Wednesday, October 9
The crew and I hibernate in the Best Little Trailer, warmed by the glow of the catalytic heater. I sit in bed or at the table by the big back window and watch the blustery wind toss snowflakes. I take care of online tasks and read the news.
It feels good to cuddle Bridget under the quilts, my stockinged feet up against Spike’s warm body. The three of us nap, eat, run outside when there’s a break in the wind and snow, and nap some more. The crew can see that there isn’t much else to do but sleep, and I’m glad for that. I need the rest.
Thursday, October 10
We wake to a winter wonderland!
I grab my camera and rush outside. (These mountain photos were taken at different times. )
Bridget and Spike come out to do their business and run back inside.
I use the zoom feature of my camera to bring the snowy peaks closer.
Just imagine having these majestic mountains in view from your home!
I think this next photo is of Mammoth Mountain. I assume those wavy lines are the ski slopes. Readers, correct me if I’m wrong!
Around ten o’clock it’s warm enough for a walk. After a day and night of sleep, Bridget, Spike, and I need to move around! We take off down the lane and head up Glass Creek Road. Bridget is frisky and runs ahead of us. Can you see her in this photo?
Already the snow is melting.
We follow Glass Creek Road and I’m surprised when we come to a campground sign. I didn’t know there’s a campground here! No sign is posted on Route 395.
Of course, the campground is closed because of the shut-down.
Later I read it has 50 sites, can accommodate rigs to 45 feet, and is heavily used. No wonder. It’s in a great location and it’s free! (Donations are accepted.)
The crew and I walk through part of it until I spy a Class A motor home half-hidden at the far side of the campground. Well, good for them. I hope they aren’t kicked out.
Signs at the campground warn that black bears have been seen in the area. A night-vision photo posted on the bulletin board shows a bear prowling around a campsite. I check the fresh snow throughout our walk. I see the prints of birds, rodents, rabbits, and deer. No coyote or bear tracks. The bears are probably drawn here when the campground is busy.
We traverse the large day use area and explore some of the spur roads.
After a storm the world seems like its in high definition. The air is fresh and invigorating. Water droplets fall on us when we walk under the pines, causing Bridget to scoot ahead. Spike doesn’t care. He’s a water dog.
The crew and I have a grand ol’ time.
By the time we reach home, the BLT has lost her coat of snow.
Soon the snow on the ground is gone. The sunshine on the white fiberglass of the BLT makes a warm spot in which to relax and enjoy the view.
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON THROUGH MY LINKS!
“REAR VIEW MIRROR”
September 13, 2011 was almost one full month of full-timing for me and the crew. The Best Little Trailer hadn’t yet been named. We camped at Coyote Creek State Park in northern New Mexico. It was here that I fully realized my dream had come true!
Hi Sue! I so loved your description of how toasty warm you were in the BLT with the crew and a beautiful white world just outside your window! I am quiet on blogs by nature but had to pipe up and say hi today! I can’t imagine how tired you must get but I can guess, and I am so glad you were able to have such a wonderful rest day. Thanks again for all the energy you put into this blog…know that it warms all of your reader’s hearts!!
Hi, Sheri,
You’re welcome. I’m glad you decided to “pipe up and say hi!”
Me too. I’m quiet on blogs. *Looking around*…..OK! I lied. HI Sue ‘n crew!!
Hi, Jim,
You know I love to “hear” from you!
I can feel the crisp, cool air you talk about, and your photos are so beautiful. I remember being in the mountains and snow when I was stationed in Germany, and it seemed like you could almost cut the air with a knife.
It’s so sad that such a beautiful place is off limits to Americans right now – that campground looks so inviting with the views and the trees.
Oct. 9 was my birthday, and it was great to be reading of your adventures on the road that I hope to travel one day.
A belated “Happy Birthday” to you, Cari! I hope it was a good one.
The campground is “off limits” right now, but there are acres and acres and myriad roads where one can camp with beautiful views and trees (unless you have a big rig).
I’m probably missing something, but I don’t understand why NF campgrounds had to be closed during the shutdown. Why couldn’t they stay open with a “camp at your own risk” notice posted? The vault toilets could’ve been locked and the water turned off, if need be. It’s almost impossible to damage anything. A lot of these NF campgrounds don’t have a host anyway.
Sue — the powers that be are trying to make it as uncomfortable on the citizens as possible. (Park rangers in DC have attested that those are their orders.) Sad that our country has come to this. Considering that these are OUR (public) lands, it really grates on me that they are being closed to us — the purchasers (via tax dollars) & owners.
I agree, Renee.
Glad you all got some rest! Nothing like snugging up cozy when the weather is blustery.
Brr it looks cold! Love the scenery……and the pic of Bridget posing!
Enjoy the peace!
Sending peace your way, too!
Wow Christmas in October! Fantastic pictures of mountains, snow, camp, and crew! I can almost hear the blue jays chattering and wood peckers knocking. Here in the valley of sun it’s been in 70’s and 80’s but rained a little yesterday. Bright and sunny…good weather for AZ State Fair. Sleep well and rest well for your travel to the next camp. Your present camp is beautiful and I don’t blame you one bit for not hurrying off to another site.
Hi, Rita,
Great! Good weather for the fair . . .
I’ve had to adjust from travel mode to simply living mode. The day of the “snowstorm” helped me do that. I’m enjoying this camp, so no hurry to move. I do have to watch that a worse storm doesn’t catch us here. I’d rather not have to shovel our way out!
Thanks for the compliment on the photos.
Hi Sue,
I Camp Hosted in that area, June to Oct., up the 120 out of Lee Vining, at Junction CG. Beautiful country and lots of bears. Although I never saw one, but saw pics taken by others and paw prints on the window of the Tioga Resort. They said he was checking the pie list. Your pics of the snow are beautiful.
Stay warm, Linda
Hi, Linda..
So funny! Checking the pie list . . .
You must know this area very well. I think the bears vacation here when the people do! I’m glad you liked my pictures… Thank you.
Hope you have snow chains just in case you need them. The California pioneers wrote in their diaries and journals that this area was “sublime”, your photos sure prove it is so. Kit Carson went over the mountains near by with Capt. Fremont back in the 1840’s and supposedly left their field artilery canon behind as it was slowing them down. If you happen to stumble across it, it would be worth a lot I’ll betcha and your name would be carved on a bronze plaque somewhere near by. I hope you use the handle RV Sue, so I can tell my friends I knew you when…
Hi, Joe,
On the way here I pulled over at a historical marker and it told the story of Capt. Fremont, Kit Carson, and the men with them, having to leave the cannon. It was a long, steep pull for the PTV… I was astounded that a cannon could be hauled up to that point.
No bronze plaque for me.. All I found was a Gatorade bottle someone used as a portable toilet and tossed. Dang, I see those things everywhere!
So this evening,Lisa and myself are strolling thru the same store I mentioned this past week as I recall,and there they were Sue,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,4 of em,,,,,,,all looking so beautiful and suculent and plump,oh,and juicy too.
That’s right,those danged chickens on a spit you love so much.
So Sue,is this what is going to be like forever?,everytime I see a chicken on a spit,I wil think of you?,LOL
I told Lisa,the next time we go there,we are buying one,and taking numerous pictures of which we can forward to you of us eating that dog gone bird,LOL.
We are prepping for Arizona this week.
Have a wonderful weekend Sue and thanks so very much for sharing with all of us
You’re welcome!
Oh, dear me! A plump chicken on a spit reminds you of ME! Where’s my stylist? My personal trainer? My publicist? I have an image problem.
I have a confession to make. All this time you’ve called yourself Lisa and Trip. I thought Trip was a DOG! I guess you had an image problem, too! Sorry about that Trip… You are a person, aren’t you?
You have a great weekend, too!
No biggie Sue,,,,,,a few nights ago when I was reading about your having trouble sleeping because of past Ghosts,I remembered an old girlfriend that called me a dog once,lol.
But like all those old ghosts,I made friends with that one too,lol.
So,now I’m off to the mirror with our 3 dogs to see if I resemble any of them,lol.
You have a great week Sue,it’s always a joy to read of your adventures.
Thanks… You have a great week, too. Woof-woof.
Beautiful pictures. Happy to hear the review of your last minute campsite. You sure do know how to pick ’em! But egaaad, that nasty 4 letter word, s-n-o-w. I’ m dreading its arrival here in Ohio, of course ours is the NOT the sweet & short variety.
And just when I think I’ve read all of your blogs, was pleasantly surprised with the Rear View Mirror one today. Didn’t know you were 7 years in the planning and ::drum roll:: WOW, you’ve been traveling for over 2 years now! Sure seems like it went fast.. atleast to me.
Hi, Patti,
I don’t blame you for hating the snow you get in Ohio. I felt the same way when I lived in northern New York. It’s pretty for a day and then I want it gone! The worst is February into March when dirty piles of snow line the roadways and won’t go away. I wish for you a mild winter, although it hasn’t started that way in many parts of the country.
Yes, I planned for several years with this vision of full-timing, even though I never camped before. I saved like a madwoman, even refused to use my central heat and air . . . in Georgia! It was a long, tough time, but it was worth it!
Yes, the two years have flown by and yet I’ve lived more in those two years than I did in two decades previously.
Gosh what a pretty place!
Glad you are toasty!!! I need to look into one of those heaters! Is it listed on your site or is it part of the Casita? Our vintage trailer has a propane grubbing monster!
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
PS The photos are wonderful!!! Could nearly smell the snow!
Hi, Barb,
Thank you… Glad you enjoyed the pics.
Go to the header, click on Shopping Links, then click on For Your RV and Home. Scroll down and you can see a photo, description, and even a link to Amazon where you can buy the Wave 3 (heh – heh).
Snow is wonderful isn’t it, at least for photography. Your pictures are beautiful, but they always are. Still I usually prefer to drive to the snow and when done, drive away. I have some great snow shots. One of the Kofa Peaks at palm canyon just south of Quartzsite, a rare event for that area. All the cholla in the desert are snow free, but the peaks are covered.
Well I took my first step to freedom. I sent off my package to Americas Mailbox to get my address and SD plates. I want to be living in the RV Jan 1, and then heading out April 1. Not going to SD in the winter, I may be crazy but I ain’t stupid. But it all hinges on when the house gets sold.
Live for today as tomorrow may never come, and Enjoy
Alan
Congratulations, Alan, on making that first step! It makes the dream real . . . 🙂
Now sell that house!
I find snow photography challenging. I had a terrible time trying to photograph the crew with the brightness and dark shadows and them moving in and out of both. I finally gave up. Your photo sounds magnificent! It’s such a thrill to capture a rare sight.
You say you’re waiting to go to SD. Is that for your license? I drove around with my Georgia license for a year before going to SD to get a new one.
Yeah, going to IL first to visit relatives around Lincoln, Mom was born in Armington, an itty bitty town of 200. All her side of the family is still around there farming. I figure since I’m that close might as well go ahead and get to SD and get my license. And see the sites since I’ll be there.
Yes, snow is very hard for an automatic camera to handle, too much light. Cameras try to average all the light in the image out to what is called medium grey, problem is when everything is white it pushes it all down too far. If the camera has some way to adjust the exposure up a notch or two you will have better luck. The old polaroids had a little PLUS knob that allowed the user to adjust for such situations.
Snow’s wonderful when you don’t have anywhere to be and can wait for it to melt; it’s the pits when you have to drive around in it! Best I remember, we were required to carry chains with the trucks from October-April when going over the mountain passes. Weather could be fine when starting up, but snow at the top!
BTW, I’ve noticed the past day or so there have been small earthquakes in Lee Vining/Mammoth Lakes area of California. Did you have any rockin ‘n rollin going on??
Hi, Ladybug,
Earthquakes? Yikes! NO, I haven’t felt any rockin n rollin except from the wind the day it snowed.
Every time I pass one of those “chain up area” signs when climbing to a mountain pass I feel sorry for truckers. And yes, I remember driving in the snow years ago.
I remember getting up at 6 am, brushing the snow off the car door, chipping ice away from the door handle so I could open the door, and then not being able to start the dang car. That’s why I moved to Florida. Sold the car, threw my clothes in a brown paper bag (didn’t have luggage … no gym bags in those days), used the money from the car to buy a plane ticket south, left and never went back. No regrets!
I tell you all that so you know, Ladybug, I feel your pain!
Sue, I’m not really sure where you are exactly, but I see Obsidian Dome on the map, so you are south of that? We happened upon Obsidian Dome one afternoon (summer) and it was absolutely SHINING! That has a campground, too, but I am sure it, too, is closed. I am living vicariously through your adventures! We DID make it to the Sierras one February (4 day weekend for me) and it had snowed the previous day. There was nothing but snow all the way through Bridgeport. Talk about “snow blindness”!!! Well, enjoy your Sierra time! I look forward to your next adventures! Are you heading our way (down by Indio and Joshua Tree)? We are having gorgeous weather, but another storm is due in about 10 days.
~~Cheryl Ann~~
Hi, Cheryl Ann,
I still haven’t decided where we will go. Probably Borrego Springs and Yuma again, maybe Quartzsite later in the winter. Our travel may be influenced by whether or not the gov’t. campgrounds open up.
Cheryl Ann she is a out 200 yards south east of the dome. She actually drove around the western edge of it to get where she is. If you look at google maps for Glass creek campground, in earth mode, she is in a little circle just to the west of it. That’s why when Sue went for her walk she walked right into Glass creek campground from the west.
Hi Sue and Crew:
Love your snowy photos – a Fall/Winter wonderland. You are doing that camera proud. And, yes, I could see Bridget – just blending in with the snowy landscape. You’re day and night of snuggling in, probably with a great novel, sounds like a bit o’ heav’n to me. Care to share what you’re currently reading?
Your posts are so so entertaining….. mary-pat
Thank you, Mary-Pat. It’s my pleasure to entertain you!
Bridget blends into the snow like a white rabbit. Spike, however, could work on his winter camouflage. I guess Spike is a “snowbird.” His coat blends into the desert colors.
I’m not reading anything right now… which reminds me I need to call Amazon about my kindle that’s not working (It’s old.). Looks like I need to buy a new ereader. I haven’t had access to a book, paper or otherwise, in a few weeks and I need to read.
The last book I read was absolutely fabulous. It was about a boy growing up and entwined in the story was the river, its influence on the people in town… great story, well-written. And what do I do? I give the book to Les whom I met at Falls View Campground (near Hood Canal, WA) and neglected to write down the title or author. I forget that I forget!
Before that I read William W. Johnstone’s “Rage of Eagles.”
We are still stuck in a stick house, jobs and a commute so I love following along. We live in Jamestown off of hwy 108. When the crowds come to the western Sierra the eastern Sierras and hwy 395 are our weekend playground. Glad you are enjoying my “back yard”.
Your first sentence makes me sad, as I have lived that way. I’m glad you have this wonderful back yard for weekends.
Hey Sierra Foothill Mama……I’m in Sonora. If you ever see a little Scamp being drug around town with the name “Puff” over the front and back windows, that’s me. Give me a toot and say “Hi”.
Howdy Joy! I live out of Jamestown, I will keep my eyes open for Puff the Scamp.
56 Degrees this morning in Surprise! Yesterday it was 79. Finally the weather has become what snowbirds from all over flock to Arizona for. So, I think it’s time a little trio in a Casita get down here….
Well, Jim, you may be right. At this moment my weather thingamajiggy says 29 degrees F. But then in a few hours it will be warm again and I won’t want to go.
Looks like the Life of Riley! The Better Half is coming around to this lifestyle. I’m not trying to push it as that wouldn’t work. She likes the Casita, but likes the Airstreams more. That is until I show her the prices differences!
Hi, John,
You are wise to handle your situation carefully. 🙂 Maybe readers will step forward and comment on what they like and don’t like about Casitas and Airstreams. (I’m trying to help here!)
I like the Airstream as well, but I just don’t see what you are getting for all that extra money. I’d rather take the difference and trick out a Casita!
This may seem weird, but I’m going to tell you anyway. When I first decided I wanted a travel trailer, I looked at Airstreams. I started looking elsewhere when I envisioned coming home to my Airstream trailer sitting in the Arizona desert sun and being blinded by the glare coming off that metal shell. That did it for me!
That and the maintenance involved in keeping all that aluminum shiny! I like the layout of the Casita better. Especially the model that you have.
I think the Casita is perfect for one person. I know couples who full-time in a Casita. I can’t imagine it myself.
I might change my mind if I ever get a chance to see the inside of one. I looked at the Escape 19, but didn’t like all the wood on the inside.
The airstream Bambi is appealing… But the price isn’t!
I like the set up of the Casita freedom deluxe because of the capt chair dinette feature. The only drawback for me is the loction of the stove! I’ll throw a wrench into this discussion…have you checked out Escapes’ 17B model?
Hmmm, decisions decisions…….the only harder decision is “what’s for dinner”
Fajitas.
But more to the point, Airstream’s actually have a resale value. Nothing else is even close to it in that respect. The one thing I learned in my search was how much space is important to each individuals needs, particularly when you are forced to be inside for long periods. I’ve read blogs where couples went from a small unit to a large one just because they each needed a space that they could retreat to when the need arises. That is why you should always try and rent what your are looking for or something like it and try it out. Live in it for as long as possible and see what it feels like before you spend the big bucks. If you really intend to do full time you need to be as happy as you can be with your new home.
Hi Alan,
Casita also has a great resale value…think the % to new $ is even higher than AirStream. I’ve had two Casita, one new, one used and my wife had 1 when we married so we’ve sold some.
I must have missed your last post – we are currently traveling down Hwy 395 also! We boondocked first near Mono Lake (on Lundy Lake), then moved closer to Mammoth (Hot Creek Hatchery Rd) and now we’re outside of Bishop. Funny thing is, this morning we took a mile long walk down the dirt road we are camping on, and found an amazing, isolated spot that the road dead-ended into, and I said to my husband “I bet RV Sue would love this spot!” So anyway, if you’re planning to come to Bishop and want to camp here, I might have a suggestion for you!
We were in Mammoth the day it snowed – we didn’t get anything but flurries but where we were but we did drive up to Mammoth to look at it all. It was pretty, but after a night of 15 degree temps we headed south to Bishop!
Hi, Jennifer,
We’re going that way, but you know me… I like to find my own way. Thanks for the offer. I ordered some items from Amazon and they will be delivered to the UPS “hub” in Bishop so I’m sure to hang around these parts until my goodies arrive.
Oooh…I love the discussions about other “full-time” options! I am eight years out, but as I research and reflect, I can’t seem to pinpoint my exact needs/wants right now. Some days I’m all for an RV Sue setup and live primarily with solar panel. But some days I feel like I might need a little more room, and perhaps stay more in places with hookups. I’m just glad I have plenty of time to do some more soul-searching, and have plenty of time to weigh all my options. Opinions and thoughts are very valuable to someone like me. Thanks to Sue and everyone that shares their thoughts. You never know when your words can make the difference in someone’s life.
Hi, DeAnne,
It’s good that you have time to figure out what will suit you best. It took me a while to realize what was right for me. Maybe one of these posts I can stir up some comments on pros and cons of different rigs to help people trying to make that important decision.
I’ve tried to stir the pot also, but to no avail. I’ll just go back to my lurking. 🙂
the Casita was what initially drew my interest. However, after seeing the inside of a 19′ Escape, I am hooked. More room for 2 people, if it was just me, the Casita would be great! Plus the Escape is so streamlined and clean looking, with lots of owner options which can be ordered. Not so low in price, however, but if you’re spending lots of time in it, that might be worthwhile. Once we sell the sailboat, the Escape is next on the list.
Hi, Mary,
A two-foot difference may not seem like much, but in these small living spaces I imagine it means a lot. Casita couples are special people. That’s a LOT of closeness!
Who would have thunk — you’d be more in the snow than we are just outside Glacier Nat’l Park! There’s snow up there, & some at the top of the peaks, but none in Columbia Falls just yet. It has been getting below freezing for a couple weeks at night, so I can relate to the “warm & cozy inside” feeling. Went directly from summer to winter here, it seems. Stay safe!
You still don’t have snow? Now that ain’t right!
Unbelievable. Unbelievable.
So happy for the three of you to experience this!
We’re open to new and different experiences! The best part was the day after it snowed.
Sue, looks like a great camp. That is the way to have snow, there in the morning, gone in the afternoon.
I finally received the last component for the cell booster. With the move from AZ to NM time ran out for a delivery prior to the move. I will have it all together soon and thanks again to you and Mick. NONE of the tech support people knew as much as Mick did, even about their own stuff.
I look forward to hearing how it works for you!
You’re becoming quite the expert with that camera! We waved at you (well we waved at Glass Creek Road) as we drove past today. We’re now about 12 miles south of you.
Nina
Happy Birthday Sue!
I don’t know the actual date but I know it sometime in Oct. Whatever the date is….I hope you enjoy it!
USPS hub in Bishop eh? Care to share the zip…so I can send the newspaper article or do you want to wait until you get to Borrego Springs?
Let’s wait. And it’s the UPS hub in Bishop. Amazon ships UPS so that’s why I had to look for one of their facilities.
Escape’s are nice but expensive. Airstreams are prestigious but out of date. Casita’s are just right. Goldie Locks would pick a Casita. They hold their value and like the old Timex watch…they “take a licken but keep on ticken”. I only wish they were made anphebious so we could go fishen in them too, like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang:)