Reggie and I move our camp up to the top of a mesa!
We’re at Poverty Flats, a vast area of rocky mesas sticking out like fingers, where you can choose to camp with other RVers or move further out to make your home in peaceful seclusion surrounded by vast and “empty” desert of dramatic land forms.
At this time of year snowbirds stop for a day or two on their way to places further south, like Lake Havasu City, Quartzsite, and Yuma. They tend to cluster closer to the main road than the RV shown in the next photo (below).
Some RVers settle in for months of free camping.
There are no facilities so one needs a self-contained rig. Verizon signal is excellent, Valley of Fire State Park is a short drive to the south, and groceries and services are only three miles up the road in Overton.
Poverty Flats has three entrance roads which branch into several side roads to promontories.
The Perfect Tow Vehicle carries us to the top of the mesa and immediately I know I’ll love camping here. The further you drive, the more remote and private one’s camp.
I choose a site about halfway “out” where the closest neighbors are very far away.
The next photo shows our front yard.
In the foreground a grey bush perches on the edge of the mesa. From that edge the ground plunges to what I call badlands.
Beyond the badlands is another mesa. Beyond that mesa is Muddy River (not shown in this pic) and another mesa, a huge one called Mormon Mesa. Black Ridge is in the distance. At the upper left of the photo (above) is part of the town of Overton, Nevada.
I know what you’re thinking.
“UGH! What a desolate place! Drab and dreary! Empty! Too brown! No green!”
Well, if it were up to me, I’d rename Poverty Flats. I’d name it Magnificent Mesa!
While Reggie waits patiently in the passenger seat, I maneuver the Best Little Trailer onto a level spot at just the right angle for sun, shade, and views.
Once I have the Best Little Trailer perfectly positioned . . .
I commence turning our bare piece of rocky ground into a comfortable home for Reggie and me.
I chock the wheels and unhitch, because I know I want to stay here for several days. I retrieve the blue mats from the back of the PTV. The large mat goes along the door side with the half-mat (the remains of the first mat I purchased five years ago) at the back of the BLT.
With this set-up, as the sun and shade change throughout the day, I can place my lounger on the mat where it’s the most comfortable.
I put out Reggie’s things — his bed, toys, and water dish. Oh yeah, I also lift Reggie out of the passenger seat and set him on the mat. Ha! I almost forgot to mention that important “detail.”
I pull the white, folding table out of the back of the PTV and set it up near the door.
This will be the washing station. I like to spend a lot of time outdoors. The table will provide a pleasant and handy place to wash up, wash my hair, wash dishes, wash vegetables, etc.
I put my lounger out, of course, and also my camp chair with side table which is where I’ll sit to eat most of my meals.
Reggie is on 50 feet of tether, allowing him lots of roaming, but not so far as to reach the huge, deep ravine next to our camp!
After camp is set up, I relax in my lounger, enjoying the view.
Two black birds arrive and circle our camp!
Here’s our bird welcome!
They float on the air currents, rising above us and falling below us, throaty calls breaking the silence. They settle on the edge of a small promontory, much like Reggie and I have settled in our camp. (Scroll up to see the birds in the first photo of this post.)
I zoom in for a close-up.
After lunch, Reggie and I go to town!
The photo below shows a vehicle on Route 169, the road we take to Overton.
Down from the mesa we go!
We stop at the post office where I fill out a form for mail forwarding.
Remember we stopped in Littlefield on our way here so I could pick up my mail? Well, it wasn’t there yet. (Long story short, tracking number screw-up so I couldn’t check online in advance.) Anyway . . . .
At the Overton post office I arrange for the Littlefield post office to forward my mail. I’m told this process could take two weeks, even though Littlefield is only about 50 miles from Overton by car. I’ll wait. I don’t want to backtrack up the interstate.
Reggie and I cruise around Overton in the PTV.
Hmm… There’s a NAPA auto parts store . . . . Family Dollar . . . . Lin’s Grocery . . . . ACE Hardware. . . . McDonald’s . . . .
“Well, Reg, I think we will be very happy here. One of these days we’ll go to McD’s so you can have a burger. . . . ”
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Follow any of the links or ads you see on my blog and any Amazon purchase you make will help defray the cost of presenting “RVSue and her canine crew.” I appreciate every order, large or small. Thanks! — Sue
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
No…I can’t be first. Can I?
YES, YOU ARE, LORI! CONGRATULATIONS!
I stayed there one night on my way from Arizona back to Idaho. I didn’t know it existed! I was lookING for a boondock spot, came up over the rise and saw all the other RVers there. I looked up what it was called after I had pulled in for the night. I would definitely stay there again. It was a nice spot and the road around Lake Mead is nicely paved and newer. It was much better than driving thru Las Vegas, which is the main reason I took that route.
Hi, Krisi,
I think the road you are referring to is Northshore Drive, one of my favorite roads anywhere! Several roads go off from that road toward the lake (or what once was the lake) to campgrounds and boondocks.
I’m glad you found this place and enjoyed your overnight stay!
WOW! SECOND PLACE TODAY!
Drab and dreary? No way! I love the vistas and I’m betting it looks different at different times of day. I could stay there a while and like you, I’d pick a remote spot. Love your outdoor setup, too. I don’t know Sue, when I look at the pictures of what you’re seeing and your little home with everything set up, I get such a peaceful feeling. Even when the scenery changes (or maybe because it changes), the sense of peace remains. And that’s why I love your blog. Sure, it’s interesting to follow Eric & Jax lately as they navigate urban areas, but I feel myself becoming stressed with the traffic and the noise. There’s just nothing like visiting nature’s art display. No one can duplicate it…they can only imitate it and hang it on a wall. So thanks for reducing my blood pressure once again. 🙂
You’re welcome, Lori, and thank you for explaining why you like this camp and enjoy my blog. Like you, I seek peacefulness and nature provides it. It’s a gift! 🙂
Very nice! Being not too familiar with these types of places, I’m wondering how the roads are once you pull of the main road? Are they smooth-ish, or quite treacherous?
TIA!
Mike
Hi, Mike,
Glad to have you join us!
You ask about the condition of the roads once you leave the pavement of Route 169 (Northshore Dr.). The roads are not treacherous. It’s very rocky on the mesa. The roads are dirt and small rocks, some rocks are loose. You can drive into the main area very easily, regardless of what rig you have. I haven’t driven all the roads here. Since it’s flat on the mesa you can see the condition of the road ahead of you, just take it slow and you’ll be fine.
The road to our camp requires going up a short but steep section. Not difficult at all. Then the road is flat and rocky. Fortunately the rocks are not hazardous for one’s tires.
You can also camp on the other side of Route 169. That area is like a large, gravel parking lot, same level as the main road, and with great views.
Enlarge the last photo if you can. Across the bottom is the road, typical of the roads at Poverty Flats.
Boy close to the top! My choice would be mesa also! what a view!
Hi, Dave… I have to admit that these photos are a poor representation of the views from the mesa. Maybe I’ll do better in future posts. Unfortunately I cannot include the top-of-the-world feeling that this place gives me. It’s absolutely wonderful.
Tried to find it in my benchmark, closest I could come is Stewarts point. area.
Stewart’s Point is about 10-12 miles south of Poverty Flats, as the crow flies. Poverty Flats isn’t shown on the map. It is north of the turn into Valley of Fire, between Sand Mesa Road and Overton WMA.
Love the views of the dry country. Too much rain this fall up here in Orygun.
Hi, Dan… Nice to see you here again! So you Orygunites are having a lot of rain, eh? Well, it’s super dry on the mesa. Hardly anything lives or grows up here, other than RVers!
Me too, closer to the top!
I agree with Lori. It’s definitely not drab and dreary. There is so much beauty in our land and so much to see!
I agree, Renee. There is a lot of beauty to be found. That’s one of the reasons I like to leave a camp wanting more. I know there’s more to love further up the road…. um… beyond Overton WMA, that is… Haha!
🙂
I’ll take top ten! Sue, do you ever forget where you’ve parked the BLT after taking a road trip? Sometimes, I can’t even remember where I parked in a parking lot!
Hi, Dawn,
I forget a lot of things but so far I haven’t forgotten where I left the BLT. One difference between a boondock and a parking lot is the boondock is found and accepted after careful observation of one’s surroundings. I know every creosote bush around us!
First time ever to post. I am enjoying your blog so much I have gone back to start at the beginning. I both admire and envy you.
WELCOME, GLENDA FROM ARKANSAS! I’m so happy you’ve become a blogorino and that you are reading my blog from the beginning. You’ll see what an incredible 5 years it has been! Yes, I am very blessed to live like this. I’m thankful every day.
Looks like a great camp Sue,,have a great weekend and stay safe and give Reggieman a huge hug from us,,,,
Thanks, Rusty! You and Piper have a great weekend, too…. (hugs).
I have never thought of the desert as drab and dreary, I see the colors and textures of the Earthmother and I am happy! Magnificent Mesa indeed! Hugs to Reggie!
Hi, Geri…. You have the eyes of an artist!
I love the big skies, wide open spaces and magnificent views in the desert. You can see the bones of the earth, the contours. I have always felt ‘at home’ in the desert.
I feel at home in the desert, too!
Awesome, I want to go there this spring! You don’t happen to know the GPS coordinates, do you? I hope this year to get to some of the great places you’ve showed us in Nevada.
Hi, JanisP,
No, I don’t bother with GPS so I don’t have the coordinates. You don’t need them to find Poverty Flats. About 3 miles south of Overton Route 169 climbs upward at the mesa. You’ll see RVs parked in places on both sides of the road. The main area of Poverty Flats is on the left side when going south. See Kristi’s comment — Coming from the opposite direction (northward) she found Poverty Flats without knowing it existed.
I hope you go to many “great places” Janis…
Yeah, you won’t have trouble finding it. We had planned to stay there recently but on the way down we both got sick n decided we wanted the comfort of the showers at Atlatl. When we drove to Overton from Valley of Fire SP I was hoping to find it to check out for future reference. I had to laugh at myself for worrying. It’s hard to miss. 😃
Looks like Heaven to me!
It is, Dan! The air up here is wonderful. As you can see from the weather widget in the sidebar, the temps go into the 80s during the day. On the mesa, a gentle breeze cools that to the perfect temperature. There’s a potential for strong winds up here. However, it looks like winds are calm well into next week….
No comments yet. Nice view, enjoy.
Hi, Mary!
no way
Hi, Pat!
There is beauty in desolation. I’m with you, I think that’s a good site to spend several days.
You’re right, Barb…. “beauty in desolation”… 🙂
Hi Sue, what a great place to camp. I would love to be amongst the Mesas. And I bet it is very colorful at sunset and sunrise (not that I would see the sunrise ;). Remember to watch out for snakes at this time of year. I hope you and Reggie have a peaceful stay.
Hi, Lisa W….. I think it’s unlikely that we will encounter any snakes on the mesa or that any will encounter us. It’s extremely dry which means very little vegetation. Walking around I haven’t found any evidence of rodents or lizards. Not good hunting grounds for snakes.
I’m glad you like our new camp! I look forward to more pretty sunrises like this morning. Sunset last night didn’t show much color other than the glow on the rocks. It’s nice to sit outside after dark and see Overton’s lights twinkle.
…One of these days we’ll go to McD’s so you can have a burger. . . . ” You’re a good mama, Sue.
Thank you, Cat Lady.
I don’t know if it’s my computer, but regardless of how I click into the blog I can’t see any comments and at this point there’s just no way I’m first. And I have to admit it feels a little lonely being outside Blogorinoland with currently no way in!
My original comment was going to be this: that 3rd photo has me thinking I sure hope all brakes are in good working order!
And there’s everybody now!
Hi, Pat,
I don’t know why comments are opening up slowly for some of my readers. I do know that WordPress and the internet in general has been acting wonky lately….
That 3rd photo makes it look like the BLT is closer to the ravine than it actually is. Ha! Don’t worry. We aren’t rolling over the side. .. .
Wow nice camp!!! I love the mesas…not dreary to me but looks peaceful. We drove up hwy 93 through Nevada and saw where you had camped…beautiful areas to camp. The cathedral gorge was beautiful and drove to look out too to see it from above. We went inside the cathedral (sand pillars) and looked up and it felt every bit like a cathedral. We did tent camp in Ely, NV for the night and the night was chilly. We tent camped in Utah and rested at my niece’s cabin in Zion Nat’l Park….their views are beautiful from the top looking down at Zion. I plan to take a trip to Nevada and camp these last two spots you camped. Give Reggie a big hug!!! He is so adorable!
Hi, Rita,
What a wonderful camping trip you had! I plan for us to go to Cathedral Gorge one of these years. I bet it’s grand.
You found it to be chilly camping at Ely…. We had snow at Ward Mountain! I like that campground and the town.
Yes, on your Nevada trip be sure to try the hot springs near Dave Deacon Campground….
I so enjoy hearing your thought processes as you drive up, choose a spot and get all settled in. As Lori said, it lowers my blood pressure, too. Hmm, maybe that will become a “thing” – read 2 RVSue’s and call me in the morning – LOL!
That’s funny, Rochelle. Along with “get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids,” read RVSue and her canine crew. 🙂
Thanks for the feedback on “thought processes”… I’ll remember to include that in future posts.
😃me too
My Benchmark map does not show “Poverty Flats”. Does it go by another name?
No, it wouldn’t be on a map because it’s just a place where people drive out to camp. No facilities. Nothing official.
Do you see Overton WMA on your map, south of Overton, where the road jags to the east? That was our previous camp. About two miles further south on that same road is Poverty Flats.
Ok, it’s thise spidery red lines thst have no names. Valley of Fire State Park is just south of them.
Sue, I was thinking that you had been in this area before when you were on your way to LV to get reggie…..thanks for confirming that thot…
chuck
Actually Bridget, Reggie and I took this road going north. The crew had fun exploring the red rocks …
If you YouTube it some people call it Snowbird Mesa (& Poverty Flats)
I.e. Love your RV, 2012escapee1, & the Motorhome Experiment if I remember right these have videos of this location
Oh I for sure didn’t think UGH! I thought…”HOW COOL IS THAT!” Perfect perfect perfect for you to have some time on your own after several weeks of being in campgrounds. Of course you met marvelous people, but now it’s time for a little quiet ‘me’ time for you and Reggie. This is just beautiful. Enjoy.
You describe the appeal of this camp perfectly, Dawn — Why it is perfect for me right now after weeks of being among people, even though they were people I enjoyed being around. If I didn’t go away to be myself, eventually I’d become edgy and irritable. I need silence and solitude to soothe my soul and to stay centered!
Somewhere in the top 50 I guess. Not too bad considering. Great post. Starlings are my least favorite bird. We have huge flocks with thousands of these birds that stay the winter here. They are terrible. They roost in trees and turn the tree black and their poop causes Histoplasmosis fungus to go crazy in the soil under the trees from the nitrates. I have had it in my lungs and in my eyes. No fun at all. That is why I want to get on the road out west where it is not humid, just hot.
Hi, Jean,
I love birds, as you know, however, there’s such a thing as too much of a good thing. I’m sorry you have to cope with that situation.
It’s amazing how the lack of humidity in the air can improve one’s life, including one’s health. I hope you get to experience it, Jean.
Interest place with unique surroundings. Your blog has changed appearance on my computer. The weather and listings of your past blogs don’t appear until I am in the comments section. And unless I am imagining it, the print is smaller. Is it just me?
That’s weird, Susan. When did the changes first occur?
Try holding down the ctrl key while tapping the + key to enlarge the print to the size you prefer.
Just this week. After I click on comments and I’m in them, the print gets larger and the format is the same. As a former computer teacher I’m never surprised by technology! 😄
That happened to me!!! I thought it was because I installed Chrome as my browser but the next day it was back to normal.
I use Chrome as well. And now everything is back to normal. (well, except maybe for me! LOL)
That’s a pretty spot!
I agree with you, Sally!
“Drab and dreary” – No way, more like red rock winter paradise.
I love when you share these details of how you “come home.” Curious, too much wind to put our the awning or too much hassle to bother with it?
Hi, Rick,
No need for the awning. The large sitting area is on the north side of the BLT. Since the sun is southerly at this time of year, the BLT provides all the shade we need throughout the day. Positioning one’s rig at the correct angle is very important! 🙂
Ha ha! Reggie and that ravine was my first ah-oh thought! It brought back memories of setting up our turquoise Coleman canvas tent in the dark on a bluff overlooking Glendo Reservoir WY. Except we didn’t know we were on the edge of the bluff until morning.. And Mom had gotten up sick a few times during the night. We could have lost her over the cliff!
Oh my gosh!!! Mom could’ve fallen off the cliff!
Please don’t boo and hiss at me…but I like GREEN!!! I have never been to the desert so maybe my opinion would change if I had. It looks so hot and dry!!!
Wherever you are happy…I am all for it.
Love to you and Reggie
Aww, we wouldn’t boo and hiss at you….. It may look hot but it isn’t. When it’s in the 80s here, it feels like the 70s are in Mississippi (only better) because the humidity is so low. Then you sit in the shade and it’s so cool you need a long-sleeved shirt. It being dry is a positive. You hardly ever sweat. You don’t feel tired walking from the house to the car because there isn’t humidity sapping your strength. I wish you were here, Pauline! As for the green… well, you got me there!
Love to you, too… always.
The humidity does a job on me here in Mississippi. Might just have to meet you in the desert sometime 🙂
YES! I know you aren’t interested in becoming an RVer… However . . . .
Get yourself a used trailer, hitch up, and meet me at the mesa! Hahaha!
Better yet, throw a nice tent and cot in back of car, truck, van and head out…no need to pull trailer. I love tent camping or truck camping.
Nice camp. Perfect balance, socializing & then solitude.
I really enjoy the setting up once our trailer is level. I would like to cook outside more next summer & plan on buying a lighter two burner & try out the folding oven I have. The Coleman we have weighs so much that I leave it at home.
Have a lovely relaxing stay…..
Hi, Val….Isn’t it fun perfecting our camping experience?
Wow!! Truly breathtaking photos, Sue. There is beauty in your spot. All I could think of when doing a “picture walk” before I read your commentary was how the forces of nature and our earth created such beauty. I did wonder about the two black “bumps” in the first photo and wondered if they were birds or perhaps other animals. Glad they were waiting to greet you and Reggie! Love, love, love the way you set up home and “nest” in your spots. It does look so inviting and peaceful and homey!! Have fun at the Dollar Store; they are such fun to browse and shop! Belly rubs and hugs for that precious Reggie, and prayers for you both.
Thank you, retiredcajunlady…
Never been much of a domestic type woman, and yet I love setting up camp just how I want it. It doesn’t take much to turn a bare spot of ground into home. Oh yeah, gotta’ go to the Dollar Store… and see all the Christmas decorations on the shelves already, which I won’t buy. 🙂
Yes, setting up camp and puttering around are much more satisfying than regular domestic chores at home, even if they’re similar in nature. I think it’s the leisurely pace, fresh air and different surroundings. Sue, it’s awesome that it’s your lifestyle and not just a vacation.
You know, Applegirl? It’s kind of like playing with a doll house, arranging things just so. And I think doing chores outside is much more pleasant than inside. Like you say… fresh air…. a view…. Reggie playing on the mat at my feet . . .
You sound like me in that I treat most stores as museums–I just go enjoy the displays. 🙂
Exactly!
When I was teaching, I went to them often for little prizes and treat for the children. Often I found decorations for the classroom. I don’t often buy more than $7-$10, but I usually end up with two bags!
Sue, I am a reader also…and a crocheter. I often look at your spots and dream of doing one or the other there in perfect harmony with my surroundings. Thankfully, I am not one who has to be up and on the go all the time.
I used to frequent the dollar stores, too, when I was teaching. That’s where a good deal of my paycheck went!
Hi Sue and Reggie!
Great view….Brock and I would like camping there. Quiet also I imagine. Two questions if you have time.
>How often do you put out your awning as in how many times a year? I ask because the travel trailer I have on order comes with a Dometic power awning. My main concern is with frequent use the motor burns out vs with a manual awning.
>How do you like your internet antenna? I am looking at copying yours and wondered what you might change.
Thanks and safe travels! Rick & Brock the dog
Hi, Rick & Brock the Dog,
I’m happy with my Wilson antenna. It boosts 1 bar which is slow and drops signal frequently to a steady 2 bars or 3 bars with no signal drops. I wouldn’t change anything about my antenna.
I estimate I put out the awning between 10 to 20 times a year, sometimes less. It depends upon where we travel and the weather wherever we happen to be. Most of the time, since we boondock a lot, I can position the BLT to create the shade we need without the awning. I have no experience with electric awnings.
Blogorinos: What are your thoughts on electric awnings and their motors?
Anyone had an electric motor on an awning last a long time? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
We’ve only had our trailer a short time and it’s manual. We have deployed it every time except for travel days in rest areas. Even when Dana was sick I deployed it on my own.
If given a choice I would choose manual over electronic in most everything. I still have a hand crank coffee grinder clamped to my counter.
My grandpa lived by:
Make it do
Wear it out
Use it up
Do without
I say go for it! Use it as often as you like. Enjoy it. However long it lasts. When it’s done you’ll know if you enjoyed it enough to replace it. I understand many people have them and never use them.
My last travel trailer I had for 5 years had an electric awning with no issues. I maybe used the awning about a third of the time and average about 55 days per year camping. The main thing with an electric awning is to watch for strong winds that can come up. To my knowledge, you can not tie them down like you can a manual awing. My brother used his electric awning for 8 years with no issues and he used his all the time. No issues with the motors.
I love that area. If you like ice cream, there’s a good place on the south edge of town when coming from Lake Mead area.
I have a somewhat nosy question. For most of my life, I have never felt comfortable just sitting and doing nothing (typical type A personality!); even if camping or sitting on the beach, I’ve always had a book at the ready or something to keep my mind occupied. However, now that I’m retired, I really need to learn to just sit and enjoy the air, something that the author of “Stranger in the Woods” called “non-doing.” Do you tend to always be reading, tending to Reggie or the BLT, responding to blogorinos, or posting a blog, or are you able to just sit for an extended period of time and just stare off into space? Inquiring minds…
Hi, Robin B.,
Wow! Unusual question, fun to answer! No, I am not always doing something. I’m not a busy person by nature. I often sit in my lounger with my Paperwhite nearby which I’ll read for a while and then set aside. I look at the view, watch the birds or Reggie, but mainly I think and wonder and experience the moment. Sometimes I compose part of a blog post while relaxing in the lounger or I review what blogorinos have written or something else I’ve read. I never “just stare off into space.” I wander around in my mind. This isn’t something I’ve learned to do. It’s my natural inclination.
Thanks for the thoughtful response. I guess “stare off into space” wasn’t a particularly good way to put it; I like your response of “wander around in my mind” which is what my spouse tends to do, even if it does appear as if he’s “staring into space.” 🙂 It’s definitely something I need to learn to do.
You’re welcome, Robin. Happy daydreams!
It sure looks pleasant and peaceful there. Your setup is just right.9
You like it! I do, too. When pieces are put together in a “correct” way, the result is greater than the sum of its parts.
Awesome and Magnificent Mesa. I can’t wait to see it someday. Hopefully not too far into the future. I love how you set up your outside living space. All the comforts of home. Hugs to Reggie! He deserves that McD’s burger, just for being so cute.
Weather is turning cool. Nights are crisp. We’ve been sitting by the wood stove reading in the evening. I spent most of the afternoon finishing up the garden beds. There’s always more to do, but if I don’t get anything else done, they’ll be fine til spring. I do enjoy being outside on the crisp days, and having the gardening gives me a reason to be out there. In the summer months, I don’t need a reason, but in the fall, you have to keep moving around. Not much left on the trees, except for those darned oak leaves. They’ll continue to fall until spring.
Have a good evening, everyone. Don’t forget to change your clocks this weekend.
Your comment brings us right to where you are, Applegirl. Enjoyed it very much. You have a good evening, too!
hi Sue, glad to see you are still traveling! I left PA in my new class A rv on Oct 23. Stuck in Kentucky getting new glasses but at least out of the cold north for the winter. Hope to continue on my way to Arizona by end of next week. take care. Maybe see you again one of these days!. Oh btw, I no longer have Curley Joe. Just Izzy and a new 6 mo old boxer pup named Sasha. She’s taking quite nicely to camper life 🙂
Hi, Sunny,
My condolences on the passing of Curley Joe. I’m glad your new crew member is proving to be a good camper. Have a safe and enjoyable trip to Arizona where it will surely be warm enough for you!
Thanks for the update — Congratulations on the new rig! May it serve you well…
Beautiful. Peaceful. Soothing. What a fantastic spot!
Hi, Gingerita…. Gee, I almost missed your comment yesterday… Don’t know why. Sorry about that!
Hi Sue,
As always another Award Winning campsite! I don’t know how anyone could not love the desert.
Happy weekend greetings from San Diego!
Norman
Thanks, Norman. I hope you have a weekend doing whatever it is you love to do….
Awakening predawn all I see are shadows outside my kitchen window. For much of October when first light came it changed the view to golden leaves. Sunrise would make those shine with yellow except on cloudy days. Recent days had some rain and wind so the ground under the tree became covered with a pile of those leaves deep enough to cover the soil, grass and roots there. This morning looking out I saw the tree’s branches, trunk and bark. I was not disappointed seeing the leaves’ colors replaced by beige, tan, and richer shades of brown. The quiet and depth of that palette is calming, not just for eyes, it’s more a full person soothing that I mean. So I see how well Magnificent Mesa fits your new home site and imagine it’s really so in person, wow!
Environments such as that one with it’s cliff top heights allow one to soar above the ordinary like your blackbirds do, only even more so. Have you ever noticed when within a storm’s center it can become a blur of muted tones where no one thing and it’s color stands out? It’s not absence of energy that brings about the calm, it’s the sheer life sharing power we too seldom feel that does that. I run outside to meet that for the centering and settling it gives, as though it’s air I’ve gone without fully breathing at other times.
Often I describe beauty by mentioning what color each thing is, obviously I appreciate them all. Yes, green is fresh and means growth, blossoms and fruit are wonderful and serve tremendous purposes. Yet there is a higher force creating all of that, one I meet in an unusually intense way when aloft in the soaring that I mentioned. Without time spent only in that company, real Love and gifts can diminish and dwindle to the point of making a person, whether they are creative or not, just a body going through the motions of existence.
Well, I’ve danced around the guidelines concerning blatant discussions of faith trying to say that place seems very healthy for you, Sue. I hope your stay there remains lovely and uninterrupted by anything you don’t choose to participate in.
I’ve read your comment carefully and thoughtfully, weather. After letting it “percolate” for a while, the motto for the state of Utah keeps coming to mind…. “Live life elevated.”
This camp is a place, as you describe very masterfully, where one’s spirit can elevate “above the ordinary like the blackbirds do. I won’t say more, not wanting to take away from your insightful post. Have a restful night . . . and thank you.
Beautifully said……
Wonderful site in a beautiful area. Valley of Fire is our favorite place thus far – out of 21 states 🙂 Your home is lovely, as is Reggie’s big yard!
Thanks, Jodee. Reggie and I will visit Valley of Fire again soon. I don’t know if dogs are allowed on the trails. If they aren’t, we’ll find somewhere to walk together there.
Yes leashed dogs are allowed on the trails. We went hiking every morning before the crowds since our doxies aren’t very friendly. It wasn’t especially necessary though since for the most part the trails were plenty wide enough to meet n pass people.
Thanks for the info, Ronda.
You’re welcome 😃🐾
This was my most favorite place to spend a few days when we were traveling. Love.this.area! We planned our trips to end up here. Our routine was to be at Linn’s for a donut and coffee in the morning. The ice cream place for ice cream or a deli sandwich and soup. Can’t remember the restaurant that has sports pennants everywhere. Take time to visit the museum–you have to drive by it back and forth to the mesa. We did have to move a sidewinder that wanted to reside by our motorhome tire. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The winds can be ferocious on the mesa but rare. Enjoy! Just watch the little guy.
Hi, Beverly,
Reg and I went into town again and I saw the “Inside Scoop” ice cream shop and a place called “Sportsmans”… Maybe those are your favorite places to eat? Yes, the museum is on our list of things we want to do, when the day comes that we feel like that sort of thing.(I’m saying “we” when Reggie probably will have to wait in the PTV.) Charlie also told me I should go there.
Yikes, a sidewinder. What the heck does a snake eat on the mesa? Rocks?
I’m surprised it isn’t windier up here on the mesa. Only soft breezes so far . . .
Traveling the USA is like a rainbow. Earlier you had the greens and the blue streams in Colorado, now you have the browner mesas and the different colors painted by the sun. Its all good.
The idea of what to fill the time is interesting. I think most people like to fell that they are being productive at least part of the day. You have the blog. My wife just got her Singer Featherweight and she is planning to again spend a lot a time quilting, which seems to be a common activity among RVers. I have about 130 math and physics books on my thumb drive and I hope to finally learn some of that (it takes all kinds) as well as both of us spend some time volunteering. The Vietnam war journalist I F Stone when he retired learned classical Greek and wrote a book on Socrates. There is no reason to worry about life after the organizing structure of a job. Freedom is good, it doesn’t have to be anarchy (not that I mean to insult any anarchists, sorry).
I like your “USA is like a rainbow,” rhodium. 🙂
Your paragraph about making life interesting is sure to inspire readers! Yes, the freedom retirement provides gives us space to learn more about ourselves and to follow our interests. Doing that while traveling around this beautiful country leads to new interests, too.
Oh my Sue,
Your spot on the Mesa must seem like heaven after that night of making cement. No wonder camping is free at the Overton Wildlife Area.
🙂
Hi, Sue and crew – looks like a beautiful and peaceful spot for you and Reggie to enjoy.
After spending most of the last three months in campgrounds with lots of neighbors, I can tell I am looking forward to some boondocking.
Thank you for your fun blog and all the interesting things I learn.
I just found out that my Medicare Advantage plan does not recognize my mail forwarding service address. I don’t want to ask a family member if I can use their address, but that might be the only way.
It’s a challenge for full-timers to find the right insurance. I thought I had worked through all of this.
Any advice? Happy solitude! Thank you.
Pamelab in Missouri City TX for now
Hi, Pamelab,
Did your Medicare Advantage plan not recognize your forwarding service address when you tried to sign up? Or did this occur when you filed a claim? Or were you notified out of the blue?
Blogorinos who full-time: Have you experienced problems with insurance due to forwarding service address being your legal address?
Hi, Sue – I was meeting with an insurance broker to possibly change plans to one with more choices, and she said neither my current plan (4.5 rating) or the other being considered (5 rating) included the area of Livingston TX. I changed my address in August.
I will be calling the escapees RV club for some advice tomorrow.
Kind of a shock.
Thank you for asking Blogorinos to help with advice.
Pamelab in Missouri City TX for now…
So it wasn’t because your address is a mail forwarding address. Rather, it’s the location of the address. Thanks for clarifying that. Good luck!
Hi RV Sue! I’ve missed you. You haven’t seen me in comments lately because we’ve been on vacation. Our first real trip in Trixie the Trailer. Turns out we were in your area. I want to let you n your blogorinos know a couple things we found. We loved Overton! I saw the sign for The Overton Community Park (on Virginia St I think) from the main road. We found great shade trees trees over a large grass area with disc golf course, covered picnic area, b-ball & tennis court, children’s playground, & ball fields.
The Lost City Museum has shade covered kennels for your dogs so you can tour the museum. The nice people I met in the grocery told me about the museum but we didn’t end up going. When we arrived a large school bus tour(s) was waiting to go in and the parking lot was full. They have some RV parking. We started to park down there but decided maybe we didn’t want to share the museum with that many people. So if you’re still there waiting for your mail check it out n let us know.
Too bad you missed going to the museum. It’s been in my plans since we arrived here…. (keeping it as a surprise)… I’ll post about it. 🙂
I’m sorry for spoiling your surprise 😞
Are you going to the park too? Our dogs loved exploring and rolling in the grass there.
All in good time . . . . 🙂
I love it! It occurred to me the other day that much of my time is spent looking down. My home in central VA is beautiful. The farm on which I work is stunning. But I spend my time trying to stay ahead of the leaves rather than appreciating their glorious display. I look down as I mow, blow, rake…..I look down as I do my new computer job. It continues to grow and I am so grateful because it will be my ticket to a new adventure. I need a new adventure. I was thinking the other day that all I want right now is to look up, out and off forever. Love your camp! Any John Denver fans out there? Well, right now his song “Sweet Surrender” is my theme song….except that I don’t feel “lost and alone”. 🙂
Also, may I ask a question? Has anyone stayed in a nice RV park in AZ….preferably one that is not over the top fancy….with nice people, a laundry, clean showers and pet friendly….open year round. I have an uncle that may need to leave VA with me. If so, I would like to get him settled into a nice, clean park. I have researched on line and found a couple. But, first hand info/recommendations would be much appreciated. Sue, if this is not appropriate, please feel free to delete.
Have fun and look a little extra for me…..just till I get there! Love from VA
BLOGORINO ALERT! If you have any information or helpful suggestion, please respond to MB’s plea for help finding an Arizona RV park for her uncle (See above).
I notice that folks asking for info aren’t receiving responses the way it used to be here. Very disappointing. Once this community is lost, I’m not going to work to build it up again. It’s up to you. — Sue
I am so sorry that I have no first hand knowledge of or RVs and RV parks. I wish I could help. But…I am a John Denver fan….always have been. I grew up with John Denver and the Eagles playing daily! Good luck on your search for a nice RV park.
Years back we stayed at the Holbrook KOA and it was a nice, clean, RV park. Service was great and it was within driving distance of many services.
Thanks Renee! I will look it up! And I think your state is absolutely beautiful! My friends have a cabin near Island Park.
I use an app called Allstays on my tablet. It doesn’t cost much and give s me a lot of information about places to camp.
Thanks!
Thank you for the good thoughts! And I have loved John Denver since I was a young girl too. He sings about the things I love. Have a great day down there in the deep south! MB
Hello Cajunlady! Just wanted you to know that the reply at the end about John Denver was meant for you. I thought I clicked the right reply button but obviously not. Sorry about that. 🙂
My stays in AZ were prior to my having an RV and not what most would be happy to do. However, I’ve traveled/camped/lived in enough of the USA to know that except Southern California year round temperatures need to be kept in mind . Assuming your uncle’s RV will have a heater and air conditioner I did a search for parks in Huachuca, AZ. I have experience in finding long term affordable RV parks , so chose a lesser known area expecting to find more value per dollar than what’s available near more popular places. K and N RV park has a website describing every feature you mentioned and has good reviews. As a place to start for $275/month with longer term rates available it seems worth looking up and making a call to ask whatever questions you may have.
There are of course, park model RV places in bigger cities/suburbs in AZ for more permanent ideas , they, however, involve somewhat stationary plans and a larger budget that may be more than what one may want to commit to without having spent time in AZ already. Just the quick search that I did was fun, I hope you enjoy planning and traveling there when you do 🙂
Thank you for your time and input. My uncle has very simple needs. He once lived out there in his Blazer for 9 mos. But that was years ago and he needs a “home base” now. But, I’m thinking that he would love for that home base to be within a couple of hours of “that red rock country” that he so loves. A small travel trailer with heat and air…set up in a park…. would be great. One of the RV parks that I liked the most on paper said (when I asked) that the temps occasionally went below freezing but heat tape kept everything running freely. He would have power, water, sewer plus showers and laundry. But it was a very simple park. He would not need nor use the other stuff that the higher priced parks offer, so that would suit just fine. But in the end….it isn’t about what I think. It’s his decision. Stay or go. My decision is made….go! 🙂 Have a great day Weather. I enjoy your posts….. MB from VA
It’s nice that your uncle didn’t mind “roughing it”, and isn’t currently addicted to luxury, that makes the whole thing easier. I’m glad Sue contacted Ed Frey on your behalf, he’s the first one with the kind of real rv park experiences, and personal recommendations I thought of when seeing your questions . I’d follow his suggestions below were I in your circumstance. Great decision and enthusiastic attitude about your own decision – Yes, -Go!
MB from VA,
RVSue has asked me to help you. The description that you give is good but leaves out one thing that is important – what time of the year.
Rather than trying to list the Parks where I have stayed I offer this. Go to http://www.edwardfrey.com (click on edlfrey says) then click on Camps in the top border. Select “By State” and then AZ. A map will open with a stickpin at every RV Park that I have stayed at since going on the road full time. When you click on the stickpin another pop-up map will open showing my route from one camp to the next. At the top of that pop-up is “Journal” which when clicked will open my blog postings Journal to the first one that I made from that location. I sometimes write about the Park and sometimes not so much.
I would go back to all of them EXCEPT “Castle Rock Shores Resort” near Parker, AZ. It meets all the requirements that you listed but I just did not like it there – very poor Verizon and/or WIFI being one of the reasons.
Good luck!
Thanks, Ed.
Thank you so much for your time and information! I really do appreciate it very much. I just talked with my uncle about all this and he is a GO for AZ! 🙂
YIPPEE!!
Thanks Sue. I don’t know if I would be at this stage without your blog. I don’t remember how I found it but am so grateful that I did. Have a great day out there! I will be “in the leaves” again…..but for the last season. “Next year in AZ”! Love from VA, MB, Wyndy and Bella
You’re welcome, MB. I look forward to hearing from you from Arizona!
Try the Escapees RV “club”. This is a low-cost club ($39 per year membership) that offers numerous benefits including some inexpensive RV parks.
There are two basic types. The “Rainbow” parks are owned by the club. The “co-op” parks are owned by memberships in each individual co-op park itself but are closesly associated with the Escapees. Monthly charges run around $400 plus electric use but vary by park.
Co-op Parks: https://www.escapees.com/support/parking/skp-co-ops
Rainbow Parks: https://www.escapees.com/support/parking/rainbow-parks
Both of these offer “leases” on spots as well as monthly rentals. It can be a bit confusing but just imagine a community where not everyone is using their RV lot all the time so that some are offered on a nightly basis as available and others on longer terms (weekly or monthly). The nightly/weekly/monthly rentals provide income for running the co-op parks and, as such, members are encouraged to offer up their RV lots to other RVers.
The co-op parks often have openings because of members moving or other issues. In most of these you buy into the co-op and then get assigned the latest available RV lot. Once a member, you get early choice to bid up to a different lot.
In our (somewhat limited) experience, all the co-op parks are excellent with big spaces and excellent clubhouses. Never tried the Rainbow parks (yet).
Nightly fees run about $20 depending on the park… some a little higher, some a little lower. But all are significantly cheaper than a commercial RV park and often better.
Good luck,
Craig
Craig,
How is your recovery going? Are you feeling stronger? Have you increased your therapy at a good pace? Was your last check-up on track? Have you burned/worn out any more equipment?
Wishing you well-er.
:D/
WOW! Thanks Craig! So many options. I know I can find a good place for him.
I LOVE IT!!…….
I believe I could spend several months in that spot if I was there……
chuck
Hi, chuck,
I have to say I’m surprised that many readers have commented positively about this camp. I didn’t think I’d be able to show how nice it is here. Apparently y’all “get it.” 🙂
Of course, besides the beauty, the solitude, the convenience, I love that it’s FREE! I believe I could win the lottery and still get excited over a freebie. Ha!
Yes, some of us “get it”. Just remarkable soul-stirring beauty.
Hi there, so nice to be back with internet access. We were in our RV for 3 weeks (a long time for us – nothing for you!!) while the downstairs of our house was being demo’d for remodeling. We came home to a huge mess – that fine demo dust travels everywhere!! At least we can sleep in our bedroom upstairs now and I’ve set up a camp kitchen in the garage. No running water there, so I’m using the bathtub to wash dishes – LOL. We stayed for one week at Jalama Beach in Santa Barbara County and had 65 mph winds for two days and nights – I honestly thought the RV was going to be picked right up off the ground and hurled into the ocean. The next two weeks were at San Onofre State Beach. which is only five miles from our house, so we could come home to do laundry and met with the contractors. I so agree with you and Applegirl about keeping house/playing house in an RV as opposed to a regular house. There is something very satisfying about it – maybe because you can do it in such a short time and then have time left over to relax and enjoy the beauty outside.
I have to go back and read the last three weeks of posts, but I like your current camp too. It looks quiet and very peaceful.
Good to have you back with us, Cynthia! You had an interesting three weeks camping. Always exciting to have powerful wind when RVing!
I bet you’ll be happy when the house is done, clean, everything in order again…
It’s seems no one has commented on the electric awnings. I was looking forward to the discussion. I finally had to replace that rv roof. It seems the dealer we were paying to keep it sealed took advantage of the fact my husband could no longer check it out. They simply weren’t sealing it and charging for it. My husband passed in sept and the rv was leaking. My son checked the roof and there were places under the caulking he could pass his whole hand. The roof had supposedly been resealed just the month before. It was time. The roof and everything on top is now brand new. I had the awing removed as it wasn’t working properly. I had hoped of replacing in the spring with electric. The motor home is a 98 model since I’ve invested this much why not a new awning as well and I can’t handle the manual very well any more
Joyce, my sincerest condolences for your loss. Having a project is good, even better to travel a bit. I put an electric hitch on my trailer. Love it. Awning next, .maybe.
Joyce so sorry for your loss. I wish you happy travels in the future.
Hi, Joyce,
My condolences on the passing of your husband. It must be particularly irksome to find the dealer took advantage of you. A suggestion: Do an online search using the dealer’s name. Sites that list local businesses will come up. Usually they ask for a review of the business. You could share your experience there and others will be warned.
I’m sorry for the hassle you’ve had with your RV. Nice that you have a son to help you.
Yes, It would be nice if someone would share their experience/knowledge regarding electric awnings.
My blog is visited thousands of times every day. I posted a reader’s request for information. No reply. Not one reader has experience with an electric awning? 🙁
Joyce,
My condolences on the loss of your husband. May life’s road smooth and straighten out for you soon.
Though we do not have an electric awning, we have a manual like Sue’s, here are a couple of websites where RVers talk about them. I did a Google search for “Electric RV Awning Reviews”. I hope this gives you some help in figuring out what to do.
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26232622.cfm
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/replace-manual-awning-with-electric-159831.html
Best wishes,
Kitt
We have an electric awning that I love. It’s push a button to go out or come in. Some will close automatically if wind or rain. Ours doesn’t do that. I find I can’t tilt my awning either, which we liked the ability to do that with the manual awning.
Thank you, Virginia, for your input.
Trying to help. I’ve been on the “non receiving” end of asking for help with no reply. Maybe blogerinos, once they’ve read comments, don’t update and reread. Curious minds. Hmmm. 😉
Hi Sue
Wow! Lots of comments for this great location.
We love spending our time at Poverty Flats.
It’s so isolated, yet so close to the necessities of life, including Las Vegas (just kidding) 😀
The only drawback is the incredible winds that come out of nowhere. After our first night of horror we learned to park facing into the prevailing wind direction. The best clue was to observe the direction in which the other long term campers are positioned.
Hope you have a great time getting away from it all.
Hi, Sue,
You’re right about pointing into the wind. The BLT’s “nose” is pointed west/northwest. If the direction of the wind changes, I’ll move the PTV to block or buffer it. Calm days so far!
Sue,
Look what I found: http://la4.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/dog-sleeping-curled-up-thinkstockphotos-92211517-590sm51215.jpg
Oh! It’s a Reggie-look-alike! I’d adopt that cutie in a second!
🐾❤️
😍
Hi Sue, just a brief note. love a great photo of two ravens. These birds are extremely smart and able to imitate many sounds.
Hi, R! I wasn’t sure if they are ravens or not. I don’t know the difference between ravens, crows, grackles, black birds, etc. These birds aren’t as big as Lone Rock Raven. I love that they spend a lot of time near our camp… very entertaining! It seems they like being around us. 🙂