Monday, February 9
The Perfect Tow Vehicle drops off Interstate-8 at Avenue 3E in Yuma, towing the Best Little Trailer and carrying us right, left, left, and right to Sun Bum RV.
It’s 8:45 a.m. Perfect. Just enough time to walk the punkin around before the service appointment.
Patty is busy in the office, starting another business day.
After a short wait, her husband Rob arrives and we go outside to the BLT. I explain that the refrigerator stopped cooling in the lower compartment, while the freezer continued to work fine. I tell him that I adjusted the thermistor that was hanging off the fins and cleaned the outside area which helped.
Rob nods his head. “That would help.”
“I’ve been running it since I bought it new in August of 2011. I figure it could use a cleaning and some service.”
Rob opens up the two outside compartments.
While I mention some of the things I’d like checked, he proceeds to open up the ignition area. I tell Rob I’d like to learn what he is doing while he is doing it. He explains each step.
After blowing the dust out, Rob notices the igniter is “off.”
“See that right there? It’s supposed to be at three-sixteenths of an inch.” He adjusts it.
Then Rob taps the line and flakes come out. (I know, I’m vague. Think of it as a puzzle, okay? This is all new to me.)
Next Rob pulls this black boxy-thingy (my term, not Rob’s) open and does something inside, which I forget. I do know he checked the heating element at some point.
I ask him to check the propane pressure.
“Do you mind if I go inside and open up your stove? I’d be better to check it there, rather than open up the lines here and risk making a leak.”
While Rob lifts up the stove top and prepares to measure with the gauge, he informs me that optimum pressure is 11.00 water columns.
According to Wikipedia, a water column is defined as “the pressure exerted by a column of water of 1 inch in height at defined conditions. For example, 39 °F (4 °C) at the standard acceleration of gravity; 1 inAq is approximately equal to 249 pascals at 0 °C.”
Got that?
Anyway . . . All we need to know is the gauge reads 8.5 water columns of propane pressure and what we want it to read is around 11.0 water columns.
Rob goes into the shop for a minute.
Patsy comes out with a wrench and a new Automatic Change-over Regulator. I pull off the hood that covers the two propane tanks.
While Patsy removes the Automatic Change-Over Regulator, I ask her if it automatically changes over from one tank to the other, and does it do it real regular and all.
She picks up the joke and laughs. “No, it doesn’t,” she replies.
“Oh, so that’s why it’s called an Automatic Change-Over Regulator. Because that’s what it doesn”t do. This mechanical stuff is SO HARD. The parts have sarcastic names.”
Here’s the brand new Automatic Change-Over Regulator.
Rob comes back and, being a man, he checks her work.
Actually I’m being unfair. Rob takes over at the part where the threads on the line need to be wrapped with teflon tape in order to prevent leaks. He squirts something from a can on the wrapped threads and detects a leak on one of the fittings. He re-wraps that one and it doesn’t leak.
I ask Rob if these regulators usually last around three to four years.
“It depends upon the propane. Oil in the propane will gunk these things up.”
Now for the test . . . .
Rob goes back to the stove with his gauge. He holds it up for me to read.
“Lookin’ good!”
During the above procedures, other items are discussed. Rob notices the switch for the refrigerator fan, as well as the fan’s thermostat inside the outside compartment. I tell him the thermostat has never operated. I turn the fan on and off manually.
Rob explains his personal experience with a refrigerator fan.
He installed one on his fifth wheel’s fridge. He took measurements.
“It didn’t make any difference as far as cooling or speed of cooling,” he remarks.
At $100 an hour, I’m not interested in having the fan’s thermostat fooled with.
Here’s the bill . . .
Regulator: $52.99, Labor: $75.00, Shop Supplies: $5.00, Tax: $4.46.
Total bill: $137.45.
I’m happy. I feel good about the new regulator, even if it doesn’t automatically change over. And I feel good that the fridge is in fine shape again.
I recommend Sun Bum RV for service and repair!
Bridget is also happy.
“You were a good little girl, waiting all this time. Now we can get out of Yuma and find our next camp!”
Before boarding the interstate, I stop at a Giants station to top off the PTV’s tanks with Arizona-priced gas @ $2.19 a gallon. (A few days before I bought gas at Love’s Travel Center in Yuma for $2.09 a gallon.)
Bridget and I motor across the desert, heading west/northwest to camp at the Salton Sea.
Since the “sea” is southwest of our camp, the afternoon sun shines into the lens. I wait until sunset to take the photos you see here. Bridget has a grand time exploring in the cool air, after a very warm day on the road.
Hundreds of birds! Sea gulls and pelicans in huge flocks near the shore . . . .
More about our Salton Sea camp in the next post!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
I appreciate every purchase, large or small.
Number one?
Congratulations, Susan!
just a note, I just purchased a few kindle books thru your website…it isnt much but Im sure every little bit helps…..
chuck
It does help, Chuck. The more “items” I sell, the higher my commission rate on everything sold during the month. Thank you!
Oh good… I’ve been buying lots of small items… usually only a total between $35-40. Not a big spender, but have needed tons of little things for me and/or Mugsy.
Luv ya’ Connie!
Glad to hear that Yuma is treating you better now!! Always nice to have good people restore one’s faith 🙂
Awww… Yuma’s good. I get cranky in traffic. 🙂
Was there a reason you specifically asked him to check your propane pressure?
The only reason was a reader suggested it. 🙂 I have noticed a faint whistle out by the tanks. Since the new regulator, I haven’t heard that.
Those regulators are certainly an odd thing. We used to have them go bad quite often at the RV dealership I worked at, and yet the one on our motorhome is 20 years old and still works perfectly.
Wow… 20 years! I should buy propane where you do!
Yippee!!!!!! You found someone who actually knew what he was doing, identified and fixed the problem at a reasonable price. I’d say that’s a reasonable price to pay for a fridge that works the way you want it to.
We continue to love the pictures. They’re our treat each day as we read your posts.
It felt good, driving away with the fridge tuned up, a new regulator, heading out of Yuma to the open road… Definitely some Yippee moments. 🙂
Thanks, Reine, for urging me to have the service done in Yuma. And thanks for mentioning the photos. Glad you enjoy them!
Yay, a working refrigerator! The automatic changeover regulator that actually didn’t reminded me of the paper I have to send in to make an account stop sending paper statements. I guess this kind of stuff makes sense to some folks. Bet Bridget charmed them all at the shop! We are having great spring like weather here but are expecting a cold front later this week. That happens a lot in Texas!
It’s like Texas has an automatic change-over regulator on the weather! Enjoy it while it lasts. . . .
The paper to stop paper. That’s like the phone company answering your email with instructions to phone them to solve a connection problem.
4th is the closest I’ll ever get to being the first commenter. Your posts are always fun to get in my email (whenever I happen to check it). Reading what you’re up to is making me have itchy tires again,. Haven’t been on the road in over a month this time. Glad your fridge problem wasn’t huge. I probably should have mine looked at because it’s still freezing lettuce when I try to keep some. I think Bridget is looking a little slimmer? Am I right? Have fun! (I know you are..)
Hi, Linda Rose and the Four Ms.,
Yes, Bridget has lost weight, although I think she’s starting to gain it back. Her weight goes up and down… typical female! I’m glad my posts are fun. 🙂
Bridget sounds like me! Lose a few, gain a few. A lifelong yoyo.
And those pounds go to the rear. 🙂
Love your posts! your view looks so peaceful.
Hi, Piper,
Love hearing from you! It is peaceful here. And hot! 🙂
Wow, this was a a fabulous tutorial on how to interact with yer RV service place! I am a little bit overwhelmed with the expertise involved….
Pamela J, NM
Don’t be overwhelmed. You don’t need to know jack. Just have blogorinos tell you what to say and do…. I put the word “refrigerator” in the title so we can refer to this post if needed in the future…. and the comments under the previous post are what helped me.
Has your fridge always provided ice cubes or is there not enough room in there?
I don’t know. I don’t use ice cubes in my drinks so I never tried making any. There’s room for a couple of trays. Wouldn’t be much room left for other stuff though.
No clinkies in your drinkies? Now that’s roughing it!
If anyone is on their way to Salton Sea, there’s a good documentary on the history of the place called Bombay Beach. It was aired on worldchannel.org Salton Sea was a popular family RV destination in the 50s. I remember my friend’s Mom & Dad with their Boles Aero trailer and 56 Pontiac station wagon camping there. Great memories, but you’d never know it today.
Much better to let the pros take care of the problem, especially if it involves propane which as you know is highly flammable. I really am relieved you had that work done. Salton Sea, so Missy how does the ole sea smell these days? I have had fridges in several rigs over the years but not once had a fridge problem. Just luck I’m sure. Enjoy the weather. It was 83 here today. :0)
Hi, Jim,
Yes, I’m relieved, too. It’s a good feeling.
Surprisingly, the Salton Sea is not smelly! Not more than one would expect where there is salty lake water with hundreds of birds. I don’t see the dead fish skeletons that littered the beach the last time we were here. I don’t know if it’s a permanent improvement or we are here at the right time.
It was very warm yesterday and today. The Southwest desert being what it is, it’s pleasant on the shady side. 🙂
Will there be a test later, lol?
No, because I don’t grade papers any more! 🙂
Hi, Sue!
I was chuckling as I read your description of the fridge repair. I liked how you described it..black box thingy, flakes, and all! Glad that it was a relatively easy and low cost fix…so much better than having to buy a new fridge! You need to pick up some ice cream and celebrate! 🙂
There will be an RV show in Richmond this weekend. There will be 3 workshops – all specifically geared towards women RVers. They will be offering the same 3 workshops each of the three days…wonder if men will feel left out?! I am looking forward to going to see what there is to see, even though there will not be any fiberglass eggs….sigh… 99% of the offerings are too big for me…last year, they had a couple R-Pods, an ALiner, and one baby 16ft, $41K (yikes!) Airstream. It seems that more people are downsizing and simplifying their lives. I would think that smaller, more economical models would be appealing…not only for initial cost, but also gas cost, as some models do not require an expensive full size gas guzzling truck to tow the thing. It will be fun to window shop! Even if money was no object, my dream trailer is a 17′ Plan B Escape! Dream, save, and plan. Rinse and repeat! 🙂
Sweet dreams! N’nite! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
It’s not just the initial cost and gas cost that those big, gorgeous rigs require. They keep you from going to a lot of beautiful places away from the crowd. Those RV park and “resort” fees can add up to a huge sum, more than I’d be willing to pay for neighbors. 🙂
That’s irritating… workshops for women. Why the gender stereotyping? Oh well, I’ll give everyone a break and not get on that topic!
Sleep well and dream big about living small!
Maybe the workshops are for women so they can leave their hubbies behind….and not feel intimadated by the tasks!
See Ya honey….I’ll be back……in a year! 😉
That thought crossed my mind, too.
I’ve been thinking about that 17B…more and more every day!
The Bambi Sport is really cute…but the price is absurd!
Think we have the same taste!
Yes – champagne taste on a beer budget!! 🙂
You could almost get two 17B Escapes for what a Bambi costs. Especially with the favorable exchange rate… Did you see where they discontinued the 15′? Well, that is now off my consideration list. That was a sweet trailer…if one could make due without a bath, it had lots of space and windows.
I just ordered some pet safe ice melt off of Sue’s Amazon link. I have 1/8 of a container left, but need to get more. I would rather have it and not need it. No place in Richmond has any – crazy! Even the pet stores! A WalMart employee told me that they are shipping all of their ice melt, generators and such up North to prevent price gouging. Models show that we are in for a very good chance of a major storm next week. Folks who do not have supplies will find themselves SOL! I would be happy to see some snow…to give you guys up ‘Nort a break!
Have a great day! 🙂
The 15’s were cute but I’d rather have a separate place to sleep…instead of making the bed to a dinette everyday!
I agree…and the 15B looked too closed in, with no front window. I love that there are windows on all sides of the 17B. All the more to let in the light and scenery!
Don’t forget you can check out our Freedom Deluxe this summer when we’re in the mountains. We have the back dinette set up as a bed and have the captains chairs and the little dinette set up.
Okie dokie!
Sue, another great glimpse into your day. Good to see the fridge fix went off without a problem. The Salton Sea is one of the places I hope to see come next winter when we are full timing. Bridget looks like she approves of your location. Lovely sunset picture with the bird at the bottom.
Hi, Lisa W,
I remember thinking…. Someday I’m going to see the Salton Sea. 🙂
I’m glad you like the photo with the bird. It took a few tries before I found a bird willing to stay right above the place where the mountains meet.
Yesterday I hiked in Anza Borrego and had great views of Salton Sea. Hi Sue. Did you see me waving?
There are some wildflowers blooming I lower elevations of Anza Borrego. Anyone in the area who wants to go hiking?
That was you waving? 🙂
Wow, Sue, can’t believe I could be in the top 20…….
I am sure glad the refrigerator was a easy fix and the cost reasonable. When my husband and I were here the last time our refer went out. What a nightmare that turned into. After several attempts to have it repaired with negative results the decision to head for home a couple of weeks early was made. Bring on the ice chests……… Needless to say the trip home was a pain with the constant need to purchase ice for the chests and then drain off the water then refill chests again with ice…………etc, etc, etc. We finally were able to fix the darn thing on our return home but was not a simple fix for us. Bless your lucky stars, Sue.
Both Leo and I enjoy your blog and love the photo’s which tell a story as well.
Hi, Merle and Leo,
What you describe is what I wanted to avoid. “Several attempts to have it repaired with negative results.” Owie to the pocketbook! And fooling with ice chests to keep food cold while on the road is A Super Big Pain. I’m sorry you had that bad experience. Your comment makes me appreciate our good fortune.
I’m pleased you both enjoy my posts and pictures.
Sue, glad you got the fridge working and the pressure where you want it. My problem with trying to fix things like that is I buy the stuff and put it on and it still doesnt work so I guess Im not very mechanically inclined….you did the right thing in getting a pro to look at it….
I now take my walks with Pookie and Lulu down the driveway which is about half a mile and imagine Im out in the desert with you and Bridge although I am surrounded by pines and oak trees…..HA!
thanks for your latest post and keep em coming..
chuck
Hi, PookieBoy in houston,
I have the same experience when I try to fix something. I do what should be done and it still doesn’t work! And invariably I get stuff taken apart and find I don’t have the right tool, the right size wrench, whatever… annoying!!!
That’s a sweet image… You walking your driveway and imagining you’re in the desert with us. Thanks, Chuck. Regards to Pookie and Lulu…
Yes, size limitations in lot is NP and SP campsites…even just to drive through some parks, like Zion NP. Also, many of the larger units have twin axles…additional cost for tolls, ferries, and tire replacement. A nice cozy egg sounds perfect to me!
That’s funny…I had the same initial reaction when I saw the workshop titles: “What is the Girl Camping Movement?” “Who are the Girl Campers?” And “Where are They Going and What are They Towing?” By the way, the same woman is teaching all three workshops.
My answers: There is a movement?! Women have been doing this for years – get with the program! “Girl” campers…what is the difference between a man and a woman enjoying camping and reconnecting with nature?! Is is not considered feminine to want to do this? Especially solo? Get over it! We will, go where ever we damn well please, and tow what makes us happy. Yes, we are capable and able to handle a small pop up to a big, honking 5th wheel. Don’t be scared – we share the road! 🙂
It will be interesting to see how she presents the subjects….if I am not otherwise engaged, I may stop in for a listen. I’ll report my findings. N’nite, 🙂
Whoops! This was supposed to be posted below your reply. Maybe I am just tired…time to hit the sack!
Love your “rant!” Well done! That’s the kind of thing that perpetuates the myth that women are somehow lesser human beings, that they are stepping into dangerous territory if they don’t stay put inside societal conventions for females. I thought that would die out years ago.
Well, we know better! N’nite, Denise.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Sounds like a gimmick, to me.
But, I DO keep running into women who are so paranoid all the time. And if I mention that I’ve been on RV trips alone….suddenly the conversation takes a different tone, and it’s not about the fun I had, but how “brave” I was, and what about “safety.” It just gets really boring, really fast…..
Let us know how it goes, Denise!
It’s my experience that women are the ones perpetuating that women cannot do things on their own. Men accept what I’m doing without mentioning it. The contrast is striking. This tells me that women are generating their own restrictions. Not in all cases, of course.
🙂
I agree. And it’s unfortunate, because women could be having so much more fun, instead.
I hear you, Cindy! 6-7 years ago, I took a trip to Philly – solo. (Awesome!!) One of my dear friends was scared to death for me…certain that I would be robbed or worse. I remember her telling me “Don’t talk to strangers.” Ha! Well, first of all, talking to “strangers” or locals gives you the best scoop on what to see, where to eat, etc. that is off the beaten patch. And, as my fearless solo female traveler dear friend likes to tell everyone…”Denise knows no strangers! People are always starting up conversations with her!” She is amazed by this…I guess it’s a gift! 🙂
One of the most wonderful things in the world (in my book) is to be happily moved by a sunset or beautiful scenery. It is nice to have someone with you to share in this joy IF they are on the same page or at least get why you are so happy about such things. Unfortunately, I had made the mistake, in the past, of traveling with someone who was a total dud – should have passed on dating him, yet alone traveling together. I would have had more fun by myself!!! 🙂
I’ll report back on the workshop!
Yep….you can’t learn anything new, challenge yourself, or get a brand new experience out of life without first talking to a “stranger.”
But, tell me if this happens to you, Denise: I’ve noticed certain people close to me seem to have a real problem with me talking to strangers when they happen to be with me at the time. Both men and women have done this. Afterwards I’m left to feel that I’ve just been judged to have some character flaw. What do you make of that?
I just attribute it to the fact that they may not be comfortable or open to contact with strangers, and that is ok. They may think you should feel the same way. Everyone is different and has their own comfort level. I really don’t let their views or expectations bother me. Family and friends reactions range from surprise to there she goes again…talking to strangers – that’s nothing new! And to think as a child I used to be painfully shy!
You are not flawed in any way, Cindy…just continue to be yourself and don’t worry…be happy! 🙂
Thank you Denise,
I really appreciate that!
I wish the same for you, as well!
Amen, Sister!
I never understood when seminars about anything for women, especially business and career, there was always a required fashion and make-up segment. However, there was NEVER any such thing for men, who were in the most need of grooming, hygiene and wardrobe advisement. It’s like having a class to teach race car drivers how to drive but no instruction needed for teenagers. Thankfully, some parts of civilization are advancing. I’m all for metrosexual guys. All males should have a mani – pedi at least once. (Maybe more would partake if they used piranhas instead of those sucker fishes and call it….. The Extreme Foot Challenge….. or not.) And the use of ‘girl’ instead of woman, further fostering the invalid notion that only in youth are women of worth. As if women’s value is only as decoration. Isn’t it an insult to call a man a boy? So glad to see the women here that wear their maturity and wisdom proudly. And even more impressed at the men here that are strong enough to gravitate towards them.
The previous rant was brought to you by your favorite box of soap.
By making a seminar “for women,” men are excluded. There are men who could use help in RV maintenance and repair.
Words have immense power. You make important points, A gal in Maple Valley, WA.
🙂
I think seminars should be for those that want to learn regardless of age, sex, etc.. I know I am fighting with a snow blower right now, and I admit I know nothing about the mechanics of them except turn it on and clean the driveway.. So I put feelers out to see if someone could help me, guess who answered first a woman lol.
Sue the place your at sounds amazing.. I love the pictures and the way you express the area in your writings, makes me feel like I am sitting right there with you on the adventure.
This is also my dream, but I have been looking at small class C’s as I want to drive / sleep and not worry about hook ups etc. That is the plan 🙂 Thank you for sharing your adventure with us, giving me some good ideas about what to look forward to .
You’re welcome, dancer,
Nice to hear from you!
Warning on a Class C. . . . I didn’t get a Class C because I couldn’t afford to buy both the Class C and a toad to pull behind it. I knew maintaining two engines and replacing all those tires would become a burden.
If you don’t have a toad with a Class C, you will find yourself not doing things you want to do…
Example: Driving the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument loop as I did recently….or exploring for fun…. or making quick trips to the grocery store… etc. You will be more anchored to your camp.
I caution anyone from making a big decision like this based on avoiding the rather simple task of hitching and unhitching. For me, unhitching the PTV and driving away from my home is part of the freedom I thrive on.
As a former class c owner….Sue is absolutely correct! Unless you want to drag your house everywhere….it’s like a ball and chain!
That’s what I have; a 25′ C. My toad is a Honda Element. Last year I went to the Ozarks for 6 weeks. Drove my car all over the place. I used the AC quite a bit since it was summer.
2 days after I get back home, the AC goes out in my car. And it was over 100 here. I take it in, and a connection wire was off. I tell the guy I just got thru dragging it all over the country and driving it too. He says that didn’t cause it. He saying, “Someone who worked on it, left it off.” Well, I still don’t understand how that could be, but it cost me $1200, anyway!
Sigh……
Good that you have the toad… Not so good about the A/C repair!
Thanks.
I wouldn’t be so bummed about that so much, if it made any sense as to why it happened in the first place.
Like you, if I have to pay for repair work for anything…..I’m right there asking questions to learn for the future. But in this case I learned nothing because what he said made no sense.
Thanks for chiming in on this, Cinandjules. Class C’s are charming with their dinettes and all that. If you don’t have a toad, there will be plenty of time to sit at the dinette wherever you camp!
Extreme Foot Challenge – Ha!! 🙂
I loved your rant, Maple Valley gal!
The ridiculous fears and concerns about safety are what is fueling all this open-carry nonsense. Like carrying guns will make anyone safer. How stupid. Predators are required to go where people are, otherwise who will they victimize? Predators are not usually out cruising around the desert searching for the odd boondocker. Predators like cities where they can find more prey and disappear in crowds.
A gun might make sense in your trailer. Here’s a good formula: dog who barks to wake you up, lock on door, firearm if someone breaks in while you are inside. Sounds pretty safe to me.
But really just get out there. How is staying home safer? I don’t get it. You have slept in your same bedroom for umpteen years with no problem so it ‘feels’ safe…but it isn’t. Houses burn, houses get invaded, houses get blown away in tornadoes. Just live life and make each day count and stop worrying about safety.
Amen, DesertGinger!
Worrying about everyone/thing that is out to get you wastes too much energy! You MIGHT fall out of bed, crack your head and die and not be able to do anything. Sad, but true, happened to one of my co-worker’s sister.
Hope you are having a good day! **Hugs!**
I wonder what the turn out would be if they held a workshop for the “boy” camping movement. Especially if there were any black men in attendance.
I don’t want to ever be one of those people going through life looking for things to be offended about. I hope they have some good information for you and I’m sure if I went I would learn something. But that said the title still sounds pretty offensive to me.
OK now, thanks for letting ME rant.
Hear, hear!
Rick,
Most of us gals here ‘of a certain age’ are not ones that go looking for things that offend, rather we are at a point where we can easily identify them and then we call b.s.
You, my good man, are in a coveted spot as on of ‘Sue’s Dudes’. Your comments are awaited on each post and your humor is funnier that a dog with a trash can stuck on it’s head!
If only you realized that as I write this I have a trash can stuck on my head. 🙂
Seriously though thank you so much for your sweet comment.
No matter the gender of the writer this community continually amazes me.
You are so silly!
Ya made me snort which scared the cat who then leapt on the keyboard and typed some key combination and locked it up. I keep telling him … unauthorized user … but does he listen? Noooo. I think I see a link here between recent catnip and kitty treat deliveries that I don’t remember ordering and the times I left the lapity-topity open…hhmmmm….
That is too funny!
Last year’s workshops were general: How to pick the right RV, How to Finance Your RV, and Discussion of Popular Tow Vehicle Options. All were good, basic discussions for all RV wannabes.
Not sure why the distinction this year. Too bad my guy friend who will be retiring in a few months won’t be attending this year. He and his wife have their 5th wheel and are busy planning a cross country trip…no need to window shop. He would be front and center! Hopefully some good info will be presented. 🙂
I agree that it seems silly to have a ladies class, but anything that gets more women to take some ownership of their RV is OK with me. I have read many women who need to sell their RV’s after their husband dies or can no longer drive, because they have never even driven it or towed it. That is insane to me. Maybe a class for women will help them feel more comfortable about asking questions.
When my husband and I went to Indiana to pick up our Casita, neither of us had ever towed a camper and we took turns towing it home. Wouldn’t have it any other way.
Great! :-). How do you all like your Casita?
Yeah Applegirl,
I hear a lot about that here in AZ, since there are so many Rvers and Rvs here. What’s worse…I think, though is that the RV will end up sitting, sitting and sitting before it actually gets sold.
So, now it’s not running, or all the tires are flat and un-drivable, and the rubber/plastic stuff in the rig is all falling off, or crumbling.
I just shake my head…a once six-figure rig, now worth less than 10K.
I’ve got one of those parked next to me at my storage lot right now. It’s just falling apart before my eyes.
Speaking of Casitas, or fiber glass units, in general…how do they hold up in the brutal AZ heat?
How do Casitas hold up in the heat? So far, so good! 🙂
That’s good to know! But, is there required maintenance on the shell? I seem to have read somewhere something about that…?
Every rig should be waxed periodically….
Waxed. Ok, how many times have you done yours, now? Or, do you do yours yourself?
I’ve waxed the BLT twice, winter of 2012-13 and of 2013-14. I haven’t waxed it yet this winter. I’ve never paid anyone to do the waxing. It’s so easy to do myself. (So why haven’t I done it this year!)
Lol! It must be a pain in the butt, like washing a car, only worse!
Actually easier than washing a car. Getting up out of my lounger, pulling out the stepladder, and getting started is the hard part.
Boy, I hear that. I have the same problem with chores here, too.
Hi, Applegirl,
Your statement “Maybe a class for women will help them feel more comfortable about asking questions” brought a related thought to my mind.
Just as it is not necessary to know all there is to know in the world (after all, there is the internet!), one does not need to know all there is to know about a rig in order to drive it and maintain it. My recent fridge experience illustrates that.
Wives can become dependent on their husbands very easily. I know. I’ve been there. In furtherance of the point I started to make in the previous paragraph, it’s not essential to go to classes with the purpose of learning a lot of skills.
The single most important thing a woman who’s become dependent upon her husband can do is TAKE CHARGE.
Developing a can-do attitude, IMHO, is way more important than trying to learn a bunch of skills.
Happy to hear that the fridge is working full force again. They are tricky little things. We have an intermittent issue on the older 2003 version. If we start her up on electric the night before we leave and switch over to propane when we leave, it works for awhile but slowly warms up. If we start her up the day before and switch it to propane at night before we leave the next day, no problem!! So, we just do it that way now. We think that even though we are level, that a bubble in interfering with the cooling ability because the pipes need to warm up and don’t. At this point, all I care about is that it works if we stick to the procedure. LOL! We changed regulators and I just bought a manometer but haven’t used it to check pressure because the fridge is working fine.
Salton Sea – As you probably know, it was a resort that started in the late 1920’s. In 60’s my parents would take us camping there and we’d actually go swimming in that stuff! I don’t remember it being bad or smelly back then. I’m assuming that it was before raw sewage from Mexico would flow in. Yuck! Now Mexico has a sewage treatment plant. YAY!
Hi, Chris B,
Manometer! That’s the word I couldn’t think of! I went with “gauge” instead…. my usual dumbing down due to poor memory. Ha!
Yeah, if you can make it work, why fix it!
People still kayak on the Salton Sea. There was a problem with botulism killing the fish and the birds. I think that was in the 90s. Maybe Ed will straighten me out. He usually does when I don’t check my facts. (Thanks, Ed.)
For some reason, I never forget the name, Manometer! I think that it’s so funny! You can have a tool for young boys, ladometer, old grandpas, grampometer, dumb people, dumbometer, etc. The possibilities are endless! It’s a great name for a tool that measures anything!
Regarding the dead fish, I also think that some form of oxygen depletion occurs that causes the fish die off.
Oh my, I’d love to have a a dumbometer that measures dumb ideas! Ha!
I don’t know about simplified living in an RV. I watched a TV show about a couple who renovate and sell vintage RVs….sheesh they cost as much if not more than a house. At least more than my little bungalow. I read other blogs and I’m spending about as much or less living in a brick house with a huge yard and I get to keep all my ‘stuff.’ Plus I go on vacation once or twice a year. This year I’m traveling to see my granddaughter in Alaska. The last time I was there, it was a short visit. This time we are there about two weeks. Next year it will be Ireland with friends….at least that’s the plans. I love reading travel and RV blogs because they tell and show the nitty gritty of an area they’ve camped. I cataloged some of those camping areas for when I get the urge for a road trip. I’ve learned so much reading blogs i.e. why you couldn’t get the PTV started on an incline and using a twizzer to remove fuses….stuff like that. And, if I have a question, I simply ask in the comment section. Also thank you all for the discussion on dogs with bumps…I’ve never encounter my dogs with bumps except for ant bite so now I’m aware of that for future reference 🙂
Hi, Rita from Phoenix,
I agree with everything you wrote. One can have a wonderful life, living in a sticks-and-bricks house, traveling whenever and wherever…. the best of two worlds!
Some of us don’t have the means to do both. My slogan starts with “Living on less” rather than “Living with less.” When I started my blog, I wanted to show myself and others that I could live on less income in retirement than I had during my working years, and still experience a full, contented, enjoyable, and interesting life.
I refer to this as a “simpler life” or “living simply.” Those terms are relative to how I lived in a regular home. It doesn’t mean deprivation, as in a monk with a cot and not much else. It means “less than what I had” which, for me, is more than what I had.
I enjoyed reading the different things you’ve gained from my blog, Rita. Thank you for outlining them for us. I particularly like that you mentioned “if I have a question, I simply ask in the comment section.” 🙂
Always great to have good RV service. Your new camp looks very scenic. We’ve yet to camp at the Salton Sea although I scoped it out by car a few years back. Looking forward to the sunset shots.
Nina
Hi, Nina,
The Salton Sea probably was very smelly when you were here “a few years back.” It’s much better now. And, as you know, there’s plenty of room for “The Beast,” at any of the campgrounds, primitive or developed.
Thanks for the narrative and photos on the fridge repair, some good info to remember. RV issues always happen out on the road somewhere, and I figure I will need to be part tourist and part repairman. So far, I have fixed the bathroom door, tweaked the screen door latch. Minor things, but next up will be to winterize somewhere on the way home. We are in NM for a couple nights, and then we will go north into the frost zone on the road home. Rather than run the furnace full time, I will rewinterize.
Take care and be safe.
Hi, K & B in CO,
Really smart people know what they don’t know. In other words, they know their limitations, whether in knowledge, experience, or capability. I do what I feel comfortable doing and once I reach my ceiling of competence (which is very low for certain skill areas!), I turn the work over to one who is competent.
Enjoy your last nights in NM for this trip and have a safe and happy journey home!
Oh, the mysteries of mechanical thingies. I’m happy you’re outta there, and once again, thinking about the important things…like the best angle of the lounger:-) I love the new campsite. Hope you and Bridget have a great night.
Good morning, Teresa from NC,
We did have a great night. I hope you did, too.
The sea birds are a captivating sight this morning. I’m looking out the back window as I type this. (The BLT is parked for a back-window view of the sea.) The gulls and pelicans are very active, great flocks of them wheeling about the sky, skimming over the water…. February is a good month for watching birds at the Salton Sea!
I hope you have time today for lounging at the angle that suits you best… 🙂
No wonder you waited to post all this!
Yeah, I do so love it when the names of things are actually the opposite of its meaning.
Also, I’m married to one of those guys who “checks her work.” Love that, too.
BTW, the name of that place is pretty kickin’!
So happy you got through that so well, and so cheaply! You guys are good to go at least another 3 years!
Hi, Cindy the pet sitter in Mesa,
Thank you for all the relevant information you have posted in comments lately. I know there are readers who appreciate the links, etc., too.
Glad to be of service in any way I can, Sue.
There’s a pervasive theme running that I cannot ignore: people often have their most valuable relationships with their family animals. That they are able to be happier, and the animal healthier because they met me, is the best payment I could ever receive.
Out near the Salton Sea is supposed to be a lost ship of the desert. Back in the 1870’s prospectors would come into town with a strange tale of seeing a ship out in the desert. The spotting of this wooden ship would be seen over and over again through the years but when an expedition was made to search for it, it would have disappeared back into the blowing sand. Could this be an old Spanish Galleon that was sailed into the Gulf of California hundreds of years ago and became land locked. Is there treasure still aboard just waiting for someone to start digging in the sands and scooping up Doubloons and Pieces of Eight by the bucket full? Will RV Sue and her trusty doggie Bridget find it…Stay tuned for further developments.
Hi, Joe,
I doubt I’ll find the lost ship of the desert. The Dept. of Transportation has a better chance! Route 111 is being worked on up and down the east side of the Sea, earth movers and all.
I notice the level of the Sea is a lot lower than when we were here in 2012. Wouldn’t it be something if the hull of that Spanish galleon appeared above the surface? Not likely, but fun to imagine . . . .
Sue,
So happy for you! Gotta love repairs when they work and it seems they knew just what to do it fix it right up. Boy, I did hold my breath for you! We had to replace the fridge in our Gulfstream several years back…that was costly for sure. And the Gulfstream was many years newer than our Vintage Airstream too! It always amazes us how this little Airstream is like the Little Engine That Could. It just keeps chugging along kinda carefree, the poor dear will out live us all. Which is a good thing because I hate doing repairs and know nothing about doing them and Klemper is not the mechanical repair-type either.
Love that you and B
Something odd happened while typing that last line…
Cut me off and posted the comment and I didn’t even press SEND or nothing!
Wierd! Anyway…
Love that you and Bridge are at the ~Sea~ again! So pretty there!
Now she can walk off those extra stress-related pounds 😉 I think she could feel your stress over the fridge and being in Yuma. I know when I’m stressed our critters always sense it and want more food, more loving, more potty-time, anything for my attention and to distract me from whatever is stressing me.
If Bridget felt any stress from me, it was from me being concerned for her, not over the fridge. I kept looking at her face, examining her boo-boo…. Refrigerators can be replaced. The Bridge cannot.
Sue.
Yes, I know you were concerned about The Bridge, we all were. Yes, fridges can always be replaced, just not ever fun or cheap is what I meant…not to say that The Bridge was like a fridge or that she could easily be replaced! Even thinking that would be down right..just plain wrong! Did I just get slapped again?
Have a nice day.
??? I didn’t interpret your comment in that way. No criticism intended at all. My reply was a general comment, not a personal retort.
Hi, Pamela,
I’m happy for you, that your Airstream is serving you well. Dependability is under-rated! I’d rather have a rig I can count on, than one with lots of bells and whistles that keep breaking.
Yes, I do cringe when workshops, etc. are specifically addressed to “women” whatevers. And I also dislike when people give me so much false admiration for traveling in my RV alone-with my dog Jack. False because it assumes that I am better in some way than other women. Just because I always have not stayed in my proper rut, much to the despair of my mother. Unlike RVSue, I so far have been staying in regular campgrounds & many people have helped me learn how to hitch up the sewer hoses, the order in which to hitch up & unhitch etc. And only if I ask. Now I’m in Florida, & plan to try the Everglades, with my small solar panel & a very quiet generator for backup. Having a small RV (19′) makes life much easier. Here I’m surrounded with huge 5th wheels & trailers. One thing I’ve noticed-many larger rigs have the same size fridge. The beauty of the land as RVSue’s photos show make me wish to travel further west. I especially like in this last post the photo of the Salton Sea, the birds & the purple mountains in the background. And I do route all my Amazon orders through this site.
Hi, Maryanne,
I can see from your comment that you continue to grow, to explore, to reach out to new experiences. Wow! The Everglades…. My first reaction was photos! I wish you wonderful camps!
“False admiration”…. I get that, too. I seem brave to some, but I’m not really. A different way of seeing things maybe…. a different approach. I think you understand.
I hope you do travel west. I love it!
Thank you for doing your Amazon shopping here, Maryanne. 🙂
Love the shot of Bridget looking off at something as she sits in her cozy bed outside at your new camp.The sand as shown in that photo looks like, just walking on it, one’s feet would sink into it.I’m really glad she’s healed so well that you don’t need to push her around in the stroller there,or anywhere now.It’s wonderful ,too,that it’s so clean and fresh there now, compared to conditions in the past.It must be lovely to be in ,especially with so many birds.
You made that trip to Yuma sound relatively painless,especially the fridge repair shop experience.Note to self:Allocate $3.27/mo for maintenance on frig if I also go w/dual propane tanks.Bargain all day long in my book,anyway,for the 42 months it’s allowed you to have what you need and enjoy no matter where you’ve been.I’m very happy for you that those folks were nice,efficient and trustworthy,and also knowing one more issue is behind you now.You’re just over a hundred miles away from a lot of pet adoption places west of you.Are you thinking along those lines or will you still wait a bit?
Hi, weather,
Bridget’s leg healed very well. I marvel at the complete range of motion, the lack of a limp, and the strength she possesses as she runs uphill or across soft sand, as we have here.
Yeah, the fridge service is worth every penny!
You’re right. There are a lot of pet adoption places west of here.
I’m unsure where to go next. If I climb over these mountains, I commit to several miles of travel in the coming weeks in heavily populated areas where the camping is more difficult (high up…. or too high up), more crowded, and more expensive. I could cross over to the populated side at a point further north … I haven’t decided yet.
California seems to be a difficult state for me to traverse. Mountains and cities keep getting in the way! 🙂
Hi Sue,it occurs to me that the primary difference between now and when you last adopted a dog is that your situation places you “walking around the perimeter,trying to be allowed in” so to speak.Where as before you were so involved and familiar with all involved you had an inside track.You ,wisely,cannot very well let your readers get personally involved,and those at rescues with dogs available don’t know you or how to help you.
When in the job market and all else I’ve been involved with,I never waited at the end of a line to get to the one I wanted to speak to.Rather than fill out applications etc.I would find said person at their office or whatever venue they occupied in their role and approach them directly,introduce myself,state my purpose and enlist their interactions with me,help or access to what I wanted that way.At times that was also best done by phone because of distance involved.
My point is that rearranging your itinerary and travel,taking difficult roads and highways is expensive in many ways and may be unnecessary.At the moment Arizona Small Dog Rescue has a little guy named Tyler that seems a good match.Yet getting him may well be beyond reach.They,like most rescues are always trying to supplement their expenses by holding fund raisers and asking for donations.
Were it me,about this dog or any other, I think I’d consider calling their contact ph.# listed on his page,let them lead me to who’s in charge if need be, and start a conversation.I’d explain my situation and mention that I’d gladly make a suitable donation- if someone within their organization had time to keep me in the loop of candidates arriving, that I might want to adopt,- and helped me procure such fuzz ball if a good match was found.Might simplify and make easier a lot,just an idea ,you may come up with similar ones after reading this.I’ll completely understand if you reject the entire suggestion for any reason.Just sharing a thought,it’s a bit like having an insider’s broker in the field.
Thanks, weather. I’ll consider your suggestions very thoroughly. It has been my experience with rescue organizations that they do not hold pets unless the adopter has already been approved and made a deposit.
Another glitch which I haven’t brought up because I don’t want to field a gazillion questions about it from readers…. I don’t have phone service right now while I work through a problem with the cell phone provider. Enough said! 🙂
I don’t have the energy to drive back and forth across hundreds of miles chasing after dogs in photos online. I’m a long way from Phoenix right now and even if I were near, camping opportunities are not that good, according to how I camp. When I was in the Phoenix area, the only candidates were $300-$500 through picky rescues hosted by Small Dog Rescue, while several dogs were available in the Coachella Valley in California. Now I’m in the Coachella Valley and I’m finding pit bulls and chihuahas, the others no longer available, yet Phoenix has more dogs and sheesh!!!! . . . Actively pursuing a location for dogs is getting on my nerves.
Thanks for responding,Sue.Part of what I was thinking was that you would not travel to those places,but what have advocates within a few rescues reaching you by internet with pics/and or videos to offer you.You would through initial communications be pre-approved and part of their service would be transport for a meet n’ greet w/pup .As in all adoptions you would have right of refusal or the option to not take or keep the pup if it seemed or became unsuitable for any reason.I’m trying to get you out of the usual run around,certainly not send you on more trips.What they would be doing is in part their normal job,the extras-you viewing from home what they send and transport to you if needed is why a donation above normal fees comes into play.It’s the equivalent of having a realtor-agents in several places.I just know I’ve received favor and favors by initiating contact and asking for what I want,that’s (though involved some expense)saved me limitless time ,money and trouble I’d have gone through otherwise.A sincere detailed longish letter e-mailed to the head of any one rescue would do as well as a phone call to initiate such an arrangement.In fact as you could compose it at your leisure and include photos as attachments might be better-save the nervousness of speech and let them see who and what their dealing with.Anyway,again,just thoughts 🙂
I’m sorry weather. I’m not up to it right now. I need to see a dog and adopt him.
I’m not going to go through a campaign. I know stepping outside of the box works. That’s how I got most of the jobs I’ve had in my life. I’m not up to it.. The last time I tried writing an email case for myself I didn’t get an answer until I had left the area.
Forcing the issue is not my style. Thanks anyway.
🙂
When its meant to be you will find each other… there will be no dance, just meeting of two kindred souls, and then you will love happily ever after…
Sue,
Trac fone $8.00…..Uses Verizon network……Pay as you go/ no contract…..Any drugstore/grocery…..Buy several prepaid cards that won’t expire until you activate them….Average cost under $10 per month. Can charge by ac/dc/usb/solar window gizmo….
….just sayn’
I know about phones and trac fone and all the rest. I don’t want to talk about phones. Pleeeezzeee. It’s bad enough to have to deal with it. Thanks anyway. I know you mean well but I don’t want a phone thread started here.
My problem has nothing to do with knowing how to buy phone service. There’s a problem retaining my phone number when I switch. Again, Everyone…. No more comments about phones. Yuck.
Mbiefeldt@yahoo.com……just saying. Make an inquiry?
You’re right, Sue. Traveling CA is like that for most people I’ve met. It’s always different than the way they usually travel.
For me I look at it like a whole new adventure; I already know there’s going to be issues with the traffic, cities and mountains, so I plan around that: like, I say to myself, don’t go through LA before 11 AM, or after 2, or if you have to spend the night choose a place outside the city limits, or choose the faigrounds if possible because it’s cheaper and you wanna see something nearby anyway, or if it’s summer, avoid the Central Valley, and stick closer to the Coast. Don’t stay IN San Francisco, stay near it, and take the BART in. Stuff like that.
CA……I have a serious love hate relationship with that state; probably because I lived there for 31 years, and didn’t enjoy it much. But, it DOES serve its purposes, ya gotta admit!
I guess I’m saying, if ya gotta go there make the best possible experience out of it, cause you may never go back there again.
Your suggestions have merit, Cindy.
One important consideration I have to make — which might not be readily apparent to someone reading here — is leaving the BLT behind when in a populated area. I often leave the BLT in secluded places. However, the closer one gets to a major city, the higher the possibility for criminal mischief. I also can’t be hopping on public transportation with Bridget, nor can I leave her alone in the BLT for the day while I’m off looking for a crew member.
Due to the mountains and several large cities, once I take one fork in the road, I’m forced into other forks in the road, which leads me into a tangle of traffic I don’t want to do. And then where do we camp? I can’t tolerate “camping” like a sardine in a can, even if it were free.
Well…about public transportation….I was speaking more figuratively; however, you are allowed to bring The Bridge, but she’d have to be in a carrier…..or be a Special Needs Service Animal.
But yes, you can’t leave the BLT at a Walmart, for example…that’s for sure…that’s against their boondocking rules.
But you can leave it at regular, paying/private CG. Or even at the Fairgrounds’ RV parking….they have security.
Also, RE: The Bridge; If you are going to a rescue to check out a possible new crew member, you would want to take her with you, anyway, to see how they interact….every rescue/shelter encourages this…some insist. In fact they would especially encourage this in your case because of the fact that your home is on wheels. i.e.: they might want to do a home check…and you would have to explain your situation.
BTW, speaking of home checks…they might STILL want to do that; in which case they might want to look at the BLT after all.
There was a suggestion of another blogorino earlier today about calling the rescues ahead of time? That might actually work in your favor to do so, in that if the rescue had an issue about you being a gypsy…they would let you know right then and there.
However, an especial advantage for you would be to call them about the dog(s) your interested in…OK? THEN, you would tell them about your living situation…OK? THEN if they seem OK with that….THEN you could suggest that they might want to see the BLT/BLT package….right? THEN you could say, “How about if I come the night before and spend the night in your parking lot? That way I’m there bright and early…bla, bla, bla….”
So then, you’d have an empty lot when you arrive, and be able to situate your rig the way you’d want it to be the next day when it’s time to leave.
Plus, you’ve looked at their dogs; The Bridge has met them; the rescue people see your living situation…all is good!
“you are” interested in…
Correcting my grammar!
You are so funny, so full of ideas…I have one for you…Want to spend some time at the beach…trade you…you stay with my dogs for some time and use my house for free!..maybe you need to expand your business and see the country….hey wait a minute, I should do that!..nevermind.
Ha!
I’m not going to adopt a dog and bring it home on public transportation. I’m not going to leave Bridget in this little trailer, no matter how safe — It’s too warm for that! She would have a panic attack all by herself. I’m not going to call a rescue and ask for favors. When I try to explain my living situation to people they look at me like I’m nuts. Camping in a parking lot of a business works. Not at an animal shelter.
Pleeeeeezzze Everybody…. No more suggestions. I can’t go on a campaign to convince a rescue organization to let me adopt. I can’t phone anyone right now. I know you mean well, but I’ve answered a gazillion suggestions and it’s making me crazy.
Can we all just leave Sue alone on this topic. I know we all love her and want to help, but I really doubt there is anything that we can add that she hasn’t considered or thought about, or rejected. She’s a pretty smart cookie.
I mean this in the most respectful way to all the blogorinos. You’re a smart bunch with loads of great and loving ideas – one of the reasons I love Sue’s blog.
Ok…no more.
But I am compelled to clarify; I was not suggesting that you use PT to bring home a new dog…or even to carry around Bridgett. I only mentioned PT…because that is what I have done sometimes when I go to CA because of the traffic. And I never did that with any of my traveling dogs. They stayed behind, and only if it was safe to do so…weather-wise or other.
And the suggestion of staying on the shelter’s lot was only so you wouldn’t have to find a different place, unhook…go over there, only to have them say, Oh I need to see your home…bla, bla, bla. Because a lot of them will want to see your home. That’s all I meant by that.
I’m sorry if I upset you…I’m just trying to forewarn you of the quirks of these rescues. And in a crazy state like CA…it can get weird.
Hi Sue
I guess you discovered what I found so refreshing about Sun Bum’s service. Kind of nice to be able to hang right in there with the person doing the work, have him/her explain what’s going on and come away with the feeling that they actually do know what they are doing. Their prices, while not cheap, are completely in line with what others are charging. Glad your frig is well now.
Thanks again, Bob, for mentioning Sun Bum RV to me. Maybe that’s why we “bumped into each other” in the desert. 🙂
Glad the fridge was an uncomplicated fix!
propane pressure. Was that a math problem or word problem? Don’t you hate when you have to look up words USED in a definition?
Sounds like something Mick would understand from the get!
I thought the Salton Sea ALWAYS smelled. For some reason I associate it with “dead”…not sure why?
For all intensive purposes it is dead. All the towns around it are virtual ghost towns. There is a sanctuary at the east end that Sonny Bono was involved in when they tried to revive the lake but everyone sort of lost interest. It is a shame because it is a prime area and could use the lake for all kinds of uses.
Hey you! How’s CO?
Actually it is great. This bizarre weather we have been having has made it a paradise. Daily highs of high 50’s to low 60’s have made it a joy. I know it isn’t the norm but they don’t know when it will revert back.
How are the ferrals doing. You have to get them to use the litter box. Maybe locking them in the shed for a couple days might force them to use it, or place it just outside the shed under some cover.
Hi, Alan,
I don’t think the birds have lost interest. As I drove Route 111 north to Niland I passed the road that leads to the sanctuary. Flocks of birds were coming and going overhead….
The Salton Sea is not dead. In fact it’s the most alive body of water I’ve ever seen! I’m referring to the hundreds, if not thousands, of birds along the shore. . . always a bunch of them in motion… ribbons of birds… birds in V formation… swirls of birds… birds floating on air currents… or bobbing up and down on the gentle waves.
There have been “die-offs” here… of fish and birds. That’s probably where the association comes from.
And that’s why we all tune into this blog….don’t ever take for granted what you hear!
You are correct, the animals don’t know it. However there isn’t enough water going in to match water going out and as such the lake isn’t very healthy. They were trying to make the area a resort area but the lake just couldn’t support it.
Good Morning Sue….I see you are in my favorite birding zone…I have not found it smelly for a couple of years…I love it out there, so many birds flying overhead…Don’t forget to look for the Borrowing owls….you see them on the sand berms on the side of the roads…Look fast..they scamper down into their holes when they see you coming…lovely places to walk if you get a map….I promise not to come out there until you have left the area…where ever you go do it safely…I cannot see you coming over the hill into the population very comfortably.
Why would you not go to the Salton Sea if Sue is there. In a recent post she befriended a blogorino that was camped nearby, even photographed his dogs and RV. I fully understand her not wanting people just walking up to her RV but that doesn’t extend to the general area she is in.
Well, we were planning a trip for Valentine’s Day…I will have to restrain myself, I am such a BIG fan of RVSUE…but it is a mighty big area and probably would not run into her..Although I know the area where she was parked…She will probably be gone by this weekend, but wanted to reassure her that she will not be approached. We are looking for Sandhill Cranes which are more toward Sunny Bono Preserve out in the fields…great place…There is a viewing tower out there that allows you to see hundreds of snow geese and white pelicans…along with Sandhills…fabulous. Burrowing owls along most of the roads, cute little devels. Also one time when we were there about where Sue is parked, we saw a Bobcat come walking down the path, did not even blink that we were there…took some pictures, the main reason why we go…No pictures of Sue though…lol.
Man, I gotta check this place out! It sounds more intriguing by the minute!
BTW, there are Burrowing Owls in the Central Valley of CA, where I lived for a time. Very cool animals.
Now here in AZ, we got Bobcats walking around in our backyards!
Hi Cindy, yes, like the Central Valley, which is another of my favorite birding places…LOTS of Sandhills there…We go to the Central Valley Birding Festival every year, FUN!.
In Salton Sea, during the summer they spot Blue Footed Boobies there…to say nothing about the Raptor population…on about every pole in every field there…quite a fabulous DEAD place.
Not quite sure how far from Mesa, but we run into people all the time from Arizona.
Yeah, definitely gotta check this out Shirlene!
I’m waiting on my Benchmark Atlases that I ordered thru Sue. Wanna do a PNW trip this summer.
Maybe, on the way back down I’ll check out this place!
I think Mesa’s 200 + miles from there? Not sure at the moment.
263 miles, 4 hours.
Thanks! Yeah….sounds like a plan 🙂
Crap….just remembered, it’ll be summertime! Ack! Too, too hot!
Alan . . . ..
I need to clarify before I receive a hostile attack from mean-spirited lurkers.
I didn’t take a picture of his RV. The photos you see are RVs belonging to unidentified people.
I avoid taking photos of people I identify or of their homes. Exceptions are made for people who want to be in a photo for this blog. Instead of photographing people, I photograph their pets. Less intrusive.
No drop-in visit occurred. We met while we both were out walking.
I wasn’t getting on your case. I support you completely. But taking that to the point where someone won’t even go to an area because you are there for fear of running into you is just wrong. I am not going to not go to KOFA because you may be camped nearby, that is just wrong.
I know what you meant. I wasn’t getting on your case either.
As a blogger I have to anticipate potential reactions to every statement made in every comment. A spiteful person could jump on your statement about me photographing the RV of a person I met, that’s all, because I object to people seeking my camp in order to photograph it.
Of course, no one should avoid a place because of my presence, unless they can’t stand being near me. 🙂
No…I think everyone get’s that.
Well…maybe not “Everyone,” anyway…WE all get that.
Just like me….I have to respect my client’s privacy, but I take pics/videos of their animals, with no identifying anything in the background. Sometimes, they end up on my website, or on my FB page. And anyway, you know many Gizmos, or Duffys, or Lilys I’ve met over the years?
🙂
Hi, Shirlene,
We will probably leave the Salton Sea Friday, mid-morning. Don’t alter your plans because of us!
No worries Sue…by the way, see anything interesting?
I’d rather not describe too much here in comments because not everyone reads comments. Next post will be about our Salton Sea camp.
All you should know about the Salton Sea:
http://www.desertusa.com/video_pages/salton-sea.html
Cool…yep that’s my bird zone. Thanks for the link, Jim.
I stand corrected, it isn’t dead yet, but is on its way. There is no oxygen getting into the water and the lake is not healthy because of it. The birds don’t know it but because of the lack of oxygen there isn’t enough food for all the animals that depend on it. The lake was formed during a flood and there is no new water coming in, except via rain, nor anyway for water to leave except via pumping. The lake will eventually dry up and leave a giant salt lick.
If efforts to bring it back are successful , it will never be “dead”. Several agencies are working on restoration plans,
Where are they going to get the water. There is none. All available sources are being consumed by LA. In fact, if it did have a source of renewable water LA would have tapped it years ago. There isn’t enough rain to sustain it. Besides we all know how well the government does in supporting the federal lands we have, by the time they figure it out it will have evaporated. Wait, I know, lets take Mono lake back from LA and use the water to feed the Salton Sea. Now that sounds like a federal solution.
Looks like I was wrong about it not having a source of water however this link will give a better idea of what is going on. BTW it was government agencies that screwed up and created this lake in the first place.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salton_Sea
RVSue,
As I understand it, the automatic change over regulator switches over to the next tank when the one being used becomes empty. This way your fridge will not shut off if you are away from the trailer or in the middle of the night, etc. You have to have the lever in the straight up position for this to work instead of pointing to one tank or the other.
Someone may have already addressed this as I didn’t read all of the post.
Ron H.
I have never heard that, Ron. No one has ever said anything about putting the lever in the straight up position. I’ve been told the lever is simply an indicator of which tank is in use.
Here is a good explanation as to how the switchover should be. It also does not indicate that the switch should be straight up.
http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f71/lp-auto-change-over-regulator-explained-10560.html
Thank you Jim, you answered my question before I could ask it.
My thanks as well Jim, as I now know the full sequence for positioning the auto changeover regulator. I now have a printed copy included with my Casita manual on board the Eggineer’s Road House.
I prefer not to have both tanks “open” as I’m the type that would forget to check it and bingo, I find we’re sitting somewhere with two empty tanks. I’d rather keep one tank closed and when one tank empties, go outside — even if it’s in the middle of the night — and open up the reserve tank. Then I know to take the empty to a propane place for filling.
To each his own…
Thanks for the link! A very thorough explanation…
Left an e-mail address above….going to Canada in March…perfect follower…cute..perfect…
“perfect follower…cute…perfect.” I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Thank god I finally got someone to come and clean. Certain things I just can’t do yet. I’m so happy to have clean tub and clean floors.
Now, if only my stomach would quit hurting and I could eat food.
It is really great they let you follow behind during fridge repair and learn. Very cool! Glad the fridge is fixed.
As to CA….I wouldn’t go anywhere until you have pinpointed one or two good candidates, and then I would probably try to communicate via phone or email to make sure they would hold the animal for me. But that’s just me.
And again, friends are here to help. If you saw something in my area, I’m happy to go adopt on your behalf and deliver the animal out of town. I bet Shirlene would do the same. But I know you want to meet them first so…
Our weather is glorious, creeping into low 80s. So happy I live in AZ!
They won’t “hold” an animal based on a phone call. You go to the place and hope the dog is still there.
Sue, seeing Bridget in your pictures had me thinking where I have seen a rat terrier that looks like her…….sitting here watching Duck Dynesty on TV I see Miss Kay has a rat terrier by the name of Bo Bo……but BoBo is a male….HA! shows you how much I think of you and Bridge out west by your lonesome…..
BTW do you get any TV out where you are or do you even try?
Chuck
I saw a PBS special on the Salton Sea last year. It was very interesting. A bit sad for those who still are living in certain areas. I hope that it “comes back” for those who have made it their home and who would like some community to return. Sounds like a great place to see wildlife.
Glad the fridge thing worked out, so it wasn’t the fridge, but the propane, right? Wow. Interesting. I love the name of the service center, too. Sun Bum, sounds like life on the beach!
Excellent if not sad article about Salton Sea
http://www.hcn.org/issues/365/17542?b_start:int=0#body
Wow…now that’s journalism! Thanks for sharing, cat lover!
I got such an education today on this place!
Thanks again, Sue.
Great article. Just got around to reading it. Thanks for sharing. It goes along with the documentary I saw.
Totally off topic, (and maybe that’s a good thing,) when I win the Powerball tonight, I’m hoping the biggest and most difficult decision I will have to make is which travel trailer I will be buying! 😉 Peace and love everyone!
Hee-hee, DeAnne…I KNOW which travel trailer I would buy! Best of luck!! 🙂
Well, I’ll still be dreaming, saving, and planning. Only hit one number on my easy pick ticket. Hope you faired better! 🙂
NY State is expected to have very cold temperatures soon(I know,what a surprise,right?),so a lot of today was spent ensuring that it won’t cause problems.The usual check this ,ready that sort of things amidst dealing with ordinary issues and tasks.So now that I’ve jumped off the merry go round that felt as if it was going to fast,settled in with the troupe all asleep I’m ready to simply enjoy the evening .Feels great,Sue,I hope you are doing that,too.
When I pulled beside the pump to put gas in the jeep today,a guy on the other side of it stepped over and said “Would you like to use what’s left on here?”. He’d prepaid for more than would fit in his tank and said he didn’t want to be bothered with going inside,the line and getting his cash refunded.So as he pumped it into my tank for me I reached for my wallet to give him some cash that he refused.We exchanged pleasantries and went our separate ways.I know we can get used to folks being nice,yet that one was a first for me.I used the cash instead for sandwich fixings I shared with the pups for dinner,prayed for the guy to blessed while saying thanks for the meal and provision.It really is a golden life,at a certain hour or any 🙂
Awesome story Weather! Good vibes all around. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it with me,Edie 🙂
Hi, Weather,
How sweet of that guy to offer you the gas. You received a blessing, just as you have helped and provided for others in the past, it came full circle to you – totally unexpected. 🙂
Glad you are prepared for the temps to drop. Reading about your decision to delay your escape so you can spend more time with your grandson made my heart smile. So, so glad that you all are blessed to have such a special relationship. I know that you treasure it dearly! Stay warm and snuggle with your troupe! 🙂
Luv heart smiles,neat,Denise,being in THIS circle gives warmth!
🙂
Thanks for sharing that sweet encouraging story, Weather….there are good people, even if we don’t cross paths with such overly often…but one ought always keep their eyes open because you never know….how nice to be provided for like that!!
Was on my feet over helping daughter today…5 hours without sitting down. Told hubby I think I could work part time if I can do that!! HA!! Was cooking, cleaning, laundry…well, I am not fast!! But steady gets it done… Made a comfort food supper…we all need a bit of comfort sometimes eh?
Oh Elizabeth dear,of course you could work part time ,or do anything you choose to,we’re young in comparison to family or neighbors we saw going strong until far more advanced in years than we are!They expected to so did.The same way I expect -that,folks being good and comforts-like sweet notes from you 🙂
Well, I may be young compared to my kin who lived a long time, but I do have health issues that are not always easy to deal with!! But thanks for the encouragement, Weather. We stay so busy I would not find it easy to get the time to work…but if it became necessary to survive, it is good to think I could do it, of course. Heh…well in a way working for free these days! 🙂
Good morning,Sue 🙂 I walked away from watching snow flakes dance,drift and dance again to freshen my coffee and thought about how the pine boughs moving reminded me of palm tree branches and their fronds in a breeze.Wondered what triggered my picturing that and remembered your photo of them not too long ago and why they matter to me.The first ones I saw were while I was swimming in Miami Beach’s Atlantic Ocean shore.
At seventeen on my first trip without friends or family I experienced in young adulthood something I’d only had and cherished as a child -freedom from concern about any others opinion of me.So I played,dawdled ,rolled in the sand and waves at will,and fell in love with palm trees.Guess something close to that is why you love the desert and it’s warmth and plants…Lord,I hope we make decisions,live our lives with that carefree mindset as part of it all.Once one of your readers,I think Patsy from Ontario replied to me-“Always dance,always be,just be”. Today I typed those words for you ,friend,because what you are is such a treasure to me.
Good morning, weather,
A trip to Miami Beach by yourself at age 17…and without the pressure of living up to what others thought you should do, say, and be… How wonderful for you!
We say “always dance, always be, just be” but in the reality of many lives, that’s very difficult, if not impossible. You and I are blessed that we aren’t struggling every day to secure something to eat for ourselves and for those in our care, nor do we have to be what we aren’t in order to make a living. I did that for most of my life and it sucked the play right out of me.
I see people every day — especially here in the land of back-breaking, agricultural, cheap labor — for whom a “carefree mindset” is about as easy to attain as turning dirt into dollars through mind control.
I write this because it points out a contrast… How very, very blessed we are — you and I and others reading this — to be able to enjoy each day, to travel, to wander, to slow down to appreciate nature and beauty, to be carefree, to play, to simply dance and be.
Thanks again for your uplifting words, weather, and your kindness to me. Pine boughs or palm trees, it’s all wonderful!
That man could’ve grumbled along his way, kicking himself for having miscalculated and spent more than he had to. Instead he turned his mistake into a gift. I’m guessing by doing that he brightened his day as well as yours!
Thanks for sharing that with us.
What a nice gesture from a stranger.
Yeppers tonight is supposed to be minus 40! The wind is already howling!
Stay warm!
Glad the fridge and the Bridge are both happy and healthy! 🙂
Thank you for putting the Amazon link at the end for us phone users. I used it again today. Very handy.
You’re welcome, Edie, and thanks very much for using it!
We really enjoyed the photos and tutorial on the RV Fridge and propane pressure
today. We’ve had problems with the fridge before, and had poor service here at home getting it fixed. We now carry a shotgun cleaning brush for cleaning out the vent tube, and hubby has replaced the burner.,,,,All is fine now, but we should probably have a pro check our propane pressure….
Enjoy your birdwatching along the Salton Sea!
cc, you don’t need an expert to check your propane pressure. All you need is a manometer. They aren’t expensive and are easy to use. They are just a gauge like your tire pressure gauge.
General Tools & Instruments GPK015 Analog Gas Pressure Kit Water Column, 0-15 Inch
Note: The above link is an Amazon link embedded with my code. Sue
Thanks for the link to the manometer…this sounds like something we might need to pack in the toolkit.
Good morning, Sue. We really enjoyed the story of your refrigerator repair. It’s a wonder really when we meet people of integrity who know how to do their job & do it well. I hope that folks like Patty & Rob are training their eventual replacements.
Off topic–our TT has venetian blinds on the windows. They’re handy for tilting when the sun is too bright (what a nice problem to have) but overall they’re a true PITA! I remembered your curtains & what a good solution that was for you so will be taking out all this hardware crapola & putting in some pretty functional curtains when we get back to the island.
Enjoy the Salton Sea. Bridget looks happy in her new surroundings but then she seems like a typically happy girl…except when you get the camera out. We’re leaving Tyson Wash today–what a grand month we’ve had here. We’re headed for Casa Grande for a short visit with a friend & then on to Las Cienegas & beyond. Take good care, Miss Sue.
Good morning, Dawn,
I love that you had “a grand month.” . . . and now you’re on your way to different experiences.
Good luck replacing your blinds. Curtains are much easier to clean. Some people put up curtain/shades that block the sun and provide additional insulation against the cold. Mine don’t do that, but I love ’em anyway. They provide privacy, are easily opened and closed, and the light comes through in a soft glow.
Dawn, I replaced the shades in my RV with a set of honeycomb cordless blinds. They are inexpensive, easy to install, provide insulation and look great.
Easy Lift, 36-inch by 64-inch, Trim-at-Home (fits windows 21-inches to 36-inches wide) Cordless Honeycomb Cellular Shade, Light Filtering, White
Alan… I replaced the search link you posted with one of mine. It may not be the same blinds but similar. Please don’t post any more Amazon links. I have to open about 8 pages in order to replace your links with my coded links and that eats up my data and time. Thanks, however, for helping out blogorinos! Sue
Sue, I go to Amazon from the links on your blog. I used to do this before with no issue, so there must be something going on that I am unaware of.
Using my links to go shopping at Amazon still gives me credit.
When you make the links on my blog, the code isn’t carried into them. Therefore, anyone using a link that you, a reader, create will not result in me receiving a commission. I clicked on the link you made and my code was not in it.
As long as we’re on a similar subject… Readers: If you figure out how to make a link with my code embedded in it, please DO NOT post such a link somewhere else on the internet, like on another site or in an email. That’s in violation of Amazon’s operating agreement and jeopardizes my relationship with Amazon. Thanks.
BTW, if you’re shopping Amazon from here, thanks, Alan! 🙂
Good Morning Sue, whew…the winds are blowing here, is it coming your way? Beautiful sunrise none-the-less…I bet you are getting some beautiful sunrises and sunsets out there…Wishing you blue skies and calm winds today…
By the way, coming home from work yesterday, temperature gauge in car reached 89 degrees…man what we have to put up with in California.
Good morning, Shirlene,
Yesterday was a breezy day which was much enjoyed, as temperatures are in the high 80s. We may have reached into the 90s the day before yesterday. It’s breezy this morning, as usual… No dust, which is surprising in such an arid location.
“Calm winds”…. Yes! Thanks for the wish. I wish the same for you…
This is a Public Service Announcement made on behalf of RVSue. She tries so hard to be polite whereas I need not do so. I am re-posting her very polite request.
rvsueandcrew says:
February 7, 2015 at 8:21 am
GOOD MORNING, EVERYBODY!
Many of you have made suggestions where to look or go for a new crew member. The delay in finding him is due to other life issues, not because I don’t know where to look. I’ve looked at all the county facilities and humane societies in a 500+ mile radius of Phoenix, across three states. I’m extending that through California. I’ve been familiar with Petfinder since it’s beginnings many years ago, also Petango, Petstew, Adopt-a-Pet, etc.. I also frequent the rat terrier rescues, Jack Russell rescues, other breed rescues, as well as the general state rescues, local rescues, and little in-home rescues. I don’t do Craigslist.
Thank you! He will be found!
She has also repeatedly said that she must meet her new crew member face-to-face. She is not going to accept some dog that you may have found that you think is just perfect and will ship the dog to her. I am a slow learner but I have learned all of this by reading what she has written and have quit hounding (pun intended) her about a possible crew member. Join me in not doing so.
It’s the put-it-in-a-bag-of-rice phenonemon. People want to help. 🙂
You are kind and considerate, Ed, to post this message on my behalf. Gosh, I almost wish I’d made the effort to meet you when in Why… Coming from me, that’s a major compliment!
I feel that Sue’s new dog will come along lot easier than we’ve been making it sound. One day when we’ve all gone on to other things we’ll open the blog and Sue will tell us about how it came to be. Beautiful again here in Arizona. Have a great day all and you too Missy and Bridge.
Hi,, Jim,
A sweet message. I’ll allow “serendipity” to come into play, just as it did when I found Spike and Bridget.
Thanks for the beautiful day wish… It’s working!
Hi, Sue! Hope you are having a great day. It’s beautiful here; yes, still in Laughlin. About a month more— we are enjoying our stay here immensely. Wouldn’t be your “cup of tea” but we are having great fun. Have met new friends from many states & Canada and have had several visits from family as well. Go figure!
We have now abandoned our proposed exploration of Louisiana for this year as our minds are focused on searching for a larger trailer. We have reluctantly decided we need just a bit more space if we are going to be out this long. We are really struggling with the notion of giving up our Casita, however. So we are looking, looking, looking; sort of like your search for the next member of the canine crew. Best wishes to us both!
Hi, Kathy and Gil,
Good to hear you’re still enjoying Laughlin. You know what you like!
I can understand wanting a bigger trailer. I’m amazed that any couple can full-time in a Casita. Best of luck searching for the perfect rig!
Hi Sue!
I just have to share this with you… you may have seen it before, but as soon as I saw it I wanted to share with you.
Hugs and love, from Hoquiam!
Barb
http://abcnews.go.com/US/dog-shows-hospital-owner-battling-cancer/story?id=28916913&cid=fb_gma
Great story, Barb….shared on FB!
A heartwarming story, Barb! A dog’s love knows no barriers.
🙂
Sue, is there a bridge construction still going on near one of the campgrounds along Salton Sea? That’s where I wanted to camp a few weeks ago but too much noise. There were so many birds at that time.
Yes, there is. They must be in a different phase of construction than when you were here because it isn’t noisy. . . and you know how sensitive I am about noise.