Dear readers,

If you would like to express your sympathy to Rusty, please do so under the previous post so that all the condolences are in one place for him.  He will see your message there.

Rusty thanks everyone for the notes of sympathy, comfort, encouragement, and prayer, and for sharing his sorrow at the passing of Timber.  I thank you, too, for caring about my friend.  Sue

~ ~ ~

Wednesday, July 22 – Friday, July 24

The crew and I move to a new campsite at the same campground.

View of Mt. Jefferson from our higher campsite at Haystack Reservoir, Madras, Oregon

We’ve enjoyed our lakeside campsite.  A noisy family sets up camp next to us.  Rather than sit in my lounger trying unsuccessfully to enjoy reading, I hitch up the Best Little Trailer and move camp to a site where I can.

Our new site is just as nice!

We’re much higher here, we still have a lovely view of the lake and Mt. Jefferson (above photo), and we have peace and quiet.  Actually the noisy campers turn out to be a blessing.  If it weren’t for them, we would still be camped next to the water and that’s where the skeeters have come to camp!

Our higher site catches breezes that tend to keep the mosquitoes away.  When a few come around after sunset, the crew and I go inside for the night.  (Thank you to the inventer of window screens.)

The water in Haystack Reservoir is going way down.

Camp Host Bob tells me that the reservoir was very low not long ago, and then, right before we arrived, it was full again.  Good timing!

The water level was up to the tree and the tufts of grass when we arrived at Haystack.

The crew and I walk down to get a closer look and that’s when I snap the photo above.  Immediately a swarm of mosquitoes attacks and we take off running.

Up at our new camp, hardly any skeeters at all!

Kayakers don’t seem to mind the low water level.

The folks with big motor boats stay over at the other end of the reservoir where the water is deeper.

The shallow end . . .  A beach where there wasn’t one when we arrived

With the BLT’s repair appointments behind us, we can hang out in the shade of the juniper.

Can you find Bridgie Babee in this photo?

The refrigerator/door side of the BLT faces west which means it is hit with direct sun in the afternoon.  Readers have asked in the past, “Do I need an awning?  Do you ever use yours?”

My standard reply is “No you don’t need an awning. I hardly ever use mine.  But when I do need it, I’m very glad I have it!”  Without the awning the interior would heat up and be uncomfortable.  It’s amazing how shade brings down the temperature.

Okay, you people who know plants . . .

What is growing in this field?

Hint:  The plants give off a heavenly perfume.

The field, much larger than the photo shows, is such a pretty sight along Route 97 south of Madras.  We passed it several times going to and from repair appointments last week.

Finally I turn onto the side road and take these photos.  I want a close-up of a bloom, but there is an irrigation pipe to climb over and a house close by and, well . . . .

I almost know what it is.  I just can’t place it!

Note:  Readers tell me this is a field of carrots for producing seed.  Did you know that?

Let’s talk tires.

The Perfect Tow Vehicle sports four magnificent, all-terrain Toros, purchased from Les Schwab in 2013.  The BLT, however, has the same tires that were on her when I picked her up at the factory in August 2011.

Again, while driving through Madras several times last week, I pass a Les Schwab Tire place.  One of those trips I swing in.  I want someone to look at the BLT’s tires and this is a good time to do that because we’re towing the BLT!

I park in the parking lot and, before I open the PTV’s door, a man comes jogging out of a service bay.

“Helloooo, ma’am!  What can we do for you today!”  Smile as wide as Kansas.  Gee whiz, what a welcome!

“Hello!” I smile back.  (I don’t do Kansas, more like Rhode Island.)  “I want to know if I need new tires.”

“Just drive into that carport over there and we’ll take a look,” he cheerfully replies with an enthusiasm that implies he’s waited all morning for me to show up so he can check my Marathon, Class D, 15-inchers.

In a few minutes he’s measured the tread.

“You have 7/8 of an inch left and there isn’t any sign of weather wear.”

“I don’t want to go down the road worrying about these tires,” I point out.  In other words, I’m not interested in driving them down into the danger zone, something I did as a rule during my poverty days of old.

“You’ve used up about half the tread,” he explains.  “You still have a way to go before they need to be replaced.”  He says this as if he’s personally happy for my good fortune.  Gosh, Les Schwab better hang on to this guy . . .

He makes sure both tires are at 65 psi and we leave!

Next . . . I’ve had this dang bird photo hanging around . . .

I took it about a week ago.  Keep trying to find a place where it fits.

Here’s the bird.  He/she/it gives me dirty looks.  I think previously someone put food out for him/her/it.

Note:  Readers identify this dove as an Eurasian Collared Dove.

Something for vintage travel trailer people . . .

One day while walking the campground with the crew we come upon this cute camper.  I meet Bess, the proud owner, and she gives me a tour.  Not really a tour.  I peek in the door.

I love the paint color!  Look at the matching propane tank.  Sweet!

Feel free to ask Bess questions.  She reads this blog and the comments.

Most of the time Bridget likes walking with Reggie and me.

Path to the group shelter in the day use area at Haystack

There are times though when she absolutely refuses.  She sits or lies down and will not budge!  I have no way of knowing whether she truly has aches and pains or if she’s being stubborn. Bridget can be stubborn.  She likes to have control.  Especially over me.

Bridget goes on strike in the road

One thing I’ve noticed . . . .

If Bridget gets her way and I turn us around — “Okay, you win.  We’ll go back”  — She perks right up and is pretty darn lively and sprightly, prancing her way down the homebound stretch.  Hmmm . . . .

Saturday, July 25

All of a sudden it’s cool again!  And breezy!  And overcast!

We go down to the water again.  No mosquitoes, maybe they’ll come out in the evening

 I wear a long-sleeved shirt while lounging and reading outside. Very pleasant.

The crew and I motor into Madras.

I buy, among other things, more nectarines.  They are out-of-this-world delicious although I think they may be the reason my ankles and the tops of my hands turned pink and itched like crazy.  Even so, I have three more of those babies and I’m not holding back!  We shall see if they’re to blame.

Remember the photos of the crew when we were at Dave’s RV Service and Repair?

That was such a long post that I left out my favorite photo!

I looked out the shop office window one of those days and this is what I saw . . . .

When will RVSue come baaaaack.  I wanna go home!

Tomorrow is Sunday the 26th.

The crew and I will leave Haystack Campground, having used up the 14 days allowed.  It’s been a great camp!  Do I know where we’re going? Of course not!  I haven’t even narrowed it down.

Hmm . . . Let’s see . . . north, south, east, or west?

rvsue

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Fresh haystacks in a field near Haystack Reservoir

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