Bridget, Spike and I wake to a beautiful morning.
The weather forecasts had me expecting a cold night in the low 30s. It couldn’t have dropped that low because we were comfortable all night without the heater turned on. Upon waking I run outside with the crew in my nightclothes to catch the morning light on the hillside.
Burned trees are evidence of the fire a few years ago (See at the top of hill).
San Francisco Peak is in the distance.
I covet a nearby site this morning.
See Spikey to the right of the tree? He shows how tall it is.
The crew and I are walking around and we come upon this site with a tall tree (above). It has a large, level area to park on and the view is as good as the site we camped in overnight. However, after a few minutes I realize the wind is stronger at this site. Our present camp is the best!
We have a very nice tree at our campsite so there’s no need to covet another!
We’re in a little dell that protects us from the wind. It has the “cozy” factor. Anyone who boondocks knows what I mean by the “cozy” factor.
I thought the junipers next to the Perfect Tow Vehicle would block the early morning rays from the solar panel, making a move necessary. I’m happy to discover the sun’s rays slide by the junipers at a perfect angle to hit the panel, so we’re good to stay here.
Bridget makes herself scarce whenever I try to take a photo.
Thus she’s not shown in today’s post. Spike doesn’t care if the angle makes his butt look fat or if his hair is mussed up. He’s living in the moment all the time.
The ground is dark grey in some areas, reddish tan in others (just so you know this camera doesn’t lie).
We relax around camp all day.
I read my kindle while facing our view.
I used the camera zoom to better show one of the mountains in our view.
Bridget and Spike snooze in the sun. The pines rustle softly in the wind that blows through the valley below.
A bird of prey floats on the air currents, making great, sweeping arcs over our campsite. I try to identify the bird by the black and white undersides of its wings. The closest I can find in my field guide is a Swainson’s Hawk, but I don’t think this is the right type of environment for that bird. Oh well . . . I can enjoy it without knowing the name on it.
Scrub jays are plentiful. A chipmunk scurries about in the fire ring, acting like he lives there. Goes to show how long there’s been a ban on campfires.
I work online for a few hours.
I’m going to miss having internet connection when we cross the Navajo rez on our way to Monument Valley and Bluff, Utah. I’m trying to complete as much as I can now while I have signal.
I’m preparing the wish list for Rusty’s house-warming gifts.
I’d like to have it ready to post as soon as Rusty tells me he has a home and an address. Prior to that, I need to know if anyone in the Prescott area has furniture in good condition to help furnish Rusty’s new place, like a double or queen-size bed, a couch, table and chairs, a recliner, coffee table, end tables . . . that sort of thing. We need you to provide delivery.
Rusty cannot pick up furniture with his truck and he is unable to unload furniture at his house. I know it’s a lot for me to ask, but it can’t hurt to ask, right? Especially for a friend.
rvsue
I know there will be lots of good folks there to help Rusty when he needs it. I’m ready to click on your Amazon link for a gift card. Your new site is so beautiful. I would find it difficult to concentrate on reading with that extraordinary view in front of me.
I read, I look around, I read, I look around some more, oh look at the bird, I read, I look around. . . so it goes.
It’s tough, Sue, I’m glad you can handle it……….beautiful spot, tall trees shed branches from time to time….espescially if it gets a little windy. Hope to run into you!!! Chuck in T or C
We’re going to run into each other because at some point I’m going to wait for you and Geri to catch up!
Oh… the envy!
I’m sorry!
The view is gorgeous…I’d be as happy as a jay camped where you are 🙂 Yes, the Navajo rez does have dead spots for phone and internet. Monument Valley is beautiful…I sat close to the rim to catch the moon rising and the sun rising too. The place reminds me of Star Wars scene. I’m beginning to wonder about Bridget being lazy….very unusual for a dog. But then you know your little pooches best. My Chowder was sick last week and come to find out he ate some green chili given to him by the neighbor’s kid. No more hand outs from neighbors….I asked them nicely not to feed my dogs cuz some foods are not good for dogs i.e. chocolate. Take care. Love the photos!
Gee, close call with Chowder. I’m glad he recovered from the green chili.
About Bridget . . . I think dogs are like people in certain ways. Some are energetic explorers like Spike and others are more sedate, wanting to follow “Mom” around. Bridget is very intelligent, studying every move I make, listening to words and understanding many of them. Spike, on the other hand, well, he runs on impulse and instinct most of the time.
I think the elevation is a factor, too. The first day at this high camp all three of us took a long, afternoon nap.
Oh Sue!!! What a GORGEOUS campsite you have! I’d Love to camp there someday. Enjoy!!! Hugs to the Pups! Dixie
I’d love for you to see this place in person, Dixie. The photos can only convey so much.
Where are you at ? Pretty spot. How nice of you to help Rusty out so much. I hope he gets his house soon.
http://sierrasusieq-mylifeinphotography.blogspot.com/
I describe where we are presently camped in the sidebar.
Sue,
The bird of prey could very possibly have been a Harris Hawk. They often spend the winter in the desert areas of Arizona and head to the mountains in the summer months. I formerly lived in Cave Creek, AZ and would see these birds throughout the year.
Warren in Kiev, Ukraine
Kiev! Wow! My little ol’ blog is going places!
Hello, Warren. . . I hoped someone would help me identify that bird. I’ll look for him/her again today. That’s what I like about camping on a ridge or hill. . . watching the birds float in graceful spirals on the thermal currents.
Nice to receive your updates on how you and the kids are doing Sue.Here in Australia, my wife and I do a lot of traveling around our big country mainly free camping along the way. Although we have a place to come home to, we cant wait to pack up and hit the road again.The open road the open country side hits you like some sort of disease and infects the whole system. There is no cure.Your camp is a lovely spot.How far would the nearest town be re-supplies ect.Happy camping.
Hi Terry . . . I know what you mean about the desire to get out on the open road is like an incurable disease… or an addiction. Great that you have a lot of free camping in Australia, too. I’d come visit if they’d build a bridge!
It’s about eleven miles to East Flagstaff where there is a big grocery store, a shopping mall, auto repair shops, etc.
I am counting the days before I leave parker, az its 100 degrees here and I have 4 days left before I am on my way to Huntsville UT 8500 ft. Just love the pines I can smell it already. Enjoy the awsome cool air Sue.
Ooh-boy, Iris! From 100 degrees in the desert to 8,500 feet in the pines. How exhilarating! I know you’ll be so happy to smell those pines.
Love, love your new spot! Tell Miss Bridget to get her little buns in front of the camera next time.
Her “little” buns are what I usually catch with my camera as she runs to hide!
what a nice site, so private, I would enjoy listening to the quiet.
I’m sure there are some folks who would see this kind of camping/living as boring. I, like you, relish the absence of human noise.
I’m still waiting to se a painting of your lovely view
I guess photography has pushed the painting aside for now.
Hi Sue,
I know you have told us in the past Rusty is not interested in receiving cash gifts. However, having a gift account where he could shop at Goodwill would help out the good folks at Sally Ann and they should have everything he needs to set up his new home. They probably know someone who can effect the delivery also; exceptions to every rule.
All the best,
Barrie
Hi Barrie…..
Rusty would appreciate cash or store gift cards! He’s can use that to help him get started in his new lifestyle. It’s checks that he doesn’t want.
I am so glad to learn that you too ‘read a little, gaze a little’ as I thought it was just me! In fact the prettier the surroundings where we are, the more distracted I become.
Such problems we should all be so lucky to have, yes? 🙂
The wonderful thing about camping with beautiful scenery is it gives me an excuse to do nothing. I sit and soak it in.
I always try to hit the restores at the Habitat for Humanity. They usually have a great selection and it is for a great cause. It seems the one in Prescott have a senior discount and a military discount. Here is there web page: http://prescotthabitat.org/restore-|-prescott-area-habitat-for-humanity/
Thanks, Bee.
Sue, I have a wooden kitchen table and chairs if Rusty would like them. We can deliver it and we could even pick up and deliver any other items in the area (as long as it’s not in the Valley,Phoenix area). We can pick items up from Flagstaff,Cottonwood, Camp Verde,Dewey,Humbolt and Prescott/Prescott Valley/Chino Valley area.
Sue if ya send me an email or give mine to Rusty, I’ll give you my phone number so he has it. We’ll try to help Rusty with all we can…Hubby is a disabled Vietnam vet too and would love to help Rusty anyway we can.
Dear, dear Vicki! You are an answer to prayer!
I am so excited! Your offer to pick up items from other people’s homes and to deliver opens up so many more possibilities. I’m sure there are folks who have furniture they’d like to give as house-warming gifts but they don’t have a way (or the strength or time) to deliver it.
My thanks to you and your husband for this thoughtful and generous offer. I’ll email you soon. (I say, “soon”, … My connection keeps dropping… darn… just when I’m super excited!)
Yay! You’ve made my day!
We are so Thankful to be able to help anyway we can to help Rusty n Timber make this transition to a new home! 🙂
Vicki, you are exactly what Rusty needs, a family close by and a veteran too, who will know how Rusty is feeling about the move. This is wonderful!
You have once again found an awesome site. The view is stunning. Glad you got a minute to read your kindle and enjoy the scenery, nature and the smells that comes with it.
Oh no not the dreaded chipmunks! Shhhh don’t let Bridget know.
Have fun making the list for Rusty and Timber’s home. What a nice gesture Vicki and her husband have made. No, it’s not alot to ask…your blog is a way of getting information out…..if you don’t put it out we wouldn’t know. Most places have delivery…..Walmart certainly does…which is good. As you always have in the past with just mentioning a mere suggestion………………we have no problems taking and running full speed with it. Half the time…you have to pull back on our reins!
Enjoy your day. Give the crew a hug!
Hello, Cindy and Jules!
Yes, isn’t the offer from Vicki and her husband wonderful!
As for WalMart, I think anything Rusty buys there, he will be able to cart home in his truck, as he won’t buy big and heavy things there. But it’s good to know that delivery is available.
It’s not just personal greed 🙂 that has me hoping folks will order stuff from Amazon. The delivery (often free) is a big plus. I have this vision of the UPS truck making daily stops at Rusty’s new place with boxes for him to open. It’ll be Christmas every day!
Always a pleasure to hear from you . . .
Delivery is available when you purchase online. Any Walmart associate will load items you purchase in the store in your vehicle. I’m sure one of Rusty’s neighbors would be more than happy to help also.
Once you post the list…I’m positive your Amazon account will no doubt have business. Everyone here enjoys helping others!
Hi Sue! I’m not sure if or realize that the San Feancisco Peaks are considered a spiritual area by several Native American tribes in the area, Navajo (Dine’), for one. There have been religious activities there for many generations but now, the peaks are under seige by the Ski Lodge in the area. They have managed to co-exist with the tribes with some tension, but still sharing the same areas, until recently. Now the ski lodge wants to expand it runs and use recycled sewage water to create new runs! Now the tribes have a problem with this! Who can blame them? This is their holy place! If you are interested in reading more here is a link, not much of this struggle between tribes and $$$profit for ski lodge makes much of a ripple in the media, but it is very important for the tribes involved!
http://narcosphere.narconews.com/notebook/brenda-norrell/2011/08/flagstaff-police-attack-and-arrest-san-francisco-peaks-marchers
Hope you don’t mind me bringing this other side of the San Francisco Peaks to your beautiful campsite!
I don’t mind at all, Geri. I know you have an affinity with Native Americans.
Sue, I think it is amazing how you have become the vessel for other ‘angels’ to get together and help a fellow… What a treat it is to read of your adventures and your travels!
Yeah for Rusty and Timber!!!
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Hi Barb… That amazing part are all the angels who gather ’round me, the crew, Rusty, and Timber.
Joy-Estes Park Colorado-Well, Bluff ,Utah is my most favorite place.I always go there on my way to Page Az and stop at Recapture Lodge .Eat in the Twin Rocks(sisters)Restaurant owned by a Navajo family for many many years.Rv campsites very nice.Great RV and sites at park on beach where they load the rafts to go explore the river. Guess you will go to Cameron and on to Tuba City,( Hwy to Page closed due to sink hole.)……but the energy in Bluff is just incredible. Interesting history in the area.
Hi, Joy . . . You’ve got me itching to move on up the road! The crew and I will leave Sunset Crater Camp tomorrow (Mon.) and take the route to Tuba City. If I don’t post for a few days, it’s because there’s not always steady signal on the rez.
Chuck and I would have to agree Joy, we love Bluff Utah and we visit every year!
What a lovely spot you’re in! The San Francisco Peaks are beautiful and I was sad to read that this sacred area is under siege in such a disrespectful way. Hopefully, it will be stopped.
I just used your Amazon link to purchase a compost tumbler (will do my best to remember every time I shop Amazon).
Marcia, you are a dear . . . because you compost and also because you shopped Amazon through my link. Thank you!
🙂
Safe travels tomorrow Sue as you head out again. I think the hardest thing for me if I ever get to go on the road will be that I’ll fall in love with so many spots…like the one you’re in. I’d be tempted to stay there for many weeks. Or days anyway. It’s been so long since I’ve been outside and unable to hear a plane, or a car or a train…I don’t really remember what that is like. I know someday I will be able to find those quiet places again…and until then I enjoy them through you!
Dawn . . . I felt tears coming when I read the last few lines of your comment. To not remember what it is like to hear silence. You’re breaking my heart!
When you do get out on the road and you find a spot that you fall in love with, you can stay for two weeks. Remember there’s another campsite you’ll fall in love with beckoning you!
In the year 2012 I discovered many spots that I would love to revisit. That’s part of the fun!
awwww Sue…thanks for the sympathy. Was out with Katie the dog last night listening to the freeway which is a mile away…and the train which is a mile the other way. You get used to it. Still. I remember being out on some Indian ruins when I was a teenager with our family and all of us standing still and listening. We could hear our own heartbeat in our ears. Was so cool. I know my sister remembers, as she talked about it at Dad’s funeral. Sigh.
Ahhhh…just lovely. Nothing quite like the first smell of pine after months in the desert! Pretty tight rules on camping though…30 feet! That really doesn’t give much wiggle room. At our size if we park lengthwise we’d exceed the allowed limit! A bit too exacting methinks. Good travels north to you. May the winds be mellow and the Internet signal strong 🙂
Nina
I guess the idea is to park parallel to the road. The crew and I walked quite a bit today and it being the weekend, we found a few campers parked about 100-400 feet from the road. I know if I disregarded the rules like that, the ranger would show up within the hour of setting up and I’d be in deep doo-doo!
Hi Sue, I don’t have big furniture like you are asking because it’s too early. We still have our house for a few months.
But there are stuff I can spare to help Rusty if he is interested. Out of my head… blankets, towels (new), misc household items, 2 size tables/shelves, a weber charcoal BBQ. Maybe other stuff. All is in really good shape.
Every Friday afternoon we drive from Phoenix to Camp Verde. We can make a detour to Prescott Valley or the lady can pick up at Camp Verde if Friday does not work.
Is Rusty’s computer was fixable after his dog ate it? I have a large flat screen that I’ll give Rusty if he needs. And I am sure my company will find an older desktop to spare. That won’t be a fancy windows8 like someone suggested but windows xp and the softwares that go with it. It will work and will be free. I can help with set up if necessary (this is my job). Keyboard and mouse… no problem.
If Rusty need something special, he can let me know. No thanks to menopause my head is pretty much empty, but is he says… he, I need a coffee pot, it may ring a bell that I have one I don’t use 😉
I guess you have my email. If you email me privately I will give my phone number.
Patricia
Rusty went to Wal-Mart and put a laptop on his charge card. He was going to wait until gift cards came in but it’s very hard to live without internet. He needs to check the weather frequently, move to cooler locations, check where the forest fires are, read the national forest online maps, not to mention keep in touch with me as news of the house becomes available. He’s struggling to get used to Windows 8, which, I hear, is not uncommon. Thoughtful and generous of you to offer assistance, Patricia.
I can tell you agree that we need to keep a certain standard for the gifts. I was pleased to read that “all is in really good shape.” I hope everyone keeps that in mind. This is going to be a home Rusty can be proud of!
I’ll be compiling a list on a page on this blog of what people will provide. I’ll need you to tell me again when I get that page up because today’s comments will soon be buried. Thank you!
Oh I forgot.. (darn menopause!!!). Does Rusty clean? I have a new shark bagless vacuum with his name on it 😉
Yes! That would be wonderful!!! When Rusty and I sat down together to talk about things he wanted, he mentioned a vacuum cleaner. I hope you’ll comment again on the page I set up for recording gifts and remind me of all these things you’ve mentioned. Maybe between the two of us, we can keep it together!
Sue, I would be ashamed to unload some junk on Rusty (or on anyone for what matters). Whatever I’ll give will be in excellent shape and clean.
I did not know you had a page set up for Rusty… something like a wedding registry? LOL May I ask where is the page? can we post photos?
I’ll save the shark vacuum. I may have used it a couple times only. Hope Rusty likes lavender 😉
I feel the same as you, Patricia.
No, I don’t have a page set up yet. It will be in the header. I’ll tell everyone in a regular blog post when the page is ready. It won’t have photos. It will be a list of items that people have promised (with names alongside) and items wished for.
Sue, putting together such a page is a great idea. I’ll check in everyday to check on your header!
Hi Sue and crew,
I’ve followed your blog for about a year now, but I seldom comment. I now feel compelled to with your up coming trip to Bluff, UT. I was on a 2 month camping trip throughout the southwest with my teardrop camper in 2011. I was entering Bluff one early morning when I passed this little cafe. I normally don’t eat out, so to speak, while on my camping trips. However, this particular morning I decided to turn around and go back. This delightful little cafe is named Comb Ridge Coffee. I decided to order the blue corn pancakes as the little blackboard on the porch had suggested. Wow! What a tasty treat they were! I can’t recommend them highly enough. I’m hoping you’ll give them a try. You should visit the old town at Fort Bluff too. The story of how this town was first settled is quite interesting.
I have a 17″ Casita SD now and plan to begin a 2-3 month trip throughout the northwest beginning in June. I will be following many of the routes you took in those areas last year.
Safe travels,
Ron
Hi, Ron!
What a delight to read your comment! I appreciate the tips on where to eat in Bluff and to go to Fort Bluff. I think I’m needing some blue corn pancakes!
I’m excited for you! You’ll be taking many of the routes we took last year? Hope you get a chance to camp along the Rogue. That was a dream come true. Oh my gosh, I want to go back!
Enjoy your Casita. Thank you for reading my blog.