bone. Whatta guy!!