Thursday, November 10
“Well, Reg, this is it. Are you ready to hike the trail?”
Silly question.
Of course, he’s ready! There he goes!
This morning, instead of walking the lane where we’re camped on the mesa at Poverty Flats, I drive us down Route 168 and turn onto the 3-mile, winding, washboard-y road that takes us to St. Thomas Cove. What used to be a cove of Lake Mead. These days it’s a grassy plain.
And not very picturesque . . . .
Reggie doesn’t care about that.
He’s delighted to have a new path to follow.
At least he has a better surface to walk on . . . .
A little of the history of St Thomas . . . .
“St. Thomas was founded in 1865 by Mormon settlers who mistakenly thought they were still in Utah/Arizona Territories. The location was a prime farming spot at the confluence of the Muddy and Virgin Rivers, which flowed to the Colorado River, 22 miles south. . . .”
. . . The filling of Lake Mead started in 1935. As the waters rose, slowly the town was overtaken by Lake Mead. One of the last residents to leave was Hugh Lord, who paddled away from his home when the rising waters lapped at his front door in 1938. When the lake reached its high water mark, St. Thomas was sixty feet below the surface.” — nps.gov – History of St. Thomas
An admission to my dear readers . . .
Looking at ruins is not a big interest of mine. I enjoy reading history, even watching documentaries, but the foundations of buildings that once were?
Meh.
The freshness of early morning fades, replaced by increasingly warm sunshine. I have no idea how far we’ve hiked, somewhere around 1.5 miles and I’m concerned that the last portion of the trail might be a rocky climb when the heat becomes too much.
This is a time when it’s best to go with what you know . . .
“C’mon, Reggie. We’re going back . . . ”
~ ~ ~
I’m always on the lookout for subjects for my camera.
This hike doesn’t offer much in that regard. The trail takes us through areas of dead brush with very few birds.
Do you see the Perfect Tow Vehicle in the photo above?
“Well, that made for a different walk this morning. Now to bump our way outta’ here . . . .”
~ ~ ~
The Repeat Rule of Dogs:
“Whatever you do on two days at the same time of day you have to repeat at that same time of day every day henceforth.”
Before dusk Reggie and I motor into town. I want to pick up a few groceries. Reggie looks out the window of the PTV at the buildings of Overton, wagging his tail in anticipation of another romp at the park.
“Okay, okay. . . . We can go to the park before we go to the store.”
As we walk across the green grass . . . . .
“Reggie! That looks like Francesca over there!”
It sure is. I’d recognize that bark anywhere. No collar, no leash, nobody around . . . .
Reggie attempts to engage her in play.
Francesca is Not In The Mood. She runs off, barking and barking and barking . . . .
Oh dear . . . . The young man did say his parents lived nearby and he did walk Francesca to the park so their house probably isn’t far. With all the noise she’s making, surely they’ll find her.
Reg and I return to the PTV.
While pouring a drink for Reggie, a pick-up truck comes to a stop at the other side of the park. Francesca runs to the open door of the truck, tail wagging, and jumps in.
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NOTE: Thank you, veterans. Happy Veterans Day!
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Flash photo taken after Reggie’s middle-of-the-night potty run
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1st? 😐
1st?
Tied. Congrats.
🙂
Hubby riding new Green battery powered bike on trails at St Pk Gulf Shores, AL. 😁
We’re sitting on rest stop bench so I can rest. 😂
Looks like I’m 3rd.
Awwww – what an adorable pic of Reggie at the end of the post!
Greetings Sue:
I have been reading about Lake Mead (as well as about other large reservoirs) in conjunction with recent earthquakes. It seems that the water column pressure above forces water into the cracks below and help to disrupt otherwise stable rock shelves.
Have you felt any slight tremors where you are? I ask, because I recently talked with a geologist that stated to me that hundreds of very minor earthquakes have occurred in your area over the past few years.
As always, I enjoy your posts.
No, I haven’t felt any tremors, Jack. 🙂
Cool spot! Boy Reggie has been getting in a lot of great play-time! Bet he sleeps good!
Apparently, the reason the Mormons abandoned the area was because a survey shifted the state line so that it became NV land and the State of Nevada wanted to levy taxes which St. Thomas didn’t want to pay. And yet now Nevada is one place people chose to go because of the income tax break. Go figure.
I also don’t enjoy ruins that show only foundations unless I have a picture of what the original building looked like and then I can generate a *little* bit of interest.
That Francesca is quite the independent woman, isn’t she? Off on her own at the park and not really wanting any company? I still think Reggie could win her over eventually. How could she possibly resist??
1st maybe!!!
I think I am in the top dozen
Boy, I was so excited I rushed to post my position in line but now will take the time to say something. LOL
Loved the picture of Reggie trying to play with Francesca and the last picture of him all snuggled up.
Tonight is the beginning of the high school basketball season so we will be occupied with ballgames. Love to watch Granddaughter Elly play.
Happy trails to you and Reggie. Love to both of you.
Oh I just love it! I try to remember to hit the blog before the Amazon key–and seeing my ordered ‘stuff’ makes me smile… maybe Reggie will get a new toy. Maybe Sue will find a somethin’ somethin’ that makes her smile… YAY!
Getting ready for all the grands to be gone ( 🙁 ) for Thanksgiving. I don’t cope with that well… I love that many people love them, but yes, I am selfish and want them to myself… Not sure what we will even do. I really hate that. We have served and served for others over the years and yep that feels great… I am just tired right now. Down in the dumpers… whine fest over!
Glad the puppy was found. Mine are not doing so great. The Aussie, the doc says she will probably just drop one day… she is healthy, for the most part, but deaf now, and really showing her age at times.
Have a wonderful day Sue. Thanks for the outdoor moment. It always brightens the day.
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
🙁 I felt your despondency so wanted to send a virtual hug. It’s so hard when our babies get older and we can see what’s coming down the road. Such a heartache. I hope yours have lots of good days and still have a lot of them left, and that doctor doesn’t know what he’s talking about!
Some of my best holidays were ones for which I took a road trip when I could not be with family members because they had other commitments. Other of your friends would no doubt be thrilled to see you visiting them. One trip I did was at Christmas and I visited with friends that I only knew from an online forum and we had a terrific time. It felt like I met a little sister who I had a ton of things in common with. It was one of my best holidays ever 🙂
There are many wonderful places to go on the holidays, one year I was at an authentic old Spanish Mission in California and other year I happened to be close to an old Mission in Arizona. I loved getting to experience and enjoy the cultural differences and did not feel the least bit lonely for not being at home simply because it was a wonderful and richly fulfilling new experience. My heart was well satisfied with what it received.
Sending you some hugs, Barb! **hugs**
Thank you all so much. Wow. <3
Hugs right back at ya!
Barb
Here’s a (((hug))) from me too. We are alone this year too so we are thinking about boondocking in the Smokies and eating Thursday in Gatlinburg. This will be something new for us. The good part about nobody at Thanksgiving is we get everybody at Christmas 🙂
Are there places to boondock in the Smokies?!! I thought I was going to have to go out west!
Mom and I gave up Thanksgiving years ago – we clean the house for Christmas! Takes us that long…
Hope you have a lovely TG enjoying it over there – haven’t followed if they have any wildfires over there.
And, Barb – you too – agree with KC, some of our best holidays have been the unexpected ones where we didn’t really plan the usual family stuff.
Hope you see this Dawn. We stay in the national campground like Cades Cove with the senior discount. It has paved pad, picnic table and fire ring. We have also stayed south of the mountains, can’t remember the name but its outside of Cherokee, it was more rustic. These two are open year round. We may go somewhere else if the fires haven’t let up. Its smoky here where we live just north of Knoxville.
I hope you’re having a better day today, Barb. {Hugs}
Awwk! Top Ten???
So glad she ended up where she belonged! That final image of Reggie is adorable.
I’m with you. Looking at foundations is not my thing.
The yes
Whoops, I typed up wrong, but the was a nice post Sue, history of the town being drowned is what happened to Silver Wood, California, now there is a State Park with a lake, there is a Steam Engine at the bottom with the town,,,, Happy Veterans Day and have a great weekend and stay safe and give Reggieman a huge hug from us, okay,,,,, Rusty n Piper
Thank you Rusty for your service. I hope you’re having a good Veterans Day.
Thanks Cynthia, hope you are too,,, 🐾😎
Hi Rusty! I hope you had a wonderful Veterans Day! I thought of you, but then I think of you quite often even on days that are not holidays! Hope you are well and warm and safe.
Love the post and pics, as usual. 😀. Hugs to all.
In these times, reading your blog is a balm for my soul. Truly.
I so wish I had the courage to live your lifestyle. Alas, my body does not respond well to the slightest heat or much cold, no matter how much I try. I am also not eager to tow. I’m afraid I would be in tears much of the time.
Thanks for sharing your adventures, Sue.
Great Post. Of course, Reggie stole the show, trying to play with Francesca. Glad her owner showed up. Sleeping pup is just precious.
Looks like Coyote country, don’t let the old boy get to far away during those late night bladder drains.
I am afraid I need something more interesting to look at than brown foundations too. But it looks like a good place to do something different and let Reggie smell something different. My two pups love to walk new places. My 13 year old Lab not able to do anything but walk to the corner and back which is about the length of a half a football field, but she gets her smell on the whole way. She does not miss a thing. I ordered a drum practice pad and Vic Firth sticks for my grandson thru your Amazon link yesterday. It is his Christmas. So glad to help.
I laughed out loud reading the part of “once you do something two days in a row at the same time…” Oh my, how true!!! Little rascals!
I related to that rule and laughed too. And it continues to amaze me how they know what time it is. 🕰
I visited those same ruins years ago. Then the lake had dropped just enough to allow access. Prior to that, I was able to visit with some friends using SCUBA.
What I saw there was destroyed dreams, lost years of hard, back breaking work and the sheer power of an uncontrolled river. Eerie.
I have friends that live in Overton and spend the summer here. If Las Vegas wasn’t so lcose, it would be a great little town to live in…
Again, thanks for the photos, we have so many memories of SoNev….
Sweet little Francesca. I’m glad that Reggie got to see her again. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t understand how they can just let her run free. I hope she is spayed.
My apologies Sue. I have a hand drawn map by a woman who used to live at St. Thomas. I should have given that to you. I saw your rig yesterday as I passed the Mesa on my way to Overton Park. I guess we just missed each other. I walked my new dog and pet the horses there.
Howdy Sue, Reggie, and Blogerinos!
I’ve just returned home a few days ago (so I could vote) after a five month discovery tour of Colorado with my Scamp 13er. What a wonderful summer I had! Colorado is beautiful beyond words and exceeded my expectations for a summer of adventure. I boondocked the entire time or used free NF campgrounds and only paid for camping five nights in the five months of travel. Best of all the alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and tall rugged mountains in my dreams really do exist and live in Colorado! I challenged myself to do this trip with a small budget of just $600 month and came in well under that some months and never went over while having a grand time. Limiting my campground fees forced me to experience some wilderness areas that I may have overlooked otherwise. I found incredible places to boondock using my Benchmark map, talking with the forest rangers, and exercising my sense of adventure. Traveling over mountain passes of 10K+ became an ordinary experience–even on the gravel roads. Never once had a problem towing the Scamp up and over these heights. This was a life long dream of mine (to spend a summer in Colorado exploring) and now I can cross this one off my bucket list. Onto another adventure next summer. I’ve got Idaho and Glacier NP on my radar. So much to explore and so little time!
The Scamp has always been “my happy place” but never more so than this past summer. Living in just 60 square feet has its challenges but nothing that can’t be overcome. The one thing I really, really missed was having the internet for the summer. I think I actually went through withdrawal the first few weeks on the road. It was terrible! I seriously needed a 12 step program! With time it got better but not a single day went by that I didn’t wish for an internet connection. This has become my priority for improvement of future travels. My gosh, how I missed my cyber visits with the land of RVSue and Crew!
My desert home is really small according to today’s standards, but after a summer with the Scamp it feels like a mansion. I felt like I needed a map to get from the kitchen to the bedroom the first few hours back in the house. It never fails to amaze me how little one needs to be content with daily life. It seems the simpler my life is, the more joy I find. I wish more people could understand and experience that concept. It could very well be life changing. Those who “get it” and live their lives uncluttered by all the baggage and “stuff” that today’s society pushes onto us, have richer lives, I’m sure—and I’m not referring to monetary values. There’s a lot to be said for seeing a jaw dropping sunset or the awe of watching a bird of prey soar on the air currents. If more folks could grasp the pleasure of such events, I think our world would be a much better place. Just my opinion.
So, before I hijack any more of your blog Sue, let me wrap up my comment by saying how great it is to be able to drop in and visit with you and the blogerinos any ole time I choose. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder! I look forward to being able to “chime in” from time to time over the winter months and hopefully beyond. You’ve built a wonderful community here and I encourage you to keep up the good work and carry on.—Audrey
P.S. What is with the math quiz? I know you taught math in a former life, but really?
For what it is worth, I have limited fingers and toes and long division with decimal points has been the destruction of any further advanced math skills for me.
Hey Audrey! Thanks so much for the update. I am in serious envy of your summer experiences. “Meadows of wildflowers” sound beautiful! I am so happy for you that you got to live this dream! As for the math, Sue’s site went down a few times due to robot hackers. This way, she gets some protection. She promised no calculus! LOL!
Thanks, Dawn. I get it now. I was afraid this math stuff was a manifestation of some deep inner desire of Sue’s to continue everyone’s education in the world of numbers. I’m relieved.— Audrey
Hi, Audrey,
Welcome back! I missed seeing your comments! Thank you for sharing the report of your Colorado trip. Your post exudes happiness, joy, and contentment. I am so thrilled for you that you were able to fulfill that dream! Did you have a 4-legged buddy with you? If so, how was it living in the Scamp13? Did you leave the bed made up full-time? Thank you for sharing with this wannabe! 🙂
Denise,
Gee, thanks for the welcome back and nice words. It’s good to see the familiar names of some blogerinos.
To answer your questions—No, I didn’t have a four legged companion with me this trip. My husky passed away and this is the first trip of any length that I’ve made alone. I prefer having a four footed friend by my side and am hoping a suitable one will adopt me.
Living in my Scamp 13er is not a hardship, IMO. My Scamp is a vintage 1988 model of which I’m the original owner. I’ve made many mods to suit my needs and style. I need nor do I want anything more in an RV. The floor plan is open and airy. It’s pretty basic but for me it is perfect.
Scamp camping, to me, is about living in the outdoors, and being remote and isolated. The Scamp is a hard sided shelter for overnight or inclement weather, and offers protection from roaming wildlife. A 100 watt Renogy solar panel meets the meager power needs I have. Refrigeration is an old Coleman cooler with home made “Yetified” improved insulation and uses ordinary ice. Cooking is done outside under my awning with my two burner Coleman stove, weather permitting. Bathing is by a sponge bath or my solar shower hung from a tree. I have a porta potty which stores under my front sofa. I keep the dinette made up into my bed and use the front sofa for comfy lounging. I removed the upper front bunk. If I need a work surface by the sofa, I have a small folding table similar to Sue’s that works well for me.
The Scamp has served me well in many environments. There have been winter camps of eleven degrees to the desert heat in near hurricane force winds. It has never let me down and I’m totally comfortable with it. Not for everyone, I know, but I have certainly enjoyed my days with it. It’s well suited for my style of camping. I currently tow with a 2001 Dodge Dakota Sport 3.9L engine that has an open, extended truck bed. Tows like a dream.
Any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I’m always happy to share my experiences. Don’t give up your dreams!—Audrey
What a fabulous summer! Thank you for sharing.
Eliza, You’re absolutely right! It was a fabulous time. My pleasure to share the experience.—Audrey
What a fabulous post!!! Happy to hear all the good things that surrounded you. Each day was a new experience. Happy Trails and thanks for posting.
Krystina,
Thanks for the trail wishes. The good Lord willing, I’ll have more wonderful days of adventures on the road in the future.—Audrey
The Repeat Rule of Dogs made me laugh out loud! I think you (or someone) should compile a list of these rules and publish it – it would surely be a best seller. Here’s my offerings:
If you feed a dog once out of the refrigerator they will run to the refrigerator every time you open it.
If you have to get up and pee on a cold night, the dog will roll over into your nice warm spot while you’re gone.
If you are in a hurry for the dog to do his/her thing, he/she will not be in a hurry.
If you have been around another dog, your dog will know it and disapprove.
That’s all from me folks, anyone have more?
If you spell a word instead of saying it, the dog still knows!
Even if you think the word bath-THEY KNOW! How is that? HA!
Love it Dawn! So true. I think my dogs spell better than my grandkids!!
If the dogs are sleeping on your lap you can’t get up.
Yes, and they always seem to park themselves on my lap right before I really need to get up and do something! And my 85 pound pit bull thinks he’s petite!!
Aww❤️Memories, I used to have an Irish WolfhoundX “lap” dog. Is he a “leaner” too?
If you are late for mealtime because you are busy, they know! I swear, I think Gracie pup can read the digital clock on the stove! 🙂
Ha ha – that goes back to Sue’s rule of once you do something at the same time every day, they think it’s going to be forever. Obviously, you are quite regular about when you feed Gracie pup!!
Thanks for the link . That was interesting.
Dogs enrich our lives so much. They always love you no matter what!
Hi Sue, I haven’t had time to read, but just wanted to check you got credit for my Amazon order. Just ordered two pairs of Merrells!
I see them, Dawn! Nice shoes. Thanks so much! 🙂
My flag flies proudly today out in front of my home. Thanks to all my fellow veterans. It’s not just words, it means men who offered up their lives (whether taken or not) that the rest could survive. I have two great neighbors, Keith and Bill. Every time the vets come into our block to collect for veterans causes their (and our) donation bag is waiting at the curb. Every patriotic holiday all three of us fly our flags. Today is no different. Missy, I just love watching that little pal of yours walking his trails and sniffing life all round him. I wish I could still be out there doing what you two are doing, but I did have my day too. Hugging you and the Reggie man…
Thank you Jim for your service and sacrifice.
Hi, Sue,
I have to admit that I was holding my breath while reading your post. Hoping upon hope that Reggie did not get away from you. Whew! Relief! That little Francesca is something. She seems a bit uptight. A good romp with Reggie would probably do her good! I am glad all ended well and that she was reunited with her family.
That hike sounds like it was just the right change of pace! The last photo of Reggie curled up, sleeping so soundly is absolutely adorable!!! He must have been wiped out from the active day. I bet you slept well, too! 🙂
I hope you have an enjoyable weekend, Sue! Sending you and Reggie love and hugs from me and Gracie pup!! Gracie says to tell that cute little Reggie that she would LOVE to play with him! That stuck up Francesca does not know what she is missing! 🙂
I love to walk through ruins and imagine life as it was. Some places are easier to do this in 🙂 Always nice to take a new path. Darling pics of the pups. Glad the escapee was captured safely.
Hi, Jodee!
You are in my neck of the woods! Enjoy visiting Virginia! 🙂
Top 25? Ah well, I have been out looking at an rv today, so that is my excuse. That Reggie just makes me smile! It is always fun to explore something different, some work, some don’t. It is what it is. When I grow up, I want to be just like Reggie:))
Repeat rule of dogs! Hah. Glad Francesca found her way home! Or at least someone was looking out for her!
Happy Veterans Day! To all the men AND women who served and continue to serve our country!
Awwww, Reggie looks like he’s flying in that one play picture. He’d zoom in the air too if he could lol.
Are you happy with your choice of RV? I dream of doing what you are doing. I feel so over whelmed trying to make the choice of “the right RV” I will not have a man with me… perhaps a female friend.. But chances are great that she will change her mind. I am worried with arthritis can I hook up and unhook?
Hi Nancy. Have you thought about getting an Rv that you could drive? I don’t remember what class they are called. There are all sorts from van size to those huge goliaths. Also I believe I recently read a comment about some kind of automatic motorized hitch. You can do it. Don’t be discouraged!
Nancy you might consider an rv you don’t have to hitch and unhitched such as a small class C or a B. lots to choose from. I know several women full time in 25 ft class c RVs. And they don’t tow a car although a few do tow. Happy searching.
Hi Nancy!
I think your worries may be related to the severity of arthritis you have and how limiting it is in your everyday life. Towable RV’s can have the option electric hitches and jacks to eliminate bending and lifting while hitching and unhitching. There are devices available to assist with lining up your vehicle’s hitch to the RV coupler if turning and looking to the rear is difficult for you. Assist handles for stepping up or out of an RV can be mounted easily to any RV entrance. If you’re seeking perfection in finding the “right RV” you’ll have a long hunt. Find a size with the right floor plan for you and then make simple modifications to meet your specific needs. This can be new or used. Even folks confined to wheelchairs are out there enjoying the RV experience with the mods they have made. Some are even full timers! Unless you are no longer able to function without help in your home, I’d say to make a run for your dreams. There is a learning curve if this is totally new to you but many times things are easier than we ever imagined. Dream it, do it, and live it!—Audrey
Oh, dear. Does “henceforth” equal “forever”?
Yep!!
Went to read my fave family blog and it said: “And you know, if you spend time with toddlers, now that we’ve done it once – it’s gonna be our thing.” Toddlers & puppies! Hard to tell the difference!
The sign saying “Travel at your own Risk” could be taken to refer to the risk of not enjoying what one can see there. …used to be Lake Mead…not very picturesque…looking at ruins…areas of dead brush with very few birds.
It’s amazing how being there with Reggie turns even that into a joyful excursion. That darling little guy just exudes enthusiasm and happiness wherever he is. I can certainly understand your wanting to find him a canine playmate of his very own to keep him entertained and be a member of your family. He deserves any rewards available for being such a bright spot in every day and place that he’s a part of.
On trails traveled with Reggie all that isn’t maintained is any facial expression other than a smile. Thanks for the one this post gave me this morning. I looked at a few photos/bios of Chihuahua mix dogs at rescue websites. I imagine you do that sometimes. Gee, those searches are fun and so filled with temptation(of the good kind). I hope you’ve been filling your time with wonderful things recently, too.