Monday, January 12
My plan for today is to leave Painted Rock Campground.
Yesterday, before going inside the Best Little Trailer for the night, I fold up the lounger and put it in the side door of the Perfect Tow Vehicle. With my claw hammer I pull up the stakes that secure the outdoor mat, fold it up, and toss it in the back of the PTV. I tidy up the interior of the BLT.
I never unhitched the entire time we camped at Painted Rock Campground. Breaking camp in the morning will be quick.
Well, as it turns out, I wake up with a slight headache. When a cup of coffee and breakfast don’t make it go away, I know I’m in for a day-long siege. The beauty of being retired is I can change my plan. We’ll leave tomorrow! I go back to bed. Bridget thinks that’s a good idea and crawls under the covers with me. We take it easy all day. Our only walk is up to the pay station where I deposit another four bucks.
By evening I feel good again.
I position a camp chair on the west side of the BLT, throw a doggie bed on the ground, put Bridget in her sweater, and wrap a quilt around me. We settle in for another Arizona light show. Of course, I do jump up to take this photo for you!
Tuesday, January 13
Goodbye, Painted Rock! You’ve been a great camp.
If it weren’t for the waste tanks needing to be dumped, I’d stay a few more days.
Bridget is in the mood for travel. She makes herself comfortable on the bench seat. We zip down Painted Rock Dam Road to Interstate 8, turn east, and travel the ten miles to Gila Bend. The speed limit is 75 mph. I keep us right below 60.
At the intersection with Route 85, I drive into Love’s Travel Center.
Gas is $2.29 a gallon. After topping off the tank, I pull away from the pumps, park, and run inside for a second cup of coffee. Opening the door I walk smack dab into a road-rage confrontation in progress.
Two very large men curse each other…. “Move your ^#%@* truck, you &#(@*!!”, yells one man as the other man retreats out the back.
Meanwhile I stand frozen at the door.
The man turns, sees me, and changes his tone.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I am very sorry,” he says, his face still red from anger.
“That’s okay,” I reply. “Stuff happens. You have a good day, okay?”
He heads toward the back of the store. Oh no, let it go, man, let it go . . . .
I pump my coffee, the cashier appears, I pay and leave!
It’s a straight shot across flat desert on Route 85.
We’re on our way to Ajo, only about forty miles.
The road borders the Barry Goldwater Missile Range. Shortly before Ajo we pass through rocky hills where creosote and saguaro grow in abundance. If the light were better I’d stop for photos. There’s heavy cloud cover today. I hope I can find a camp before it rains. Looks like sunshine ahead. Maybe we’ll drive into it.
In Ajo I turn into Belly Acres RV Park.
A man comes trotting out to greet me. I tell him I want propane, to dump tanks, and to take on water. I lift the propane tank cover, unscrew one of the tanks, and heft it over to where the man is preparing the hose to pump the propane. The tank takes 4.3 gallons of propane ($15.05) and the dump and water costs $10.00. I follow the man into a little office and write a check for $25.05.
A big motorhome is ahead of us.
Bridget and I wait patiently.
I put my seat back and amuse myself by examining my Arizona Benchmark atlas. Bridget keeps her eyes on the man taking care of his tanks ahead of us.
The man who pumped the propane comes out of the office and over to my door.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. That guy is going to take a while, probably five or ten more minutes.”
“No problem. I’m not in a hurry. Thank you.” That’s the second person saying sorry to me today.
By the time I’m done with our tanks, a light rain is falling.
“Okay, Bridge. Now we search for our next home. It won’t be long, honey.”
We leave Ajo and continue further south.
I turn onto a dirt road that goes through a forest of saguaros. I stop to open a gate, drive through, and stop again to close the gate behind us.
The sky changes dramatically, moment to moment.
I find a campsite that’s fairly level.
It’s partially in view from the road which I don’t like. Well, we can camp here tonight. Tomorrow the rain will be gone and I’ll find something better.
It certainly is pretty here. I’d like to stay for two weeks. Anything we need is in Ajo.
From inside the BLT I notice a break in the rain.
“Hey, Bridge. Let’s walk the road while we can. Maybe we’ll find a better campsite.”
We walk through an area thick with the treacherous cholla.
Bridget is good about staying on the dirt road which is clear of the menacing cholla clusters of needle-thin spines.
Can’t camp in all this cholla. I’m almost at the point of giving up when we come over a low rise and the cholla thins out. We discover a campsite with a circular “driveway” going around a stately saguaro.
“Oh, look at this! It’s beautiful here!”
Bridget and I hurry back to move the BLT to this lovely, secluded spot.
Later, with camp all set up — chocked, level, unhitched, mat staked, chair out, Bridget’s bed and drink dish on the mat — I sit in the camp chair admiring our view.
“Ya’ know, Bridge. I think I’ll have spaghetti for supper. I haven’t had spaghetti in ages.”
I step inside and Bridget hops up the step behind me.
“And guess what you get . . . . Kibble! Yay!”
rvsue
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Wow glad you found a good spot. Enjoy the spaghetti.
Thanks, Lindale. I bet you and Kathy are eating better than I am…
I had a big bowl of shredded veggies with tiny turkey meatballs for supper. Vegs raw and turkey cooked (of course). I’m trying the Dr Oz Total 10 meals as I have time. It was delish with a dressing of hummus thinned with lemon juice.
Good heavens, Velda. You eat healthy! And here I am forking in the carbs….
I’m trying . I am getting to simply feel better when I eat a lot of veggies. Not sure where that came from but at times I don’t even want meat. And here I am a big steak lover. Weird.
Encouraging.
I’m going through some older posts and am at the part where you start Spike & Bridge on the raw diet. Seems like Bridge is back on kibble. What happened? Short version is ok. 😉
Hi, Thor ‘n Drew,
Bridget accepted raw when Spike was gobbling it down next to her. Now she demands it be cooked. Also, I bought a large bag of kibble recommended by the vet for “hepatic health” for Spike shortly before he passed away.
Bridget’s diet has evolved to a small plate of cooked chicken, pork, or beef liver in the morning and a small bowl of kibble for supper. She seems to be doing well on it, lost weight, plenty of energy, bright eyes, lustrous coat….
Thanks, Sue. I’ve considered starting Thor (15 month-old Chow) on raw, but he’s doing great on Taste Of The Wild kibble mixed with bits of cheese, yogurt, chicken, etc just to change up the flavor. He also gets raw bones regularly, which he relishes as much as the crew does. Skin, fur, energy, overall health, etc. is great…so I’m reluctant to mess with what seems to be working. ~Drew
Hi, Drew…I wouldn’t change a thing, if I were you.
The raw diet people say it’s not good to mix kibble with raw… Bridget gets kibble with cooked… She probably consumes better nutrition than I do.
Excellent post! Great pictures. We are chomping at the bit to get out there! In the meantime we live our dream through you.
And I’m happy to have you both along with us, John!
Welcome to Ajo!
Thanks, Ed. We’re not actually in Ajo, closer to you in Why.
I knew that but was keeping my mouth shut. I’m a slow learner but not that slow!
Great… an ally!
Well, I think I’ve made it clear I don’t want any visitors. Not that I won’t keep beating on that dead horse. Anyone would be nuts to show up on my doorstep! Haha!
I went through there once with a friend of mine. When we found out the two names we said we’re going to ajo. Why? Just made me remember a fun time with a friend. Loved Bridget’s look on her face watching the big rv lol
Well now, Ajo is someplace I plan to visit later this winter. It looks like you found a lovely spot. Enjoy!
Hi, Pleinguy,
Ajo’s a special little town… Not too big but big enough to have what you need.
Hi, RV Sue! Linda (Lindale) & I are sitting here in our Casita visiting & talking about you. Are your ears burning? Of course it’s all good!
Hi, Kathy and Linda!
I can use a good ear-burning… 🙂 Have fun, girls…
A nice saguaro is a beautiful thing. I’m glad you found that place. The run of rain is surprising. I’ve only been to Southern Arizona more than a day once, and that time (January and February of 2008) it only rained in Tucson part of one day.
Hi, Calvin,
The string of photos in this post showing dark skies gives the impression we had a heavy rain. It was very short and it’s the first rain, other than sprinkles in the night, that we’ve experienced in traveling around southern AZ. This weather is fantastic! In the 70s…
Yeah, I love saguaros and we have several at our campsite!
Hi, Sue,
I just love reading your posts. So uplifting and full of good cheer. You seem to be so grateful for every speck of good fortune that comes your way. Even if it’s finding the perfect places to get all your mundane tasks done at once!
The contrast of you moving about life accepting what comes along and the two guys fighting each other wasn’t wasted on this reader. You have a blessed life because you work at it and never fail to thank God for your blessings.
I have been pretty sick recently and sometimes wake in the middle of the night.
Your blog pops up in my email and I read it along with all the blogorinos ‘comments. I feel better and go back to sleep relaxed.
Hi, Diann,
I enjoy reading the little stories that blogorinos write in their comments. Your tale of waking in the night, reading my blog, and then feeling better, relaxed for sleep… well, that’s a gem. Makes the effort worth it! I hope whatever ails you passes quickly.
You caught the contrast… 🙂 I think the two men were both truckers. There were several semis parked around back. Probably both of them weary of the road…
Yes, I am very grateful for the life I have.
What an adventure!!!
I’m glad you were not any more involved in that argument !!!
On behalf of all the big motor home owners out there, I apologize – but, we gotta dump & fill our tanks, too!!
Hope you have a quiet & peaceful stay where you are now!
Thanks for the wish, Lynn,
No need to apologize for big tanks! 🙂 The man and his wife were on their way into Belly Acres to set up, probably for a long stay… That park has month-long and season-long guests, several who return year after year.
Just dropping by to say hi to everyone. Love the photo of Bridget’s profile. Lovely lady she is.
Hi, wildflower in prescott,
I agree. Miss Bridget is quite a gal.
The photos in this post ,even the one of the dump station,are beautiful.The one above “From inside the BLT I notice a break in the rain” looks like a dreamscape.I’ve gone back to stare at it several times already.I still am always amazed by your ability to capture the personality and essence of a place with a camera.That involves much more than photographic skills.
Love that you kept reaching again until good enough was replaced by perfect.You stimulate more appetites than just one for spaghetti-those for the best the world and dreams offer…great work,Sue!
Thanks, weather, for the compliments on this post and the photos.
I love how you make connections that I didn’t think of… reaching for the best campsite and reaching for the best our dreams and world offer… Why settle for less, right?
You’re up late tonight… Sleep well!
z-z-z-z 🙂
G’ mornin’-just a quick reminder that our Ginger is having her procedure done today,joining you in sending hope that she sails through it wonderfully.
I thought about here first thing this morning and wondered if she was going to be able to let us know how she was doing by this evening…all will be well, as it should be. xxoo
A bunch of blogorinos are sending DesertGinger love, positive energy, and prayers! Hope and pray that all goes well! 🙂
It looks like a beautiful campsite and a beautiful sunset for you. I love the way you can set up so easily. For me its quite a challenge setting up and closing up. I finally finished emptying the trailer and got so exhausted I was in bed so early. It is getting better for me to backup but I need to get stronger. I really bring too much stuff with me and way more food then I will ever eat. next time I go camping will be the last weekend of January for a hog roast and bluegrass.
I do love being in my camper in my own world and knowing every single thing in it I put there and know where it is. I do look forward to this coming summer.
I hope you’re going to enjoy where you are and find some interesting things to share.
Hi, Deb,
You’re doing great! It takes a while to fall into a routine, knowing what to bring, what to do and how to do it the easiest way. I thought about that today as I was setting up our final camp. It used to take concentration. Now I go through the process automatically and I save a lot of steps, too. That takes time and practice. You’ll become stronger and the tasks will become easier. The important thing is you’re not sitting around staring out a window at the same ol’ view…
I love how you’ve found events that interest you… “a hog roast and bluegrass.” There’s always something to look forward to…
Nice spot you landed in, did help pick it out? Hope you are feeling better. Detta made the bourbon balls she usually makes for Christmas treats for our neighbors so I delivered them today. One of my neighbors is very sick with flu and believe me that is some mean stuff. Anyhow Nice to see you posting again.
Hi, Jim,
Bourbon balls… Gosh, I’d forgotten all about those things… yummy.
I believe you about this season’s flu. You two were down for the count way longer than the usual time. I’m about ready to wear a mask when re-entering civilization.
About this spot… Friends gave me a tip on the road…
Good idea, Sue. Wear a mask! 🙂 You do not want the bug that is going around. I rarely get sick, but it hit me hard on Christmas Eve and I am still fighting it off. I thought I was better and then it came back.
I love your sunset pictures. I hope you get some good ones with some saguaro. It is always good to see pictures of Bridget, too. She looks really good. That is such a cute pic of her in the van.
Wife and I were three weeks getting over it. Started with a cough but then the knockout came….No fun especially for we elders.
What a GREAT spot RVSue! So happy you are settled. I hope you have a great “rest” there. LOVE the pic of Bridget keeping track of the action around you. She is looking really great.
Yep, wear a mask!! I will be doing that now as I am barely over my “whatever it was”. I NEVER get sick and I was down for about 11 days!! Read 7 books. Luckily other folks brought me great food and checked on me a lot. Love this place.
Your pics rock!
Krystina xxoo
What a day…..Desert Woman!
The photos are awesome! Yeppers…when you’re retired there really isn’t a schedule…hmmmm maybe I will…maybe I wont!
My what a nice backyard!
Yeah, this is a super back yard. The photos in this post don’t begin to show how nice it is here. I’m hoping for sunshine tomorrow and much better pics. Our campsite is so pretty!
One thing I hated about teaching was how difficult it was to take a day off when sick. Teaching with a killer headache is torture. Loud kids are even louder. Whew, glad those days are over…
Are you up to the eaves in snow yet?
Not yet! Shhhhhh!
Snow is on and off…Raked off the roofs yesterday and shoveled…I find shoveling soothing. AO ran around outside up and over the snowbanks like a wild banshee. Her stuffed toy had rigor..
Currently it’s 20 below. AO is dead asleep in front of the fireplace!
Don’t forget that the students “punish” you when you return. They don’t like their routine interrupted, and those with abandonment issues do suffer, even for one day. So, they get a wee bit unruly and you have to reassert your classroom rules. I bet you don’t even remember! Good for you!
I had a little sigh of relief when you found your perfect little camp site. Enjoy your spaghetti and avoid the cholla.
Hi, Utah Bonnie,
The spaghetti was very good. It wasn’t anything gourmet… just Newman’s Own sauce with parmesan on top. Funny how things taste a lot better if you haven’t eaten it in a long while… and if it’s at the end of a good day.
And a lot better when eaten outside, IMHO. Never knew, do you eat meals outdoors or inside? The picnic tables at your various campsites look pretty much ignored, but reading at picnic tables looks like torture, benches ain’t no lounge chair. You’ve not mentioned the ol’ Kindle lately. I tried reading book with book light outside at night, but flying things tormented me and I jumped back into the minivan, or as my “German” says, the wan.
I usually eat outside. I have camp chairs with an attached table. Sometimes I’ll eat sitting in one of those instead of at the picnic table. I don’t bother with a tablecloth at the picnic table. I don’t eat off the table, I eat off the plate. 🙂
I don’t use my kindle ever since I purchased a Paperwhite. I read my Paperwhite last night while in bed with all the lights off. If I come across free paperbacks, I read those,too.
Whenever I mention sitting in the lounger, the Paperwhite is most likely on the little table attached to the lounger.
I’m outside most of my days. After sunset I stay inside.
Im currently reading the book WILD the movie out now is based on this book…I havnet been doing much reading all of 2014 I don’t think I read an entire book…enjoy reading AZ HWY magazine cover to cover monthly tho…anyways its a good read not a series you may enjoy it. Iv’e backpacked on the AT so I wanted to see what she had to say about hiking on the PCT. Skip the section about the horse tho…I was told it was awful so I skipped those 6 or so pages. Sounds like a great camp you’re settled into.
Sondra, Try Walking Home: A Pilgrimage from Humbled to Healed, by Sonia Choquette. She walks Camino de Santiago de Compostela, France to Spain. The European setting adds a certain “jenesais quoi” (French grammar police, I know that is 3 words, not 1 word, but autocorrect doesn’t speak French!) and there are a greater number of pilgrims walking the trail, adding interest to the journey. Cheryl Strayed’s self-imposed isolation and poverty got me down, and she’s a bit “Wild” herself. Not judging, just talking about what I can relate to.
Yep I noticed she was a complete greenhorn when it came to the hiking part and she had some personal issues to work through.
I hiked with my sisters so we were not doing it as a pilgrimage but for the experience so it was all about pushing ourselves so we could experience the wilderness.
Got it! You really make that Paperwhite sound good. I also want the iPod Touch 5. I can’t be seen around town with my CD Walkman anymore!!! LOL! I’m livin’ the dream, doing 75% my errands on foot (amazing for L.A.), so audiobooks, podcasts, rock n roll! how cool! No CD skips or static from loose headphone cords. What will they think of next? Whatever it is, it will be on Amazon! (You’re welcome.)
I eat off plates, too, but never found a clean-looking picnic table. Some damn thing is always going on with it. I bought a set of 2 bench and table cover. Does cover a multitude of sins.
Your sunset picture is one of my new favorites. To me it conveys the peacefulness of the desert and your solo journey through it and pays homage to the creator of it all. It also soothes my eyes and soul through another gray, gloomy, cold day here in North Texas. At least we don’t have any ice and snow, but I’m still wishing for sunshine!
Hi, Cari,
Your description of the sunset photo is perfect. I hadn’t thought of all that, but you are absolutely right about it. I hope you receive sunshine today!
What a beautiful area you’re camped in, love the photos! And wowzers what a sunset! I long to spend some time in Arizona, until then I’ll enjoy it via your blog. Enjoyed seeing Miss Bridget attentively watching the activities ahead too. 🙂 Have a great time in your new camp!
Thanks, Linda. I plan to spend the day wandering around our camp with my camera, and, of course, taking it easy. The clouds are mostly gone, so the light is much better…. although clouds are fun to photograph. Enjoy your day!
Cruising along with you through your days. I’m so glad your life has evened out again and you are finding blue skies wherever you go, even if they come with a smattering of rain. Gorgeous photos, they just keep getting better and better.
Bridget looks so good – loved the profile shot. Such an intent gaze keeping track of the all the comings and goings. Such a dear, dear companion.
I’ve enjoyed the comments on keeping busy in retirement. Amazing how each individual’s days fill with what is truly important to them. I especially liked the idea of looking back on your childhood to find your lost joys and trying them again. Made me think about what I might be missing.
Enjoy!
Kitt
Hi, Kitt,
I agree….It’s a lot of fun reading what people do in retirement, their activities (or lack of them) while camping, and so forth. Lots of great ideas for enriching one’s day!
Thanks for noting the photos… I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Sue,
Someone once said that all other food was just a vehicle for cheese. 🙂
Would you be interested in a book that details a woman’s involvement with the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah? Her story tells of relationships with nature and people. Your reverence of earthly gifts and inner spirit are remarkably akin to hers. The book is Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams.
Here’s a question for when walking washes and for all other rockhound types out there. There was a folktale going around many moons ago that in the Southwest, after a good rain, one could find Turquoise in the washes. Anyone else heard of that or found some?
A big second for anything by Terry Tempest Williams one of my favorites.
Hi, a gal in Maple Valley WA,
Here’s a link to the book:
Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place
I wish it were available in ebook form. Sounds like a compelling read… Thanks for telling us about it.
I haven’t found turquoise. Somewhere… can’t remember exactly where… I was told that a person found a gold nugget in a wash the crew and I were exploring. Now you know why I love to walk washes… Haha!
Good evening,
My grandparents use to spend winters in Arizona they had a place In Tempe. They lived there from back jn the 50-60’s until they passed. Which was 1979 for my granny. Grandad passed when I was 6 mos old. But, my sisters and I have bags full of old coins and stones from them that came from Arizona. They have been in my parents safe deposit box since we were kids. I can’t remember now what they looked like. I need to get my dad to go get them. All I can recall is the stones were very colorful and so pretty.
Beautiful pictures sue! Love the one of bridge on patrol 😉
Enjoy your stay
Mert
As far as I know Turquoise comes mainly from NM around Santa Fe and Taos. I even think there is a road around there called the Turquoise highway. Gold can be found in the Kofa area. Quite often you can find it imbedded in quartz nodules that were spewed out during volcanic eruptions. All the mines in the area follow quartz veins down into the ground. In a previous post by Sue she told of a man going up the wash with a little hammer hitting rocks. He was looking for these nodules. I have a nodule I found but has no gold in it.
Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico area is the oldest turquoise mining but not very significant today.
Arizona is currently the most important producer of turquoise by value. Several mines exist in the state, two of them famous for their unique color and quality and considered the best in the industry: the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, and the Kingman Mine that operates alongside a copper mine outside of the city. Other active mines include the Blue Bird mine, Castle Dome, and Ithaca Peak. Bisbee Blue is famous but not mined any more.
Nevada is the country’s other major producer, with more than 120 mines which have yielded significant quantities of turquoise. Unlike elsewhere in the US, most Nevada mines have been worked primarily for their gem turquoise and very little has been recovered as a byproduct of other mining operations.
Beautiful pics sue, love the new campsite and am glad you got over your headache and broke up a man fight. HA! Great Sites mean a lot to me also, being highly effected by my surroundings. To me that’s a BIG part of the camping experience and maybe the best part of it. JOY for a photographer…
The above book sounds interesting to me, I also will try to find it. Never had the opportunity to walk a wash, I live that through you. Thanks. Well take Care now Sue and little Crewette.
You’re welcome, Diane … and thanks for the kind words.
Something I’ve noticed about RVers… I can tell from looking at how they position their camper what their motivation is.
I’m like you… The campsite is very important for my enjoyment. It has to have beauty and a certain “atmosphere.” I take great care figuring out exactly how to position the BLT in order to take advantage of light, shadow, immediate surroundings, distant views, etc., not to mention finding where it’s level.
Other folk drop the trailer any old way, park their vehicle so that it blocks something beautiful, and soon they’re in their vehicle and gone, rarely at their campsite. Different strokes… That’s what I love about this lifestyle.
What a lovely tale of a nice day. Just enough touching of civilization to let you get done what needs doing and a reminder to appreciate how sweet it is to be alone in the desert.
I keep being drawn to that first shot. The foreground leading your eyes up to and across the mountain in the background all of it serving to frame the silhouette of the tree in winter. That plus the blue sky which we haven’t seen here in a couple of weeks, and when the sun did come out the temperature plunged below zero. Sigh; someday.
But I still would have to call it my second favorite pic in today’s post. Cuz I just LOVE that shot of the worlds cutest co-pilot. She must have been fascinated by the guy in the class A because I don’t think she even noticed you picked up the dreaded camera. Hope you two can settle in for a nice long stay in this camp. It looks perfect.
Thanks, Rick. I appreciate your reflections on my photos. That pic of the Bridge… makes me wonder, as I often do, what goes on in her head!
Gas is higher out on the road. I was out today (got rained on) and saw one place at 1.85…
Love how the ranting trucker was still gentleman enough to apologize to a nearby woman who overheard. 🙂
Hi, Connie,
When we were on Route 85, I thought about the confrontation I witnessed a short while before. The angry trucker was more himself in his apology than in his rant.
Sue, have you ever tried Magnesium for those headaches? I have learned in recent years many of us are magnesium deficient. I began taking it for sleep as I no longer have the headaches I used to have in my 50’s, thankfully. But I have a younger friend who has migraine headaches and I had read magnesium helps. I took her a bottle of the Mag Fizz I use and she took a dose with headache in full mode and was astonished the headache went away faster than ever before. Something to consider for future perhaps. Mine is a powder I mix with warm water (warm helps the fizz go faster) and drink mine nightly. All the best.
Velda,
You are sooo right about the magnesium! I am not struck with headaches often but when I am I reach for TUMS with magnesium or ROLAIDS. I was shocked at how quickly they work! And they do the same for leg cramps! I get bad leg cramps or foot cramps so I always carry the TUMS or ROLAIDS with me everywhere. If you or anyone here suffers from leg cramps please try them, they work almost in an instant – truly like magic for me. And not just for me, my husband swears by them. Cheap and does the job in a flash!
Velda and Pamela…. Wow! I’m going to try magnesium. I like the Tums suggestion, too.
My headaches are triggered usually by certain foods which, of course, are the foods I love. (Why is that?) Anyway…. Sometimes I take ibuprofen out of desperation. I’d rather take magnesium…and I have Tums in the cabinet. 🙂
Readers often write how they learn so much from my blog. So do I! Thanks a bunch…
Gluten may be what is triggering the headaches if it is food related. Studies have shown folks that eat lots of starches, pasta and breads, with history of migraines have very little headaches once the foods that have gluten are removed from their diet. Gluten can be nasty for some, and they don’t have to be a Celiac.
I’m glad the rain stopped for you to find a “RVSue spot” on the same day. Being in a great spot, near an area that’s comfortable and accommodating, sounds like the perfect place and pace for you and Bridget. Have a great night.
Teresa
I hope you had a great night, Teresa. You’re right about this camp. I love to boondock in secluded places while, at the same time, having supplies and services within a reasonable driving distance.
One day soon, we will be saying: I love camping on Jupiter because it’s so close to all the shops on the moon.
After the news about Darby Wells road a while back, I was wondering if you were going back to Ajo. It is such a pretty, interesting area. I was happy to read you are back and looking forward to the photos.
Hi, K & B in CO,
This is a fun place to photograph. Good to know there’s interest in what I’ll be showing in my blog.
That look of Bridget intently watching the man taking care of his tanks is simply precious. Snuggling under the comfort of a quilt is always rewarding, and that beautiful sunset just adds to the peace and tranquility of your moment. Your new camp looks beautiful, enjoy!
Hi, Monica,
I love a beautiful camp and this one definitely is. I hope you had a wonderful day!
Sue, we camped at Organ Pipes National Monument near Ajo a couple of years ago. We loved it and are hoping to go back again, though it won’t be for a while. We really enjoyed the town of Ajo. Our little dogs seemed to like it there too. It is cold and wet up here in Battle Ground, Washington. I hope you and your little girl have a nice relaxing time there.
Mike Leonard
Battle Ground, WA
Thanks, Mike. So far we have had a relaxing time. We did nothing all day but wander around the desert, me taking photos, plus we hung around camp, me puttering and both of us not doing much at all.
I hope you do come back this way again. 🙂
Sue,
You nailed that photo of Bridge! She looks ever the royal she is…regal, intense, sharp as a tac. It is my new favorite of her photos.
Your dinner sounded so good to me, I almost cooked tonight but it was a no-cook night at our house. Hubby warmed up three pieces of Johnny’s Pizza that were left over from the OH vs OR football game. I had fresh Tuna salad w/sweet salad cubes, mayo and fresh tomato slices. Well, and potato chips, yes, I am weak.
Ajo, we have been talking about that area, wiki info and all. So I am excited to maybe see and hear more about it in your posts. Your former posts sounded like it was a nice place, love those sunsets!
Hi, Pamela K.,
I do think that’s one of Bridget’s better photos. It really shows her long-nose profile and intelligent, curious eyes.
It will be my pleasure to share this area of southern Arizona with you!
Hey Sue I have been following your blog for a long time and really enjoy it. I first heard of Keen shoes thru your site. My Christmas gift to myself was a pair of Keen hiking boots. I ordered them thru your amazon link. Glad to see them of your list of reader purchases above. Really enjoying your stories of the search for a new crew member and your blogs about everyday life.
Hi, LisaG,
Thank you for reading my blog and for ordering your hiking boots here. I like those boots! They look a lot like my Keen trail shoes, only they come up higher on the ankle.
I wish you many sure-footed steps to exquisitely beautiful places!
Hi Sue!
Thank you for all your efforts in sharing your RV life. It is fun to travel along!
I did a quick search on your blog and I only found one location in NM that you have been to (back in 2011 I believe). And I wonder why you haven’t been to NM very much. Is it the weather for winter travels, not as good as AZ??
I’m curious because we’re planning to spend a lot of time traveling in NM and I wonder if I’m “missing something”
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Barbara
Hi, Barbara,
The first few months of our life on the road I did not have a solar panel. I didn’t boondock, wanting hook-ups.
After picking up the BLT in TX, I explored NM by staying in its state parks under the $225 annual pass.
We camped at the following state parks around the state: Brantley Lake, Caballo Lake, Conchas Lake, Coyote Creek, Eagle Nest Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, Leasburg Dam, Percha Dam, Santa Rosa Lake, Storrie Lake and maybe some others I’m not recalling right now.
I haven’t been back to NM because the elevation makes it cooler in winter (overall) than in southern AZ and CA. Since those first months in NM, I’ve explored other places during the warm seasons, places I hadn’t seen before like the Pacific Northwest.
Love the pictures of the saguaros. I can’t help but picture them wearing sombreros. – Yes, I’m a victim of American pop culture!
Beautiful new camp. I do like it when you stay places for a little while, helps me to get a feel for the area.
Hi, Applegirl NY,
Staying in one place gives that place time to share itself.
Moving from place to place has its benefits, too. When we first came to the West, we moved quickly in a grand loop through several states ranging from TX to SD to the Pacific Coast to southern CA and AZ…. I wanted to obtain a broad picture of the West. It made for an exciting year!
Now I go between fast moves and long stays, whatever suits us at the time and also, in respect to the weather and elevations…
I just love the pictures you take. I really get a sense of what the desert looks like through them. Your travels show us all how beautiful our Southwest is. I can’t wait to see it on my own someday. Gas prices here are now $1.79 a gallon. Have a great camping day to you and Bridget.
Hi, Karen,
I hope you do have the opportunity to spend time in the desert… the Sonoran in particular…. and not just a drive-by experience. Walk it and love it!
I smile to read that you love my photos.
I love the landscape around Ajo. Aren’t the cacti just beautiful and everyone of them is different. My favorite area from your travels. I am so glad that you found a campsite that you and Bridget will be comfortable in. Please enjoy the sunrise and sunsets for me. Love your stories, they bring peace to my day, just looking at the pictures and relaxing with you.
Hi, Jean,
I did as you asked this morning and enjoyed the sunset this evening. I don’t see the sunrise at this camp because there’s a hill very close, to the east of us. Instead I see the hillside of brittlebush, saquaro, and organ pipe. … nice!
I’m happy my blog is relaxing for you…
Beautiful area. My eyes have been opened up to just how pretty the desert is.
Hi, Jolene,
The Sonoran Desert is a special place. I’m happy to show people what it is like.
Glad you found your own saquaro to hang out with for a bit. I find them both majestic and silly. Like clouds, you can “see” so many fun things in their different shapes. Isn’t it wonderful to not be in a hurry? It is my absolute favorite part of being retired 🙂
I agree, Jodee. I love to linger. If I were in the city, I’d be called a loiterer. Out here in the desert, the saguaros and organ pipes don’t mind me loitering among them.
I thought of your description while photographing saguaros today… “majestic and silly.” 🙂
Good Morning Sue, I believe you are in for a really nice morning if my sunrise is any indication that the storms are gone. It was a beautiful clear sunrise this morning and now I am sitting at my computer enjoying a really good cup of coffee and sharing the morning with you and the blogorinos…It is supposed to be 72 today in So. Cal, a welcomed temperature rise…how can I be ready for Spring already?…I don’t think I do well in cold temperatures…We are thinking about taking a trip out to the Salton Sea this weekend…the wintering birds should abound out there this weekend and maybe we can get a look at a Blue Footed Boobie, or Sandhill Cranes…you would think we would have had our fill of wildlife since we spent the week swimming with manatees and birding in Florida, but NO!…one work week back home and it is off to see the desert wizard..I can see why you spend you winters in Arizona..so much to see, so much open space…I so enjoy your pictures…I know it is probably not said enough, but you bring the bloggers so much joy and so much vicarious living that it makes getting up in the morning worthwhile…Have a great day out there…I hope you and Bridget get to take a nice long walk in the freedom of full time RVing.
P.S. Good thoughts for DG this morning.
Hi, Shirlene,
I’m late replying to the good mornings sent my way… The sun has set and I’m finally getting around to replying to comments. Bridget and I were outside most of the day… Took that “nice long walk” you hoped for us. 🙂
The Salton Sea is a fun place to watch the birds. I enjoyed our camp there. Have a great time, if you decide to go…
All the time I lived in Florida I never went swimming with the manatees! Sounds like you had a lot of fun.
Good morning, Sue!
Sounds like you found the perfect spot for your camp! I love the picture of the sunset, and how you included it in the window reflection of the BLT. I also love how the clouds seem to hang in the tip top of the mountains. The pictures of cacti and desert warmed my heart – literally!
Early this morning, we were graced with freezing rain and sleet. It took me 1/2 an hour to get the car cleaned off enough so I could drive safely…about of 1/4″ or so of ice. When the heat/defroster is running on high for 20 minutes and not making a difference, that is not good. Richmond, as usual did not treat the roads at all – very frustrating! Made it into work without incident, although my heart was in my throat when my car started to slide sideways as I was creeping along through several intersections. Walking from the parking deck to my building was another treat…to walk on the icy sidewalks or the icy street?! Everyone was walking very gingerly…shuffling along like ancient elders! Whew! The sleet and freezing rain seems to be tapering off, thank goodness. Temps are not expected to get above freezing, so hopefully VDOT will put down some sand or something to make the drive home a little better. Getting into my neighborhood (hilly) and up a steeply graded driveway tonight will add to the nerve wracking experience. The car will be parked on the street if the driveway is still a sheet of ice. To other folks dealing with the same nasty weather, please stay safe and be careful. Don’t go out unless you have to.
Sue, your pictures and words literally transported me to a much warmer climate and state of mind. Thank you! I love how Miss Bridget was keeping a close eye on the man dumping his tanks ahead of you. She was watching very intently…
Hope you and your blogorinos have a wonderful day! Love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
And I am complaining about it being 48 degrees last night!….what a whimp I am….Stay safe Denise, Spring will be here soon (so I am told).
Thanks, Shirlene!
Hope you have a good day! 🙂
Just heated up leftover enchilada pie for lunch. Hot and spicy…just the thing for a cold, nasty day! 🙂
Yum!
Good heavens, Denise! What a lot of stress! You remind me of the time I fell on my back on the ice in the dark on my way to a car that wouldn’t start one frigid morning, trying to get to work…. I decided right then and there, looking up at the stars, that I wasn’t going to take it anymore! I sold everything I owned, including the car, so I’d have enough for a plane ticket to Florida.
Enjoyed your account of your day…. 🙂
Thank goodness Richmond usually has only 4 or 5 storms like this per year. We always get freezing rain and sleet, and sometimes snow accumulation is added to the mix. I’ll take plain old snow any day!
All is good. Even though it never got above freezing, most of the main roads had been treated and the drive home was uneventful. I had no issues getting into my neighborhood and was even able to park in my driveway. 🙂
Pulling up stakes and moving to FL…so you’ve always been a girl who had a Plan B…just in case! 🙂
Hope you and Bridget have a great night! 🙂
Wow, I love the pictures of the clouds and desert! The colors in the sunset picture are breath taking! How wonderful for you and Bridget to have found your camp spot that feels like home! There is nothing to compare to the stillness, peace and quiet of the desert. I can feel myself sitting in my camp chair, glass of wine in hand, with soft gentle breeze blowing, my sweetie and my pup sitting there, feeling so content that all is right with life! Thank you for all the memories!
I have to chuckle at the picture of Bridget being the big girl sitting so cute in that chair and so intent watching what’s happening!
You’re welcome, Sue…
It’s a pleasure for me to bring back your memories of camping in the desert. My photos show part of the appeal of the desert… Unfortunately I can’t include the crunch of the rocky sand with each step, the twitter of cactus wrens at daybreak, the aroma of creosote after a rain…
Gooood morning from Sawtooth Canyon from 2 oldtimers & 1 pooped pup! We hiked up to the top of the canyon one over from the climbing canyon & Ari rambled probably 3 times as many miles as we did. It was a beautiful sunny day here but very windy. Too cool to sit outside. We’re hooked up & ready to move someplace warmer but we sure would like to come back here maybe in April or October.
Loved your photos–especially the one of Miss Bridge! She’s vigilant & curious. Love the cloud photos too & all those cacti! The desert is an amazing place. I went out early this morning & heard lots of birds, including a chukar!
I totally relate to the person who said they brought too much stuff. Guilty! I forget stuff like chili powder & more than 1 roll of paper towels! Oh well. Making notes now so I’ll have them for next year’s trip.
Enjoy your day–it’s supposed to be sunny.
Hi, Dawn,
Once the wind adds to the cold it’s time to roll them wheels! I’m glad you enjoyed Sawtooth. The camp host was feeding the chukars when we camped there. Then he watched the coyotes come into his backyard to eat the chukars. I saw a coyote coming down the hill right at suppertime.
Yes, go somewhere warmer… I still overbuy groceries, mostly staples. I don’t know why I do that. It’s not like I can’t drive to a grocery store when I need supplies. …
Today was sunny and mild here… Hope you had a good day!
Awesome! So peaceful!
We are headed to Louisiana today.
Thanks for pointing me here. Safe travels…
Hi Sue
Great to hear your in the area, I spend most of the winter down here, why…. because it is great. !! I had a RV Sue sighting last winter when I went to Los Algodones for new glasses after the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous. I stayed out, well you know, near you for about a week, Green cargo trailer. I know the Crew Rules, so just waved from a distance. Great pics, love the desert, enjoy your stay.
Trainman
I remember your green cargo trailer, Trainman. I agree… This is a great place to spend the winter. I appreciate your consideration of my need for solitude. Glad you like the photos.
Hello everyone,
Today is Wednesday mid-afternoon [est time], has anyone heard an up-date on Desert Ginger yet? Is she doing well after her big operation?
Waiting………..
Hoping that all went well and that she feels well enough to just let us know that she is ok. May be a day or so before DesertGinger is able to post. She is probably in an anesthesia fog.
Denise and Shirlene,
I was just thinking about her and thought she might have a family member or friend log on for her to give us an update. I know if it were me there would be no-way I could think to log on and type anything, that’s for sure.
Well, No news is good news, right? I’m sure she is doing fine and sleeping alot.
Yes…no news is good news! 🙂
great picture of Bridget! be safe
Thanks, Ron. You be safe, too.
The only thing white outside today has been the pups hair surrounding their black spots.The snow that they run on and that covers everything is so crisp from the cold that it reflects whatever’s above it.So clear sky blue everywhere was what I saw here and on the drives that I took.Painting it or photographing it would look as though the color had been applied for effect,so as usual I let it’s imprint be the one within me now.Long time no type,Sue,hope capturing beauty is what’s kept you occupied today.Our light vanished as the sun set a few minutes ago so I checked in here hoping you have some to share.Just opening this page always feels like turning on a nice warm lamp beside me.The pups curled up for a nap as soon as we came in.Does Bridget sleeping near you give you that”all’s right with the world” feeling ,too?
Hi Weather,
Sounds like your day was a busy one, eyes open, taking everything in and then relaxing with the memories….be warm and sleep well.
Thanks,Shirlene ,it was,and I will,and hope you do.too 🙂
Hi weather,
The pull of the desert was strong this morning. I couldn’t resist, nor would you want me to. 🙂 After a dark day yesterday, today was sunny and fresh. Lots of birds here…. cactus wrens, of course, chattering away, singing, chirping, and several teensy, gray birds that flit among the branches of creosote bushes… Twice I’ve been surprised by a bird flying into the BLT!
Bridget is a comfort when I feel her warm body against me each night. I usually sleep with my arm around her.
I want to post tonight but I can feel tiredness creeping up on me. All that fresh air and walking…. It was fun having a change in scenery to photograph.
I have similar thoughts about painting and photography… There are visuals that are at a level above any belief one can display with paints or camera lens.
You’re so right,I would not want you to resist the desert’s pull or anything that you feel enthusiastic about.I’m very happy that recently there’s been so much that you want do and are enjoying it .You’re a good kind of tired,nice!Whether you make it an early night or post ,I hope you do it feeling relaxed with smiling peace.Birds outside ,of course!I’m glad you understood about some visuals,that type is a large part of what’s always called me out beyond walls and people’s company…
Major problem at our place yesterday. My Hummingbird feeder was broken. I think a woodpecker did it but my Hummingbirds were in a panic. I put the broken feeder on a table near where there feeder had been (only the hanger broke). I started looking for the kind of feeder I want and use and none could be found. Finally a place in Las Vegas had one and I asked them to overnight it to me. Get this. I paid $15 for the feeder and $20 for delivery overnight. Hey, I know, I know but I love my little hummingbirds. They are happy, I am happy.
We are so slaves of our little creatures in your lives…enjoy those happy little things, when bring love from the heavens.
Indeed, but we don’t try to take care of the critters, big and small, what becomes of them? It was, after-all, their world that we entered. Show me a critter hater, I’ll show you a mean sob.
Hi, Jim,
I watched gila woodpeckers wreck a hummingbird feeder I had a couple years ago. They don’t get that it’s not necessary to peck at a feeder!
Those hummingbirds have you wrapped around their little… um… wing. 🙂
Guilty as charged.
Sure blame it on the Gila woodpeckers….I distinctly recall …it was the tire tread of the BLT! 🙂
Cute story AZJim…glad you were able to get what you wanted for your “babies”
Cinandjules,
You just crack me up! :0
Gotta take care of all God’s little creatures who provide us so much joy! 🙂
Your little hummers are lucky to have you and Detta!
Without question that is the sweetest thing I have heard all day. You are a good man Jim.
Hi there Sue!
I just rolled in from Grandkid-sitting… OMGosh I am spent! LOL Relaxing a bit before I unload the pickup. I hauled a vintage stove over to a friend who does trailer rehabs (1933 stove-will go in a custom trailer). One of those Westwood ones, mini from a regular with the drawer and all–butter yellow, same color as my Moosee. Perty! Filled up in Lacey WA for 1.99! Not too shabby!
We are still digging out from our flood. Hope the sun stays clear for you. I find so much joy in sharing a bit of your day… Thank you for that.
Hugs from HOQUIAM!
Barb
Hi, Barb… You’ve been a very busy lady! I bet your Moosee is precious… 🙂
Enjoyed your blog today. It’s the little things in life like spaghetti for supper that makes us happy 🙂
I agree, Phyllis. 🙂
I made myself a cup of tea a few minutes ago and saw this quote on the box:
“Now and then it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.”… Guillaume Apollinaire
Very nice and so true.
I made spaghetti for dinner last night. Had to after reading the blog.
Haha! It’s the pizza you made that has me wanting Italian food. 🙂
Loved the desert photos, so different than it is in west Texas. (Or maybe I’m just not looking in the right places!) Especially liked the one of the road ahead of you……..
Hi, Susan,
It’s tough to take a bad pic of the road ahead, especially for anyone who loves to travel!
Kibble?!
Mean, mean Mom!
🙂
T
Oh, no, not so mean…. That kibble can’t be that bad… She asked for seconds!
So, this past week, we were at an Airstream Rally called Canopener. It was held at Topsail Hill Preserve in Santa Rosa Beach Fl. On Saturday night we were at a pot luck dinner and I was seated across the table from another couple from Mobile. We hadn’t met them until the rally. Anyway, we all had name tags with our forum names and real names on them. The lady across from me asked me if I was John K from RV Sue’s blog! I got to meet my first blogorino in meat space!!! Pretty exciting.
I hope you are staying warm at night.
Hi Sue! This little fella is in Fallon, Nevada… I just saw him on facebook… I live north of a where he is couple of hours…
https://www.facebook.com/188536154542211/photos/a.209431669119326.53886.188536154542211/833858100010010/?type=1
He is pretty cute little guy but pretty sure Sue wants younger than his 7 years. I used to train with Navy at Fallon NAS years ago.
Seven isn’t really old for a small dog like that.
Good Morning, Everyone!
I love your pictures Sue so keep them coming!
It’s finally going to be a little warmer here today, thank goodness. We still have a little snow on the ground to melt. My birds are really eating today…had 5 Blue Jays in one tree, really pretty. They are finally using my heated bird bath.
Any news about Ginger?
Kay from KC!
Good morning, Kay… You’re good to provide warm water for the birds.
Ginger will need a few days before posting…
Good Morning Sue, I wanted to say that, before I get my coffee and sit down to read all the comments that I missed from yesterday…I turned off the computer at around 4:00 your time and need to do some catching up this morning. I am not complaining, but it is cold here today, but is supposed to be beautiful and warm later…I hope the same for you and Bridget and that you get some really good walks, really good pictures and feel like the world is yours..as it is. Happy day to you and all.
Soft yellow light shown through the windows earlier today,that happens only a few times each year.On a few days in August and a couple during January the sun’s angle and clear skies meet ,shine just right and leave.Mental note-before leaving the state go back to the sunflower farm and blackeyed susan patches that hold that color…I’ve done a lot of that this year,taken full advantage of things only found here in particular ways that capture my heart.One of them just started this week.
The guys that love ice fishing are back out,I can’t count the meals the pups have had of fish stew I make from their catches.We’ve traded stuff -my coffee and packed sandwiches for filleted fish,pre-sunrise visits,rescuing each other from whatever life here’s thrown at us ,picking up the tab for meals shared at local places.It’s great to see them out again.Before I go we’ll trade different stuff,the ones that matter most,hugs given knowing what a wonderful difference we’ve made in each others and our families and communities lives.It sure seems to me that I’ve received the most out of the deal as a whole. Good morning Sue,hope your trades are making you feel as happy as mine are this morning!
Good Morning Weather, makes me happy to hear that your life is again filled with FISH?…I know that means a lot and I am just making light of it…happy days and happy hugs to you. Good meals for the troupe abounds.
Sounds like a great community, Weather…no small gift!! Loved the photo of Bridget here, Sue…such a cute face!! Very busy of late…also still dragging my weary self along (guess what I had must have been a flu, rather than a cold)…and yes, it is almost freezing here too…part of the day…and with the Sound nearby, that is indeed COLD!! Sun peeking out now…so hope for a bit of warmth today too. Off again in a few minutes.
Wishing you warmth and good health, Elizabeth!
Thank you very much! 🙂
“Before I go . . . .” 🙂
Good morning, weather!
😉
Would you please recommend a publication for finding the great BLM (free and fee) sites you have camped at in AZ and CA around Yuma? Amazon seems to have a few for AZ with slightly different titles and I wonder what one is the best in your estimation?
My wife and I are renting a trailer in a park in Tucson for this Jan. ad Feb. instead of our usual camping in our own 17′ Taylor Coach. In the next few days we plan to drive to Why/Ajo area and check our the BLM sites south of Why and along the Darby Well road for camping next winter.
Sure have enjoyed reading your blog the last few days. Just discovered it.
Cheers and safe travels.
John McDonald