Thursday, May 7 – Sunday, May 10
Isn’t Oregon beautiful?
Bridget, Reggie, and I hike the trails along rivers south of Bend.
The scene above is the Deschutes River with a Ponderosa pine in the foreground and snow-topped Paulina Peak in the distance.
I take several photos from this vantage point.
I turn and shoot the photo below.
On a hike in La Pine State Park, we visit majestic Big Tree.
It’s too tall for me to photograph well!
Another smaller sign says that Big Tree is no longer the tallest, due to the effect of weather, but it remains the largest in diameter.
We hike along Fall River and stop at the falls.
In the summer people dive into the pool below the falls, even though the water remains very cold year round.
“Pretty spectacular, isn’t it, Bridge.”
These hikes help use up Reggie’s energy.
Bridget surprises me with her stamina.
She enjoys walking trails through the shade of pines and resting in the lush grass in clearings.
Toward the end of a long hike she stops at a log across the trail and waits for a boost over.
On Saturday the crew and I take a drive.
We take a look at Crane Prairie Lake, Lava Lake, Little Lava Lake, and Cultus Lake. Many boaters, fisher-people, and picnickers are out enjoying the warm, sunny day.
We cruise through some of the many campgrounds.
At Crane Prairie Campground, which is huge, I stop at a spigot and fill up a few water jugs.
At one point in our meandering I park at a day use area frequented by fisher-people. Bridget, Reggie, and I hike a short way along a river which I’m guessing is a tributary of the Deschutes.
I take several photos this day, and then accidentally delete them during the upload to Picasa!
We’ve hiked a lot the past few days!
I move us to a better campsite.
I know, what was wrong with the one we had? Nothing, really. Hard to believe, but our new site is even better!
I’ve coveted this site since I first drove the campground loop. It offers a long, open stretch of riverbank and is more by itself. When the man vacated it, I hitched up and moved the Best Little Trailer. More about the campsite in a future post.
Monday, May 11
After glorious, sunny days, what does it do?
Rain!
Well, of course! This is Oregon, after all.
It’s cold enough to require the heat of the Wave 3. Except for quick potty breaks for the crew, we’re inside all day. It’s quite a challenge keeping Reggie, the power ranger, entertained. He finally gets a clue from Bridget that the best thing to do on a day like this, especially when you live in a 17-foot trailer, is take long naps!
The rain drums on the roof all day and through the night.
Tuesday, May 12
Sometime before dawn the rain turns into snow! All precipitation ceases with the sunrise. I dash to the riverbank for a few misty photos.
About the blog . . .
I appreciate the comments posted by readers during my break from this blog. It was nice to get away from the computer to explore a little of Oregon. Your remembrances and tributes for Mother’s Day were touching. Thank you for participating.
A big welcome to those new to my blog or to the comment section!
I’m very happy you’re with us!
About the budget . . .
I noted the request for me to update the financial reports to show how one can live the way I do on a limited budget.
Some of my readers come here in hopes of seeing how they can retire on a similar income.
I apologize for not posting more recent information. I don’t know why I’ve found it difficult to keep up with it. My inner procrastinator has taken over!
I haven’t experienced a noticeable increase in essential expenditures over the past six months.
I’m spending more because I’ve “loosened my belt” a bit since the first few years on the road. I do know I can live happily and travel as much as I have been, while keeping my budget in the $13,000-$14,000 range. Keep in mind that I have a fund set aside for maintenance, repairs, replacements, emergencies, and unforeseen expenses.
Of course, I could live on less than $13,000 a year.
I’d cut back on travel and other non-essential costs.
I attest wholeheartedly that I’m living at a level that is easy, comfortable, and right for me and my crew, without any sense of deprivation.
I hope this gives you pre-retirement folks an idea of what is possible.
My way of life probably doesn’t match the way you would live. You may have medical expenses that I don’t have. Maybe you like to eat out more, which I rarely do. I don’t buy wine or gourmet food or have my nails done or dress fashionably or spend a lot for entertainment.
However, seeing how I live a full life for under $14,000 annually provides a reference point for you to plan your retirement as a full-time vagabond!
rvsue
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