I can see why they named it Paradise

Monday, July 17 (continued)

The crew and I are on the road early, heading northwest on Interstate 90 to Regis, Montana.  From Regis we follow Clark Fork River on Route 135 as it curves to the east and then to the northwest.

We turn into a little campground, tucked into Lolo National Forest.

I’m not intending to camp in Cascade Campground because today I’d like to move our travel further along.  I drive through the campground out of curiosity.

The camping fee at Cascade is $10 regular/$5 with senior discount.  This seems to be the going rate (as I type this in July 2017) for National Forest campgrounds in this part of Montana.

Sweet.

The campground road leaves the main road and returns to it in an arc.  Not very many sites.  A few are occupied.

On our way through the shady campground, we are stopped by three baby birds of the chicken-fowl variety as they race across the road, only a few yards in front of the Perfect Tow Vehicle.

I stop and grab the camera but the little ones are already concealed in underbrush.  That’s when the bird in the above photo comes out from where the little ones emerged.  Strutting, fan tail open, making throaty murmurs to the runaway brood . . .

I snap the shot and we continue on our way.

Well, that was delightful!

The drive from St. Regis to Thompson Falls is one of the loveliest I’ve ever experienced. The two-lane road waltzes with its river partner in graceful curves, on and on for miles, one gorgeous scene after another . . .

I don’t stop for photos because it’s difficult or dangerous to do so, plus I don’t want to disturb Roger who has finally stopped whining and settled down.

After a while we do stop for the crew’s potty break and walk-around.

I admit I cannot remember if these photos were taken in Plains or in the aptly-named village of Paradise.

Thompson Falls is a charming town.

At the grocery store I talk with the woman managing the produce department.  I’m bagging a handful of cherries.  My eyes turn to the apricots.

“Ya’ know?” I begin.  “I’m almost 70 years old and I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a fresh apricot.”

She laughs and replies, “No better time than the present!”

I put four apricots in a bag.

“This is such a pretty town.  I think I’d like living here . . . if it weren’t for the winters.”

“Yeah, they’re sumpthin.’  Last winter, not far from here, it went down to 36 below.”

~ ~ ~

Route 200 takes us to Noxon Reservoir.

We set up camp in Northshore Campground.

I pay $10 for two nights.

Soon the crew and I are walking the paved road that goes from the campground down to the day use area with boat ramp.

 

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

Message in real time:

As most of you know, the crew and I are traveling and camping where there is spotty internet or none at all.  This post and the previous two posts were scheduled to appear when I cannot go online.

A reader recently commented that I should pose questions for blogorinos to discuss.  Then the reader listed several possible questions.  I can’t find that comment right now (time to pack up and leave) but I think it’s an excellent suggestion which I will try in the future.

In the meantime, I suggest to that helpful reader and to all the blogorinos, if you want the comment section to be lively, interesting, informative, and fun . . .

Go ahead and ask questions or introduce topics!

I’ve been trying for six years to encourage blogorinos to talk with each other, yet most comments are directed to me, so I do my best to keep the conversations going.  I can’t do that now.

If you enjoy reading comments, you can keep them coming in by replying to others, introducing topics, directing comments to the community . . . .

. . . talking with each other.

In short, feel free to participate and encourage others.  That would be great!

rvsue 

THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!

CLICKING THIS LINK TAKES YOU TO AMAZON NOW!

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126 Responses to I can see why they named it Paradise

  1. Barb from Hoquiam! says:

    Well hey there Blogarinos! I am moving things around getting ready for the grandkids to get here later in the week! Wahoooo!

    What is new with YOU???

    • Becky Nicholl says:

      We had grandkids last week and camped at Harrison Lake State Campgrounds in northern Ohio. We visited Sauder Village and Spangler Candy factory. We all had a great time.

    • Deb from South Carolina says:

      Love it when the grands visit! Our youngest daughter, husband and two children visited us around the 4th of July. They live in Beijing China and we had not seen the grandkids for four years (except on skype and videos). It was a great time but it went by so fast!

      • Barb from Hoquiam! says:

        OMGOSH Deb that would be so so hard! I am so fortunate to have 4 of the 6 within pretty simple driving distance.
        So glad they got to spend time with you!!!

        • Deb from South Carolina says:

          Some of the time it is really hard. We have two grandchildren not to far away, but along with the two in Beijing, we have another 3 that live on the west coast. Needless to say it is really hard to get the whole family together!

  2. Chris B and Diego says:

    Paradise looks lik paradise! Beautiful!

  3. Chris B and Diego says:

    Paradise looks like paradise! Beautiful!

  4. Beverly says:

    Where is everyone? Am I close to the top?

    • Beverly says:

      I found everyone :-)! Am in ID and hoping the upcoming storms aren’t fire starters. RV Sue has traveling down to a science. Don’t you just love that she is able to accomplish her dream independently? To be admired.

      • Bud (N E Washington) says:

        We are having fires here in Washington, one just started in Stevens County north of Spokane. It is so dry and any lightning will start them and with the wind we are having they spread fast.

        • Jenny Johnson says:

          Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Idaho near and dear to my heart

          • Jean in Southaven says:

            I have a nephew and his family that live in Coeur d’Alene. It is so pretty there. But the winters are too much for this old lady. I prefer good ole hot sunny Mississippi.

  5. Millie Hubbard says:

    OK Sue – happy yovtske the challenge

    Blogorinos – I also have never eaten a fresh Apricot – what do you recommend? Should they be peeled? I’m not a fan of fuzzy peach skin so I don’t think I’ll like apricot skins either

    • Millie Hubbard says:

      Fat fingers s/b “to take”

    • Judy in East Texas says:

      I love apricots. I don’t peel them I just pop them in my mouth!! Oh my my my. The season here on Texas just ended. I can make myself sick on them. Then make apricot marmalade….ok now I have to go make some toast! Ha ha
      Judy

      • Pauline in Mississippi says:

        RVSue is my sister. I remember our Dad ate A LOT of canned apricots but it was only a few years ago that I ate a fresh one. I love them!!! I don’t peel them but I wash them vigorously and that takes care of a lot of the fuzz on them.

        This camp looks so pleasant!!! Green, trees, water…my favorite combination.

        I hope all blogerinos are having a great day.

        • Jean in Southaven says:

          I ate fresh Apricots when I lived in Utah. Everyone seemed to have a tree in their yard. Some types have a almond type seed in the center of the pit that is good too. You have roast them or just eat them like an Almond, but they are not almonds.

    • Marilu in Northern California says:

      Apricots don’t have fuzzy skins like peaches. Eat away! Having grown up eating apricots I’m having a hard time imagining not tasting them.

      • Donna n Girls Chandler, AZ. says:

        Pauline, you’re right just wash and eat. My Grandpa had an apricot tree right outside his screened porch. This was in Waitburg ,Washington. Oh, the summers, walking out that screen door, reaching up and grabbing an apricot and biting into it, juice running down my chin. Hmmm, heaven. Didn’t think about washing it, just ate it.

        • Jo in OR says:

          My Grandma lived in Waitsburg WA also. Small world! Actually my Dad and twin brother graduated from Waitsburg High. Love apricots my Mom made the best jam and filled cookies. Great memories.
          Rog and Regie were so adorable in the last post.

          • Jenny Johnson says:

            I sense a family reunion here 7

          • Jenny Johnson says:

            I sense a family reunion here

          • Donna n Girls Chandler, AZ. says:

            Jo,
            It is a small world. My moms family was from Waitsburg. We would go up in the summers back in the ’50’s, we lived in Portland. I remember the wheat harvests, the men would work late into the night to get the wheat in and then take it to the silos during the day.
            Good memories.

    • Rover Ronda says:

      I love fresh apricots. I too have found apricot skins to be much finer than peaches and than some of it comes off when washed well. I don’t peel them.

      • Jo in OR says:

        Donna,
        Amazing! No one ever knows where Waitsburg is. I grew up in Walla Walla. I live in Portland. Bet our parents knew each other, we had several relatives in Waitsburg. Grapes have taken over the wheat fields, but it’s still beautiful.

        • Rochelle in IN says:

          Small world! I, too, spent many years of my childhood in Walla Walla. My grandfather was postmaster and my grandmother was a history teacher at Pioneer Jr. High.

    • Deb from South Carolina says:

      Apricots are not quite as fuzzy as a peach, but yes the skin has a definite texture. The taste of a fresh apricot will be a bit different than canned or dried appricots too, but very delicious! Yes, you should probably peel them before eating if you aren’t a fan of the “fuzzies”. I love all apricots, fresh, canned, dried etc.

  6. Deena in Phoenix says:

    Hi Sue and blogorinos, wish I had some of those apricots…hmmmm gooood…got some red grapes today so I will be happy with my fruit…sitting here listening to the cicada buzz outside the arcadia door…the temp right now in my part of Phoenix is 87* with a humidity of 65%…there is a slight breeze after a morning of steady rain…Love this type of Phx day as it is a rarity…door open to fresh air…life is good with a new RVSue and I enjoy reading all of the comments from the blogorinos. Have a Great day, Ya’ll.

    • Donna n Girls Chandler, AZ. says:

      Hi Deana,
      I just came back to Chandler from Pinetop today. It was a pleasant surprise to have it so cool.
      9 days of rain in Pinetop, the girls and I caught cabin fever, so we left the rv and came home for a few days. Nice to have some elbow room.

  7. Kevin in CO says:

    Following on Google maps, it was a bit confusing. Google maps has a mistake, the only town with “Falls” is Thompson Falls. I prefer Townsend, sound nice.

    Enjoy following along. Wish I was up there doing the same, but we are heading out soon for the Bighorns in Wyoming and later in the month, the Great American Eclipse which we will view from the Dubois area.

    Safe travels Sue and Crew!

    • Diann in MT says:

      You are correct. Thompson Falls is located in northwest Montana. Sue may have misspoke by reporting the town as Townsend Falls in an earlier blog. Townsend if much further south and east of where she is. Townsend area is also interesting although very much different from the area where she is. Townsend is south and east of Helena, the sate capital.

    • Bud (N E Washington) says:

      It is Thompson Falls and on hwy 200 which goes to Sandpoint,Idaho which is really beautiful. The area of north west Montana, north Idaho and north east Washington is some of the most beautiful area in America.

    • Teri Live Oak Fl says:

      We are also going to see the eclipse, in South Carolina. Hoping for clear skies. It takes place in the afternoon.

    • Renee from Idaho says:

      Beautiful area of Montana. Last year we visited GNP again, but traveled Hwy 2 to northern Idaho to Priest Lake after. So much to see in our wonderful United States.

      Kevin in CO – we love Wyoming too and the Bighorns. Our plan for our annual long trip this year is back to the Tetons area but staying in FS CG just outside the park to have a more quiet experience and see the wildlife. I’m hoping for opportunities to photograph bear, elk, and moose, for painting topics. One of our favorite CGs in the Dubois area is Falls off the Togwotee pass. We’ve traveled several times, all the way from our home in Meridian, ID, just to stay there for a week. As for the eclipse, hubby and I are both working so we will stay at work to avoid the maddening crowds.

  8. Archae says:

    Apricots are tasty. Rub the fuzz off and try it. If it’s ripe and not hard, you are in for a sweet treat.

  9. Velda in Roseville CA says:

    Millie, the skin on a fresh ripe apricot is quite thin and almost smooth unlike peaches which can make your tongue feel funny. A fresh apricot is delightful!i can’t believe you haven’t tasted one, I’ve been eating them my whole life, but I am a native born Californian!
    We are in midst of completing tests for husband to start a chemo trial. Today was multiple body part CT scans. Later this week or next a chest biopsy, then the pulmonary Dr will poke a new hole to drain fluid. You might think they could do both chest pokes at same time but one is very low on back of chest using CT guidance, while the other is higher and uses ultrasound which locates fluid better as his cancer is making fluid in between his lung and the chest wall compressing his lung on one side. So goes the battle, now 4 years and counting! He is in no way ready to give up the fight!
    We remain at home, dreaming of a time we can take a few short trips so your stories of travels help keep us going. Thankfully our little class B Rv has been my home a couple of times in the hospital parking lot. I do love my own bed.
    Been a HOT summer in Northern California, at least two dozen days over 100 and several more end of this week.
    I wish you all good days whether traveling or home.

    • Vicki says:

      Velda sending prayers your way.

    • Marilu in Northern California says:

      Hi Velda,
      I will be thinking of you and your husband while you face this challenge. We are also in Northern California. We left yesterday’s 100° temp at home to come with our trailer to Bodega Bay. I actually had to close the door because I was getting too cold!

    • Cinandjules 🌵 says:

      Every time I see your posts I think about Mel…
      The upcoming procedure sounds like it will provide relief. Remember to take care of yourself too! Good idea…sleeping in the p-lot!

      My dearest friend in Lincoln…..says the heat has been atrocious!

    • Rover Ronda says:

      I’ll keep you both in my prayers. I’m glad you have an RV to give you rest and still be close to your husband.

    • Thank you everyone for the supportive comments and wishes. Scans went well today, they only had to stick him once to get their solution in. Still waiting on call with date for chest biopsy.

      • Deb from South Carolina says:

        Sending prayers to you and your husband Velda! I am glad the scans went well and that he only had to be “stuck” once. May the Lord grant you both strength as you go through this trial.

    • Cynthia from San Clemente says:

      Velda, prayers for both of you. Fight on and dream on!!!

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        Glad today went well, I will add you and you DH to my prayer list.
        Take care of yourself. The hospital will take care of hubby.

  10. Linda from Oregon says:

    Huckleberries were everywhere when I was in Noxon 40 years ago and there was a little Mom type place that bought the fresh berries and made huckleberry pies. I noticed the bear boxes. A friend killed a bear that was raiding her fridge and we soaked the meat in huckleberry juice and made jerky. Very beautiful country.

    • Susan in south central WA says:

      I was going to comment about the bear box too but you beat me to it! What end of Oregon are you in Linda?

    • Diann in MT says:

      How Montana! Kill a bear and marinate it in huckleberry! Jeeze. I wish I knew you guys a long time ago.

  11. Pat from Mich. says:

    When I was a kid, my Grandmother had a big apricot tree in her back yard. It was a wonderful tree to climb when there were no apricots, but when there were overripe apricots on the ground, the wasps csme flocking. Those apricots were sure delicious!

    • Linda in Manito Illinois says:

      When my husband was growing up, he’d mow his Grandmother’s yard, and she’d pay him with a fresh apricot pie. He still talks about that!!

    • Linda in Manito Illinois says:

      When my husband was growing up, he’d mow his Grandmother’s yard, and she’d pay him with a fresh apricot pie. He still talks about that!!

  12. Ruthie in Fontana says:

    I love this blog, always exciting to get a new update into the lives of the R&R crew and Sue too. I also enjoy the comments. My sister has lived in St. Maries ID for the past 30 years and almost every year we get a package with huckleberry jam and huckleberry syrup, such a special treat when we don’t have it in CA. I also noticed the bear box, at first I thought it was a dumpster but I knew RV Sue wouldn’t have a camp near a dumpster!

  13. Diann in MT says:

    Oh, Sue. I was hoping you would go up toward Thompson Falls. So glad you experienced that area before leaving for unknown destinations.
    Those cherries are to die for. You probably paid about 50 cents per pound less than the most of us throughout Montana. Good catch, girl!
    I think you ought to give serious thought to landing in this part of the country as a permanent location. You always have the BLT and the PTV for the winters. Plus your incomparable knowledge of the southwest. A lot of Montanas would love the flexibility and know how to pull that off. Leave Thanksgiving, return Easter. Think about it. Happy trails to you…

    • Rover Ronda says:

      That is what my brother n sister-in-law are giving serious consideration. His friend is already doing that. It’s a nice plan.

  14. Suzette in TN says:

    LOL…Pat from Michigan…we had an apricot tree, too. But, for some reason the fruit was always just full of little worms. So, we never even tried to eat them. When I was in junior high, we moved far away and sold our house to my grandmother. She could barely hear, and her eyes were almost clouded over with cataracts. Sooo…the first Christmas she was in the house, she sent us a jar of homemade apricot jam! Unh…no thanks, Grandma! 🙂 But, every time I see an apricot, I think of her.

    • Rover Ronda says:

      Lol! That is too funny! Thanks for the belly laugh. It was worth the coughing spell it put me into. (Allergy congestion)

  15. Diann in MT says:

    Dear Blogorinos,
    Here is a link to all the Forest Service campgrounds in Montana.
    http://www.travelmt.com/sm-sitemap-National+Forest+Campground.html

    • Carlene and Corky from northern New Jersey says:

      WOW… the list of campgrounds… it would take a long time to try them but I’m hoping to put a dent in the list next summer (2018). Diann thanks for the link.

      Do you have any favorites or not so favorites? It always helps to have a locals perspective. And any idea of cell service??

      Thanks again…

      • Diann in MT says:

        Hi, Carlene,
        I grew up in Billings, MT. Our travels were limited to the Beartooth Mountains, south of there. My dad was a fisherman. He discovered the Beartooth front range, and it was all over from there on out! We vacationed among the rivers and mountain valleys while he fished (and drank at the local hideaways). Just an hour’s drive away, we were in alpine paradise. I camp often at Jimmy Joe Campground on the East Rosebud River as it flows out of the Beartooth. No. The WiFi won’t be available unless you wander down the road near the big red rustic barn where my sister has opened her connection to anyone who wants it. Welcome to the most coveted part of MT. Thanks for inquiring. D.

      • Renee from Idaho says:

        Carlene and Corky from northern New Jersey – use Campendium to see if some of these appear there. On that site, the reviewers will list the cell phone service level.

    • Elaine and Miss Lovey says:

      Diann, thank you for the link! Anyone else have links for other states or areas? I’d be interested in FHU for my RV or at least water and electric and a dump station. I have a National Access Pass for National Parks.

      Of course, I travel with my trusted companion, Miss Lovey, an Australian Cattle Dog mix of 5 years old.

      • Marsha / MI says:

        Elaine – try forestcamping(d0t)com for a list of national forests and campgrounds throughout the US. It’s my go to site to find out additional information about the campgrounds. Check it out.

    • Renee from Idaho says:

      Thanks for the list Diann! I have links to various sites that I use for trip planning and this is another great one. I use Campendium, campsitephotos.com, campgroundviews, rvparkreviews (yes, they also rate FS CGs), and use other blogs too for information on campgrounds.

    • Judy Johnson in upstate S.C. says:

      Thanks, Diann! Heading to Glacier N.P. and up into Alberta and westward, next month. Would love to check out some of these surrounding places…. and the price is right with our senior pass. Remember to get yours before the price goes up, fellow blogorinos!

  16. Lois Joy (MN) says:

    Dear Blogorinos: Somebody…tell me “What is the purpose of a bear box”? Being from MN, I have not heard of any…hunters use “bear bait”… that is as much as I know! Sure enjoy this post…been on for years but do not comment very often .

    • Robin B (Oregon & Arizona) says:

      “Bear boxes” are metal containers for placing anything that would appeal to a bear (even beer!) with a special latch that at first I couldn’t even figure out! (I told my husband that if evolution has anything to do with it, bears will soon develop opposable thumbs and will learn how to open the dang things.) We camp at Lake Tahoe every year where the bears are prolific and often appear in town (South Lake Tahoe is where I’ve seen them) to raid dumpsters. We saw a big one at a motel we stayed at a few years ago and he lumbered across the yard and helped himself to the overflowing dumpster.

      A few years ago while camping at Tahoe, we had with cubs go by our bug tent where we were sitting in the dark. I gasped and a cub ran up a tree close by and the mother waited until it came down before continuing into the woods. A night or so later a couple in a tent got drunk and left their food and beer out all night and the bears drank all of the beer! The couple immediately left. The rangers admonish campers to not leave cooler in their vehicle as the bears will break windows in order to get to the cooler, that’s how smart they are.

      • Rover Ronda says:

        Yes Bear boxes are very convenient to have, even some trails provide them for backpackers. It’s nice not to have to hang everything between trees. Once I just about hung my friends granddaughter when I discovered she had gone to bed with handfuls of candy bars. She was sharing my tent!! She must have waited for me to go to sleep before eating them. The next night I practically frisked her.

  17. Vicki says:

    Hi all,
    New to this blog…
    We know what Sue drives and pulls. I think a 4 wheel drive van would be awesome, but I the only ones I can find out there right now are the Sienna and the Mercedes sprinter ($ouch). So I guess I will stick with 4 wheel drive pickup. Do no have a trailer yet, been looking at the Oliver trailer but also ($ouch).

    what does everyone else drive and pull?

    Happy Travelling!

    • Robin B (Oregon & Arizona) says:

      We’ve had them all, it seems. We sold a 21′ Mckenzie Ion and now have a rare 16′ 1984 Fiber Stream that needed some–OK, lots of repairs and LOTS of cleaning. The cabinets are all original and I think the grime was holding everything together! We just returned from our 2-week Tahoe trip and it was great except we had the idea we didn’t need a dinette and just had two twin beds which were ultra-comfy but we missed being able to sit inside to eat when it was cold or buggy outside. We are unsure now if we’ll keep it or replace a mattresses with new cushions that make up into a dinette. It’s totally easy to tow which we do with a RAM 1500 pick-up.

    • Diann in MT says:

      For the most part, you don’t need 4 wheel drive. My husband recommends 3/4 ton pickup or van. That is. if you are towing anything bigger than our little, tiny trailer.
      I love my V8 Chevy Silverado 1/2 ton pickup. It is way overkill for the tiny efficient travel I pull.

    • Elaine and Miss Lovey says:

      I drive a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500, Laramie package, 4×4, quad cab, with a 5.7 Hemi engine. My travel trailer (aka “condo on wheels”) is a 2012 Heartland North Trail. It’s 29 feet of living space and 34.4 ft from the tip of the hitch to the back bumper. It has one slide out for the loveseat and dinette, a queen size bed, nice kitchen and two swiveling rocking chairs in the rear space. There are two doors to the outside and an awning. It’s very comfortable for Miss Lovey and I.

      • Vicki says:

        Elaine
        sounds like a nice setup for you and Miss Lovey. Right now my crew numbers 4 which is a bit much. But love them all!

    • I recently got a brochure on the Oliver they look nice! Made here in Tennessee. Yes pricey. Keep an eye out yu may be able to pick one up used in the future.

      • Vicki says:

        Sandra,
        The Oliver company hooked me up with a local owner who let me come by and see his. Super nice couple, sat and talked with me for about an hour. It was super nice. They had the twin beds which was super nice, mad it have a nice open feel to it.
        I had just missed the open house the Oliver factory had, but hoping to catch it next year.

    • Renee from Idaho says:

      Vicki, one of the things to be aware of when selecting your TV is not only the engine size, but the rear axle ratio. The guys here can chime in on advice too, but case in point is our Jeep. It’s all time 4 wheel drive with a V8. We just did some headers and exhaust work to give it more power for towing a small trailer, but we’re looking at an off road trailer, which may weigh as much as Sue’s Casita.

      • Vicki says:

        The rear axle size is something i need to research more. Seems that there is a balance between getting good power and gas mileage. But definitely more research on my part is needed.

    • Renee from Idaho says:

      Vicki – I think a 4 wheel drive would come in handy especially if you are scouting out camping spots and get on a rough road.

    • Vicki from Tennessee says:

      Hi Vicki from Vicki lol,
      We just recently sold our 175 r-pod for a 180 r-pod, loved the 175 but love the 180 more (it has a full bath). These trailers are made by Forest River and are no longer than 20′ and very light weight, ours is one of the heaviest and is under 3000 lbs. We pull ours with an AWD Acadia but hope to buy a truck in the future to pull with, but the Acadia does great.

      • Vicki says:

        Hi Vicki… we even spell it the same!
        I do need to start looking at various trailer styles so that I know exactly what I want. Just hate taking up the salespersons time when I know it is at least 18 months out. And they kind of get disinterested when they realize no imminent sale or they get over zealous and start the pressure game.

    • Marsha / MI says:

      Vicki – we sold our Casita a couple years ago and bought an Oliver. Took it to Alaska last summer and had the trip of our lives. The Oliver is worth the $$ in my opinion. No mods necessary – just plug and play!

      • Vicki says:

        Hi Marsha

        That is exactly what the owner I visited with said. I asked him if he would change anything if he were buying today and he said not a thing!

        An Alaska trip would be awesome. I absolutely cannot wait until I retire… so looking forward to giving this vagabond lifestyle a try.

  18. Michael says:

    OK Sue, I know why for me, but I’ll ask for us both. Why do you come to this blog? What brings you here, what do you want to see, hear, experience? Are you on the road? Want to be? Will be soon? Never be? Favorite part, pups, birds, sites, people, country, tips?

    • Rover Ronda says:

      My husband found Sue’s blog while researching Casita. We enjoy her writing style and photography. We love dogs and traveling. We like to see campsites for possible future travel and it’s fun to read of her experience at places we have been before. I read the comments because I like to read the Blogorinos experience and opinions too. Some of you are also good story tellers and combined y’all have a great deal of experience.

      Currently we only travel for vacations and we will probably always have a stick and bricks. We like having a home base. And I’m kind of attached to all my stain glass lamps and China.

      • Barbara (Nashville) says:

        I read this blog as I admire Sue’s bravery when starting out, learning the affordability of being able to travel with a small home on wheels, as well as its practicality. I have always wanted to be a gypsy, but am a little on the timid side. I wanted to learn the ins and outs of having a camper, living on the road by myself and trying to figure out preparedness for when things go kaput, etc. and a living minimalist lifestyle.
        Her writing style is entertaining and I love the photos, destinations and of course the sweet dogs. Keep up the good work Sue.

    • Deb from South Carolina says:

      My husband and I had been reading RVing on Social Security by Jerry Minche. He is already on Social Security and I will be within approx. two years. We were really wanting to research the cost of full time rv life and Sue’s blog was listed in the book. I read through the first two years of her blog as she listed many of her start up costs and camping costs. It was very helpful and helped us realize it is possible for us to do this.

    • JazzLover says:

      Michael, which Sue are you asking these questions of? Cannot be RVSue as this is her blog but need more than just Sue to id the party you are addressing.

    • milliehubbard says:

      Speaking for myself, “mostly”!! I found Sue’s blog shortly after her adventure began. I also found it while researching Casitas. I love her life on the road and dream of such a life for myself, but DH needs a home base so likely we’ll be part-time roamers!

      I also love the antics of the Crew. I remember dear Spike and how he loved a good mud bath and the “stink eye” that Bridget used to give Sue when she pointed a camera her way. I was happy for Bridget when Reggie joined the crew, I imagined she was lonely without her pal Spike by her side. We all collectively held our breath when Rodger appeared on the scene, but understood Sue’s attempt at “match-making”. In the end we all rejoiced when Rodger-Dodger (my affectionate name for him) joined the crew and further antics ensued. Poor, poor Yellow Chicken!!

      I love see the beautiful scenery that Sue so graciously shares with all of us. The beauty of the places that I hope to visit some day and just the adventure. It is my joy to open my email and find a message that a new blog entry has been posted. It gives me a few moments of escape from behind my desk…Thank you Sue for all that you share with us and many wishes for more adventures to come.

      Millie

  19. Ed says:

    On 10 June 1990 we camped at the school in Noxon while doing the Rock Mountain Bicycling Tour. I remember going to Toby’s Tavern where there were 10,400 Susan B. Anthony dollars decorating the bar and walls.

    Toby’s also had a sign that read “Noxon, MT half way between Hope and Paradise”. You need to look at a map to understand that.

    There were a lot a cherry orchards on the east side of Flathead Lake near Big Fork. I don’t know if they are still there or if it is all houses now.

  20. JandJHoyle says:

    Hello everyone.
    Here in Oregon, Willamett Valley the Biackberries are coming ripe. Nothing better than fresh berries for breakfast.

    • Robin Beerbower says:

      Oh and marionberries! The dark cherries are also fab in the Willamette Valley this year. (Oregon and Arizona)

  21. Jolene/Iowa says:

    Hi Sue, this is such a beautiful part of the country. I am really enjoying this. Apricots, I love them.

  22. Cinandjules 🌵 says:

    Grew up eating apricots….I like them real ripe and squishy. Break em in half at the crease. As for the “fuzz”…less fuzz than on a peach. Love dried apricot too! Eat them like candy!

    Meh thinks we are pretty good in regards to talking with each other!

  23. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    True bear box story: We were once tent camping with our son, DIL and two grandsons (who were about 8 and 12 at the time) up at Calaveras State Park in Northern California. After sitting around the campfire, roasting marshmallows and eating way to many s’mores, we got ready for bed. Failing to exercise good judgment (probably because we had a few glasses of wine with the s’mores) we instructed the boys to put all the food that was on the camp table inside the bear locker and lock it. We all went to bed and heard bears rustling around in the campsite during the night (no grizzly bears in Cali, so we won’t too scared). In the morning, we woke up to hear the 12 year old grandson crying out, “The candy, the candy, they got all the candy!!” We all tumbled out of our sleeping bags to find candy wrappers, empty graham cracker boxes, torn open marshmallow bags, and all sorts of other empty food containers all over the campsite and littered down a trail to the creek. If you followed the trail, there was bear poop with marshmallow in it all along the path! All the food that was in the bear locker was gone, as the boys had not secured it properly. The only thing untouched was a jar of honey – which bears are supposed to love, right? We still laugh about it, but the boys learned a good lesson about securing bear lockers!!

    • Renee from Idaho says:

      Cynthia, That’s a great story! We’ll be camping this fall in bear country. In fact the campgrounds we’ve selected are for hard sided units only. My husband and I were talking this morning about being selective on where we are when we grill our roast (we usually do one on a long trip and plan the leftovers for subsequent meals). I told him that we can’t be grilling this in the middle of grizzly country, then stow the grill in our RV basement full of grilled on meat juices! That for sure would invite a grizzly to rip into the side of our fifth wheel. So we talked about grilling it before we leave, then freezing it and heating it up in the RV oven.

  24. Hi Sue and everyone. I had to laugh…we are in Paradise too, but in the state of Michigan. It’s on the east side of the Upper Peninsula, on Lake Superior and at Tahquamenon Falls State Park….very beautiful area, but with the same kind of winters that the Montana Paradise experiences.
    Last summer I spent quite a bit of time around the area you are in now Sue…so much beauty….here, there, everywhere!

  25. Diann in MT says:

    I have been trying to identify that bird. Can any of you find it in the online Montana Field Guide?
    http://fieldguide.mt.gov/displaySpecies.aspx?family=Phasianidae

    • Renee from Idaho says:

      Oh! I thought it was a grouse or sage hen.

      • Diann in MT says:

        You are right, Renee.
        It’s a little Ruffed Grouse. Typical to your area, and I am guessing you are in the northern part of Idaho. Awesome country.

        • Renee from Idaho says:

          Hi Diann, I saw by the field guide that there are many varieties of grouse! We live in near Boise, in the SW region, but are within a couple hours drive of the mountains.

  26. Shelley in California says:

    I love apricots, we have a tree but the squirrels rarely leave us any!

  27. weather says:

    What a beautiful part of the country that is. I hope you’ve been thoroughly enjoying the scenery, time away from keyboard and summer so far. I love the photo above “Message in real time” !

  28. Abel Perez in Austin, Tx says:

    Never had an apricot but, this afternoon I have to go get groceries and I’m going to see if the store has any? Does anyone know or has had apricot cobbler?

    • ReneeG from Idaho says:

      Apricot cobbler! Yes! Apricot Pie! Yes! Apricot turnovers! Yes! I’ve had them all and love them! Apricots freeze well too in Ziploc bags to put away for future pies and cobblers.

      • Abel Perez in Austin, Tx says:

        Heart Health: Apricots are a wonderful way to protect your heart from a wide variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. The high amount of vitamin C, as well as potassium and dietary fiber, all contribute to good cardiovascular health.

  29. Ginger says:

    My family had an apricot tree when I was growing up in California. I sure miss them. Living in Las Vegas now, and the stores have apricots with no flavor. Guess they are picked before they are ripe and shipped in. They are over priced at $4 a pound.

  30. rvsueandcrew says:

    HI, BLOGORINOS!

    I open this blog and see over 90 comments! I’m so happy I could cry! You’re talking to each other! 🙂

    We’re alongside the highway. I searched for signal and when I found some I stopped to check in here. Thanks so much for keeping things lively and interesting and fun!

    I’m thrilled with our present camp and eager to tell you all about it. Our site is lakeside and the water is clear as a swimming pool. Only $6 a night and it’s everything we could want! Well, except there’s no internet…

    We ran out of propane so we’re on an emergency run to save the frozen food in the freezer. I found a place that sells propane and now we’re going back to camp. As soon as I hook up the tank, Reg, Rog and I are going for a swim!

    Wishing you wonderful days and nights,
    Thanks again for being a part of this blog..
    Sue

  31. Casitagirl in NY says:

    My grandmother’s maiden name was Noxon. She loved it because it was the same upside down and backwards. Just thinking of Grandma…

  32. Elizabeth in WA says:

    This is for Sue…or anyone else interested…if you decide you might like to live in a certain state…like for instance Idaho…even though most parts can get awfully cold in winter, there are a couple spots that are quite low altitude, in the panhandle even, that are much warmer than the rest of the state…so if where you are currently, is of interest…perhaps hunting around the lower altitudes might find you just the spot you would like to retire to someday…just a thought…

    It is rather hot here now…not to complain, as it can be worse…but without A/C we have to work at staying cooler inside anyway…and with a very well insulated place, it is not so bad… So we are working on things that we can do not exerting all that much. My sewing project of the moment which is making our youngest grandchild a quilt for her bed…so off shopping some for interesting fabrics for that…and some writing I have begun (just for the kin) etc. One has to continue cooking etc too…hope the blogarinos here are finding ways to stay cool and lay low till the heat passes by…

  33. Rick & Brock the dog says:

    Ah, Sue and crew are in an excellent area of Montana. If you take Hwy 28 from Thompson Falls over to Elmo MT you’ll be at Flathead Lake. Beautiful place. Love to visit…don’t want to live there in the winter. My brother does…cold doesn’t begin to describe it. Drive north out of Thompson Falls is also very wonderful.

  34. Diann in MT says:

    Blogorinos,
    Please keep the families of Garfield County, Montana in your thoughts and prayers. A wildfire has devastated 280,00 acres of grassland grazing land and burnt at least 12 homes in its path. It is the biggest active wildfire in the United States right now. When the attempt to eek out a living among dry grassland, it is difficult enough. When mother nature puts down lightening during a drought year, it is devastating.
    Facts and pictures are here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5399/

  35. Virginia620 (AL) says:

    I was just able to catch up with you. So glad for your wonderful distraction 😊.
    I needed to take some time to dream. I know tthis may sound weird to some. This summer was supposed to be our trip to Utah. While I had made any definite plans, it was both our dream. I’m now going to start making plans for that trip, hopefully next spring. Do you have any firm suggestions on time of year to go to UT/AZ? It doesn’t have to be in the spring. I just want to avoid monsoon season, if there is one, and haboob season. And of course the heat ad I do want to do some hiking.

  36. Virginia620 (AL) says:

    I hadn’t made ^^^^ any definite plans

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