Wednesday, September 24
After my coffee and Bridget’s breakfast, our morning routine continues with an abbreviated walk on the peninsula of the Antelope Flat area of Flaming Gorge, Utah. I don’t want to miss breakfast at Kathy’s and Gil’s campsite!
Of course, the breakfast dish Gil serves is out-of-this-world delicious. The photo shows Gil’s dish with salsa on top.
I decide to skip the salsa as Kathy warns me it’s very hot. What you can’t see in the photo is the bottom layer which is a medley of vegetables including grape tomatoes, broccoli, and green pepper, sauteed with sausage and, I believe, garlic and maybe some other spices. On top of that are two poached eggs. What other ingredients are in the dish, I don’t know. I’m too busy eating to ask!
The three of us sit in our camp chairs in the morning sun and enjoy more conversation.
The time comes for goodbyes. Gil and Kathy walk Bridget and me to the Best Little Trailer. Shortly thereafter we head down the road with zucchini, butternut squash and other produce stowed in the BLT for future meals.
Goodbye, Loon Lagoon! You’re a great camp!
I drive us south on Route 191.
We go through Dutch John, over Flaming Gorge Dam, across the arch bridge, out of the Gorge, and into Ashley National Forest. My plan is to stop at Lodgepole Campground for water and to dump trash. I have a lot of trash — our own and all the stuff I picked up while walking the peninsula at Loon Lagoon Camp.
“Oh, no! It’s closed!”
As I drive, more aspens come into view.
They’re at the peak of fall color, sharply contrasting with the dark evergreens.
I turn onto the road that goes to Field of Flowers Camp.
You may remember this camp from last July. This is where I photographed butterflies on wildflowers . . . “Boondocking with the birds and butterflies.”
It’s also the camp where a bear attacked the Best Little Trailer in the middle of a moonlit night . . . “Who’s that knockin’ at my door?”
I fully expect the campsites to be occupied by hunters. I’m pleasantly surprised.
No one’s here!
I set up camp in the same spot as last July, and I do mean exactly the same spot. I find the depression in the ground I used in July and back the BLT’s wheel into it. Instantly level! I like that.
Of course, the wildflowers are gone, replaced by a green lawn.
Bridget and I take a short walk. I don’t want to venture deep into the forest because of the presence of bears. Instead we walk the forest road toward Route 191. It borders the meadow where I saw the herd of elk last July.
The ponds are our destination. I hear ducks, but don’t see them.
By late afternoon sadness creeps into the day.
This camp reminds me of Spike. I have to get used to that. Bridget and I eat a cold supper. I don’t want to cook and entice a bear to our windows again. We go to bed early. Before turning in, I give the tooter a blast. Wow! Well, that sure is comforting!
Thursday, September 25
Even though our water supply is low, I figure we can make it through another day at this camp. I don’t feel like pushing myself. Lethargy is grief’s partner. When those two pair up, it’s pointless to fight them.
I sit in the lounger and read in the shade of the pine. Bridget wanders around camp or lies on the grass. The air temperature is perfect with a slight breeze.
We walk the forest road.
With no one around Bridget and I can check out the campsites. There are some nice ones on this road.
We come across a new-looking poster tacked to a tree at the edge of the dense woods.
“Warning: Do not camp or picnic in this area. Efforts are being made to capture a bear.”
Well, I wonder if it’s the same bear. Somebody must’ve had trouble and complained . . . .
“We’d better turn around and go home, Bridge.”
Later Bridget and I cuddle up on the bed and take a nap. When we awake, I feel much better.
Friday, September 26
We break camp and continue southward on Route 191. The aspens are ablaze!
To be continued . . .
rvsue
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I couldn’t find any other comments. Am I first???
Yes, you are, Marilu! Congratulations!
What a peaceful spot. Glad the bear didn’t try to visit although I’m sure the horn would have “encouraged” him to leave if he had. How cool that you could park in exactly the same spot.
Once I find the perfect position for the BLT, no sense looking for another one!
How glorious to be #4!
Even more glorious when you’re #3!
I’m relieved that bear didn’t return for a second visit; but you do have your wonderful anti-bear tooters. I suspect they would also be a deterrent for pests of the two legged kind. Your photos of the aspens are gorgeous. Enjoy your travels as you head south.
Thanks, Marilu. The tooters are very loud… The sound reverberates across the forest. I’m very glad I have them.
oh the color is fantastic there….the tooters is a great idea! its cooled here quite a lot…and the trees are beginning to turn…I hope to get up on the Blue Ridge for some color soon if I can get away.
Ah, the Blue Ridge… That’s a great place to be in fall.
Well, glad to hear that you did not stay too long in bear country…if the bear is being sought, maybe it pestered some others too…and so good to have the horn!! Happy travels.
Hi, Elizabeth,
No doubt we will be in bear country again before we leave Utah!
Well, with the drought out here…one was even picked up and moved because it was hanging out at the Tacoma Dome, of all places…smack dab in the middle of the city!! Who would think? A family of raccoons has been pestering my daughter’s family…in a HUGE neighborhood…not exactly the woods, though of course, every place out here has trees. Another neighbor apparently feeds them and they live under their deck. Thank you very much. I guess it is against the law to remove them. Their hairless rat terrier has already gotten into a big fight with one of them…which is a huge worry. He THINKS he is a Saint Bernard…he does not like ANY other animals, aside from their cats, which he barely tolerates. I worry about the children too…it is not a good thing when wild animals get too comfortable with humans and pets. Son-in-law is reading up on some things that might make then not like their yard so much…things they do not like the smell of, etc.
I heard about that bear–so unusual! Hope this rain we’re having sends the wild ones back to their usual stomping grounds! Raccoons can be fierce–glad their dog wasn’t hurt!
Thanks Dawn…heh, being hairless he is a very expensive dog too!! Son-in-law has allergies so has to have a hairless one….cats live in the garage and outside…one hangs around on the deck a lot, to get lots of petting. Yes, we are all worried the dog will get into a fight and loose it!!
Saw a show about raccoon’s in Toronto. They have become the uber animal. Their intelligence seems to be growing in leaps and bounds. Each raccoon had a 3 block territory with big streets being the main boundaries, cars being their only predator. Funny thing was they never went into the parks, they’d skirt the edges but not go in, no food.
…now that you have mentioned that we had raccoon problems last winter for the first time ever!! I live trapped 2 of them and relocated, and a third almost bought the farm when my dogs had it treed on the bird feeder I helped him escape. I hope they don’t return this winter.
This was my first full summer living in suburban Minneapolis and while I have yet to see a live raccoon, this year I have seen literally dozens and dozens (and dozens!!) of dead ones on the roads and streets. (regular trips with the RV to ND and WI) It seems that cars are very efficient “predators” of these chubby lumbering creatures. I would imagine that those living in houses have more problems with them invading than I do in a condo. I remember years ago in Virginia, my neighbors had problems with them getting in the trash. They tried for a few weeks to live trap it/them (he worked at the National Zoo in DC), but every time they caught the same dumb opossum who apparently loved the bait. LOL They never did manage to catch the raccoon.
I am not too sure how easy it would be to catch raccoons either. They are smart!! We had friends when I was a kid, back in the dark ages, who had one for a pet….but they did not keep it long. Had to take it back to the wilds I think…it liked to go through people’s pants pockets and we were warned to let it do so, or it would bite us…argh!!
I have a cage I normally use to relocate problem squirrels its a bit small for raccoon, but it worked. since they were raiding the bird feeder I baited it with birdseed. Took my feeders in for the night and set the trap under the post where the feeder normally is. they like to raiding about an hr before sun up!!
Hmmm, birdseed…have to tell my daughter that…heh…
If ever there was a face only a mother could love, it’s the opossum.
Wonderful photos of the aspen in full plumage. So different than when you were here before in so many ways, but the weather looks like it is perfect.
I would bet that it is indeed the same bear that came into your camp in July. They tend to lose their fear of humans gradually but once they decide that humans mean easy treats they don’t just give it up. So hard to believe that in the early days of the National Parks the park trash dump was one of the big attractions for tourists so they could come see the bears pick through the trash. Folks just didn’t know any better at the time.
I hope you are well in your new camp, can’t wait to hear about it. Squeeze the Bridge,
Hi, Rick,
We are well in our new camp. Bridget is sleeping somewhere under the covers. I’ll give her that squeeze later. 🙂
Rick, when I was young, we went often to Yosemite and yep, the dump was the biggest attraction nearly….some people even getting close to the bears in order to get pictures…which my dad felt was totally crazy. We kept a long ways back. The funniest thing I saw was a bear had sat on a big skillet someone threw away and it must have had really sticky stuff in it, as it was stuck to the bear’s behind. The bear went along hitting it on the trees trying to dislodge it. Never knew how that turned out. One night after having fried chicken, my dad tried to burn the bones in the firepit outside. We went off and when we came back…there was a bear fishing in the HOT embers for those bones…we could not believe it….had to have gotten singed and burnt some.
We used to go to the dump in the evening (upper Great Lakes) to watch the bears (from the foodless car). This was a small one in the country where we also took our trash, albeit in the morning hours.
(This was back in the late 60’s-early 70’s, btw.)
Rick,
Your post brought back good memories for me -thank you! When I was young, our family took several trips to Moose Lake in the Chippewa (sp?) Falls area of Wisconsin (I was raised in IL). Other than fishing on that wonderful lake, the big draw was a nightly trip to the dump to spot bears. One year, my aunt and uncle joined us for vacation. After visited the dump, we returned to our cabin, disappointed that we did not see a bear. After my sisters and I went to bed, our uncle snuck outside to bang on the outside of the log wall of our bedroom. We shrieked like there was no tomorrow – thinking that a bear was trying to break in!
Heh, the mischievous uncle! I can imagine you screaming 😀
I know you’ve been to some of these areas and campgrounds before, but you amaze me how you seem to find such beautiful camps off the beaten path. How much research are you doing behind the scenes?
Hi, Ed H,
The amount of research that results in a beautiful camp varies greatly. One of our best camps was found by asking the cashier in the town grocery, “Where’s a good place to camp around here?” — Lower Gray Canyon, Green River, UT
Other good camps were found simply by looking. In other words, a forest road disappears into woods. I drive it and look around! — Field of Flowers Camp, Flaming Gorge, UT; Glass Creek Camp, Mammoth Lakes, CA, or I see a river while driving a road next to it, notice campsites, and investigate. — Tieton River Camp, Rimrock Lake, WA.
Sometimes all I do is look on my Benchmark map, find a road that goes into a national forest or BLM land, estimate its elevation, go find the road, and take a look. –Sorefinger Road Camp, Salome, AZ; Sage Grouse Camp, Boulder Lake, WY; Slate Creek Camp, Atlantic City, WY
I found one of my favorite boondocks on my way to a campground. I noticed others boondocking and found a spot for us. — Ivie Creek Camp, Salina, UT, also Nebo Loop Road Camp, Nephi, UT.
A great camp is sometimes a campground. On my map I saw a campground in the mountains with a difficult road leading up to it. Difficulty means less people. — Delmoe Lake Campground, Butte, MT
A visit to the local office of the National Forest Service can result in a wonderful camp. I was given directions to one of my favorites. — Badger Mountain Camp, Ephraim, UT.
Friends and fellow boondockers share their favorite camps. — Darby Well Road Camp, Ajo, AZ; Clark Dry Lake, Borrego Springs, CA, Ogilby Road Camp, west of Yuma, AZ.
I look in my Benchmark atlas for a reservoir, lake, creek, or river that is within national forest boundaries. Then I find the forest road that goes to it, drive out and take a look. — Duncan Reservoir Camp, Canby, CA
I usually don’t look at websites for free and inexpensive dispersed camping. The camps they tend to list aren’t OFF the beaten path; they ARE the beaten path.
…hold on let me get my pencil!!
Great ideas…hope we get to use some of them, Sue!!!
I’m poster number 8…heeheee. 🙂 Eight is a good number.
Pretty seeing the autumn colors. The trees in the Bay Area never look that pretty in Fall.
Safe Travels!
Thanks, Monica!
Am I first? 😉
What a yummy looking breakfast! That hot sauce looks like FIRE! Sure don’t want fire poopies with a limited supply of H2O! Hmmm let me rephrase that…DONT want fire poopies at all!
Aspen leaves are gorgeous! Glad you and Bridget had a good walk and then snuggled down for a nap! I’m saddened for your heart… From the previous posts…everyone here knows exactly what you are experiencing. If we could make it better we would!
Good that you are being cautious with the bears. They are getting ready for winter. Just after you left…Some feller in the mountains North of Dubois WY didn’t have a good meeting with one. Glad the tooter is installed and ready!
Enjoy your evening…stay warm and safe! Hugs to you both!
Fire poopies! Hahahaha!
Hi, Cinandjules,
That bear attack happened between Brooks Lake, one of my favorite camps, and Horse Creek where we camped recently. The area around Pinnacles and Brooks Lake has a high density of bears, both black and grizzly. That’s where I saw both. People hike that area. I wouldn’t!
Thanks for the wish that we stay warm overnight. We’ve moved to lower elevation and it’s warm. I hope you are keeping cozy.
I know you’d make things better if you could. You’ve done that several times before. . . the last being Spike’s red night light. 🙂
Hugs to you, too!
🙂
That light can be used as an “emergency beacon”. Clip it to the lanyard on your camera and you’ll always have it!
Headed to Syracuse tomorrow for some real meat and fish. Time to stock up as the snow is going to fly here soon!
Bridget is getting very good at posing for the camera:) What a good girl!
The aspens are so gorgeous. This is our first fall seeing the aspens in all their glory!
It’s our first fall seeing the yellow-gold aspens, too!
Wow, your Aspen photos look like paintings!! I love the colors of fall, but it usually makes me on edge because I’m not a fan of the season that follows. I also love the various shades of green during early spring. Well, that settles it…I’m a fair weather snob…not too hot and not too cold. Gee, sounds like I should follow your travels, huh:-)
Hi, Teresa,
The aspen photos look like paintings because the trees were far away and I zoomed in on them.
I remember when I lived in upstate NY…. Fall was beautiful but it also gave me a bit of foreboding of the winter storms to come. I understand that feeling!
I’ve got family from Ogdensburg (on way to International Bridge). Ever been there? 1000 Islands, etc.
I do love the color of aspens at this time of year. You’ve done a great job capturing them.
I also really like your bear tooter. It seems like using it before retiring for the night does a good job of warning them to stay away. I hope the rest of your season remains bear free.
Sorry to hear you are having to combat spam. I’ve been seeing a bunch of it as well and it seems to come in waves. There’s been much more of it in the last 7 days than usual, it seems. Ugh. I wish we had a spam-tooter…or maybe we could just send bears after the spammers. 🙂
–Michael
Hi, Michael,
Thanks for complimenting my photos. Of course the best fall scenes were in places where I couldn’t pull off the road to take a photo! Route 191 through Ashley NF gives many views of fall splendor.
Oh, spam… What a nuisance!
That first photo of the aspens and evergreens is amazing. Made my eyes happy.
That breakfast sounds fantastic! I may have to try that sometime.
But I have to admit that talking about tooters and fire poopies has me giggling.
I love that, Teri….made my eyes happy. You described my feelings.
Hi, Teri,
Glad you enjoyed the photo! I’ve heard of “dancing eyes,” which are probably “happy eyes,” too. 🙂
WOW… people are up late like me! Lovely photos, Sue, however, you know that!!
Tis the season for thee CLINGERS to be migrating south. Had couple stop by last night, asked if we minded if they parked on this property. I said sure go ahead. We don’t have services for you since we are still camped in our RV and not moved into the house yet, but you’re welcome to pull in and park, even on the side of the road in here if you like.
They pulled in and parked. They looked beat, very tired. They came out this morning about 10AM and thanked us for their nice, dark, quiet night’s sleep. Said the cool breeze was perfect and they needed the rest. Boy, they will need it where they are headed. Right smack to the center of DFW, Texas. Sheesh… glad we could have a place for them to get at least one night without gunshots, and all that noise.
Tomorrow, I will paint the Snack Shake and think about RV Sue and Little Woman, Bridget. Have safe travels, and enjoy your trek south.
Hi, Kay,
That was nice that you provided peace and quiet and rest for weary travelers.
It’s nice to be thought of. If I were there I’d help you paint. Really, I would!
Thanks for the wish for safe travels…
You know Sue, you’re always welcome anytime and so is Miss little woman, Bridget.
We were out at 7AM working on that mobile kitchen. By 5PM, I decided I really wanted a little darker color than the pecan, so… OFF TO HOME DEPOT I rolled. Fetched me a couple of gallons of a darker color… and even picked the hubby up some supplies he wanted…. Mark that on the Calendar as I am NOT a go for this or that kind of gal. NOPE, I am not.
I see that rain headed into Denver area in the next 24 hours or so, we will be up and at it by 7AM in the morning…
You all have a lovely night’s rest…
Thanks for the open invitation, Kay.
Hi gang. Had my surgery this evening. They did give me general anesthesia?!? Turns out it was a very small amount of hematoma and a large pocket of pus. So it’s a good thing it’s gone. The wound is open and packed and must be re packed twice a day. I may go back to a rehab so someone is available to pack wound; don’t know yet. One step forward…
So Sue is moving back ‘home’ to AZ! Yea! I’m hoping I will be able to get out and about. Want to get to Algodones and Quaertszite. At the very least.
Happy Saturday.
One step forward–great news, DG! Keep up the good work!
Glad to hear things went well for you desert ginger, now HEAL and NO MORE STROKES !!!!
Good news, Desert Ginger. Take care of yourself.
Good news, Desert Ginger! 🙂
So glad it went well. Ya know, if they really wanted you to get better they would let you bring Chloe to rehab. No better nurse than one with a wet warm nose.
Hey DGin,
Glad to hear your procedure went well! Have a great day!
Ginger
Glad to hear you are doing so well…keep taking care of yourself.
Look at the good wishes you’ve received, Ginger! I’m sure there are many more who haven’t written here who are glad you’re on your way to being healed, hale and hearty!
I continue to wish you good health!
So glad it was something “fixable”…but so sorry it has to remain open and packed for awhile….that happened to hubby when he had his appendix out and he said it was the worst thing he felt…maybe they are smarter today and warm up the packing stuff to body temp!! It was icy cold salt water in those days, years ago. I think they do some things that help the comfort level a bit more these days. Keep on keeping on, brave lady!!
Happy Weekend,Ginger-it’s a relief that went so well.Love that”At the very least”
Ginger, I pray that’s all behind you and happier days are on the horizon!
“like”
Your photos are gorgeous, Sue! Because of the dry warm summer we’ve had it looks as if the fall color is going to be gorgeous this year. One of my favorite drives–Chinook Pass–is stunning this time of the year due to the larches turning color. They’re are a deciduous conifer & they dot the green forest with their vibrant yellow…breathtaking! Glad you gave the resident bear a toot before bed! Give them a hint of what awaits if they try anything during the night.
Hi, Dawn,
Thanks for the compliment on the photos. Where is Chinook Pass?
It goes east out of Enumclaw, over a back shoulder of Mount Rainier & then east along the Naches River toward Yakima. You may have driven on part of the highway (410) when you were camped along the Tieton River. Really pretty country…
Got it! Thanks, Dawn. I hope to go back that way.
LOL, had to laugh just imagining a lurking bear hearing that Tooter! If there was one, I’m sure he was in the next county by dawn! Breakfast looked good! I like a bit of salsa on my eggs too…. but prefer mild! No “fire poopies” for me thank you very much!
Love Autumn Aspens and your photographs make me miss them! The prettiest I we saw were at Fish Lake area in Utah. Amazing.
Well we just got the word… They are closing down our campground due to flooding! We have had 3 nights of hard steady rains, 3″ just last night! So gotta go, next few hours will be busy here! Love to Sue and Miz Bridget! See y’all later!
Hi, Geri,
If the campground is closing, where do you go from there? What’s with all the rain? Is it an unusually rainy year or has my memory of Florida rain faded?
Love to you, Chuck, and the crew . . .
Unusually wet summer! The past 3 nights we have had very hard downpours lasting 3 to 4 hours each! Got 3″ just last night. River will not crest for another 3 or 4 days. We have rain now, just a soft sprinkle, but the darkness of the clouds tells that this is just the beginning, We moved to a bit of higher ground within the park. We are safe! Looks like you have a bit of wet weather headed your way as well…. Stay safe!
Love the fall pictures. The aspen are beautiful. This is my favorite time of the year. Being in bear country would have me a tad nervous so I am glad you have the tooter!!
Hi, Pauline,
I suppose I should be nervous in bear country, but I never am. I don’t know why that is. Of course, I’m not sleeping in a tent in bear country. Oh no, not me!
Good morning, Sue,
That breakfast sure looked yummy! Wow – a good, kind man who can cook, too! That is a winning combination! Gil and Kathy must have fun cooking together.
The aspens are really beautiful – almost glowing among the pines. The leaves are just starting to change here….I am looking forward to seeing the full dance of color!
Hope you and Bridget are settled comfortably in your camp. It is a beautiful, sunny day here, nice and cool early this morning, but it is supposed to get up to 80. Mother Nature must have missed the memo that we are now in Fall. It would be a great day to weed flower beds, re-mulch and get them all “tucked in ” for the season, but I have to finish cleaning my home. Also, I am joining friends in a yard sale next week, so I need to work on getting things sorted and tagged. It will be good to get rid of stuff. Anything that is not sold is being donated – I’m not bringing it back into my home. It has been a busy week, getting together with friends and family, so now I have to pay the piper – need to catch up on the housekeeping stuff!
Can you believe that it will be October in just a few days? Where has this year gone to? I have read that there will be a huge blood moon early October….maybe the 7th or 8th (sorry, I don’t remember the exact date, I have already recycled the magazine that had the article), that will only be visible to lucky folks in the Southwest. If conditions are good, you may get a chance to test out your camera’s night sky capabilities.
Sending you and Bridget warm wishes for a good day! 🙂
Gotta run…a bathroom is calling….”clean me….clean me….”. The sooner I start, the sooner I will be finished! Hugs to you both from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
I agree… The summer went by very quickly. I think it seems that way for me because our mountain camps extend the feeling of spring well into the summer months, and then… Fall is here! I’m glad you have a beautiful day to enjoy.
You’ve been a very busy lady. . . Good luck getting ready for the yard sale!
🙂
GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!
8:35 a.m…… An electrical storm is approaching along with rain. Very dark clouds. I’m going outside to take down the antenna and tooters and put them under the BLT.
See ya’ later… 🙂
Seems it is a state wide weather event coming up from the south/south west and moving north/north east.. Wild storm in the Salt Lake valley around 4 a.m. constant flashes of lightening with some loud bangs and rumblings, a torrential downpour, another moving in now, don’t know where you are Sue but trust in a safe local, slot canyons are getting some real heavy run off…
Enjoy a restful day of reading and napping!!!
Pictures are beautiful, it’s like sunshine coming from those trees with the bright yellow leaves..
T~
Hi, Tawanda,
“Enjoy a restful day of reading and napping!” That’s exactly what Bridget and I have been doing. The thunder and lightning passed along with heavy rain drumming the roof. I put the antenna and tooter pole back up. Some blue sky is returning. I’m thinking tomorrow, being clear and Sunday, will be a good day to drive another leg of our journey south.
We’re camped on packed gravel, not in a canyon… as good a place as any to ride out rough weather.
Glad you liked the photos!
Well, having spent time in the south, Sue….you should be well versed in how to ride out horrific storms!! Even my hubby who used to sit on the front porch to watch electrical storms in WA, quit doing that when we lived in NC….in fact, one of them was so scary, we all sat in the living room, in the center of our house, and prayed while it raged!! Glad that one there has passed already!!
Glad to know you are situated in a good place to enjoy the rainy weather 😉
The last go around moved in on this side of the Wasatch just after noon and has been socked in with a good steady rain falling since, temp has dropped to the 50’s, hello autumn!!
T~
Wow. To pull right in where you were before? No wonder it brought memories up! Pretty place and I am really glad they communicate with campers about the bears!
It is crisp here today. Apple season crisp. Clean smelling after the rains of the last few days. I had the nicest conversation with one of my friends from Rolling Oldies. She and her husband live on the OR Coast, near where my parents were. Former school teacher too. I got the opportunity to talk to her about RVSUE! It was fun, and I hope she signs on. Marvelous lady… Both of us are interested in the solar systems.
Well, my tushy needs to get out and about. I know I know…. you are all beating me!
Hugs from Sunny Hoquiam,
Barb
Always good to hear the PNW is having a sunny day! Hi, Barb… Thanks for telling your friend about my blog.
Hi, Sue,
My heart goes out to you that the “bear camp” reminded you too much of Spikey. That is so sad. You will probably go through this longing and mourning at each camp where his presence had been. Take it easy. Find new places. We are with you.
Hi, Diann,
If I’m not remembering what Spike DID do in a place, I’m thinking what he WOULD do in a place. My spirits ebb and flow, up and down, from day to day. I guess this is the “new normal” for a while. As someone wrote in a condolence note: “Time is on your (my) side.”
New places might help. Right now I don’t have the “mojo” to find them. It’s easier to go to ones I already know.
It is ok, too Sue…to experience these things…after all, Spike was quite an interesting little dog….exceptional in his ways, and if we feel such about special people, why not special dogs?? I remember when Ms Tioga George would seek places based on being able to wear his summer clothes, yet not need A/C…are you kind of doing that too?
I had to euthanize my horse back in 2001 and even today, I still think of him and miss him. Even looking at your beautiful photos, I imagine the two of us riding the trails and him rolling in the water.
I’m sorry your horse is on a different trail now.
Oh boy, I read this first part of your article and had to go fix brunch of poached eggs and toast. I wish I had the rest of the fixin’s it sounded very good! Someday soon. I am getting ready to take a drive here at my camp in Trinidad, Colorado to enjoy the turning aspens also. Thanks again for sharing you travels
Watch out for the bears! Gary
You’re welcome, Gary. I hope you enjoy your tour of the aspens in Colorado. Stick around. I may need your help next year when I explore your state!
I KNOW you just wanted that bear to come up so you could scare the bear dodo out of him with your new horn! We just left Utah and got close and personal with some of the Aspens too…they are just wonderful! Take care Sue. –Dave (GoingRvWay.com)
Oh, forgot something….I heard there is a special hot place in the hereafter for spammers. 🙂
You take care, too, Dave!
86 today at 12:22 and storms are here and there in AZ. I have to confess, I wanted the bear to come and feel the sting of the tooters. Had he been exposed to that, he would never again approach a Casita. Hi Bridget….
Hi, Jim,
Heat and rain… Kinda’ sticky?
Yeah, a bear-tooter encounter would make great material for a blog post, especially if I could take a photo of his/her retreat. 🙂
No. Surprisingly it doesn’t seem sticky. I’ve been out in the patio and didn’t feel at all. Since that post it has dropped to 70 degrees. Nice. It’s gonna be a great winter here I think.
Thought you might want to take a look at this article. http://www.yahoo.com/travel/dont-take-that-picture-the-u-s-forest-service-might-98484656432.html
Are you kidding me!!?? I cannot believe this! Look at this article: Court Ruling Makes Taking Pictures Up Women’s Skirts Legal in Texas.
Apparently it is considered freedom of speech to photograph under women’s skirts, but to photograph a tree on forest service lands isn’t.
Hi, Barbara (Nashville),
Thanks for an interesting link!
The article distorts the proposed ruling. Like many “news” stories they try to create interest and possibly hysteria. They make it sound like tourists will be fined for taking a photo. The key word is “commercial,” referring to photography for the purpose of making $$$. I suppose my blog could come under that definition. I don’t think that’s the intent though.
I’ve heard this…you must get permission and pay a FEE to photograph National Park Landmarks, BUT I heard only if you are a professional photographer and selling your work. People like Tom Till. I won 3rd place at a Photo contest of the Rainbow Bridge in LAKE POWELL. It was sponsored by the Dept of the Interior…I did not sell it but they used it in brochures etc.
Finally caught up on your blog as I’ve been traveling too. Great photos on the last few entries (as usual!!). I pick up the RV again on Monday and I too start my trek to AZ next week once I get all loaded, but first a trip to ND to say farewell to my mother. Her dementia has reached the point where she doesn’t talk or respond much anymore at all… trouble swallowing and coughing… on a pureed diet… too frail to sit up much anymore. She is in a good facility, small family type setting that does only memory care and hospice. She probably will not make it through the winter… (or she could make it a couple more years), but my presence has reached irrelevance to her life. Last year she reached the point where by the time I would get to my car, she had forgotten that I had been there. Ugly horrible disease that takes away one’s mind bit by bit. But her little dog and I maintain the family RVing traditions and I know that she would approve… pragmatic, sensible person that she was before all this began 10 years ago.
Heartbreaking. Any mother would want her daughter’s life to go on. I’m sorry, Connie, that your mother and family have been struck this cruel blow.
Thanks to all of you for your thoughts. One can’t help but feel guilty about leaving her, but I also know that I don’t matter any more. I was next door and dropped in, or spoke to her on the phone every day while I was south for the winter for many years. We were fortunate that her condo building was full of friends who watched over her in the winter when I would be gone. (originally only for 3-4 months) Then once she started falling, I had a difficult year finding the right facility – one that we could afford and provided good care – especially once she was wheelchair bound. I was so fortunate to find the place where she is now. It is a third of the cost of a nursing home, but they do truly take good care of her and I don’t have to worry that she isn’t clean, or comfortable, or well fed. Thank heavens I have been able to avoid the nightmare of Medicaid. For so many it is the only choice and I do feel for all of you having to deal with that. This is not a good country to grow old in if one is not wealthy or has a large family capable of doing the care at home.
So hard to loose someone by inches, Connie…heart disease, plus other issues took my dear mom…but the last time I saw her she no longer knew who I was…that was actually harder than when she passed away. I, her only daughter among several brothers, and the oldest. Something no one can prepare you for. Hugs to you in this time!!
Connie, my heart goes out to you. I went through the same painful process with my Mother several years ago. I remember well how hard it was the first time I realized “my presence has reached irrelevance in her life.” So terribly frustrating knowing there was nothing I could do. In our case we were not so lucky with the facility where she was so I made a point of stopping in once a week just so the staff knew someone was around. In hindsight it was probably just my own way of not admitting that there was nothing I could do for her anymore.
Sue is so right. Your mother would want for your life to go on. Just remember her how she was. Hang in there, travel safe.
Hugs to you as you make this difficult break………..feel what you are feeling. Life will move on, enjoy it, your Mother would have wanted that.
I am in a similar situation with my X husband, he has been hospitalized for a month now…he has had dementia for about 5 yrs it keeps getting worse now he cant be left unsupervised he will wander off on his “errands” he is always going to the bank, to check a horse, (he was a farrier for years) and he doesn’t even realize he is in a hospital I tell him but it doesn’t stick…he forgets within 10 mins but some things he never forgets. We are not having good luck finding a facility due to medicaid. Read up on this 5 yr look back and educate yourself on how it works to avoid what we are facing…we (the family) have to pay $16,000 up front before medicaid will pay one cent!! A real hardship for low income families!!
You are under a great strain, Sondra, yet no one would know from your previous comments, particularly from your support for me during my loss. I’ve dealt with dementia and what it does to a loved one. Life becomes very difficult for all concerned. Finding a facility, especially for a male dementia patient, is difficult and then there’s the expense . . . God give you strength.
Thanks Sue, I am trying to not let it over rule my entire outlook, however I’ve cried myself to sleep almost nightly lately… I am trying to keep my sanity and look beyond the bad breaks we’ve been dealt now…my entire family is helping, and you are right we are having trouble finding a male bed…IM just trying to keep the GUILT at bay as I can’t take him into my home.
Prayers for you. I am in middle of same thing. My mother is in a facility as well. 9 yrs into Alzheimer’s. Such a horrible disease. I visit her daily, and for the most part she ” recognizes” me. And my dad. But not my sisters. Heartbreaking for sure. As her dr. Told me a couple years ago” you lost your mother as you know her, a long time ago”. Much love and prayers to all dealing with this.
Dear Mert . . . Emotionally and physically exhausting for you and anyone else who loves your mother… I am so sorry. God help you through these years.
Hi Mert I lost my mother to Alzheimer’s. She died on 1/1/13 but had left us long before that. Still it was a loss. It’s very hard; you have food companions for your journey here.
Good companions!
I put in thanks to all of you, but it posted up in the middle of the list. Many of us seem to be of an age where we are going through or have just gone through the same thing. It is hard to watch our fun, vibrant parents slip away…
But I try to always remember her common sense advice… which was often abrupt and shocked some of the more sensitive. And I inherited the giggle that she was so famous for…
Autumn has been around me -in person,inside or in art more than most people alive and I’ve NEVER seen someone’s artistry capture it so that each shot looks like flower bouquets.Thank you,Sue-it’s utterly beautiful seen your way.
Retracing paths walked with Spike may seem to be happening because these weeks have so drained you -that searching for new ones would take more energy than you have left.I see it happening to show you new height in the journey.
Going north you worried about him all the time,coming back you’re able to be grateful he’s finally free of all pain and weariness.The temporary parting ,fraught as it is with painful sorrow, is already showing the first layers of joy just ahead-when we rejoin those we love-bringing new ones to the circle of happy dances without end
Each walk through the memories brings me more gratitude for the love I’ve shared,still do and will forever -the distance it travels -that we call missing-I feel as the connection pulling my heart ahead-always still toward love
Your energy will multiply with each passing month.Now your body’s using most of it to heal.You are exactly where you’re supposed to be friend,in every way,and doing a magnificent job through it all.I love you and am more proud of you than ever.Missed you since yesterday,have been with my grandson,speaking about someone I love and am proud of,Wow!
Your insights into this period of my life affirm me and my love for Spike. You help me more than you know. It is comforting to read your words that my energy will multiply. I’ve never had a lot of energy to begin with!
Well, “walks through memories” take time. . .
It’s good that Bridget and I are on a return trip. Familiar roads, familiar camps, a sure destination — all that helps guide me through this time.
I’m happy you have a grandson you love and who makes you proud. I’m sure time with him is precious as you make memories together.
As facing memories wasn’t something I would have dared to do on my own,I asked the One I’m led by to reveal them -only at the right time and in the right way- to heal instead of hurt me.It worked,and you’re right ,takes time.There’s a truck in the driveway I haven’t driven since January,oh well.If I were supposed to,I believe I’d have known it.I trust the pace and the path.
Even as I pounded protein,water and vitamins into my body from day one,some weeks,or months,just going to the store was impossible -my stocked pantry and I became fast friends 🙂 More recent months I found I only needed a nap once,though my hours of sleep at night are no longer than they’ve ever been,and I do whatever I need or want to while awake.We’re promised and receive quickening
Thank you for being happy for me !Having a grandson -our furry friends- each other-valleys lose their power to slow our ascent to dreams.I feel blessed and privileged to walk near you through it all.
What a beautiful thing to say to me, weather.
Sorry to run . . . . Another electrical storm coming this way! I’m going out to take the antenna pole down again…
may all have a good and safe night of sweet sleep,n’nite
Please forgive me, weather, for running off so rudely yesterday. You give of yourself, your personal feelings and deep thoughts, including tender words about our relationship here, and what do I do? I give you a quick reply. I apologize.
Good morning!
lightening could ruin much-including further communication-you did exactly the right thing!
What a blessing & honor for us to be able to spend a bit of time with you. Gil still can’t get over how you find such glorious camp spots. We didn’t stay as long as we expected as the fish refused to bite, the flies moved in in hordes as soon as you left & we were struggling to get our new mobile hot spot going. We hope our chit chat, laughter & treats brightened this tough time just a little.
We have gotten to the far outskirts of Moab; stopping to do laundry, get a hot shower & watch football (even tho Seahawks aren’t playing). See? We all camp a little differently.
We will now be winding our way to Ocate, NM— find that on the map! And, RV Sue, I know we will see you again
Hi, Kathy and Gil,
You did well, covered a lot of miles! Then you reward yourselves with a hot shower, freshly laundered clothes, and some entertainment. That’s the way to live!
The blessing and honor were mine, folks. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. We always seem to have plenty to talk about! And the food… oh my… I didn’t know what I’ve been missing. Now I dream of your delicious salad and Gil’s vegetable medley with poached eggs on top. Thanks again for your hospitality.
I’m sorry the fish weren’t cooperative and the flies drove you out… (Those dang cows are to blame!) I’m glad we had a chance to spend some time together before they took over the camp.
Safe travels, have a good visit with family, and yes, we will meet again!
Love the photos of the autumn leaves. We don’t get much of a fall here in Dallas – just a lot of brown leaves. I do miss the lovely bright displays of color. Almost 90 degrees here today. Summer doesn’t want to let go.
Hi, Susan,
Summer is hanging on in Dallas and winter is knocking on doors in northern NY. And it seems Bridget and I have situated ourselves in a monsoon!
Yep, we got bombarded overnight with heavy rain, thunder & lightning here outside Moab . The Casita kept us cozy–so grateful.
Chicken Salad
3/4 C chopped walnuts toasted with 1 T butter, 1 T sugar, pinch salt in skillet stirring continually to avoid burning
2 cooked chicken breasts chopped (rotisserie)
1 chopped apple
2 celery stalks chopped
3/4 C dried cranberries
1/2 C crumbled Feta cheese
4 C crisp lettuce like romaine chopped
Put all in bowl. I like to moisten w a bit of mayo & cream. Salt & pepper to taste. Serve with raspberry vinaigrette dressing. I like Panera or Marie’s.
What does that mean…moisten with a bit of mayo and cream?
Much of my cooking is “by guess & by golly”. I stir in about 1 T mayo & cream — whatever looks & tastes good.
Sounds delicious! Hope Sue also posts it in the Recipes by Readers column…that’s my go-to source for meals-on- (my) wheels while on the road. Got a lot of good ideas there and with it being especially for recipes, it’s a quick source.
Thanks again.
Cat Lady
Cat Lady… You give me great suggestions! I’ll try to do that.
Later… I put kgdan’s chicken salad recipe on the recipe page! (It’s at the bottom.) Someday I should make a page accessed from the header exclusively for recipes.
Hi, Cat Lady,
I put kgdan’s chicken salad recipe on the Recipes by Readers page at the bottom. Thanks for another great idea!
By guess and by golly is the cutest expression I’ve heard in a long time,and though I’ve no idea whatsoever what it means,as soon as I find out I intend to use it,though probably not about a recipe 🙂
Sounds delish! Thank you for sharing your recipe, but most importantly, thank you so much for checking on Sue and Bridget. 🙂
I hope we brought Sue & Bridget a little distraction & fun as she gives us so much joy with every post.
You did!
Thanks for sharing the recipe…I just copied it down. 🙂
Sounds very yummy!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for posting the recipe, Kathy. Just so people don’t think I’m totally confused… You did substitute Pecorino Romano for the feta cheese in the salad you made for me.
Last night I tossed my salad with some mayo first… Wow! What an improvement!
Note to cooks: One thing that made Kathy’s salad so good was she chopped everything into very small pieces which made everything blend nicely.
Thanks to all of you who wrote to me…it really helps to have people who care. Got my wound cleaned and re packed today….that was nasty. Couldnt believe how much gauze they pulled out of it. Then they rinse it, then repack. Doesn’t feel too good. But necessary apparently. I’m getting lovenox shots again…I hope not for long. I think I may go home tomorrow or Monday. I’ve been walking in hallways to get a little stronger. If I can get my INR up again maybe I can get back to a normal lifestyle again!
Peace out friends!
Rock on, DesertGinger! 🙂
You are sounding better, Ginger….so happy for you!!
Exercise will definitely help and I hope my prayers will also DeGin.
The more gook that adheres to the gauze is good….like a wick for the badness! Abscesses can be nasty by themselves! I’m sure it was immediate relief once it was lanced!
Glad to hear your doing better!
If you are on wifi thru the hospital there is a game on the iPad called hay day! It’s a lot of fun and occupies time…when you have it! Don’t use your wifi carrier as it eats up data really fast!
Keep your chin up DG!
We are all pulling for you!!
Another step forward! Soon you’ll be with Chloe again!
Beautiful shots of the aspen trees – glad to see that fall is happening somewhere! As Susan said, summer is clinging on here in North Texas like a recalcitrant toddler. Although my experience has been that sometime during the State Fair we get a gullywasher or two (that’s a huge rainstorm to you Northerners 🙂 ) and the Fair started yesterday. The weather gurus say there is another big front coming down from Alaska, so those of you in southwest might keep an eye out, big rains predicted.
How interesting that you were able to find the exact same spot where you camped previously. I wondered if that might happen someday. It seems that you don’t make a habit of repeating camping spots.
Your memories and sadness for Spike will ebb and flow, and I have found focusing on the good times helps ease the pain of loss. Grief is never really finished, it just loosens its grip on us as time goes by.
Hi, Cari,
I do enjoy finding new camps. It is helpful right now that I know several camps that I can use as stepping stones across Utah. I’ll get back into exploring for beautiful places. Until then I’m glad I can glide into familiar camps.
Thank you for understanding what I’m going through.
Temps are dropping a little here in north eastern Kentucky as well. And leaves are trying to change. Calling for a really bad winter ( pure dread). Hang in there, I am right with you in grief. My best friend ( sister in souls) passed 6 months ago. And some days are better than others. I just take joy in knowing she is in a much better place now and watching over us all. I would love to be doing what you are doing. Maybe some day. Safe travels to you and bridge. Love, thoughts and prayers to you both!
Mert
Thanks, Mert. You have traveled a rough road this year! I’m sorry for the loss of your best friend.
Thank you Sue. It has been tough, and dealing with my health issues as well. And battling for my disabilty. But I think that part is over. 5 major surgeries in a year. Two on eyes and 3 brain and stomach for shunt placement and revisions. And still it’s not right. But I guess God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. Some days I wonder about that. But I just keep on smiling and moving along ( crawling somedays) 😉
“It has been tough” must be the understatement of the centuries! I can’t begin to imagine. If anyone deserves a break, it’s you, dear woman.
Hi Sue,
Say hi to Gil and Kathy. We had a too short visit in Baja with them.
You’ve been camping in some of my favorite areas in Utah.
I’ve been camped in the hospital for several days with my 93 year-old father who had a nasty fall and now has lots of staples in his head.
I’ve been reading your blogs on my iPhone, while sitting in the ER, and wanted to make comments and suggestions but couldn’t. Now I can’t remember what I wanted to say. That’s what happens after 60, I guess.
Anyway, I’m glad I got to meet you, Spike and Bridget in Green River.
Someone posted a chicken salad recipe that looks good. I copied it on my desktop for the future.
I’ve told you before, I like the way you do your blog. Titles, short paragraphs, big fonts, lots of photos, dialogue, frequently a theme. You describe a quiet, laid-back life, you meet some interesting people, you show wonderful scenery, you’ve given me some more ideas where we can haul our Casita in Utah and Wyoming, your animals are important to you (as is our cat). There are a lot of us that like your style. We hope you keep it up for a long time.
Happy Autumn.
Penny
Hi, Penny,
What a lovely synopsis of my blog! Thank you. I will try to continue all the elements that you describe.
Thanks for reminding me which Penny you are. I scroll down comments, reading and replying, and it’s easy for me to become confused. (No news there!)
That’s Kathy’s chicken salad. You’ll love it!
I’m sorry about your father’s mishap. I hope he heals quickly and well. No fun for you, hanging around a hospital!
Best wishes to you, Rich, and your kitty.
These little ones that steal our hearts. The price is high but worth it. XO
So true, Heda. So true. . . .
I put your picture of the aspens and the picture of your campsite, the one with Bridget in front, on my Facebook site. We all share grief of some sort. Sometimes it is the taking of a child from a mentally ill mother. It tears at your heart so bad, especially when the child, a teenager, is so jubilant for being saved. And, not being able to get help for the middle aged woman that is your child, the guilt that haunts you, so we all share in grief. I have to put on a brave face and demeanor and try to make life happy. When I am alone, on my walks, I pray for guidance. All I can do, the courts handle the rest.
Oh, Marg, what an ordeal. I can’t begin to express my sorrow for what is happening in your family. Through all you shared in your comment the part that gripped me most fiercely was “the guilt that haunts…”
I’ve come to realize a truth that is easily concealed by layers of guilt feelings, specifically a mother’s feelings of guilt. That truth is this — No one gives mothers a plan, a recipe, a prescription for perfection in mothering a child. We mothers aren’t perfect ourselves. We do our best most of the time, some of the time we’re pulled in too many directions or we stumble or take a detour that in hindsight wasn’t wise. However, so did OUR mothers and their mothers and all the mothers from the beginning . . . . Our children are affected by more than us. Other people let them down, unfortunate circumstances trip them up . . .
That’s only half of the truth…. The other half is that NO ONE is perfect. How our children turn out isn’t by our design or our fault. Each child is different with different tendencies, susceptibilities, strengths and weaknesses. . . and that is NOT the fault of the mother.
I admire you for putting on a “brave face and demeanor and try to make life happy.” I suspect you are in a situation where trying is frustrating, no matter how hard you try. Time will bring you to a better place in your life.
Maybe what I’ve written here doesn’t apply and is a bunch of malarky. I’m only sharing what I learned from similar experience. I’m sorry if I’m way off base.
I thank you for reminding me that my grief over the loss of a dog, though heavy on me right now, is a light load compared to what others are carrying. God bless you and give you the guidance you need, Marg.
I don’t know if what your wrote, Sue, applies to Marg’s situation or not, but it surely does for many, ourselves included. We are in better situations than some, but there are a lot of disappointments and distance. Another thing, once a child marries, sometimes they are forced to do or not do certain things in order to preserve the marriage and family. One has to step away, let it be, and just trust GOD for whatever comes. At least that is how we have had to do. We have shed tons of tears. We are mostly past that now. A distant grief…thankfully.
Sometimes the best recourse is to “step away, let it be, and just trust GOD.”
Sue, I did not mean your load was light. Your dog was part of your family. This is not taken lightly. I’m sorry I probably said too much about my own life, but my heart is in that granddaughter and my love is for my daughter too, but I cannot let some things go on.. But, I miss Spikey too. I cried like he was my own puppy. I’m sorry if I made light of it.
There’s nothing to apologize about, Marg. I didn’t think you were saying my loss was small. You didn’t make light of Spike’s passing. Not at all. Please, don’t think that.
No, you didn’t say too much about your own life. I understand your need to unburden. My hope is that coming here is helpful for you.
Actually Sue, you helped me a lot. No, we are not perfect mothers, neither were our mothers perfect. We do the best we can with what we have. You are an inspiration lady. My mom used to tell me “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear” and that is so true. But you can be the best darn sow’s ear you can be.
Wishing you a good day, Marg. I’m so glad you have become a blogorino!
Through the glass doors at the foot of the bed I see tendrils and columns of fog within reach.A moment’s hesitation is all it would take to miss it-transfixed I make myself snap out of just staring and rush out to be closer-it’s worth it.A flock of geese seen through the mist on the cove finishes their meal and takes flight- as the wildlife that lives here all notices.With excited chatter and chirps they stand on branch ends watching them leave-we’ve been host once again to the travelers.
Recently you commented that Kathy and Gil were great hosts and I’m struck with the roles that word means to us.Part of it is offering whatever’s most needed by each.People come to this blog you host ,Sue- to be given reassurance and information they need about traveling-whether with wheels or imagination.Mainly their concerns are about the what-ifs.
What if I get lost,don’t know where to start-what to bring-how to find an array of things or places I need or want.The list is almost endless,and you provide answers to it all.Secretly though -mankind has one concern rarely voiced -often feared throughout life.If the vehicles or even body parts break we pretty much know what to do.But what if the big one -What if I break!-what if that really came true-what happens to me then if I’m alone?!!
Even that,friend,you’ve calmed hearts about,as you shared and continue to do-this is what falling’s like-this is all that it is-come anyway-I’m proving you’ll be alright.You offer as host what’s most needed after all-amazing what a recluse that barely cooks but loves without limit can do.
Weather, dear weather . . . “amazing what a recluse that barely cooks and loves without limit can do.”
That has got to be the most surprising, most poignant, and, at the same time, the wryest punch line I’ve ever read! I don’t know how you do it! Within the space of one line you bring on chuckles (“barely cooks”) and then touch my heart (“loves without limit”) … oh, my…. YOU are amazing.
Often I don’t know how to respond to your messages. I guess it’s because you carry me to levels of thought that are beyond replies. You always give me something upon which to reflect and bring insights to the surface. I thank you again.
May the heavenly hosts be with you wherever you are today . . . 🙂
Your reply was delightful in so many ways-how wonderful and fun!Now I’ll take the perfect blessing you’ve given me ,wish the same for you and go more merrily through my day.If you move ,stay put or just wander until later ,do it all knowing you’ve made me happy once again.
So beautiful, thank you for this smile that I’ll carry all day.
🙂
Good morning Sue, I am glad to see your posting this morning..watching weather channel and keeping track of your position…lots of flooding in Utah today..stay safe…as for “Weather””’there is no end to her heart and vocabulary….we are fortunate to be witness to your friendship. Keep Bridgets feet dry.
Hi, Shirlene,
Good morning to you, too! I’m going to post about our weather in a few minutes. Yes, lots of rain in Utah!
And I agree, we are fortunate to have weather sharing her wit, wisdom, and wonderful words with us.
🙂