In today’s post we remember a pretty boondock among pines by the Tieton River in Washington. The original crew and I camped there in August 2013.
Our first camp along the Tieton was Willow Campground.
From there we moved further along the river to a delightful, secluded boondock. See “Finding a riverside boondock — Tieton River Camp!” and subsequent posts.
Reggie, Roger, and I are presently in Arizona.
We’re camping in the house we will share with my sister, Nancy, and her Westie, Marg, beginning in August. I look forward to having both of them here, including the furniture that they will bring with them! (The house has no furniture other than what I moved out of the Best Little Trailer.)
We will return to boondocking the western states at a later date, yet to be determined.
Monday, June 18, in Arizona
Interior painting continues. Today I roll more “Vanilla Scone” onto the ceiling and walls of Nancy’s bedroom, having finished the den in the same color.
“How did you choose your bedrooms?” you ask.
Well, you probably didn’t ask but I like inserting dialog, so there it is.
Okay, about the bedroom choice.
Being that I’m coming out of more than six years in a home whose interior is about 15 feet in length, including the bathroom, I’m not concerned about which bedroom I have in the house.
Before I can paint the bedrooms, Nancy and I need to determine our bedrooms in order to choose paint colors to complement bedroom furniture.
I let Nancy choose because either bedroom is a palace compared to what I’m used to!
In an email I describe the pros and cons of both rooms.
I’m pretty sure which one she will choose. Sure enough, her email comes back and she picks the bedroom with the bigger closet.
Hmm . . . Or maybe she’s just being nice and letting me have the room with the attached bath.
Anyway . . .
The walls and ceiling are done! That bedroom has the loveliest, natural lighting of the entire house, the kind of light that brightens your mood at first sight of it, takes you by the hand, and draws you over the threshold. With the new paint? Heavenly.
No rain today. Sunny all day.
Tuesday, June 19
You know how, when you’re considering the purchase of a house, you hire a home inspector?
I did that and the inspector suggested roof repair. I’d already noticed the fascia with dry rot. The inspector pointed out the absence or incorrect placement of flashing on the fascia. The fascia needs to be replaced with proper flashing and painted.
And, you know how it goes: As long as we’re replacing fascia and flashing, that old gutter and bent downspout might as well be replaced, too.
So it isn’t a big surprise to find the roof could use some attention.
(Note: The roof doesn’t leak and isn’t in danger of leaking at this point.)
I discover that securing a roofer in Arizona in the months prior to rainy season can be challenging. I make calls, leave messages, and nobody calls back.
I discuss this with my realtor.
She’s very helpful regarding local services and names I can trust.
“No one calls me back! What is it? Is it the heat? (At the time temperatures are going above 100 degrees.) Do they quit for the summer and head to the mountains?”
“No, quite the opposite. They’re very busy at this time of year. Everybody waits until the first storm cloud of monsoon season gathers on the mountains and then they think, well, I guess it’s time we got the roof fixed . . . .”
She encourages me to keep trying.
I do and, whaddayano, a roofer calls! In fact, it’s a roofer who has already given me an estimate for the roof-plus-fascia job. He says he will return to Arizona around the 19th and will get in touch once he’s back.
Today is the 19th. I’ll be very happy to see this work underway!
To wrap up this post . . .
One more photo of the Tieton River boondock, as seen from the path to the river:
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I know people find this hard to believe, but you don’t really need gutters in Arizona!
You need one on this house as was made clear in the recent downpour…. water flooding the patio almost to the back door because it wasn’t caught by the old gutter.
CONGRATULATIONS, SUSAN! FIRST TODAY!
I so disagree! I lived for many years in SE AZ, and we definitely needed gutters and downspouts. Extremely strong rains can fall in short periods of time, and without gutters and downspouts the dirt, grass, and plants on the sides of the house can be affected.
2nd?? Wow! Best of luck in your new home Sue. I know you will enjoy traveling just as much.
Thank you, Pat.
I so disagree! I lived for many years in SE AZ, and we definitely needed gutters and downspouts. Extremely strong rains can fall in short periods of time, and without gutters and downspouts the dirt, grass, and plants on the sides of the house can be affected.
You need one on this house as was made clear in the recent downpour…. water flooding the patio almost to the back door because it wasn’t caught by the old gutter.
CONGRATULATIONS, SUSAN! FIRST TODAY!
Hi Sue, glad to hear the roofer is going to call you back. Not only do people wait until the summer to have repairs they know need to be done, many learn of needed repairs during that first hard rain. I like reading of the old places you have been. Good memories.
I bet you’re right about that, Lisa. You don’t know you have a leak until you have a leak.
Is that a metal pig or javelina in your side picture? Cute 🙂 Have you figured out why paint colors have such odd names? I was looking for white and had to give up in favor of a number of other shades.
Hi, Kathy,
That’s a metal javelina about 8 inches tall, a housewarming gift from the realtor. He’s so cute! (the javelina)
I think paint colors have such odd names because there are so many of them. There are a bunch of “whites.”
Hi Sue, you are correct about needing gutters in AZ. Our last house had a covered patio in the back and an inset front patio with extended patio cover, both with gutters. Partner was used to having rain barrels so added after our 1st monsoon. We kept barrels covered and used the collected rainwater for the beloved gardens. Some years would need the addition of extra containers with sharing with neighbors and then times the drip system was used. I still enjoy sitting on the patio with or with the rain but the best memories return during the rain.
I am enjoying your postings with memories from the past…getting some ideas for
redecorating the apt, starting a 3rd year here and I need good changes.
Take Care
Hi, Deena,
I’m curious about using a rain barrel. I wonder if it’s a common practice in AZ.
My aunt in New York state had a rain barrel. My cousins, sisters and I liked to use the rainwater to wash our hair. It made our hair very soft and shiny.
Good luck with redecorating. Nancy consults Pinterest often for her ideas.
I know my brother in law that lives in the one bedroom house has rain barrels…he has four 250 gallon barrels by the house, he uses the water for his container plants. Our well water is too salty!
Hi, Sue. I remember the Tieton River camp! That’s another I will put on my wish list. In fact, the entire wish list is every really nice camp you have had since beginning. Love the javelina gift. Don’t cha just love your helpful realtor. Glad you roofer called and will line himself up for you home. In little towns around Montana, it’s really difficult to find craftsmen and laborers. Too much work, not enough time. One has to schedule way ahead in time or if you’re really lucky a bunch of great relatives come over and get the job done in a day. Glad you got the room with the bath. Hah! Was told that is an “en suite” bathroom. Pretty fancy. Take care.
Hi, Diann,
The country could use more tradespeople. Too many kids go off to college and come out without the skills they need to become employed.
Yeah, I can’t help but envy those who have family with skills and a willingness to do the work!
I absolutely agree. Parents need to understand that a “college degree” is not what will help their kids become successful and contributing members of the community. It’s interesting to know that recently medical support is in great demand. Kids can get a medical tech position with less than 2 years post- high school. It pays well and with further training, usually by the medical facility that employs them, can further their careers and their take home pay. We need to encourage those high school kids who would rather work and problem solve using their hands. Apprenticeships are introductions to the trades and in many places the trade unions provide these scholarships. Perhaps, a knowledgeable Blogorino enlighten us.
Love the photos……of the stream/river and of Spike and Bridgeeee Baby!
Wow…you’re a painting machine…ceilings and all!
Appreciating the little things in life….which bedroom!
Can’t imagine being a roofer here during the summer. I think gutters are a must..diverts water away from the house. Our house doesn’t have them..and when it pours the water lands on the patio.
The javalina is adorable! Enjoy your day!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Actually I’m a very slow painter. I remember the days when I could paint almost an entire house in one day. Now I quit at noon. Mostly because I can. 🙂
Enjoy your day, too!
Why rush? You get paid the same whether fast/slow. Doncha luv retirement?
Hi Sue,
Love this post! This particular set of pictures and location are my kind of place! Heaven on earth!
I love hearing the progress on the house and how everything is coming together. Your home will be so nice for you and Nancy and the crews!
Thank you, Jolene. Tieton River boondock is special. The only downside is groceries aren’t available nearby so one should arrive with a full larder.
Yes, it will be nice here for Nancy, all three dogs, and me. It’s already proving an enjoyable place to be.
The Tieton River pictures show a great place, at least in a good season. (I live in a very green part of the world. We have that green because we get plenty of rain in other seasons.)
In the two months I lived in Tucson, it rained once for a few hours. Yep, you need gutters.
Hi, Calvin,
I imagine that area of Washington gets packed with snow. When we were there, helicopters were dropping retardant on fires caused by lightning. The river is such a pretty color. Someone told me that’s because of the minerals it holds from glacier run-off.
Hi Sue and Pups,
I loved the Tieton River camp when you first stayed there. We’re heading to Canada soon with our new trailer and I hope to find that camp along the beautiful River.
I don’t think I told you that we got a new trailer. It is still a 5th wheel but quite a bit smaller than our Montana and hopefully easier to get into the little Forest Service campgrounds we like.
I’m delighted when your dual posts show up, some memories and some new adventures. The perfect combination!
Congratulations, Marilyn, on the new rig. I think you will enjoy being able to fit into more campgrounds, including the sweet national forest campgrounds…. when the national forests aren’t closed!
Thanks for the positive feedback on the “dual posts.”
I feel the same way your blog in now “all inclusive!”
Me too! Great post.
What a beautiful setting by the Tieton River! I just took delivery of my brand new 21′ Escape trailer (pretty darned exciting!) so I’m looking for great places to go camping relatively close to home here in Washington State. The Tieton is now high on my list, thank you. Sounds like you are having fun with house life. Sure provides a whole different sort of subject matter for the blog. Nice dragonfly. 🙂
That is “pretty darn exciting,” Ann! I’m sure you are the envy of many readers. That’s a nice trailer. Congratulations!
Another river runs near the Tieton… Is it the American? I wanted to camp along it also but it was already August and I wanted to go to Rialto Beach on the coast and other places before having to hurry south again. Rimrock Lake is near also…
Congratulations on your Escape, Ann! Have fun on your maiden voyage! 🙂
21′ Escape. Nice choice. Enjoy!
From one Escapee to another (17B) Happy travels and welcome.
Oh Washington! We’ve talked about traveling there. I guess though that we would not fit in that boondock – we’re 52′ in length from front of TV to back of FW. Lovely though. Gives me vision to visit there someday.
Oh colors! Don’t they come in such creative names – “Vanilla Scone”, “Bread and Butter”, “Corn Chowder”, and then there’s Ralph Lauren colors that are regal names, “Balmoral Red”, “Chester Gray”, “Whidbey Island”. Great marketing, those paint people. They sure know how to evoke emotions.
When we come off of a long trip, I too feel that the house is huge and that after conserving on water for so long, that I start out doing that in the house, but that soon fades to the everyday city life of turning on the faucet and letting it run to warm up and not capturing it. I thought of a rain barrel type that can be purchased online, and that I would use it for watering the outside plants. DH didn’t like that idea, so instead of the rain barrel, I had water pitchers all over. Well, I looked like a prepper! So I stopped that practice.
Hi, Renee G,
There is a place where your rig would fit. I don’t think you’d want to go over the road that takes you there though.
Yeah, paint color names and emotional appeal. The young woman who mixed Vanilla Scone for me remarked, “That’s what I’d like to have right now.”
I know what you mean about water usage. At first I was a miser in the house. Now, not so much.
Add me to the list of folks who really like this “dual post” format you’ve created!
Can’t remember which blogorino said it, but I agree that seeing one’s purchase (the Jumbo Joe was us) on your list is “weirdly satisfying”. When my hubby was getting ready to order it, I hollered out from a different room of the house, “Don’t forget to go through RVSue!” He replied that he knew he’d “get a whuppin'” if he bought anything at Amazon without going through your site. Gotta love a trained man! HAHAHAHA!!!
P.S. I didn’t NEED M & M’s to do the captcha math, but my psyche thought I did, so…..YUM! LOL
Hi, Rochelle,
A well-trained husband is a treasure! Thanks to you both for the Jumbo Joe coffemaker purchase. It’s fun for me to find out who is shopping Amazon from here. 🙂
I never said anything but I bought a solar suitcase from r”enology back in March. And after about seven weeks of actual camping, feel I have a pretty good handle on using it.
I’m probably heading home tomorrow. I have been in the Cascade Mountains just west of Leavenworth, Nason Creek Campground, the last three days and it has really been hot!! High 80’s, so much hotter in the van and my first place with mosquitos. Ugh! But it is beautiful here.
Good morning, Barbara!
Thank you for purchasing your solar suitcase from Amazon through my blog. I’m glad to hear you’ve been putting it to use.
April showers, May flowers, and June mosquitoes… Time to break camp when the skeeters take over!
Have a safe and easy drive home.
I love the mix of old and new in your posts now. It is fun to learn about what projects you have going on and revisit past adventures. The little javelina is adorable. If you ever get to the Tucson area on a weekend the Tanque Verde Swapmeet has lots more yard pretties (my best friend always called them that) . It is also a lot of fun. Very crowded though, so it may not be your thing.
An attached bath beats a bigger closet any day in my book:)
“An attached bath beats a bigger closet any day in my book:)”
Me, too. The closet in my van was 2-feet wide. I don’t know what to do with all the space in the new closet. But, for those middle of the night trips I appreciate not having to hike down the hall.
Hi, Gingerita,
That swapmeet may be of interest to Nancy and also to me to a lesser extent. Even this hermit likes to get out and about once in a while. 🙂
I think I like your river boondocks the best! A well painted room is always very satisfying! Keep up the good work!
We just got almost 2 inches of rain today. First rain since the first part of May. Yea!
Hi, Terri,
I’m glad you got rain in Texas.
River boondocks seem to be among the most memorable. One time I tried to name all the rivers that we camped next to…. Tieton, Rogue, Snake, Green, Madison. the John Day, Deschutes, McKenzie, Virgin, Yaak, Salmon, Colorado, Dorothy, Arkansas, C’ouer d’Alene, Beaverhead, Clark Fork, Yellowstone . . . . I know I’ve left some out.
Ah, roofers! I have had roofers in the summer, I always be sure to have cold drinks on hand for them and put folding chairs in the shade right by the ice chest that has the drinks. I feel for them!
The last roof, little one bedroom out back on our place, we had done was thankfully not in hot weather and also had the downspouts and rain gutters added. We went with the same local company that had done some repair on our house roof, good guys. These fellows gave us a bid that I thought was just the roof. The little roof/porch over the front deck was in bad shape but I figured we would address that later. So the crew shows up and gets to work, hours pass then they leave. My husband told me come check out what they did….I almost fainted! They had replaced the overdoor roof too!
Hope you have a similar experience with your roofer, joyous!
Your painting is coming right along, what else do you have to paint?
Hi, LeeJ.,
What a great story and it’s true! I bet you recommend that company to your neighbors and friends which is good advertising for them.
What else to paint? The rest of the house. 🙂 We may wait on the living room and kitchen/dining room until Nancy is here to be sure of paint color, although she does have one in mind.
I LOVE the javelina sculpture! Adorable!
I hope you tell us about the color you chose for your room. I think paint colors are such fun. Paint prep can be tedious, but very the actual painting is usually gratifying.
Now I have to find that Tieton area on the map.
Hi, ValGal,
The boondock is east of Rimrock Lake, if that’s a help. I found it by asking at the little store there.
Of course, I’ll show you the color for my bedroom that Nancy chose. Remember, she makes ALL decorating decisions. Plus she is in possession of the bedroom set I’ll have so she knows what will look best with it.
I’ll also show thebed room once it is furnished, complete with two pups on the bed. 🙂
Love the pictures and love hearing about the improvements to your new home. I hate to paint walls but it wouldn’t be too bad if I didn’t have to move furniture. Have you said what color your room will be?? Did I miss that??? Looking forward to hearing the color scheme for each room. Glad you are having the roof taken care of now before you experience real problems
It is HOT here in Mississippi
Hugs to you and the crew!!!
Hi, Pauline,
Oh boy, when you say it’s hot in Mississippi, I know what you mean because it’s a lot like Georgia. Hope you get some cool soon.
No, I haven’t mentioned the color for my bedroom. Nancy just sent me the color chip and name in an email. I’ll show it, probably in the next post.
Hugs to you and all the family!
I remember this boondocking site. It’s beautiful.
Hi, Dawn,
This is the camp where we set up and then a rafting company was going to move in there so we had to move. That was a good thing because the next camp was better and that’s the one I show in this post.
Okay, this is nice, I don’t know if you did it on purpose, the new header photo has your current crew and your 2nd photo in this post has your original crew 🙂 ! What a treat to see all of them on one page, thanks, Sue, for that and the links to the older posts. I agree with the others saying it’s fun to look at places you camped and hear about what’s current in your life. I like the campsite in Willow Campground, and think the riverside boondock one is spectacular.
When you begin going places and living in the BLT on those trips again you will likely appreciate all the more having the bedroom with an attached bathroom. You deal well without having a shower you like to use in your home on the road, still, after an extended trip it will feel like a luxury to only walk a few steps inside your house to enjoy a nice private shower or bath.
That’s great news about the roofer being able to replace the fascia, flashing and gutter before the rains there become constant. It’s wonderful, too, that your roof doesn’t leak. Most houses eventually need to have those redone, that’s just part of home ownership. Now at least you have more time to put some funds away for it.
You are tackling a lot of painting, that’s a lot for one person to do. I’m glad you quit at noon, you have plenty of time before August, there’s no sense in exhausting yourself, especially not during the warmer afternoon hours.Your wise to do it before all the furniture arrives, at least you don’t have to move everything in each room this way.
Hi, weather,
That was a nice campground at Willow. It even had a pool someone had made next to our campsite by placing rocks in a circle in the river.
You know I’ll LOVE coming home to showers-on-demand! It also will be nice to reunite with Nancy again, and the boys will be all over Marg. 🙂
No, I’m not pushing myself on the painting. After a morning with the paint, I quit and do something relaxing, like watch a video, read, take a nap, putter.
I hope you were able to complete all you planned to do today and that it went smoothly. I was glad to read your comment about the storm missing your area. I imagine the summer folks have arrived at the lake.
Thanks, Sue, yesterday’s tasks did go smoothly. Today most of what I need to get done is away from home and I may not be done with that until late afternoon. Then the rest of this week I should be able to do whatever suits my mood at the time, like you do during your afternoons. Yes, most of the summer folks have arrived. A few more that like to swim, or whose children like to, may come in a couple of weeks when the water is a few degrees warmer. I hope you have a wonderful day 🙂 .
I also am enjoying very much following along as you work on your new house as well as re-visiting your past trips on the road and seeing Spike and Bridget in posts again.
I too am a very slow painter partly because I feel the need to be very meticulous around the edges. After first painting a few rooms with white ceiling and different color walls, I changed my approach and now paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. I actually like that look quite a lot.
Hi, Jan,
It does pay to be meticulous. I start out that way and deteriorate as time goes by, another reason to quit by noon.
I was relieved when Nancy said to paint the ceiling the same as the walls. It makes the job much easier.
When we painted our bedrooms we had the paint store mix a gallon at 25 to 30% tint. It makes the ceiling lighter but still the same color.
The drawback is you have to edge in the ceiling. We are very happy with how they turned out.
Kitt
Kitt, I did try that the first time I decided to go all one color but as you mention the edging is still a pain. I was still on a stepladder with an artists paintbrush to get those edges just right…I quickly switched to all the same shade for ceiling and walls. I don’t like my walls too dark anyhow so it works out great!
Oddly enough, I learned from a painter several years ago, that edging is easiest and fastest with a large, quality brush.
Yep and if it’s an angled brush even better. I’ve painted so much I don’t bother with tape any more. I find it a waste of time and sometimes it messes things up.
Ditto to most of the comments already offered on paint names, the javalina, getting your roof fixed, the great pics, the beauty of reviewing the prior camps and just how great life can be in general. I especially loved your comment about only painting until noon and then stopping because you can. All of life should be like that in my opinion. You do it because you want to and don’t do what you can safely avoid. Oh, I too want to know what color you picked for your bed/bathroom.
Hi, Stephanie,
Many of us spend a lifetime at a job or jobs where we have little say about when we do things and for how long. A very unnatural way to live. Getting away from that forced-activity allows one to live in sync with one’s body. Go to bed when tired, get up when rested, eat when hungry, do stuff when motivated, nap when napping is exactly what you feel like doing. Retirement is wonderful!
Agreed! Some days I need to consciously think of things that make this present life grand. One of the things is my job. Even though I still have one, when I do it during the day is up to me. Often I think, as I’m driving through town in the middle of the day, how lucky I am not to have to punch a time clock.
Howdy Everybody!
I’m really liking this new format of mixing some old favorite camps in with some house dwelling news and projects. It’s keeping the nomad in me happy while Sue is stationary for a while, so it totally works for me.
I have recently rekindled my interest is tenting and hiking. Not the long distance stuff I once did, but rather car camping and taking off on day hikes. Towing my Scamp with the rising fuel costs has made me reconsider how to experience an adventure this summer. With my truck and camping gear, I can get much more remote than with the Scamp, even though the Scamp can get to some awesome boondocks. I rarely use private campgrounds, do some national forest campsites, and will stay in a national park campground to make the most of ranger talks, evening programs, or ranger led hikes. Boondocking is my first choice, for the most part.
Having that information, I need some help from the blogerinos. With the wedding event behind, I’m free to leave the heat of the desert and head for cooler, high country. Originally, this was going to be the summer to explore Idaho and check Glacier National Park off the bucket list. A later start due to the wedding, rising gas prices, and the forecast for a very active wildfire season has changed those plans. I’m now trying to decide where I want my next adventure to be. I may still go with the Scamp but would limit the distance I travel to stay within the fuel budget.
So here is the scenario, I found a really nice forested boondock with the Scamp that is somewhat remote on a forest road maybe fifteen to twenty miles from the asphalt road. Beyond this boondock there is even more to behold but the road condition is not something even I will tow my Scamp on. But, with just the truck I could safely navigate farther for more explorations. I have some basic camping gear with me so I’m tempted to take the truck and spend an overnight (or two) roughing it with the tent and leave the Scamp behind at the boondock What do I do? Should I leave the Scamp behind and locked up? I really struggle with such a decision so I appreciate any input offered.
It seems that mother nature is not finished cooking us yet, here in the SW. I think I saw a forecast for 110 for Tucson by this weekend. I didn’t dwell on the page and quickly moved on, It’s just too depressing to think of that kind of heat. Snow would be more welcome by me. I like snow.
Gotta go finish up my non-refried beans. Did a batch of pinto beans in the slow cooker today. Timer just went off so now I have to get out the boat motor and smash them. I freeze two cups in freezer bags and then I have really good “refried” beans that are really tasty, quite healthy and minimally processed. So much better than any canned variety and very cost effective, too. Beans, salsa, avocado, and egg burritos for breakfast tomorrow at mi casa. Place your orders quickly, folks.—Audrey
Hi, Audrey,
For clarification . . . Are you asking whether you should leave the Scamp behind in a boondock while you explore and overnight further into the forest? Are you worried about theft? If so, my response is not to worry. I’ve left the BLT numerous times. I also notice that locals will grab a boondock after work, leave their trailer, work their job for the rest of the week, and come back to the boondock and their trailer for the weekend.
Blogorinos: Your thoughts on this?
Yes, Sue, that is my dilemma. I’m not so worried about theft as I am for vandalism and defacement of the Scamp since the chance of getting caught in the act is slim to none being so remote. But then again, that remoteness my be the very reason not to worry. I’ve seen occupied boondocks with absent campers, but only in more populated sites. Appreciate your take on this. Thanks.
You’re playing the odds and the odds are pretty good against vandalism unless you leave your trailer near where young people party. The partying holidays like 4th of July open up the chances for problems.
My theory about random vandalism (not motivated by a grudge against a particular person) is the need for attention, along with the expression of anger. A remote trailer isn’t fun to vandalize. Nobody but the owner gets to see the “handiwork.”
As usual, the less people, the better.
Hi Audrey,
A couple of ways to prevent theft that are inexpensive and easy (OK three);
1. Buy a hitchlock. It blocks your hitch from someone hooking up and towing your Scamp away.
2. Get a length of logging chain and a sturdy padlock. Chain your camper to a tree, one too big to be broken off, by running the chain through the trailer tongue and around the tree.
3. Get a PBA (Police Benevolent Association?) sticker and/or an NRA member sticker for the window. Put it someplace prominent, like the window on the door.
Hi, Audrey,
Thank you for sharing your non-refried bean recipe. That is a great idea! Placing my order for one breakfast burrito with a side of hot sauce, please. 🙂
I hope others chime in with camping advice. Good luck in finding the perfect boondock!
Denise, my non-refried beans already have a bit of a kick to them. I make them with diced onions, jalapenos, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and fresh cracked black pepper and no salt. Great flavor. I like burritos with a little Sriracha on top since that stuff makes everything better. Well, maybe not cornflakes and milk, but you know what I mean.
Sounds delicious!
Yes Audrey, I know nothing of boondocking. I hope you find the perfect spot!
Hi, Sue,
I really like the current format of your posts. It is so nice to revisit past camps, and even more importantly, to see pictures of our sweet Bridget and soaking Spike. 💕 As usual, I felt as if Gracie pup and I were there with you and the Crew. Just looking at that fast-moving river was refreshing! Love the outdoor reading room! 🙂
Nancy’s bedroom sounds lovely. Having an abundance of natural light is wonderful! You have earned the right to quit for the day when you want to…glad that you are not wearing yourself out. I agree with other blogorinos who said that you scored by getting the bedroom with the attached bath. 🙂
Hope you have a good evening, Sue! Sending you, Reggie, and Roger lots of love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! The javelina is so cute! You have a great realtor! She will be a good source for providing contacts for repairs, etc. for many years to come. 🙂
Hi, Denise,
The realtor who assisted me is fantastic. I wish I could post her name and company on this blog.
Everyone seems to like this format so I’ll stick with it. I enjoy seeing the old camps, too.
I was pleased to read your last report on the peanuts in NICU and what a thrill it was for you to see them at last. You are putting a lot of love into your quilt project. 🙂
Hugs to you and Gracie pup….
My brother in law sent me a text/picture earlier tonight of my sister holding both little peanuts. The title, “A very happy Grandma.” I know she is on cloud 9! They both are thrilled to be grandparents! 🙂
The quilts are almost finished. I found a pattern for an adorable stuffed giraffe, which will tie back to the animals on the quilt. Found the perfect fabric for them this weekend. 🙂
Thank you for the hugs!
Thought of you the other day while shopping at Target. They carry your Blackstone grill. I think I said aloud, “That is Sue’s grill!” 🙂
Ha! I have this vision of people going around all over the country saying, “Hey, that’s Sue’s lounger!” “That’s Sue’s smoothie maker!” “Reggie and Roger have harnesses like that!” “Let’s have RVSue chicken tonight.” 🙂
One of the things I look forward to is setting up my griddle at a campsite and cooking up a tostada. Several readers have ordered the Blackstone griddle from Amazon. I’m hoping to hear what’s coming off their griddles.
LOL! 🙂
When we were on our trip in Eastern Oregon in May I actually said, “I decided we’re having RVSue chicken for lunch.” I had gone into the grocery while he was fueling.
I can go you one better. I have a friend (who has no interest in camping) that because I talked about you and this blog so much, bought me a zero gravity chair “like Sue’s”. 🙂
🙂
Hi Sue,
Re-reading your post about Dalton Springs CG, in UT, and at 8200’, it seems like a quieter and much cooler option than staying in the Moab area on July 2. (That is on our route out of Austin, NV, and down into CO.) What are your thoughts on a night tent camping there – DaltonSprings? It looks like “nothing special”, plus it’s small, so may not draw a lot of groups or people wanting to see rivers or have OHV access. I like the $5 fee with geezer pass! 🙂 The next night we have reservations at Morehead CG, in Mesa Verde CO, instead of the Pagosa Springs area due to the fires. Then out of PS South towards the Santa Fe area. I did read your post about PS over the 4th of July, and we are prepared for the heavy traffic through that area, but will continue S on 84, and keep going. Does Dalton Springs sound good for the heat of July in a tent Sue?
Thanks as always! Have a good one!
Oh! A Q from Larry: are you still using your original Optima Yellow top Batteries with your solar set up, or have you since had to replace them?
: -). Hugs all around.
I’m not sure whether to encourage you to go to Dalton Springs Campground or not. Yes, it will be cooler and it’s a pretty campground. OHVs won’t be a problem and you can tent there.
Dalton Springs has a group area and a grassy playing field in its center. I got the impression that it is used by groups primarily. Something about the way the sites surround and open up onto the playing field and cooking area… I imagine a church group reserving the group area and the campground being completely taken over with families who know each other (Mormon families are large and have reunions and large birthday parties.)
From what I see online, one cannot make reservations. However, when we were there, tags were on the campsite posts showing sites reserved for Memorial Day weekend. I didn’t pay any attention to see what agency (if any) gave a reservation.
Fourth of July is on a Wed. this year. I don’t know if the holiday weekend is prior or after that Wed. You may find the campground full on the 2nd (Sat.) or even the Thursday or Friday before.
I’m sorry to be negative about it because I know you’re having a tough time finding a camp for that night. I may be wrong. I feel I had to share my “gut feeling” about that campground. It’s one of those situations where it might be a very good or very bad choice. You could take a look. It’s only 5 miles out of Monticello. You do have the advantage of only needing a place for a tent. Sometimes a site is available because no one else can fit into it.
I wish I could give you a more definite reply.
Maybe you could call the Ranger Office in Monticello, explain your situation, and get an idea from them what the campground situation will be on that date. You might receive info on alternatives, too.
435-587-2041
I can give a definite answer to Larry about my original Optima Yellow top Batteries.
They’re still going strong since the fall of 2011!
Hugs to you, too!
I had my house re-roofed a few years ago with 50 year warranty. I looked up roofers in registrar of contractors through the city of Phoenix and contacted three with good reviews. They came and gave me a detail estimate (I insisted on detail estimate) along with the roofing samples. I chose the medium priced estimate because everything he had to say was right on que (it helped that I did a lot of audits of HUD housing). Same with my block fence. My son does a lot of my home maintenance but if I need a professional trade skill type work, I use the city’s registrar of contractors. My niece also works for a bank in real estate department and she gives me referrals too. I had to redo my bathroom one year because we had a slab leak. My nephew, the plumber, and my son redid my bath room…it turned out very professional looking. My son has always been a perfectionist…sometimes to the point it annoys me hahaha. Some things I watch Utube and do it myself. My co-worker (we were both single parents) and I use to trade appliance manuals to repair our own water heater, washing machine and dryer. I can replace heating elements, replace parts in washer and dryers. The only project I have been procrastinating about is reupholstering my couch and love seat. I’ve had them for years. They’re still in good shape but the fabric is starting to wear even though I use slip covers on both for years. Anyway happy house painting.
I too want gutters to save rain water. I’d probably use two 55 gallon barrels which might take a while to fill. My back patio floods to the back door and if we have a down pour for any length of time, some water seeps in. Not much but enough to put a towel down.
Hi, rita!
Another interesting comment. I love how you include details on the topics you write about. I often learn from what you write. You’re very capable, handling all those repairs and projects. Now get going on that reupholstering project! (To be honest, I don’t blame you for procrastinating.)
Your back patio floods, too. I’m also learning what it’s like to live in Arizona. 🙂
Many years ago I white water rafted down the Tieton River. Tons of fun!! It was difficult to get the reservation as local enthusiasts snag them up. It’s only open for rafting for a few weeks out of the year when they open the gates of the dam up river. It’s almost all level 4 and 5 rapids the whole way, so no slow floating along areas. At least the section used by the rafting company we went with was like that. And they required previous rafting experience. It was a very exciting rafting trip with a group of friends and coworkers. We filled two rafts. Great memory!
Hi, Ronda,
My rafting experience is limited, yet I can imagine how exciting rafting the Tieton at full water must be. Even more fun with people you know.
Yes indeed, as fun as the rapids were, the people were the best part!
Hi Sue! It’s amazing what a coat of paint will do for a room, huh? When I was preparing to move into my tiny home here, the walls had been painted, what I suppose at the time was cream. But over the years it looked more like old chalk. Depressing! But there were large windows with pretty wood trim and built in shelves and desk/cabinets. I am a “green” girl myself and I chose a light shade that I loved. It was amazing what it did to that space. Made me smile to look at it. I’m glad your projects are going well. And I hope you are a neater painter than I am. I get it done….but GEEZ!…..I have to put drop cloths and painter’s tape everywhere. I say to myself, “THIS time I am not going to get paint all over me.”……yea…..right! LOL! Have fun preparing the nest for you and your sister to share. As always….love from VA…..MB, Wyn and Bella
Hi, MB,
Isn’t it fun when you transform a room? When you realize the effect is even better than you expected?
That hasn’t happened to me often but when it does, it’s wonderful. Your green space sounds pretty.
As for neatness while painting, what the heck, latex washes off, right?
I love that you’re revisiting some of your old camps. Frankly, my memory can be so dicey, that it’s like seeing some of them for the first time.
Keep on painting.
Hi, Applegirl,
My memory can be so dicey that it’s like I’M seeing the old camps for the first time. Ha!
Just ordered summer Keen Newport sandals through your link. A generous gift from my mother! I hope you get the commission! Thanks Sue!
Thank you, Dawn! I see them!
I wish you as much comfort and enjoyment with yours as I have had with mine. 🙂
Sue,
I’m loving your new style of blogging. There seems to be such ease and contentment that comes through your words. Calms the soul.
Kitt
Hi, Kitt,
Such a sweet comment! I’m pleased that’s how my blog comes across. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂
Hi Sue,
I haven’t commented in a while due to a case of bronchitis. Don’t worry, I’m on good antibiotics, so you won’t catch it. LOL. I too vote for your new format of a mix of old and new. I have always intended to make a list of your five star boondocks but never got to it. It became overwhelming to go back through all the years. Now you’re doing that for me, thanks!!
I enjoy painting and puttering. Taking chores at your own pace makes things that much more enjoyable. I just have to deal with Dad’s predilection to perfection. Not complaining because I love having him here with me. I am sure you will enjoy having Nancy and Marg too. I look for ward to hearing from Nancy, if you decide to include a Sister’s Viewpoint; Marg could chime in on !Canine Corner too. Keep enjoying life as it comes, gotta go!
Hi, Lisa, Dad, and crew!
I’m glad you’re getting over the bronchitis, Lisa. That can turn into a chronic condition if you don’t take steps to get rid of it.
Yes, it is overwhelming going through the years looking for camps. That’s one reason I haven’t completed the lists (under “Camps” in the header) for the early years.
Whether Nancy participates in the blog or not, simply having her in my life will provide humor, I’m sure. Nancy has a great sense of humor. Not the tell-a-joke kind of humor. She has a funny way of putting things and can throw out a quick, wry remark that makes me laugh out loud.
Laughter with family is the best kind of fun you can get.
“a merry heart is a good medicine”
🙂