Mt. Hood National Forest as seen from Route 26 between Estacada and Lazy Bend Campground in northern Oregon
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
What was THAT?
I wake up startled. BOOM! Reggie and Edith sit up in bed. . . . stunned into silence, ears perked, paralyzed. Oh, it’s fireworks.
I check the little digital clock on the wall… quarter after one. What idiot sets off fireworks in a national forest? During a drought?
“It’s okay, sweeties. Everything will be okay.”
I reach to reassure them with my touch.
Edith’s heartbeat is a-flutter. Reggie’s white dome of a head is visible in the moonlight. His eyes, big and round, staring.
Well, Bridget doesn’t seem concerned. Her poor hearing is a blessing tonight.
I peer up at the treetops as an umbrella of colored light descends.
Good heavens! Is this someone in the campground? Shooting fireworks over our heads? And those aren’t toy fireworks . . .
After the third round of booms and lights, I hear a woman yell.
That sounds like the woman next to us, camping in a tent with her big dog!
She yells again and I can’t make out the words. She’s obviously very angry. I hesitate to go over to check on her, not wanting to upset Bridget, Reggie, and Edith. Well, she didn’t sound hurt.
I peer out the window and see the light of a lantern at another campsite.
More booms and flashes . . .
Hmm . . . He’s on the other side of the river, shooting the fireworks from the riverbank.
Gosh, how dumb. Across the road from the campground is a hill of blackened tree trunks from a previous fire. Isn’t that a big enough clue? And there’s also the fire danger sign as you approach the campground. What is it about the word “extreme” that you don’t understand, you jerk? Gee, I wish I had cell signal to call the forest service!
After a long pause, Edith lies down again.
Reggie remains sitting up.
He hasn’t moved at all or made a sound in the past half-hour.
“I think it’s all over, Reg. The big monster has gone away. You can go back to sleep now.”
I try to make him lie down and he refuses.
I doze off. A short while later I wake up. The numbers of the clock glow in the dark. It’s 1:58. Edith and Bridget are asleep between me and the wall. Reggie, however, hasn’t moved.
I flick on the light and there he is, motionless, his eyes closed. Oh, dear. He fell asleep sitting up! Our sweet, little, protector man . . .
I reach up, turn out the light, and pull him close.
He collapses against my chest. I cradle him in my arms and join him in slumber.
Holiday fun on North Fork Reservoir, a few miles from the campground
Later that day . . .
The woman with the big dog, a lab/german shepherd mix named Ruby, is at our campsite. We’re discussing the fireworks.
“Ruby went absolutely nuts!” the woman exclaims. “She wanted out of the tent so bad, but I couldn’t let her out! No telling where she’d go with all that noise! She’s thrashing around, knocked over my box of bandages (the woman has a foot wound). . . . I’m pulling at her, trying to settle her down and she’s not listening, the way she usually does.”
The woman pauses to catch her breath.
“It’s a wonder Ruby didn’t tear the tent to pieces! One of the supports is broken. What an idiot! I yelled at him, I was so frantic!”
“I heard you yell. I couldn’t make out what you were saying,” I remark.
“I yelled ‘You better stop! The police are coming!’ ” She shrugs. “Lot of good that did.”
“How did he get over to that side of the river anyway?” I ask. “There’s a barrier on the bridge with a sign saying the road is closed.”
Continuing my report of Independence Day weekend . . .
A good way to celebrate a very hot, holiday weekend!
In addition to the illegal fireworks, two police cars came to the campground in response to a disturbance at a campsite. A child — I’m guessing a girl around the age of 8 to 11, judging from her voice — was screaming and crying while her angry father yelled and swore at her, using the f-word and other curses.
I have never heard such intense crying from a child.
This went on for an awfully long time. None of the campers could use their phones to dial 911. To approach the man would escalate the situation and invite violence. Someone mentioned the camp host might have a radio with which to summon help. At last the father and daughter were quiet. The squad cars arrived shortly thereafter.
One female camper remarked later, “Probably it was his weekend with his daughter and he couldn’t handle it.”
Monday, July 6
Well, the holiday weekend is over! Most of the campers have left. Whew!
The crew and I cooled off in the river one more time last night. I felt reborn stepping out of that cold water! Today we break camp.
The Best Little Trailer is hitched up and ready to go!
I park at the water spigot to fill up jugs before leaving the campground. An employee of Mt. Hood National Forest comes by in the official white truck. I had met her the first day at Lazy Bend Campground. She stops the truck and we chat through her window.
Of course we discuss the fireworks.
“The rangers got ‘im. Two thousand dollar fine.”
“Good! I am so glad! How did he get over to the other side of the river? There’s a barrier on the bridge with a sign saying the road is closed.”
She shakes her head. “If you’re dumb enough to shoot fireworks in the forest, I guess you’re dumb enough to remove the barrier and drive over the bridge.”
While we’re on the topic of Dumb Things People Do In The Forest, she continues.
“Up the road (She describes where and I don’t recognize the name of the location) someone who was dispersed camping set a tree on fire. Flames from his campfire went up the tree and crowned.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. . . ”
“Well, the smoke was spotted from the tower and a helicopter goes out, drops fire retardant and water . . . . We lost about an acre of forest with that one.”
I think that’s the end of the holiday escapades when she adds one more . . .
“A guy was shooting off fireworks in the forest. Someone camped nearby went over and asked him to stop. The man pulls a gun on him. The rangers had to go up there. Confiscated the guy’s guns. He got a two-thousand-dollar fine, too.”
“I bet the rangers are glad this holiday weekend is over. I really appreciate the people who work for the Forest Service and what they have to deal with. And law enforcement and firefighters . . . All the people who work to protect us and the forest . . . ”
Lots of people along the Clackamas River and at the reservoir this weekend
The crew and I are at a new camp!
I’ll tell you all about it in the next post. I haven’t had a chance to take photos yet. It’s a lovely, riverside site, it’s cooler than our previous camp, and — such a delight during this hot weather — we have a swimming hole at the edge of our back yard!
rvsue
NOTE: I returned Edith to The Pixie Project. She’s a sweet, well-behaved dog. Reggie had a great time playing with her, and Bridget would have accepted her in time. If you’re curious why I made this decision not to adopt her, read what I wrote toward the end of the comments under the previous post.
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
“Bye, Edith! It was great playing with you! And don’t worry. You’ll find your forever home like I did.”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Reading now….lol
I have some friends that are California park rangers..oh the tale they tell! Last weekend some Neanderthal tossed a incindeary into the back yard where a group of teenagers were have a party, sent several to,the hospital. This is celebrating a holiday?
I am so glad you found a cooler place…the heat has abated somewhat here in central California, so,we are doing some work on our Casita.
One mod is making it possible to turn on the porch light from inside, the second is putting in a lighted switch on the water pump. Now I can see if I leave the. Pump switched on. I wonder if this has been changed in the newer Casita units…
You are truel in a wonderful area…have fun! And thanks for all the photos…so glad you have internet now!
Hi, Lee J! CONGRATULATIONS, NUMBER ONE FOR A DAY!
Talk about a fluke! I had just sat down to have a bowl of salad and there you were! Fun!
It’s your special day! 🙂
good grief people are crazy
Yep. That’s why I feel safer by myself with the wildlife and crew.
Oh my gosh!!!
I wondered how the fireworks played out. Thank goodness for the radios!!!
Hugs
Back to Granny Duty
Hugs to you, too, Barbara!
Read already. Stupid people will be stupid. Glad the fourth is done.
Hi Teri,
I’m going to sound like an ol’ biddy . . . I think it’s time for some traditions to fade away. Fireworks were right for a time period before IMAX theaters, Hi-Def, and all the many ways we can be visually stimulated these days. It’s time to move on to something else for celebrating.
I’ve heard some towns are doing laser light shows instead. Makes sense to me. Here in MI they just legalized big fireworks for regular people to use. It’s been awful the last two years…nights and nights of horribly loud noises..and lots of injuries too. Stupid rule…but MI was looking for revenue (there is a huge tax on them)…in fact, here it is 8:30 on Tuesday the 7th and the fireworks in the neighborhood are starting again. 🙁
Laser light shows — perfect! Something creative and entertaining… I saw a laser light show at Stone Mountain, GA.
Too bad you have to listen to fireworks… What a dumb idea to legalize the big ones…
Common sense seems to be a dying trait these days!! I am glad they got fined.. could have been a larger $$ amount in my opinion.
Sorry to hear that Edith went back but I think it is for the best. Sure it might have worked out but when you said you didn’t “feel it” then I knew it wouldn’t be right. Some pup will come along and it will be love at first sight.
Your 4th of July was more eventful than ours…we had rain most of the weekend. Was nice to relax and do nothing!!
Of course, sending lots of love and big hugs to you and the crew
Would you send me an email please? Mine to you are being returned….nothing important…just the newsletter
Pauline – Google “funeral for common sense.” It died years ago. 🙁
Chris B
I have seen that, Chris. Sad but true
Hi, Pauline,
I sent the email. Love you, too!
I wish they would have cancelled all the fireworks, even on the 4th. Its just not worth it, not with all the fires that were started because of them. I’m glad to hear that those people got their fines, especially the one that pulled a gun.
I’ll go back and read about Edith, but I think that’s wise that you didn’t stick it out if you didn’t feel it.
I love the last pic of Reggie!
I agree. There has to be a better way than risking fire, enabling idiots to destroy land and injury from being just plain stupid (which I really don’t care about but the emergency rooms take them in and we pay for it!).
Yeah, we pay for it unless it’s the drunk who put a mortar round on his head and set it off. I’m sure St Peter was shaking his head when that guy drifted through the gates from earth! I feel for his family but it does thin the gene pool.
Yes, Velda, I’m all for cleansing the gene pool. It seems like we have a country full people whose elevator doesn’t go up to the top floor!
Hi, Tara… I like that pic of Reggie, too! He has such a bold stance and a very expressive face.
The last photo of Reggie saying goodbye to Edith is just precious. He us the cutest little pup. Missed Bridget this post.
I had my meet & greet with little Carli today. She is so precious and perfect for my husband & I. As soon as the adoption papers are ready and they get the records from the vet, they will bring her to my home to be sure everything is good and if I pass, they will just leave her with me. I’m confident I will pass. I’m so excited, I can hardly wait until Saturday. Sue, did you get to see her? I will add the link again.
https://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/32292299/
Oh, wow! She looks like Reggie with a bit of Spike thrown in! Ha! MY KIND OF DOG!
Thanks for putting the link here again. I couldn’t open it before. Gosh, you found yourself a little darling… looks like she has some spunk! I’m very happy for you, Barbara. I wish you many, many years of love and fun and companionship.
What a cute dog…hope it will all work out for you!!
“Reggie with a bit of Spike thrown in.”Now THAT’S high praise.
Congrats on the new addition Barbara I’m glad it worked out for you. She’s adorable.
Just an update, my friends. Just received news that the ladies at the rescue are updating her vetting so she won’t bring her to me until Sunday afternoon.
Sue, I fell in love with Reggie, so I was really searching for a nearby rescue for a similar looking dog. For a JR she is really laid back, very clean and genuinely a sweet dog. She is not a jumper or a yappy dog. Already trained, PERFECT!
Hi, Barbara,
So glad that Carli is a good match for you and your husband! Sunday cannot come soon enough!! 🙂
Tara from NC, I agree to cancel fireworks. With the world in the condition it is, with wars and explosions in the Middle East, and our soldiers suffering from PTSD, it is unpleasant to have night after night of explosions. I just saw a video of Los Angeles from a hilltop with fireworks going off across the city. It looked more like a war than a celebration.
I just went back and read the comments from your last post about Edith. It made me sad, but you have to trust your intuition and experience in matters like these. At least Edith got a little vacation and being the nice dog you said she is, I’m sure she will find a forever home.
I’m so glad those idiots got hefty fines; they are examples of Darwinism at its best!
Hi Cynthia,
I hope the word spreads about those fines. Lives are endangered due to fireworks foolishness.
I read the other day that a man had died when he lit a firework on top of his head. His brother basically said “I went over, but there was nothing there.” Sorry so graphic, but people just don’t think.
A professional football player was injured down here.
His $60,000,000, yes 60 million, offer was rescinded by the team.
He is still in the hospital with hand injuries.
So sad to be so stupid. He had a U-Haul truck full of fireworks.
Marilyn
WOW, 60 mil rescinded! The numbers boggle the mind!
More and more often we read about the vastly rich being and doing such stupid things. Then I muse about all the good works other people could do with a budget like that, works for humanity and wildlife efforts. Such a shame we tend to reward *the stupid* even if they are talented in their own fields of work. Often it is the *dumb jocks* who seem to make *and waste it* the most. Sometimes it seems today’s world rewards the *Dumb but liked crowd* instead of the *Wise but envied crowd*. Go fig… of course I am not a member of either group so I don’t have a dog in that fight 🙂
Seems like the wealthier you are, the more stupid you get these days.
That’s because being stupid costs lot of money, LOL!
LOL, You may be on to something there! I say tax *Stupid*.
We’d have a budget surplus in this country if we did!
Note to Lawmakers:
Vote YES! to the *STUPID* Tax 🙂
LOL Pamela!! I’d vote for that. Good Morning. Have a great day.
These days I think it would be hard to find lawmakers willing to tax themselves like that. 🙂
LOL…. good one! 🙂
Soooo true. I have never understood why the ball players get zillions of dollars but teachers get next to nothing. My kids Dad was a VERY good teacher. When I was pregnant with my son Stephen we actually qualified for WIC!!! What?????
I know, don’t even get me started about the low wages for great workers, Police, Fire, EMC, Teachers, etc. I was recently talking to a local police officer who had been on the force for 8 years and still is serving. He told me what he was being paid and I almost calapsed! I was making that same amount in the 1970s at our police department! Now, there is something seroiusly wrong with that!!! The streets are so much more awful in today’s world than back in my day. I can’t imagine how many of them make ends meet and raise a family to boot!
Thankfully it was several days before the 4th that police in Sacramento raided a home and brought out 5000 lbs of illegal fireworks. Imagine learning that was in the house next door! He’s a previously convicted felon who I hope will not walk among us anytime soon.
Good Grief!! The world is a dangerous place. 🙁
It’s a multi year deal. They are keeping him on hold and salary it said, until they determine if he has career ending injury to nerves. They said they won’t let him go completely because he then becomes a free agent and it could cost the team bunches more to get him back if he’s ok. He had rented the trailer and bought fireworks and announced widely in his neighborhood what he was doing and about the party. He had an accident ! You would think anyone depending on their hands for their livelihood would not expose them to possible injury , but a dentist I used to see once dropped the tongue of his trailer on his hand causing severe injury which put he and his entire staff out of work for a few months. It happens !
Hi Sue, I am worried about the little girl that had her father yelling at her. I hate it when that happens and there are nasty words tossed around like feathers. Wow, you had yourself quite a weekend. No wonder you like to be by yourself! Carry on Sue, get someplace where there are no people. This was NOT one of my favorite posts.
Hi, Shirlene,
I’m sorry you didn’t like this post. I prefer happier subjects myself, too. As you know, I try to give a balanced presentation of what I encounter and to ignore the negative would give a false impression. It’s part of this full-timer’s experience…
I’ll write about good stuff in the next post. The good of this life far outweighs the bad.
I know..you make many happy… 🙂
Hi Sue,
I appreciate your candor. I am a fairly new reader of your blog.
I don’t live on the road, but I have vast car camping with tent experience as a solo traveler all over the U.S. including Alaska for several decades. When my daughter was young and still home, she and I camped often. Both of us have carried on the tradition only we aren’t able to camp together much now. So I go solo.
I too have experienced seeing people behave illegally and inappropriately in campgrounds more times than I would have liked to. From what I can tell by your posts, it is just about as annoying and stupid to me as it is to you. It disrupts the peace I go out there for. It’s hard to determine what to do while keeping yourself safe when you are in a campground. I empathize.
I thought it was only me that was so bothered by people doing stupid things in campgrounds/forests, etc. Hearing how people handle situations as you write in this post is helpful and needs to be passed on by those who experience those situations. We sure won’t find that information in a “What to do if you see someone doing something that might set a forest on fire or what to do if a child is being abused” section of a park brochure.
I agree that blogging about all of it, not just the peaceful and blissful parts gives a balanced view of what life out there is like.
I’m glad you reported what you learned about the person who displayed a gun when someone approached them about their bad behavior. It reminds me that my fear of approaching people in those situations is grounded in reality. Not a reality I like but it is a possibility. I do not hesitate to get a host or ranger involved and I’d sure be willing to call 911 (I know there wasn’t a cell signal where you were.)
Lately, I’ve given thought to living on the road. Again, I appreciate your candor and balanced view. I enjoy your blog.
Hi, Terri,
I found your comment very interesting. You have extensive camping experience all over the U.S. I appreciate you sharing your perspective and noting the value of my blog presenting the realities campers and full-timers may encounter. By confirming what I wrote about in this post — that people do dumb and illegal things in the forest — alleviates the impression that I’m simply a complainer looking for bad stuff to write about. It’s all about balance and you pointed that out. Thanks for writing!
Hi Sue! Sorry it didn’t work out with Miss Edith. A little playmate for Reggie will come along one day! You will have to go back to the beach and let him run free a little!
I am so glad those morons didn’t set the forest on fire! My apartment building had signs all over saying the fines that could be given but it didn’t stop them any. They shot fireworks off all night and even at 4;30 in the morning! I really wished that I knew where they lived, I would have run up and rang doorbells until someone answered and run away!! Wake them up! Take care!
Hi, Patricia,
I do believe some people see posted rules as a challenge to disobey. I’ll be blunt … It’s my guess the people who shoot off fireworks are young males with no responsibilities or not-so-young males who shirk their responsibilties… the usual suspects when it comes to making trouble. They aren’t worried about a sick child awakening in a fright over their noise. They don’t think of the person with a stress disorder being startled. They don’t care that the noise frightens animals. They don’t give a thought to the danger they create. Like two-year-olds, all they care about is their own childish gratification. *sigh*
So sorry Edith did not work out. You will know when the right one comes along.
As for your holiday weekend, we have had weekends at campgrounds that the local police were in the campground all night. Fireworks, firearms, alcohol and drugs just do not mix and seems there is more and more of all that mixed together in campgrounds these days. We are lucky that we have a Corp of Engineers campground that has mostly just older folks and their animals and is very quiet. We go there alot sometimes just for the night and a change of scenery. But it is not very pretty scenery. Just a muddy lake that feeds the Mississippi River and lots of mosquitoes and ticks, but since we do not have to tent camp and we have air conditioning we do not worry about those things anymore. One thing you have to admit is the scenery where you are is beautiful. I guess that will have to be enough for now. Thanks for sharing
Hi, Jean,
As much as one may love their home, it’s good to get away now and then. I’m glad you do that.
Oh yes, the scenery around her is gorgeous… whether the big picture of mountains, streams, and forests or the cameos of mossy rocks, lush ferns, and birds . . . Several Stellar Jays in the forest. They are frequent visitors to our campsite.
I love the Stellar Jays. We saw them in the Rocky Mountain Nation Park in Colorado. We had one that would not leave us alone until we gave him one our peanuts. Beautiful BIG bird for a jay.
They are big. There was one who frequented our camp that had a very bold call. I looked up Stellar Jays in my Audubon field guide and it says they mimic hawks.
Fire trucks were responding to alarms by about 9 a.m. Saturday morning in my area. What is it about fireworks that makes people go a little nuts? I like them as well as the next person but “use a little common sense people”. So glad the 4th is over.
Hope you’ve found a cooler spot for a few days, Sue and crew.
Hi, Jeannie,
I’m always relieved when holiday weekends are over. I’m sure the firefighters are relieved, too!
Yes, it’s cooler at our new camp, plenty of shade, of course, and the breeze comes over our camp from the river.
Fireworks…ugh!
Pretty to look at when done right by true professionals. Dangerous and sometimes deadly when in the hands of amateurs, especially drunk and/or drugged up amateurs. Sometimes there’s no telling WHO is setting them off…NOT GOOD on so many levels!
As for the $2000.00 fines, well, they should send him a bill for the total costs of the loss of the piece of forest. Add to his bill the cost of LE and Fire personnel who helped put the thing out. No kidding, I wish they would do that. Maybe even put a lien against his home or property until the total bill is paid…that would stop some of that craziness. And go after the vendors of the fireworks too! There were huge tents filled with fireworks being sold at most every Walmart Supercenter in GA and other fireworks shacks all over town. People with kids flocked to them for their fix of Ka-BOOM! I personally see no difference between the Bartenders at clubs selling too much booze to drunks and getting sued for it. Might be time to give equal treatment to Fireworks vendors…
Makes my ears hurt just to think about it. I used to be on the other end of all those fireworks calls. I grow to hate holidays when fireworks were in *play*. Even at the VA Hospitals some of the ill Vets would go into shell-shock at the sound or sight of them being set off nearby. Just awful to traumatize folks with very real illnesses that way…in the name of *fun* mind you!
Just glad the whole weekend is finally over with.
I know, I know…stepping down off my soap-box now 🙂
Pamela, he may get a bill from the Department of Natural Resources–at least that’s what would happen here in Washington state. Not sure he’ll pay the fines…that’s how some folks run their lives.
the person who camped and set a forest fire a couple of years ago got prison fine as well as personal fines. I agree, a prison fine should be added to the $2,000 personal fine.
I agree, Pamela. Fireworks should be taken off the market, available only to professionals who put on shows. Of course there would be black market sales …
You make a lot of good points… I hadn’t thought of traumatized people…
I agree. NO more fireworks, pros only. The nut cases in our community are still shooting them off.
We had billboards here that asked us not to shoot fireworks if there was a veteran that lived close by because of she’ll shock.
Never realized fireworks had that affect.
Great opening photo-it really gives a sense of how expansive the forest is there.The mountains just don’t seem to end either,seen that way your having internet is pretty amazing.Reading about all the incidents over the holiday it struck me that at any given time in rough parts of most cities things aren’t much different than what you described. Folks stuck there would love to be able to leave after a couple days of that,your home being on wheels and life situation make that possible for you.It ‘s having been Independence Day is what made me think of that.The levels and types of freedom people take for granted most of the time make it perfect that you expressed gratitude for those helping preserve that ,whatever part they play.Even little Reggie standing guard until he fell asleep worn out by his duties,how precious!
Letting the cool water and how it made you feel be the experience that camp gave you before you moved on was a great way to leave things between it and you.It really was a wonderful place and time in so many ways.Your new one sounds terrific.I’m so glad for you ,cooler,a swimming hole and internet-during a busy season in a popular area for vacationers that’s quite a find.You three must be relieved ,about a lot of things-a nice gift all around-have fun and enjoy every bit of it!
P.S.It’s obvious by the intervals between your being on here that you’re struggling to keep a connection.I imagine that you’ve been in the PTV charging the laptop a few times already,not much fun in any temps when you have a life and crew to take care of and enjoy.Until you are able to find a way to make it easy again,please don’t feel you need to respond to my comments.Of course,I enjoy our “conversations” yet I understand the difficulties and would prefer picturing you “at ease”. Take good care of you three 🙂
As always you are very perceptive, weather, able to imagine how circumstances affect my day…
Yes, I’ve been toting the laptop back and forth from the PTV to the BLT. It’s a lot better than having to drive to the top of a hill to pick up internet signal when the temps are reaching 100 degrees. So we have improvement here! 🙂
Thanks for releasing me from replying. I do enjoy your comments so much that I want to respond.
You have fun, too!
Sue, I just read a couple of your comments about Edith and not any of the responses. I thought I would chirp in the subject of another dog particularly a female. You said Bridget accepted Reggie immediately, well he’s a male. For some reason you’ll find that 2 females might not ever connect.
I’m always wary of Lily approaching other female dogs when we are on a walk. Don’t ask me what it is, ’cause I don’t know, but someone years ago had told me to be careful with my female puppy around other female dogs.
Now folks, I know you might disagree. I also know this is not always the case, but it could be. Just consider it.
A new family member will happen….when all 3 of you are ready, when ever that might happen.
Hi, Joy,
I believe there is truth in what you wrote. Like today…. Bridget snapped at a female dog who was being friendly in an in-your-face, exuberant way. Besides being female, she’s a mature lady who has no patience for a dog jumping around.
Lily is mature also, 10 1/2. I don’t worry about her as she has always been sort of shy, particularly with dogs that are energetic. It’s the other female dogs I’m not so sure about, even if someone says their dog is friendly.
I happen to know someone who has a female dog that seems friendly and wants to approach other dogs. Well, that lasts until the last foot or so, then she just go crazy trying to get at the other dog. I have even taken Lily back to our camper to get away and put her in her fenced yard. Plus I won’t let those folks bring that dog within 8/10 feet of Lily’s yard. They may not like it but too bad.
funny our last dog was just the opposite….she was nasty to males…but fine with females…guess there are exceptions…
I posted this in the last episode but repeating here to be sure you see it. Also, I am just a post hog.
Well Missy, I understand completely about Edith. Maybe it was a push to begin with to take on another dog right now. That is something else that you’ll know when the time is really right. Edith enjoyed her little outing and you tried. In a way I am kinda relieved that Bridget and Reggie have you to themselves again. Don’t be apologetic (I detect that in your comments), you did what seems right to you and that is good enough for us. Have fun with the other two adventurers and know we are beholding to you for dragging us along. Hugggg Missy……
Reply
Once again I thank you for your understanding, Jim.
About the apologetic tone you picked up. That comes from being burned with less-than-kind criticism in the form of comments here in the past. You know… the lurkers who wait, looking for something to pounce on. That’s why I’m constantly explaining my actions and decisions . . . being defensive.
I hope you and Detta are having a good summer. Thanks for your sweet words (and you’re not “beholding” to me… You’ve given a lot here yourself!).
Oh my goodness on the fireworks. You can’t fix stupid, but I’m glad you can fine it!
Heartbreaking about that little girl getting so abused by her dad. I think verbal abuse and neglect are the most common forms of child abuse. It makes me sad.
Well, Sue, you’re crazy holiday weekend is over and you can get back into the rhythm of the good life you lead. Can’t wait to hear about the new camp.
Hi, Applegirl,
Yes! “back into the rhythm of the good life…” That’s it exactly!
I much prefer writing about wonderful days in great camps . . . .
Sounds like a summer night in my neighborhood with the fireworks.
Oh, dear, Toni… Forgive me for chuckling at your one line that says so much. I’m sorry. That’s terrible!
Our poor dog suffered so badly. She was terrified. She is no longer with us but I still can’t stand it. “Bubba Bombs” is what I call them.
For what it’s worth – just another opinion but I think you did the right thing returning Edith. Next time I would try a male. They seem to get along better than 2 females. I made the mistake of adopting a female bichon that my female chiweenie didn’t like (noisy full out fights with no bloodshed). I thought they would become friends eventually but they never have. Rarely have fights now but they definitely aren’t friends. I love all three of them and wouldn’t give them up but it can be a bit tense at times. (It’s the chiweenie not the bichon who has the problem) We’re in a 29 ft. RV now and the smaller space has made it worse. Your space being even smaller could be a real challenge.
Hi, Nora,
I can see what you mean. And close quarters do have an impact on the dynamics. Good luck as the females age. I hope they don’t become cranky!
I dread holiday weekends. They bring out the worst types of campers. I spent the 4th in a crowded casino parking lot. It was more relaxing than being out in the boonies with bozos.
I believe you, Al! I think this holiday is the only time I wondered if we’d be better off in an RV park. That feeling passed pretty quickly. 🙂 Good thing because RV parks were full up, just like the state parks and campgrounds.
In the Boonies With Bozos! Now there’s a book title if I ever heard one!
Glad to hear you didn’t have any problems with fire, Sue. I’m with you–wish all fireworks were banned. Period. There are some folks up here who buy fireworks on the reservation. They’re illegal once taken off the reservation & people are supposed to shoot them off before they leave. Uh huh. Not happening.
Funny how people take their lives with them when they go camping. It wouldn’t be surprising if the shouter dad hasn’t had police called to his home for the same angry interactions with his daughter. Such a shame.
I can just picture Reg falling asleep while sitting up. Such a good, alert boy.
Looks as if it’s cooling off–thank goodness! Enjoy your days.
Hi, Dawn,
You live in an interesting area. I was looking at Camano Island in my Washington Benchmark. I’m beginning to question my plan to go to the Olympic peninsula this year. I may put that off for another year. . .. I’m not feeling that ambitious.
Your statement is very true — “. . . people take their lives with them when they go camping.” Happiness, contentment, love of life… That doesn’t come from one’s location.
Enjoy your days, too, Dawn.
Hi, Sue,
Reading about little Reggie refusing to lay down or sleep (at first), intent on protecting his family, made me fall even more in love with him! What a sweetie!!
Glad you found a riverside camp to help keep you all cool! Enjoy! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Thanks for the hugs, Denise and Gracie pup. I send the same to you!
Reggie is easy to fall in love with. He has a big heart in a little body. Tough when he feels there’s a threat, tender whenever I’m near. I couldn’t ask for a better guy. I expect him to become as special as Spike, in his own way, as time goes by. I never thought that possible.
Idiots with fireworks is a recipe for a disaster…
If they did away with safe and sane fireworks the only ones available would be from China. Those are very unstable quality wise …which seems to be the norm for anything made in China. Well…. maybe not tires.
Oh how sweet that Reg man fell asleep sitting up protecting all of you! Loved how you took him in your arms and fell asleep.
Any park ranger has a difficult job as crowds tend to flock to parks on holidays…bringing with them items that are not allowed and more often than not an over abundance of alcohol. Combine that with the huge amount of area to cover, poor radio reception if any…and your help is probably 30 minutes or more away!
Glad the feller was fined and there wasn’t a wildfire.
In regards to Edith…..she’ll find a forever home. The time she spent with you and the crew was good for all. She thanks you for trying.
Have a great evening.
All the safe and sane we saw were made in China!!! They worked fine and the company offers a full refund if you find duds. One parent who helped with the school stand selling used the guarantee last year and was given every dollar she spent on her entire purchase back, not just for the duds she got! One huge company here supplies all the safe and sane, approved by fire Marshall fireworks here to all the charities who have registered booths- the only ones allowed to sell fireworks here.
I was referring to illegal fireworks distributed by the Chinese gangs….the m-80’s, bottle rockets, cherry bombs, lady fingers and regular firecrackers.
With anything if there is a demand…they will find a way to supply.
We don’t have Chinese gangs here, the illegal type fireworks are either bought out of state where they are legal and brought in or directly imported from China, or so the police tell us. And we saw the idiots on the next street send them over our house and yard! So I know and heard the,type you mean. They mainly go for aerial colorful stuff here, all illegal. Legal ones here may not shoot sparks over 6 ft and must not leave the ground.
Uhh…Sac is 15 miles…Sac has a Chinatown…
Asian gangs in Sacramento, CA
Bahalana Gang
Insane Viet Boys
Lemon Hill Posse
Menace Of Destruction Gang
Oriental Boys
Paul Side Wah Ching
Sac Town Bad Boys
Tiny Little Rascalz (TLR)
Tiny Rascals Gang (TRG)
Viet Pride Gangsters
My point was we never hear about Chinese gangs and I’ve never seen reports of them selling fireworks. I’ve lived here nearly 30 years and Sacramento is no where near 15 miles, in fact Sacramento county is less than a quarter mile and downtown Sacramento is about 10 miles. There are lots of gangs and gang activity, even in Roseville, but it is pretty much limited to certain areas of south Sacramento and small pockets here and there as to problems. And again I don’t hear or read of them being responsible for fireworks and I look at our local reports daily.
Cinandjules and Velda…. You stated your views. Let’s move on please.
Thanks, Cinandjules. I hope you have a great evening, too.
The events of the past weekend reminded me of the important work of forest rangers, firefighters, campground hosts, and law enforcement officers. People sometimes complain about these folks entrusted with protecting us. I hope this post is a reminder for all of the importance of the work being done for all of us.
Yeah, I’m glad there wasn’t a wildfire, too! There are several campgrounds in the area, jammed packed with holiday campers. I hate to think of everyone being evacuated, stuck in a line of vehicles on Route 26, sweltering in the heat with the smell of smoke in the air. Sheesh… all for some testosterone-pumped idiocy… Well, it didn’t happen, thanks to a quick and effective response . . .
Yes, stupid people every where!! Most dogs don’t like thunder, gun shots, fireworks…noise of that nature. Anyway, I’m glad the crew survived the noise. Three of our dogs huddled next to us but Chowder was at the entry window barking his fool head off. Chowder is not afraid of noise. Yes RVSue you tell us like it is when you blog and we respond with many opinions of our own…some good and some not so good. I’m so glad you let us say what’s on our mind too and say like it is 🙂
Hi, Rita,
How nice of you to mention what my blog contains and voicing your approval. I really appreciate that.
I’m happy to let readers say what’s on their mind (as long as no one is hurt, of course). I want this to be not only a friendly place, but an honest one, too.
Every time someone shares something personal — a concern, a fear, a heartache, a strong opinion, a hope, a dream, whatever — I’m grateful for the kindness they receive from fellow blogorinos.
I’ve fought some battles here. Most were necessary; some I’m not proud of. Be that as it may be . . . An open environment exists here and I’ll continue to do what I can to keep it that way.
Thanks, Rita. Hugs to you and your crew.
What do you use to boost your cell and or Internet ?
Hi, Susan,
I don’t do anything to boost my cell phone. I never use the phone anyway. I only have it so that people who care about me won’t fuss at me to get one. Ha!
I have a Wilson antenna mounted on a pole at the back of the BLT. You can read about it by clicking on “Internet Antenna” in small print under the heading photo.
Sue your new camp sounds great, glad you got a cooler spot. Edith will find the right family, you tried and that is all you need to say…your photos make me want to jump in the water too….I’ve got my eye on a floating tube!!
Here it continues to be hot… the deer are grazing in my field where the grass is knee high..so Im enjoying watching them. I do believe that “rv-ing” has become such a hobby its hard to find a peaceful spot. I saw a rig in the IGA parking lot the other day with an out of state tag…they had everything one could possibly think of in the bed of the truck it was throw in haphazard fashion, the BBQ, A large folding table, various chairs, bikes, A garden hose on the reel, a portable generator, just to name a few and pulling a 30 ft trailer to boot!
We had no problems when I went to the Outer Banks a couple weeks ago in my van and we put up a tent….I wondered if bringing the 2 burner Coleman was too much I normally only use my one burner backpacking stove…we picked the campground no one wanted and it was perfect 200 spaces only 3 campsites taken….cold showers and no shade–fine by me. We had wide open skies for star gazing and watched the Milky Way drift in and saw 2 falling stars something you really can’t see under shade trees.
Interesting comment, Sondra… lots of details, newsy. . . . 🙂
You touched on something that is one of the factors that frequently influences my choice of camp. “We picked the campground no one wanted and it was perfect . . . ”
Great tip! When I study my Benchmark atlas, looking for the next camp, I’ll see one and pass it up because it looks like a place a lot of people would go to. If I read online that there isn’t any water or other amenities or the road is rough going in, I see that as a positive!
You have a great attitude for camping — “fine by me.” And anyone who loves a clear view of the night sky is my kind of people. 🙂 Have a good night, Sondra.
Now that I have read all the post and commented on the comments, I will comment to you Sue. I am glad you are back and can hardly wait to hear about your new camp. Sorry about all the commotion for your weekend. Thankfully, it ended in safety for you and the crew. I haven’t checked the last post again, but did you get chance to see the little dog I am trying to adopt? (Carli) I also put the link above in this post when commenting to someone. would be anxious to here what you think.
Yes, I saw the link and clicked on it a few minutes ago. Carli is precious! I love the excitement in your comments about her. You’re gonna’ be thrilled bringing her home and spoiling her. 🙂
You know, Sue, I am glad those idiots were fined…but really, they should have to do months of restitution type work in the forest, cleaning up after those who have done what they did…or campground messes, whatever. Maybe they would develop some respect. Maybe. You know, in our little town, they outlawed fireworks this year, but of course, that did not stop them all. But what just plan bumfuzzels me is why on earth did they allow them to be sold on nearly every main corner??? I feel now that we are under terrorist threat, we really should not be allowed to have fireworks anymore…unless it is done by proper experts for the towns over water, etc. It was pretty to go watch them going off all around, mostly over the Sound, here. Safest place for them I think. I could have done ok however without any!!
By the way, part of the reason we got a little AC that Hubby installed in our bedroom window was to help muffle loud people etc at the community center and parking along the street, etc. It is working!! I am so grateful!! SO GRATEFUL!! We needed it this year due to the heat…but oh how lovely…it makes plenty of noise and I can rest…not being awakened so much by rude people!! Heh…hubby’s little chat with those at the Community Center seems to have helped too…he told them he has a sound meter…heh and that he takes readings when it is loud and is keeping a log. Imagine that!! SO FAR SO GOOD!! YEA!!
We are in Astoria at a sweet bed and breakfast, to spend time with our “other son” over in Seaside tomorrow and the next day!! Not only that, but today we went via the town of Rainier (tiny place) and ate at the most awesome café in many years…wowee…if any of you go that way, be sure to drop in for a HUGE homecooked meal and nice folks too!! It is called the Cornerstone Café!! Family run one-of-a-kind!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
What great news that the A/C is blocking the annoying noise and you are able to sleep well. And kudos to your husband for taking action. Sometimes people (and organizations) don’t realize how their actions affect others. I’m really glad for both of you. You’ve put up with that for too long . . .
It’s also nice to hear you’re enjoying Astoria. And finding an “awesome cafe” . . . a delightful discovery. Thanks for sharing the name here. You sound happy, Elizabeth. 🙂
I am happy, Sue…really most of the time, in spite of my complaining a lot…ha! And these little trips are fun too, you know…well, you do know…you do it all the time!! And well, running into so many nice folks…it does make one’s day, for sure. The lady here at the B and B is great…and our waitress was so sweet in the café…and we even went across the street from the café to a little True Value store…my what they didn’t have, I cannot imagine what that would be…some of near everything. I found a nice medium size spatula I have been hunting for, for months…who knew…and some funny cards to send friends…and a very nice older lady to check us out. I am easily entertained…heh…
You’re not the only one who’s easily entertained! Anyone who reads my blog knows I get a thrill out of what lots of folks don’t bother with… heh. 🙂
WOW Elizabeth…you were in Astoria….I was in Warrenton! As I don’t make reservations I really had nowhere to camp. Luckily I found Fred Myers. Fabulous place. They actually have long spaces for RV’s! Met a lot of super folks too. I was just as happy to stay there as I knew the campgrounds would be noisy and crowded. I was having a hard time finding propane….guess who has propane…Fred Myers. Gas was the cheapest I saw. I do believe it was better then being in a crazy, hot campground. It was 75 during the day and low 50’s at night…and FREE! I am on my way to Mt. Rainer tomorrow.
You won’t believe it…we shopped Fred’s in Warrenton tonight…heh…just got back here about an hour ago…and wouldn’t you know it…I found THREE items of clothing…one I just had to have…price was cheap, very on sale and clearance…and 2 others Hubby insisted I get cause I could not make any of them for near the price I paid…and the kid checking us out had buttons advertising that today is when 55 plus get extra off!! YIPPEE…did you hear me cheering?? LOL!! I love me a sale!! So sorry I did not know you were there…would have come to say HI!! Rest of our time here is all taken…but I am glad to hear you are doing well too!! Had no idea you could use their parking lot for Free…how wonderful!! You will love Mt. Rainier area…just plain gorgeous. We saw so many wild flowers today…do stop by the little café in Rainier, OR on your way if you can…head out from where you are…and it should be on the way!! Let us know how it goes!!
Sounds like you made a difficult but loving decision about Edith! I think it is far more difficult to make a realistic decision like you did and then know Edith has not yet made the strong family bond and will be able to have a chance at finding her forever home, then to keep an animal because you feel you need to because you brought it home in the first place. I applaud any animal rescue that has a probationary period. Not all situations are a perfect fit. No shame in that at all! I see love wrapped all around this decision! Huggles from Laura Ours
Thank you, Laura. It’s thoughtful of you to write that message.
When I picked up Edith for the trial period, I was given some papers written to help potential adopters. Here is a paragraph that illustrates the way The Pixie Project deals with people, as well as with dogs:
“The Dog Is Great, But Not For Me
The reason we prefer to send dogs on a trial is because sometimes it just doesn’t work out! There are absolutely no hard feelings if you decide that the dog is not right for you and need to bring them back. In fact, we know that much more about the dog and what their perfect home is, and also know more about you and who your perfect dog is!” — The Pixie Project
I totally agree, if it’s not the right fit take the pooch back to shelter/care giver. Too many dogs get dumped either because they were not wanted or they were not the right fit.
I cheered out loud when reading that the guy was caught and fined $2K! I was so relieved there were no fireworks in our campground that night, but I was hyper sensitive to the smell of a few campfires. Unfortunately the holidays bring out the worst in some people, and I’m glad you’ve moved on to another site. Hopefully with less drama! I can’t imagine telling you what you should or shouldn’t do about Edith or adding another crew member. You’ll make the right decision based on your own needs and desires. That water is so blue!!
Hi, Jodee,
I know you’re enjoying Bandon! 🙂
Yes, the water in the photos is very blue… as it is in real life. It may be hard to believe that I didn’t do any editing to the color, none at all! The lighting was just right and my camera did not disappoint.
My Panasonic Lumix has several settings designed for non-technical people like myself. One of those settings is called “Expressive.” I use that one all the time because it gives the richness of color in nature without me having to jazz up the photos with color saturation in editing.
OOOOO Jodee!!!!! Bandon is Awesome!!! Love that little town! 🙂
good to see Reg staying up protecting you ladies….nobody said he had
to stay awake….HA!
there are some dumb folks out there….we had a fire
several years ago in our area when we were in a drought that was started
from a charcoal pit someone was using to BBQ hot dogs….we had to
evacuate twice during that time….UGH!
stay cool young lady….
chuck
Hi, Chuck,
Isn’t Reggie the best little defender! When big dogs come along, he stands on his back legs and barks in order to make himself seem tough and scary, even when the other dog outweighs him by 50 pounds or more. And then we’ll be walking along and a leaf will flutter by and he practically jumps out of his skin. That tells me he cares more about us than he does for his own self.
Oh my, you had to evacuate twice because of a hot dog BBQ… I’m surprised more fires aren’t started. It’s not uncommon for me to find hot embers in a fire ring when we move into a campsite. One night I woke up to a fire going in the fire ring and I hadn’t used the ring at all. Since then I always check…
You stay cool, too, young man . . .
Have you heard about the numerous wildfires throughout WA and OR?
I appreciate the reminder, Gayle. I haven’t kept myself informed. Here’s a link to a map of the fires presently burning in Oregon and Washington.
I was not aware of the Pacific Fire in the Olympic Peninsula.
Barbara in Nashville,
I just wanted you to know how happy I am that your meet and greet with Carli went swimmingly today! WOW is she a cutie-pie, luv her “tude”! She lloks to be a great mix of Princess and Tomboy 🙂 Luv that! On to step two of the adotion process! Here’s hoping Saturday is the day she comes to live with you!
Pamela, Thanks for that, I am so excited, but the owners of the rescue are re-vetting her to be sure she is up to date on everything. They are bringing her to my home on Sunday. YEAH!!!! I’m just too excited!!!!
Barbara,
It’s 2:43 AM Atlanta time…that makes it SUNDAY here.
And that’s the day you have been waiting for, to have Carli brought to your home! 🙂 Here’s hoping all goes well and she gets to stay at her forever home with you! Update us as your day unfolds 🙂 We are cheering you on!
I’m sorry you had to deal with jerks over the holiday. I’ve been enjoying your Oregon travels immensely, in fact you’re in my former backyard! I used to live about 10 miles from Estacada and your photos bring back all kinds of great memories. Thanks! 🙂
You’re welcome, night*sky,
Welcome to my blog! Maybe you’ve commented before and I’m not remembering, sorry if that’s the case…. Anyway…. I’m pleased that you are enjoying our travels in Oregon. Thanks for letting me know!
I am glad the police came to talk to that dad too, by the way, Sue…he will no doubt be on some kind of list now…all it takes is a kid getting away from you accidently, to be on that list…so for sure he will be. I always wondered why none of our neighbors never called the police when I and my brothers were being beaten so much by our dad. But no one ever came, so I assume no one ever called. Oh well…we survived anyway!! But I am glad for that little girl. Maybe she too will find a forever family one day. My cousin adopted a little gal she found online like that…and no one in this world would ever believe she was not my cousin’s child….looks just like her!! And she is very loved and she is very happy!! So sometimes dreams do come true…
I hope the girl doesn’t live with the father. Looking at his jacked up, souped up truck and other toys, he didn’t give me the impression of being a family man.
Sadly, my thoughts went to a much, much darker place when I read that section……. what else was going on?
Here’s a thought to ponder:
What if people that had to go to the ‘human pound’ for deliberate acts of a stupid nature were also spayed and neutered ? Perhaps my wishful thinking. There are many solutions to different problems. In this heat, this one seemed to me the most fair for the greater society at large. And gave me quite a chuckle.
At least in WA state, every single case we know anything about personally (know someone involved, related etc) the state has made the WRONG choice. It is discouraging. But if the girl is at least 13 or so…I think she could have some say about where she lives.
Good Morning!
8:30 AM Atlanta time. Just finished my Oatmeal and first coffee of the day.
I couldn’t help but reflect on the the happenings of that little girl and her dad.
And no cell phone service to call for help for her. It reminded me of my college days in rural WV. In my small college town many folks had short wave and long wave radios. The town was prone to floods so it was the norm to have those kinds of radios. The local police and fire kept a list of people who they could always relie on to relay happenings to them if phone service was down. I’m thinking full-time RVers might be well served to get a radio lic for such times.
On that note, I ALWAYS ask for the local direct dial phone number of the NEAREST police department when camping. ALWAYS a good idea. Some cell towers bounce 911 calls to the wrong city or county, especially after hours and during local emergencies. All too often that happens, even with good, strong cell service. When minutes count most it’s good to have those direct dial phone numbers to call, instead of calling 911. Don’t get me wrong, 911 Emergency Services are wonderful…but not always 100% reliable so alternitive numbers are valuable. If you go to the big box office supply stores they will have blank business cards with magnetic backs on them. Great to write the local direct dial phone numbers for Police, Fire, and EMS. We stick them on the metal range hood of the RV! Always feels good to have a first-line-of-defense at the ready. 🙂
Oh, BTW, those direct phone lines are also recorded. A nice-to-know so that your call is logged and the record of it is kept. And those phone lines are almost always answered because those are the lines the *Brass* use rather than calling 911 and tying up those lines 🙂
Hi, Pamela,
Often times emergency numbers are listed at the notice board as you drive into a campground, right next to the self-pay “iron ranger.”
Sue,
Good to know they are posted at the campgrounds on public lands and state parks, etc. Here most private campgrounds do not post the numbers. Instead, they post their watchman’s after hours numbers. Since it is private land, they want to keep police and fire reports at a low minium for local crime stats reports. Even if you do call 911, the campground personall has to meet them at the gate to allow them inside the campgrounds. This is also true for privately leased Corp of Engineer propery campgrounds. Sad really, especially when minutes often count. Guess those crime stats can come at a high price after x-number of calls. Sometimes it seems that the owners would rather risk injury to someone than to have another crime state number on the police call lists to their locations. Pretty sick, uh?! I have personally witnessed this kind of thing on two different occasions that were pretty serious events. One was a bloddy biker fight, one was a report of a missing child. both were in so-called up-scale campgrounds with marinas. Ya just never know until things happen. Other times too, but not as bad. In 15+ yrs, ya see and hear alot.
Lookin at the pic of little Reggie perched at your PTV window bidding Edith goodbye makes me reflect on your adoption. What a special deal that was, that little guy is a jewel. Brave and loving. So much fun, big surprises come in small packages, eh?
Enjoy the day Missy….
I agree with you about Reggie, of course. He brightens every day.
Wind in my face, hair and ears washes the the cares of this world and weariness from my body and soul faster then anything else does.Last night it howled around me as I stood between the edge of the cliff and my back door watching it tear through carrying debris ,I knew we were in for a bit of excitement.Still,it was so perfect and rejuvenating,always is ,I waited until it became really dangerous before I came inside.We lost satellite,cell ,cable,and electric service just long enough to let only moonlight show what was blowing by outside the windows as I watched.I love that stuff…This morning at sunrise the surf and wildlife were all I heard.As I let the rhythm of the dance carry me the tug of the troupe waiting signaled it was time for ordinary pursuits.
After their breakfasts had all been served I cleared a few branches that had come down , pleased that once again no damage had occurred to this and the adjacent properties.As much as I love my neighbors ,pray for their health and enjoy seeing that answered by their constant puttering with yard work and such I was thrilled that they weren’t out there helping me.This will sound selfish because it is-I’m glad for once that they’ve worn themselves out.They’ll rest up, be fine,it’s just so good to have morning song on the hillside back without it’s being interrupted…
Good morning,Sue,I hope recently the beauty and peace near you carried you to the realm music comes from,too,if you had a stretch without it,especially.I also hope “we have improvement” continues on all the other fronts,gotta luv that direction 🙂
Glad you were safe! Sounds like quite a bit of excitement, in a good way, thank goodness. Enjoy your day Weather, always nice to see what you have to say. 🙂
Hi, weather,
I understand your feeling about your neighbors. You care about them and want them safe and happy. However, there are times when it’s a relief not to encounter them and have to be friendly. Sometimes I revise my morning walk with the crew to avoid having to exchange pleasantries with fellow campers. Friendliness and socializing are outward; morning reflections are inward. The two aren’t in sync.
You certainly do have exciting weather at your home. No doldrums on your clifftop!
Good afternoon. . . . Yes, everything is going well, no problems…. the inverter thing isn’t big enough to be called a problem. It’s cool, the sound of the river is a constant companion, and I have my two best pals with me. I hope everything is well with you and your pals, too.
Yikes! It is dry out there! We had a forest fire scare here too but luckily it was a false alarm. No working out in the forest now, we’ve been effectively shut down! So much smoke here though. It’s finally started to clear out here. BC is burning down!
http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/as-seen-from-space-wildfire-smoke-blankets-parts-of-b-c-1.2455408
I live right under that smoke cloud!
Glad you have your home mobile. When we were unsure about the fire situation both my husband and I (independently) came up with the idea to have all we need in our Trillium so we can just hook up and evacuate if needed.
Stay safe in the woods! Hugs and pets to the puppies.
Good idea to be ready. I think sometimes the news media tends to forget that the entire western area is in drought, not just here in California. Hoping you stay safe, it’s several very scary dry warm months until rain might come for the season. Stay safe!
Thanks Velda and Sue! You all stay cool!
Gosh, Jill… I looked at the link. You’re blanketed with smoke! Excellent idea to have your rig set to go. I pray that doesn’t become necessary and the air clears soon.
Good Morning Sue and Blogorinos….although this is only Wednesday, my mood is still elevated, must be the great coffee and blogorinos comments. I am so glad you are back in contact, while being out of the maddening crowds! Looking forward to more pictures when you are able, no hurry, we aren’t going anywhere. Ha!
Good morning, Shirlene…. Glad to hear you’re keeping the sunny side up!
Hi Sue, Reggie, Bridgee, and Blogorinos,
Wow! Sue’s post stimulated lots of conversation, deep feelings, humor, tragic stories, and the all important exchange of loving thoughts. I found myself nodding in agreement with almost everything you folks had to say here.
I do have a serious question for all of you experienced RVers. Do I need to be concerned about personal safety to the extent of carrying pepper spray and a taser on the road? Installing a bear horn and motion sensor lights on outside of rig?I’m not comfortable with owning a gun. As I hope to do a lot of boondocking for privacy, peace, and to save money…safety is on my mind. The violent and potentially violent incidents reported in this recent blog have got my attention.
Sorry if I sound like “chicken little”. Please share your best advice in addition to listening to my gut.
Safe journeys to all,
CateW
Hi, Cate,
This post may give the impression that the woods are full of crazy, angry, violent people. That has not been my experience in the years I’ve been on the road. The incidents I described are holiday-weekend related and are spread over a large area. Plus — and please Oregonians don’t take offense — I get the impression this state has more-than-a-fair share of “unusual” people, for lack of an accurate term.
If you mind your own business, the likelihood of you facing a gun or violence of any sort is almost nil. I don’t know where you live but I would bet your safety is no better, and probably worse, than if you were living alone in the woods. Women are conditioned to look over their shoulders — it’s the prey instinct fired up by violent books, movies, fearful friends and family, etc.
The person who was threatened with a gun intervened in an illegal situation. Do that anywhere and you open yourself to the possibility of a threat or violence.
I cringe when I see all the discussions on forums and blogs about women fearing for their safety while RVing. Throw off that conditioning! It attracts predators! Live in confidence. I feel that if one is to fully enjoy the RV life — one like I live, often alone — one needs to embrace it, not tiptoe through it.
You don’t need a taser or a gun. I like having a weapon because it gives me a feeling of power that adds to my confidence. I doubt I’ll ever have cause to use it and here I am, exposed to the world through this blog.
That’s my viewpoint…. READERS? What are your thoughts?
(And puhleeze… no suggestions to put a pair of men’s boots on your doorstep… That’s victim-thinking and insulting to women, whether they know it or not. Errgghh!)
Dear Sue,
I am taking a deep breath of relief, and have a warm fuzzy of gratitude for your thoughtful, empowering, and encouraging response to my safety concerns.
I’ve traveled the world solo without fear (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Budapest, Austria, and Japan so far!!) and the only place I have felt on-my-guard is home in the USA.
I was born and brought up on Vermont, have lived for extended times in New Hampshire and Massachusettes, and for the past 14 yrs Portland, Maine. Portland and Maine in general are considered low crime/safe places but we had an armed bank robbery last week down town.
I felt my confidence soar with your reminder not to think like/act like a victim and to embrace the solitary life on the road. I’m so glad I heard from you personally Sue..I really appreciate your no-nonsense advice. No tip toeing I promise. My co-workers and friends consider me “feisty and brave” so I was being influenced by the “be afraid to RV as a woman” stories for sure.
Thanks muchly,
CateW
You’re welcome, Cate. You sound like you know all about confidence and embracing life. It’s easy to be influenced by those who peddle fear. They caution about supposed dangers simply because they care and it’s uncomfortable for them. True, mature caring says, “Go! Try new things! Meet the challenges head-on! Have the time of your life and become a more glorious version of yourself!”
You’ve had an interesting, adventurous life so far, Cate. I wish you even more . . .
Hi Sue,
“Become a more glorious version of yourself”…I LOVE that! Thanks again, and thank you for the affirming, positive wishes to have more interesting life adventures.
That is the plan, and you reminded me to keep that vision in focus…not give in to fearful imaginings.
Bless you and the pups,
catew
I have solo backpacked since I was in my twenties. I hiked 400 miles on the Appalachian trail when I was 62, solo. Yes I am a woman. If I waited to find someone to go with me I would never go. I will probably not solo in the grand canyon again because I do know my limits. I would love to solo hike another section of the AT though. Lots of solo women of all ages on the AT.
The only time in my life that I felt threatened by another human was in a large city in broad daylight.
Cate,
You mentioned Pepper Spray. Read your pepper spray and see if it is CS Grade spray. CS Grade is the same grade the military and police use. If not, it is a very watered down version and can often mad an asailant madder than not using it…especially if they are on drugs of any kind. I would only carry CS Grade. You can get it at an Army-Navy stores or stores who carry police and fire equipment. Deta Airline pilots and their wives often carry the CS versions of pepper spray. As for guns, it is such a personal call. My feelings are this: If you cannot trust yourself to Shoot To Kill then you should not be a gun owner. Period. Never shoot to just Hurt, it will mostoften backfire on your plan and will sometimes be used against you, with your own weapon no less.
If you do choose to buy and carry a gun be certain to take classes at the local firing range. Learn from them when and where to use it and where and when not to. Invest in firing range practice time. And check that your instructors are certified instructors. Often they are former or volunteer police or
ex-military trained. Not all guns are equal either. Make, size, range of fire, weight, etc, all play into the right gun for someone to buy. Don’t feed into the whole name-that-favorite-brand thing. Find what is a best-fit for yourself.
Hi Pamela,
That was VERY useful information about the Pepper Spray. I wouldn’t have known there were different grades or which one to buy for the best protection. I appreciate that you took the time to share that with me.
Regarding owning a gun…I’m on the fence, and I don’t know if I could trust myself to shoot to kill not maim so that will take more thought. I do remember someone telling me to aim for the trunk..the largest part of the body.
Ok…enough of that for now. Hopefully, I will never have to “go there”.
Happy trails,
Catew
Your comment tells us a lot, wildflower….
“If I waited . . . I would never go.” 🙂
“. . . I do know my limits.” 🙂
“The only time in my life I felt threatened by another human was in a large city in broad daylight.” Me, too!
Indeed! Well put! Fear? There’s a Brazilian saying “Eat life or life eats you.”
Common sense and fireworks are seldom in the same place at the same time.
Hi, George aka Teddy,
Why does my heart skip a beat whenever I see your name? We’re not in 6th grade anymore! 🙂
Hi George, I thought maybe you were “Cambridge Folk” Mick (aka Ed)
I have camped, boondocked, in parks, in Campgrounds since I was a teenager…a longgggg time ago. I have to say that only one time have I encountered a situation that made me squirm. And my solution was to leave.
We did have a person steal the food from our ice chest once while we were out riding our horses, I figure someone was hungry….they didn’t bother anything else, just took food…so we ate canned stuff we had in the camper… Inconvenient but not life threatening.
Without fail, the folks we encounter in the wilds are like us, just out enjoying the outdoors.
Do you realize Miss Sue, that you wrote..’in the years I have been on the road’. Think about that! When you began this journey you had a dream, you worked hard, saved, and now that dream is a reality. That is quite an accomplishment. Years on the road..just wow.
Cate, I camp alone and enjoy every minute of it. I don’t worry or borrow trouble, I am careful, mind my own business, have my vehicle in good shape, have insurance and carry a cell phone and my ham radio, let folks know where I will be, where I am going and when to expect me home or when to expect me to check in. Just do it, you don’t want someone to put on your tomb stone ‘she read a lot of magazines’.
Thanks Lee…I needed to “hear” your words, and suggestions.
🙂 CateW
Just for the record I did NOT fall asleep on guard duty. No special op’s puppy would do that!
I simply had closed my eyes to lull the enemy into a sense of complacency.
~Reggie
Good Boy Reggie! You are in charge of protecting the girls, vest or no vest.
“Complacency”…Such a big word, Reggie! I’m impressed! RVSue
“Well I DO live with a teacher you know”
~Reggie
We have camped in many states for many years. We have never had any dangerous situations occur. Yes, several infuriating situations have occurred; maybe once or twice over the years.
We have camped in Oregon for 15 years now. We have never felt unsafe. We often leave our trailer for the day while we are out hiking and kayaking. Never a problem. There are areas where we would not leave our trailer, but these are far and few between.
The worst place we have camped where incidents have occurred is in California along the coast where there have been homeless surfers. Stolen generators, bikes, cars broken into and money stolen. Lock your personal items up with good locks and chains or stow them away overnight in your trailer or tow vehicle.
People often tell us not to boondock by the Mexican Border BLM areas. We have had illegals ask us for water; we also gave a ride to an injured individual but have never been compromised by an illegal. We have always felt safe and love the BLM boondocking areas.
Be aware of your surroundings, don’t leave expensive equipment unlocked where it can walk off. A bear horn might be a good idea. We should probably get one.
There’s nothing like the voice of experience for good advice, and you two have loads of that! Great comment…
PS: we NEVER camp on holiday weekends; unless we are hosting. Too many crazy people.
Cate, thanks for bringing up the latest subject. I take to heart and head the responses. Having been researching the “fulltime” life for almost 2 years, my house closes 7-21 and I’ll be on the road by the 7-25. Counting the days, oh yes, but I’ve planned out and learned virtually all I can, now I must experience the road in person and on my own.
I wish you the best in your pursuit and I look forward to the continued education of life being “houseless”, with the world being my home.
Happy and safe travels to all!!!
Carlene soon to be from everywhere!!
I’m jealous…..wish I could do that…..guess I’ll just have to live thru ya’lls blogs….
Chuck
Chuck, actually back in the early 90s i’d been family camping, atv’ing, etc on the central Oregon coast and got to talking with a camp host about what they did, I thought how cool would that be… then years went by, kids, work, other travel, live events, etc… Then Aug 2013 on a trip to Astoria OR, instead of racing up I-5 NB I went to the coast and took a few days driving up. Instead of $75 at motel 6 in Coos Bay, which was next to the sewer plant, I went up to a campground I’d stayed at 23+ years before, talked to the host again… wow I thought about doing this, he said, “Don’t think just do it… it’s great…” That started the 2 year process, getting the house ready to sell, etc. And now the real world is kicking in and I truly cannot wait to get out of this house.
I don’t know how anyone sells real estate. Things have changed so much, so many people have their fingers in the pie to get a piece of your place when they have no right to do so… It’s a whole other blog subject. I will never own real estate again. It’s society that is the problem. Sorry about the rant. It’s just an outrageous scam when it comes to selling or buying real estate especially in Ca.
SO sorry Sue, for highjacking your blog… but bless you and the crew for what you do for each other and the blogerinos!!!
No need to apologize, Carlene… I enjoyed your comment… interesting… 🙂
I had to chuckle at “$75 at Motel 6 in Coos Bay, which was next to the sewer plant.” Not funny for you, but hilarious to me!
Sue, I ended up at Horsefall beach in the dunes, USFS, for $10 sleeping in my van… showers… the sound of the distant surf… and that started the dream soon to be real. Have a wonderful day.
For the benefit of everyone all across the country and the seas, where is Horsefall Beach? Thank you!
Horsefall beach and campground is at the southern end of the Oregon dunes just north of Coos Bay Or. A lot of ATVing, yes noisy, but I’ve been an atv’er in the past so tend to overlook this noise wishing I still had a quad to ride the trails and the beach. Also there is a horse campground for those wishing to ride the warm blooded 4×4’s, lol.
The dunes run a good 20 – 30 miles along the coast, you can rent atv’s or take 4×4 rental rides on “ducks” the amphibian type trucks.
Camping at horsefall are large paved parking lots, a lot of toy haulers. Another campground with individual camp sites is Spinreel, about 10 miles north of Coos Bay, I love this campground, they have 1-2 first come first serve sites. Treed but again daytime is noisy. Most atv’rs are respectful to the quiet times, which is nice.
Happy trails everyone.
Houseless, I like that term! Especially when so many people think full-timers are homeless people, drifters, HOBOs, etc. Houseless really rings true to me, without-house. 🙂
~Houseless~ but never HOMELESS!
My ~HOME~ is just perfect for me, thank you! 🙂
Adorable! What a phrase! “It’s just perfect for me, thank you”
When you retire your blog you should publish.
Indeed, fear is a big waste of time.
Carlene,
Congrats! What great news that your “launch date” is expected to be 7/25. You lucky ducky…INVU. I like the word “house-less” too. Some of my best friends think I’m nutty to plan a retirement on wheels. That’s ok…I won’t have the big property tax bills and major home repairs. I’ve always been a roamer at heart so can’t wait. I’m also done with being “owned” by my possessions. Anticipating the lightness of a simpler life.
Have a blast. Be safe. Let us know how it feels once you’re on the road.
Good times,
Catew
Hi Sue,
Stupid people and fireworks are why we stay home on the 4th. Someone shooting them off in the campground we were at a few years ago and hit our trailer with one, terrified our dog and us. That could have been a nightmare. I did call the park ranger, no host in that campground. They said it would be awhile, like well over an hour for them to get there and by then it was all over.
We are getting ready for another camping trip next week with mom, and my grown daughter and grandkids. We got schedules to mesh and are going for a few days. We are getting crazy busy though with work now too. I would like another week in Aug and Sept. Will have to see how work schedule goes to see if I can fit them in.
Enjoy your stay and I always look forward to your next blog post! 🙂
Hi, Jolene,
It hit your trailer? What if you were outside? That’s unbelievable. I’ve promised myself to find a good place to avoid all the 4th of July nonsense next year. As much as I don’t care for RV parks and reservations, I may have to secure a spot in one for that weekend.
Enjoy your camping trip next week. You’re making memories with the grandchildren… 🙂
Of all the western states that you tend to travel in only one seems suitable: Arizona – Allows only novelty fireworks. All the other states allow some or all types of consumer fireworks.
Then you would also do well to NOT select a family RV Park. If they offer a place for the kids to play then that is NOT a RV Park where you want to be during the 4th of July weekend.
“I like children. If they’re properly cooked.”― W.C. Fields
🙂
Wow, Ms. Sue. Haven’t you had quite the week!
As I get older I can see the attraction to banning fireworks. People are simply too stupid to use them responsibly, neighborhoods are too crowded, and people are getting more and more sensitive to their dangers. Those that do it in the forest really burn my biscuits…
Speaking of forests, I have a story…
About 3 weeks ago I had what can only be described as a cross between burn-out and a total mental breakdown. I looked at my wife and said, “I need to get away, to unplug completely from every-one and every-thing for awhile. Wanna go camping?”
She readily agreed, but no – this isn’t going to be the usual camping trip with my truck loaded up with supplies. We’re going as minimal as absolutely possible – and we’re doing it in my home state of Colorado. Backpacking it!
Off to the computer for research. I know I want Colorado. I find a campground, then more, and more campgrounds… UGH! Too many choices, and I don’t want a campground – I want Disbursed Camping! After much hemming and hawing, I find a spot, a campground on National Forest land, and having never done it before, called the local Ranger’s office for guidance on Disbursed Camping. I get it. Easy. We make preparations, pack our packs, load up the truck and head off for a two day drive into the middle of the primal woods.
Oh, Ms. Sue. Did I ever get myself in trouble…
First, we ended up on a single-track dirt road on day two, freshly “dirted” with a foot or more of fresh road stuff, in the rain, behind a road grater! That was an experience. I didn’t recognize my truck by the time we parked (thank God for 4×4!).
I mentioned earlier that I didn’t want a campground. True enough, but what I truly didn’t want was a camping spot! $22 per night, with no showers, but free parking for disbursed campers – bingo! We park, visit the camp host who tells us about a beautiful, established disbursed spot up in the mountains in a little valley near a mountain lake. Heaven awaits, says I, so we get into our packs and head out for the afternoon-long trek up into the mountains.
As we get further and further away from the campground, nature envelops us like a warm blanket. Beautiful conifers, aspens, and wildflowers of all kinds dot the landscape. Silence surrounds us, with the exception of the whooshing of the wind through the trees and the faint sound of spring runoff trickling down the mountain. As we move up the trail, we find several spots where the water is running clear and cold. No filter, no plastic, nothing but hands in the water as I scoop up several mouthfuls. Living water. Delicious.
By the time the climb up the trail ended, I was nearly spent. Out of breath and coming through a clearing of aspens, we get our first glimpse of the mountain lake. There was absolutely no other human being anywhere in sight or earshot. We continue walking near the lake shore until we spot an established campfire ring about 200 ft from the edge of the shoreline, up about 20 ft and nestled in the fir trees. It’s perfect, and unoccupied! We pitch our tent, unpack a bit, gather some wood and relax.
We spent a solid 5 days up at this campsite, completely devoid of any data signal. The lake was crystal clear and cool, with a waterfall about 50 yards away where we supplied our fresh water. Many times I simply dipped my whole face into the water for a long drink and a brisk fresh-up. We caught rainbow and brook trout from the lake and ate marvelously, cooking our food over an open fire each night. When we didn’t have (or want) fish, we ate very well from the various snacks, jerky and freeze-dried foods be packed along. I was surprised how good they were!
Campfire percolator coffee, by the way, beats anything Starbucks has ever come up with! Ever.
Nighttime was filled with blessed silence, with more stars in the sky than I’ve seen in a long, long time, and pleasant conversation with Mrs. T and my dog close by, worn out from the long days we spent exploring around the lake and up the various trails into the mountains. No distant sound of traffic, no TVs, Radios or generators. Just pure nature, and being in it.
The only visitors we had were the occasional angler who would see our campsite and keep their distance. Because of the arduous climb, they kept their weight down to fishing poles and tackle only (no coolers of beer and loud radios to disturb the silence!). They would show up well after breakfast and be headed back to their campground by 3 p.m. most days, leaving us with the lake all to ourselves the majority of the time.
My wife out-fished everyone, including me. She caught a total of 14 fish those 5 days. How many did I catch? Four. Deduct a point from my Man-Card, please. 🙂
It was a beautiful, much-needed trip. We were sorry to leave. I’m already asking Mrs. T when we’ll be doing it – again!
Absolutely marvelous, Taranis! Truly an exquisite camping experience! Your story is so well-written that I’m sure readers will be transported to that mountain lake as I was when reading it. Thanks for posting it on my blog.
Nice post!
I can just see that mountain lake. Colorado is one of my most favorite places of all the places I have been. Rocky Mountain National Park is absolutely breathtaking but I don’t know if that is where you were at. Wherever it was, I truly envy your experience!! Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like you and your wife had the vacation of a lifetime! Where was this??? My hubby and I spent time up in Canada on a vacation via canoe and we traveled about 115 miles via canoe and backpacking, that was many years ago and I know I could not backpack and carry such heavy loads again, but to be in the wilderness is such a wonderful thing. I truly enjoyed your post, it brought back so many happy and wonderful memories…. I will never forget portaging across a small bog over a split log while my hubby was carrying our canoe on his shoulders during a hard rain with lightening and thunder and his yelling out for all the voles and racoons to hear… my mother did not create me to be a lightening rod! lol!
We are camped out behind Americas Mailbox…we went to get our drivers licenses today. It took exactly 10 minutes and they had to reprint mine 3 times.
The city is covered with a layer of smoke from forest fires…in Canada and Alaska!
We are leaving here tomorrow for Big Horn Nat Forest. Nice and cool up there.
Congrats John, It’s official now!
Hello Airstreaming John K.!
I’ve thought of you several times since your launch our of the deep South. Great to see you here! Enjoy Big Horn National Forest!
Good morning!
The crew and I are on the road today. I hope to check in later. Have a super day!
UPDATE: We found another riverside camp! It’s really nice in a rustic sort of way, our own beach, shady, peaceful… but no internet! I may be gone from the blog for a couple days and then I’ll catch you up. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sue
It’s nice to picture you living at a peaceful beach,I hope the shade and river help keep you cool and happy,be well in every way,”see you when you get back” 🙂
Morning Sue!
Safe travels to you and the crew.
I must admit, I don’t know how you do did all!
I seem to have misplaced my MoJo – what with all the heat and all…
You, you and the crew just putter along with the flow. Nothing ever gets you down.
A Gift for sure! 🙂
Please bottle whatever it is you have, and send it this way please, lol.
This GA humidity has finally gotten to me! Good news is, the weekend is suppose to be beautiful – albeit hot and humid again. That’s GA for ya. You remember those days, I’m sure. Lucky you, they are a distant memory 🙂
For now, I’m biding my time to be ~On The Road Again~.
Good news … the three Wisconsin sisters, who were lost while hiking in Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming, have been found in good condition.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/wisconsin-sisters-missing-in-wyoming-tracking-dogs-scour-wilderness/
Thank God!Imagine how relieved their family and friends are.They left with enough food for five days and were gone for eleven.It’s wonderful the searchers didn’t give up,people can be so great.Thanks,Mick for the good news and the link.
What a relief for those parents and their friends…thanks for sharing that good news!!
Wonderful news! Yes, read the headlines but didn’t go to the story since it said they were rescued and were doing fine. They must have had angels around them, 9 days, WOW!
Your lucky you don’t still live in GA new law passed that fireworks can be shot off untill 2AM!!!!!! The day before the day of and the day after the 4th!!!!! Lot of VERY angry people calling for re-call of law. I didn’t get to sleep until after 3am and was very sleep deprived because I had to be up at 5am to work! My neighbors daughter was almost hit in the face and police were called they were out making sure their 17 horses were ok. A$$wholes were shooting them off within feet of the pastures.
Sigh ~ still stuck in GA with the heat humidity and bugs.
“Sigh ~ still stuck in GA with the heat humidity and bugs.”
Boy does THAT resonate with me!!!
I used to love GA. Lived here in the early 1980s and loved it then. Moved to Minnesota and cried for GA I missed it so much. Now, moved back here and it has really changed! I hardly know the place now and the state is in such a downward spiral 🙁 Certainly NOT the Big Apple Of The South it once had big hopes to become…really sad. We can’t wait to leave here again – counting the months!
There’s a way to find the positive in just about anything,at this point I think that’s the humor in the current situation.Hi Sue(I know I’m probably saying that to thin air as you are out of range). Reporting life as is and keeping it real is part of what makes you and your blog trustworthy so this post became part of the story.Still,because of your having no connection,apparently it will be what folks see when they click on for most of a week from July 7th to whenever-and that strikes me as hilarious-it’s such an “un-Sue”post.It’s like you’d moved from your usual Americana’s finest,switched your Pollyanna hat for Eeyore’s whole routine and parked the BLT in his blue spot … .”Everywhere we look something crummy is going on,oh well,that’s what it’s like in the 100 acre wood…” Ha!
Hope in real life and time you’ve found a pot of honey to have on your toast 🙂
Good Morning Weather, I hope your morning was as pleasant as mine was. My coffee is especially good this morning. I hope Sue’s is as well.
Good Morning to all the Blogorinos around the country!
So now we’ve wished Sue good coffee and honey toast,I’m getting hungry and am going to have mine with peanut butter . My morning has been pleasant!Thanks,Shirlene for helping it be that way 😉
🙂 🙂 🙂
P.S. Fixed my pants! ha!
😉 ???!! OMG-you’re hilarious-Um-m…so far all I’ve fixed today is my usual tangled hair .I’m taking it that work is only as busy as this blog today? We should all start posting links to rv’s we like just to have something new on here to look at.Think I’m going to leave in a while to go look at one at a lot near here.Have a great weekend if we don’t “chat” again before that.
Good luck with the search, I will be anxious to hear what you have come up with…remember, no pressure, no schedule, just fun chasing your dream.
Weather….check this out…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjDbm1oQfH8
🙂
Cute as a hobbit house,easy to pull with my jeep wrangler,so worth looking at -thanks !
🙂
Ok here we go! http://allclassrv.com/Photo_Gallery_4.php. This is what I am looking for! Just don’t have the cash yet…but it is my dream, maybe not this specific one. Enjoy looking.
Oooooo, that’s a nice one!! I love looking at RV’s! Keep the dream alive, Shirlene!! And hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
Thanks Marla, you also have a good weekend…and I hope your Friday eases you into the weekend with joy. 🙂
You’re sweet…yes, been a long week and I’m ready for the weekend! Hope your day goes by fast, so you can start yours, too!
I like that one! It is dressed out on the inside nicely. Like the outside colors too. nice colors for a timeless look. Do the colors go well with your convertible?! Since we’re dreaming, of course we have to color match, ya know 🙂
Hi Pamela 🙂 The colors would definitely clash with the T-bird….my bird is baby blue…yuk. Sadly, I will not be able to tow the T-bird behind the motorhome, but I have a friend that will store it for me for when I come back to town…I expect to be back in California in the summer, convertible weather, and of course to see my daughter and grandchildren. But California Dreaming on a Sunny Afternoon is nice huh!
Well, then you have the bases covered. Somehow I knew you would. 🙂 Yep, Calf Dreamin’ is always fun! Calf, one day I’ll see it , it’s on my bucket-list! 🙂 🙂 🙂
That Allergo is a nice one. They were smart and slid the “dry wall”. If you slide the kitchen then all the water, drain and gas lines must flex every time you move. Not smart!
My husband and I recently bought a Coachman 23 ft Apex! It is about 6 foot shorter than our previous camper, but I love it! I wanted something smaller so I can learn to tow it and it is just more cozy! The salesman called it a Couple’s camper and that is the perfect description. It works very well for us! Neither one of us cared for a dinette and this model has a sofa only. The bedroom is not separated so it feels much larger than it is. The dogs love it, too! We decided the they must think we are all in a large kennel together! This will be the camper that we use once we retire in a few years and start taking long trips to see our wonderful country!
That’s a pretty posh kennel 🙂 Laura,good for you learning to tow,I’m glad you found the right fit for your “couple plus fur pals” !
Evening everyone!
Has Sue posted of late? I know she traveled since her last post but I haven’t seen any new posts after that. Are we still on “dumb things people do in the forest”? I did a browser update and I’m not sure if I’m getting the latest or not. Maybe this one is the latest and she is off somewhere taking a break with the crew. Anyway, is this the latest one? Missin’ my fix, lol. 🙂
This is it for now.
Thanks Gen,
Hope all is going well on your many projects.
I’m tired tonight, think I will head to bed early, early for me anyway. Guess I’m kinda glum this evening. Klemper found out today
…today that he has to work every Saturday all summer until mid Fall! 10 1/2 hour days, now 6 days a week! Guess any travels I plan will be solo all summer and fall. I am NOT pleased.
Wow that’s tough!
Good morning Sue,thought I’d leave a welcome back to your own blog in case you manage to check in 🙂 The widget says Zigzag as it’s location,a town on a road full of switchbacks?I hope your time has been spent with fun and comfort lately.I wonder what the sitemeter would have added since you’ve been gone,I know you are missed and likely folks check in often hoping to find you here.”See ya” whenever,be well and enjoy.
Good afternoon! It seems sitemeter is kaput all over. I have a count given through wordpress. I may have to eliminate having the numbers posted in the sidebar. I keep hoping sitemeter will get its act together.
They probably will eventually I’d assume, unless they shut down altogether that is.No sense giving up hope until they do.Should that occur you can just mention 3 million then four,etc. when it rolls around so we can all celebrate with you.
Sue I was so relieved when you decided to return Edith. I felt a uncomfortable reaction when you told us about her. You living space is small and all of you fit just perfectly I thought. Too be honest if I can..I did not understand your need to get another dog. On the one hand you have Reggie..vibrant, energetic, cute and loveable, and on the other you have your long time companion..sometimes stubborn and just Bridget. Bridget being older and not so enthusiastic is kinda calming I think. No need to entertain and exercise her much, as she does not seem to require that. Your little family seems just perfect to me as a follower of your blog. I am so happy you used a well thought out decision to keep the crew as it is. Just my opinion of course but I for one am so happy. Love ya, Kathleen
🙂