Lazy days . . .
By Friday afternoon of this holiday weekend, the campsites are full.
Mostly the people come here to fish.
As the crew and I walk past people fishing, I ask, “Have you had any luck?” Everyone so far says no. I ask one man what he’s fishing for. “I don’t know,” he replies with a shrug. “I’m down here from Idaho. I just want to catch an Arizona fish.”
License plates show visitors from California, Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Dale rides his bike into our camp for a visit each day.
The kickstand on his bike is bent. He has to place a rock at the end of the kickstand to keep the bike from falling over. He wishes out loud that he had a straight, metal rod with which to replace it.
I open up the back of the Perfect Tow Vehicle and rummage in my catch-all bin.
“Do you think this will work?” I ask, handing my find over to Dale.
He turns it over in his hand. “This is all-thread. That’s what ya’ call it — all-thread. It might work. It looks the right length. Now all I need is some wire to attach it to the kickstand.”
“Can’t help you with that,” I respond.
The next day Dale pedals into our camp and shows off his remodeled kickstand. He found some wire somewhere. One “kick” and the attached rod holds up his bike securely. We’re both amazed that I had the perfect item for his repair project.
Dale and I sit together watching the coots.
I hand him my Arizona Benchmark Atlas so he can plan the next leg of his journey. “I want to go east of Yuma,” he says.
“Gee, Dale. You’re looking at a long grade over a mountain. Maybe you’d better go around it.” He studies the map and formulates a detour on flatter terrain.
I express my concern to Dale about him riding his bike across the stretch of unpopulated desert east of Yuma. “Where will you get water?” I ask. “It’s pretty desolate out there.”
Regardless of my concern, Dale is determined to bike east.
He wants the challenge. Maybe he needs the challenge. I don’t press any further.
I do suggest he take a longer route away from the interstate, a route that will lead him through some small towns along the way. He plots his route with his finger on the map.
Dale is waiting for his medicine to arrive at the post office in Winterhaven. He’s accepted my offer to drive him over there on Monday to pick it up. It would take him several hours by bike, whereas we can zip over there in a jiffy in the PTV.
I finish the book sent to me by one of my readers. It’s called Dogtripping: 25 Rescues, 11 Volunteers, and 3 RVs on Our Canine Cross-Country Adventure by David Rosenfelt.
A couple lives with 25 rescued dogs in California and then they all travel in a Class C across the U.S. to their new home in Maine. An easy read and often humorous book. Thanks, Linda! I enjoyed it very much.
I have to stop now . . .
I need to toss the crew in the PTV and go get Dale. We’re going to explore the area around the lakes. I hope to take some great photos along the way!
rvsue
MY SINCERE THANKS TO EVERY RVSUE SHOPPER!
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LEGO Super Heroes Iron Man Malibu Mansion Attack
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Camco 42149 RV Flying Insect Screen – RS 600 – 3 Pack
Fancycook France Blue Enamel Cast Iron Deep Skillet 12-Inch, Super Sale
Messiah
If I’m first it’s a miracle since I read the post!
Thanks sue!
BTW the thanks was for continuing the adventure and the beautiful pictures!
I got in a hurry because I figured out I was first. Why that matters I have no idea! Lol. I’m done. I’ve played the “first”game and won. Since this is the only place I have ever ever commented on the web I am happy to have achieved a first in a relatively short period of time. :0). Wow. I need a hobby…
Oh, the pressures of being Number One! I’m happy to see that RVSue and her canine crew is your hobby…
And you won the honest way . . .
You’re welcome re “the adventure and the beautiful pictures.”
Rats, I almost was first!
The important thing is that you’re HERE! Have a great day, Marilu!
golly, I was almost second! LOL! Good post Sue and good photos as usual! I always like seeing the slide in truck campers. Still can’t believe I lived in one for 6 years! hahaha!
Slide? Slide in truck camper sales? Or is this slide you like to see some esoteric RV accessory? I always jump when I see a truck camper because the number truck campers on the road has decreased over the years, I’ve observed, and I don’t know why. Seems like a good way to avoid towing challenges and storage fees.
Gayle, I loved my slide in truck camper! You can park anywhere! You can camp anywhere. No struggling with hooking up to a vehicle,! I loved my Casita too, but hated hooking up and backing up! LOL! I lived in my truck camper from 1980 to 1986 traveling the southwest, primarily AZ, NM, CO. I didn’t know there was a word for what I did, actually 2 words… boondocking and workamping. I was in my late 30’s and HAD to travel. My camper was very basic… no bath, no shower, no fridge altho I did have an ice box! I wouldn’t trade those 6 years for anything… except maybe for the past 6 I have spent traveling with Chuck! For a single woman with 2 dogs (Atlas was 1/2 blk lab and 1/2 great dane and Pepsi was a cockerpoo)
I highly recommend it!
Hi, Geri,
As everyone knows, I love the BLT. However, my second choice would be a truck camper. I like living small and being able to go practically anywhere I want.
I’m glad you were able to make those wonderful memories. Priceless!
Ah, ha! “Slide-in” camper. Now I get it. Geri, you were a pioneer in your (aluminum) covered wagon! The rig you have now ain’t shabby, though. I’m sure you and RVSue gets lots of attention (wanted and unwanted) due to your unique rigs.
Hi Gayle,
The number of truck campers may have decreased, but I’ve noticed some really nice new models… Arctic Fox or maybe it was BigFoot brand… Sharp looking from the outside and probably just as good on the inside.
And I was FOURTH!!! Love the pictures and love Dale’s determination. Also very grateful that you have been able to help him
Love to you Susan and all your wonderful followers!!!
Hi, Pauline!
Gosh I am early in the post today…………….thanks Sue for helping Dale….that’s all I wanted to say!!
Hi, Glenda!
It’s my pleasure.
I second this.
Somewhere in the middle between first and last! 😉
Ah the simple things in life ……..that means so much! Sounds like Dale is on a mission. Taking the long way thru small towns seems like the “safest way” but then again none of us are peddling. I couldn’t imagine peddling from CA to AZ in the first place! Whatever way you decide…….God speed Dale!
There is a break in the action over here in Caleefornia. I’ve been here since Sept 13th and haven’t left my mom for a minute! My sis is coming up from AZ and I’m headed home for a few days!!!
Saraann, my golden retriever, is pouting on her futon and I need to give her a big hug. Jules says the shirt I left for SA to snuggle with has lost my scent. 🙁 And SA isn’t cooperating with her nail trimming! Ah……the substitute teacher always gets diss’ed.
Jules mentioned something about shoveling snow………….hah I’ll get right on that!
Enjoy your day/evening. Hugs to all!
Hi, Cinandjules,
I don’t know which is more admirable . . .
Leaving your home to stay with your mother almost 3 mos. to help her in her time of need or . . .
Going home to snuggle SaraAnn even though it means shoveling snow!
Seriously, I know you will be happy to be home again. Enjoy the trip!
Hi Sue. Great post again. I remember Dale saying it is hard to get enough protien on the road. Tell him to add powdered milk to peanut butter and eat on a whole wheat cracker. That will give him a complete protien with out having to find meat so often. it taste good too.
it is cold here, wish I was back in Arizona. enjoy your weather and stay safe.
Oh, I like that idea myself! Better idea than power bars. Thanks!
That is a great idea! I’ll pass it on to him. Actually the primary difficulty is the fact that you can’t carry much on a bicycle. I know he carries peanut butter and crackers, so powdered milk wouldn’t be much more to add.
LATER…. I told Dale about the powdered milk and he likes the idea. He said he could also put the powdered milk in his coffee. We’re going to the store again tomorrow so he’ll get some then. Thanks for the helpful suggestion!
Enjoyed seeing the pictures of the various campers and their camping rigs and boats on the lake. Beautiful pictures, by the way. I always look forward to your post and pictures.
Perhaps some folks were out during their precious few extra days off just relaxing and enjoying time spent with family and friends. Even the coots looked peaceful and relaxing. Looks like it was a gorgeous day. Thanks for being a friend and help to Dale.
Clayton in Texas
I was just about to post the same thing: it’s fun to see the various rigs in action at campsites.
Hi, Pen,
I was annoyed with myself when trying to put together this post. I had taken a bunch of photos without the memory card in the camera and I had misplaced the cord that transfers photos from the camera to the computer.
Of course, as soon as I finished the post, I found the cord! Thanks for the feedback on the photos you enjoy.
Yes, there was one family out here… looked like grandparents with two boys fishing. Mostly the campers were men by themselves with fishing rods.
Thank you, Clayton, for telling me that you enjoy my blog posts and photos.
Love the photos Sue they give a real feel for the area. I does sound like Dale has a plan/mission to move on, I wish him well on his quest!
Glad you enjoy the photos, Mindy.
Sometimes it’s necessary to go away from the usual pattern and places in order to recalibrate one’s life. I think that’s what Dale is doing. I admire him for that.
Well I guess someday I will have to sit on the computer all day and keep checking, to be first!
Gee, the challenges of being a follower of RVSue and her canine crew! 🙂 Have a good day, Roger.
Hi Sue,
“Dale and I sit together watching the coots”… I thought you were talking about the fisherman! 😉 Then I scrolled down to see the birds, ha!
Always great stories & lovely pictures.
Thank you letting us come along with you.
You’re welcome, Vicki and Kitty. Lots of coots around here! 🙂
I keep wondering why they ship recue dogs from CA to Main and turn right around and ship rescue dogs from Main to CA.
Hi, Nancy,
You make a valid point. However, that was not the case with the people I referred to. They actually had adopted 25 dogs out of shelters over the years (mostly Golden Retrievers) and then they moved due to an employment change to property they already owned in Maine. It’s interesting to read how they managed.. It took three Winnebagos and 11 volunteers..
And they’ll fish, fish , fish til daddy takes the bait awaaaay, ooooo whaa hooo, Well I got my tackle out and loaded up the rod and tossed out the baited hook into the bay, well I’ll fish, fish, fish til I run out of bait, wooo eeeee oooo eeeeooooaaaa, till daddy takes the bait awaaaaaaaa
You sound happy, Rusty!
Sorry, I was listening to the Beach Boy’s while reading and looking at the folks fishing, lol
It has been said that what you do not what you say tells others who you are. By your actions I see you as an angel sent to help others who REALLY need help. You have brightened many lives through your kind words and deeds and appropriate gifts. I wish you and the crew safe travels and beautiful sunsets.
Thank you, Allen. I wish the same for you.
Sue, this blog takes on a life of it’s own !!! LOL! I hope you are relaxing and having fun! Good to see you taking some time off ! The rest of us here just keep on entertaining ourselves and each other and, of course, shopping on Amazon!
I am very glad the crew led you to Dale! He seemed to need a bit of your strength. Sounds like he was down pretty deep. Glad you have been able to extend your hand and help him up a bit!
Hi, Geri,
I do notice the comments seem to take on a play-while-the-cat’s-away mood whenever I’m not around having my last word. It makes me laugh to come back to the party.
Dale would do fine without me entering his life. He has a lot of inner strength which is beneath an easy-going, quiet manner. Right now he needs a break from the rat race. We all can relate to that!
Wow! I must have missed the big announcement. You know, the one where you told us about the magnificent prize for being the first to comment. It seems to be the theme today. Anyhow, I was glad to see Dale got his latest bike problem fixed thanks to your “junk bin”. Everywhere I ever lived I have had two such places, one in the kitchen and one in the garage. All manner of miracles are possible using their contents. Dale needs to get a roll of duct tape with which you can fix anything. Enjoy the day and after watching the riots to get there first in stores on black Friday, don’t count on me to elbow my way in to be first here.
Hi, Jim,
I look in my junk bins (I have a few) and thing… Why am I carrying around all this stuff? Then I need something and, lo and behold, I have it!
I read your whole blog like it was a book–with awesome pictures to accompany the story.
Did you hear Jeff Bezos announce last night that eventually Amazon will deliver small packages by remote-controlled drones? You’ll give them your address or GPS coordinates and 30 minutes later, your package will be dropped at your front door. I immediately thought of you and the other RVers who have to wait around for days for packages.
Hi, Jana,
Thank you for reading my blog from the beginning. I’m glad you enjoyed it, including the photos.
Drones at my campsite… Hmm. . . Sure would make it easy!
I wouldn’t hold my breath on the Amazon drones. It only takes about 5 minutes to come up with a couple dozen reasons why it won’t happen anytime soon… if ever. But it is an awfully cute little drone it is…
Hi, Sue,
I feel sort of late to the party on this post. LOL
I wanted to ask you a question regarding books. If you have your Kindle working (or have the Kindle app on your computer or such) AND if you might like to read a survival adventure (not a gun-toting story), I’d be happy to send you an Amazon gift certificate for my novel (Obliterated – Would You Know How to Survive?). I worked to put real survival info into the storyline — based mostly on my years of camping in my van on weekends while I lived in Montana. For a few months, it had been in the top 100 of two Kindle book categories. If it is not your type of reading, I understand. But if you’d like to take a look, just let me know how to email the gift link to you.
I had also written a blog post about a tiny group of emergency items RVers might like to carry with them after reading your post (several weeks ago) where you were temporarily lost.
Thanks for all the helpful info and the fun humor you provide in your blog!
Carla
Carla
Organic Chia seeds will give you lots of ways to get healthy fast and easy. With five grams of fiber, three grams of protein and 2.5 grams of omega 3. This stuff was used by the ancient Mayan and Aztec. It comes in a plastic bag that is easy to carry too. Of course canned beans will give you protein too…but they are heavy and baulky. Peanutbutter and Bananas will give you good protein and carbs. If you don’t have a backpack maybe you can fix everything up on top of your head Carmen Meranda style 🙂
Thanks for the suggestions, Joe! Yes, bulk and weight are two limiting considerations for Dale.