The road to Arivaca Lake

Tuesday, March 15

The crew and I board the Perfect Tow Vehicle and leave our camp at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.

P1090964We roll through grassland to Arivaca.

Arivaca is a little town located about 60 miles south of Tucson, Arizona, and about 11 miles north of the U.S. – Mexico border.  I park at the grocery store (above) and go inside to pick up something for a picnic lunch.

A few minutes later, I return to the crew and we cruise through town, stopping for a few photos.  This takes about five minutes.

P1090965There’s not much going on in town this Tuesday morning.

P1090963 A few people are out tending their yards.  Here’s an old fashioned Shell gas pump in front of this place.

P1090972We head out on the road to Arivaca Lake.

Another lovely day for a drive.  I scan the subtle changes, looking for possible photos.

P1090977The gentle hills make a serene landscape.

P1090983-001The road, on the other hand, is hellacious! There are more potholes than road surface!

Arrggghh!  My poor kidneys!

We turn onto the dirt road that goes to the lake.

At first it’s okay.

P1090987Quickly the road deteriorates.

The PTV bucks and twists and yanks us up and around hills.  Over and around, up and down, we jounce along on the one-lane, narrow road at the creeping pace of 20 m.p.h.

P1090984We come to a sign, “Arivaca Lake, 2.3 miles.” 

After forcing myself to drive another mile, I press the brake pedal.

What am I doing?  I am not enjoying this at all.  I don’t care about seeing Arivaca Lake.  I don’t care if it’s on the other side of that next hill.  I’m not going any further.  I’m turning this boat around!

I see a place I can turn us around and that’s what I do!

Oh, yippee!  There’s a cow pond!  That will have to do for today’s water feature.

P1090990“Hey, guys!  A cow pond!  Wow!  Now let’s find a place to have our picnic!”

We rumble down The Road.

I pull into a big campsite next to a huge tree. 

Gee,  if it weren’t for the road from hell, this would make a nice place to camp.

P1090991“Okay, out you go! ”

Bridget and Reggie love this! 

They roam around (Reggie on tether, of course) and then we have a drink and share a turkey with cheese sandwich.

P1090993And that, dear reader, is our excursion to Arivaca Lake!

P1090996Back in town I stop at the grocery store again.

Praline caramel ice cream ends up in my cart.  This will be for Reggie’s birthday tomorrow.

P1090998Wednesday, March 16

A lazy day at camp . . .  I sit in the shade and wash dishes in a basin.  Bridget snoozes on the cool ground under the Best Little Trailer.  Reggie snoops around.

P1100020After lunch I dish out the ice cream. 

“Here you go, Bridge.  Here’s yours, Reggie.  And here’s mine.  Oh, yes.”

Later, in the cool of early evening, Reggie runs around in glee.

“Happy birthday, Reggie Man!”

P1090923P1090924“What a big boy you are!  Four years old!”

P1090922“And one year living on the road!”

rvsue

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132 Responses to The road to Arivaca Lake

  1. Linda from Oregon says:

    first?

  2. Kim says:

    Hi Sue!
    I’m a (longtime) lurker but wanted you to know how much I love your blog. Very inspiring! I hope I can join you one day.

    Kim currently in TX

  3. Tara from Pac NW says:

    Crazy! I can’t believe it’s been a year that he’s been with you. It seems like so much longer based on what a happy, well adjusted to this life, little guy that he is!

  4. Shawna (Far Northern Cali) says:

    Dang! Missed it again. 🙁

    • Shawna (Far Northern Cali) says:

      I am replying to my own comment since I had to go back and read the post after trying, unsuccessfully, to get here first. Just had to come back and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the Reginator! The Chiweenie Brothers also send Best Birthday Wishes. What a wonderful, adventurous life you’ve led with RV Sue.

  5. Dave Stewart (in missouri for now) says:

    I have never seen tall grass like that in Arizona. The crew look like they like their surroundings. I made it back to Missouri Monday eve about 83 at the reunion. Now to go back and reread the all blog.

    • Dave Stewart (in missouri for now) says:

      1st time thru i just looked at the pictures then posted. went back to read, and saw the part about Reggies Birthday. Happy birthday, Reggie That ice-cream sounds good.

  6. Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

    You guys are dang good! I’ve been watching and still missed first. Back to reading now.

    • Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

      Happy Belated Birthday Reggie! What a lucky dog you are to have been hand picked from all the possibilities out there! You are truly loved!

  7. Phiesty in Utah says:

    Happy Birthday, Reggieman!!! Been reading every day, but lurking. Plans are moving along to the May 1 launch date. I’ve been enjoying your commentary on warm weather places for next winter. Take care, enjoy the day and cuddles to the crew.

  8. Patricia Abson says:

    How is the Arivaca Road [the paved but twisty road that connects I-19 with 286]?

  9. peggy says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie!!!

  10. Nancy s says:

    I can’t believe I’m this close to the top. Hadn’t even planned on reading it yet, busy doing laundry, when my hubby ask me to order something from Amazon. So I jumped on sue’s site as usual when we order. If I’m spending the money anyway, a friend should get a little good from it too. Isn’t it funny how none of us know each other, yet we’re friends. I like that. Anyway back to the laundry until I can sit down & enjoy the blog.

  11. Annie in Oregon says:

    Little Reggie is so darn cute! Happy Birthday little guy??? And not to leave Bridget out …..special pets for the Princess.

  12. Jean in Southaven, MS says:

    Love the pictures of the grass. I was reading an article this week about that grass growing around circles of bare dirt all over the world in deserts and what some people say causes the circles. I think the final consensus was that the grass grows that way to save water.

  13. Liz from WA says:

    Happy birthday, Reggie! Your mom is SO good to you! Caramel ice cream! My Margie would LOVE that.

  14. Martha in PA says:

    Love your blog Sue! Happy Birthday to Reggie!

  15. Lynn Brooks says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, REGGIE!!!
    ????????????????

  16. Betsy says:

    Hi Sue & Crew,
    My husband found your blog sometime before we bought our Casita last August and we have been avid readers ever since. We love following your adventures . . . we are from Pennsylvania and travel with our Border Collie, Brennah. Thanks for the wonderful pictures and writing! Safe travels.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Welcome, Betsy and Husband! Nice to meet you and Brennah. Thank you for reading my blog and for introducing yourselves.

  17. Susan in Dallas says:

    Terrible road but what terrific pictures! In Dallas they would call that a lake! And a big happy birthday wish to Mr. Reggie. I will gladly become a year older for Praline Caramel ice cream.

  18. Judith camper says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie! You’ve become a wonderful travel companion.

  19. Val R. Lakefield On. says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie !!!!! I think you are just adorable.
    Enjoyed the pics of town Sue and I don’t blame you for turning around before you reached the lake. Our lake here has a big hole in the ice so it shouldn’t be long before we see water again. I really like your current camp. I was telling my husband about the tall grass and how good the site looked. Still hope to see the Southwest & will have to see if it is possible next winter. Hope so. I have been going into our trailer to visit. Probably take it somewhere in May.
    For Reggie, (((birthday hugs & kisses ? )))

  20. Dawn says:

    Happy Birthday Reg – I can’t believe it’s been A YEAR…wow! No words 🙂

  21. Pam N. says:

    Belated happy birthday, Reggie!

  22. Dawn from Camano Island says:

    Hi there! Happy Birthday, Reg! Ice cream AND a car ride–you lucky guy! we love the grassland there at Buenos Aires–it was too cold earlier in the year when we were ready to leave Gunsight Wash. Next year… We camped last year at Las Cienegas at loved the grassland there too. It’s a working ranch so we had cattle visit every once in awhile. Have fun!

  23. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie, from me, Sammy and Lucy. What a lucky pup you are to have a mom who takes you all over the country to pee on every bush and log, a sister who taught you how to pose for photographs, and ice cream that jumped off the shelf into your cart!! We’re glad you had a wonderful day 🙂

  24. Kevin in CO says:

    Delightful post. I enjoy learning about new places to visit in your blog. I enjoy your photos and thoughts, as I sit here watching the snow fall. We are home now, after a glorious month in AZ. The first of 2 knee replacements is done. I brought B home from the hospital today, to rest and recuperate. While we would rather be on the road, enjoying the nice weather somewhere, first we must fix two worn out knees. I will be very busy for a few months, chief cook, bottle washer, and care giver. 🙂 I cannot think of anything I would rather be doing than taking care of my 40+ year partner in life.

    Cheers Sue and Crew. Travel safe.

    • DesertGinger says:

      I had my left knee replaced last year. I was alone. Spent some time Ina rehab. How wonderful it is that your wife has you to help and care for her. That would make all the difference, I’m sure.

  25. Linda Hughes North Carolina says:

    Good day RV Sue and Crew, Happy Birthday Reggie Man! I absolutely love it when you show us a town you come across in your travels….I love seeing the buildings and surrounding countryside on your drives, no matter where you are going. Thanks for sharing, take care and stay safe!

  26. Cynthia from San Clemente says:

    P.S. to Sue: I forgot to tell you …. I woke up in the middle of the night last night thinking about your storage container problem. Would it work if you got three drapery/shower curtain tension rods and placed them vertically in front of each storage unit? i.e., standing upright between the floor and the ceiling of the Casita. I don’t think the cheap super-skinny ones would be strong enough, but I’m thinking if you used the 1 inch diameter ones and they had good tension between the floor and the ceiling, they might hold everything in place while you bounced along. And they would be easy to take down and stow under the Casita when you’ve reached your destination. I wouldn’t store them on the floor – too much chance of stepping on one and twisting an ankle.

  27. BeckyIO says:

    I use to do that all the time! Start driving somewhere because it sounds like a good thing to see, and then the road is poor or the weather is bad or I’m too hungry or tired to enjoy it. Back when I was working a “real” job I’d make myself go anyway because I knew it might be my only chance, now that I’m full-timing I feel like I have the freedom to say no, there will be plenty of other amazing things to see. 🙂

    Good for you for making a great day of it even without the lake. Give Reg a happy birthday hug for me!

  28. Ilse says:

    Greetings from inside the oxygen tent. I thought I should let all you blogorinos know how to get out of ever having to mow the yard again. What you need is loving kids who are concerned, because they know you are a little nuts. Next you need some tall and wet grass to mow. Now comes the nutty part: you have to reach under the lawnmower while it’s running to remove the wet grass. Once you are in the emergency room getting your broken and mangeled, but serviceable fingers taken care of while refusing any pain medication, your daughter will text you to let you know that you are NEVER to touch a lawnmower again and that your son will come to your house once a week to do that job for you. Voilà. You just earned yourself a few free hours, plus weekly visits from your loving son. Try at your own risk.
    Cheers,
    Ilse

    • Phiesty in Utah says:

      There must be an easier way to get that job done by someone else. Glad that the damage wasn’t any worse. Hopefully, you will be out and about soon and able to enjoy the nice weather in some other way.

    • Lee J in Northern California says:

      Oh my goodness you poor lady! Hope you heal quickly, but as the lady who had a bottle of wine on her seat going home from the grocery store…when asked about the wine by a native lady hitchhiker she had picked up alongside the road…she told the hitchhiker the wine was for her husband…hitchhiker lady says…good trade….

      How are you feeling? Still fighting the fine fight?

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Ilse! Those are your knittin’ hands!

      • Ilse says:

        I know! I think maybe I should take this opportunity to put together the more than ten sweaters that are knitted, but still in pieces. I should be able to do that with a working thumb and ring finger.

    • Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in SoFlo (for now) says:

      Hey, happy Birthday to Sue and Reggie man. Four years old already a yearful boondockers. Yes I jus made up my own word, after all, I AM a blogerino! Tommie turns 4 this month too, on ‘our’ birthday. We share the special day because we usually share the cake too. No ice cream for Tommie, I think he is lactose intolerant.

      The pups look happy running around, even a cow pond is nice water…to look at. I’ll bet any water is appreciated in that part of the country. And pretty country it is, reminds me of the rolling hills around my granny’s farm that we would visit in my kidhood. There was a cow pond there too, and we would fish in it with bamboo poles. There was a bull to watch out for as we crossed the pastures, cows, chickens and the never ending assortment of barn cats and their kittens. Granny’s was much greener than where you are, but I can feel every bump in that old country road before you turned around.

      So here’s something entirely off the subject. I am wondering what a typical stock up trip to the grocery yields. I can see your fridge is small, and I am fridge shopping, trying to figure out sizes and such. Can you fit a gallon of milk and a half gallon ice cream? (Priorities right?) Does produce, like lettuce and greens keep well? Compared to a fridge in a sticks and bricks home? Hope you don’t mind the questions, if yould rather not go into details, I understand. Now for ice cream!

    • Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in SoFlo (for now) says:

      Really Ilse, your spirit and humor are unstoppable! No mower for you!

    • Pam and Maya, Still in NY says:

      Oh, Isle – I hope you heal quickly! Terrible news, but your happy attitude will keep you going!

    • Kitt, NW Wa says:

      Else,
      Sounds a bit like the time I reached under the running vacuum to see if the suction was working – those beater bars are very hard on the knuckles; bruised and sore but not broken! There is a better way, my husband installed a whole house vacuum system and is so enamored with it that he now does all the vacuuming – score!
      Hope you are healing quickly!
      Kitt

      • Ilse says:

        Better yet, don’t clean. Have you noticed that no matter how often you do it, it keeps getting dirty again? I think it was Einstein who said something to the effect that insanity is to do the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So just say no to vacuuming.?

    • Cinandjules (NY) says:

      Good grief woman! You’re pretty limber to hold that throttle down while reaching under it! I am totally kidding! Sounds like ya did a doozie!

      Ummm…I’m thinking if you just asked your son…he’d love to mow the lawn AND any other needed tasks.

      Ouch! Take care!

    • mockturtle says:

      Ilse, do take it easy, OK? 🙂

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Hi, Ilse,

      I hope you heal quickly from this mishap. You have enough on your plate to deal with! Take good care of yourself – sending you a hug! 🙂

      Try to stay out of trouble! 🙂

    • Cynthia from San Clemente says:

      Oh.my.goodness. That is so scary! I’m glad it wasn’t any worse than it was. Good thoughts and prayers coming your way for healing.

  29. Deena in Peoria, AZ says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie Man, wow, we are both March babies; mine is on March 2nd and I was 14. You look so good running around and ice cream to boot. Hugs to both you and Bridget.

    Miss Mollie (and Deena – shh, she is taking a nap in her chair)

  30. Awe! Happy Birthday Reggie!!!! xxoo!
    :)!! Unfortunately….most of Tucson/Pima County have potholed hellish roads:(.
    You do have a great campsite though!!!
    :).

  31. Elaine in Colorado says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie!! Sue, thank you for the pictures and your descriptive blog post. Ice cream, a real treat! YUMMY!

  32. Barb from Hoquiam! says:

    HAPPY HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY REGGIE!!! And Miss Bridget, you have found a good ‘soul’ little bro in him (on the good days!). Sue, you really hit the jack(russel) jackpot with that one!

    Hugs from a Sunny Hoquiam!
    Barb

  33. Lee J in Northern California says:

    I loved this post! Isn’t it nice to be able to just say no to a difficult road and just leave? Lol. What an adventure you had, now we know to pass on seeing Arivica Lake if we are in the area! It reminds me of the road into PiPi campground in the Sierra Nevadas…but it is a beautiful destination so we bounce away,

    Oh man, that ice cream sounds so tempting but a fitting celebration of the joy Reggie brings you daily.

    Ok blogorinos…here’s a question for you..or a problem to solve. My Arlo has taken to peeing in the house. This started this winter while I was gone for two months doing grandma duty while my grand daughter was in the hospital… Arlo is seven, very house trained until now, he has a doggie door so this is a choice he is making all on his own. He only does it at night when I am in my bedroom sleeping. He sleeps with his sisters in the dog beds in the living room. I am not liking the idea of his making my entry way his personal latrine! He has never had to be crated, he was faithful to the outdoors since he was a puppy. Revenge peeing? Too lazy to go outside at night? My husband does not want the dogs in bed with us so that isn’t an option. Suggestions? Ideas? Thanks in advance…

    • Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in SoFlo (for now) says:

      Well first you might consider a vet exam to rule out a phtsical cause, like a uti, then a crate at night would be my first move. You could get one their bed fits in, make it a family affair. Don’t get it much bigger than the bed though. Then go back to basic housebreaking training….out every two hours while awake, out immediately after meals and first thing on awakening. Pick up the water after their evening meal and four hours before bed. Lots of praise and treats when he pees outside. He might have started when you were gone because his pack leader left, and well, somebody had to take charge. Sounds like he’s marking the den entrance.

      • Cinandjules (NY) says:

        Arlo wakes up, walks over to the entryway and pees?

        Only at night wouldn’t make sense for a uti. If it was on the bed, I would say incontinent. Buuuuuttttttt…..since you’ve given some ideas as to why..hmmmm!

        I would let him out for his last potty run…crate him..by himself…no mass punishment..his sisters will appreciate that…and in the morning … see if he pees in the crate.

        • Cc says:

          Since it’s by the entrance, it’s probably a stress reaction – he was rattled by the pack leader being gone and is now marking to guard his pack. Dogs instinctively want to have some space between where they are sleeping and peeing. so either crate him, or if he’s small enough, you can put him in a harness and slip the leash around a couch leg or under the door and shut it. (Knot it if you have to – he should only have enough room to turn around and stand up)Also, get a good quality enzyme cleaner for the entry way that’s meant for pets – males tend to continue to pee wherever they smell pee. you can also bust him down a rank by consistently feeding him after all the other animals and humans in the house. (Give toys last too – or make him do an extra sit or lay down that the other dogs don’t have to do) Only top dogs have to protect the pack – and that’s your job not his. If he is stressed, he will be secretly relieved to be fed last – it means you are freeing him from all that responsibility he shouldered while you were gone. so don’t feel bad when he gives you a look the first couple of times!

        • Jan NH says:

          If not a uti or other ailment, you also trya belly band. Just went through similar with my max. He was only doing it on the days I worked from home so i put the belly band on him a couple of times and he stopped. He hated it. I just happened to have it from when i had my Tate and he became incontinent due to health issues before he passed

        • Jan NH says:

          Happy birthday Reggie. Love to see him kicking up his heels and having a grand ole time!

        • Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in SoFlo (for now) says:

          Just be sure the crate is no bigger than the space needed to stand up, turn around where he stands and lay down again. Any bigger and he might Pee in the crate, defeating the purpose

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Good luck with finding a solution, Lee. I agree with crating your boy at night. I think you are right that he got thrown off when you had to be away to help out your daughter. Poor thing, and poor you!

    • Pamela K. says:

      Our Golden was twice Arlo’s age and she started peeing inside at one point too. We found that she was not wanting to go outside at night because she had some hip and leg issues. Nightime caused her some pain and we were slow to pick-up on that change in temps thing in the middle of the night for her. Maybe that could play some role in why. Sometimes it is fear too, the older they get the more they know they are more easily pry for other roaming dogs during late night. I hope you find the reson behind the result and it works out for Arlo and you both. We recently lost our beloved Golden to old age. Looking back I can see several times when the effects of age creeped in to her nightly routine.

  34. Jules MN says:

    Happiest of birthdays to Reggie. Your trip to the lake is a great lesson to all of us. Just because you head to a destination doesn’t mean you have to end up there. As always love your blog!

  35. Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in SoFlo (for now) says:

    Hey, happy Birthday to Sue and Reggie man. Four years old already a yearful boondockers. Yes I jus made up my own word, after all, I AM a blogerino! Tommie turns 4 this month too, on ‘our’ birthday. We share the special day because we usually share the cake too. No ice cream for Tommie, I think he is lactose intolerant.

    The pups look happy running around, even a cow pond is nice water…to look at. I’ll bet any water is appreciated in that part of the country. And pretty country it is, reminds me of the rolling hills around my granny’s farm that we would visit in my kidhood. There was a cow pond there too, and we would fish in it with bamboo poles. There was a bull to watch out for as we crossed the pastures, cows, chickens and the never ending assortment of barn cats and their kittens. Granny’s was much greener than where you are, but I can feel every bump in that old country road before you turned around.

    So here’s something entirely off the subject. I am wondering what a typical stock up trip to the grocery yields. I can see your fridge is small, and I am fridge shopping, trying to figure out sizes and such. Can you fit a gallon of milk and a half gallon ice cream? (Priorities right?) Does produce, like lettuce and greens keep well? Compared to a fridge in a sticks and bricks home? Hope you don’t mind the questions, if yould rather not go into details, I understand. Now for ice cream!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Lisa… I shop pretty much the same as I did before taking to the road, only less each trip, of course, because of the smaller fridge.

      I buy milk by the quart because I only use milk for my coffee and hot tea. A half-gallon would take up too much space anyway, although it could fit (on its side due to the shelf). A half-gallon of ice cream fits, taking up about 1/5 to 1/4 of freezer space. Produce keeps the same as in a regular refrigerator.

      I like citrus. To conserve fridge space, I don’t buy orange juice as often as I used to. Instead I buy plenty of grapefruits and oranges. If they aren’t bruised, they last a long time.

  36. Happy Birthday Reggie Man and Ice Cream Too,,,,, mmmmmm,,,,,, Dad says nice photos of the town and the area,, he’s sorry ’bout the afull road,,, I don’t like it when dad takes a bad road,,, have a great week end,,,,, Miss Piper

  37. Liz says:

    Hello RV Sue,
    I usually just read your posts but today I want to wish Reggie a Happy Birthday! I hope you are having a great St. Patrick’s Day too. I am a teacher so I read your posts over my desk at lunch time. I dream of the day I too will be navigating pot holes and chasing the good weather! It will be soon, I know it! Thank you for your inspirational stories and entertainment. You are a blessing:)
    Keep on truckin!!
    Liz, (A fan.)

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks for writing that sweet note, Liz, and welcome! I did the same thing while teaching… only not at lunch because we had to have lunch with the students in Dante’s Inferno the lunchroom.

      • Susan in Dallas says:

        LOL, a true description of a student lunchroom. Boy, that’s one thing I sure don’t miss about those 30 years I spent in the schoolhouse.

  38. Chris B of the Clete and Diego Tribe says:

    Happy Birthday, Rocketman! So nice of you to photograph a cow pond instead of a cow pie! Water features are water features! Take it or leave it, right?

    Are you going to try the farmer’s market in town? Most farmer’s markets have fruit that is fresh and ripe. Our grocery stores have fruit that is frest but isn’t ripe. I swear that they pick it weeks ahead of time for the shipping to the U.S. We get large Fuji apples that have red on them or are almost fully red. If you the get smaller size that are cheaper, they are still green and don’t taste as good. I don’t get it. Why pick them before they are ripe? One of the many things that I wonder about……..

    How did the drawer units travel on your last move? Still kicking around ideas?

    Chris B

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      We haven’t moved since the one time we had a landslide. I don’t know when I’ll get to the work you suggested! I do like the idea of bolting the units together.

      We might go to the Farmer’s Market.

  39. Sheila from So Cal says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie Man!

  40. Sharon in MO says:

    Happy birthday Reggie!
    Glad you survived the awful road and made it safely home for your treat.

  41. Happy birthday Reggie! I don’t always comment but I read all yr posts while working longing for day we hit the road with Boomer. Reggie and he are alot alike.

  42. Cinandjules (NY) says:

    Quaint little town. What a horrible road! Can you imagine the mess inside the BLT if it was with you?

    Happy Birthday Dear Reg Man! Oh my….the photos of him flying make me laugh. Does he realize how far the cable reaches or does he clothesline himself?

    Have a wonderful evening!

  43. Linda-NC says:

    Happy Birthday Big Reg! I call him big because I think that he thinks he is:) Shoot, I would have baked him a cake!

  44. Dineen -BOZEMAN, MT says:

    Happiest of birthdays, Reggie! The absolute joy on your face as you speed around makes me smile.

    I loved the view from your dishwashing station, RVSue! Washing up to such beautiful scenery would make this chore so much better…. Although truth be told, I actually enjoy washing dishes. Something to do with seeing absolute and immediate progress in a task… Anyway, lovely spot! Wishing Miss Bridget a happy day too, lest she feel left out with all of Reggie’s salutations and birthday wishes. ?

  45. Ladybug in Mid TN says:

    Love seeing Reggie on a sugar rush!! LOL

  46. Pauline in Mississippi says:

    Happy Birthday to Dear Reggie!!! He looks like such a happy and contented young pup!
    Pictures are wonderful and I love the “water picture” LOL
    BTW…ice cream is always the best way to celebrate anything!
    Sending lots of love and big hugs.

  47. Sandy says:

    Hi Sue, just letting you know that I’ve been reading your blog for over a year then; because you were in the process of looking for a 2nd furry friend. I was so excited for you when you found Reggie!! He was, and still is, such a cutie. The stories of him and Bridget are wonderful and only a true dog lover would understand. Your blog is the only one I read and I always look forward to y’alls adventures!!
    Take care and thanks for your blog 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Welcome to the land of blogorinos, Sandy… Now you are one, too! Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you will comment again. (Please put your state’s initials by your name next time so we don’t mix you up with the other Sandys.) 🙂

  48. Marilu now in Arizona says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie,
    Since joining RV Sue you have brought us smiles and laughter just from watching your antics. You rock boondocker man!

  49. BadgerRickInWis says:

    Oh, if only all those times I found myself going down the wrong road in life I’d had the wisdom to just stop and turn around.

  50. DesertGinger says:

    Well, I thought I posted earlier, a whole post about grocery shopping and what I like to eat…and now I can’t find it. And I’m too lazy to do it again. Oh well.

  51. Barbara (Nashville) says:

    Angel & I wish you a Happy Birthday Reggie, you little cutie.
    DH & I celebrated our 44th anniversary today and Angel got to celebrate too with a little bite of our steak.
    The doctor gave DH the go ahead to have steak today. She also has ruled out any major ailments for him. No hereditary Hemachromatosis, no cancer, no liver damage, no increase in kidney damage. He simply has too much ferratine in his blood. She says for now to just keep up the increase in fruits and vegetables, limit meat, especially red, bakery products and processed foods. She will check again in 6 months. Hopefully all will improve. So at least we have some good news for a change.

    • BadgerRickInWis says:

      Happy 44th Barbara. Will cross my fingers for DH. He’s lucky to have a partner like you to help him along the way. But I bet he knows that.

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Happy Anniversary, Barbara and hubby! Glad that you received good news from the doctor – thanks for letting us know. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers. Take good care of your Mom and Dad, Angel! 🙂

    • Lisa, Tommie and Buddy in SoFlo (for now) says:

      Barbara, there are some fruits and vegetables that are also high in iron. Tomatoes, spinach, peanuts…. You might want to Google search and limit those too. Just a caution from a vegetarian who was anemic once.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Happy Anniversary, Barbara and Mr. Barbara! 🙂

  52. Cc says:

    What a difference a year makes – I love how happy and confidant Reggie is these days. He thrives on boondocking and love! (Well, and chicken!)

  53. Rose in AR says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie! A whole year on the road.
    Continuing from yesterdays comments: I, too, miss Pen and all her camping wisdom. Hopefully she is out there camping where the signal is too weak or nonexisting.
    What a beautiful part of the country you are visiting.

  54. AZ Jim says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie! You are a very lucky little guy to have landed in Missy’s family, but then she’s equally blessed to have you. I have seen pics of the Lake, it is a pretty little lake but you can go on google and see it without the horror road ride. Take care now.

  55. Wendy in Thailand says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie!!! Looks like you had a great day. Hugs for you and your big Sis.

  56. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi, Sue,

    Mmmmmm…..praline caramel ice cream….my mouth is watering!

    Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂

  57. JazzLoverWMa says:

    It doesn’t seem like it’s been a year since Reggie joined the crew but guess it is. You have settled in very nicely Reggie and brought much love and laughter not only to your Mom but your older sister Bridget as well as all of us who follow your daily adventures. Don’t stop doing the silly things that make you you and make us laugh. Happy Birthday youngster. JazzLover

  58. Dawn in MI says:

    Doesn’t seem like it’s been a whole year since Reggie-man joined the crew! Happy birthday dear little man!

  59. Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

    Back to the blog and I had to look up that elusive, mysterious Arivaca Lake – here it is, at least two photos – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arivaca_Lake#/media/File:ArivacaLake01.jpg

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      The photos are pretty. I’ve discovered that online photos of lakes don’t always match today’s reality after years of drought. Maybe this lake is different. I doubt it. Sad.

      • Renee Galligher - Idaho says:

        You are right. I found another photo with the title of “Arivaca (cough) Lake” and it showed the water level very low.

        • Bill & Ann Cathedral Gorge - Water Canyon, Nevada says:

          We visited the lake last month. Quite a few people were enjoying the lake. We sure wish we had our kayaks with us. The road was a mess but the scenery was nice. I bet a float on the lake would be worth the effort to reach it.

  60. Happy Birthday to Reggie! So much energy!!!

    Glad you and Bridget found him.

    I wish I had your talent for finding boondocks! That is a lovely spot. We have owned 5 acres near Lake Patagonia since the 1980s and have camped there a few times. Real cowboy country and one day a real cowboy rode through the area and stopped to chat. Our son, then about 5, was pretty impressed!

    Only 1.5 years ’til my Sue retires and we can head south in the winter. But the city we live in is nickling-and dime-ing (actually $1,000 here and $1,000 there) to death in fees, charges, demands, rules, and poor decisions that it’s a struggle not to just walka way from it all and get into the motor home and leave.

    Happy trails. 🙂

    WDR

  61. DesertGinger says:

    What did happen to Sidewinder Pen? She doesn’t seem the type to be easily offended. We miss you Pen!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I know what you mean, Ginger. This is what I go through several times over when blogorinos disappear. I have a list in my head that goes on and on . .

      Maybe Pen doesn’t have internet right now.

      • Pamela K. says:

        I agree, Pen has been here a very long time — seen many ups and downs in bloggerinoland so I don’t think it is an offened thing. Hoping it’s lack of internet or maybe saving some internet funds for other repairs or upgrades. It’s not like her or Jordan to miss Reggie’s Birthday either… Maybe computer issues. Hopefully something that simple and not health or safety related.
        SHOUTOUT: Pen, Jordan, Fuji … please phone your
        *cyber-home* 🙂 Your cyber-family is worried about ya — AWOL.

  62. rvsueandcrew says:

    Good morning, blogorinos!

    Boy, it is quiet here. We sleep great. Except for last night — actually not until this morning around 3 — a coyote roamed the ridge we’re on, making quite a racket, screaming and yipping. Calling for a mate perhaps? Or responding to Reggie marking his/her territory? After about an hour, all was quiet again. 🙂

    About the road to Lake Arivaca — I don’t want this post to curtail your exploration of the area. Maybe on a different day I would’ve pushed all the way to the lake and been glad I did. Also, the road may be repaired before you arrive here.

    On behalf of the four-year-old, thank you for your sweet, happy birthday wishes. Right now the Reginator is curled up on the bed in a sunbeam. He and Bridge had their breakfast and the rest of the morning routine. Bridget is snoozing in the covers.

    The weather widget says it’s going into the 90s today (Arivaca). I considered moving in advance of the heat and changed my mind. I don’t like moving on a Friday or Saturday, so we will stay at least until Sunday. Why leave peace and quiet to end up possibly surrounded with people noise? So far it has been cooler on this ridge. I’m happy to stay longer.

    Again, thank you for your kind greetings for the birthday boy. Those who are sick, injured, hurting, or just plain sick and tired of waiting to hit the road, as well as all others . . . . I wish you a wonderful day!

    Sue

  63. Millie says:

    Happy Belated Birthday to the Reggie Man!! I’m a couple of days behind in my reading and a whole LOT of blogarino posts away from #1!! Such a lucky pup to have been adopted into your family and life on the road. My pups are good riders but I don’t know as they have acquired the love of the road…more the love of being with us…no matter where. Little Gabie (the G -Man) buries his head in his blankets until we get “there”. RiRi looks out the window now and then but mostly sleeps too! Still they would rather be with us than not….and I would rather they be with us too! Enjoy the beautiful Spring weather Sue and family!!

  64. Karen LeMoine says:

    Happy Birthday Reggie! What a wonderful life you have with your family! God bless you! I like the look of this little town! Nice pics Sue. Enjoy your stay.

  65. Pamela K. says:

    All this talk of Birthday Cake, Ice Cream, FOOD, Farmer’s Markets, what to buy eat and store in the Fridge — I am having such a go-round with all those issues of late!
    Recently I had two very serious health issues show themselves. It was a back of the hand wake-up call for me and for Klemper. So, I had to change my eating habbits post haste. First, bought a Ninja Pro 900. Not the fancist one but a nice one. Made my first-EVER green smoothie. Celery, Kale, Garden Salad fixin’s, Spinach and Silk Almond/Coconut Milk — all unsweetened and raw. Good heavens, I never thought I would be taking this road to eating! Being a lover of all things Comfort Foods and all. But it was very good, VERY GREEN tasting, and I was surprised that I not only drank it but enjoyed it! So, now I’m rethinking what all to buy to stock the fridge and how to keep the fresh *green stuff* alive while it is keeping me alive. To top this all off it comes just days after buying a Emeril Lagasse Pie and Cake Maker Machine! I guess I will be using that for breakfast egg and spinich pies *sigh*. Maybe some meat pies down the road later but for now it is fresh *GREEN* plus a little side of steamed or baked meats and fresh fruits. No salt (miss that already), no sugar, know EVOO (oh no! I can’t take it now) and no starches (bye-bye rice and potatoes –I’ll miss you profoundly). “Come here bag of green grapes, my new friend. I’m hungry for that mid-afternoon snack!” I say this as I *eye* the left over chocolate minitures. No! I can do this!
    Note to self: Green Is GOOD. Repeat that at least one hundred times…

  66. weather says:

    What an amazing photo the sixth one is. It’s more than your gift for using perspective to take a great shot. You perceive, capture and share a dimension of beauty most need to imagine and paint.

    How delightful that the crew so happily enjoyed the bucking van, cow pond, picnic with no lake excursion. You three have the joy’s in the journey not destination thing down pat . An ice cream birthday party, such a sweet way to wrap Reggie’s wonderful first year on the road and a fun post 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thank you, weather. I’m relieved to see you here. I reread a recent comment of yours where you mentioned being given “one more time” to be with a friend of 14 years. I wonder if I didn’t understand and missed that you are grieving a loss. I apologize if I did. I can be myopic and insensitive.

      I’m addicted to your uplifting messages. That doesn’t mean you can’t take a vacation from this blog! 🙂

      • weather says:

        You’ve never been insensitive with me, Sue, my comment about my friend was confusing and held little of what my experience has been concerning the whole affair. An ambulance took him to a facility where he was revived , stayed three days and came home. His miraculously still being here and well enough to be back out making noise in the yard is a surprising and enormous gift. I was just stunned by how much thinking he had passed on rocked my world. I really thought I had somewhat mastered the whole love deeply, yet hold loosely, loss, go forward thing after going through it with my husband and both dogs this last couple of years. Providence’s gently showing me that I’m perhaps still a bit more fragile than I’m used to being has made writing oddly challenging since then. In fact, I’m not sure if this reply has any clarity. It’s nice to share a healthy addiction 🙂

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Now I’m aware of what you are processing, and I can rest easy, realizing it’s not something I said. You have gone through a lot in the past few years. It’s okay to be fragile, to reach for another’s hand.

  67. Geri in the beautiful Florida panhandle says:

    Geri, Chuck, Radar and Doogie Bowser are here singing Happy Birthday To Youuuuu Happy birthday dear Reggie, Happy Birthday to Youuuuuu! Grin!
    I am one of the folks who can’t believe it’s been a year already that Reggie has been a crew member! I swear, the older you get the faster time flies! Reggie has been such a wonderful addition to the crew ! I love hearing about his antics! Belly rubs to both Bridget and Reggie! Radar and Doogie just got back from the groomers and they are soooo handsome with all their winter growth cut off !
    Loved the pick of the Mercantile store. I just love the colors of the southwest !
    Thank you for another good post Sue, loved it!

  68. Chuck Hajek says:

    Happy Birthday Reggieman! You’ve made a great addition to the crew! Sue, FYI the ‘cow pond’ is called a ‘sink’ as it appears to be natural. Cow ponds are dammed.
    Still, no horses! Good travels, kiddo!

  69. GypsyPurl says:

    Happy Birthday Rocket Reggie and Congratulations Sue, you are a fortunate woman to have two Sweet Babies to Love. Safe Travels.

  70. Ronda western WA says:

    Hey Reggie!? A very happy belated birthday!? Looks like you had a great time! Sorry I missed it I’ve been working too much. My pack n I will all have a special treat in your honor today. My family often celebrate birthdays all month?(because our schedules rarely let us all be together at once) so join the tradition!

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