Tuesday, September 6
As the crew and I leave Kinney Flats on our way to the next camp, we come upon six black steers standing shoulder-to-shoulder across the road in front of us.
“Hey, look, crew! A going-away party!”
I grab my camera only to find that the memory card is in the laptop inside the Best Little Trailer. (I don’t use the camera memory for photos.) The steers turn and plod into the woods.
Goodbye, Kinney Flats! You’ve been a great camp!
We’re on our way to Navajo Lake State Park.
To get there, we take Route 84 south.
We motor out of Colorado and into New Mexico. At the junction with Route 64 we turn west which takes us to Dulce in the Jicarilla Apache Nation. I gas up the Perfect Tow Vehicle at a station up the road from Wild Horse Casino.
Route 64 turns southward again, passing dried-up Dulce Lake. Then it goes west across the sage and rabbit brush, past cliffs of tan rock dotted with cedar trees.
The landscape shows little evidence of human presence, other than the workers repairing the road. A few, broken-down mobile homes, uninhabited, remind me that this is hardscrabble country.
We leave Apache Nation, cross Carson National Forest, and turn northwestward on Route 527. A sign says it’s 17 miles to Sims Mesa Campground where the road dead-ends at Navajo Lake.
After a morning of driving through desert, a glimpse of water boosts my anticipation. Bridget and Reggie perk up, somehow knowing we’ve reached our destination.
They’re eager to see their new home!
First stop is the self-pay station and information board.
A flyer posted next to the list of fees catches my attention.
With a pay envelope in hand, I board the PTV and we drive around the campground loops. I soon discover that the $8 “primitive & lake shore” sites are for tents only.
The $10 developed sites (no hook-ups) have fair separation between sites and are nice enough.
I let out the excited crew and we walk a few sites. The loop is almost half full. I can’t find a site away from a neighbor, which means generator noise is inevitable.
By this time, the sun is glaring and it is hot.
Gee, for $4 extra we could have air conditioning . . . .
I like the campsites in the developed (electric) campground. I find one that gives us a view with no other RVs in it, is reasonably level, and is a short walk from the shower house.
Yes, the shower house! Oh, my!
For $14 a night we get a nice site with shelter, a shower house, trash bins, and drinking water spigot nearby, and air conditioning. The map at the information board showed a dump station which I haven’t located yet. I’ll dump tanks when we leave here.
Oh, and also, no generator noise! This is a good deal!
I back us in. The campsite post says it’s a reservation site, open for one night only.
It being the Tuesday after Labor Day, I’m hopeful we can stay two nights without someone reserving the site out from under us.
After Bridget and Reggie have a chance to snoop around the site, we have lunch. The Best Little Trailer is pleasantly cool inside. I go online, check the blog, and then I join the crew for a nap.
Later, when the sun is low and it’s cooler outside . . . .
“Bridgie? Come here, honey. I have a surprise for you.”
Bridget follows me to the side door of the PTV. I pull out her car.
“Remember this, sweetie?” Obviously she does. Her tail is wagging and her eyes are sparkling and bright!
“In you go!”
The fee envelope is in my pocket. We take a shortcut across a campsite to the self-pay station.
“Aw, sweetheart. You’re welcome. I know you appreciate your car.”
Our check for $14 goes into the iron ranger and we’re off on a stroll-and-ride around the campground.
Reggie zigzags all around (and out of photos), while Bridget enjoys her elevated position.
“Wasn’t that fun?”
Once the crew is comfortable inside the BLT and I’ve replied to a few comments on the blog, I pack up my shower bag.
“I’ll be back in a little while. Be good puppies.”
The shower is wonderfully hot and I hear no crying upon my return to the BLT!
A colorful sunset makes a perfect ending to another day of living my dream . . . .
rvsue
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Boat ramp and marina, Sims Mesa, Navajo Lake, northwestern New Mexico
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first
HOORAY FOR DAWN! SHE’S FIRST TODAY!
Working on biographies for my upcoming 50th high school reunion–you popped up & then I couldn’t find the ? Hahaha! This getting old stuff…
Well, the important thing is YOU’RE FIRST TODAY! Ha!
Second?
YAY FOR RETIREDCAJUNLADY! SECOND PLACE!
Second?
SHAWNA TIES FOR SECOND PLACE! GOOD JOB!
Maybe top 5.
AND JOLENE GRABS THIRD PLACE! WOW!
First the other day and I was excited for that! LOL!
Looks like a nice place! Always love seeing the pups!
Now that I’ve read the post–I saw that sunset & knew you must be in New Mexico! Their state parks are such a great deal, especially if you’re going to spend some time there & buy the annual pass.
Bridge looks so happy in her vehicle–such a big smile. Reg is such a busy bee!
Hope you get to stay longer at this beautiful place. Thank you also for your step-by-step directions, Sue. Happy trails!
You’re welcome, Dawn,
Thanks for the feedback on the directions included in the post and for the good wish.
New Mexico state parks are a good deal. Our first months with the brand new BLT, we camped using the NM annual pass. $4 for electric sites (I didn’t have solar yet).
OK, I’m shooting for top five too!!
You did it, Millie!
The photo of the sunset is just gorgeous!! And I sure know what you mean about the hot shower!! Nothing like one when you really feel the need. Went to one of those Mega Music Festivals a few years back, primitive camping but they had a Shower trailer in addition to the Toilet trailers. The shower cost me $10 but to this day it is the best value for the money spent. I also made sure to be the first in line in the morning since the showers were shut down at midnight and thoroughly cleaned for the next day…it was spotless, hot and REFRESHING!! Ahhhhhhh…..
I’d say the extra $4 is well worth the AC and no generators! Beautiful sunset in the last photo and of course the Bridget and Reggie are cute as ever!
Hi, Jan,
I agree…. That’s the most I’ve received for $4 in a long time! And after all the free camping at Kinney Flats, the budget is doing fine. 🙂
Just had to tell you…after the conversation a short while back about tomato sandwiches, I was finally able to purchase some nice local tomatoes and hearty bread. I added some thin slice red onions and fresh mozzarella and I got to tell you, it really hit the spot! I’ve been sick for the last two weeks and this is the first thing that has tasted good in that time. I may even have another….grilled this time 🙂
Good for you, Jan! The first food you eat after being sick tastes great, doesn’t it. You can practically feel it restoring your health and each bite being converting into energy. That sandwich does sound tasty. I’m still eating tomato sandwiches, too… with lettuce. No onion or mozzarella on hand. I’ll have to try that sometime.
I’m glad you’re feeling better and have a healthy appetite. I love how you started your comment — “Just had to tell you…” 🙂
The onions were a new thing for me. Someone on your blog mentioned onion sandwich which alone doesn’t appeal to me but added to the tomato turns out to be pretty tasty…slicing thin is the way to go. The fresh mozzarella was calling out to me, sitting there already sliced next to the tomatoes and the rest is history 😉 I would have added lettuce if I had a nice crunchy lettuce leaf but I currently only have some baby leaf mix.
Hope you are enjoying your stay at Navajo Lake.
That was chuck aka pookie boy in Texas who suggested an onion sandwich. 🙂
Yes, we are enjoying Navajo Lake. Thank you.
That looks like a fabulous area Sue! Enjoy!
Thanks, Shawna… We are. 🙂
So glad you found a great site! That lake is a gorgeous color. You are getting a lot for your $14 at this site. Take care and enjoy your stay.
Thanks, rcl. Happy Wednesday to you!
What number am I……
Gosh everyone is quick with the fingers …..LOL.
Good move Sue
Ken
You may be at a disadvantage today, Ken. The email notifications are sent out in bursts, not all at the same time.
Yes, this is a good move. It’s hot in the afternoon and very pleasant the rest of the time. I love desert air as much as piney forest and ocean breeze. 🙂
Meant to say too, I love Bridgie’s smile!!
She’s been really happy lately. It’s been a long time since she woke up with a cramp in that back leg she injured. When that happens it bothers her for a long time. I pray it doesn’t cramp on her again.
Another great post. It is ok where you are now. Not real green, but still nice. A hot shower sound great. That is one thing that I think I would miss the most in a lifestyle like yours. Other things would more than make up for it though I think. I miss the cows in your last camp. I bet they are going to miss you too. I think they liked watching the crew. Be safe
Hi, Jean,
Gosh, I wish I caught that shot of the cattle lined up across the road as if they didn’t want us to go. So funny! Yeah, they did enjoy watching us, especially Reggie. He became so accustomed to them, he didn’t pay them much attention, unless they came too close to camp.
Looks like a beautiful place! When I am full-time next year I’m going to check it out! Also thank you for sharing the directions as you do it will be much appreciated in the future.
Safe travels
Cheryl, Tennessee
Hi, Cheryl,
I wholeheartedly recommend New Mexico state parks. Purchasing an annual pass and then bopping around from park to park, either dry camping for no additional charge or hooking up to electric at $4 a night, is a great way to transition into full-timing. You have a camp host, trash bins, water spigots, and showers. It gives you a chance to learn your rig without feeling pressured about finding the next camp.
I remember that is what you did. You had that pass when you very first started out with your new Casita. I still can not believe that you had never camped before when you decided to try this life. The best decision you ever made looks like.
It was the best decision I ever made. And my lack of camping experience is proof that you don’t need it in order to make this lifestyle work for you!
Lovely photo of that sweet girl’s face, she looks so happy in her limo.
I love new Mexico parks and appreciate the view. I had forgotten you spent time there when you started out, I must read early posts again.
Your blog is like a well loved book, always worthy of revisiting !
Thank you, Lee J. What a very nice compliment!
Wow…
What a perfect campground! A lake, shelter, showers, electric, peace and quiet for $14….sign me up! I plan to go full-time soon and your advice about the NM park pass sounds great. I lived in Santa Fe for a couple years back in 2001…and would love to go back to explore more of the state.
Thanks for the lovely photos too!
You’re welcome, Diane J. I’m glad you liked the photos.
Sims Mesa is also a perfect campground for us right now because I’ve been longing for the dry, hot air. It’s fun to see the jackrabbits again, and a sunset typical of the Southwest…
The only disadvantage is the remoteness of Sims Mesa. Bring plenty of food and supplies because it’s a long haul to a store!
Ok thanks for tip!
Diane J. Don’t miss Truth or Consequences NM! Chuck and I lived there for several years and fell in love with the hot springs there. Elephant Butte State Park is nearby. This is where we met Sue a few years ago. We workamped at Riverbend Hots Springs and it is still our favorite place to soak, it’s right on the Rio Grande River and you can google it. Winters we preferred to soak in Blackstone Hot Springs. Make sure you call and reserve the wet room!
Another favorite campground with a town attached is Chloride NM, right off I-25 through some gorgeous back country! It is an old mining ghost town that is seeing a bit of a revival! Beautiful 5 campsites in the campground. Bring what you need here though, no nearby grocery or restaurants. But it is worth your time!
Ok great….thanks Geri!
I am definitely interested in any hot springs, I’ve been to Ojo Caliente and loved it! I’ll certainly check out that campground also.
Great pictures of Bridget!!!! She looks happy to be in her car. The last shot of the sunset is so pretty. Your new camp looks nice…I love the water!!!!
Enjoy your stay.
My love to you and crew!
Love to you and your crew, too, Pauline. I’m happy you enjoy my blog and the photos I post.
Nice spot! Moving to a warmer area now that Labor Day has passed?
Bridget looks so pleased with her car. She’s even tolerating being photographed!
Hi, ValGal,
I do want to see the fall color in Colorado. Not this year. In order to do that we would need to run the heater a lot and put up with cold mornings. When you’re a morning person, getting up at 5 a.m., when the world doesn’t warm up until 11 a.m. (the sun doesn’t clear the mountains until late!), it’s uncomfortable for an outdoors person and especially for a chihuahua.
I think we’d have to stay in RV parks and run an electric heater on high for several hours to keep the chill out.
I actually could feel (MY) stress level lessen as you settled into your new home-spot. Ahhhhhhh, so nice. 🙂 I think I need a camping fix. lol
Hi, Sherri D….. Yes, go camping! 🙂
Hi RVS&C, Bet I’m close? 🙂
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mixflickr/29416881502/in/dateposted-public/
Nope, that’s not it. I think that road that goes out of the photo to the left is our loop. A shower house is diagonally across the road from our campsite. 🙂
Mick’s invented a new game–tag Sue’s campsite! ?
Sue, I know you value your privacy (and agree), but I appreciate you sharing the routes you take, because I often pull up google satellite view and follow along, zooming in to practice spotting likely boon docking sites. Of course the real test is inspecting in person, but it’s good practice.
74 days till we pick up our FD17! Whoo hooo!
Hi, Steve,
Searching for a boondock and then camping in one you’ve found is something you will enjoy. Remember I didn’t have any experience finding boondocks — my first was shown to me — and yet, with practice, I’ve discovered several, secluded, and lovely camps. The more you look for them, the easier it becomes. Great idea to practice while you count down the days to picking up your trailer.
Love Ms B’s big smile!! So nice to find a site that checks all the boxes – especially when it’s hot and you can have AC and a big shower :-)))) Beautiful sunset!
Hi, Jodee,
A Southwestern sunset…. I look forward to seeing more of those!
I love NM. Glad you snagged a nice spot AND got to use the air conditioning! 🙂
Thanks, Dawn. You remind me of a thought I had as we drove out of Colorado into New Mexico. Most times there isn’t much difference between states near the border they share. This drive into New Mexico, suddenly it was very obvious “We aren’t in Colorado anymore, crew.” 🙂
Thanks so much for the update! It always puts a smile on my face. I LOVE the pics of Bridget looking so happy in her limo! Did you ever get the gas problem resolved? (I think you turned off the supply to your heater?)
Hi, Dawn… It’s a pleasure to show off Bridget’s pretty smile. 🙂
No, I haven’t done anything about the propane leak, other than turn the shut-off valve and forget about it. Summer is for fun stuff. I’ll attend to it when I’m done procrastinating.
Keep smiling!
Maybe you could go to that nice shop in Elephant Butte to fix your gas problem? They were such nice folks there!
Oh, you mean the guy who installed the propane heater. Darn, can’t remember his name right now. No, we aren’t going that way…
Chip
Oh, right. Chip. I was thinking Chris and I knew that wasn’t right. Chip’s a great guy.
Hi Sue, what a lovely camp. Our realtor is coming tonight to put our house on the MLS. We are about 6 to 8 weeks away from launch. First place we plan to go is New Mexico…Bosque Del Apache to see the sand hill cranes. We will miss the festival as it is in November and we need to be in Texas by Nov. 1, but we hope we get enough time to stop at Bosque for a few days before we head out to Texas and then across to Florida. I hope our internet is good so I can continue to comment and follow you, but not literally, ha!
Hi, Shirlene,
Your plans are coming together! May you have a buyer for your house very soon. 🙂
I also hope you have good internet because I want to hear about your NM experience, the Bosque Del Apache, and the sand hill cranes. I’ll never forget the sound of the cranes flying over our camp at Percha Dam State Park one morning. One of the best “wake up calls” ever!
It makes me very happy to see you here again, Shirlene, and to read about the plans you have as vagabonders!
Omg, I just love seeing Bridget’s happy smile!
Me, too! She has such an expressive face and old soul.
Me too. Gave me a big smile; she looked down right ecstatic.
Navajo Lake is beautiful, the water is so blue. Seems like a really nice camp for $14.00.
Don’t you just love it when our pups are happy and smiling? Since we have had a few days of lower humidity and dew points, Angel has been really perky.
She has a new friend, it is a little fawn. For the last 3 days it has just been standing at the edge of the brush when we go out for our noontime walk. The two of them just stand & stare at each other. Too funny! Of course mama is just a few steps away in the brush. This fawn is really tiny, I bet it doesn’t weigh 25 lbs. but is soooo cute.
We now have armadillos, a fox & raccoons to add to our collection of wildlife here in the Galleria area. Think I told you about the bobcat and her 2 cubs that have been sighted here as well. I find all this wildlife amazing since our area is pretty developed commercially as well as residential, with just pockets of green space. We do have two new parks nearby to help preserve green. Thanks goodness!
Hi, Barbara,
Nice to see you had some time off from your work to write a newsy comment here. I enjoyed reading it very much… especially about Angel being perky in the cooler weather and all the wildlife you see. How cute that Angel and the fawn are interested in each other. It’s like when a human baby sees another human baby…
Thanks for the good read!
Thanks for the reply, Sue. It’s amazing that she remembers where it was standing & finally went into the brush with her mama. In the evening, we go down the hill and she stops there and looks to see if the fawn is there. Such a sweet girl. I have to run down to the vet tomorrow and get her heart medication as well as heartworm prevention meds. Next month she has to get her vaccinations updated and her heart X-ray to see if the meds are keeping the murmur and enlarged portion under control.
Wow – you hit the jackpot on this place. Hot showers, electricity, a nice quiet spot, gorgeous sunsets, and not too expensive. I’m thrilled that you’re in New Mexico – I want to take our RV there next year and don’t know much about it. I’m sure you’ll have some good information to share.
Miss Bridget looks so happy in her royal carriage … just wondering why you don’t use it more often? To encourage exercise?
Hi, Cynthia,
If you haven’t read my early posts, you can see photos and learn about NM state parks and surrounding areas. In the second half of 2011, we stayed at these NM state parks: Brantley Lake, Coyote Creek, Storrie Lake, Eagles Nest, Santa Rosa Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, Leasburg Dam, Percha Dam, Conchas Lake, and Caballo Lake. In 2016 we added Bluewater Lake to that list.
To see those posts, do an internet search of “RVSue + (name of state park)”
Bridget’s ride in her car yesterday was a treat. Up until then I only put her in it when she doesn’t want to walk or, in rare instances, when it’s easier if she rides (no need to stop for breaks and we can move along more quickly.)
You’re right. I don’t want Bridget to start demanding I bring the car around. 🙂 She needs to exercise.
Thanks Sue, I’ll go back and read those posts.
Goodness Sue, you scored with that campsite!! A shower!! Congratulations!
Thank you, casitagirl! We are enjoying our stay here. And…. Now that it’s afternoon I’ve paid for another night because apparently no one has reserved this site.
We love the NM state parks.City of Rocks is the favorite.
City of Rocks was one of our favorite SP’s also!
Hi, chas….One of these days I plan for us to try City of Rocks. I’ve heard much about it.
So glad to see you in NM! I am so torn…. I love where we live in Florida, I really do BUT I am also so homesick for NM. Wish they were a bit closer together! <3
Yesterday was a bonus day here, we saw not 1, not 2, not 3 but FOUR bald eagles! WOW! We usually see about one every month or so, but FOUR? In the same day? Blessed!
Love seeing Bridget looking so regal in her royal carriage! Ha! Such a sweetie. Also love to see Reggie looking out the window at his new camp home! Enjoy your stay there, is looks like a comfy spot to hang out! Hugs and belly rubs to the crew and know we hug you in our hearts!
I wish you were closer, too!
Maybe the hurricane has the eagles changing their routines. Four in one day is unusual!
PS And I forgot to tell ya……. THAT SUNSET PHOTO IS AWESOME!
Thanks, Geri. Sunset photos taken in the Southwest are not very challenging. The “work” has already been done. 🙂
Only God can paint a sky! He just does it so well in the Southwest and over the Gulf of Mexico! Grin!
You were a lot smarter than I was, Sue. I had heard good things about Navajo Lake State Park, but ended up in the Cottonwood Campground along the river below the dam. It had no view at all and was at the end of a two-mile long, very bumpy and dusty dirt road! Had to fight the brush just to get to the river. Won’t go back there again, but will try one of the other campgrounds, such as Sims Mesa next year or whenever.
Hi, Judy,
I’m sorry you didn’t have a great experience at Cottonwood Campground. No, I’m not smarter than you. There are three campgrounds around Navajo Lake in NM… Cottonwood and Pine Site on the west side and Sims Mesa on the east side.
Why did I choose Sims Mesa? Looking at my atlas, Sims Mesa looked like the least convenient drive and the furthest one from the towns of Bloomfield and Farmington (thus, few people). Several miles of lonely road is a good thing. Many folks won’t go this far away from a main road.
Also, John, the friendly guy I met at Clear Creek dispersed camping area told me that he was at Sims Mesa in the off-season and he really enjoyed his stay — hardly any people and he had his pick of campsites.
Has Bridget realized yet that when she is in her car, she can’t hide from the camera? She’s so cute! Yes, Reggie, you are just as cute!
Hi, Pat…. To answer your question….
When Bridget is in her car, she is so happy and good-natured that she doesn’t CARE what I do with the camera.
Hi Sue,
Lovely post as always… I am learning so much on how to do and what to do when we and Mrs Boxin hit the road.
Question, when you pay the “iron ranger” do you keep a tear off receipt and do you display that somewhere? Or do you have to simply provide that on demand to a real ranger if they show up doing a survey and they ask?
Thank you, BoxinTheCompass…
The pay envelope has a tear-off receipt. Instructions on the envelope vary. Some say to put the receipt so it hangs from the clip on the site post. Others say to put it on your windshield. The NM state parks pay envelopes have two receipts… One for the windshield (or site post) and the other for the door of your camper (the latter so there’s a receipt available when you drive off in your vehicle.
One thing I learned the hard way… Don’t stick the receipt on your windshield or door using the adhesive on the receipt. I had to use steel wool to get it off!
Anyway… This system allows the camp host or ranger to keep track of campers without having to bother talking to the campers.
Sue, a hint for removing the sticky tape residue from your window…. WD 40 ! It works well. Of course Goo Gone works well also, but more of us fulltimers keep WD 40 handy and not Goo Gone.
What a great smile Bridgee babeeeee! Nice site and a shower to boot!
Careful with that lurking bobcat! Enjoy your evening!
You, too, Cinandjules!
Hi guys! I’m wondering what elevation this campsite is at? It’s pretty but I bet it’s too high for me.
I notice that someone bought a Fitbit zip. I was wondering, are they easy to use? Do they help? I need to start getting more active as the weather cools.
I’ve been lazy lately and sleeping a lot. Or maybe my health is why I’m tired? But I am so when I’m tired I just go with it.
How is everyone?
Hi, Ginger… To answer your question the best I can regarding the elevation of the campground. Online I read that Navajo Lake is 6,100 feet.
QUESTION FOR BLOGORINOS: Have you used a Fitbit? Is it easy to use and do they help?
I had a Fitbit, it died and I didn’t bother replacing it. The thing is easy enough to use although you better be somewhat computer literate. The software hooks you into a large data base where they log your progress and compare you to your peers (friends). This encourages competition to some degree. I got behind my goals a bit due to a rainy period and did some longer walks to try to catch up. The result was a sore tendon and a visit to the Ortho doctor. My fault but with encouragement from Fitbit.
There have been some complaints about the accuracy of the data collection but I feel this is minor; so what if you walk 4,9 miles and fitbit logs 5.1.
I bought a Fitbit scale that connected into the system … didn’t work, sent it back. I was not alone.
I am now back to my paper log book and carry a Garmin for an accurate measurement of distance. Low key and I can change my goals daily and whos to know. 🙂
I have a Fitbit Charge HR and love it. My first one had a defect and Fitbit replaced it – no questions asked, even though I hadn’t kept my receipt. You do need to be a little computer literate, but if I can figure it out, anyone can. You sync your tracker (that’s what they call the Fitbit on your wrist) to your Fitbit app on your desktop or your mobile device. I love it because you can input what you eat – the database is huge – and it tells you if your calorie expenditure is over or under your calorie intake. I do fine all day and then blow it at night with a glass or two of wine – LOL. But I do know people who have lost weight by keeping their calorie intake under their calorie expenditure – now there’s a novel idea!!!!
So you just input the name of the food and it tracks the calories?
Except for the past week or so with bronchitis, I have worn the same fitbit one which attaches by clip to my clothes, for coming up on 4 years in December. It works for me. I don’t pay attention to the distance, using my steps to challenge me. A update to iPhone messed up its auto synch but when I feel better ill fix that. I love my fit bit and may well replace it with same model. It’s simple for me and has been flawless until the synch glitch, which meanwhile I just write steps in calendar at end of day. I have been known to do an extra walk just so I can write down the next higher 4 th digit ESP if it means going over 9999! I really don’t want one on my wrist so like this as it is, with clothing clip. The rechargeable battery holds about a week to ten days before needing a couple of hours on charger. Some has trouble with the silicone cover tearing but I chalk it up to not being careful as mine is fine after all this time.
Aw-w, a going away party to start your day’s trip to a place with so much to enjoy-how wonderful! It’s such a pleasure to read about the three of you having a great day. The shelter to lend a shady spot at(or under) the table is like icing on the cake in a site with so much else to offer. I read above in a reply that you’ll at least be there in the morning, too. I imagine it’s a sweet change to not be as chilly then as you had been recently until this move. Add not having to wash your hair bent over a basin, you must be having full body happy sighs 🙂 Thanks for a feel good, bring out the smiles post and photos. As nice as my day was and as beautiful as my surroundings are, all of it is even better when I know it’s also true for Bridget, Reggie and you.
Your writing is like warm water flowing over me, weather. Thank you for sharing our happiness.
What a lovely description and compliment, thank you , Sue. Warm water feel wonderful in many ways…walking – in a summer rain shower, or now in the lake’s edge where it’s close to the air’s temperature near sunset. It surprised me by arriving overnight in an unpredicted heavy rain to sleep more soundly with. When this morning I found that the jeep’s window had been open and my driver’s seat was wet I took a towel out to sit on so enjoyed the clouds and ride anyway. Now that we’ve had another long and wonderfully loud thunderstorm the entire dirt lane I park along will take rain boots to walk in. I still love splashing through puddles and now have the perfect excuse 🙂
Beautiful thoughts Weather 🙂
🙂
Hi Sue and Crew… Beautiful sunset and Bridget sure looked like she was enjoying her ride. Dogs do smile – I don’t care what anyone says! I am enjoying your travels and learning so many how to’s. I am looking forward to wandering wherever. Have a great day!
Thanks, Linda. I like your wording — “wandering wherever.” That’s the best way!
Looks like you are going to miss the remnants of tropical storm Newton. So far, down here in So NM, it’s been a bust; but the Gila Mts are getting a good soaking. Loved scrolling down the pictures of Bridget. Labor Day weekend is over and now we can get back to our quiet little town. The summer was good for the economy though. Following you is helping me through the bummers that I have had this year, so keep on wandering.
Hi, EmilyO,
Good to see you here! I hate that you’ve had struggles and “challenges” this year. If my blog helped you through it in the slightest way, I’m glad for that.
No sign of storm at Navajo Lake. Beautiful day today, perfect temperature, some cloud cover.
Normal Radiation is 5 to 20 CPM
1,564 CPM, 312.8 Times Normal, Navajo Lake, NM.
Have a wonderful radioactive weekend and remember to Dodge the Rads, it’s dangerous out there.
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2016/08/13/your-radiation-this-week-no-69-and-70/
Loo Read, Is there a uranium mine in the area? There are several in NM and AZ.
So that’s why my complexion has a lovely glow today . . . .
LOL
hahahahaha
My guess is that in your working life you were not a science teacher?
You should think about getting some type of air purification device to catch rads in a disposable filter you can then discard.
Invisibilia (Latin for invisible things) is about the invisible forces that control human behavior – ideas, beliefs, assumptions and emotions.
http://www.npr.org/podcasts/510307/invisibilia
Sweet of you to provide the definition of invisibilia for me, Mr. LooRead. You couldn’t possibly know that I studied Latin for four years… 4.0, BTW.
Homines libenter quod volent credunt. 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing …reading your story gives me inspiration for this day to continue working towards my dream of living on the road full time starting March 22nd 2017. I have two Pomeranians and am a traveling vendor that sells military items and bling for women at rallies and shows throughout the country. I am 53 and am selling my house after 19 years to get out of a growing horrible neighborhood in Colorado to live in a teardrop trailer and a Ford Transit XLT van that I will upgrade after being on the road for a while. I’m looking at Casitas, Burros Scamps and T@Bs. I love your pups car. They both are adorable. And I wish you safe and enjoyable Journeys… Paula
Thank you, Paula, and welcome to Blogorinoland! I appreciate you reading my blog.
Your plan sounds very good! How fortunate for you to begin full-timing at such a young age. I wish you and your pom-poms many happy days and nights as you live “on the road.” Thanks for introducing yourself and sharing your vision for your future.
Nice to see you again Sue and Crew! I’ve been blessed with an abundance of work so I missed this posting. I sure enjoyed reading it though, this morning. What made me smile is Bridget recognizing her stroller and being so happy about it. Then to top it all off, your “living the dream” ending and photo was the best, well, one of the best. Take care and happy travels.
Thanks, Renee. Bridget’s face “lit up” when I pulled her stroller out of the PTV. I believe she sees it as an honor and privilege, in the way that dogs perceive things.
I hope you know that when I said that this was “well, one of the best” what I meant was that ALL of your photos are the best, so it’s hard to pick!
I knew what you meant. 🙂
Hey Sue,
We were there not too long ago. I think a better place to camp is the campground actually on the river-the sites are pretty well spaced and there is electric, as well.
There are huge cottonwood trees to camp under-pretty neat. We drove up to the lake, as well, get a look at the Dam, too! It is a beautiful reservoir and I think the park spans two states, as well. Happy Camping!
Terri
Just reading the comment about Cottonwood campground. When we camped there, there was no real view of the river per se, but there is a great walking path behind the campsites that goes up the river and ends in the day use area. We had a great time watching trout fishing going on! The trees are beautiful! OH well, different strokes for different folks!
It would be helpful to know what month you camped at Cottonwood.
Bridget and the sunset were the stars of this post. The camera was loving her and her happy face. She does love her car.
Sue, how do you keep the BLT so clean? It never even looks dusty. So nice and shiny.
Hi, Applegirl,
I agree. Bridget is the star of this post. The sunset was nice, too. 🙂
I have done very little to keep the BLT clean. It’s the nature of fiberglass to wash clean with a little rain. The hailstorm in Colorado helped, too. Sometimes I go outside and wipe down the BLT after a rain, if there are any streaks. Usually I do nothing, which is my go-to solution for a lot of life’s situations.
Hi everyone ,
Sue this Post is lovely and a reminder of why I chose the full time life. The last couple days have been a glimpse into the future. My Dad had a significant blockage in his carotid artery which was removed successfully yesterday. He is home and recuperating well, actually we all are. My parents are blessed with very good health and this is only the second health concern my Dad has had at 85. Helping them through the process showed me what is coming, especially when I had to leave them both home while I sped off to get pain meds and groceries. I am thankful that I can be here with them and they are accepting of my input. Being mobile makes it possible for me to spend the warmer months alongside them both, precious days. And my Dad and service dog have a love-fest going on, belly rubs have become a morning ritual. I am greatly blessed as I continue to downsize and modify my trailer. Stay well all.
Thank God your father’s surgery went well. These are precious days for you and your parents. I’m happy for all of you.
Thanks for the update, Lisa.
Hi RvSue,
We camped at Cottonwood in late September, if I remember correctly, cause we left our trailer there for 3 days while we drove down to Chaco Canyon to tent camp-and it was in the mid-eighties there but during the day it was so hot the sun just peeled the skin off ya! At night, though, it was quite pleasant.
I asked because I wondered about the condition of the campground. Sounds like you were at Cottonwood a year ago. Maybe heavy use this summer caused the condition to be less appealing by the time Judy arrived there.
Yeah, it still gets hot in this part of the country in September.