Wednesday, May 25
“Those are the Abajo Mountains up there, crew. This road will take us from 7,066 feet at Monticello to 8,600 feet at Dalton Springs.”
“RVSue? Are we going to be in that snow? Snow is too cold!”
“No, Reggie, we aren’t going that high. That’s up around 11,000 feet.”
“I want us to investigate two campgrounds. The first one should be up here pretty soon.”
“I see it, RVSue. Up ahead on your left.”
“Thanks, Bridge. Let’s just do a drive-through on this one.”
Hmm . . . Same fee as Devil’s Canyon Campground ($10 regular/$5 with senior pass). Road is dirt, kind of narrow. A small, tight campground, probably been here a long time.
“Only one camper here. I suppose when it’s hot in the summer, people come up here with their crews for the shade and cool air. It’s a little too early for that now.”
“Ooh, RVSue, those black trees are spooky. Do you think they’re scary, Miss B?”
“Well, no, Reggie. The trees don’t have their leaves yet. They’ll be pretty once the leaves come out.”
“Oh, oh, I know what that house is for. That’s where people go pee-pee and poo-poo!”
“Good job, Reg.” (Bridget rolls her eyes.)
The crew and I decide that we won’t camp at Dalton Springs Campground.
Maybe we will someday, if we come this way again during the heat of summer. It’s only about 5 miles west of Monticello and Route 191.
“Okay, the next campground is about two miles further up this curvy road.”
“RVSue! Reggie! Over there! A deer!”
We arrive at Buckboard Campground, also $10 regular/$5 with discount pass.
Buckboard has two group sites on opposite sides of a circular, grassy area.
The campground map at the entrance shows the individual campsites fanning out from the road that goes around the circle. There’s also a short spur with a loop at the end for a few more sites.
“Isn’t this nice? Let’s get out and walk. Reggie, sit still for your tether. Bridget, no one’s here so you don’t need to wear your suit.”
~ ~ ~
They’re having a grand time . . . . It’s perfect weather for this. Slightly cool and sunny.
“Hey, guys . . . This one has a pink reservation tag. Someone’s reserved it for Memorial Day weekend.”
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you, sweetheart. I see your tail is wagging.”
The white bark of the aspens is pretty against the pale blue sky.
I imagine it’s beautiful here in the fall when the aspen leaves turn yellow-gold. Gee, funny how there aren’t any bear-proof receptacles. This must be bear country . . . .
Reggie is so little under those tall trees! I wonder what he’s thinking.
“Hold up, Reggie. Give us a chance to catch up. Take your time, Bridge. We’re in no hurry, sweetheart.”
“See the nice campsite I found, RVSue? Do you like it? It has lots of grass.”
“You found a good one, Reg. Come here. You can see how far we’ve walked. Look over there. See the Perfect Tow Vehicle across the way?”
“Bridget, how about you show us the way back to the PTV. You’re good at that.”
“I’ll be glad to, RVSue. Come along, Reggie boy.”
“Reggie MAN! It’s Reggie MAN! I’m not a little boy! Stop calling me Reggie boy!”
Heh-heh.
“All right. I’m sorry. Slip of the tongue.”
Pffft.
“Next, crew, we’re going to Newspaper Rock! We’ll have our drinks before we leave here.
Did you have fun?”
“YEAH, RVSUE! THIS WAS THE MOST FUN IN THE WHOLE WORLD! I LOVE THIS GRASS! IT’S SOFT UNDER MY TOES!”
“How about you Bridge? Did you enjoy it?”
“It was lovely, RVSue. Thank you. I had forgotten about the beautiful aspens. I think the aspen camps are my favorites. Pine camps are nice, too.”
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Every purchase is very much appreciated. Here’s a sample of items recently ordered from Amazon:
Bankers Box
Slide-Out Rubber Seal
Dual Hydration Waist Pack
Samsung Galaxy Car Charger
Southpole Men’s Fleece Pants
All Natural, All American Chicken Jerky Strips for Dogs
“Hey, Miss B! I’ll race ya’ to the PTV! Ready, get set . . . GO!”
Hi Sue!
You are fast, Debra! I happened to be sitting here at my computer ordering some parts for my Casita and I thought that there is no way somebody would beat me. You did! LOL! Way to go!
Maybe shopping affects your reflexes? 🙂
No, my age is affecting my reflexes. 🙁 I switched immediately and as soon as I hit the button to send, I saw that Debra had beat me to it! 🙂 I was going back and forth between the Little House Customs site, widgetworksrv.com and Amazon. I need some stuff. A couple rivets on the roof are gone and two more are on their way out. So I’m buying some rivets from Larry at LHC along with a new anode rod and valve to turn off the water going to the toilet in the event that the flush valve dies. My trailer is 13 years old in July! Clete and I went camping for 8 days and I need some better organization in my Casita. I’m buying a couple of stretchy nets to hang on the wall to keep his magazines in order and two cubbies from Charlie (Widgetworks guy), who makes custom plastic stuff that will be mounted under the rear overhead storage cabinet so that we keep our iPads in a safe spot. I’m also having him make me a small spice rack. I have the containers and was going to use magnets but thought that a small spice rack that will hold five spices mounted where I need them will save digging around in the microwave (my food storage) cabinet. I also found that I need to get rid of lots of stuff that I haven’t touched in years!
We went up to Monument Valley last week and I couldn’t believe how much it has changed. It costs to go on a hike! There is only one hike in the entire Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Land that you are allowed to go on without a guide and you have to pay $20 to get into the “drive amongst the monuments” area to get to it. If you go to the welcome center, they don’t welcome you, they tell you to go up the road to the visitor center but don’t tell you that they will gouge you for $20 to get to it! LOL! We paid and took the drive amongst the monuments but I don’t think that I’ll be doing that again in this lifetime. We had lots of laughs. On the way home, we stopped at Sedona for one of the most beautiful hikes that I’ve ever been on. It was like Disneyland. Not because of people (go on a weekday) but because it was so beautiful. Blogorinos – If you happen to be in Sedona and want to go on a beautiful hike that’s about 6.5 miles, take the West Fork of Oak Creek hike located about 8 or 9 miles north of Sedona. It costs $10 to park but it’s worth it and doggies are invited on leash. There’s some creek crossings but nothing hard or getting too wet. The scenery is the best! That concludes my public service announcement.
Sue – As always, I’m enjoying your blog with the rest of your followers. You are changing people’s lives!
Chris B and Mr. Diego the Italian Greyhound 🙂
When I first saw your comment, I had a fright thinking, “Oh, no, I hope nothing’s wrong!”
Your additions to your Casita sound really smart. I keep trying different places to store my laptop when in transit. No place seems quite right. Clever to put a compartment in that area for your iPads.
For readers who don’t know what LHC is…. It’s Little House Customs. I won’t explain here what they offer. If you have a fiberglass trailer or plan on purchasing one, LHC is a place to order replacement parts, among other features… so follow the link.
Monument Valley…. I know what you mean. I had a similar experience, although I didn’t hang around long. I felt like prey among predators. Not disparaging native Americans here (so no one jump on me). I’m talking about pressure on tourists.
In contrast you had an outstanding hike near Sedona. Thanks for sharing this information… from your Casita mods to LHC to Monument Valley to Sedona hike… You enhance my blog. Feel free to make a PSA here anytime, Chris!
Ooh, I found the shelf at LHC! Nice!
🙂 I just happened to be coming to the blog to catch up on comments and there was the new post!
Hi, Debra! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’RE SPEEDY TODAY!
Before I always read thru the post and hadn’t really tried to be first. How did that get started anyway, I’ve wondered about that – LOL! I have read thru all your posts from the beginning, but I didn’t read the comments as I would have never gotten thru it, haha. I’m sure the story is in there somewhere.
It’s nice you have been getting out with the Crew and doing some exploring. The first thing I noticed in the CG pics was all the aspens. I bet they are pretty in the fall. I just love seeing them in all their color.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the Memorial Day weekend. Of course, every day is a holiday for you, right!!! I can’t wait to be able to say that. Looks like the weather will be pretty nice for you.
I don’t know how the race to be first began. I guess we blogorinos were hit with a case of silly and haven’t been cured yet.
Retirement…. oh yes, every day is a holiday, even if one is sitting in an auto repair shop or doing chores. Just knowing that every day belongs to MOI, no schedules, no deadlines, no pressure. You’ll love it! Have a great weekend!
First? LOL
Bwa-hahaha… NOOOOOO. BUT YOU’RE IN SECOND PLACE!
Yahoo…first?
TIED FOR SECOND PLACE, MARILYN!
I like this camp. Looks like spring.
Hi, Teri…. THIRD PLACE!
The aspen are beautiful even though they haven’t leafed out yet, and the grass is so pretty and green!
You’re up pretty high, there. Looks like you’re handling the altitude well!
Hi, kisstab-chick,
All three of us were fine at this altitude. In the next post our ride takes us higher… stay tuned!
Darn! Thought I’d be first, people are too fast 🙂
Ok to read your post now Sue.
Hope you are somewhere cool, it’s very hot here in Northern CA.
Tina
Hi, Tina…. Yes, it is cool here. I put the heater on this morning until about 9:30. Sounds like summer has arrived in northern California!
Just finished a busy gardening day of picking my organically grown Arizona peaches and plums. Wish I could share with everyone how good they smell and taste. Bringing back happy memories of picking fruit from Dad’s garden and orchard. Thinking that you Sue would appreciate some home grown fruit. It’s so unlike what is in Wallyworld or other supermarkets.
Watching the pond fish devour their din din and me enjoying a glass of wine. A soft South breeze is wafting though a backyard pine tree… is a perfect holiday evening. Knowing that many, many Blogorinos are wishing Sue and Crew a wonderful weekend. Love your photos and blog. Both are entertaining and informative. Toodles.
Hi, Marilyn,
I’m sure those peaches and plums are luscious. Enjoy! Sounds like you’re all set for a wonderful weekend.
Thank re the photos and blog. I like to entertain while informing. 🙂
Yum, yum Marilyn, the peaches and plums sound exquisite! Would love to try them.
Oh my gosh, another beautiful place! The mountains are gorgeous, and the campsite seems perfect. Reggie Man, you did a great job! I love when Bridget and Reggie Man write the blog–too cute! I was amazed by the difference in the trees in just a few miles. Y’all will get to see nature reawaken from its winter nap. How lovely that will be for you and the Crew. Thank you so much for another breathtaking post. Be well and enjoy your time at this site.
You’re welcome, Retiredcajunlady,
I’m glad you liked the post. Thank you. I tried really hard not to slip into an insipid exchange between the three of us. Ha!
One of the greatest joys of this lifestyle is experiencing the seasons in different locales. After almost 5 years on the road, connections are made… the yellow aspens of Salina with the budding aspens of Monticello, the Ponderosa pines of Oregon with the Pondersosas of our present camp…
Oooo, I love the shot of Reggie under the tall Aspens.
Will you stay there awhile?
Hi, Adrienne,
I like that pic, too. No, we won’t camp at either of these campgrounds. It’s too cold in the mornings yet. Here at Devil’s Canyon Campground, which is much lower, it’s pretty nippy in the morning and feels colder because of intermittent, light rain.
I post the details of the campgrounds to help me remember and to let readers know where there are two “cool” camps near Monticello.
After Memorial Day weekend, we will move camp. I don’t know where yet.
Hi Sue, really nice pictures today. Bridget must have been especially cooperative since there are a number of her. Buckboard looks like a nice campground. Sounds like the three of you had a great day in the PTV.
Hi, Lisa W.,
It was a happy day for all of us. Reggie was excited and energetic. Bridget was mellow and cheerful. Thanks re the photos.
Wow! Bridget must have felt good to be was running like that. It must be a nice change for you all to have cool grass to walk on instead of asphalt or gravel. Looks like a nice outing.
Hi, Jim,
She still has days when she feels great and is able to skip around. She doesn’t run very fast or very far. That was a lucky shot.
It was a nice outing. Perfect day for it.
Wow, Sue, what a contrast between the black trees and then the white aspens. The first camp makes me think of the Wizard of Oz. I’m waiting for one of those trees to hurl an apple at you – “and your little doggies, too!”
I never noticed before how much the aspen trunks look like white birch. Are they also papery?
Enjoy your Memorial Day, everyone. Please keep our service members and their families in your prayers. God bless them all.
You’re funny… the Wizard of Oz… hilarious!
No, the aspens aren’t papery like white birches. The bark is smooth. I remember the birches from childhood, how you could peel off the bark and make little canoes to float in the brook…
Thank you for the reminder about Memorial Day. I’ll remind us again on Monday.
Dear RVSue and crew,
I’ve been faithfully reading your blog, and as I said in a previous post I’m kinda shy to comment in your comment section. Please know that this in no way is a negative about you, your blog, your awe-inspiring pictures and the wonderful pups you have! I also told you I was reading your blog from the beginning and now with the notices in my email I keep up with your most recent posts.
Right now, I’m in July 2013, you’re camped just west of Montana at Tinney Flat Campground. You’ve been boondocking most of the time, which I find fantastic, because I want to boondock as much as I can once I get out on the road on my vagabond journey. There are times you think you are writing about something as mundane as hitching the BLT to the PTV but I learn from that, and I like learning, so to me it’s not mundane. I’m sure there are others out there reading your blog who are learning just like I am from your “mundane” adventures! I appreciate that you put that information in your blog, so thank you!
I have found several sites/blogs about full time RVer’s, but your blog is by far the best! You’re interesting, your pictures are beautiful, even all the pictures of Spike laying in the mud ( God bless his soul, Spike is probably on God’s lap right now!). I hope doggie heaven has lots of streams with mud just for Spike and all the other doggie friends he’s made! I’m sorry if bringing up Spike has hurt you in any way, if so please accept my apology. He was so very special….
I’m so interested in your Solar set up. Is 200 watts enough for you to spend as much time on the laptop as you would like? Or does the battery drain down too fast? Is your laptop plugged into a 12 volt connection? What device, or appliance, or what not eats up all your battery power? I know some of this has been answered in the comments sections and on your drop down menu, but if I read all the comments all the time I’m afraid I’ll never finish reading your blog! I do read a lot of the comments, there are days that I don’t read them all, though.
There are so many questions in my brain, they get all boggled up there and I can’t get them out fast enough for my fingers to keep up with my thoughts! Don’t worry about answering all my questions, I just need to talk to someone who can explain it all and help me figure out the best system for me. Since I’m in Phoenix, I plan on taking my trailer to Yuma and talking to Starlight Solar (you recommended them in a post or two) when I get the trailer, which by the way…
I BOUGHT MY TRAILER!! Well, I sign the papers next week and then they are going to store it for me in their fenced in, secure lot until September, or when the house sells, whichever comes first! They’re not going to charge me for storage either, isn’t that great! I also bought what I hope is going to be my PTV this week, too! It’s a 2002 Tahoe, with the trailer package, has less than 100,000 miles on it and it was owned by the owner of the shop where I take my car and my mother’s car to get fixed. They’ve always been very honest in their dealings, for example, they will let you know something needs to be fixed in 6 months but right now it’s fine, stuff like that. I’ve been taking our cars there for 9 years. The Tahoe is loaded, it looks brand new, it even has heated seats, but I doubt I will ever use that feature…my body is on the hot cycle all the time and has been for double digit years, the doctor says that will eventually stop, but geez, it’s been a long time! I take care of my mother and she is always cold, so it’s a little bit of a battle when the house AC has to be on, LOL!!
Oh no, I’m writing a book on your comment section!! See, I’m embarrassing myself already!
I looked at a Casita just like yours, but I felt a little claustrophobic. It may also end up being my permanent home forever, so I thought if I ever needed to just park it, it would be a little more room, especially on those rainy days when you get stuck inside. I bought a Nash22h, which is just shy of 25 feet and that includes the hitch. It’s a 4 season, off road capable, trailer. It’s supposed to be a good one, I hope it is.
I’m ready to get on the road, but I need to be responsible and see that mom gets into a good retirement community, the house gets sold, all that stuff, etc.
Thank you again for being such a wonderful blog writer, one that is entertaining, educational without even knowing it sometimes, full of great pictures, and most of all I appreciate your honesty. There have been a few times that some blogorinos got snarky with you, and you were right to stand your ground, because they did not READ what you wrote. That’s one of the things teachers, you were one, I was one, we were always on the kids about really reading, taking in the info and digesting it correctly the first time.
You go girl!! You do a superb job, and I love your pups (Brigdet, Reggie, and Spike too, *sniff*), they are sooo CUTE!
Now remember, I’m here reading all your posts even though I don’t comment every single time. Thank you for your encouragement to all of us that are in the stages of becoming a vagabond like you. Thank you for writing with wit, information, (even the pictures of your campsite or other campsites are educational/informative), and love of animals and nature, as well the love you show your blogorinos!
Once again, forgive my “book” of a post! Forgive my incorrect grammar, etc.
Thank you for being “you.”
Sincerely, the lurking but caring blogorino,
Beth from the Phoenix area
Beth, You did a great job summing up why we all love Sue and her crew. She’s our mini vacation from every day life.
Congratulations on your purchase – how very exciting!
I agree. Can’t tell you how much I look forward to reading your blog, Sue. When there is a day without a blog, I go back to the old ones. I am still in 2011!! And learning so much. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Barbara. Still at 2011? Wait til you get to 2012… Oh my, what a year that was!
I read all the comments.
No wonder you’re still in 2011. Good for you! The comments are the best part! 🙂
Welcome to the comments section. You made a wonderful post and I know we all appreciate knowing a bit about you as well. We all miss Spike and his soaks and I think of him often. It’s nice to have you as an official Blogorino from AZ.
Welcome to RVSue’s blog! I enjoyed your post so much. Just love hearing about what folks are doing preparing to get on the road…memories of when I did all that. All that excitement! FUN 🙂
Oh, and Starlight Solar rocks!!!
Welcome, Beth! 🙂
Welcome Beth, Hang in with all of us, Sue is the best.
Hi, Beth,
Great comment! I enjoyed it very much. Thank you!
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW TRAILER! How thrilling! You’re making a lot of progress. You have your tow vehicle. Good move buying from folks you know and trust. I wish you many happy and safe miles with it.
Best wishes as you find a place for your mother and help her transition to it. Also with the sale of your house.
Okay, your questions….. The 200 watt panel with two AGM storage batteries gives me the power I need. Today gives a good example. It has been cloudy with some rain. The batteries charged up to 14 volts. (On a sunny day they go up to 14.5, sometimes a bit more than that.) I admit I don’t keep track. I just go about my life!
Anyway…. Right now at 8 p.m. the digital thingy I have inside the BLT that tells me what the house battery charge is reads 12.4 volts. That’s lower than usual (dark day, no driving, online a lot today). However, I’ll be able to use the laptop for another hour or so (maybe longer, I don’t know, I go to bed, being a morning person). When the house battery goes below 12 volts, my inverter in the BLT squawks at me. That doesn’t happen often.
My power usage is the laptop, LED light (one or two for less than a half-hour). After dark I’m either on the laptop with no lights or I’m reading my Paperwhite with no lights. Very little time with lights on.
I also charge my electronics like the phone, camera battery, etc. Once in a while I use the TV, maybe 2 or 3 times a year. A movie DVD will be powered okay; I just can’t start it when the battery is down below 13v or thereabouts.
I’m happy to see you’re going to Starlight Solar. They will do good work for you. They also will set you up with an inverter for inside your trailer.
Thank you for the praise of my blog. Of course, it makes me proud and happy to read that. I appreciate the feedback on reading old posts and comments.
No, I’m not hurt by the reference to Spike. I like that others remember him fondly. And no need to apologize for the length of your comment. I love it! I’m sure your fellow blogorinos enjoyed reading what you had to say about your life and how your plans are coming together so well.
Thanks again for the many kind words, Beth.
Blogorinos! Here’s Beth’s new trailer… Isn’t it sweet!
Nash 22h travel trailer
Oh, my! Is that a bathtub I see?
Welcome Beth!
Nice trailer…..love the layout and the shower!
That’s a shower. Gee, I wondered how it could be a bathtub…
Well you know, on a quick glance it kind of looks like a tub. Wishful thinking perhaps?
🙂
Beth, that is a nice trailer. Looks like an excellent choice!
I loved reading your post. I share the sentiments that you expressed, and you wrote much more eloquently than I would be able to.
If I hadn’t found Sue’s blog, I’m not sure I would be making plans now to become a full time RVer. I had read other bloggers/forums and they talked about needing $30k/year to full time. I don’t have that kind of money, so I had given up on my dream of embarking on this lifestyle. But when I found RVSue and Crew, and went back to the beginning to read thru the posts and the finance information that was shared, my dream was rekindled. I thought, I CAN DO THIS!!!
So I think it was by the providence of God that I found this blog. I give a big +1 to all you have written Beth. I am not very good at writing or expressing my feelings thru writing. You have done that for me. Thank you for doing that.
And
And THANKS SUE for your wonderful blog!
“If I hadn’t found Sue’s blog, I’m not sure I would be making plans now to become a full time RVer.”
I had to read that three times to make it sink in. Boy, talk about The Little Blog That Could. I’m amazed.
I agree. I never thought of full time rving as a viable option until I read your blog. I am now convinced this is the way to go. Thanks to you RVSue! Great post by the crew and such pretty photos, love how you bring it all to life for those of us here in blogorino land!
🙂
Yes me too. I really would like to see a little about the finances again as it made it look doable for me also
A response to readers looking for financial reports:
I’m sorry but it is a heckuva lot of work and I no longer camp and travel in a way that transfers to others so seamlessly as when we first started out. I spend more than a frugal person because I host a blog. I feed the crew meat and high-priced kibble. I buy stuff particular to me.
I’m also spending increased time writing and maintaining this blog.
With a little effort, you can extrapolate from my posts what your costs would be. For instance, “rent” this month cost $247, much higher than I usually spend. As you know from previous posts over the years, we have several months where we camp for nothing.
The cost to camp can be figured from the information I posted on each camp and the time we spent there. (This is why I regularly put the date at the beginning of a story.) Add to that what YOU spend on groceries, clothing, medical, insurance, internet, phone, etc. Then the only other big variable is gas which is dependent, of course, on your personal choices on the road.
When we started out. $13,000 was enough. I think the next year it went up to $14,000 and the third and fourth years even more because those were the years to replace the tires, begin self-hosting the blog, and repair the PTV’s door. I also had vet bills for Spike.
At this point I would say a serious boondocker can live a life similar to mine (small rig, few “entertainments.” little impulse buying, etc.) on $15,000 a year. That could be cut down by boondocking all the time and not traveling as much. Warning to those wanting to emulate my lifestyle and budget…. An increase in length of your rig will increase your costs.
When I considered this lifestyle I couldn’t find anyone traveling on a tight budget and writing openly about it. I did the math on my own and that was part of the challenge and fun!
Good morning Sue & Blogorinos,
Sorry for bringing up the finance topic again. 🙁 I think if readers go back and look at the info from 2013, that will give them a great starting point for their own research and planning. I don’t think prices have gone up exponentially since then. With the time and effort you must invest in writing your posts and then making personal replies to comments, I can see there just wouldn’t be time to do more. After all, you do still want to enjoy your travels!!!
For me it wasn’t just the financial aspect but also the style of travel/camping that you do. I really identified with the boondocking lifestyle and traveling without a set agenda. The adventure of searching out new places. I love studying maps!!! Most of my camping has been in the backcountry or dispersed tent camping. I don’t much care for commercial campgrounds. So that aspect of your writing was also a huge inspiration for me.
?so hard to read them
Narrow
Lines,,,,,,
?
Maybe if you turned your new phone so the words go across the widest way?
I too Deb love Sue’s post because she travels in a way I can afford. And I have always loved boondocking. I went with a van. And welcome Beth your home is beautiful
Beth and Debra,
You both have put into words so eloquently my thoughts and feelings, thank you! My dream is to travel around this beautiful country we have and enjoy all the beauty God has created. RVSue and crew has opened our eyes to the possibilities and let us know there are others out there doing what we have dreamed about for years.
Beth, you will love your Nash. Last summer I upgraded from a Dutchmen Colorado to the Arctic Fox 25W, same manufacturer as the Nash. I too wanted a four season camper with thermal pane windows. I love my camper! The plan is to payoff the truck and camper in the next two years so I can begin living the dream.
Thanks to RVSue and Crew, I like many of you now know there are some incredible places to camp that cost little to nothing to camp. I started back at the beginning of the blog I am currently reading March 2013 posts. I am reading all the comments. There is a wealth of information! I have found this site to be very addictive.
I usually don’t comment because I am usually reading late at night and by the time I would comment there is another post in the works.
RVSue you have an incredible talent, thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome, MelindaK. Please do comment, regardless of the hour or when I post. 🙂
No bathtub, just a big shower pan! The picture is deceiving! I do like the fact that the water tank is 50 gallons and it fits within the weight I’ll most likely be carrying, if not I’ll lose something to keep the water1 I just want the solar so bad, cuz I hate generators and noise, I hate noise!!!
Thanks!
Beth from Phoenix area
It’s a beautiful trailer, Beth. You must be over the moon…
🙂
Thanks Sue. Also, a big thank you to all the positive feedback from fellow blogorino’s!
It is because of RVSue being willing to share her financial info that helped me realize I could actually do my dream and not break the bank.
Sue, you are changing people’s lives everyday and you don’t truly realize the power of you and your blog, thank you. I’m so happy I found your blog.
So a humongous THANK YOU goes out to you Sue, and all the encouraging blogorino’s!!!
Beth from the Phoenix area
(can you tell I’m very thankful? LOL )
That was a darling post….I really enjoyed it!
The trees look like they have arms. Love the Aspens! Great to see Bridgee babee running “kind of like the wind” as opposed to rocket man you know who!
Enjoy your evening.
Thanks, Cinandjules. You have a wonderful evening.
Hi Sue
just came in from the garden picking some maters and
saw your new post…..
Im lucky to be on the internet as we have had big rains for
the last 3 days that have shut down everything around us here.
I finally had to get my phone hot spot up and running so I could
do a little surfing…….
power has been out at the house for 3 days and we have had 2
generators going full time to keep the freezers and fridge going
the generators arent too loud when everyone else out here are
running theirs too….HA
pictures look good as always..thanks for the break
chuck
You’re welcome, Chuck,
Hey, generators are great when they’re needed! You don’t want to lose all the goodies in your fridge and freezer.
What an awful time you’re having…. Shut down for 3 days? Hardship!!
I’m happy you were able to go online and even happier that you chose to write this note. I hope everything gets back to normal pronto!
Those aspen trees are just gorgeous! They remind me of birch trees but with no peelers. That Bridget has the prettiest face. So good to see her looking so good.
Thank you for the compliment for Bridget, Jan. It’s nice that you share my feelings about our special girl.
My, what a wonderful story. I chuckled all the way thru.
A note of interest. Highway US 191 used to be called US 666 the Devils Highway. Which may be why the canyon is called Devils Canyon due to it’s closeness. The federal highway dept. considers it the curviest highway in the country. Mostly due to the section between Morenci AZ. and Hannagans Meadow AZ. The rode is cut out of the side of the mountains and is a real white knuckle ride.
Hi, Alan,
You solved a mystery for me! Yesterday I was researching for future routes and camps. Several websites referred to Route 666. I scrutinized my Benchmark but couldn’t find it. Now I know why. It’s good to know that my Benchmark didn’t make a mistake.
Thanks for that…. and also thanks for letting us know about the “white knuckle ride.”
I hope you are enjoying Alpine.
Oh, I almost forgot… Interesting explanation for the name of the canyon. Makes sense. . .
There was a short period during my life that I lived along US 666 just a few miles from its southern terminus near Douglas, AZ. I still think of it as being US 666 even though I know I need to be looking for US 191.
Hi Sue,
I love the pictures in your post, the aspens were really nice. It was big garage sales weekend on the peninsula so I was out and about with my friends, we all scored a few things 🙂
I’m getting more and more excited for Monday, doing the TT systems checks and finalizing the deal and I will have my very own fiberglass trailer. ?
Hi, Harl4me,
I hope you will give us updates on your new Bigfoot travel trailer. Monday will be an exciting day, for sure!
One would hope to have the option to be able to go through both campgrounds and then choose between them if in the area. As I’m not, and am only judging from your photos I’m guessing they “feel” quite different from each other and I’d pick Dalton Springs. Buckboard may be picturesque, particularly in autumn, still, I get the sense that it has an atmosphere I wouldn’t be comfortable staying in.
It’s delightful to see Bridget and Reggie having fun and enjoying an excursion so much. It makes a sunny day all the brighter, doesn’t it? It’s certainly made mine that way, thank you 🙂
You’re welcome, weather. I’m really very surprised by your reaction to the aspen campground and am curious why. Too open? Can you explain further?
Being mindful that this a public conversation it’s hard to describe some things I discern in an atmosphere. It seems unnatural that a place so dense with trees would have areas of that much grass without bushes, shrubs, and other plants interspersed among it. At some point the land was partially cleared of some living things there for the sake of “clean” roads and ground alongside them, campsites, picnic or family game playing, etc. I fully understand the appeal for most people of a sweet park like setting, yet think they were unable to produce that there. Add full color leaves, wildflowers, butterflies and bunnies-despite it’s nice face I sense the place has a personality I wouldn’t enjoy.
I hear what you’re saying. I guess I didn’t think about what wasn’t there — undergrowth, etc. Our camp on Oak Ridge near Salina had areas of aspens with very little undergrowth, just grass, and it seemed quite natural. The “lawn” affect at Buckboard does create a different atmosphere, I agree.
This being Utah (large extended families), I suppose Buckboard is used for family reunions with BBQs, baseball games, kids running around, etc.
We enjoyed being there because no one else was around and the aspens were beautiful. I wouldn’t like it if I had to share it.
Thanks for the explanation.
You meant the “lawn” affect at Buckboard didn’t you?
Yes, I fixed it. You’d think I could keep the campgrounds straight, having been there and having written about them. Sheesh.
Your “What makes a good boondock” post on September 9,2015 , and a few that followed has photos of that Oak Ridge Road boondock camp. That’s a place I’d be glad to wake up, spend the day and sleep in-you three certainly did 🙂
Something that hasn’t been mentioned since the early days of this blog–snakes.
I’m assuming at this altitude, there aren’t going to be any snakes, anyway. But if it were a lower altitude, would the fact that the Dalton Springs campground has lots of tall-ish grass make it any more problematical? I know Sue said to avoid boulders, and that relieved me to know, because frankly, rattlesnakes are just so scary to me, that would be what could scare me away from camping, if they were a regular problem!
So relieve my paranoia on the subject, please. It’s just that most campsites she posts are more cleared out, or so it seems to me. If that one were in Texas and it were snake weather, I’d probably be looking down a lot, something that would detract from my ability to relax at my campsite.
A couple of things in your comment are unclear to me:
Are you saying Dalton Springs has tall-ish grass now or if it weren’t cleared out?
“If that one were in Texas”… Do you mean Dalton Springs or Buckboard?
Do note that it’s going on 5 years and I haven’t come across a rattlesnake yet. So you can relax… 🙂
Or it is possible a fire cleared all and this is new growth coming in. I have no clue about that area but in areas CA had fire in past few years grass and wild flowers and small plants return first depending on how hot the fire was in literally sterilizing the ground causing growth of new to take longer.
I still think the campground is parklike to accommodate large gatherings of families, for activities to take place on the lawn. Old picnic tables did not show any sign of fire damage. Neither did trees. The perimeter of the campground is untouched by fire.
Just popping in to say “hi” to everyone. I do read every post and I still love it, especially the pictures.
I was wondering if you ever tried Bridget on “move-free”? I know a lot of people who used it on their older dogs and it worked wonders on their mobility. “Cosequin” would be the dog formula.
I put CT-NH in my name because, although I’m living in NH, I’m not quite sure this is where I’ll stay. I still have the wanderlust and suppose I always will. I do think my opportunity to rv travel has slipped by, but I’ll think of another way. I’m starting to feel better emotionally so I can think a little about my future.
In the meantime, I’ll continue to live through the photos you share and your stories. Such a simple lifestyle yet it touches the soul.
Hi, Toni,
Good news that you’re “starting to feel better emotionally.” You’ve been through a lot… cancer, surgery, adjustment to living as a single person… I sense a determination and positive outlook in your comment, both will serve you well.
Yes, Cosequin has been suggested by readers. Bridget’s tear in her leg is what causes her to have bad days. It tightens up on her when sleeping (sleeping on it “wrong”). A pain killer (and I noticed also, a ride in her car) relaxes the muscles and she is fine. Cosequin, as I understand it, is for joint difficulties. I’ve used it with several dogs I fostered. It worked for a few, no difference for others.
I’m pleased that you enjoy my posts and photos and that you plan to continue coming here. Enjoy the weekend!
Sue, out of curiosity, since I don’t own a dog, I googled Is Cosequn anti inflammatory? the answer YES, do some research it might be worth a try. It does take a while to build up effect. I know in humans there are studies that similar products at about the six week point equal the pain reducing effects of Motrin, so guessing at least a 6 week trial, if she tolerated it would be the minimum to know if it helps. Always the curious nurse here! 🙂
There’s another consideration. I regret giving Spike medicine during his last weeks. Every morning it was a fight and I know he didn’t understand why I was trying to sneak something into his food. I don’t want to have a daily fight with Bridget. Not for one week and certainly not for six weeks. She has a sensitive disposition and introducing negativity into our daily routine would hurt her.
I have researched Cosequin. I’ve administered it to arthritic dogs.
Bridget is enjoying life. No, she doesn’t run like a pup and I don’t run like a child. We’re both aging and I’m letting that happen. I’m with her 24/7 and I’m aware of when she is experiencing discomfort. When it happens, I give her relief. I know you mean well and you’re a nurse, but that’s the decision I’ve made as one who loves her and knows her.
Sue, I was only responding to what you said in your note above mine where you said you understood it was for joints. Certainly not trying to convince you, only giving information. I know you always do best for your fur kids.
That’s okay. No problem, Velda. I was too strident because I feared a thread starting like the “put it in a bag of rice” thread… 🙂
GOOD MORNING, BLOGORINOS!
I want to let you know that something isn’t working right with my spam filter ever since it was updated. Perfectly normal comments are held for moderation. If you write a comment and it doesn’t appear, it isn’t something that I am doing.
I will check into the blog frequently today in order to “approve” comments that are inexplicably sitting in moderation.
I’m sorry for this annoyance.
Sue
I was just “busting” on you! I may have used too many emoji faces!
Are you kidding? Go enjoy your day…promise we’ll behave!
Three other comments, none of which were yours, were also held for moderation and they didn’t have emojis.
Good morning, Sue,
Many thanks go out to HRH Bridget and Sir Reginald for their delightful tour of the campsites that you all checked out. Your little pups had me laughing out loud! The aspens are so pretty!
Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend! Sending you and the crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Happy Memorial Day weekend to all! I am very thankful for those who serve to keep us safe and free.
Good morning, Denise,
HRH and Sir Reginald acknowledge your thanks. 🙂 I hope you and Gracie pup are enjoying the weekend!
Love the aspen pics, so beautiful. And, as always, the crew is adorable!
Thanks, Eileen. Happy Sunday!
Am I FIRST???
Naw….not today! 🙂
I’m 74th and proud of it.
Looks like a beautiful campground, Sue. I like the one you’re in better, though.
Devil’s Canyon Campground is better in many ways…. No group area for one thing. 🙂
I like it when Reggie and Bridget review the campgrounds. I like their perspective, being so in touch with the ground and their noses!
Thanks for letting me know, Carol. I’ll keep them employed. 🙂
I love the aspen camps the best. Even the pictures of the aspens at anytime of year make me feel they are calling me. That’s what’s nice about Sue’s blog–she visits and comments on many different climates and locations. I will like the desert, but the higher elevations will be the ones I seek out the most (except in winter, of course!)
Wherever the weather is comfortable, that’s where I want us to go. While following good weather we are treated to many different environments. That’s the beauty of this lifestyle.
Enjoying the campgrounds, RvSue, and the conversation with the crew. Also love the comments on the trailers and the financial discussion. Looking forward to where the summer weather takes you, may you be safe.
Thank you, Terri. I’m studying my Benchmarks and researching online. A general plan is coming together and that’s fun!
And it’s vital for people to truly consider how little fast food and eating out you do, and the lack of impulse-spending. I’ve noticed that, and also noticed that I would be spending more for those reasons. The great thing is you don’t have much room for impulse-items. LOL
Do you eat much in the way of chips, candy and soft drinks? Those expensive things a lot of people eat daily?
I don’t eat any of that stuff. I rarely eat in restaurants. An occasional stop at Subway or Carl’s Jr.
That saves you a lot of money, and is healthier!
Also I spend very little on clothing. My winter coat cost $7. My handbag was also $7. I have shirts and a vest, all cost less than $5 each. I’m loosening my purse strings now that I know what I can afford and with the help of Amazon sales. . . buying quality shoes, for instance.
I consider quality shoes an investment in my health after choking and spending over $100 for the first time on well fitted shoes instead,of $30 sale sneakers, and having knee pain gone for first time in years! Some things are just worth it amd not a splurge!
Oh, Sue, I do the same thing. Clothes must be on sale…a great sale…before I even consider buying. But good fitting and quality shoes…a must. They last longer, and when I was teaching saved my feet! Not a lot of things I will spend a lot on, but shoes and taking care of my skin (psoriasis!) are two.
I remember buying a pair of jeans in Wal-Mart and it struck me… Gee, no one has worn these before. Haha!
Sigh. Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Hi, Dawn… 🙂
Shucks, I didn’t even make it to the top 100! LOL! LOVE the Aspens! You are right, that would be a great place to camp in the autumn when the gold leaves dress the trees! Great little campground there.
Hi, Geri! Hope you are enjoying the weekend…
🙂
Hi Sue,, nice pics and post of Eastern Utah,,,,, Piper says hi,,, ,, rusty
Hi to you and Piper…. and safe travel wherever the road takes you…
Love Bridget & Reggie’s tour of the campgrounds. They are both nice, but I love the Aspens. They are beautiful with their white bark and the foliage just starting to come out. Bridget look really good today.
We took our drive down the Natchez Trace today. The have opened a new park along the way called Timberland, jut after we got on. We stopped there, for a little walk, and for Angel to take care of her business. Of course, she met a lady and her son along the way and had to visit with them. She never seems to meet a stranger. The lady really liked her. Then we finished our walk and continued on our drive. It was an enjoyable afternoon.
Speaking of Angel, I guess I better take her out. Her 5 hours are up.
The Natchez Trace drive is a peaceful one. I’m glad you chose to do that, Barbara, and I hope it refreshed you to carry on.
Hugs to you and Angel!
Oh the Aspens are beautiful!! What a pretty forest for you and the crew.
Hi, Jodee,
I like the way you worded your last sentence. You reminded me that the forest is a gift for me and the crew. On this Memorial Day we remember those who made it possible for strolls through aspens in this beautiful country. 🙂
It was such fun to see Bridget running around. My little Bentley is 14 and I get a thrill out of watching him on his good days. I have not made it to Utah yet. Love the Aspens. Am currently in AZ camped with Bob, getting ready for the summer RTR. Wish you were going to be here.
How nice of you, Debra, to wish I were joining you and Bob and all the rubbertrampers at your gathering this summer. I’m sure it will be another successful get-together of good folks. I’ll have to go over to cheaprvliving to see what and where this is happening. I don’t do groups/rallies/gatherings, but I’m happy for those who do. Enjoy!
Bentley — like that name! — I wish him many more good days.
Thank you! Me too. He and Nonni are my world, my companions. Much like you 3! :)) Here is a link for the summer RTR:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/tribe/summer-rubber-tramp-rendezvous-2016/
Would you be willing to share what software you use to put your name and date on your pics? Thanks!
It’s Picasa, free download.
I have fired up my time machine to come say Hi to everybody (I’m now reading 5/29/14, only two years back…I read all the comments, with my notebook beside the ipad…ooh, I have so much great stuff in my notebook, from Sue and blogorinos, that will make it so much easier for me once I get on the road.)
I am in the get-rid-of-everything stage; had my first yard sale yesterday–lot of work, not many sales, there has to be an easier way, but meanwhile I shall slog along. Stuff has been sticking to me like I was flypaper. Aargh!
I am a now retired craftsperson (woodturner, salad bowls), at 77! No disaster, just circumstances suddenly made it the right thing to do. Most of us craftspeople, if you ask us about retirement, will mime dropping dead with our tools in our hands….partly because of liking what we do, partly because of money. There are very few prosperous craftspeople. So it was a delightful surprise to realize I could retire.
Some of today’s commenters thank Sue for helping them see that living full-time in an RV can be a real possibility. Me too–Sue, you have opened a door for me that I didn’t even see, as I puzzled how I could live happily after selling my house (that’s where all my money is). Too cranky and independent to live contentedly in some very cheap rental apartment….thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
A note for everybody: don’t let age get in your way, if your health holds up! I suppose I could wait until I get younger–oh….well, maybe not.
Okay, time to fire up the time machine and drop back to 5/29/14. Hugs to all.
Carol
(By the way, since I’m reading all the comments with my notebook, I’ve been writing down the dates when spam creeps in at the bottom (usually 4 months later….looks like you don’t have a cut-off date for accepting comments). I know how you feel about housekeeping (me too), but there’s one you might want to get rid of, on ****, potentially offensive. Let me know if you want the rest of the list…or just any offensive ones….or none.)
Hi, Carol,
It’s a shame that craftspeople don’t receive much monetary reward for the talent, skill, time, energy, materials, and soul they put into their work. Your biggest reward, I suppose, is in the creation and the satisfaction of accomplishment.
I’m very happy that my blog and the blogorinos have presented a vision for you… opening a window onto possibilities for a wonderful retirement. I’m glad you have the good health to be able to consider this lifestyle.
You’ve taken on quite a project — Not only reading all the posts from the beginning, but also the comments. Thank you for pointing out that particularly ugly spam comment. I deleted it. I am going to place a cut-off date for accepting comments. Good idea, don’t know why I haven’t done that sooner. Then I will go through old posts to delete spam. No need to give me a list. I’ll check a few at a time and eventually have them cleared out. Again, thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Enjoyed your comment… Best wishes with getting rid of stuff. I, too, found that garage sales aren’t worth the work.
Good idea to read the comments and blogs with a notebook. So much of it I think “Well, that’s a good idea.” But I’m not nearly ready to hit the road and I’ll never remember all the good ideas. Or to be honest, any of then! 🙂 I should have been writing them down in a ‘full time dreaming RV’ notebook!
Hi Sue:
So pretty there! Good to see you are finding such great spots. To many people think RVing cannot be done on the cheap. You are learning the ropes of Rving in the West. You’re practically a veteran now and thanks for being there for the rest of us that dream of finding the beauty, simplicity and freedom. Have a great Memorial Day and rest of the season ahead. Blessings to you, Bridget and Reggie Man!
You’re welcome, Route 66,
I’m happy to see you here again. It’s been a long time! I like your new name. 🙂 Thanks for the kind message to me and the crew. I hope all your dreams come true!
The aspens remind me of Spike too. Made me smile in a sad sort of way.
ANYWAY…(..sniff) I wanted to ask RVSue about keene shoes. I remember she said to order the size different than normal but I can’t remember if she said order up or down a half size?
Anyone remember?
Hi, Dawn,
This is what I wrote about my Keen trail shoes:
I really hate returning stuff and the KEEN trail shoes I ordered are notoriously tricky to fit. Many of the reviews on Amazon say to order a size up. I’ve always been a “perfect” size 7. Even so, I took the advice of previous customers (I love that Amazon feature!), and ordered a size 7.5.
In the parking lot . . . I pull the KEENs out of the box and tear off my tennis shoes. Oh, I hope they aren’t too big! I half-sit on the bumper of the PTV and slip them on. “Yes!” I walk around with a grin on my face. Gee, I couldn’t ask for a better fit.
For my Keen sandals, I’m pretty sure I ordered my usual size.
BTW, readers… When ordering shoes from Amazon, often there’s a place that says FIT followed by a percentage of those customers for whom the size they ordered fit. Also customer reviews are very helpful.
I hope this works for you, Dawn. Save the box until you’ve tried them on (free returns).
Thank you for allowing me to delete your comment. I apologize for sounding snarky. It hit me on a low sales day. Not an excuse, just a reason. There’s no excuse for me being snarky. 🙁
I have many pairs of Keen shoes…sandal styles and shoe styles. So far I have always needed 1/2 size larger.
Thanks for adding your experience, Ginger.
So, about things being stolen…
How do you prove something was stolen? For the things in your house or car, you need a purchase receipt, maybe a picture, and a police report indicating the thing is gone. That doesn’t actually prove it was stolen, just that you reported it stolen.
So, what if the thief is caught with your stuff? Unless it was an engraved item, how do you prove its your stuff!
In my case, I had 220k stolen in a Ponzi scheme. I have documents where I signed up for the investment, where I rolled my IRA into this investment. And I have newspaper articles where the guys were arrested and convicted for stealing approximately 400 million. But, the trust company that held my IRA issued me a 1099 for the money. I never got any money…the account was empty. But the government says the 1099 proves I got my money. Huh? Where is the check stub from the check they issued me? Or the transfer doc’s from a rollover? If you issue a 1099 there has to be something to go with it as evidence.
How do you prove your money was stolen?
Ginger,
That is a heartbreaking story, what a terrible loss! My heart goes out to you.
As far as the 1099 and the IRS, I had a somewhat similar situation although it involved a small sum. I had submitted an application to open an IRA account with a brokerage firm. The account was opened and I deposited money and made some investments. However what I didn’t notice is the account had been opened as a personal account instead of an IRA. So when I sold some stocks, the brokerage sent a 1099 to the IRS. I was not even aware of the 1099 since they didn’t send me a copy. It took me a year and half to finally get the account converted to an IRA. But when it was converted, the brokerage sent a 1099 to the IRS. I was not even aware of the 1099 since they didn’t send me a copy. I only became aware of it when I received a letter from the IRS saying I owed tax. I disputed that I owed tax. I went thru several levels and each time the IRS continued to say I owed. Of course each time they tried to get a settlement which I refused. Finally it came to the point where we were going to go to court. At that point a lawyer looked at all the paperwork I submitted and they finally agreed that I didn’t owe and dismissed the demands for tax payment.
So I would encourage you to dispute this at each point and hopefully this will work out for you in a similar way so you don’t have to pay any taxes. That won’t bring back the $220k of course. I can’t even imagine how terrible it would be to loose such a sum.
Debra
Wouldn’t your bank records/history show you never received the money? A third rate private investigator could figure out you never received that money. What? You put it under your mattress? That’s a horrible thing to have to deal with, on top of your great financial loss. I’m sorry for all of it, Ginger. I suspect it hasn’t helped you stay healthy.
Eureka! I finally talked to a nice IRS person. He agreed that since 2010 was still being investigated, they should not be making a levy against my social security to pay a tax bill that wasn’t really decided yet, so he cancelled the levy and gave me till June 30th to get all my documents in. He also said that I should get refunds for 2013, 2014 and 2015, which should help offset anything I owe. So I feel a little better. Don’t take my social security; what would I have to live on?
Oh Desert Ginger….that is such great news!!! I hope everything continues to go in your favor!!
I hope this is a sign that “the tide is turning,” and these troubles will dissolve for you, Ginger.
DesertGinger,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss! That’s unbelievable! I have a degree in accounting, yet I specialized in auditing (rather than tax). I did a quick search on Google, and found some info about Ponzi schemes and “phantom income”. I searched the terms “received 1099 for money stolen in Ponzi scheme”, the 2nd google search result links to the IRS tax code and the 3rd search result is a pdf that describes some of the tax treatment for this kind of thing. If you can figure it out way to go (!), and if not, maybe seek the advice of a tax accountant because it looks like there is a solution to this. 🙂
rvsue,
Just wanted to say hi! I really enjoy reading your blog. I’m planning on doing an “extended into the foreseeable future road trip”, and have gone back to your blog beginnings to read about how you got started. It’s such a lovely journey. Thank you for sharing your adventures, and God bless! 🙂
You’re welcome, Austinite. What a nice message to me. I hope my blog helps you with your “future road trip” of undetermined length. 🙂
I’m a big Amazon shopper and I wanted to add that many items now are free shipping on returns. Shoes and clothes mostly. It’s noted right next to the price if it’s a free return item. I buy several sizes if I’m unsure and send back what doesn’t fit.
Thanks, Carol. Good information!
Buckboard looks beautiful. Love the commentary and pics of crew. They both are so precious. Made my day. Looking forward to more more more.
Hi, Corker,
Your comment was held for moderation. I don’t know why my spam filter is doing that to perfectly acceptable comments.
I look forward to more, more, more travels and new camps to write about! Thanks for the note.
Loved the change of scenery, green grass and aspens. It’s good that you let the kids earn their keep by showing us around. Bridget likes to tease her little brother a tad, chuckle time on “Reggie Boy”. Gotta love it and your sense of humor. Please don’t ever lose that. Thanks for taking us along, it’s better than any pill out there. Be well dear lady, always.
Jazz Lover