Thursday, April 16 (continued)
In the last episode of RVSue and her canine crew, Bridget, Reggie, and I settle into a campsite along the reservoir. This is a Nevada state campground ($12 Nevada residents/$14 non-residents.)
The steps from our site reveal how high the water level once was.
The information at this website states RV length is limited to 30 feet. I assume that’s for the main campground on the east side of the reservoir (that we found closed for repair). The campgrounds on the west side of the reservoir consist of a road parallel to the shore and RVs of any size can park in the sites.
Bridget and Reggie hop around, excited to be out of the Perfect Tow Vehicle and at our new home.
“Okay, how ’bout we take a walk down to the boat ramp . . . . “
The grey butte contrasts with the snow-covered Ruby Mountains
This day which began with leaving our camp on the other side of the Ruby Mountains is delightfully fresh, warm and calm.
Another view of the Ruby Mountains from South Fork Rec Area, looking due east
No one is near the boat ramp area.
The ramp is above the water line (as shown in a previous photo).
Reggie is on his leash, of course. I let Bridget follow along at her own pace.
Bridget walks through the double “handicapped” site.
A few people fish from boats. Others fish from the shore in front of their campsite.
A big rig with slides for the man who sits with a fishing rod
People catch rainbow and brown trout here, as well as bass.
A fisherman cleans and filets his catch at the water’s edge.
He has a couple, good-sized trout for dinner!
The crew and I return to our campsite.
I hook Reggie to his new 20-foot tether line.
It allows him to go from the shelter to the edge of the embankment, but no further. He sets to work sniffing the perimeter of our camp.
Bridget loses interest in participating in a sniff-patrol. She takes a seat in the doggie bed by the picnic table. Together we watch the birds. Several black American Coots float and dive. Hmm . . . I wonder what kind of ducks those are . . . .
I can’t see them well from this distance.
I zoom my camera lens on one of them.
Here’s a photo of the reservoir along with a cute scene-stealer.
I take care of a few more tasks to set up camp and realize I’m hungry.
Gee, it’s two o’clock and I haven’t eaten since coffee and toast at dawn!
I bring out the fixings for a salad, including a bowl of water to wash the vegetables. I make the salad, topping it with slices of hard-boiled egg and shredded sharp cheddar.
It’s such a beautiful day!
After lunch I’ll bring out the lounger and take more photos of the birds. We’ll loll away the afternoon. I’ll read my Paperwhite. I’m glad we didn’t stay at that rodent-infested campground . . . .
Two Canada geese honk as they fly by.
I stab my fork into the salad and lift it to my open mouth.
“Wha?” OH NOOO! Not a generator! Damn!
I look to my left and watch as our neighbor steps inside his trailer, shutting the door behind him. Sure. Go watch tv. Grumble-grumble.
I eat my salad.
Unable to stand it anymore, I take the crew inside the Best Little Trailer. I close all the windows and the ceiling vent, too. It’s kind of warm and stuffy, but we’ll be okay.
“C’mon, punkins. Let’s take a nap.”
About an hour after we wake up, the generator noise stops and we go outside and enjoy the rest of the day.
View from the other side of the campground
Friday, April 17
After the usual morning routine with Bridget and Reggie, I sit down at the computer at the table by the back window. I want to read and reply to emails, skim over the news, check Amazon, respond to blog comments, and make a new post. Gosh, it’s good to have internet again!
Reggie will not leave me alone!
“Reggie! You’ve had your breakfast and a long walk. I’ve played with you. That’s enough. I have things to DO, honey!”
He persists. Positioned on the bed beside me, he grabs my shirt in his jaws and yanks, emitting a few whiny growls.
I can’t put up with this.
“Okay, power ranger. You’re going outside.”
Banished from the BLT!
I return to the desk and try to accomplish those computer tasks.
Of course, I feel guilty and often peek out the side window.
He sees me looking out the window at him.
“Bridget, go out there and keep him company.” She gives me her you’ve-got-to-be-kidding look.
After a while, I can’t stand it any more and step outside.
“Okay. You win. Exile’s over.” I unhook Reggie from the tether and put him on the leash. “We’ll go for another walk.”
A jubilant puppy pulls me into the campground road, and away we go with Bridget trotting behind.
Later, as soon as I finish blogging, I break camp!
We make it to the gas station without running out of gas. I fuel up, drive us through Elko without stopping, and board Interstate 80 to Wells, Nevada. We go north on Route 93 in search of the next place to call “home.”
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Click the links to see a few of the items readers ordered from Amazon recently.
Danby Countertop Dishwasher
Seattle Sports Jumbo Camp Sink (Green)
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ExOfficio Women’s Give-N-Go Bikini 3-Pack
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10-Pound Aluminum Propane Cylinder With Overflow Prevention Valve
First
We are out enjoying Sardis Lake today. Mississippi is beautiful to but not like the mountain view you and the crew have. Looks like the perfect campground to sit out and watch the clouds and water. Hope you find the perfect one next time too
Number one!
I’m glad you are enjoying this day, Judy. Thanks for the note!
It’s a shame the generator spoiled your afternoon. It ‘s difficult to tune them out.
Another beautiful campsite ..great pics of the pups.
Hi, Deb D.,
We had a good day…. a stroll at daybreak, a drive through Overland Pass, wild horses, cowboys and cattle, the rodent experience, and then hours of peace and quiet with the crew by the reservoir. The generator was a bummer, but we did have a much better day than a lot of folks!
Thanks re the photos…
I do not feel sorry for Reggie. His exile spot looks pretty darn good–comfy bed, beautiful view!
Hi, Tara,
I know what you mean! I don’t think Reggie appreciates scenery. Ha!
Hah hah! Thanks for the chuckle!
Banished but he still has your undivided attention!
Hi, Cinandjules,
When I call him “power ranger,” that’s the truth. He holds the power around here!
Sue,
I think your duck is a male Bufflehead duck in breeding plumage.
Bucephala albeola is the scientific name if you are interested. It is a great picture. Thanks for the great post. I will be out that way in the next year and will try some of the places from your resent posts.
Thanks
You’re welcome, teardrop traveler…
Thanks for identifying the duck for us…. I’ll put a label on it and then the folks who don’t read comments will think I’m very well acquainted with duck breeds. Ha!
Ah, beat me to it!
I just love reading your posts. I’m not always reading them right after you’ve posted but today I was in front of the computer reading my email when yours came through. I usually save reading it for a treat later in the day. I’d feel the same way if I’d banished that little cutie pie. They sure know how to pull our heart strings. I was thinking you wouldn’t stay long in that campground. Too pricey and too noisy and neighbors too close. I am relieved that you were able to gas up before you ran out. I am never nervous traveling in my little RT unless I am getting close to being out of gas. Hope you fine a lovely new “home” to share with us.
Hi, Linda Rose,
It’s flattering to think you consider my posts as ‘treats.” Thank you for the nice compliment!
You’re right… That campground is wonderful for people who like to fish and maybe do some grilling with the water near and the birds . . .. I find noise and neighbors hard to tolerate after so many quiet, private camps in pretty places.
Yes, I’m the same way about the gas. I can put things out of my mind, but driving in a remote area with the gas level getting low tends to worry me.
We have a “lovely” new home to share in the next post! 🙂
Is it a bufflehead duck? Having Reggie on a nice long tether is a great idea,probably for all three of you.Does Bridget enjoy that ,too?I guess if cleaning fish is allowed beside the water’s edge swimming there isn’t,even during warm months?After all,fish bones can be sharp enough to break skin.Oh well,maybe they clean the area as well as their fish.Even at a lower level that’s a pretty body of water,I’m glad you got to camp and sleep beside it.Cute-scene stealer is right-adorable!I really liked all the photos,and getting more caught up with a favorite traveling family 🙂
Ha!really now,I have to stop falling for “oo-oo ,a test question”,since usually you’re given or have the answer,if I saw him I’d have just called him gorgeous !
It is a gorgeous duck. The markings are very odd… The head has a purplish sheen… Nature is amazing.
I didn’t think about fish cleaning at the water’s edge and the impact on swimming. Maybe that link I posted will tell us more.
I don’t put Bridget on a tether. She has an invisible tether that holds her close to me at all times. 🙂 I wish Reggie had one of those!
Meant does she enjoy his being tethered-so she can stay out of range of his wanting to play,Ha!Cute as he is I think she may at times feel like he’s a pest…Thanks for reminding me about the link-I love finding out information about campgrounds.
Oh, I wasn’t reminding you… It seemed like I was!
I thought that’s what you might have meant about the tether. I suspect Bridget does appreciate being able to walk away from Reggie. He does try her patience at times. He’s learned not to step on her when she’s resting.
I leave the door open. Sometimes she’ll go inside for a nap when Reggie is outside on the tether with me. The age difference separates them.
The website(which I really had forgotten I’d wanted to look at 🙂 ) lists swimming as an activity in one section of the page,yet doesn’t mention it specifically in the other parts I’d expect to see it.So if I went during summer I’d watch where I walked and try to enjoy swimming until told not to.There is quite an age difference between Bridget and Reggie.I like the ways you manage to allow that to have benefits for all of you ,while keeping each happy and in comfort.
Gorgeous duck no matter his pedigree! Never seen one like it! That reservoir is really, seriously low! Looks like the dust bowl is coming back for a visit! Loved all the pictures though, especially the snow capped mountains in the background! Looking forward to your next camp!
Hi, Geri,
For all the 4+ years we’ve been on the road, the reservoirs and lakes have been alarmingly low. Remember how low Elephant Butte reservoir was when you lived in T 0r C and we camped nearby? I wonder what it will take before effective measures are taken….
Yes, those Buffleheads are a wonder! Another new thing I’m grateful to have seen….
I’m anxious to show our next camp, which we’re still in because I love it!
Hi Sue, that duck is a bufflehead…male…breeding….your welcome…lol
We have them in the winter at the Bolsa Chica Wetlands by our house…they are cute little ducks (which I spelled wrong above)…I cannot believe you broke camp already…I feel behind in the times….oh well, just another adventure I cannot wait to see.
Hi, Shirlene…
Here’s a link for anyone wanting to learn more about Buffleheads, to see more photos, or to hear their quack.
Cornell’s All About Birds website
Wow, I see you seem to be heading North towards Idaho. What fun, I am so excited to follow along.
Always fun to show off a new camp and I’ve decided that this next one is a favorite! I’m glad you’re with us, Shirlene.
He has you wrapped around his little paw!
Not sayin’ that’s not as it should be, I’m just pointing it out.
I’m tethered to my crew and happy that I am! 🙂
You are wrapped around his little paw, as BadgerRick said, but that’s the way we are with our critters. We have them to spoil them. Who else are so happy to see us all the time? Their love is unconditional.
That third picture down with the trees framing the mountains is beautiful. Safe travels!
Hi, Applegirl,
Nice of you to note that photo with the natural frame. I can’t resist scenes like that….
Our pets put us to shame. Here I am trying to get rid of the sweet little boy and all he wants is to be with me!
Aha, 93 goes to Banff and Jasper and you have an early start north?
Aw, shucks, Mick… You gave it away!
Is it August 16th and 17th already? Time sure does fly by when your having fun.
Darn it! Why did I do that! (I fixed it.)
I’m living in endless summer, I guess. 🙂
Good day Sue and Crew. Looks like you are enjoying that part of Nevada as well, sans generator noise.
Okay, I have a question or two. I would have sent it via email but you are not set up that way to my knowledge. As you are aware, I think, we are moving forward toward our Great Escape to the full-time RV lifestyle. And although we MIGHT have thoughts of our own, I was wondering how or who you use for mail forwarding, and in that regard, whenever you order from, say, Amazon or anything UPS, FedEx, etc., how do you receive it? Do you have it sent General delivery to a town you expect to be near? Seems like you might have referenced that in the past.
Thanks.
Hi, Ed,
Yes, I’ve explained this before, but that’s okay. There may be others who wonder the same thing (which is why I like questions asked here, rather than in a private email).
I use America’s Mailbox which gives me South Dakota legal residency and a mailing address. They also helped me register the PTV and BLT. You can read about it at their website. I have no complaints although whoever writes their stuff is awfully wordy. 🙂
Americas Mailbox forwards my mail to a post office address I give them via email when I schedule the shipment. Just start the address with Your Name/ General Delivery with the post office address below it. I make very sure the address I give is to a town where I’ll be. I don’t like hanging around waiting for the mail to arrive!
For Amazon orders, I give the address of a UPS Customer Center, also known as a “hub,” again with my name at the top, then United Parcel Customer Center with the address which I obtain at this UPS locator site. I make sure it’s a UPS Customer Center, rather than a UPS Store. The latter sometimes charge too much per package (up to $15!), whereas the customer center doesn’t charge anything.
It’s a good idea to let the customer center know that your packages will be arriving and that you will pick them up.
Wow! Thank you for the QUICK and detailed response. That generator must be running again to keep you so close to the laptop. 🙂
Much appreciated. I will check out America’s Mailbox.
Ha! You’re welcome, Ed.
No generators around us here! Yay!
Printed this information up and I am putting it in my Motorhome Notebook, for all the things that I have to remember to do, buy, or fix…Thank you for the addition.
See? I knew there would be others interested. Thanks to Ed for asking!
Hi Shirlene…holy cow…I forgot to respond to you when you said maybe I could meet you in Huntington Beach! Soooooo sorry!! I would have loved that but as you can see I am heading North. I am in Carpinteria State Park @ $45.00 a nite with NO hookups!!!! Yikees. I have not had an easy time on the roads here. Two days ago I was lost for 8 hrs trying to get to Angeles National Forest. Long story. Not sure what to do…can’t afford $45 a night Whaaaaa Have a great day!
Hi, Krystina,
I hope you don’t mind me jumping into your conversation with Shirlene. I’m concerned that you are in an area of high camp fees. I’m looking to see what options you have to cut your overhead.
Try this link to the freecampsites website. If you find a potential place to camp, try to confirm it as sometimes the entries are old. There’s a map that shows some possibilities further up the coast from Carpinteria.
You may find some casino camping along your route.
Also look for National Forest/BLM campgrounds further inland. I realize you don’t have a toad for day tripping, but a few days away from the coast may help the budget.
I hope I’m not over-stepping here. I’m interested because I care about you, and also I’m timid about traveling the CA coast because of the expense and your journey will be informative. Keep in touch!
You, RVSue, can “overstep” any old time you like! I went to the website (thank you) but I am still having a hard time because I cannot find most of the towns they are in…and yes…I am using my CA Benchmark 🙂 I found something in Cambria…Moonstone Beach but the post was really old. I will keep looking. xxoo
Go to the back of the Benchmark where there is an alphabetical listing of towns and cities. That will show the page and the coordinates, like G10 (10 down and G across).
Another option is to Google the town and Wikipedia will show the location. It’s easier to look in the back of the Benchmark.
If your plans are around Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo (Cute college town), and Morro Bay there is a campground off of Hwy 41, Cerro Alto for $18, http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=77811. I haven’t been camping here, but it’s on my list as a possible place to stay. Sorry, but the coastal camping of this region of California is very expensive-high demand.
Carpenteria State Park is alongside the railroad tracks. The Coast Starlight roars by in middle of the night! It is said that when the train goes by, those inclined to rip off generators do so while the train goes by because nobody can hear them cutting and rattling the chains that secure the generators. Yeah, RVSue, I know, I know … !
My niece who lives in California says camp ground reservations start in January…they sit by their computers the first day of registration to reserve campground for the summer. She was happy this year she got reservations at the camp of her choice…one being Capenteria State Park. One year we shared her camp ground….it was wall to wall campers…no fun.
So true. I was happy to be in a tent in the middle of a grassy area instead of wall-to-wall campers, being hemmed in on either side only 6′ apart. But like someone said, it’s all about the surf, which doesn’t make it for the crowding. But seems most people had kids, and they don’t even notice these things. Seasoned RVers I know stay away from the coast in summer, go up to mnts where there are plenty of affordable, uncrowded campgrounds.
Good Morning Gayle…Yep that ole RR track is REALLY close. It was a tiny bit further away when I was on Rincon Beach in Ventura. I am amazed that the train did not wake me up in the middle of the night. As soon as I get dressed I will see if my generator is still there….I sure hope so. Have a great day.
Krystina
My generator is a permanent one in a storage bin under the Buggy.
$44 a night and next to railroad tracks? *shakes head*
I camped on a SoCal beach in late 2013 (public park, maybe a State park, I can’t remember) and yep… Just a dirt pull in, no hookups, crowded as could be, pay showers, and it was ~$50 per night. Nice beach view, but I only stayed one night. Was in the area to visit a friend and immediately afterward I peeled out and headed east…. to Sidewinder Road 😀
The bummer is that there is lots of great free or low cost day parking along the coast – and they are lovely places to hang out, watch the surf, etc….. but then there is no place to go at night (or relatively no place, anyway). I guess they need an inland “warehouse” for night time RV use 😀
Since the campgrounds were full, I guess there is no reason to lower the rates. Will likely keep me away from that area as a destination. The surf feel is pretty special though.
Enjoying your pictures as usual. You are traveling about 5 hrs southeast from me. Fun to see areas I haven’t been to in way to long that can go on my list. Feeling better finally, showed the house today. I love my home and the wonderful views but while I can I want to meander awhile. Keep fingers crossed it sells soon.
I check with accuweather.com and find it does a pretty good job of predicting our changing mtn/desert weather.
Hi, CheryLyn,
Great to learn you’re feeling better! I hope your house sells soon and at a price you are happy with.
Some people like accu-weather which pops up with a Yahoo search. I always check wunderground, too, and between the two of them, I obtain a pretty good idea what to expect. Lately the timing has been off a day or two, but the predictions have been good.
Here’s to more “wonderful views” in your future! 🙂
Sue, love your blog. I want to suggest that you get Reggie a harness if you are going to put him on a 20 ft tether. He might hurt himself if he decided to chase something.
Good idea.My newer dog Eddie has learned to pull backwards thereby slipping his collar.My older one, Juice, won’t leave my sight,even follows me to the showers and waits outside.
p.s. Sue,ordered the Class C Sunseeker and am now putting the old trailer on the lake lot for the summers.
Congratulations, Chas, on your decision! How exciting for you!
Hi, Joan,
I do plan to get Reggie a harness. The only ones I’ve seen in the few stores I’ve had access to are the kind that bind under the arms and are a Chinese puzzle to put on. I want to order the soft kind like Bridget has as soon as I can arrange shipment from Amazon.
In the meantime, Reggie knows to be careful. He ran and when he reached the end, he’s so light that he lifted off the ground like a feather and floated down. I hate that it happened but fortunately he didn’t seem bothered by it at all. Just the same… I’m looking for a good harness!
Two million hits on May 20th.
Did you know that’s “Be a Millionaire Day” ? 😉
Four year anniversary of blogging yesterday, the 21st. 🙂
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BLOG! Congratulations Sue!Here’s to your continued grand success with this for as many more years as you choose,and as much in all other areas of your life!
Thanks, weather, for the kind message. I’m amazed we’re in the 5th year already!
Happy Anniversary RVSue!
Thanks, Krystina!
Happy, Happy Anniversay, Sue! Wishing you many more, 🙂
Boy time flys when you’re having fun!
Rock on desert woman!
What a beautiful camp. Was it warm enough to swim? I am glad you relented and walked Reggie again. 🙂 He is too cute to resist! How long do you usually stay at a camp you like? I imagine staying a week or two in places that I love. Thank you for writing such an enjoyable post. The pictures were great.
You’re welcome, Ann . . . Thanks re the photos.
It’s too early in the year for a swim to be appealing. The air temperature that day was mid-70s.
I stay at a camp anywhere from 1 night to 2 weeks.
Love the pictures, love the camp, love the mountains and what else is there to say, the trout rock!!
You now have me hooked on peanut butter and honey. I had never had it before.
I can relate to Reggie. We have had rainy weather and then we were gone all day yesterday and our dog was stir crazy. So we drove to the park we usually camp at to walk him and let him run. It was great!
Hi, Jolene,
I’m glad you like PB & H. I’m amazed you hadn’t tried it before!
I wish I could let Reggie run like your dog can. He’s too scent driven. I can see him running and running and not coming back.
Thanks for the upbeat response to this post!
I know you can’t let Reggie “train” you, but he’s so darned cute I know I’d do the same thing you did and give in. I always prided myself on (and received many compliments on) how well trained and sweetly behaved my dogs were. The main reason they were so good is because they knew how much they were loved!
Well, I look back on my dogs who have come and gone, and how much I miss them, and would love to have them back for just a day. Still cry and carry on when I think about it too much.
Just love them and enjoy them as much as you can, and blogging and other non-essential things can wait. They will be old (and so will WE) before you know it so don’t feel guilty giving in to the little guy. He knows what he’s doing!
Hi, Nancy,
I don’t feel guilty giving in to Reggie’s demands. I feel guilty when I ignore him. There are things that have to get done.
I’ve always practiced the same kind of “training” (love, love, love!) that you use and my dogs have always been well-behaved, too. Reggie may challenge my methods… He’s a strong-willed guy!
I understand you experiencing stabs of grief over pets you once had. It happened to me yesterday, totally unexpected. I was about to step into the BLT when I saw Spike come around the corner of the fridge and wham! Oh, to have him back for one hour! It’s painful, yes, that’s the price we pay for all they give to us.
Sue,
I just read what you said about Spike. I know what I’m about to say may sound odd to some but bare with me on this…
Being that it was your anni, a special day for you to remember in your life, it would seem only fitting that our dear Spike would remember such an occasion too. While he was often aloof, he was very keyed into to you and your thoughts. I personally believe that does not change with his passing. When my dear Sweet Foxxie Bear passed she would make her presence known to us from time to time. Even my other dog, her very best friend ever, could sense her presence in the house around us. In both natural and time dimension there are things known and unknown to us. Science and time are both very powerful forces, both known and unknown… Maybe, just maybe, you DID have Spike there for that hour of time. An Anniv gift to you, from him, on your special day. I’d like to think so anyway! After All, our ~Dear Boy~ WAS bigger than life! So, please don’t let those special times get you down, embrace them. When our girl Sweet Foxxie Bear would ~visit us~ I would put out one of her favorite treats for her. Truth be told, I know that our other dog scarfed it up later, but it was nice to think that maybe Foxxie Bear enjoyed it too on some other dimensional level. Who knows such things? Not I.
No doubt in my mind they check in occasionally 🙂
🙂 Yes, I do believe they do. Especially when they fully enjoyed their time with us while we had them with us. Sweet Foxxie Bear was so connected to me. Toward the end of her life she could not walk to see the Holiday lights that she so loved to watch blinking and all the many colors. That last Christmas, I would wrap her up and carry her in a baby front pack. Together we would stop at several sites and gaze in awe at the twinkles as they shined in the dark. She simply loved seeing them shine! To this day, years later, I think of her everytime I see holiday lights and sweet rememberances come to me. I would like to think she sees them still and remembers our times together seeing them and the many other times we shared a special bond together. I think she does 🙂
What a sweet Christmas memory! I won’t be forgetting that one. Sometimes I think that dogs are really reincarnated people. Or is that just me thinking that? They just know too much.
Hi, Pamela,
Your message doesn’t sound “odd” at all. It stands to reason that we know very little about that which exists but isn’t wholly perceived with our five senses. To think otherwise strikes me as exhibiting arrogance and a lack of spiritual development. I keep an open mind about the afterlife and communication between different planes of existence.
Your Foxxie Bear is connected to you as Spike is to me. How that connection manifests itself is not clearly understood by us, but we know it exists. People laugh and attribute the experiences we cannot explain as merely “wishful thinking” or tricks of the emotions. I put that in the category of mocking those who thought the earth was round!
I have had, as have many others throughout the ages, indications from people I love, who have “passed on,” that they are aware of me at the time and place where I exist. These occurrences have been a great comfort to me and continue to be so, just as your sweet dog is to you.
I’m touched that you were compelled to share this with me, Pamela. Someday the veil will be lifted for each of us and we will see and understand. Until then, we can keep ourselves receptive to the manifestations of love directed toward us.
Thank you, Pamela.
Touching, thoughtful and very sweet..
Sue,
I am so glad you understand. I today’s world of judgements heaped upon people, it was wonderful to relate sister-to-sister on this level about this. You, dear lady, have touch my heart profoundly today. Such a peaceful thought, I sincerely thank you.
🙂
“Out of the corner of your eye”
Shirlene,
The phrase you quoted, I have not heard it before. Could you tell me more about it? Will have to look it later and read more about it, who wrote it and such.
Thanks.
Hi Pamela, I have written on here before….I do not know if anyone but me has said it before…it comes from experience….If that makes any sense.
Sure that makes a lot of sense! Great phrase, I thought that might be what it meant. I liked it, has a nice tone of the expression of ~experience~. You should coin it 🙂
Hi Sue,
Wonderful post with super photo’s and those two pups just make me smile. Sure is a good lifestyle. I’m really getting ready to move into a RV as soon as I get a buyer. Been getting rid of stuff and I feel good it is freeing..seeing my drawers and bins with everything in order. Still packing certain things and the house looks really good and I have an open house here on Saturday so hoping and praying for the right buyer.
My dear friend Kat and her husband are moving to TX on April 29th so after she’s gone I’m going to get going too if all goes right. My you tube channel is going pretty good and I’m meeting other ladies and some men who are full timers or soon to be. I’m a communicator and have joined a few hang outs on you tube live with others and it’s a good time. Wow…. soon Sue I’ll be on the road and joining your lifestyle. I will get solar too before leaving Florida. I hope your next camp is a beauty! hugs to the puppies
Hi, Deb,
It’s good to hear the progress you’re making and the way you are reaching out to others. I’m happy your youtube channel and chatting is enjoyable for you. I can sense the pull of the road in your comment… You’ll be on your way soon!
Good luck on the open house Deb.
Just so you know I shared just a snippet of your story with a friend of mine. I told her about this amazingly inspirational woman that I know from a blog who has overcome so much but continues to pursue her dream. Working through whatever she needs to do and facing whatever fears come up and how she shares her story with people here who care about her.
I thought you might like to know that you touch more peoples lives than you will ever know. Thanks.
Hi Rick
You sure made me feel good knowing that people care about me. My frIends say I’m brave but I don’t want to have regrets when I look back at my life. So I’m going for it. Thank you
Hi Deb,
Best of luck on the sale of your home…all will fall into place when the time is right. I checked out your YouTube videos – great job! I have to echo BadgerRick…you are an inspiration! Sending you a hug! 🙂
Thanks I sure hope someone falls in love with my home. I’m raring to get going even though it is very hard to do this completely on my own. Wish I was more like Sue. Sending hugs
Oh no, don’t wish to be more like me. Who you are is the best you of all!
Good Luck Deb. I have never operated on You Tube. Can you tell me how to get to your sight?
Ok, right now we are motoring north on 93 north of Wells. I’m looking & looking but I don’t see any sign of Sue & the crew. 🙂 Oh! She wrote this post last Friday & today is Wednesday. Sneaky, sneaky, Sue!
She could be in Idaho already for all we know….keep your eye out. Safe driving….
Kathy and Gil…. I bet you plan to stay in Jackpot, right? Hint: We ain’t there. 🙂
I KNOW you’re not where we are! 🙂 As we traveled between Wells & Jackpot, I kept looking at the BLM & Nat’l Forest signs. Is she down this one, over & over. I’m sure we are in the vicinity of one another:-). I’m excited because there’s laundry & hot showers here. Haven’t had a full blown hot shower since the first.
Oh another game! Lets play where Waldo (Sue)…I bet she is behind you, somewhere around Angle Lake…well that’s my guess for the game….I guess we wait and see…anybody else playing?
I think she is out in BLM land somewhere between Wells and Jackpot. There are quite a number of roads going out into the desert east and west of Hwy 93. I think Sue has found a nice camp spot at the end of one of them. I’m thinking we are going to pass each other sometime in the near future
Kathy and Gil….. Check your email inbox please!
Whew! My Danby dishwasher purchase made it thru your Amazon link after all! My internet connection dropped mid-order. When I came back online, I wasn’t sure if I picked up where I left off, under your auspices. But, yes, now I can see that it did. Don’t think frisky internet connections are a thing of RV life. Mine drops now and then (into the ocean at the end of our pier, I’m sure!). Any-hoo, my dishwasher order is my version of a high-ticket item! It is amazing how many dishes ONE PERSON can generate only cooking two from-scratch meals per day. Well, I’m FED-UP! This purchase should bring me at least 3 hrs per week of freedom! Wow, I don’t know what I’ll do first!
Thanks, Gayle, for ordering the dishwasher through my blog. It gave me a very nice commission and I hope it gives you many, many hours of freedom!
You’re welcome, RVSue. One can’t read a Benchmark and wash dishes at the same time. Obviously, the latter will have to go!
🙂
Gayle,
Did you get the portable table-top Dandy dishwasher, the 4 place settings one? If so, I have that same one and LOVE it! Had it for several years now. It travels well too. Mine is in the Airstream on the kitchen counter. I keep a tub lid under it just incase of drips but it really doesn’t drip, the hose connections for it are first rate and the unit is built tough. It does a stellar job cleaning my pots, pans, and dishes. For the two of us twice a day it’s perfect! You’re right, it does give us a lot of freedom, time to do other things…other than hand-wash the dishes after dinner!
Yes, the Danby. I had the larger Danby, but moved to a very small apt, so this one will be fitting on a wire cart beside the sink. I loved the Danby and helping out those Canadians who manufacture it!!!! Were I to actually hand-wash my dishes after dinner, well, I wouldn’t need the Danby. But after a glass of wine, I just don’t want to go back out there (or anywhere else)!
Happy Earth Day! Reggie looks like he has adjusted very well to living with you and Bridget. Such a happy little guy. On another note, as I do order from Amazon, (but the Canadian site) are we able to order through your Amazon link? I’ve tried but I don’t think so. Since I’m ordering anyhow, might as well have someone benefit….
Happy Earth Day to you, too, Jill!
Re Amazon… I don’t know anything about the “Canadian site.” You write that you’ve tried to order though my link but you don’t think it worked. What makes you say that? Did the order not go through?
When people order through my links they aren’t given any indication that I’ll receive a commission. I do appreciate you wanting to throw some moolah our way. 🙂
I think the affiliate link just works on the amazon.com site. I say this mostly because when I link to the Canadian site (amazon.ca) and there is no acknowledgement of coming from your site ie. in the website address it says that you are the affiliate link. Too bad. Depending upon how many Canadian readers you have maybe that is something to think about! I can still buy but it just means no $$ for you.
Thanks for the information, Jill.
Sue, you are so dang funny and you probably don’t realize it! Sometimes I’m laughing out loud at what you write or I’m either smiling, teary, amazed, jealous, shaking my head, shrugging my shoulders, gasping, praying, clinching my hands, hanging or shaking my head, talking out loud or thinking “Holy Cow!”
Thank you for entertaining me with your travels, writings, pictures, reading your blog and enjoying the other ‘blogorinos’. You are a part of my life, whether we meet or not, and, please just keep being there for me when I click on your site!
Blessings! Kay from KC! (Ok, I’m ready for a glass of wine!)
Dear, dear Kay, what a touching note! Thank you.
Your varied reactions tell me that you take the time to read my posts carefully. I appreciate that. I’m honored that my blog is a part of your life, and so, in turn, am I.
Those who comment here are a part of my life, too, as I check on you daily, sometimes several times a day. 🙂
I’ll try to keep this thing going! Blessings to you, too, Kay. Cheers!
Well I think that was a nice camp, even if pricey. Sorry you didn’t get a shower. And I can’t wait to see where you are now.
I’m trying to get a little more active but still not much energy. Went to hairdresser today and shopped for a few groceries and I’m tired! I’ve really got to get my energy up and get busy. My neighbor suggested I should try avoiding dairy products and see if that helps my nausea, so I’m trying that. Fingers crossed! I bought a steak today at the store and I am shocked at prices! I hardly ever eat meat, so I don’t notice prices usually. I won’t be buying much meat, that’s for sure. The small steak I bought was $11. I can go to Outback and have a steak dinner, with bread and two sides like baked potato and sautéed vegetables, for $11. That doesn’t seem right.
I pulled out my eBags eTech 2.0 weekender junior travel pack that I bought last year and never used. It is a wonderful bag you can wear as a backpack if you need to. My plan is to only take that with me for clothes for my trip. With any luck, I’ll have to replace them anyway as I lose weight. I spent four weeks in Europe with a small backpack. I’m all about traveling light! Plus I am bringing my recliner (which separates into two pieces and will fit in my car) to sleep in, so that will take a lot of room. Plus an ice chest, and Chloe’s crate…I don’t think I’ll have a lot of spare room! But I’ve got to get my butt in gear and stop sleeping my life away!
Well, time to make my tiny dinner. Love to all.
Hi, Ginger,
You amaze me that you are planning a cross-country trip while experiencing bouts of fatigue and nausea. When I have those symptoms, I go to bed and sleep… and with no guilt. Do let your body rest when it tells you it needs it, ok?
Preparing for a trip is exciting! Four weeks in Europe with only a backpack? I bet you had a marvelous time.
A small backpack! It was easy. I took the clothes I was wearing, and two changes. Pretty much all black. They were all clothes that could be washed in sink and dry overnight. And a couple scarves to add color. A jacket, a pair of flip flops…done.
Accuweather indicates snow will start falling in 36 minutes……1-3 inches…..OY!
Very windy yesterday….huge tree snapped in half. Jules won’t let me be a lumberjill and own a chainsaw.
Ms Weather….your weather last night looked ominous on the radar! Hope all is well!
Stay warm.
Damn, I was just jokin’ the other day when I said that I thought you were still out shoveling. 🙂
For what it’s worth I went out on my deck today and it was 38 degrees the sun was shining and it was snowing!
April in Wisconsin. Paris has got nothin’ on us!
🙂
Did you fire up that stove to see if it works?
OH YEA, about 20 minutes after I got it home. It seems to work great, sauteed some squash and asparagus on the Camp Chief while I had chicken and sweet potatoes roasting on the grill. Big time YUM!
It is however a bit wider with the bottle hooked up than I had imagined so it’s a good thing I bought the stove before I bought the folding camp table that it will sit on. Hummmm, I thought I was getting into this life to live simpler and get by (buy) with less.
Rick,
LOL, I told you there is ALWAYS something new to lust after! Just HAD to get that new table to have the NEW stove sit on, huh? HA! You are as bad as me 😉
Haven’t bought the table yet. Still researching, interested to see how Sue uses her new table when she gets boondocking again.
Crazy weather here, too, but no snow. 70 degrees today, temps will be down to mid 30’s Friday morning. The other night we had very strong winds…I was wishing I had a pair ruby slippers…just in case I needed to click my heels to get back home! 🙂
I wish your snow would shift to the Southwest. They need some slow, steady runoff from the mountains. I read an article tonight regarding the fate of the U.S. grown avacados…not good due to CA’s drought. Farmers will not be able to afford to buy the water if there’s is enough water to be had: and the jury is still out on desalination of salt water….so far, the cost alone would be prohibative.
Just my two cents…Everytime I look at the ocean I think, if we could only desalinate…worlds oceans rising from global warming, no rain for the crops in Cali, and I LOVE avacodos…if only we could tilt on our axis and all that run off from the snow in the east could take care of us…..and then run back into the ocean….always the way, too dry in the West, too wet in the East….
Good Morning to all blogorinos….hope everyone enjoyed coffee this morning……
Marla, did you disappear? Missed you yesterday…Have a good day…
Good Morning Shirlene…Hope you have a great day!!
Oh, I see you moved UP the coast, Santa Barbara, my favorite coastal city…Enjoy yourself there, know that I am jealous. Have a good day. Thanks for the greeting!
Good morning! 🙂
Hi Denise! 🙂
Good morning!!! I had to do my catch up reading this morning, yesterday got away from me!
Happy (a few days late) Anniversary, Sue! Can’t believe its been 4 years!
Hope you all have a wonderful day ahead, and a great weekend…we are heading out tonight after work for a weekend getaway to Oceanside to celebrate my husband’s b-day! Ready to hit the road in the RV, even though it isn’t too far away from home!
Hugs to you all!
Thanks Cinandjules,yep,intense storm here is putting it mildly,made it through unscathed with no damage worth fretting about,comes with the turf…Glad the tree work is being left for someone other than you to tackle with a chainsaw,those really are a bear to work with in a lot of ways.Stay safe.
Whew!…glad all is well.
🙂
Always is 🙂 Good morning!It’s just past noon here ,your beach time is still a trip to keep track of though I’ve been doing the coast to coast reach thing for decades.Read about you driving with the top down grinning-pretty sure our ears would freeze enough to fall off if we tried that here now,Ha!Enjoy one of your rides a little extra for me.I’ll trade ya and wave to the next eagle here for you.
Hi, Cinandjules,
Well, what’s the situation now? Did you get the snow?
We are………..FREEZING our butts off! The snow is swirling in all different directions.
And AO is hogging the couch!
You?
Sunshine, dandelions, robins, and the crew… You’re probably sorry you asked!
Poor Reggie…….
the ramp on the lake picture reminds me so much of our drought here in
Texas 2 years ago…..some of the lake have still not recovered….OH Ivie lake
in West Texas is still 200 feet low…….buy many of them have recovered.
cant wait to see your next camping spot…..
Chuck
Hi, Chuck,
I hope to put up a post later today with photos of our new camp! 🙂
Hi, Sue,
I enjoyed this post and pictures! Thank you for sharing your sighting of the bufflehead duck. Jusf another bird that I have “seen” through your travels…so much better than a picture in a book. 🙂
Looking forward to see where you take us next! Love and hugs to you and the adorable Crew from me and Gracie pup! 🙂 ‘Nite nite.
Hi, Denise and Gracie pup,
I missed our exchange of good nights last night. Good afternoon!
Yes, isn’t the bufflehead a stunning creation! I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks.
Poor little Reggie. Those forlorn looks toward the BLT and he clearly wonders what could he have done to warrant this except lovin his mom to get him in such a lonely situation. It’s still not real hot out here but it will start warming up next week. I envision your idea of hell as a place where 100 generators run 24/7. Still loving our Journey Missy….
Aww, don’t feel sorry for the Reggie Man. Before those pics were taken he was walking around in the sunshine. He settled into the doggie bed and that’s when I took the photo and soon after felt guilty about him being out there. I do dramatize a bit to make a story…. 🙂
Yes, that would be my hell. It’s a bit of hell on earth to have only one running outside the window.
Keep cool!
Good for Reggie sitting out in the sun soaking up the beautiful views of that campsite. I’m glad he pulled you out to take another walk. He’s going to keep you young.
Hi, Monica,
He’s going to keep me out of breath, too! 😉 Yeah, Reggie doesn’t have a bad life. He needs to learn to enjoy life more than 3 feet away from me.
Sue, your stories and pictures simply amaze me. I wish I could even talk that good much less write something that good…
now Im wondering when your going to publish a book with all your travels in it…..it would make great reading…….
chuck
Well, chuck, this blog is my book. I appreciate the compliment. I have all I can do to keep this blog up, running, current, interactive, and an interesting place to visit…. plus this girl just wants to have fun! 🙂
Deb, of debsjourney, how do I find your you tube channel, please? Thanks
Hi Velda, I hope Deb does not mind me answering for her………………………RVDebs Journey………….go to You Tube and type if just like that…you will find it…She has long strawberry blond hair, you will see her face when you have the right place.
Thanks will go look.
Well that did not work.
Is her channel name Kalistia?
I found it under RVDebs Journey..YouTube.com
Thanks! I googled it exactly like you said, it worked!
Hello Deb!
Morning Sue!
I just left you a message reply where you were replying to Nancy about Spike. Please read it. Comes from the heart, hugs and luv. Happy Anniv!
I see it… Thanks for the “anniversary” wish! 🙂
This snowbird got home too early I guess.Inch of snow on my deck this morning in Northern PA mountains.
!
We will be at that campground in early June, hoping it’s not too hot for a couple nights’ stay. We have several friends from high school who live in the Elko area and that looked like a good spot to be out of town. The purple on the duck’s head is so beautiful – have not seen one like that before 🙂 You and Reggie crack me up. Bridget must be so entertained watching the daily “lessons” play out. Glad you found another great spot after this one (and I know better than to “look” for where that might be 🙂 )
Hi, Jodee,
South Fork will be warmer, for sure… how much warmer? Look up the weather for Elko and study the graph of temps throughout the year.
Another idea… Maybe for a cool overnight at the end of a scenic ride is Thomas Canyon Campground. That’s beautiful area, higher elevation. Thirty miles from Elko… don’t know if that’s too far for your visit.
Thanks for the recommendation, it looks like a great place (and cooler!).
By dawn with the wind chill well below freezing it was wonderful to watch and hear the wildlife.They know warmth will come to stay soon so are finishing everything to be ready.Singing as they work around each little home ,calling to the rest, they look at each others’ as they fly by and return to their own.What a nice way to get stuff done!Good morning,Sue,it reminds me of Reggie’s enthusiasm to start the day.I hope it worked and is making you smile.
Snowflakes blew by the windows here a while ago,so I went out to capture the moment though I was on the phone.My friend had called to read something to me,go over what times I may work at the store and offer to have her husband give me a ride home from the mechanic’s if I drop the jeep there later on.It struck me again what a blessing they are to me in so many ways…
In all the years that we’ve been part of each others lives,they’ve never asked for an invitation here because they understand the delicate balance keeping rescue babes as a troupe involves and how disrupting that would affect me.They’ve made sure I was kept out of photos and commercials ,not told anyone where I’ll be or am -or even mentioned that they do those things- to me, though we’re all aware of them.Our lives would not have been able to remain connected done any other way.It would have cost me too much… of the health what solitude and privacy I have left give me.
It may get wearisome to hear about my gratitude and glad game so much.If so,feel free to say so or delete this if you prefer to for any reason,please.I wish such wonderful things and many others upon you.Lord knows you deserve it.On a lighter note,my list of errands includes buying coffee.Have you tried chocolate or vanilla flavored ones?I mix about a third of that kind in with regular grounds for each pot.My cup is good ,hope yours is ,too.
Good afternoon, weather,
The crew and I didn’t follow our morning routine and then this gorgeous spring morning had us outside, thus I’m late catching up on comments.
The breadth of your relationship with your friend is well explained by her adapting in order to allow you what you need for we-being. She’s a rare gift!
Interesting peek into your life.. . Thank you.
Too much gratitude is not possible here… Happiness springs from gratitude and when you share what you appreciate and find glory in, I see through your eyes. Then my gratitude grows and my happiness flourishes. Pretty neat how that works, eh?
Speaking of happiness… coffee and chocolate sounds divine and I’ve wanted to try it. I have to be careful with chocolate because it can give me headache. Hmm . . . I could introduce it gradually. I know I’ll love the combination!
I’m glad you have someone to give you a ride. One of the very few things I miss about my former life in a house is my good auto mechanic. He never hesitated to drive me home and come pick me up whenever he worked on my vehicles.
Gosh, the storm! I had no idea… From this message I read that you and the critters in and around your home are in good spirits, hale and hearty! 🙂
Good Morning Sue, or Good Afternoon, which ever it may be. I found that if I do not go back to read your blog again from the beginning, I miss a lot…..LIKE…I did not know that the 21st was your anniversary…you rock! Also there were a lot of comments about staying along the California coast…yes, expensive and hard to find open sites.. and yest, I am the one that is on January 1st, waiting to make reservations…sorry.
Still playing “Where’s Sue”….maybe you have moved along….I think Kathy and Gil are cheating!…ha! Have a great day…as usual, your loyal follower.
Good afternoon, Shirlene,
I’m really late today! I was too distracted this morning by the crew and our surroundings to settle down for the blog. Nice to come here and find your message.
Oh, the California coast… I’ve wanted to tour it since first hitting the road. I wonder if I ever will what with the expense, difficulty finding a campsite, and then being camped tight with other campers. California coast is gorgeous but challenging for nomads!
You have a great day, too, Shirlene. I appreciate your loyalty to my blog.
You might consider the California coast in the winter, it is actually at its most beautiful then, moderate temperatures and the tourists go home. Many of the campgrounds that are jammed in the summer are mostly empty in the winter.
Winter is also way less fog ! It seems when there is a big difference between interior temperatures and coast temperatures, the fog rolls in…not that I mind the fog mind you. If it isn’t raining, the coast temperatures are fantastic.
There is a camp called San Mateo Memorial Campground that is just inland from the ocean about ten miles. Wow, it is redwood trees, ferns, a beautiful creek…no hookups but water is close to each campsite. In the little town of Pescadero that is between the campground and the ocean there is a bakery/store that has the most amazing fresh bread. We love to get the garlic artichoke sour dough, I am drooling as I type this, lol. Tiny town…lovely people, but alas the camp doesn’t allow dogs as it is a preserve. Just mentioned it because it is typical of coastal camps.
We have stayed in Half Moon Bay in the winter also, looks like a parking lot…but you are right smack on the ocean.
One place I love to stay in winter is McKerricker State Park in Fort Bragg, dog friendly, right on the ocean, short walk. And is not crowded in the winter either. They have a long boardwalk along the ocean with places to sit to watch the whale migration, and yes we see whales when we go!
Don’t give up on California…for many years we have camped in the forest, no charge. I never was in a campground except when we went to Yosimite when I was a teenager. We have always boondocked, love it.
One place to camp in the summer is along Beaver Creek behind the little town of Dorrington. Lots of boondocks camps along the creek…
I think sometime the publicity California camping gets is from tourists that come to see the the advertised hot spots..and this state is so much more than just the coastline!
There are so many reservoirs that have free camps, creeks in the state forests…
We camp a lot, visit the coast in winter when the tourists go home. Come on over folks!
If any of you want specifics, perhaps I can help, just ask,
I have to agree with the California coast in the winters…the only problem is getting to them, through the traffic and cities that drive some with trailers a little nuts…But Central and Northern California has some many wonderful things to see, and I plan on seeing them all.
Thanks you, Lee J… What a wealth of good, helpful information! I’d like to do winter on the California coast. As Shirlene points out, getting there may be a challenge. Gee, you’ve given me something to think about!
Not being able to think of any challenge that you haven’t overcome I assume you’ll be going there some winter if not the coming one,I’ll make a list of must see secret places to have the beach and ocean to yourself when you go 😉
Shirlene is overstating in my opinion. You can manage the traffic fine if you avoid rush hours. Remember your experience in Las Vegas? I told you it wouldn’t be a problem, and it wasn’t. Northern California coast is the same. When you don’t live there you get some scary ideas. But after spending 35 years there I can tell you..it wouldn’t be that bad. Just plan your driving between 9am and 3pm weekdays. Weekends are a tough call in winter but if the forecast is nice, then you might get traffic especially to more popular areas. But Sue it is the most beautiful place you will ever see. Seriously. I’ve traveled a LOT..Carribbean, Central America, Mexico, Canada, Europe and all over US, and it is still the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, although St. Thomas and France/Italy are close seconds.
Oh my god…I love that store inPescadoro and the artichoke garlic bread! We used to camp in that San Mateo park often. This was years ago, so beautiful!
I just thought a link would be good…the bakery is .Arcangeli grocery Co/Norms Market, Pescadero, Ca.
That bread sure makes an impression, we have been known to have bread, cheese and wine for dinner with an apple for dessert!
I love the photo’s and Bridget will always be the Queen Bee. I have been to Elko several times to the Cowboy Poetry Gathering and they have several nice museums. Beware in Wells that is where all the Ladies of the evening work. lol