Carping and running at the lake

Saturday, April 29

A windy, cold day at Upper Pahranagat Lake, Alamo, Nevada

All morning Reggie and I stay inside.

“It won’t last forever, sweetheart.  As soon as the wind stops, we’ll go for a walk.”

A little before noon with no sign of the wind letting up, we go for a ride in the Perfect Tow Vehicle.  We need to get out of the house, see some sights, and soak up the warmth from the PTV’s powerful heater.

On the way out of the campground, we pass several parked cars at the entrance.

Huh?

Oh, it’s the Annual Carp Rodeo!

The dike at the north end of the lake is loaded with folks competing for the largest carp or for the most carp.

I don’t know how they can fish in this wind!

This photo is the 2015 Carp Rodeo.  Last year’s rodeo was rainy.

The photo and excerpt below are from the government website for the refuge.  (Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge)

“Why remove the carp? . . . Since their introduction to Nevada waters, carp have spread throughout the state. As bottom feeders, carp stir up materials in search of vegetative roots and insect larvae, making the water muddy. This disrupts the calm, clear environment that native wildlife need to thrive. Carp can grow to an enormous size and destroy habitat by quickly consuming the natural lake vegetation. The state-record carp weighed 34 pounds, 10 ounces, and measured 38 inches in length!”

Later in the afternoon . . .

The sun comes out and the wind takes a break.

“Okay, little powerball, we can go for that walk now!”

First, he takes care of business and back-kicks.

Reggie is thrilled to be outside again!

Lots of new smells to catch up on!

The campground road is quiet.

Very few vehicles because the sign at the entrance says all the RV sites are full. We walk through dappled shade and sunny spots.

One of the things I love about this part of the country is that weather that is uncomfortable or dreary doesn’t last long.  Wait a while and the blue skies with puffy, white clouds return.

While Reg and I were sequestered inside the BLT, I altered his harness to fit more snugly around his chest.  I see that I need to tack the center strap so the weight of the tether’s clasp can’t cause the harness to swivel.  I’ll take care of that.

It should look like this photo, not pulled down to the side.  (Look how confidently Reggie marches along.  What a guy, eh?)

All along our walk I look for the Western Grebes.

Since I first spotted them I’ve seen them flying, two together, across the lake.  With so much activity at the refuge today, plus the wind, they’re probably in a cove somewhere on the other side of the lake.

Around a bend in the road, home sweet home!

I know my Reggie Man well. 

By now he’s tired, thirsty, and ready for a big bowl of kibble!

I open the door and he dashes inside.

Sunday, April 30

The dawn arrives quietly.  No sound of wind through the cottonwood tree nor of waves breaking on the shore.  A bird sings.  The interior of our home is bright from morning light coming through the windows.

Reggie wiggles and squirms to deliver wake-up kisses to my neck and face.

We go out to greet the morning.  The lake seems to be resting after the action of yesterday.

Ah, that sun feels good.  It’s going to be a calm, warm day.

Before I close this post . . .

Here’s a big, joyous smile for you from the Zoominator of Planet Orange, where love abounds and running is always allowed.

rvsue

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67 Responses to Carping and running at the lake

  1. Norman in San Diego says:

    First today?

  2. Kat and Cookie Dog in NYState says:

    Happy Sunday !

  3. Norman in San Diego says:

    Hi Sue,

    Hope you are having a good weekend.

    Norman

    • Kat and Cookie Dog in NYState says:

      Wow the weather looks lovely there. You should be glad you aren’t back east today, our furnace keeps coming on. Yet two days ago it was almost 80. I can’t take these wild temperature swings. Even CookieDog didn’t want to stay outside today. He loves Reggie’s new orange harness, he got a new orange harness just a couple of months ago, too. Can’t imagine how those people stayed out fishing on that really windy day. Good for them.
      Have a wonderful week!

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        CookieDog goes to Planet Orange! 🙂

        You really described your weather well with the brief statement “the furnace keeps coming on.” 🙁

        Wishing you a wonderful week, too!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks, Norman. I hope the same for you. 🙂

  4. I love the pictures of the amazing Reggie! Enjoy the pretty day

  5. Pat in Rochester says:

    Thank you for the sunshine! 41 degrees, gray and rainy here today, but supposed to be 81 tomorrow.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Pat. Crazy spring weather, isn’t it! You’re going to love the warmth tomorrow. THIRD PLACE TODAY!

  6. Linda Rose, Muffin, Molly & Midgy Carmichael, Ca says:

    Top 10?

  7. Deena in Phoenix, AZ says:

    Thanks Sue and Reggie…you bring so much joy to all of us…great pictures but the last one of Reggie is my Favorite today…

    Deena and Miss Mollie

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Deena and Miss Molly,

      That’s my favorite, too. I put it on my desktop screen and every time I open up my computer, there’s Reggie grinning with happiness. 🙂

  8. Airstreaming Pagey says:

    Thanks for the sunny photos, Sue. It has been cold and wet here in central Iowa. Ugh.

  9. Linda Rose, Muffin, Molly & Midgy Carmichael, Ca says:

    Love that happy smile at the end!

  10. Miss Piper here,, Reggie looks so cute in his Red halter and that smile is so sweet too, Rusty says hi and he is glad the wind stopped for you two, it has been real windy hear too and it’s starting to warm up, but we will be heading north tomorrow and hopefully we will camp at the Navajo Monument north of Tuba City by evening, Rusty says hi too,,,,, Piper 🐾

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Rusty n’ Piper,

      I checked the weather at Navajo National Monument: Mon., Tues, Wed. — highs in the 60s, lows in the low 40s. On Thursday the high goes into the 70s, low of 49. By Friday the high will be 79 and the low will be 51.

      Of course, the forecasters could be wrong. You probably know the forecast already. I just wanted to make sure you know it will be cool at the Monument, then much warmer toward the end of the week.

      I’m tickled that you plan on going to the Monument and from there to Bluff. 🙂

      Whenever you leave, have a safe and fun trip. As you know, gorgeous scenery all the way!

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        Oh, also…. In case there’s no internet at the Monument, remember you can buy groceries and gas at Kayenta when you leave there, 21 miles up the road from the Monument turn-off. Again, you probably know this. I’m being a mother hen. 🙂

        • Oh Mommy Sue, thanks for keeping a warm and guiding heart for us, we will be loaded up with Walmart groceries and fresh water, but thanks again and have a Beautiful Blest Day to you and Reggie,,,, , oh I forgot to mention that I have a Baofeng UV-5R V2+ Amateur Handheld Transceiver Radio for just in case and taking the test in CO., so I’ll be legal to transmit, it is a tiny little radio and looks like a toy, but I’ve been listening and wow dose it have reception, I’ve hear folks 300 miles away and I’m in a hole,,,, well nough on the new toy,, and got a new Benchmark of Colorado, I already have marked it with your camps of last year and more,,, so,, like i said before, thanks Mommy dear, even if your a year and 1 day older than me, Sister mom,,,,,,,😃😃😃👣👣🐾

      • Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

        Rusty, you and Lady Piper will love Bluff Utah! Glad you will get to see it! Don’t miss driving thru Valley of the Gods! Amazing!

  11. Linda in NE says:

    I’ve seen bigger carp than the ones you mentioned. I was a kid & my dad & his brothers were spearing them out of a private farm pond that was going dry. They called them German Carp. I don’t know if that’s the real name for them or not. They had them smoked & I remember them being quite tasty. My husband catches them in the Niobrara sometimes and I can them. They make good fish patties.

    You mention cottonwood trees. You’re not parked under one are you? They are known for dropping big limbs for no good reason at all. With the strong wind you mention they could be even more inclined to do so. When I was growing up on the farm we had a number of cottonwoods in the farmyard and when we heard a cracking noise we knew to make tracks away from the trees…..no looking up to see where the sound was coming from…just RUN!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Linda,

      We aren’t directly under a cottonwood. Wind is pretty frequent through here at this time of year. Not many branches were blown down, probably because the trees are trimmed naturally quite often. I appreciate your concern and warning.

      I think that carp is big for this lake, which explains the exclamation point. During my research I found a carp was caught in Thailand, I think, that was 134 pounds. A different variety of carp, of course.

      Gee, how nice to have a source for fish for your patties. Thanks for writing… interesting stuff!

  12. Alice says:

    The zoominator is absolutely precious !! Love the descriptive writing about waking up. So wish I could do that. Looks like selling the RV Stay Well. Alice Missy & Prissy

  13. Pauline in Mississippi says:

    What a pleasant post!! I love the pictures of Reggie. He is quite the guy,,,such a little cutie!!!
    Hope you are having a nice Sunday. We are buckled down waiting for another round of thunderstorms.
    Love to you and Reggie

    • Stephanie Albany OR says:

      Pauline – watching weather channel here in Oregon and see you all are really getting hammered. I used to travel to Vicksburg for work, many eons ago, so MS holds a place in my heart. Take great care.

  14. That sweet adorable smile on Reggie’s face made my Sunday 💜💜💜❗
    TY!!

  15. Geri in the FL panhandle! says:

    Reggie is such a character! Could you have chosen any better dog! I think not!
    Pauline, hoping you stay safe from the tornadoes and just get rain! We are in dire need of rain here.
    Love your new spot Sue, looks relaxing! Give your furball an extra hug from us!

  16. Archae says:

    Hi Sue and Reggie! It seems like the windy days in southern Nevada outnumber the calm days! I’m in Henderson waiting for my license plates to arrive from South Dakota. The temporary plates on my rv have expired so I am stuck, but was able to see a show at Harrah’s. This was a first for me. I usually go to things that are oriented to my grandchildren so it was fun to see a show (Menopause, the Musical) that was oriented toward older women. Hopefully, my plates will arrive this week so I can resume my travels. After a six month hiatus, I am ready to go again!
    The photos are great. Thank you for posting them and thank Reggie for being such a special subject!

  17. rvsueandcrew says:

    Well, dear blogorinos….. I will disappear for a while. I have a problem.

    I have three inverters. One was retired several months ago because it was persnickety, always stopping and starting and sounding the alarm. The second inverter ran fine until this morning it died. The third inverter, a brand-new back-up inverter, worked fine for about five seconds, let out a squawk and it, too, died. So I got out the persnickety inverter and it is dead, too.

    I’m near a town that doesn’t have a memory card for a camera which tells me I’m not going to find an inverter here either.

    Anyway. . . I’ll be gone for a while until this situation is resolved. I’ll try to charge up the computer and jetpack using the car chargers in the PTV, not a very promising solution because they don’t work very well, but it’s something to try.

    In my absence, continue with your friendly conversations. Please answer questions for me, welcome new folks, and generally take care of things. Thank you!

    Bye for now,
    Sue

    • weather says:

      May you easily find all that you need , and the trip there go well, too. Just take good care of yourself and Reggie.You’ll be missed, of course. I hope amid all of your tasks that you still enjoy whatever you can.

  18. Virginia620 (AL) says:

    Sweet pics or the Regginator. I sure look forward to your pictures and posts. Thinking about selling our dually and 5th wheel and getting a C- class that I can handle easier when I will be traveling alone.

  19. Marieta says:

    Hi Guys – Reggie you are just too cute! There should be a law.

  20. Rover Ronda (WA) says:

    😃Zoominaror🐾 ❤️

  21. carlene and corky in Navajo country says:

    Happy May Day (1 day early). Corky and I left forest service property SE of Flagstaff this morning and will do parking lot camping tonight, then head into southern Utah. I wanted to get into the North Rim of the Grand Canyon but it won’t be open til 5-15 along with Jacob Lake so that will have to be set for another day. We’ve got about 3-4 weeks planned in So Utah. Lots to see.

    Corky and I overnighted in the gravel pit across the highway from Pahranagat NWR entrance Friday and Sat of Easter weekend. when I drove across Nevada Extraterrestrial highway 375 I knew it would be a long shot trying to find some place to camp/park overnight. It wasn’t that bad, one other smaller class c and I had great sun for my solar. Sat I drove up and over to Caliente NV great little town and JJ’s burgers were really great.

    Have a wonderful week, I love Reggies back kicking… Corky looks about the same.

  22. Claudia Meyers says:

    Enjoyed your upbeat post. What a terrific sense of humor. And of course Reggie…he brightens my day!
    You are truly blessed!

  23. Glenda in OZ! says:

    Oh Reggie, its a joy to see your happiness with your Mum. You have such a wonderful life. My two are so jealous. Those carp are a terrible menace here in Australia in our major river system of the Murray/Darling. If they are caught, then it is a finable offence to throw them back as they are essentially inedible due to their “Muddiness”. Such a cures for our river eco system.

  24. rhodium says:

    I hope you get the inverter problem fixed soon, your pictures and posts are so enjoyable. I have thought about getting a solar charger for my electronics, but they are expensive (if you need to charge a Mac laptop at least) and its one more thing to lug around. Plus, there are so many brands, its hard to know which to get. I don’t know anything about the WordPress platform, can you run your blog off a smartphone or tablet? Smaller solar chargers work with those devices.

  25. Joy loner says:

    HI, Sue

  26. cc and canine ( now in Oregon) says:

    I know that you get a bigger commission in April for Amazon, so I placed a large (for me) order….Did an infant car seat base, a camp chair, an RV vent insulating pillow, and a Rhino Shelf show up on your report?? I hope that this helps you out!

  27. Renee from Idaho says:

    Awwww, love that Reggie man’s sweet, happy face!

    • Renee from Idaho says:

      Hey Sue! For some reason it didn’t click with me on the your location, then I saw your photo of the campground road and it looked familiar. My husband and I drove past this area last year on our way to LV. I remember thinking at that time, what a nice place to camp, when it’s cooler. In fact, we stopped over on the opposite side of the highway to eat from our cooler, in the shade before continuing on to LV. We were just in our car as we were meeting friends for a birthday weekend celebration.

  28. Oh nooo, Sue, when you get to a town that has a O’Riley’s in it they have all kinds of inverters and they have a 2 year warranty, that’s where I get mine, the good ones run up to 1000 watts or more , but I bought one in Lake Havasu City before we left and it handles everything from 24in tv’s to drills, got mine on sale, 50.00 ,,,, hope you get one soon, I know it’s a pain useing the system it the PTV as my truck is,,, try to have a pleasant evening you 2,,,,,,,, Rusty n Piper 👣👣🐾

    • JazzLover says:

      Rusty, what type of store is O’Rileys? Not familiar with them here on the east coast. Any way of seeing if there is one any where close to RVSue? Hope you and lady Piper are well.
      JazzLover

      • cc and canine ( now in Oregon) says:

        O’Reilly’s is a nationwide auto parts store…I am not sure which way RVSue is headed…there are several in the St. George UT area, as well as Cedar City UT. Henderson NV had one, close to Las Vegas Bay where she was about a month ago..

  29. Cinandjules (🌵) says:

    Windy here also! Denver got snow!
    Fishermen and women are a different breed! Ever see them ice fish in their shanty houses?
    Reg man always zooms with a smile on his face! The last photo is precious!
    Have a great evening!

  30. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Sue!

    Thank you for sharing your happy morning walk with us. Reggie is so adorable! I am glad that you were able to sew a couple “tacks”, or whatever the correct term is, into his harness for a better fit. I have a similar problem with fitting coats or sweaters for Gracie pup. Small is perfect in length, but she usually needs a medium for her neck and chest girth. Funny how our pets can sometimes have problems with finding the “just right” size. Just like some of us! 🙂

    Today was a hot, slightly humid, sweat standing still, kind of day. I planted some day lilies and butterfly bushes. All were purchased via the web. I don’t think the butterfly bushes will make it, but I planted them anyway. I received a full refund for the bushes, so no great loss, just disappointment. We are expecting rain tomorrow night, so that should help the plants settle into their spots in the flower bed. The day lilies will have huge, fragrant blooms and will rebloom until fall. Butterfly and hummingbird magnets! I filled up the bird baths and bird feeders, trimmed back old growth on some perennials and called it a day. I love sitting outside to watch the world go by, but it was just too uncomfortable. The cool A/C in my home beckoned. 🙂

    I hope you find a new inverter soon. Maybe purchase 2 so you will have a spare. Pitch the duds. Have a good evening, Sue! Sending you and Reggie love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! We love happy Planet Orange! 🙂

  31. DesertGinger says:

    Gotta love that Reggie smile.

    I’ve been resting all weekend trying to get over my ling ailment. It is slowly improving. I just ordered some turmeric and coconut oil to help the inflammation in my body. I will make myself healthier I swear. I also read some interesting research today. These researchers had like 1000 subjects, under 24 or over 62. They did different kinds of exercise: a group that lifted weights several times a week, a group that rode a bicycle at a steady pace for 30 minutes several times a week, and a group that did intervals, riding a bike as hard as they could for four minutes, then a resting pace for 3 minutes. Repeat 3 times, several times a week. So, the over 62 folks doing the interval training had phenomenally better results than any other group. Their blood pressure and cholesterol dropped, and they increased the mitochondria at their cellular level, which is like a reversal of aging. It was very impressive. So as soon as I can breathe, back to the gym daily. We are only talking about a half hour commitment to make such an impact.

    Tomorrow back to work; working 6 days this week. Busy!

  32. Beautiful! Sweet! Love! Simple as that.

  33. Nancy S Indiana until June 1 says:

    Sue and Reggie,
    I haven’t posted in a very long
    time. We’ve come home from spending the winter along the Texas & Missippi Gulf coast to spend two months with our daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. The oldest called and said I think you’ve been gone long enough. Lol
    Whether we’re home based for awhile or traveling we spend time doing volunteer work. So I don’t usually take time to comment, however I always read your blog, sometimes catching up 2-3 days at a time. The point of this is to tell you how very much I do enjoy it even if I don’t take the time to express it. Your writing style, lovely pictures and of course the antics of Reggie always bring a smile. So thank you Sue for taking the time to do so and thank you to Reggie for just being himself.

  34. Dawn in NC says:

    Sue, it is amazing how much joy a dog takes in life. I need to learn some lessons from Reggie. How purely happy he is for the simple joy of a walk and to wake up next to his favorite human. Thanks for the reminder.

  35. Utah Bonnie (was in Montana, now in Washington) says:

    Always good to check back in on you and Reggie. A good reminder that the simple things in life are the best. Reggie is turning in to quite the little man.

    I’m also reminded about the unpredictability of spring in the South West. I’ve been getting reports on this spring which seems to be epic as far as weather goes. I’ve just slogged through a cold, wet winter in NE Washington so the great South West still sounds lovely and I’m feeling a bit homesick.

  36. rvsueandcrew says:

    HI AGAIN, BLOGORINOS! GOOD NEWS!

    Reggie and I moved to a new camp today. I haven’t purchased a new inverter yet, but a surefire solution is in the works. I hope to put a post together tomorrow in which I’ll explain everything and show you our new camp. Today was a very full day and I need to relax. Reggie has conked out in his doggie bed, happily exhausted. 🙂

    Thanks to those who made suggestions. Also thanks to those who wrote comments, helping to keep the blog “alive.” I always enjoy hearing from you.

    Nighty-night y’all!
    Sue

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Yippee! N’nite! 🙂

    • weather says:

      Thanks for the update and good news, Sue. I’m impressed by how quickly you put into motion the process towards a solution. My, what a busy day yesterday was for you. Last night we had a spectacular thunder, lightening, strong wind and rainstorm here, that I’d stayed up late to enjoy. So I was actually wearing a nightie when I then read your note and sweet sign off, nice!

      Guessing that the questions I have about your new camp and the inverter topic will be answered in your next post I’m looking forward to seeing it. Until then, I’ll just wish you and Reggie a wonderful day 🙂

  37. MelindaK (TX) says:

    Hi Sue, I have not commented in awhile. I am what you call a lurker I think. You never cease to amaze me with your resourcefulness. You are living what I dream of…

    I thought of you this weekend while I was camping at Lake Bastrop South Shore Park listening to all the loud music from neighboring campers. Oh how I longed for the peace and quite you find. I recently had been in Houston at one of those RV Parks where everyone is squeezed in (taking mother for her check up at MD Anderson), but it was so quiet compared to the LCRA park in Bastrop even though the campsites are large and well spaced. It really depends on the people.

    Your words and photos inspire us! Reggie man is priceless as always.

    All the Best!

  38. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    I only have a minute, but wanted to say that last photo of Reggie looks like he’s smiling!! Also, I think the “missing” comments are just late comments. A comment I made on your previous post took over 24 hours to post, but it is there now. Maybe you’ve just gotten to famous and there are too many comments coming in at once!! Have a lovely day 🙂

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