Tuesday, March 18
The crew and I take advantage of a calm day to break camp. We rumble across the desert to Bouse, a bedraggled little desert town, where I point the Perfect Tow Vehicle southeast on Highway 72.
All of the photos in this post were taken at our new camp. Click on the smaller ones to enlarge.
It’s a straight, 34-mile drive to Vicksburg across a plain of creosote and palo verde. Three miles further along we arrive at Hope which consists mostly of the Ramblin Ranch RV Resort. No thank you. I’m looking for something a bit more spacious.
Exquisitely beautiful blossoms of the treacherous cholla cactus!
As we leave Hope on Highway 60 heading northeast, we pass a hand-painted sign.
“YOUR NOW BEYOND HOPE”
That’s the exact spelling. Clever idea, poor execution.
Bridget and Spike are asleep as we cross the Little Harquahala Mountains and pass through Harcuvar. At Salome, the largest town on today’s journey, I pull over next to a vacant lot.
This is a good place to give the crew a potty break.
They always wake up when the PTV’s soothing vibrations stop.
After our walk-about, I consult my Arizona Benchmark atlas.
(If you have an Arizona Benchmark, 7th ed., look at page 73. In the 8th edition, it’s page 71.)
I want to find a boondock in the BLM area (yellow on map) south of Salome.
Sort of looks like Christmas . . .
Harquahala Road runs due south out of Salome into the mountains. The dotted line means it’s a dirt road. The hairlike lines indicate spur roads. Hmm . . . There could be good camps on those spurs. Only thing is . . . it’s a bit obvious.
“Obvious” potentially means other campers.
I want to be alone! I see running southeast out of Salome is Salome Road. Sore Finger Road branches off Salome and curves southward around the mountains. There are a few spur roads indicated on the map. That looks better.
Immediately upon entering Sore Finger Road, we come to a warning sign.
It says to enter at our own risk because the road is not regularly maintained. We continue on anyway because the road looks good . . . wide, no ruts, and no washboard.
As we follow Sore Finger, the vegetation becomes greener and thicker. However, I don’t see any campsites. This might not be good.
I want to turn around and go back to Salome but it would be a lot of work, see-sawing the trailer around in the road which has high ridges on both sides.
Well, looks like we have to keep going . . . .
Mounds of brittlebush in bloom among the creosote bushes
Lo and behold, around the bend and across a wash . . .
A spur road with campsites! I park the PTV. The crew and I walk up the spur and find three campsites . . . flat, clear areas with fire rings.
View to the west. I park so the door side will have some shade all day.
“Looks like we’ve found our new home!”
View to the northeast. Socorro Peak (3763 ft.) in the Harquahala Mountains
It doesn’t take long before our campsite does feel like home.
Hanging around in the late afternoon sun
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
This is what I mean when I say I want “spacious!”
You always seem to find the best spots when you are “unlost”.
It does surprise me . . . I laughed out loud when I found this spot immediately after thinking it was time to give up.
Going to look at my Arizona Benchmark….
Great! I want you to get the most out of today’s “lesson.” 🙂
I did. So, those little spidery red lines are actually roads? I need to get on Google Earth and check this out a bit more.
Thanks for reminding me. I need to update the google maps widget in the sidebar and the weather thingy.
It says you are in the Arizona Outback. Watch for gators.
WHAT page? Oh….I forgot my textbook. Errr. Uh….Annie Oakley ate that page! 🙂
I don’t know how you always seem to find a nice spot! Nothing in the picture resembles a road! How you find your way is amazing. I would be forever lost in the desert!
Reading the title I thought you got a sore finger trying to fix that blown fuse!
Enjoy the evening!
When I was writing this post I thought, Cinandjules is going to say “forgot my textbook again!”
There’s a dirt road there. Of course you’d be “forever lost” — You don’t have your Benchmark! 🙂
That little Annie has taken over your home and your lives…
In my Benchmark, you are on page 79, but I won’t tell anyone.
Interesting … Mine is on page 73 in the 7th edition.
8th edition here.
Thanks… I’ll edit the post.
I have the 8th edition (brand new from Amazon where everyone shops using Sue’s link) and Salome is not on page 79 so I had to turn to page 71 to see it. 79 goes as far north as Harcuvar. Sue – How do you distinguish between the yellow and the orange? With all the colors in the rainbow, you’d think that Benchmark Maps could choose a different color that isn’t so close!
Hi, Chris. . . Ok, I’ll edit the post again to show page 71.
I don’t know what the 8th ed. looks like, but in the 7th ed. the colors are not even close… There’s yellow and then there’s a orangish-tan, very distinctly different.
Is there a chance you don’t see all colors well?
Not to pick a nit, but I didn’t say Salome was on pg 79. I said RVS was on pg 79. Salome is on pg 71, Sue is on 79.
Annie ate that page too!
‘Clever idea, poor execution.’
Always the teacher!! 😉
Can’t help it!
I don’t blame you, Sue. As a straight-A speller myself, I know the difference between “your” (possessive) and “you’re” (contraction for “you are”). To some of us, that difference is very obvious, but the level of education in this country, and number of people who were never thought to think, is in bad shape. Anyway, that’s a subject that several books could be written on, but obviously no one would read them…one of those points that remain pointless.
Your right, every time I see it used wrong I want to loose my mind! (Mistakes added for levity).
Lot’s of brush around you this time. The weather is warmer so it means one thing…..rattlesnakes. This time of year they hangout around larger rocks and brush when they aren’t charging their batteries in the sun. I know you watch the little guys because they might get too close then major problem. Scenic site there missy…
Hi, Jim,
I understand your concern, especially as the photos make it look a lot brushier than it really is. We have an open area around our camp and the roads are very wide which means we have a wide berth when walking. It looks like we’re closer to the rocky hills than we are.
We’ve done quite a bit of walking (well, I have… Bridget and Spike are a pair of lazies) and haven’t come across any snakes. I’m constantly alert.
WOW…that is spacious. I love the cactus blooms. Looks like you have found a beautiful spot to live for a while.
Hi, Pauline,
We won’t be able to stay long, only a few days. I’ll need to get to a grocery store.
I also love the cactus blooms, lotta’ flowers in Florida but I do miss the cactus… More great pix!
Are you from Austrailia? You like camping in the “bush”, and the crew goes for “walk-about”…..sounds like the outback to me!
My favorite author is from Austrailia and I listen to his books over and over….just love them. In fact, listening to one right now….so I’m going “out to the bush for a walk-about”.
G’day
Hi, Linda…
I guess it’s all the Australian films I watched when I subscribed to Netflix. Curious what author you listen to and love . . .
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_lbr_one_browse-bin_0?rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Abryce+courtney%2Cp_lbr_one_browse-bin%3ABryce+Courtenay&keywords=bryce+courtney&ie=UTF8&qid=1395325281&rnid=2272759011
Here is a link to a list of his books on Amazon.com (sorry I didn’t realize the link was so long).
My preference is to listen to them, because Humphrey Bower has so many voices it’s like watching a movie in your head.
Bryce Courtney is a wonderful story teller, taking you on a journey while giving you the feelings of the characters.
I now want to take a trip to Austrailia.
By the way, there is a picture of him on his website and his dog looks a lot like one of yours…..
Sadly he passed away , a real loss for his biggest fan-me.
Life on the road seems to have its ups and downs, tricks & treats. Making our way toward Baja CA with plans to cross the border at Tecate, we decide to spend a night at Potrero County Park. The idea is to first cross over on foot to obtain our tourist cards. The park is so pretty we decide to stay another day. We are somewhat concerned about one of the Casita hubs as it seems somewhat warmer to the touch than the other. We now check them regularly since our bearing burn out last year. We find a repair shop in Jamul and discover the trailer brakes/drums are the culprits and need to be replaced. So we are now closer to Mexico but still at Potrero which is a lovely but a bit pricey park. We are learning to roll with the punches without stressing out.
For heaven’s sake! You have run into some bumps in your road lately! How old is your Casita? Is it typical for that problem to occur on a Casita at the age of yours?
I like your last line… “We are learning to roll with the punches without stressing out.” Maybe there’s a reason for this, eh? Even so, must be frustrating . . . Good luck!
Our Casita problems have centered on the wheels. The aggravating part is that before leaving home we always ask the “professionals” to assess our wheels and fix anything needing attention. Seems like there are more professionals out here in the new places we visit; some good, some not so much (ac in Laughlin). Had a good visit with Mexican Immigration while picking up our tourist cards today. Very helpful and informative; wishing us a great visit. Really looking forward to finally continuing our travels tomorrow. BTW – Love the pics!
Gotta’ admire your perseverance and can-do attitude. Have a great time in Mexico!
I haven’t been there in years but you used to be able to take a tour of the Tecate Brewery with free samples, as much as you wanted. Also on the right side of the main st. fairly close to the border was a great bakery of Mexican sweet bread. Like all of Mexico you will see many dogs displaying their ribs. I used to go down there once a month when I lived in El Cajon. Maybe they still have the mariachis at the park on Sundays.
Thanks for the suggestions. Advice that we thought was valuable today: only Immigration officials may ask to see your tourist card; if you are stopped by a police officer for any reason ask to be taken to the police station. Banks in Mex will exchange $ only if you are a member of that bank (& they have the best exchange rates!). The gas stations have next best rates and if you can find a casino they have the very best.
What a beautiful spot!
It is beautiful here, much more than the photos show.
Wow,spacious and green!With all that plant life you should get the added benefit of less dust and sand infiltrating with every breath of wind.Glad to see your perseverance pay off again.Sunrise amid such vegetation is glorious,enjoy.
Hi, weather,
The vegetation does help keep the dust down, true. Also no speeding vehicles churning up the ground.
Looks great, the desert is getting into bloom, it is a magical place when it does. Looks like you are just meandering around a bit, a few more miles south and you will be at the Kofa back door. When you heading north.
As to snakes, put some bells on the dog collars and maybe on your shoes, should scare them away. The idea is to let them know your coming. If you use a hiking stick, tap hard on the ground every few steps. But I doubt you will need it.
Enjoy!
The area to the east of you looks like a farming area. All the washes drain into it. I suspect it is all cotton. It is the major crop in the area, due to the sandy soil. I bet you thought that you had left the land of cotton. 🙂 🙂
Hi, Alan…. You may find this interesting:
“Guayule …… (pronounced why-YOU-lee) A plant indigenous to the southwestern United States, guayule is being cultivated by farmers and one company hoping to revolutionize the rubber industry. Guayule does grab the attention of one farmer. Currently managing approximately 16,000 acres of cotton, wheat, alfalfa, pistachios and an assortment of other crops, Larry Hancock of LKH Farming has contracted with natural-latex manufacturer Yulex Corporation to grow 380 acres of guayule in Salome, Arizona.” — from The Arizona Outback Online
That is great, the more things they can do with the desert the better the lives of the people will be.
My Keen trail shoes have a thick tread. I walk with “heavy feet” on the gravelly ground, crunching the small stones, making vibrations, to alert any snakes.
That should do it. The trick is to let them know you are there and they will avoid you themselves.
Now, that is a great idea Sue. Why didn’t we think of it?
I can hardly wait to get out of Q! As soon as new inverter and solar panels are installed,,,,,hasta la vista, baby. Ok, now tell me how to really spell it…. hehehe
Which keens do you have? I’m a big keen fan.
I have Keen Venice sandals (waterproof) and Keen trail shoes (also waterproof). I LOVE ‘EM!
“YOUR NOW BEYOND HOPE”
Ha ha. That’s the worse grammar ever.
🙂
Looks like another great site to put on my map as a “RvSue recommended site.” Though on my Delorme it’s p. 55.(Sorry, I had it long before you or I started our Casita adventures.)
Last Nov. I was north of Wenden on a spur road of the Bonanza Mine Road. Sort of a trash dump. Also that mine road is very sandy. FYI
Nice of you to find a new site for us!!
Hi, Robert,
I’ve noticed that a dirt road close to a small desert town is likely to be used as a dump by the locals. I saw that outside of Bouse, kept driving out to where the desert is clean. Thanks for the tip re the sandy road.
Just spent a month in Salome with my Casita. There is a nice Family Dollar store in Salome. No meat but lots of other good food items. About quarter of a mile east of it there is a service station with a grocery store that has meat but also higher prices than the Family Dollar Store. Great area. I would go for a walk every morning for an hour. Will be back the first if April to pick up my trailer.
Hi, Dick,
I think I saw a Napa store and an auto repair place on the way here, too. It’s always good to know where these places are. I think I’ll probably drive the 55 miles or so into Wickenburg to shop at the Safeway, bring the BLT with me, and settle into a new camp, probably back this way.
Yes, this is a nice area.
Take a look at Constellation Rd. heading northeast out of Wickenburg. Can’t promise anything, been a long time since I was in that area, but it may prove to be interesting. Look at the Sayer Spring area maybe.
You will be in AZ Jims backyard, He’ll have a better idea of where you can camp. I know up toward Wickiup there is an area of Joshua trees. I seem to remember you stayed at Burro canyon once.
Is that where AZ Jim is? I know Rattlesnake Joe is at the Oasis RV Park in Wikieup.
Yes, we did stay at Burro Canyon Rec Area. I liked it there, except no internet in the canyon. Then I moved us out of the canyon… had internet and no camp fee!
I think he is in Congress. Just a few miles north of Wickenburg.
Really? At North Ranch?
I am not sure, He never really said exactly, I know he was near the fire that hit the area last year.
No! I am in the Phoenix metro area in a city called Surprise.
Sur prise sur prise …..sur prise!
Ole Gomer…..
I think Constellation Road is now an area where lots of dust is kicked up by people jeeping and racing ATVs.
I think it is mostly mining and ranching. ATV stuff is to the west towards Alamo lake
I’m going by what Bob Wells of cheaprvliving.com told me. He camped north of Wickenburg and said the yahoos and their machines were plentiful. (not his exact words)
Sorry, No boondocking there. I know someone here lives in the Congress area.
We on our way in April to see that area. I’ve heard of flowers in the desert, we’re hoping to see it in person. Thanks for the pictures of what it looks like. We aren’t boondockers, but if we pass your way, we’ll stop and at least say hi, (with warning of course).
I love you blogs, thanks for posting.
Hi, Dee,
No need to stop by, warning or not, okay? Nothing personal, just the way I am.
You should see some beautiful cactus flowers in April. Maybe the saguaros will be in bloom. One of these years I hope to see that myself.
I’m glad you love my blog and I appreciate you letting me know.
Lovely blooms! Lovely camp! Glad that you didn’t get poked as I assumed from the title. Those spines look treacherous!
Hi, Colleen,
Even the most delicate, softest-looking “spines” are sharp. The palo verde is a perfect example. As you stand and look at it, it’s wispy and feathery. Grab a branch and you’ll be sorry!
When our son was about 3 1/2 we had succulents and cactus around the house. Hubby had them all down by the sink getting ready for their occasional dousing. Our son reached in the bunch and was headed for a wispy and feathery cactus and we both went NOOOOO. Our son said it’s ok, it’s a soft one and grabbed. He learned his lesson right away that the soft and feathery spines are impossible to remove from your fingers!!
Oh we have removed many a stickery spine from little hands! Big hands too! We have had many over the years. Those itsy bitty tiny ones are the worse!
We make sure anytime we pass ANY cactus with him that we say “it’s ok, it’s a soft one” and we all get a laugh out of it. Even 24 years later.
And that’s the truth. 🙂
That sign is an epic fail…
Definitely! Can you imagine going to all the trouble of hand-painting a sign– and this one is quite elaborate and carefully done — and then it stands there as a testimony to the fact you didn’t pay enough attention in English class? Oh, my…
Love the pic of the flowering cactuses. What is the white flaglike apparAtus on your Casita?
That is the Wilson MiFi antenna.
Thanks, John.
LindaLou… You can read about it on two pages at “Internet Antenna” in the header. The antenna increases the internet signal of my air card (jetpack, mifi, hotspot, whatever).
There seems to be nothing like perseverance when boondocking in the desert. what a fantastic site! Love the photos of the Cholla. For such a vicious plant, it sure has beautiful buds and flowers. I know you will enjoy the desert’s spring awakening.
I’d like to see a cholla when all the buds have opened. I was glad Bridget and Spike (the lazy butts) decided to stay at the BLT. I wouldn’t have been able to take photos of cholla with them following me around.
I thought those looked like Cholla, but I’d never seen one bloom. I love the flowers!!
I drag one of all the Benchmarks out I purchased off your site many moons ago on occasion….thinking one day when the timing is right we can make it West! I find it hard to read the colors and where parking is allow…thinking maybe when we get there and I view it with maps on my side with the road in view, I’ll get it! They are so different than reading a U.S. highway atlas! What it must feel like to land such a wonderful spot! Someday we’ll get there…baby steps! Our next stop is a short gig in Michigan…might be good :O)!
Hi, cozygirl,
All you need to know is this: Yellow or green means it’s good for boondocking. (and the darker blue… for the wildlife refuges… are good, too, if camping is allowed). That’s it! Not hard at all, you’ll see.
Great Camp! WOW the desert is coming alive, how beautiful, the fresh blooms and buds. This is a wonderland to my eyes. Thank you Sue for the awesome shots!
Take care.
You’re welcome, Diane. It’s fun looking for flowers and blooms, like a treasure hunt.
You simply amaze me! Thanks for the detailed Benchmark tour. So, THAT’s how it’s done! I’d be a little nervous to head down a road not knowing if we could turn around but you find the greatest camps that way. You’ve just simply got it down!
Hi, Grace,
I feel a bit of tension when going down a strange road that could become impassable due to ruts, wash-out, rocks, or turning into an ATV/4×4 trail.
I look at it this way. I can always back up. It may take a long time, but it’s an option. Also, as I go down a strange road I take note along the way of places where I could turn around. Sore Finger Road was dicey because there weren’t any places to turn around until I came to the spur road.
Yes, always good to have a Plan B (backing up). Since we have a toad, there’s no backing up but there’s always pulling over at the first available spot and unhooking to explore with the Samurai. Just hope there’s a spot to pull over!!! I’ve learned from you that I don’t always HAVE to know where we’ll be spending the night. That’s been a hard one for me (the organizer)!
Wow! You found a winner! Gorgeous spot. I love the flowering cactus you photographed:)
Thank you!
Just beautiful, thanks so much for sharing!
A note…if you do get those tiny cactus spines in your hide, coat the area with glue, even Elmers will do…let it dry and peel the glue off…and the spines will come out too!
Good to know, LeeJ! I’ll remember that. Thanks.
Shopping list.
1. Mallet
2. Glue
3. Pantyhose
pantyhose? um….for what cuz by time I get on the road I don’t plan to need them in work wardrobe!
they are great for tying things and cushioning and hanging a bar of soap ….
ok…I read down further to Ron’s post…..never mind!!!!!
Lovely little desert flowers…one of the nicest times to see it, isn’t it? We made a couple trips before we moved away from California when I was 14, to go as the flowers came out in Death Valley area…my grandmother loved them so…and it was a beautiful sight alright. You know Scotty’s Castle is a wonderful thing to see and tour too…maybe you will have the chance this year.
Hmm.. Scotty’s Castle… in Death Valley?
not sure if it is considered part of Death Valley…but not too far from there…think it was at a bit higher location than the valley floor anyway…interesting place…
Here is a link…guess it is considered part of Death Valley.
http://www.nps.gov/deva/historyculture/scottys-castle.htm
There are a lot of people’s blogs, etc with entries about it, if you search online for “Scotty’s Castle”…you would want to be there on a cool day because the dogs would not be allowed inside I don’t think.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Beautiful pictures. So nice to see the flowers since it will be months yet before we see any here. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Mary.
You did it again, you always find the most beautiful and serene campsites. And again I love the pictures. We have wonderful spaces here but no BLM, boondocking areas are few, or practically non existent. I’ll bet the crew love their new home, Spike has a lot of area to secure and Bridget, always the Lady, will tell him what he missed. I agree, clever caption but needs a spell-check. Keep on blogging… I am loving going along for the ride! Stay safe!
Hi, GypsyPurl,
“We have wonderful spaces here but no BLM…”
Where is “here?”
” Sweet Home Alabama” We have beautiful mountains, rolling fields and that spectacular Gulf of Mexico, a most scenic state!
Hi, Sue,
This is completely off subject to this post, but I ran across an interesting blog post on health insurance and the ACA for Full-time RVers you may want to look at. It turns out that a South Dakota residence (that’s you, right?) may not be the best choice of domicile for health insurance for vagabonders. Just something to look at.
http://www.wheelingit.us/2014/02/28/the-aca-aka-obamacare-its-impacts-on-fulltime-rv-health-insurance/
You may have already seen this, and if so nevermind.
Bob
This was copied from the link that Bob provided above.
“This post is really targeted towards younger (pre-Medicare) RVers who need to buy their own insurance.”
If you are older (Medicare-age) then you most likely do not want to spend much time reading what the author has to say. I quit after reading the above quote. It may have important information for those that are not yet Medicare age.
Ed, you may have quit reading too soon.
I removed your subsequent comment, Ed, because I fixed your error in the comment above. 🙂
I appreciate the information you shared here, Bob. I had read Nina’s post about health insurance/Obamacare, but it doesn’t hurt to put out another alert for those who may be affected by it. As for me, I’m good. 🙂 Thanks for caring.
“YOUR NOW BEYOND HOPE” ~~ Doesn’t this just drive you nuts? I see this grammatical error on a fairly regular basis. Unfortunately, it’s not only young people.
I love it when you pull out the Benchmark map and guide us through your hunt for a new camp. I grab my own Benchmark and follow along. It’s so interesting how you end up out in the middle of absolutely nowhere – but still have a basis plan of how to get there. Love it!!!
Hi, Paula,
I hope when readers follow along on their own map they see how easy it is to find quiet and scenic places to camp. I appreciate the feedback!
I have moments when I think… gee, this place is such a gem, maybe I shouldn’t have told the world about it. Those moments pass quickly though because I have confidence there are more gems to be found!
You could reveal your “camping hideout” every day and never be deluged with people moving in next door to you. Most folks just don’t have it in them to actually do what you do. You understand that, right? What you do isn’t exactly the easiest way there is to camp, and the majority of people are just looking for easy. I’ve talked with folks that think if their RV site isn’t paved, they’re really roughing it. Go figure!
As Theodore Roosevelt said: “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… ”
Sue, the effort you put in to attain the lifestyle you want is what impresses me. You go girl!!!!!
You’re right about a lot of people shunning the real world, preferring to camp on concrete or blacktop. There are a lot of folks, also, who seek out-of-the-way-places.
I’m so spoiled and such a hermit that it only takes one to spoil a boondock like this. My post about our brief camp at Bumblebee Meadows, Idaho, gives an example. What a pretty, riverside camp that was… ruined by the arrival of a couple in a camper who had no respect for another camper’s space or peace and quiet.
we have been to that area…not boon docking but on a trip west we stayed at Desert Gem campground outside of Salome..not a gem at all and the peacocks in the neighborhood left a lot to be desired
Your spot looks more peaceful
Hi, Linda,
I saw some decrepit RV parks on the drive here. Even the nice ones are unappealing for the reasons you stated.
That’s what is wonderful about boondocking. We went by some pretty trashy areas. In the desert every bit of junk left lying around is on view. Lots of dreary, dusty, dumpy structures. . . We drive a short distance away, away from the mess made by humans, out where the desert is undisturbed and clean, and we are in a desert Eden!
Yes, peaceful and also beautiful. My photos don’t come close to showing how lovely it is here. Your comment points out the very different experiences one has depending upon how one camps.
On that same note… I did a search for “Sore Finger Road” and came across a website which I quote:
“Yes, in Arizona, off highway 10 just about 25 miles before you get into Phoenix, there is an exit for “Sore Finger Road”. Didn’t take it, nothing on it . . . ”
Nothing on it? Too funny! I spent over two hours this morning walking along a wash that was breathtakingly beautiful… hummingbirds in huge ocotillos in bloom, yellow flowers in abundance, cactus flowers all around, palo verde glowing in morning light, contrasting jagged rocks, gnarled ironwood trees, lavendar flowers about a half-centimeter in diameter growing close to the ground, shaped like miniature roses, stately saguaro, cactus wrens flitting from tree to tree, magnificent mountains….. yep, there’s nothing on Sore Finger Road. 🙂 Better race on the interstate to Phoenix!
Let the 99% crowd into the 10% and we will boondock on the 90%.
Their nothing is exactly what we’re after….no noise, no pollution, no barking dogs, no zipping and roaring of dust generating four wheelers, and no annoying neighbor chatter. Just peaceful quiet in a desert wonderland!
Amen!
Hi Sue,
Here’s what it looks like near Delmoe these days! A road report camera near where you camped last summer. Quite an interesting contrast. Love the cactus shots. Thank you!
http://rwis.mdt.mt.gov/scanweb/SWFrame.asp?Pageid=Camera&Mode=1&Units=English&Groupid=267000&Siteid=267006&Senid=&WxId=26763&DisplayClass=Java&SenType=All&SenStatus=&Camera=1
Hi, Diann,
Before I clicked the link I thought, “Oh no, the vandals have destroyed the campground!”
Wow! I wouldn’t want to be at Lake Delmoe right now. Thanks for sharing that. I got a kick out of it. 🙂
Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you. I’ll give you a report on the campground this summer. Finally got my husband to think about camping beyond our great mountains around here. Baby steps, as you FTers say!
I don’t know. I’d bet you would have the whole campsite to yourself.
First day of Spring. Susan, do you remember this:
“Spring has come,
The grass is rize
I wonder where
the birdies iz?
Memories of Dear Dad. 🙂
Yes, I remember. He was a kid at heart.
Thanks for that, Pauline! Made me remember my dad, who always said it, “Spring is sprung/The grass is riz/I wonder where/The flowers is?” What a gift, thanks again. (I think I like “birdies” better.)
I thought your poem was going to be”
“Spring done sprung
Fall done fell
Winters here and
Cold as hell!”
Well, Jim, now you’re talkin’ litachure. Our poems, on the other hand, were mere doggerel. LOL
Here’s a poem/nursery rhyme I wrote for my granddaughter:
In spring, the birds sing . . . Victoria!
In fall, they call . . . Victoria!
In winter’s cold and summer’s heat,
When you hear the birds tweet-tweet,
That’s just their way
Of saying . . . Victoria!
That’s just their way
Of saying . . . Victoria!
Grand daughters are truly one of life’s blessings, and your Victoria is blessed having you as a grandma!
Another little trick for cactus removal.
I was on a hunting trip in south Tx and brushed up against a cactus, very small spines that would break off when you tried to remove them. One of my buddies and his wife was also there. She told me to hang on she would get them out. She went to her rv and returned with a pair of panty hose , she would ball them up rub them on my arm and they would snag even the shortest spine and pull them out ,it worked great.
Oh just a side note for the guys ,if you do this do not put the panty hose back in your wifes baggage, that could get a fellow hurt bad.
I must drive ya’ll crazy with my spelling and use of the english language. I ain’t got good skills when it comes to spelling and grammar ,LOL but if you break down I can fix just about anything that goes wrong ,build you a house or building wire it ,plumb it, design it.
Made a couple hundred dollars an hour retro fitting machinery that engineers designed, got paid well for consulting work even if it wasn’t spelled correctly.
Just saying some folks are strong in one department and weak in others.
Ron
Hi, Ron,
I had to laugh about the pantyhose trick. As any woman who has ever worn pantyhose knows, those damn things will snag on anything! I remember a pair getting a “run” while I was taking them out of the package to put on. Another restrictive garment gone the way of corsets and girdles and bustles and hoop skirts and . . . . Good riddance!
I agree with you about people having different strengths. I didn’t mean to denigrate those who are weak in grammar skills. I’m a person who knows grammar rules and did that knowledge ever make me “a couple hundred dollars an hour?” Ha!
It floors me that someone could go to all the trouble of painting that sign (well-done, I might add) and no one happened to look over his/her shoulder and pointed out the error? Amazing. We all need to lend a helping hand when the opportunity arises.
Always appreciate your comments, Ron.
Sue
There was no offense taken at all. The comment was meant in a very light hearted manner. I know my strengths and weakness and I laugh at myself pretty often
Ron
You don’t strike me as the type to get all in a huff about the little things. . . I like a person who can laugh at themselves. I get my biggest laughs out of the things I do!
So do we…..*he said running as fast as an ole man can*
Sue, a little ‘heads up’ here. We are boondocked at at 14 day limit site south of the 10 and east of Q a bit. Called ? Wash. After pulling in and parking I found a screw imbeded in one of our trailer tires. A couple of days later I found about two pounds of nails on the desert floor where someone, in the past, had built a fire using wood pallets. No fire ring there and it showed no evidence of past fire. Then later John found the same thing…..no fire ring and an aged fire spot that had tons of nails. We will not be back here! Other than that, we have no neighbors as far as the eye can see. Would have been a keeper, but not worth the risk for us.
Hi, Nan,
Isn’t it incredible the knuckleheads that roam around masquerading as functioning adults? Damn, that makes me mad! I’m so sorry that happened to you!
I appreciate the reminder. I remember picking up a bag full of nails somewhere but I don’t remember where it was. I’ll try to remember when walking to check on potential campsites to also check the fire ring. There are always cans, for sure, (because some people think a fire ring is a garbage can) and maybe nails in the area.
When I was at Owl Canyon Campground (BLM) north of Barstow, a young couple arrived in the middle of the night. The man made a huge bonfire, throwing plywood and pallets off the back of his pick-up. They acted very weirdly. I wondered if she was a prostitute. They left before dawn. The ranger was very annoyed with what was left behind!
We had the same experience when were boondocking along the Big River in Idaho. Cans and watermelon rinds. Stoopid people.misspelling intended.
Hi Sue & Crew!
7th Edition, page 73! I’m replying late to the controversy & thought I’d add my $.02!
Thank you for the description of reading the different symbols in the legend. (Brought my books & nobody ate my homework! 😉 )
You found another great site & lovely pictures too.
Have a nice drive. I stopped at Napa Auto Parts in Wickenburg last year.
Take care 😀
Hi, Vicki,
Good to know you got something out of my find-a-boondock-on-the-map lesson. I’ve studied and studied my atlases. There’s a wealth of info there, but you have to look closely and analyze what you see.
Those Napa stores are handy and I’ve always found the help very, well, helpful.
Sue, this will be the last time I harp at you about writing projects. (Lie.) But I keep thinking that Mystery at Sore Finger Boondock would be a great title for volume 1 of a cozy mystery series about a mystery-solving woman of a certain age who boondocks around the country with her two rat terriers. I’d give it a read, for sure. Nobody’s doing it, though Sue Henry took a run at part-time RV-ing with her Maxie series. You could go all Amazon e-book on it if you wanted. OK, I’ll stop. LOL
Hi, Miss Leslie,
I’d love to be able to spit out mysteries like you’ve described ($$$). I’ve never tried. I have the feeling it wouldn’t be my schtick.
I’d lean more toward character sketches of long-time boondockers or something like that. I seem to write best when turning real situations and people into a story. At this stage of my life I want to take my readers (and the crew) to beautiful places which requires my time, focus, and energies.
Thank you for encouraging me. That’s a compliment in itself.
Hi Sue, ” SPACIOUS ” If it wasn’t for those cactus I would think
your address would be stright ahead & second star to the right,
Save Travels Sue,,
Love the comment about ” knuckleheads mascquerading as adults”. I did a lot of hiking with my kids growing up and we always carried extra garbage sacks. Amazing what people could manage to pack in but not pack out.
I call it the “Hansel and Gretel” complex. It’s as if people need to leave some trace of themselves behind. I walk on a trail and someone has left an empty plastic water bottle or one of those dang red disposable party cups.
Whenever someone camps nearby, I have a little game. When they leave, I go over to find their Hansel and Gretel crumbs… Never have I NOT found something… a candy wrapper, trash in the fire ring, cigarette butts… There’s always a trace (or a heap of trash) left behind. Never fails.
Hi Sue,
I was wondering if you could tell me how you like using straight talk for your cell phone service? I am looking at using them and I am concerned about coverage. I figure if you don’t have any problems then I shouldn’t either. :). Thanks, Mary
Straight Talk is okay. I’m really not a good judge of it because I hardly ever look to see if I have coverage!
I have Straight Talk. In my area, I think they use the Sprint network, but I think it varies across the country. My coverage has always been excellent. I don’t think I have ever had a dropped call. straight Talk has an option right now…you can keep your existing phone and your existing carrier..,but be billed straight talk rates through straight talk billing system. Not bad.
Good to know! Now that you mention it, StraightTalk has never dropped a call on me.
Hello, I was wondering if you had ever thought to use Google Earth to look at road conditions before you go the roads?
Hi, Angie,
No, I don’t bother. I just go! 🙂
Hey Sue! I’m going TOTALLY off topic today – wanted to ask you if you’ve seen the article written by Gone with the Wynns about Compost Toilets?
http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/composting-toilet?utm_content=buffer701ed&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Natch, I thought of YOU right away! Less water consumption while living off the grid. An interesting idea at any rate.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Lacy
Hi, Lacy,
Thanks for the link. I don’t know. I seem to be doing fine the way I’m set up. I have to go to civilization for water and other needs, so periodic dumping isn’t a problem. It works for some people.
Sue,
Have been reading your blog for a while, but this is the first time I’ve written. Your blog is fascinating and I’m becoming addicted. Your ruminations on how you decided to do this is very welcome and enjoyable. I’ve been retired for 10 yrs now and can’t decide what to do when I grow up.
What kind of camera do you use?
Hi, Terry,
I love it when another reader becomes addicted to my blog! What’s my camera? A Sony Cyber-shot Exmor 20.4 megapixels, 30X zoom.
Sue,
Be careful on those unknown roads. Tioga George got himself stuck in Oregon in a meadow at one time and had no cell service. Lucky for him, he was able to post on his blog and a fellow in Florida contacted someone near where he was and sent help to pull him out. George was one great inspiration to us RVers and we miss his postings. I do hope he is safe and happy.
Thanks for the concern and the reminder. Yeah, I wish George well, too. I did hear he visited Quartzsite recently.
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.
Love your blog!
Thanks for letting me know, Connie. Nice hearing from you!
Really enjoyed reading what I did am wanting to do the same! Have the fifth wheel and a truck but not enough money to really travel. Looking for work and it is somewhat difficult! I’m keeping my fingers crossed!