Saturday, June 21
“Let’s walk down to the boat dock while it’s still cool.”
Several cars and trucks with boat trailers are parked in the gravel lot near the boat dock. Two people fish from the t-shaped fishing platform.
Others are in boats or those inflatable, one person flotation thingies meant for fisher people (the guy partially hidden by reeds below).
“Stay close by, you two. I want to read this.”
Hmm . . . bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish in this lake.
Uh-oh!
“No soaking in Pelican Lake for you, Spikey! You don’t want to get summer itch on your cute, little body!”
Parasites . . . gross!
Fortunately a wide swath of thick reeds borders the edge of the lake, leaving no easy access for Spike. I’ll have to steer him away from the boat ramp though.
We sit in the picnic area under the cottonwoods.
Pelican Lake area is a bird paradise.
I listen to the chirp, chatter, and singing of a variety of birds. Most of the birds are hidden among the boughs of the cottonwoods and tamarisk which prevents me from identifying them.
Three or four yellow-headed blackbirds fly over the cattails or they cling to the long, swaying reeds. I’ve always enjoyed listening to the gurgle-like call of blackbirds.
Spike is an enthusiastic explorer today!
Some days it’s difficult for him to keep up with Bridget and me. On those days we take shorter walks. Today is a good day for him. The walk from our camp to the boat dock is long, but he didn’t falter at all.
“Okay, who wants a drink?”
I pull a collapsible dish out of my camera case and fill it with water that I brought. Keep him hydrated and he won’t be sneaking off for a drink of lake water.
I swat away a small swarm of tiny flies.
Yeah, I thought there’d be bugs around these reeds. It’s a good thing we camped away from the lake. Well, at least they don’t bite. Annoying little critters though . . .
The rest of the day we relax under the shelter at our camp.
A soft, cool breeze and the singing of birds makes for a pleasant afternoon of reading in my lounger under the shelter. Bridget and Spike snooze under the picnic table.
Sunday, June 22
Sunday is a good day to go visiting, right? The critters around our camp think so! More about that in the next post.
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Thought of you today as we get our camper ready for a weekend. Would like it to be longer but farming is a full time venture. Love your blog and look forward to each new place you visit.
Hi, judithcamper,
I’m glad you can get away this weekend. It’s nice to know you love my blog!
Uh….at least they warn you about swimming! Ewww!
Bridget’s looking cute! Spike’s thinking about something!
Nice pic of the BLT’s site! Enjoy your evening. Good night
Good morning, Cinandjules!
I can tell Spike’s happy when he has that look — living in the moment!
Be sure to look for weather’s reply to you at the bottom of the previous post. Her message is very thoughtful and wise.
🙂
Looks like to have found yourself a nice campsite for you and the crew. Lots of nice walks. It’s hot back here in Arizona about 107 degrees today, time to get in some good reading with a nice cold ice tea. That cooler weather you have looks pretty nice. I hope you are enjoying yourself with that nice breeze and good book. Love to you and the crew.
Hi, Willow,
Thank you for the sweet message. It is nice here. The cooler weather is gone; now we have temperatures in the 80s. I suppose that seems “cooler” to someone living with 100+ temperatures. Have a great day!
Don’t think I’ve been to that lake; is it near Nephi? Thanks for sharing. Take care.
Oops, sorry about the dumb question. Internet is really slow where I am so haven’t been able to read all your posts.
That’s okay, Pleinguy. One easy way to know our location is to look in the sidebar for Where We Are Now.
Reminds me of a funny, true story that happened once when I was a kid. In the summer, we went camping near Clear Lake, CA…so dad could fish. Heh, so many insects there that the fish were well fed. And as it got dusk, it seemed all the mosquitos in the world came out along with every kind of gnat you can imagine (way worse than any place we experienced during our N. Carolina years later). So we went home. As we left, we came by a town with a gas station and he decided to get some. But the gnats were incredible….they filled the nose and mouth and ears…he could not even tell the attendant what he wanted…so waved at him, climbed in the car and drove away. Heh…we kids found it rather funny…but we wanted to escape too. We never went back!!
Do you think you could get that itch thing if you stay out of the water too??? With all the birds, one would wonder…I hope you are elsewhere by now…does not sound very good there.
Hi, Elizabeth,
It’s wonderful here! We aren’t going to get swimmer’s itch if we don’t go in the water and the bugs, which aren’t bad, are by the lake, not at our camp.
Great job with the gnat story. 🙂 It reminded me of my first visit to Florida. I stopped at a gas station and as we pulled in I said to my husband, what are those little birds? They weren’t birds! They were huge palmetto bugs (imagine giant cockroaches for those not familiar with FL critters).
Ghastly! Slapping against the windshield. . . . Like your father, I got us out of there in a hurry!
I lived in Florida for many years and didn’t experience again anything like what happened on that first visit.
I think we probably saw those saw palmetto bugs on the couple occasions we went to Florida…but not a lot at one time. As I recall. But NC had more than a plenty of bugs too. We found that the weather almost never was nice enough to enjoy being outdoors…either too hot and humid, or so cold it was almost freezing…and if it was summer, the bugs were simply insane, so we lived almost entirely indoors…not our idea of wonderful. At least it was green all the time however and pretty…so at least that. We ARE enjoying the weather here in Seattle area…tis the best during summers of any place I know about. I do not mind sleeping under blankets most nights!! We leave the window cracked for fresh air…but it is CHILLY!!
I like to sleep that way, too. Windows open, a chill in the air, enough blankets and nutcakes to keep me warm!
I lived in Lakeport (Clear Lake) for several years as a kid in the WW2 years. We had forty acres there with a view to the lake. I can honestly say we never had any major gnat or skeeter problems either down on the lake or at home on a hill there. Strange things were like that when you were there. During the war, clear lake was a training area for the clipper aircraft. We used to watch them take off and land all the time. In those days it was a wonderful place to be, of course all of California was back then. I am a native and you won’t find many 78 year old natives around there anymore. We were priced or crowded out so we are all over the country now.
I wonder if the lack of mosquitoes and gnats was due to an abundance of insect-eating birds.
As bird populations diminish, insect populations grow, of course. Here I watch the birds caterwauling about, catching flying insects every day in the late afternoon.
It’s possible I suppose, I know the use of pesticides has taken a toll on birds along with many other “natural population control” animals and insects including the bee which pollinate our fruits . It’s actually a serious problem.
That is odd isn’t it AZ Jim, well, it may have been a one year event…but twas too much for us to venture back…most vacations in general were taken at Yosemite…in the days it was a truly gorgeous place…I always wondered if the Garden Of Eden was just like it there.
I am a 4th generation NATIVE born Californian…and our son is a 5th…but my family left for Idaho when I was 14 and our son was born there while hubby finished up 6 years in the Submarine Navy. My great great grandparents came to California in a covered wagon…actually the great great grandma died someplace back midway on the trip….and great great grandpa picked up another wife… Actually the majority of the kin I know are still in California. But there are many reasons I am glad not to have lived there since 1975. Nice to visit. That is all.
Good thing you saw that warning about Swimmers Itch before letting Spike in the water! That would have been a disaster for a week.
Your photos remind me of a summers day by the lake. Birds singing, a little breeze, fishing, reading in the afternoon……..just a summer day, not a care in the world. Wonderful!
Have a great day!
Hi, Deb,
It’s always a good plan to read the kiosks for any warnings. Spike has enough problems without itching for a week.
You describe our days here perfectly! We will stay until it’s too hot, which is predicted for later in the week.
Glad Spike didn’t soak before you saw the warning. You don’t need an itchy dog!
Hi, Pam . . . . I agree!
That would have been horrible you wouldn’t know why he was scratching so much! I got mosquito bites today when I was out working in the yard..gave my arms a rub down with rubbing alcohol! Now we are getting more rain so more mosquitoes! great shot of the Yellow headed Blackbird!
That’s not my photo. It’s a royalty-free pic I found on the web.
Good luck battling the skeeters!
What a great shot of the yellow headed blackbird!Birds can completely change any experience just be being there with us.The magnitude of their force to influence our perception of entire environments,while being such small creatures,contains so many lessons.
The bottom photo’s perspective offers a fuller view than I’d noticed of where your home is now,nice!Besides all the landscape it gave me an appreciation of the proportion of the BLT’s back window.Gee what great views and light that gives compared to most spaces that size,way to go choosing that!
May good news,thoughts and feelings fill your morning
Good morning, weather!
I didn’t take the photo of the yellow-headed blackbird. It’s a royalty-free pic I found on the internet.
You’re right about birds changing an experience. They make the air come alive. The birds here are a delight. I’ve never seen so many and in such variety as I see and hear at Pelican Lake. I plan to write about them before we leave here.
Yes, I love the big windows in the Liberty Deluxe model. They “wrap” around the back half of the BLT. When I push the curtains all the way back and open the windows, it’s marvelous . . . The outdoors comes in with lots of light. (Most of my photos show the curtains drawn closed because I do that when we go for walks.)
Thank you for the wish for my morning. The same to you!
You know what’s cool?As glad as I am that you’re seeing all those birds on this visit,I know months from now,a single bird’s momentary arrival will find you in wonder only you are capable of feeling…
Think I’ll get my monocular and coffee cup and go see how the rainstorm changed the world here now 🙂
I hope you enjoy your freshly washed world! I’ve been using my monocular every day . . .
Another thing I wanted to mention . . . In that last photo, see the leafless tree? Actually it’s a cottonwood tree that almost died. Lower down the tree it has branches with leaves on them. Anyway . .. All those bare branches are favorite perches for the birds. It’s the Tree of Birds. 🙂
Cottonwoods and the determination to live again ,though tough times might have killed hope, are often things included in my thinking of you,now there’s a photo I’ll call Tree of Birds Camp in my bookmarks that succinctly speaks of all that! thanks!
I like that! I hereby declare this camp Tree of Birds Camp!
Good morning, Sue,
I am glad to hear that the bugs leaving you all alone and that you can enjoy your site. The view of the lake, the birdsong, a little breeze, a cool drink, enjoying a good book, savoring your surroundings along with your two little nutcakes…that is just about as good as it gets! Enjoy!! 🙂
Break is over – back to work!!
Good morning, Denise,
Oh, no… work? What’s that? 😉
That’s what I love about the vagabond life — so many places where it’s “as good as it gets!”
You included the nutcakes in the formula for a perfect day. So true! Surroundings are wonderful when they surround those you love.
I meant back to the job for me! 🙂
This reminded me of Big’s post. I wanted to share what I heard on the Dave Ramsey (Financial Peace) radio show replay channel (I Heart Radio) yesterday: “Stuff does not define us. Stuff does not define our legacy.” So true!!! In my mind, legacy does not necessarily mean money. Giving love and support freely to your family and friends, taking the time to create wonderful memories which will be reflected on in the future…that is what is truly priceless.
Have you seen very many fireflies in your travels in the SW? When I was at the North Rim Grand Canyon several years ago in July, I did not recall seeing any. Maybe the elevation is too high? Last night, my yard was lit up with nature’s little floating lanterns. Gracie (pup) and I enjoyed the lightshow. I cannot remember the last time I saw that many at one time – must be a bumper crop this year!
Now, back to da job for ME! Enjoy your day, Sue! 🙂
Denise – Richmond VA,
If you will use this link I think your question about firefly sightings in the southwest will be answered. Generally speaking there are no fireflys/lighting bugs west of the Rocky Mountains.
https://legacy.mos.org/fireflywatch
When you click on the highlighted link then scroll down and click on “View More Data” in the lower right hand corner of the map titled “Observations”.
Hi Ed,
Thank you for sharing that website. Very cool!
You come up with the neatest websites, Ed! The little map in the lower right hand corner makes it clear where fireflies are . . . and where they aren’t.
Never seen a firefly (Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland doesn’t count) until we moved to NY.
Never heard of a no-see-um either.
My Skin so Soft bug stuff should arrive tomorrow!
I saw the order. Thanks!
I just recently returned from camping in Elkmont campground located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We were there to see the synchronized fireflies, who appear in the first half of June. Quite the sight! They blink for 6-8 seconds, and then it’s completely dark for about 7 seconds, and on and on it goes.
http://www.knoxnews.com/photos/galleries/2014/jun/06/fireflies-light-up-elkmont/93699/
Very interesting, Crystal! I never heard of them. Thanks for the link.
The fisher(wo)men must love the itchy skin parasites! Bet it keeps down the noisy swimmers :-). I love cottonwoods, even when they’re shedding their cotton, they make the most wonderful sound in the wind. Glad Spike is feeling strong and also avoiding the water :-). Enjoy.
Hi, Jodee,
I’m guessing someone fishing would not contract swimmer’s itch.
I enjoy cottonwoods, too. I don’t think you’ve been reading my blog long enough to remember (forgive me if I’m wrong) the cottonwoods last fall when we were camped at Lone Pine near the Alabama Hills. They were glorious! Bright yellow and gold against the grey of the mountains. You can see them at this link:
“Feeling right at home in the Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, CA”
I like the heart-shaped leaves. I think of cottonwoods as the aspens of the valleys because they flutter and make a delightful, soft sound in the wind that you mention.
:-)))) I meant the fisherfolks love not having any swimmers to scare the fish :-)))). Did go back and read from the beginning a couple months ago but had forgotten that lovely site from last year. Thanks for the link, I loved it. I’ve only seen aspens once and am looking forward to lots more next year.
Oh, now I see how you meant that first sentence to read. I didn’t catch on. Glad you enjoyed the photos on that link. The cottonwoods were a great sight to greet us out our door each morning!
You have read from the beginning! (Sorry, I forgot.)
Not to accuse anyone, but maybe the fishermen posted the sign! LOL
Ha! That’s funny.
I used to fish the Arizona canals for catfish. I caught many fairly large flathead catfish in them too. One hot day while on a canal which was running slow I got into a small pocket off the side of a dirt “irrigation ditch”. I jumped in to cool off and when I came out my wife screamed and pointed to my legs. Leeches had attached themselves to me and were happily sucking my blood. There were only three of them but it was enough to keep me out of slow water where those little devils live. It’s a good idea to check spike when he gets into water deep enough to house leech. If a person was afraid of everything that he might prefer not to run into in the great outdoors, he would miss all the wonderful sights and sounds there too.
Hi, Jim,
Yikes, leeches! I’d scream, too, and not many things in nature make me scream. Remember Bogart in African Queen? I don’t remember the exact line of dialogue, but he made it clear … “I hate leeches!”
Here’s an odd thought. As you know, whenever Spike is anywhere near water, even remotely, he heads right for it like a divining rod. I thought we’d have to leave because surely he’d be sneaking down the boat ramp to the water.
Well, we walked by the ramp and he didn’t try to go down to the water. Do dogs have a sixth sense about these things? I hope so, because I never want to pull leeches off of Spike!
Your last sentence is very true. That attitude pertains to people as well. Everywhere we go, there is risk. Living outdoors as much as the crew and I do, wandering around deserts and forests and all, we take risks. It’s worth it!
It’s like that guy Irwin who died from the sting of a stingray — Of course, he took much greater risks than I ever have or ever will take — He was well aware of the “danger! danger!” but he accepted the risks because he loved nature and wildlife so much. He led a full life.
Very true Missy. In the song “The Rose” there are some lyrics that illustrate most poignantly that idea:
“It’s the heart afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance.
It’s the dream afraid of waking
That never takes the chance.
It’s the one who won’t be taken,
Who cannot seem to give,
And the soul afraid of dyin’
That never learns to live.”
Beautiful. Thank you, Jim.
Bette Midler sings “The Rose”
This lake reminds me of Mittry Lake. Bet I know someone who would like to visit this campground!
Replacement parts to repair our broken awning supposed to arrive today. Boy are we happy that we managed to connect with someone at Fiamma USA Inc. Parts we needed came to $54. rather than the $700+ quote from our local RV repair shop. Fiamma makes the awnings for Casita.
About the Casita wrap around windows; we have been looking at slightly larger trailers only because we think a walk around bed would be nice for a crew of 2. Every single time we come back to not wanting to give up our view from our bed perch. The bed in our Casita serves as a lounger and it is just the right height to have those great views from 3 sides. There are lots of nice trailers out there but we love our Casita!
Eager to “hit the trail”—with child visitation here going on 2 weeks, I’ve had enough family life 🙂 Your daily dose keeps me going!
Kathy, you have me laughing with your “child visitation here going on 2 weeks, I’ve had enough of family life.” LOL!
Great news on the part from Fiamma!!! What a relief! I hope it installs easily (or cheaply if you hire someone) so you can put that episode behind you. Yes, the ‘trail” has a way of calling your name!
Interesting to hear from someone who is half of a couple re: the Casita and its wrap around windows. You and Gil have adapted so well to Casita living, I can see where you’d be hesitant to trade up. Of course, a walk around bed would be nice.
Keep in touch. Always a treat to hear from you! I was thinking of your broccoli salad just the other day . . . . 🙂
Gil has already installed the new part and now the awning works perfectly. We use that awning a lot; it’s an important extension of our living space. Once again I would like to reassure you that it is very sturdy when staked down. Ours was a freak accident due to those ***Santa Ana winds.
Yes that was a fun dinner we had together. You have really gotten us dining on rotisserie chicken now (we get ours from Costco here and Sam’s club in the south). We usually get 2; dine immediately on half of one as we strip the meat from the bones. We chop up 2 breasts; add to chopped celery, lettuce, 1 chopped apple, half cup dried cranberries, half cup chopped toasted walnuts & top with store bought raspberry vinaigrette dressing—yum! We makes chicken soup from the boiled bones; boy those chickens go a long way! I’ll make it for you when you stop at the Garcia RV park in central Washington. 🙂
I showed Gil the pictures of Pelican Lake and he read every word.
Yay for rotisserie chickens! I’m not as creative as you, but the crew and I get a lot out of each one.
This little lake is perfect for a portoboat with a small electric motor because the fish are along the reeds at the edge of the lake. The best time of year is spring and fall and early summer, before it gets too buggy.
Tell Gil, the boats on trailers roll by here, one right after another, every day. I spoke with a lady as she and her husband pulled their boat out of the water. They caught 6 bass (the limit). She said they were 12-18 inches long. Of course, she probably exaggerated. They released them.
I’m happy you have your awning fixed. Problem solved!
The insect comments remind me of our family learning about camping from former neighbors when our boys were small. One trip involved a huge number of Mayflies. The air was full of them and the road around the lake was slick with dead ones. Our boys were terrified of them. Mayflies have antennae and long trailing “tails”. The boys were sure those were fangs to bite boys with. You should have heard the squeals. Our friends explained that Mayflies have no mouths to bite with. All they do is hatch, fly up out of the water, mate, lay eggs and die. There were so many of them attracted to the lights that it looked like a blizzard.
Hi, Pat,
I can imagine the boys’ squeals over the monster mayflies. I had to laugh at your story. “Fangs!” LOL!
Learn something everyday on this blog!
Mayflies…..had no clue until I googled a picture of it. Apparently dem creatures live here too and are currently sitting on our storm screen door! Lots of them!
Gad!Seeing your reply here(I just answered you on the other page),I thought I better google it too, if they’re in this state.Those are some kinda ugly lookin’ !I’ve never seen one here,maybe the lay of the land isn’t attractive to them,hope it stays that way,too
😉
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