Friday, September 15
Sinks Canyon State Park, Lander, Wyoming
After a night of rain, I wake to a cold morning.
In the race south against winter weather, I plan to move to our next camp today after one night at Sinks Canyon. Silently I slip out of bed and sneak outside, not wanting to wake the crew.
Fog! Thick fog all the way down the canyon walls! And cold!
I grab the keys that hang inside the door and hurry to start up the Perfect Tow Vehicle. I throw on the heat, full blast. Then I sprint to the Best Little Trailer, pick up all my electronics, and take them out to the PTV to be charged.
Of course, Reggie and Roger are up by now.
“I know it’s cold, babies. Eat your breakfast and I’ll take you where it’s warm.”
NOTE: The last time we (Bridget and I) camped at Sinks Canyon in September, it snowed:
“Last day at Sinks Canyon, a walk in the snow.”)
Sinks Canyon National Forest Campground, September 14, 2014
When the crew and I are settled in the blessed warmth of the PTV, I go online to read weather reports.
Fog, rain, wind, snow…. What? Snow? Oh, that’s in Rock Springs. Whew! Even so, this isn’t a good day for travel.
We have to cross the southeast end of the Wind River Mountains and then cross the notoriously windy, flat land to Farson.
Later I walk Reggie and Roger around Popo Agie Campground.
The fog has lifted but it’s still a cold, damp, dark day. On our return to the BLT, I notice a sheriff’s vehicle in the day use parking lot. A man in uniform sits in the driver’s seat with the window down. The dispatch radio is on.
We exchange greetings and I ask him if he can tell me about road conditions. I explain that I’ll be going out of Lander on Route 287 and taking Route 28 up to Atlantic City and through South Pass, all the way to Farson.
“Lotta’ fog up there. Really thick fog. I’m hearing reports of herds of elk blocking the road. The rut has started and elk are all over. Moose, too.”
We discuss the route.
“You have three long grades. Once you get past the first one at Red Canyon , the other two are easier.”
I elaborate that I’ll be towing my trailer. While we talk I come to a decision.
“It probably would be best for me to stay here another night. Maybe it will clear by tomorrow morning.” I add, “But then I won’t know from here what it is like up there.”
“Do you get up early? When you get up, look at the canyon walls,” he advises. “If the fog is down into this canyon, it’s going to be foggy up there. You’ll be okay if you go slow and watch for the elk. . . . Of course, I don’t know what your capabilities are.”
We talk more on various topics (He’s obviously waiting for someone.) Then I thank him for the information and tips.
The crew and I return to the BLT.
Capabilities. I have the capabilities. I’ve driven in all kinds of conditions, from white-out blizzards in New York state to black ice in Georgia, hair-pin turns on a dark, foggy night in West Virginia to torrential downpours in Florida. Then there was that time I was caught in New York City rush hour chaos . . . .
It’s not me that’s the problem. It’s the idiot who drives too fast for conditions, comes around a curve in the fog, I’m stopped for a herd of horny elk crossing the road, and BAM! That’s all she wrote . . . .
Enough of that! I’ll wait and see what tomorrow brings. Better to be cautious than sorry.
Saturday, September 16
I step out our door into . . . sunshine!
“Wow! I couldn’t ask for a nicer day! A few clouds across blue sky.”
Any fog is gone now!
After breakfast I give the crew a quick walk-around, pop them into the PTV, and take one last photo of the fog-free cliffs above us.
It’s a beautiful day for a drive.
We motor over the mountain with ease, go through South Pass and across the northwest portion of the Great Divide Basin. The strong winds of yesterday are gone.
So are the amorous elk. I don’t see any.
Route 28 intersects Route 191 and we’re at Farson, Wyoming.
Last time I drove through Farson I bought gas and kept on going.
Readers read a blog post about this and chided me in comments, “What? You didn’t get any ice cream?!!”
This time through Farson will be different.
It’s lunchtime and what do I have for lunch?
Caramel Praline Crunch. My favorite.
Oh my.
I have the young woman make it into a milkshake with whipped cream on top. I take the shake out to the PTV and discover she did an excellent job, chopping the pecans enough to fit through the straw, but still crunchy.
The crew watches me with longing as I consume the shake. I leave some in the domed top and some in the plastic cup.
“Here ya’ go. Reggie, you get the top. Roger, here, you take this.”
When they finish licking the plastic clean, I examine my Wyoming Benchmark map.
Okay, we’ll try this . . .
“We don’t have much further to go, guys. This is going to be a different kind of camp for us. You’ll see.”
rvsue
THANK YOU VISITING MY BLOG!
These links show you a few of the products that readers recently purchased from Amazon:
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The crew at the PTV’s window, Lander, WY
First?!
HOORAY FOR DAWN! SHE’S FIRST TODAY!
Got close!
Hi, Pam! Second place!
Second?
Suzette ties with Pam for second place!
Great post! I could almost feel that bright clear dawn! And now we wait on pins and needles to see where we’re camping next!
Thanks. You may be surprised where our next camp is! 🙂
Sue, if I remember correctly, last time you were at Popo Agie, I had commented that you needed to be careful about snow on the BLT steps. Looks like you just avoided the same this time around 🙂
Hi, Julian,
I remember you cautioning me about snowy, slippery steps. I’m trying to remember to hang onto the assist handle next to the door when stepping out the door, no matter what the weather conditions. Just good practice to avoid twisting an ankle.
Third place today! 🙂
Not just an ankle, Sue. It could be a knee. Trust me, I am down with a twisted knee and it is not healing. Do not torque it in any way as you could tear the meniscus.
Waiting to read about your next stop.
The boys are so interesting. We still have the dachshund rescue and she literally owns us.
Marilyn
A twisted knee sounds worse than a twisted ankle. 🙁 I’m sorry that happened to you, Marilyn. I imagine you are immobilized.
Wishing you well soon . . .
Top ten, maybe?
Hi, Becky…. You missed third place by a minute! 🙂
Not bad! Gosh I hope you can outrun that snow and cold weather! Instead of ice cream, I think I would be eating soup-
Well, Becky, one can only eat so much soup. 🙂 For me, every day is perfect for ice cream. Ha! I wish I could eat it every day.
Hi Sue and the boys, wow what a difference a day makes. Glad you chose to wait it out. Too bad you didn’t get to see any of the horny elk….that would have been a good break between the driving! ha ha
I have so enjoyed (as I have mentioned before) your trip through Montana and Wyoming. I hope to duplicate this trip next summer on my adventure. You have made my planning a breeze.
Stay safe out there my friend, Judy
Thanks, Judy. I hope you will keep in touch and let us know how you experience Montana and Wyoming.
Yeah, the elk… What a great photo I could’ve posted here….
Fog, sunshine, ice cream and a different kind of camp! Intriguing post!
Hi, Dawn….. That stretch of road between South Pass and Rock Springs by way of Farson is challenging for good camps. Previously we boondocked in the Wind River Mountains and drove through Farson the next day.
The boondock I’ll show in the next post is a handy and inexpensive way to break up that journey, good to know for people like me who avoid long driving days.
Glad you were intrigued… 🙂
Wow what a beautiful drive & lovely camp. Safe travels
Thanks, Rita!
Leaving us in suspense?!!
What a difference a day makes…would have loved a shot of that milkshake…or better yet the “Big Cone”!! Sounds yummy…can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings 🙂
Hi, Millie,
You know? When I was putting this post together I thought … Gosh, why didn’t I take a pic of the milkshake?
I know why…. It disappeared too fast! 🙂
I think I may be in the first 10 today. I do not usually get notified this early. I love this post. The first part made we want to curl up and take a nap until summer and second half made me want to hit the road. Beautiful pictures. Can’t wait to see what different kind of camp up are in next. I thought by now you would have seen it all in camps. Thank you for taking us along and be safe.
You’re welcome and thank you, Jean. When a reader writes “I love this post” it makes me feel great!
My notifications don’t arrive until late in the evening so I check a few times a day instead! No new post this morning, ran some errands and suddenly there are 58 comments ahead of me. Ok so now I am craving a milkshake. I’ve had a bad sweet tooth lately. 🙂 Did you head west and get a 75 cent cone at Little America? Not the best but I always have to get one anyway. xxx to the 2 R’s.
Nope. We are on a southern trek. Hi, Susan. I’m sorry your notifications come so late.
My sweet tooth is mad at me because I cut way back on sugar. It wakes me up in the night and has me thinking about eating an entire berry pie. I love berry pie. And ice cream.
Great timing, so glad it cleared for your drive. And guessing not too windy through the flat land.
Hi, Ronda,
Hardly any wind at all. Just one place where the road turned a bit and there was a crosswind. The problem with wind isn’t the BLT swaying. I haven’t had a problem with that. What I don’t like is the attention needed to keep the PTV in the lane. It makes for a tiring drive.
Like I wrote… I couldn’t have asked for a better day!
We’ve found that too. Our Bigfoot trails nicely behind us, wind gusts just make steering more difficult. Like you said, it’s tiring.
I can’t wait to see this different camp! Your ice cream sounds heavenly but I am not cheating on this new lifestyle change. I went on a diet when I put Rick on it and I have lost 25 pounds so far and I am determined to keep going. I will be waiting to see the next post and new campsite!
Jolene, when you first told us about your weight loss, I was very impressed and still am. Wow! 25 pounds is quite an accomplishment!
I’ve been watching my intake, too, and have lost about 8-10 lbs, I estimate. The ice cream was a special treat. I had to do it or face more exasperated comments.
Sending best wishes to Rick and to you, too, of course! 🙂
FOREST FIRE WATCH in OREGON
Say has anyone passed through Mitchell, OR recently? We are leaving on a 2week trip in a couple days. No real plans but hoping to go to Painted Hills, OR. I’m afraid the Desolation Fire in the Ochoco National Forest may send us elsewhere. Last week I thought the wildfire website said it was 90% contained, now it says 30% contained. Winds must have picked up or something. Anyway just wondering what anyone in that area is experiencing.
Blogorinos: Can you give a report on the Mitchell, Oregon area for Ronda?
This is an excellent site for smoke updates- http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/
Rains a couple of weeks ago helped put some of the fires out and helped reduce the smoke. I have been driving the coast routes and am now in Eugene. Have not seen any smoke at all.
This also is a good site to track fires and smoke– https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_wildfires
Thank you Judy
Wow. I’m in for the ride. Reminds me of a saying I saw somewhere, “Get in. Sit down. Buckle Up and shut up”, or something like that.
Except don’t “shut up!” I love hearing from you! 🙂
Ha ha. Thanks, Sue.
Brrr…
And I ‘ve been fussing about the heat down here in Benson, Az. Afternoons in the 90’s. Yuck!
Hi, Barb,
Wish I could send you a cool breeze. 🙂
When you get up and can see your own breath when INSIDE your home, it’s time to get moving! I know what’s going to happen. The cold will keep chasing us southward and then the weather across the West will turn warm and we will be dealing with heat. This has been a crazy year for avoiding hot or cold weather…
Barb L,
Where are you staying in Benson? My late husband and I stayed at an rv/mobile home park on the east side of town when we first went out west.
What a joy to see that sunny day. Like everyone else, looking to see where the next camp is. It’s a glorious day here in Upstate NY. Picture perfect with the aroma of apples and falling leaves in the air.
Those boys sure are lucky pups – milkshakes – LOL!
Oh, Applegirl… You know how to transport me to upstate NY… “aroma of apples and falling leaves in the air.” How lovely..
Nice that the fog cleared up for your travel day. Enjoying following along with your trip, haven’t been to this area before so taking notes!
It is much colder over on your side of the mountains than here in SD. I guess the lower elevation here makes the difference. Lows here have been in 40s but had the first below freezing temp this morning, just barely. I will be here until 10/16 then have to go to Denver for 3 days. My family has “coerced” 🙂 me into going to FL, so I need to be there on 11/9. Not really looking forward to that drive.
I’ve been trying to figure out a route. I had thought I would go into Texas and go along the coast to some of the beaches there that have camping. But with the hurricane damage I think that is out. I have to get to I-10 at some point and would like to get to warmer weather. I’ll have about 2 1/2 weeks to get to FL so a nice place to stop for a few days would be good. Anyone have any suggestions?
Hi, Debra & Misty,
I know someone who might be able to give you good tips on planning your route. Go to Casita Escapes blog and ask the blogger, Glenda, what she advises. I recall reading about and seeing her pics of some really nice and inexpensive camps in states like Missouri and Arkansas.
Thanks Sue! I’ll check it out.
Blogorinos: Any suggestions on camps between Denver and FL?
I would love to participate in this, but know nothing.
Depending on your chosen route, there is a nice COE camp (Maumelle Park) on the Arkansas River just upstream from Little Rock, next door to Hastings Bay Marina. Since it’s a federal campground, the Senior Pass rate applies.
Thanks Archae! I will check that out. I think the COE camps would be a good option going thru AR.
Perhaps some of the campgrounds shown on this map will provide some help. Clicking on the map icon will lake you to routing from one place to the next.
http://edwardfrey.com/map/roadtrip4.html
Happy hunting!
Thanks Ed! That was quite a trip you took around the nation.
O LENO State Park is a nice quiet woodsy camp in the Northern Part of Florida. St Joe Beach in Florida has lots of wide open spaces
Thanks Sue! I’ll check those out also.
Wow! I thought our weather was changing on a dime! 🙂
So glad you got your milkshake! Sounds marvy!
Hugs to you all. I just love this little respite you offer up to us. What a gift it is on these days that drag through… Thank you Sue. Thank you more than you know.
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
You’re welcome, Barb. You write the sweetest things. 🙂
I’m learning how changeable Wyoming can be in the fall. Not just Wyoming… Utah, too! You’ll see what I’m talking about in upcoming posts.
Hugs to you, too!
Looks like my favorite kind of fall day, clear and crisp. Makes for a beautiful drive. I still hope to head south but it is looking like later into November. I’m still house sitting, so will hope for roads ok to drive on. My route looks like Boise to Twin Falls to Wells, Ely then Las Vegas. From Las Vegas the weather should be ok as far as snow is concerned. Has anyone driven this route in winter?
Also I see someone purchased a Clam screen tent. I bought one as well, while trying to put it up by myself the first time I thought I was in a wrestling match with an octopus! I have since figured out how to set it up solo. (sort of)
I haven’t driven that in winter, Cherylyn, so I can’t help.
Blogorinos: What can you share about that route in winter?
We have driven that route (in a car)…it is iffy that time of year…you may be ok…or not. We drove from California years ago, to Nampa…in December…in a blizzard over Donner Pass…argh!! We were NUTS…drove at night, with a new baby and a dog…we followed in the ruts left by the truck ahead of us, who seemed to be watching out for us!! We were in a hurry to get to kin…having just gotten OUT of the Navy!! But stupid!! Drove on snowy roads all the way home…that was early December by the way. Guardian angels might like a break now and again…ha!
Elizabeth! You and your husband were wild things! 🙂
I drove from So Cal to Boise and back three years ago over Thanksgiving week. Weather was no problem, just a long, long drive. There are small towns and gas stations along the route. At Jackpot, on the border between Nevada and Idaho, Nevada DOT has a sign and a barricade if they are closing the highway due to snow. (I forget where the south barricade and warning is). You do start dropping in elevation around Ely as you head south.
PS: Long-time lurker who finally crept out.
The IE, for those that aren’t from Southern California, is the “Inland Empire”- Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Except I’m currently in the Eastern Sierra, where I’m a camp host and I can see the marvelous fall color, which you don’t get in the IE.
I have never managed to get my technique perfected sufficiently in order to be able to sneak outside undetected by The Chiweenie Brothers! Kudos to you! Glad you had a beautiful travel day.
Thanks, Shawna. Roger wakes up so slowly that it’s easy to slip outside without him coming out from under the covers. Reggie is challenging. 🙂
Sounds familiar, I can’t get up without my doxies. They both insist on body contact. On summer nights I often wake up hanging off the edge of the bed, because each time I move away from the “furry hot water bottles” they scoot up next to me again.🐾🐾
Ok, Sue, caramel praline crunch???? You sure know how to make my mouth water! It’s my favorite! I’ve only had it in a milkshake one time and it was not as glorious as yours. Guess that’s what I get for going to a chain store instead of somewhere more community like. And talk about a “treat” for the boys! I’m sure they were delighted as well! Thank you for another wonderful post and sharing your life with us! Safe travels to you three!
You’re welcome, Chaunte, and thank you,
I think the secret to a great milkshake might be lots of ice cream, not so much milk. And she used whole milk.
Yeah, I love caramel praline crunch. I also love chocolate/fudge ice creams but I wanted to be able to share some with the crew.
I would have definitely waited another day in hopes of the fog lifting. I just had a really nice salad for lunch, now I want a Pralines and Cream Shake!! Great photos as usual.
Let me tell you, Lisa, I wouldn’t turn down a milkshake right now. 🙂
What a way to start the day sunshine and perfect co-pilots.
I agree, Helen. Are those the rings you ordered?
No not me. But get ready Christmas shopping is starting!!
Hooray!! 🙂
So happy to see you are “on the road again”, do you listen to music on the road? That is my favorite thing to do on a road trip…sunflower seeds, music, solo, and scenery. I will be taking a road trip in Nov. going to visit my junior high school friend. We have known one another for 55 years! So from So Cal to Grand Junction a 12 hour trip, but that’s how I roll!
Hi, Ruthie,
I don’t usually listen to music on the road. I don’t know why I don’t.
Wow, you will visit a friend from junior high…. Amazing! I hope you have a lot of fun!
Ruthie, we just saw a couple who have been our friends for many years (about 43 for she and I, and much longer for the guys) and they are going to be in Grand Junction in November…I wonder if these are the same folks?? My friend’s name is Nancy…if so, what a treat!! Just love these guys!!
Beautiful pictures and the ice cream sounds wonderful! That is my occasional treat, nothing better then ice cream! I love the pictures with the steep canyon walls, a natural work of art! Thanks for a great post!
You’re welcome, Laurie. Thanks for the nice note. 🙂
The best thing about not being on a time schedule while travelling is to safely wait out the fog and waking up to a glorious day!
Happy to see you not only waiting for better weather but treating yourself to some yummy ice cream too! Tater and Radar like licking our bowls too!
Patiently waiting for the next camp! We have another storm headed our way, looks like LA, Ms, Ala. are,in the path of this one. Groan…..if it tweaks just a bit east…..yikes! The US does not need another hurricane! We just got our glass room up and ready to go…..sheeeesh!
Hug R&R from us! Tater and Radar are nutsos too!
Hi, Geri,
I read about that hurricane earlier today… Nate, right? I know you love Florida and all, but how about giving my nerves a break — Come back to the Southwest!
Here’s hoping your room for your glass sculptures holds in the wind. Hugs to you, Chuck, and the boys…
So excited to read your blog from September 15 and 16. As I posted before we were not far from you on Thursday, camping just below the CD high in the Winds (on the west side). On September 15, we woke to very unpleasant conditions. High 20ies and snow. We packed and started long (almost 15 miles) long hike down to the Big Sandy. Weather could not be any worse. We were in the clouds the whole day. With non stop rain changing to snow and to rain again. I was so worrying about our 14 year old Bessie. We could not carry her because she was too wet and too cold. She had to move to stay warm, so, we just put her fleece jacket on and force her to walk. She did good, little jrt. She walked slower than we would prefer but never stopped. Our main goal was to get her to warm and protected place. It was pure misery for all of us, but, we finally made it to the Big Sandy Lodge where we rented cabin that night. Everything we had was soaking wet. We had big fire and spend all night drying it.
It rained and snowed through the Friday night. We also woke up on Saturday to sunny skies, but, the ground was covered by snow and it was very cold. We were still at 9,000 ft. We packed our car and drove 45 miles on bad and very slick dirt roads to the same highway you were traveling on from Lander to Farson.
We were probably driving through Farson approximately the same time you did. I was still too cold to even think of eating icecream, so, we did not stop in Farson. We went south to Rock Springs and then east to Cheyenne.
If you are interested in seeing the high Winds, here is my album with photos from our 9day long adventure.
https://marysia.smugmug.com/Vacation/Winds-2017/
P. S. I love Sinks Canyon. We started some of our backpacking trips to the Winds from there. We have been backpacking there for 20 years.
Cannot wait to see where you go next.
I can’t believe you did that! What a challenge and with your old pup. The tale of your trek out of the mountains confirms what made me decide to wait another day… and we weren’t going on foot (or paw)! That was some rough weather and in the middle of September! Well, you have quite a story to tell. People write books about what you went through!
And then you went all the way to Cheyenne. You guys have more energy than I’ve ever had at any age! You’ll probably chuckle when you find out where the crew and I spent the night after our big “journey.” 🙂
Thank you for the link. I’ll take a look at your photos.
Gorgeous photos! And your pups are so cute!
I do not remember seeing anything between Farson and Rock Springs, so, I assume you went all the way to RS. Cannot wait for the next blog entry.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos, Marysia! Your pups are adorable!
I’m so glad you decided to stay another day. As you said, you can’t control other folks and when it’s sunny at least you can see them.
Have fun on your gradual trek south.
And they can see me! 🙂 Thanks, Reine.
Well, waiting another day was a smart move. Even smarter was an ice cream lunch. Can’t beat it. Stay safe out there.
Thanks, Joe. Wishing you the same! 🙂
A different kind of camp, eh? I’m voting for the KOA!
Haha! You know me better than that, Ladybug!
Fog! Ugh….great that you spoke to the man in uniform and were given tips as to the road conditions ahead…including the elk and moose that may be hazards. Your rant about “your capabilities” made me laugh especially the part where you’re stopped for the horny elk crossing the road. BAM that’s all she wrote! I laughed so hard Jules asked me what you were up to now!
Not sure if you know that states have real time road conditions on the web..which includes webcams ..Wyoming site is awesome. We took advantage of 511 cell phone access and internet especially driving over Elk Mountain. We had heard stories of Elk Mountain…we woke up..looked at the fog..and watched the big rigs. Once the fog cleared and the big rigs went…we too got on the road. Big tnyou are totally correct…you are aware of your capabilities…it’s the others you have to watch for!
Carmel Praline crunch milkshake sounds delicious!
I did go back and re read the last visit to the area. She was the bestest girl wasn’t she?
Cant wait to see the next site….you obviously have been there before and know that Reg and Rog will love it!
Safe travels as always…stay warm.
Good morning, Cinandjules!
Enjoyed your comment…. Always makes me happy to read that someone got a laugh out of a post. Thank you for reading the post featuring Bridget. That walk in the snow is a poignant and bittersweet memory.
Hi, Sue,
I am glad the fog cleared so you were able to have a safe travel day. 🙂
That milkshake sounds divine! 🙂
Sending up extra prayers for your safety and guidance to warm weather. Sending you and the two adorable boys love and hugs from me and my adorable girl, Gracie pup! 🙂
N’nite! 🙂
Good morning, Denise and Gracie pup,
Thank you for the prayers, love and hugs!
Sinks Canyon looks like a beautiful place, but your first pic did look chilly. That was a nice drive coming out of there.
So, now I want a milkshake. I’ll bet the boys loved it.
I’m glad you had good weather for your next leg. I’ll be eager to hear what the next camp was like.
It has been getting down into the 40’s here in western WA. Brrr. The days have been pleasant. Soon, the rains will come.
Good morning, ValGal!
Hi, Blogorinos!
Thank you for responding with helpful information for your fellow blogorinos who asked questions. If you have something to add, please do so.
Today is a clear, sunshiny day, a bit cool, which makes it perfect for traveling to our next camp. I hope to be back online soon.
Bye for now,
Sue
That area is gorgeous, what a great camp! I enjoyed reading your “Last day at…” post and remembering darling Bridget again. Driving through thick fog can be treacherous. I’m glad you waited for a milkshake-for-lunch kind of day 🙂
Hi, weather,
We arrived safely and are set up in our new camp. Of course Reg and Rog were very excited and wore themselves out looking the place over. Presently they’re conked out in bed beside me.
Thank you for reading the post and remembering “darling Bridget” I hope you enjoyed the lunch with friends you had the other day. 🙂
My “Sue radar” is tuned in really well today, Ha! I was snuggling with Kyla kitty, she was just beginning to conk out, I sat bolt upright, checked in here to see if you were off the road/okay, and saw your reply one minute after it posted.
Thanks, I had a great time at that lunch,we had triple layered raspberry and white chocolate cake 🙂
I’ll see your triple layered raspberry and white chocolate cake and raise you a caramel praline crunch milkshake! Ha!
It’s always the perfect time for ice cream. You are truly a perfect oasis in the desert, Sue, R & R and blogorinos! Just crossed Death Valley and ended up in Pahrump, Nevada where we registered 7,777 miles on our trip! It’s always a great comfort to be able to read this blog along the way. Anybody reading a good book lately? I’ve been so busy reading travel info and playing navigator that it’s time for some pleasure reading. Always love other’s ideas!
Hi, Judy,
Here are my recent reads:
Edinburgh Twilight (Ian Hamilton Mysteries) by Carole Lawrence
Beneath a Scarlet Sky: A Novel (setting is Italy, WWII) by Mark Sullivan
Before those I read the Poldark books (loved them!) by Winston Graham
Judy, some books I have read recently and enjoyed:
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The Round House and The Plague of Doves both by Louise Erdrich
The Winemaker by Noah Gordon
Greetings all,
Haven’t posted in a while but continue to follow along. We are back on the road for a month or so. We are headed in the wrong direction compared to rest of you travellers. We are headed north and should be at the South Dakota border tomorrow. I love seeing the fall harvest. So far on the trip, it appears the harvest is barely started. The pups and I are spending another rainy night tucked up in the Casita here in Nebraska.
Sue, the PTV looks to be sitting nice and level after having the airbags added. Did it make the handling any different?
Good morning, Pat…. They aren’t “airbags” and right now I can’t research the correct name for them. They have not affected the handling of the PTV. At first I thought I’d made a mistake because the “ride” of the PTV was stiff. Going over rough roads was jarring to the teeth! That has gone away and now I’m happy I had them installed. Wish I could recall the name, starts with a T.
Okay Sue, I’m going to go out on a limb here. Me thinks you’re headed to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area from Farson. I’ve got that on my radar for next year’s adventures and was recently studying my maps and looking for boondocks or low cost NF campgrounds. I was hoping you can enlighten me with your posts, although I seem to do okay on my own in that department. Your travels of Montana and Wyoming have been especially interesting to me as I will likely travel some of the same roads next year. Following you on my Benchmarks gives me an excuse to “play” with my maps—a favorite pastime of mine.
Should you find yourself on US Route 191 headed to Vernal, Utah from Flaming Gorge, think of me. Towing the Scamp on those TEN switchbacks is something that scares the willies outta me! I don’t know why since I was all over the high Colorado passes last year and barely thought twice about those roads. I need to conquer the silly fear I have of that road to Vernal. Never been one to back away from a challenge and I’m sure not going to let those switchbacks change my route or miss an adventure.
Whether my guess is right or wrong, I hope you find a place with perfect fall days and mild overnight temperatures. It’s still wa-a-a-a-y too hot here (southern AZ) with the thermometer flirting with the triple digits. I’m so ready for some crisp fall mornings.
Sue, did you like Beneath a Scarlet Sky? I’m on a wait list for it and it deviates from my usual reads so I wasn’t sure I’d like it.
As always, thanks for letting us ride along with you and safe travels to you and The Crew.—Audrey
Good morning, Audrey,
Beneath a Scarlet Sky had me glued to my Paperwhite! It’s a powerful book that haunted me for a few days after I finished it and I will probably remember it for a long time. Not like some books, a week later I’ve forgotten what they were about….
I can’t write much because I’m running out of charge… I understand about the fear of a road. 🙂
Adding your suggestions to my list with thanks! I brought “And Ladies of the Club” to read again. Too much to tackle right now.
Hey RvSue, crew, and other blogorinos,
I enjoyed your post very much. Is that the area Wind Cave is in?
I’d love to see that! I, too, have read Beneath a Scarlet Sky-a very good book. Another very suspenseful book is Stillhouse Lake or one called No Exit-that one is gripping and downright scary! Sorry I don’t remember authors, but they were both released recently. Anyone seen the movie A Dogs Purpose-an excellent, moving movie which had some bad press due to an edited video which made it look like a dog was being mistreated. Never trust the internet unless you are sure of your source! But the movie was wonderful! Well, that’s all from me! Travel on RvSue, and take care!
Hi, Terri… I think the Wind Cave you mention is in the Black Hills area of South Dakota.
Sue, you are so right about the fact that it is not always your cabability that matter. I just got into a wreck the other day in Hood River. Oregon. As I was crossing a road a truck turned right into me !! Wrecked the whole passenger side of my Subaru. I am not hurt and the car still drives but it is pretty bad. Have not got the estimate yet. I am going to get that when I go back to California next week as that is where I would get it fixed. Anyways, I am now nervous driving and watching in every direction. Unfortunately, as careful as you might be does not always matter.
So sorry about the accident, but am glad you are okay. I was rearended on I-25 a couple of years ago and am now an extra cautious driver. So many drivers on the road are in such a hurry that it’s hazardous to get behind the wheel. My only defense is to slow down which makes some drivers even more rude. I do avoid city driving, and that seems to help some. Good luck with the Subaru.
Very frequently, especially when towing, I slow down where it’s possible and safe for the person tail-gating me to pass. Sometimes I have to stop completely and wave my arm out the window in order to get them off my bumper! It’s like they hook on and follow like a zombie or are they afraid to be first? Annoying and dangerous.
Just catching up with 3 weeks of your posts rvsue. Been travellin Washington’s Olympic Peninsula in glorious fall weather.
I hear you about “capabilities” ..loved that paragraph. Especially “I’m stopped for a herd of horny elk crossing the road, and BAM! That’s all she wrote.” 😁. I know ..funny, not funny. Having recently survived a roll over crash caused by someone else’s stupid error I get it completely. Thankfully and miraculously no injuries. And I’m on the road again in a new to me vehicle much like your PTV.