Friday, September 12
After coffee and talking online with blogorinos, Bridget and I walk around the campground. As you can see from these photos, the sky is clear and bright blue.
Here’s someone tucked into a site in an Arctic Fox truck camper with a slide-out.
I’m in the mood for an egg breakfast and I have no eggs on board the Best Little Trailer. Before we leave our campsite at Popo Agie Campground in Sinks Canyon, I warm up the Perfect Tow Vehicle (the heater works great!) and use a broom to clear off the snow from the windshield.
I can’t believe it!
About a mile or two down Sinks Canyon Road, we enter Lander Valley. No snow! It appears that snow only fell on the mountains. I pull over to the side of the road and take two photos.
This one . . .
. . . and this one. Two very different settings for homes that are in view of each other.
In the residential area of town, roses, petunias, and black-eyed susans are in fine color and form. No damage from a cold night.
Where are we going?
McDonald’s for a “big breakfast!” You know, the one with eggs, flapjacks, biscuit, sausage, hash browns, and 43,982 calories, most of them from fat and carbs. It’s a really disgusting breakfast which I’ve been craving ever since I rolled out of bed. I pig out in the PTV while Bridget sits in the passenger seat and turns up her nose.
Fat and happy, I drive out of Lander and we head back to the mountains . . . .
. . . and into Sinks Canyon.
We drive past Popo Agie Campground and out of the state park.
Instead we go to the Sinks Canyon National Forest Campground.
The river access is easy here because the campground is empty. It’s a beautiful, sunny morning, the only sound being the river, and the air is clean and fresh as it usually is after a day of snowfall.
Bridget explores with delight the many paths from campsites to the river and between sites. She loves deciding where we will walk, like she’s in charge and I’m supposed to follow obediently.
Here she changes her mind and decides we will NOT cross the bridge.
She turns around and leads me back to firm ground.
We explore the river and the campground and walk a trail for about two hours.
Bridget and I enjoy the exercise and each other’s company. I often bend down to give her a few pats and tell her what a great scout she is. This makes her happy.
I take the next shot and then tell her, “No more pictures. I promise!” I can see that the camera is beginning to get on her nerves.
I experience moments when I imagine Spike is ahead of us, around a bend in the path. I’d hurry ahead and say to his deaf ears, “Sorry, Spikey. This is way too deep and fast for you, little boy. You’d freeze in that water.”
Overall I’m doing okay without Spike, but you know how grief is. It lurks around the edges of your conscious mind waiting for a chance to jump out and stab you.
I focus on the beauty around me.
Following a cute, wiggly butt and wagging tail helps, too.
“Well, Bridge, you ready to go home?”
When we return to camp, we both crawl into bed for a nap.
Around two o’clock I toss Bridget into the PTV again and we head into Lander. At the post office I ask if there’s any general delivery mail for me, show my license, and the clerk hands me a mailer. I rip it open.
Yay! The vehicle registrations are here!
Tomorrow morning Bridget and I will leave Lander and look for a new camp.
rvsue
NOTE: I apologize for not responding to every comment. Most days it’s fun. Some days it’s hard for me. Please don’t think I’m ignoring you. I read every message as if it’s the only one I received. Love y’all!
THANKS, RVSUE SHOPPERS!
I appreciate every Amazon purchase you make through my blog.
Wow, snow! Already! The year has flown by. Will you be heading south soon?
Very pretty with the snow above and the richly colored rocks below.
The breakfast… mmmm….
Love the snowy pics…..no need to comment for me….I am heading out for a couple of days with the trailer. Have my mother in respite for 2 weeks. First time ever, but oh it feels good to get a break. I understand how you feel with grief and pet loss. It is so true how suddenly they are in your thoughts. We had a cute little dog leave the shelter today. The new owners were so happy. His name was “Cuddles” a Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix. 7 yrs old. Anyway thought I would drop in for a minute.
Those are good long walks you and Bridget are going on. Well back to packing and hopefully a look at the northern lights tonight as they are saying we could see them.
My niece’s little girl named their lab “Cuddles.”
Turns out Cuddles is a male lab 🙂
As Canadians, you’d think we’re used to the snow. But we’re not! I think we’re simply tired of it! Makes me shiver just to look at it. Sure is pretty in pictures though…
What a surprise! I thought you Canadians liked that stuff! Well, come on down (and spend some money!). 🙂
Have you ever been to Arizona or Mexico in the winter? Every other license plate is from Canada!! (or ND, MN, SD, & IA.) LOL
I love that last pic of Bridget, safe travels.
Sue,
If you have the gumption to get out late, the northern lights should be right overhead tonight.
Hey, come on down to Maple Grove. It’s in the 80’s and almost too hot.
I’m very excited about this, as I’m from the northern Great Lakes and Northern Lights remind me of home. I’m in the PNW now and we are supposed to have a good chance to see them tonight (and the sky is clear!). I have a good view to the north with minimal light pollution. Just went out and had a look. Bright stars twinkling above but no northern lights. Will go back out again shortly.
The moon is going to rise very soon and is still fairly big (waning gibbous), but for now the sky is nice and dark.
I wonder who else in blogorino land is looking up to the sky at the same time I am? And are you seeing them?!
Dang! I was going to get up at 3 & see if there were visible here on the island–completely forgot! Did you see them?
No, I didn’t see them. I went out a number of times between dark and the moonrise, and then checked a couple of more times once the moon came up, but then hit the sack around midnight (ironic as I am usually up until the wee hours). So I don’t know if they may have shown up after midnight.
I kept looking out the window to the north but never saw them here in Utah.
Wow! What a difference!
I looked at your widget and it said 32 degrees with a high of 37! Mickey D’s big breakfast is my favorite, when I feel like a belly ache! I always get an extra hash brown just to make sure!
Bridget’s a funny girl! I’ll show you the way! What a delightful walk! Beautiful scenery!
You think of Spike because he’s with you! It’s the little things that will remind you of him…wait until the cow gives you the stink eye! Or when you turn on the heater and expect to see him hogging it! Glad to hear you are doing well!
Stay warm! It’s colder than a witches tit here….OMG winter is just around the corner. Snowbanks were here until May. Thought there was four seasons on this side of the coast! I think Jules sold me a bag of bones!
Give Bridget my love…..she’s a sweetie pie!
I have heard that the experts known as “they” are predicting an extremely cold, snowy winter. Sounds like we all need to get prepared for Mother Nature’s wrath!
Sometimes nothing will do except a giant breakfast. That sounds really good.
You show me every blog post what I love, what I miss, and what I am missing… I have BIG/little news. I am down sizing from my 36′ Pace Arrow to a little 24′ motorhome with an itty bitty slide it’s floor plan is a lot like Barbara’s of “Me My Dog and My RV. I am driving from Nevada to Minnesota to pick it up then tow my Jeep back. I don’t fly, I never have, I never will. Scared to death of flying and even more terrified to be locked into a tube with hundreds of strangers… Just thinking about it I can’t breathe. I am going to drive up through Yellowstone, South Dakota, and across. Being a mountain girl I know I have to live a solitary existence like you do. I always have. I know “Beast” is too large to live the life I want to hard to drive, hard to park, hard to, wrestle the huge awning, I’m getting old, lol. I want to squeeze into little hide-a-way type spots like you do. We always camped by small creeks and the rivers in Idaho growing up. I’ll be out of here by next winter… I am tickled way past pink and excited as all get out! I do so enjoy your sharing your life with us. If it is any consolation, I am grieving Spike too… I break out crying when you mention him. I know how hard it is. And, dread the day my little P-nut crosses over… Just know that you and Bridgette are in my prayers, and that it is not up to others how or how long we grieve. I still grieve for all the people who have passed that I love… No need responding. You can’t be little Susie Sunshine when you don’t feel like it… Just keep breathing in the mountain air and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Your blogerinos will be here to lift you up if you fall… Me and the “dergs” send all our love and light to you…
Congrats on your new rig, Idaho Gurl! I hear you on the “people crammed into a tube” thing. :shudder: Much prefer my wheels on the ground or hull on the water, preferably with some wide-open space and privacy. Ahhhh.
Grief is funny, isn’t it. At first it’s pretty intense, but then it seems to get to a stage where you are sometimes “fine,” but then it flares up so strong and can just overcome you at certain times. Just little odd things can do it, too.
We have such a nice gang here, don’t we.
Thanks! I’m so excited I haven’t been able to sleep all week… We “shore” do have a nice little gang, thanks to Sue and Bridgette and Spike (bless his soul)… RV Sue is my favorite blog. Waiting for a new post is like waiting for the cartoons to come on after the test pattern on Saturday morning… We are our own little family…
Your plans sound courageous, just like Sue is. Will you watch the northern lights tonight from where you are? (We used to live in Idaho years ago and saw them a couple times). Not sure if we will see them here (in Seattle area…but maybe…)
How exciting to find a rig that will get you out to where you want/need to be – congrats! Soon you’ll be out making your own tracks in the forests 🙂
How exciting!! I know it’s gonna be a real fun experience. When you go through South Dakota and hit the Missouri River you will be within 5 miles of where I used to live there in Chamberlain. I’d give a lot to be young enough to start out again but alas between grocery shopping and doctor appointments that won’t happen. I sure hope you’ll be a regular reporter here on Sue’s blog so we can keep up with ya…CONGRATULATIONS!!
Congratulations on your new RV, Idaho Gurl! I am excited for you! May you have safe travels and adventures in your future! What brand did you go with?
Your header photo is spectacular. Makes me want to drive that very same spot.
Don’t know were to re-sign up for your blog? Must have been dropped some how…..
My INBOX misses your travels and adventures?
Can you put me back in the list???? Or point to the sign up section in the blog I just can not find it but don’t want to miss your blog
Thanks
drw
Hi,Sue uses WordPress for her blog,their glitch made Email notifications unavailable for now.Most of us return to the page we last used to get here,to find out if it contains a new post each day.Some readers have received the service you’re missing by going to http://www.changedetection.com and signing up through them.This page doesn’t have a place to sign up ,and won’t,until the problem is remedied.Hope this helps and that you keep coming back 🙂
Another option is to sign up for the “feed.” There are many feed readers you can use – I happen to use NetNewsWire, which is probably totally outdated but works for me. I used to have a bunch of blogs bookmarked and randomly click around to see if anyone had posted anything new. Now with the feeds, I just one time put each one in my feed reader and I automatically get each new post when it appears on the web (shows up in the “inbox” in the feed reader and I can read there, or click on through to the blog on the web to read comments — of course that’s what I do for RVSue’s blog – can’t miss the comments!).
(This is also known as an RSS feed.)
I’ve saved Sue in my favorites. It comes up with the most recent blog, so I’ll check the list on the right side to see if I’ve missed anything. Since I eagerly check almost every day I seldom do.
Well, not being computer savvy like y’all, I did it totally different than you did! I simply saved RVSue to my desktop and a cute little icon came up with it. Every morning I just click on the desktop icon to see new comments or a new blog! Works for me! 🙂
Me too!
And me three!! 🙂
I signed up for changedetection and it worked great. I didn’t get the notice until just a few minutes ago of this post (6:31 am 9/13/14), but it does work OK.
John, I followed your suggestion about getting Sue’s latest update once a day and it worked perfectly. Thanks so much! Okay, weather, go for it…it does work. Susan, MS, you must have done something right to begin with. Thanks for mentioning the url.
Cat Lady
Love you too Sue!! Don’t know how you do it, responding to so many blogarinos! Dear Bridget, you are so beautiful….let mum take photos as we all want to see you so much. Those little stabs of pain will keep coming…….never go away in my experience when I think of all my fur friends that have departed. Loving the photos of the snow and this very beautiful area. I never get to see snow, unless we make a trip to the Victorian highlands……..then it would be a different vista than where you are too……….love it.
It really is amazing in the mountains what a difference a few miles can make. I remember one time when we were in Estes Park camping. We went to the Grand Lake side of the mountains for the day and fishing. It was dark by the time we headed back over the mountains to Estes Park.
We drove into a roaring snow storm the higher we went up. You talk about scary and there was no option. Our trailer was on the other side of the mountain, we had to do it.
Your pictures are beautiful. I look forward to your next camp. Safe travels.
Gorgeous photos. I took so many on our trip out West. I have to sort through them and put the best on my Kindle so I can share with friends and family. It’s the new way of showing vacation pics. Replaces what I used to refer as the “boring slide show.”
Beautiful post-pictures and hours full of paths.The increase to that much time walking outside is best undertaken on a cool day, it’s no wonder you both did so well.
The snowstorm served it’s purposes.Among them is that going inside, away from it, probably made the nap you needed more inviting .And a big one-the photos!Especially the one of the sinks-the cloud meeting earth in the distance-almost a picture of loving Spike from a distance-so tangible yet beyond your reach for now.
Today I stayed outside long past the dawn,then wrote you a letter here-twice-and didn’t post it either time.Somethings need the fresh strength of morning to share,today that seemed truer than ever.
You’re likely asleep or soon will be,tomorrow may too busy or just not the right time to visit.Until we do,hydrate,bundle up and feel whatever you do knowing I’m proud of and love you Sue.
I was listening to the Wyoming Police scanner on the net today and they called the swat team search off for the lady in the white van with the expired tags,LOL.
I told ya it was a gonna snow Sue,better you than me,sorry.
Have a great weekend
It takes time to get over a lost…I’m still grieving and like you said it comes and goes unexpectedly. Just this evening, my daughter dropped by and saw I had been weeping and said ‘I know you’re missing Grace and Spike.’ It will take time for me to come back to myself. I get up each day and do the things I normally do…this helps a lot. Take care.
This is a comment in response to one of your old posts (I followed the link to Brooks Lake camp and then reread your entry about Yellowstone.) If you go back to Yellowstone, the best way to escape the crowds and see old faithful and the other geyser basins is to go after dinner in the evening. Very few people see the attractions in ANY national park other than in the morning or afternoon. My favorite sighting of Old Faithful was one night at 10pm after taking a shower at the snow lodge. I was the only one there. It stays light until 9:30pm or so and the evening is much cooler. This is true in almost all of the National Parks, take hikes to escape crowds during the day, then see the big attractions in the evening. Another plus for you is that the van would be cooler for Bridget. Don’t answer this – take a hike!
It doesn’t stay dark till 9:30 this time of year… about 7:30 now. 🙂
LOL – true! We usually take our trips the last two weeks of July or first two of August. Probably the big parks are pretty quiet this time of year anyway!
Love, love, love the photos today! Snow and intensely blue skies, exquisite!
I don’t know why but whenever I see Popo Agie, I think of Popo Gigio from the Ed Sullivan Show. 🙂
I had that same craving on our way home from Oregon a week and a half ago. Had to have that Big Breakfast but I get it without the pancakes. That way it’s only 43,000 calories!
Great photos! Can’t wait to see the next beautiful place you land in!
Chris B
Sounds like a fun day, Sue….hiking in that crisp air!! Will you see the Northern Lights from there tonight? We will see if we can from here…but likely too much lights everywhere. It would have to be quite bright to overcome all that.
Don’t worry how long you must grieve or how, dear Sue…it takes time. There are still times that tears fall and I get a lump in my throat even now just writing about this, thinking of my dear Ebbie who passed now almost 4 years ago.
SOOOOOOOO THRILLED THE TAG UPDATES HAVE ARRIVED !!!!!
As I mentioned, I thought you would have smooth sailing but by the same token, I am glad you are now legal and don’t need an alibi !!!! As you mentioned there are times when the BIG BREAKFAST hits the spot…..great it was close !!!
Get a big kick out of some of the sayings your pals come up with in comments….so much fun when folks can express themselves and feel they are a part of a group that is just in it for the meeting up factor …..kinda like way back in the ole days when people would “go to town ” to chat ….. What I really like about it is the sharing, that is the real treasure ….
Hey Again Sue,
http://www.wesjones.com/serv1.htm
I was reading this poem that has hung on my wall for years and thought of you.I hope you enjoy it,or some of your other readers.It took me a few minutes to find it on the web,but here it is.
Again,have a great weekend
Robert Service’s writing captures the unforgiving lifestyle of the early Yukon explorers and gold seekers. His style is realism. And, boy, does he have a knack for taking his readers to the heart of reality. Thanks for sharing.
I think, however, that although Sue is an explorer, she has the wit and wisdom to seek sanity and safety within her circumstances. Service’s characters usually put idealism before survival.
As to “the one not fitting in”, I think that’s a good thing, to a degree. But, again, Sue has the wit and wisdom to conform when necessity dictates.
So much for my analysis. Thanks for sharing Robert Service.
Diann,
With all respect here,I stated I read it and I thought of her.I did not say it implied to her or anyone else for that matter.
Please don’t tell me that I am implying that she imulates his writings because that is not so,and that is exactly how I read your response to my post.
Sorry,Sue,but I’m an older fart set in my ways as you are,and I hate it when people tell me what they think I am saying when all I am doing is trying to share something I thought would be enjoyed.I don’t tell people how to act or what they are thinking and I’ll be dammed if I’ll let anyone do it to me.
I’ll wish you the very Sue best and I will not post on your site again,Take Care
Diann, I found your analysis interesting. I’m not always that good at being able to sum up the heart of a piece in that way (I think I get caught up in the detail vs. stepping back to see the big picture).
I also didn’t read it as you putting any words in Trip’s mouth, but I guess he did. Trip, it seems a shame for you to leave permanently due to this comment (but I’m not telling you what to do!).
Dear Trip and Lisa,
I hope that you will continue to post. I very much enjoyed being reminded of that poem. Robert Service is one of my favorites.
We all ride along in this big RV of Sue’s and sometimes we don’t see eye to eye and sometimes we say things the wrong way. Hang in there with us.
Good morning, Ladies! Sue, your pics are gorgeous–your photographic skills combined with the new camera are producing stellar results! Must’ve been a Fallen Arches kind of day–I had a #1 (egg mcmuffin, et al) for breakfast on the run yesterday. Bridget seems to have a new-found confidence these days–she seems almost jaunty yet still a snuggle bug. Take good care & have fun finding a new camp–actually, you’ve probably already done so.
I have always loved the first snow of the season. As soon as the sky turns blue and the sun shines the best thing to do is get out there and hike or cross country ski. It’s and also a great time to visit the zoo, when all the animals are re-acquainting themselves with the white stuff or seeing it for the very first time.
I’m so jealous of all those blogorinos who are planning on seeing the northern lights. I am enjoying my year 2 out of 3 of being a city girl (for the first time in my life.) I do so miss the stars let alone the chance to see an aurora. The light pollution of the city is a hard thing to bear for a nature lover.
It lurks around the edges of your conscious mind waiting for a chance to jump out and stab you. So true! 🙁
I too, appreciated that sentence. Sue has a way with words that would be the envy of many writers.
A natural!
Snow… Beautiful in your photographs! I can almost smell the crispness in the air as I see you and Ms. Wiggly Butt taking your walk. I admit I enjoyed the snow we had in NM, here one day gone the next. EmilyO gets to enjoy that now from our last place of permanent residence in T or C. Grief is a lot like your long walks. One step at a time, slowly the sorrow is behind you and warm memories greet you. Take your time. We are busy here this weekend, 3 RV’s and 3 tent campers!
We have a nightly visitor to the big green garbage bin…. We think it might be a bear because a raccoon couldn’t possibly throw that much trash out, or even be able to get out once it got into the trash bin. It was just emptied 4 days ago and is still almost empty. Hard to even imagine a bear getting in and out of there, it is a BIG garbage bin! Oh well, always something to keep us busy! We hope you are heading south to warmer weather! Looking forward to seeing your next camp. Radar and DoogieBowser send their love to Bridget! We do too, we love y’all so much!
I lived in venice for 27 years. And trust me, the coons are big and sneaky. Lol.
I put bricks, bungee cords, blocks, etc. on my big garbage container and it didn’t matter. They still got in the container and slung garbage all over the place. The one that I seen was huge when standing on back legs. ( I ran into him one afternoon – he ran me off) I finally gave up and just put the garbage on the ground beside garbage container and let him help himself, then picked it up after he finished. Good luck… They are very smart and sneaky.
And enjoy the area, I plan to return when I can. After I get my health issues taken care of. And of course, I moved back to Kentucky to help my momma, and I will stay here with her as long as she is here. Venice is my home and I miss it very much.
Oh I almost forgot, 2 days ago, about 5:30pm’ Chuck and I saw a manatee, 2 actually! An adult and a juvenile! We were crossing the bridge over the Myakka River and saw some activity on the edge. Stopped for a closer look and the two were nibbling greens at the river’s edge. YAY! Manatee sightings here are rare! I will be using Chuck’s computer to put the manatee photo on a good in a few days.
Just had to let y’all know because it really made our day! Heck, it made our whole month lol! 🙂
How cool!
I laughed when I read about your breakfast craving…I had a similar experience with roast beef and mashed potatoes, I tried to ignore it but it kept calling my name, so yesterday I did what you did Sue, went out for dinner and ordered the roast beef special. I am so easily pleased! Now I can get on with my life LOL
Loved your snowy pictures I pictured you and Bridget snug in your little home enjoying looking out the window at the beauty and planning your next adventure.
Nothing like a bit of comfort food is there?? Hubby and I enjoy going to diners some….reminds us of the “good ole days”…heh!!
This always marvels me… when the weather person would say ‘snow above 1000 ft. I would know there would be a line thru my pasture! Very odd.
I am so glad you are legal again. As you may remember, I work for licensing in WA. Well, I have been laid off, but that is ok. My kids need me right now… so I am going between my wee burg of Hoquiam to Orting and Tacoma and back again.
Today I am at the very base of Mt. Rainer in Orting. What a pretty little town. I will be off soon.
Glad that you and Bridget are warm and toasty. Stay safe. You are loved.
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
So sorry to hear you are laid off, Barb!! But glad you can help your kids out meanwhile!! Years ago, hubby worked for WPPSS….and yep, when the Nafta thing came along, he was laid off (after almost 15 years)…he was in the midst of finishing up another degree at the WSU extention campus there and just decided to take out his retirement for us to live on, so he could finish in the next 18 months. Our son was a bit ahead of him in the same degree so they studied together and it was such a joy when they walked in graduation, both wearing the gold cords!! They were quite the little celebrities on campus too. A wonderful serendipity of life. We have often talked about, “well, if they lay him off again, what other wonderful thing might happen to us.” Cause money tain’t everything. Well, his health was failing, in large part due to the nasty unnecessary stress of an insane boss…so he retired early a couple years ago. We were available when our Seattle area daughter needed us….and got to know our little new grand daughter in ways we never got to with the other grandchildren. She loves us a lot for being so little…what a joy!! No, not our plan. But we are so glad we got to experience this!! Hope things work out well for you in the future too!!
I never tire of reading your blog Sue. You must write a book one day.
AZ Jim, we told Sue that 3 years ago…. Still no book. But this blog is like getting a new chapter to read every few days! I like it!
I hear you Geri. If Sue wrote a book I’d read it in one sitting and then it would be done :sniff: This way we get to keep on enjoying it, PLUS we have the blogrino community.
(Of course one can do both, but I want Sue to have some time to do other stuff, and I really enjoy the blog.)
Each post with blogerinos comments is a new chapter!
The rain’s so gentle it feels like a soft breeze,cooling my skin,neck ,face,world…ridding all that of an unwelcome warmth that had been rising- slowly dispelling my peace.I consider the slightest disturbance to that as being overwrought and chase it away as if it were a hornet.
So I wander from one fascinating place to another -letting each,with it’s lifeforms, renew me.Last night’s stars were amazing every time I went out,yet after a few minutes walking, I came back in each time.It’s morning that holds me completely within it,the newness captures and draws me toward edges of discovery endlessly calling to be followed.
The calender and tall flowers tell me summer is still here.I won’t hasten it’s passing by rushing around ,getting ready for winter as though it were banging at my door.The firewood looks charming ,tossed in a heap-placing it where needed will be done some other day.This one I’ll spend buying summer’s supplies ,for the troupe and I to celebrate the season-veggies,fruit,coneys,food staples and toys.Rain jacket or bathing suit makes no difference to me-there are blossoms and coves still to be admired this precious summer
May the place,time and activity you’re in be enough – to make what’s around you feel like a gift.If only for a moment-planting brightness available with each memory of it-always adding light to your path
We need to savor summer’s bounty of fruits and vegetables. Soon store bought tomatoes will have no flavor and blueberries will be harder to come by and very costly. I am looking forward to apples, winter squash and all the goodies that the fall and winter season bring. 🙂
Have you ever had an asian pear? They are so sweet and juicy!
Have a nice evening, Weather!
Thanks,it was a good evening-and an extra blanket made it a good night,too!I don’t believe I’ve ever seen an asian pear,but I’ve loved all the kinds I’ve tasted,including pear preserves 🙂
Snow and sunshine and a wiggly-butt to follow through the forest – a most perfect day! The PTV looks like a huge white buffalo under all that snow 🙂
We left Montana Monday & have been offline for a few days. Beautiful snow photos, snow is SO much prettier in the West than the eastern half of the country. We spent a couple nights at a BLM campground outside of Moab…such a difference seeing the red rock canyons after more than 2 months in the green pine woods of NW Montana! Glad you’re doing well, for the most part. And I remember well the times we’ve lost pups — the grief certainly does hit at unexpected times. It’s such a blessing that you have Bridget to help. Our thoughts are with you, both for your continued healing and for safe travels. Almost time for you to start meandering south, or at least move down in elevation a wee bit!
Good Day Sue, you know he is with you, out of the corner of your eye…
Your camera is taking the most phenomenal photos! You have a great eye. Happy travels to your next spot. Bridget looks so in charge!
OMG, Bridget turning her nose up! I laughed good over that one. The little lady knows that is not good food, and likely thinking…. “your butt will be bigger than mine eating THAT!”
Take your time Sue, enjoy your days….
Gonna get into the 80’s now, thank goodness as we are doing so much work outside need warmer days yet.
Kay
“but you know how grief is. It lurks around the edges of your conscious mind waiting for a chance to jump out and stab you.”
I lost my wife a year ago and no truer words were ever spoken.. Sue you are a prophet..!
Your pictures are so pretty. Love looking at snow, just don’t like being in it.
We are still having temps over 100* here in Las Vegas. I can hardly wait for fall to come. Take care.
My new McDonald’s favorite is the bacon, egg, cheese mcgriddle. Griddle cakes with syrup inside them, Yummm!
Me too Linda! They have everything one needs…
Hi Sue,
It’s good to know you are getting through this early time without Spike. Keep busy, enjoy Bridget, and remember all the great times with Spike. Take your time and grieve his passing. It still brings tears to my eyes thinking about him, so I can only imagine the sadness you are still feeling.
SNOW!!! It’s very beautiful, but also a foreboding of what’s to come in Wonderful Wyoming. I imagine you will be heading back south before long. We were down in Denver the last couple of days — it snowed Thursday night. But, up at 9,100 feet in Frisco it didn’t even get down to freezing. We know it’s just around the corner, so we’ll head out probably next week. We hate to leave this lovely area, but warmer weather is calling.
Paula
I love Robert Service. My grandfather used to recite “The Cremation of Sam McGee”. I guess it was his “party piece”. There is a guy on FaceBook who does it almost as well as my Grandpa.
I’ve only seen the northern lights once. I was in a boat in the middle of the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. I was amazed to see them so far south. Breathtaking!
Can’t wait to see the next camp. This one was lovely.
I just went back to the previous post to see if there were any new posts from the Bloggarinos and found a whole slew of bizarre comments about Wikipedia and minecraft. What happened? How did they become attached to the RV Sue site?
I am not seeing that..Just Blogorinos. If that helps.
Pam, it is Probably spam. I know Sue and I fight a constant battle to delete the buggers. Sue is probably on the road and will de-spam later.
I saw them too.
Yes, there are a slew of spam messages at the end of the comments… Sue has been enjoying the McD’s breakfast and getting tags… perhaps she will zap them later.
As much as I hate cold and snow, I have to admit those pictures look enticing when it is so hot. We are in the 90s all next week, and rain predicted for Wednesday through Saturday. We can use the rain. I could use a walk in that crisp air after a snowfall.
Even though Bridget may miss Spike, I bet she likes being top dog for a change. She’s getting quite a little sparkle in her eyes. By the time you feel ready to do it, I think she will be mentally ready to train another crew member. Show ’em the ropes.
I hope to get in my pool next week….other than that it seems to be another dull week. I don’t think I’m going to make a very good old person.
We don’t care what kind of old person you make, just as long as you get to BE and old person..LOL
You know what they say: Getting old isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative!
A dull week at home is a million times better than a dull week in the hospital! Hang in there, DeserGinger. We are rooting for you! 🙂
Dull weeks are ok at least nothing horrible happened! I’m feeling my age more too but I do have good news. I got a part time job working at Nielson ratings company and it’s a excellent environment too. I needed this bad.
I live in Tarpon Springs Florida and I’m so sick of this hot weather. Sue’s photo’s looked pretty nice to me about now. I’ll take a little sweater weather please. lol
Better to be over the hill then under it, is what I remind myself.
Ohhh, Wendy in Thailand, I LOVE that! So very true!
Brrrrr, snow! I thought it was cold at my camp until I saw your post, and now mine looks downright toasty (truthfully, it only gets chilly at night…snow wouldn’t stand a chance here yet). I’m still figuring out strategies for staying warm at night. The bed is pretty toasty at night, but I learned to heat up my morning clothes before putting them on by pulling them into the bed with me first. That first time putting on 38 degree underpants was sure a surprise!
I’m curious…what are your strategies for keeping toasty when it is chilly out? Does your Casita have a little heater or furnace in it? (I have an onboard heater but it sucks propane and makes the air all stuffy, so I tend to go without). Mostly I’m getting by with layered clothes, a hat and hot herbal tea after the sun goes down.
Michael, save your propane to heat your underwear. Instead, use your handheld hair dryer to fluff them up/warm them. Just a thought.
Cat Lady
Oh you had me laughing 38 degree chonnies! I stuffed my clothes under the covers with me….all night!
I can’t sleep in clothes …just my undies…no matter how cold it is.
Apparently you can’t sleep in undies! 😉
We often ran the heater and the warmest place was in the bathroom.
Propane is cheap! I’d rather be comfy and run out of propane than have a full tank and freeze my butt off!
Are you in a casita? Do you have electricity? I would get one of those little electric heaters if I were you. I think Sue may have one.
Sue has the Wave 3 heater I think. Same as Sidewinder Pen below….
Yes, she does but she also has a small electric heater. She rarely uses her wave 3, as I recall.
DesertGinger, I think it would be the other way around, Sue is rarely hooked up to electric. That is the beauty of the Wave 3 …you don’t need electricity. I bet Sue would tell us!
I know she is rarely hooked to electric. I think Michael stays in campgrounds more often than Sue. I think Sue rarely uses her Wav 3 because she camps where it isn’t cold. She has a small electric space heater which she has used in campgrounds. Since Michael said his camper already came with a propane heater and he doesn’t like it, perhaps a small electric would be more useful to him.
I’m going to be installing a Wave 3 catalytic heater in my rig (I believe this is what Sue has done as well). The Wave uses propane, but does not require electricity to run a (noisy) fan. So it is silent and will never deplete your batteries. You do have to supply a certain amount of vent area (basically crack a couple of windows, but they give you the exact specs) because it is not vented to the outside like the typical stock furnace.
When I was looking at these at first I saw the most photos of them in truck campers. Often people mount them on a cabinet door, so they can swing out and heat in various directions (they are radiant heat).
For those suggesting electric heaters – they are only practical when plugged in to shore power (I do carry one for those times since they are small and easy to stow).
The ol’ hot water “bottle” is also nice to have along (heat the water on the propane stove).
When it’s really cold out I sleep in long johns for “jammies” and then just get dressed right over them in the morning. Later on, when it warms up, I remove the long johns.
Michael I’ve been reading your blog and enjoying it, but I couldn’t find a place to sign up for notices. Do you have that?
Ginger, on his blog site look directly below Michael’s picture on the right. It will say “Follow Blog Via E-mail.” Fill in the blank, confirm your registration for the blog, and you’re good to go.
Hope this helps.
Cat Lady
Thanks
I have a 12v truckers mattress pad that costs about $90 at Amazon. I have a plug near my bed. For those trying to conserve batteries, you can just turn it on before going to bed… switch off while you sleep under all those blankets… and then turn it on for a bit in the morning to warm your clothes up with you.
I’m normally only parked one night so I leave it set below one all night and it keeps me toasty.
When I was a kid my dad used to heat a rock in the campfire. He would then wrap it in newspapers and then a big towel and put it in the bottom of my sleeping bag. Now that I camp in a trailer I’ve put the rock in the oven with dinner. Having warm feet all night makes me feel warm all over 🙂
Great idea!
We normally dry camp (no utilities), so we only use the heater to get us started in the morning, and last week at Yellowstone it was quite chilly at night. Lowest wake up temp of the trip was 29 degrees.
We have two wool Pendleton blankets on our bed (they were gifts) and they keep us toasty warm at night. While the heater is on to warm us up I like to lay my clothes on the dinette seat across from the heater to warm up my clothes before I put them on.
Great suggestions everybody! I really appreciate the thoughtful feedback and tips.
I’m definitely interested in a catalytic heater. Although the furnace does go through propane pretty fast it is indeed the batteries that are my biggest concern. A cold night could conceivably drain them by running the furnace fan, so an electricity-free catalytic is just the sort of solution that I’m looking for.
Until then, I think I’ll head over to Walmart and get a pair of long johns. At least that should help a bit. I’m loving my long sleeve thermal shirts…probably should pick up a few more of those as well.
I’m just thrilled to see you post.. We’ve never met, but I find myself thinking of you on a daily basis and wondering how you are doing. Glad to see your hanging in there. 🙂
Hi, Donna,
Welcome to the family of Sue’s blogerinos! 🙂
that’s how I feel too.
Welcome to blogorinos-ville!
Hi Donna
I feel the same, and often stop by to catch up on some more blogerinos chat as well. I love the vibe here.
Welcome to the family Donna!
Bridget did an great job hiking in all that snow. I am surprised that it didn’t freeze her little paws. I know that she is a little princess:) Seems she enjoyed taking charge.
Thanks for the photo of the Arctic Fox RV. They are legendary in the 4 seasons RV world. Looks like it’s workin’!
Hi ya!
Love the snow pictures. Darn tired of the heat and humidity here in Georgia..the snow looks wonderful!
In the picture of Bridget walking onto the bridge, what is at the end of the bridge? To me it looks like an avalanche is heading towards Bridger! Could be my tired eyes just aren’t seeing correctly tonight (also haven’t read the other comments so if this has been asked/answered I’ll look tomorrow).
Take care
ja
I’m glad to hear that Bridget is sticking to her health plan.. I had the same breakfast yesterday morning! be safe
Hi Sue,
…just checking on you. You’re doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances, it sounds. I think of you often and wonder how it’s going at the BLT.
Just because you don’t here from me, doesn’t mean I don’t care. Others, without question, would say the same.
My Mackie cat died in Jan. and today I pulled out a fleece top I’d put away last spring. White cat hairs brought tears. Dang. You are right about grief. ( I always knew her fur would be around long after she was. )
My time has been consumed by readying this duplex for market. Getting ready to show it a few days ago meant intense work, but now it will be easier the next time since I have all the stuff required. If only the people who viewed the place would buy, it would save me a ton of work.
Hang in there.
A hug to you and one for Bridget, too.
Hope those reminders bring sweet memories instead of tears soon
Thank you, Weather.
Hi, Sue,
I love the snow pictures – they are absolutely magical! The shot of the Artic Fox trailer looks like it could be in a snow globe! Beautiful area. Thank you for sharing with us!
Sometimes that Big Breakfast is calling to you, and nothing else will do! I had a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel McD’s meal to start my day. The drink was Diet Coke….of course….had to cancel out some of the fat and calories with some chemicals! Yep, a totally delusional thought, I know! 🙂
Sending you and adorable Bridget hugs and wishes for a peaceful night. Take time for yourself….the blogerinos will keep things rolling until you feel like checking in again. We will miss you. Sending you loving thoughts.
Hi Ja,
I also noticed the stuff at the end of the bridge in front of Bridget. I think what it is is that the path turns sharply to the right. What appears to be the avalanche is the edge of the pathway with the weeds and snow. It does look ominous.
Hi Pat
Thanks! That makes sense! Appreciate the reply
ja
Loved all the photo’s you shared and using one of the river flowing as my desktop on my laptop. One thing I’ve been told is grieving comes in waves so Sue just hang on. I know all about it. I do have good news for a change I start a part time job at a great company called Nielson. It’s perfect for me and I start Monday. It’s time for me to do this for now. I’ve read every post since the beginning of your adventure and I just love your blog it is very enjoyable and I feel like I know you…. that is so strange. It’s a first for me. Stay warm and safe. Lily and Rose send love to Bridget.
Congratulations on your new job! 😉
thank you I feel fortunate being older and all.
Hi Sue – I have been following your blog for a few years now (more recently on Feedly) and, like many others don’t usually comment but, as a woman who also loves her dogs as very much part of the family, just want to send my condolences on your and Bridget’s loss of Spike. When my Cairn Terrier Skye died a couple of years ago I found a lot of solace in creating a special memorial page for her on my blog, including a short video. http://www.highlanddrover.com Skye too was a motorhoming dog (or as you would say in the US an RVing dog) — I actually put it together on the night she died — sobbing all the way though, but it was such a healing thing to do.
One thing I’ve noticed whilst reading your last few posts is the large “Spike shaped hole” — it’s been a surprise to realise that. I know when Skye died I felt it for a long time, but didn’t realise that people reading my blog would also feel it.
I now have another travelling doggie companion Levi, a black English Cocker Spaniel. At the right time a dog decides that you are his. Levi chose me and, although he was 2 years old and had previously lived in a house and had no contact with other animals, (was rarely walked etc) he took to the travelling life like he was born to it. Annie
The link to Skye’s Page should be http://www.highlanddrover.com/p/skye.html
Really cute Annie… I just wanted to reach out and pet her.
Anyone see the northern lights last night?
No,did you?The night before last was when I’d read/heard it might be visible-and though it was a clear night they weren’t.Never thought to try last night.
Nope…it rained here…. But north of us toward the Canadian border they have gorgeous photos of it.
When we went to Alaska there was a chance to observe it. Froze our tooshes off …didn’t see it! I can only imagine how it looks in person!
Good morning! Sadly, no. I thought it was cool that there was a slim chance to see them without being in Alaska or Canada. Bummer that you guys did not see the lights on your trip, but I bet it was awesome all the same!
Were is your sign up bar? I need to re-signup since some how I was dropped. my inbox is missing your blog.
Hi again,scroll up to where you asked this question before,we answered you there,OK? 🙂
Someone mentioned writing a book–yes, please! write a book. I would buy it in a minute.
And an ignorant question. I was receiving regular emails whenever you created a new post but that seems to have stopped and I can’t find a place to sign up again. Has that option disappeared or am I just not seeing it? I don’t really do RSS feeds but guess I could learn to keep up with your posts. 🙂
Hi,if you scroll way up the page to DR Wubben’s first comment on this page,you’ll find some answers and suggestions,hope this helps 🙂
Your nice people, weather.
Cat Lady
🙂
Thanks weather. I don’t have time to read all of the comments (will some day when *I* retire!) so missed the information. Glad to know it wasn’t just me. 🙂
From a yard just past the cove the familiar sound of a log splitter is coupled with the occasional thunk of wood- tossed into a truck bed-I picture the sawdust cloud.The white clouds above me barely move as I scan the treetops.An American Goldfinch warbles and chatters away,finally showing his astonishing colors as he goes past- chasing the answer we both heard.
The pups run the hillside barking ,excited- their furry friends are announcing that they’ve ,at last, been let out too!Sunday’s visits are later than the rest, people usually answer alarm clocks instead of wakening for sunrise around here.
The different timing of all that changes the notes of morning’s song -played as I listen and watch-the leaves,and the light on them, seem to dance to it- as though they hear it with me-…
Sue,I hope your new place is beautiful in your eyes and a lifter of your spirit,as each curtain of this good day unfolds
Hi Weather….what State do you call home..it sounds like PNW with the loggin’ references…a lot of logging goes on here too..pine has now overtaken cotton as the top cash crop!
New York state-lots of folk in the country heat with wood-either as their primary source or as a back up.The only cash involved to speak of is what you don’t spend on more expensive fuel.These splitters aren’t commercial size,just big enough to get the job done,and often shared by more than one family- friends helping each other out where they can.
Beautiful country up there…I had dreamed to move Upstate to get out NYC when I realized city life really wasn’t my thing! Sometimes ( I worked in health care transport) we took people up to Tarrytown and Sleepy Hallow…just over the Tapanzee Br. sometimes even farther up Beautiful scenery!! They sent me to Rochester, but much of the trip was done at night. I’d like to go back up sometimes and travel at my leisure through that area..
You get SO many comments now, it’s amazing to me that you respond to as many as you do. Guess that’s one of the reasons you are so popular! The other reasons just might be the great photos and stories. 🙂
I’m glad you and Bridget are doing so well. I know what you mean about “talking” to Spike. I still swear I see my cat who has been gone for over a year now. I “see” her in the corner of my eye. They will always be with us.