Thursday, October 1
“I wonder what this Minersville Lake Campground is like,” I muse as I sit in my lounger studying the Utah Benchmark atlas. Reggie tips his head with curiosity. “Seems like I looked that up once. It’s a county campground. Let’s check it out! You want to do that?”
Bridget and Reggie jump up in response and soon we are motoring on Route 153 into Beaver.
“Oh, turkeys!”
I click a photo from the driver’s seat of the Perfect Tow Vehicle as the turkeys cross the road ahead of us and wander onto someone’s lawn.
In Beaver I gas up the PTV and then take Route 21 westward.
On our way out of town we pass a canine gymnast on break.
“You’ll not get a 10 that way!”
The Mineral Mountains in the distance look like a wallpaper border between land and sky.
Then the mountains rise up as if coming awake at our arrival.
Bridget and Reggie stare out the windows at the passing scenery.
They’re probably wondering where we will stop for their walk. We’re in the habit of driving to different places in order to put variety into walk-time.
“Don’t worry. I’ll give you a chance to walk around before we go back to camp. I want to stop for photos along the way to the campground. Like this interesting house up ahead.”
“Horses! We have to stop for horses.”
The foothills remind me of folds in a blanket.
Route 21 cuts straight through acres of sage and rabbit brush.
We cross a mix of state land, county land, private land, and Bureau of Land Management land.
“We’re almost there, guys. I see the sign . . . .”
A gravel road takes us down to the reservoir.
We stop at the entrance booth and I read the signs. (Click on photos to enlarge.)
A stern warning sign announces that if you park your vehicle you have to pay the day use fee, “swimmers included!” For added punch, surveillance cameras are mentioned.
“Well, we won’t be taking our walk here!”
A drive-through will suffice.
Of course, the reservoir’s water level is very low.
The campground is neat and clean and almost empty.
Only two campers are here.
The shelters are designed for shade from the glare of southern Utah’s hot summers and for protection from wind coming across the flat valley floor.
The crew becomes restless, due to the slow movement of the PTV. Bridget and Reggie want out!
“Okay! Okay! We can’t walk here. I know where we can go . . . .”
We pull out of the campground and backtrack to a dirt road that goes to the reservoir.
Hmm . . . This should be good. The morning light on those gold trees . . . .
“We’re here! You can get out now!”
Ooh, geez, that rabbit brush is thick. I don’t want Reggie sticking his nose into it.
“We’ll go down to the water and watch the birds.”
In the distance several water fowl and song birds enjoy the absence of people and the abundance of . . . .
. . . flying insects!
“Run!”
We walk the lane some more and I take photos.
It’s funny how Reggie and Bridget have become accustomed to frequent stops for me to take pictures. They stand absolutely still and wait. When the camera comes away from my face, they move. It reminds me of the children’s game of “Freeze.” Such good pups.
Bridget lags behind.
She thinks this will prevent me from taking photos of her. Not so, little girl!
Of course I look for established campsites.
I don’t find any. Not that I want to camp here in all this brush and with flying insects down by the muddy shore. Nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live here!
“You ready to head back to camp?”
I put down a bowl of water for my thirsty explorers and they happily drink. I toss them into the PTV and they sleep as we roll across the sage toward home.
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Here is a sample of items recently ordered by readers:
Microplush Blanket,Twin & Queen
Wireless Solar Keyboard for Mac
Stansport Propane Cylinder Base
Columbia Men’s Full Zip Jacket
Reeves Water Color Pencils, Set of 36
Jellycat Fuddlewuddle Champagne Bunny
“You’re losing your babyness, Reggie. What a grown-up boy you are!”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Heehee… love the horses… how does Reg man do around them…knowing that he doesn’t like cows?
Hi, Carlene,
He barks at horses, not as fiercely as at cows. Cows intrude on our campsites which makes them evil!
CONGRATULATIONS, YOU’RE FIRST TODAY!
Yippy first…
I just love the turkeys, reminds me of the place I sold in NoCal. lots around the foothills.
I was online doing a defensive driving course cuz I’m going to be volunteering at Bosque del Apache wildlife refuge. I got the “job”. My first of which I hope will be many volunteer work. It’s about 1.5 hrs south of Alburqureque. still can spell that town.
I start in about 10 days, so I’ll head toward back to Pagosa Springs, Taos, into Santa Fe and then head south.
Until then great times in SW Colorado. What a beautiful place.
Happy and Safe Travels to You and the Crew
How exciting! And worthwhile, too… Safe travels to a new experience, carlene!
Hi Carlene, I am happy that you got that job, I was hoping to be able to spend some time there also, especially when the Sandhill Cranes start arriving. Good luck with that job, I think you will love it. Keep us posted.
We lived in T or C and visited Bosque del Apache several times. Should be a great place to volunteer. Have a blog dedicated to it in our archives FYI.
Love the relaxed gymnast!
Hi, Tara,
I regret that I didn’t take a photo of that same dog on the trampoline a few days later. He was asleep. Apparently that’s his domain.
I liked that photo, too. Pup probably thinks “How nice, the world’s largest suspension dog bed. Perfectly suited to my size and demeanor.”
I also liked the turkey shot. For a minute I thought that ceramic frog in the background was some sort of green plumage.
Hi, Pen,
From a dog’s point of view, the trampoline does seem designed for a big dog to relax on. I’d like to see him jump onto it from the ground. That might make a great photo!
That would be fun! Or jump up. Booooinnnng!
I thought of you this evening as I was out driving on some dirt roads in a scrub area and I saw dust up ahead. Figured it was a car. But as I got closer I could see that it was a group of (wild?) horses coming down an embankment and crossing the road. They crossed slowly and just on the other side were in a mixture of golden late-evening glow and dust in the air, which looked really neat. Still moving slowly. Then they cleared that and were into a green, grassy area and they stretched out and ran into the golden distance. Oh they were beautiful! Mostly dark brown adult horses with black or buff manes, and then a few young’uns kicking up their heels. So cool!
(Oh, I see you also said jump up… for some reason my mind had your comment as jump down, so then I thought of the other way. Oops. Anyway, we know it would be fun to watch 🙂
Oh, Pen!! You describe a beautiful scene so well! I can see it in your words… How I would love to be there with my camera!
You’ll never be blessed with anything quite like that again. Cherish the gift. 🙂
I did savor it. And I thought about how much you would have enjoyed seeing and photographing it, which just enhanced it somehow 🙂
I just came in from,working in the yard and there you are!
Nice treat to enjoy,while I eat my sliced tomatoes, yum.
I tried my had at making yogurt this morning, I love fresh yogurt with blueberries,,without the Ethel mythel bad stuff that so many companies add.
Report to come….
Have a wonderful day!
Hi, Lee J.,
I’m sure your homemade yogurt will be great. I used to make it all the time, years ago. That tells you how easy it is to make a successful batch!
I’ve been meaning to try this. However, I’m the type who gets stymied when there are seemingly nine million variations and of course I have to understand them all in order to choose the right one and then…. I just end up buying yogurt at the store instead.
No variations…. milk and culture, a little warmth, a little time, and you’ve got yogurt!
There you go, simplifying something that could be complicated and obscure 😉
Love seeing those fall colors and puppy paws on fallen leaves. Moments of zen…
Hi, Molly,
I feel the same way. Fun to photograph!
Just an FYI to anyone headed to or through Boise, ID…..there is a fire burning northeast of town & the valley is filled with smoke…..it’s nasty smelling & visibility is so/so.
Thanks, Liz. Sorry to hear that. You’ve had enough fires and smoke in the Boise area!
Such beautiful colors in this post! You have taught me to appreciate desert landscapes much more than I have in the past. Love the gymnast doggie! Can’t wait to see what’s next on your journey.
Hi, Suzette (TN),
Thank you. I try to show the beauty I find wherever we go. The one thing about the desert I will never capture with my camera is what I love the most about it — the air!
At the moment we are camped in a desert environment. I’m sitting outside in my lounger with the laptop and with the crew on the blue mat as I type this. The air is divine! In the shade, just the right temperature, a sunny day and no apparent humidity.
I’ve lived in the desert here for 36 years. The minute the humidity gets to 24% I think it’s too humid!!! I’d love to be sitting in the shade, cool clean air and no humidity while my pup naps on a blankie next to me while I read. You always make your lounging sound sooooooo nice!
Hi, Susan,
That’s because my lounging is soooooooo nice! 🙂
There were lots of things about this post that I liked. I love the trampoline dog. He is beautiful and BIG. I love the horses too. They are always a hit in my book. I love animals of all kinds. They are so wonderful to see. I also love the pictures of the mountains and the campground. They are beautiful. The pictures after the campground all have a kind of sad look to them. The colors are pretty, but everything looks very dry and stressed. I sure hope they get some snow this winter to help things out. It should be getting cold there before long. You are very fortunate to be able to enjoy this life style like you do. Thank you for taking us along and letting us enjoy it thru you.
I agree with you, Jean. I am very fortunate indeed and I’m aware of that every day and night. Sometimes I look at my little house and shake my head — Is this real? 🙂
Interesting that the last photos look sad to you. It is sad to see the water level so low wherever we go. I was pleased to see the birds getting some benefit from it. The low water line created a mucky marsh at the shallow end of the reservoir, hence the bugs and a peaceful place for ducks, egrets, herons, gulls, and more.
Thank you for the detailed response to my photos. It’s always a pleasure for me to read that someone enjoyed what I posted.
Hi Sue, left a comment on the previses post, hope you saw it, having to learn the new PC, my dad says hi too!,,,,,,,,,, Piper
Hi! No, I didn’t see it. I’ll go look right away. What a relief to hear from you! I was beginning to have worry creep into my mind… Thanks for letting me know about your other comment.
well shucks…..scrolling down to the comment section I see a lot of nice
pictures so I guess I’ll go back and read since I aint first, second, third
or even 10th…..HA!
CHUCK
🙂
As usual, you treat us to some gorgeous photos. The rabbit brush and turning leaves make all your photos glow.
Thanks for the photo of the campground. The way the sites are stacked in looks unappealing….not to mention the bugs!
I guess you may be checking out possible places to move to next. We will all need to be patient and you will eventually (after you’ve moved) reveal the boondock you are hidden in now…
Hi, cc and canine,
Thanks for complimenting my photos. I do like the “glow” that autumn gives to pics.
I should point out that the campground is very nice. That photo of the shelters in line makes them look pushed together. They aren’t as tight as that. And there aren’t any bugs at the campground, only at the far end of the reservoir where it is very shallow.
Yes, we’re two camps ahead of this blog. I’ll catch us up soon!
Yippee! A new adventure. Always love to see animals, especially your pups and the gymnastic pooch ( had to laugh at your description ). Also, the horses, of course, and the wild turkeys. I have read that they can fly up into a tree. Haven’t seen that. Thanks for your enjoyable blog with wonderful photos, too. Happy travels, to you.
Thanks, Pamelab. Here’s a link for you. It says that turkeys roost in trees. Scroll down and listen to a turkey!
Turkeys are funny creatures. We have lots where we live. They fly up in trees to roost orto get away from a preditor but will walk up and down a four foot high wire fence for hours and not figure out how to get to their flock on the other side.
Oh my, I believe it! I’ve seen that behavior in chickens.
Thanks, Sue – What a nice site. Thanks for the information. I did listen to the turkeys, too. When I lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I saw lots of wild turkeys, but never heard them. I never noticed a turkey in a tree either, but I did see a big fat woodchuck in a tree. Quite amazing.
I bookmarked that site for future reference.
A woodchuck in a tree? That is surprising! More so than seeing turkeys in a tree…
Jeesh! I barely see this and there are 21 responses! What’s a working person to do?! Well, I will just enjoy the reading and being envious of those first timers!
Hi, Renee,
Your day will come and it will be worth the wait! 🙂
Thanks, Sue!
“The foothills remind me of folds in a blanket”. Who would think of that, but you? 🙂 I’m a bit behind on your posts, but always enjoy each and every one!
Hi, Patti,
Keep enjoying my posts! That’s what keeps me writing!
Only 1 year and 8 months till I can start my journey. I do love seeing your photos and especially the commentary from your canine crew. I hope my blog will be as wonderful as yours is. Thank you
You’re welcome, Peggy,
Create a blog that is yours alone, an expression of who you are, and it will be a success. Wow, it won’t be long and you’ll be launching!
I love the canine gymnast! It made me smile and lol when I read the caption! The journey is always so interesting, Reggie and Ms. B always seem so at home no matter where they roam. Having campgrounds all to yourself would be a pleasure to me…..I love my alone time so much. The landscapes are lovely and horses are great. The freedom you have to explore gives me a peaceful feeling….you are such a blessed lady. I do have one question to ask this time, what cell service do you use traveling? I am researching that now online and would love your insight to that. I know having a life line of some sort is a plus when traveling less traveled roads/places and I would like something a reliable as possible. Thanks Ms. Sue as always for sharing such inspiring and uplifting words and pictures!
You’re welcome, Linda. Thanks for the positive remarks.
About the canine gymnast… That’s the kind of thing I love about travel… the things you see along the way, not necessarily any stupendous destination. Little things that make one smile or give a glimpse into the lives of people of a certain place…
What cell service do I use? I have Verizon for my smart phone and for my internet Mifi. I haven’t checked recently but I believe Verizon has a greater area of coverage than AT&T, for instance.
I’d agree with that. If I could only have one service provider (phone/internet), and I were traveling, it would be Verizon for sure (perhaps a MVNO, but I mean using the Verizon network).
AT&T seems to be catching up, and there are some areas where you can get AT&T and no Verizon. For that reason I have a pre-paid option with AT&T, and I can buy a month whenever I want to (and only when I want to). I have done that a few times when I knew I was going to be in an area with great AT&T and poor to no Verizon (it’s on a cheap tablet and I use it as a hotspot at those times).
But only one or primary one? Verizon for sure for this traveler.
I guess maybe I didn’t clearly say that I do have a “permanent” setup with Verizon, and that’s my primary phone/internet service.
(I’ve had both Sprint and T-Mobile in small doses, but they really seemed to be inferior to both Verizon and AT&T for traveling.)
Pen, I wonder if anyone besides me has no idea what MVNO means. You’ve got to not talk tech with many of us, Pen
I don’t know what it means either, DG, so you don’t have to feel left behind. I do, however, swear by Verizon. I like to get my family & friends on it so you can call anytime for free.
Hi DG and Barbara,
I can’t remember what the acronym stands for, but essentially a MVNO is a company that “resells” one of the main providers’ services. For example, for a few years, you could get a plan with a company called Millenicom, and it was a great deal, but used the “real” Verizon network (legitimately). I think a lot of RV’ers used that one. However eventually I guess Verizon decided it was too much of a good thing, as they took Millenicom’s status away. Right now I have my main service directly through Verizon, because there is not another “long term stable” MVNO like Millenicom was. But who knows what the future will bring.
Sorry if it was too jargony. At any rate, if someone were to ask me what provider to get for general traveling, I’d say Verizon. Then if you want a “hedge,” and connectivity is really important to you, get a prepaid AT&T account that you can activate when/if you like on a month by month basis, for those locations that have great AT&T but poor Verizon. I have that, and have only used it three separate times, but those times it was great as I was ripping along with super fast AT&T in places with very poor Verizon service. But in the vast majority of places, Verizon works great.
Great adventure as always! I love seeing wild turkeys, and yes, they roost in trees! Otherwise they’d be dinner for some hungry coyote or wolf!
The rolling folds in the earth are beautiful! I do miss Autumn here in Florida, but our temps are near perfect now, low to mid 50’s at night and low to mid 70’s days! So glad the brutal summer is over!
Miz Bridget has been such a good big sister for Reggie! She is looking good!
A quick shout out to Piper and Rusty! Glad to see your post and knowing you are okay!
Looking forward to the next RVSue adventure! Hug the pups from us!
Your weather does sound perfect, Geri. Enjoy each day… I always thought fall is the best time of year in Florida.
Geri,
Those temps sound perfect! Just guessing, how long do you think those kind of temps will last? I ask because my Fla coastline trip has been delayed. I am in full-mode to find a newer car for Klemper to replace his old one BEFORE I head out. Do you think those temps will hold two weeks, a month or more before the nights get too much colder? What general part of Fla are you in now? I hope all that Fla sunshine and cooler temps are doing good things for your health issues and that you are feeling better.
Weather Channel says until this weekend! No rain predicted either! We are in the Panhandle area, Apalachicola.
The really cold weather usually waits until after Christmas!
By “really cold” you mean 50!………….Sob
I was trying to think back some years about the weather patterns in Oct, Nov, Dec. I remember going to Orlando and visiting *The Mouse* while there in late November. High winds and burr-cold for what you would think FL should have been, especially since that is central FL away from the coastal winds. Remember it well, ran to the nearest shop to buy a 3/4 jacket as soon as we got off the tram.
But I have camped many times in FL for Thanksgiving with beautiful weather, highs in the 70s or even 80
I have a question, about leaving your trailer, when you go look at another site. Don’t you worry about someone, stealing, or breaking into?
Enjoy the turkey Pics. and they do roost in trees, in my back yard. but i don’t get up in time to see them hit the ground, and meld into the background.
Dave in MO.
Hi, Dave,
No, I don’t worry about the BLT being stolen or broken into. Over four years and not one problem. I do have a lock on the coupler. I realize it could be sawed off. As for someone breaking in, why would someone break into my little trailer when there are bigger “rewards” all over? Plus I have insurance.
Most of all, I don’t worry because it’s not productive. In fact, it’s counter-productive, because worry would lead to living less freely than I do. I try not to let possessions (a fear of losing them) influence my lifestyle.
BTW, thanks for including your location…
I do worry about my rig (although it’s a small Class C not a trailer), and it does crimp my freedom somewhat. So I suppose I’d worry about a trailer too. I haven’t had any problems, and I definitely think Sue’s way of looking at it is the better way!
But of course logic doesn’t always “count” in these things, so in some ways it depends on your personality. I tend to worry, even thought I know it’s (usually) dumb. But then another side of me refuses to not do things, so in the end I strike a balance. Sue’s way is easier 😀
It’s also a matter of probability. I doubt I could leave the BLT in a high-crime area without worry. Of course, I wouldn’t do that anyway.
I completely agree – you wouldn’t want to be in that sort of place by definition.
Those trees now grace my desktop. I am disappointed in Reggie however. Not once did he raise leg on your tour, or maybe you just didn’t see him? The crew looks happy and you sound as though things are going great. I keep an eye on you guys….Keep those wheels turning Missy….
No call to be disappointed, Jim. Reggie anointed many a rabbit brush and rock!
Yes, we are happy. These are my best times. Enjoy the trees. 🙂
Sue,
That dog…Capital C for CUTE! I bet he’s the gym coach for a future Gold Medal winner. He sure looks like he knows his stuff 🙂
Beautiful country there, you captured it wonderfully. Seeing that pretty campground go unused is kinda sad really. Yes, kids are back in school but don’t families still want to get away on the weekends? The weather looks so nice for that! I would think getting away from the tv and video games would be what families would like to do more of, not less. Weekend school activities must play a part in keeping them away. I know, I’m still old-school.
Well, enjoy all your camps. You have had some mighty fine ones, especially of late.
Hi, Pamela K.,
I read your continuing saga of delays of your anticipated Florida coastline trip. As another reader suggested, it may be a blessing you don’t know about. Good luck finding a dependable vehicle for Klemper.
You’re probably right about fall activities keeping families away from campgrounds. Also the $20 a night might be a deterrent for some. Large families around here and often with only one wage-earner, or a second wage-earner with low pay. It’s also hunting season and that’s big in Utah.
Thanks for admiring my photos. I wonder if the pooch jumps on the trampoline with the kids.
Yes, that $20.00 a night really surprised me too. That and the extra fees for any additional cars would put it at $30.00 plus. Way too steep a price for most locals in rural areas most anywhere. Sometimes I DO think the county campgrounds set their prices to high simply as a way to land-bank lands in the name of county parks. It seems to be happening way too often and in many areas of the country. Cities and Counties buying up lands is always a political tap dance where creating a *park/campground is often an easier thing to achieve for them but serves the same purpose when the fees are too high for it to be used by most locals. When that happens, it is often called land-banking in plain sight… Then again, our own campground/marina *resort* is $68.00 a night (full hook-ups) and it’s leased COE property. The current state of campground fees should give us all pause.
Sue, thank you for your kind words about all my delays. I have dutifully refocused my attention to finding Klemper’s newer car. Last fall the rains stopped me for my 10 day trip. Then summer and illness struck. Now this latest delay. I swear some kind of Karma must be in the works. I am NOT going in the water when do I go; JAWS could be awaiting my arrival at this point! HA!
Close—–but no cigar — I will keep trying!!! Great post!!
Thanks, Jenny! Perseverance will win!
Hi, Sue,
Seeing those turkeys reminds me how close we are to Thanksgiving! Turkey day is just around the corner! Loved the golden fall color, and folded blanket pictures.
The picture of the two horses with their heads close together made me laugh. In my mind, they are carrying on the following conversation.
“Is that who I think it is?! No…it can’t be…..I don’t have my glasses handy Midge….what do you ya think?”
“Y’know Clarese, I think you might be right! I do believe that is RVSue and her Crew! I was not sure at first because they had only one wagon…not two. There is the Reginator and Miss B! I can’t believe it!”
“Wow! We got to see the famous Sue for ourselves! For heavens sake, Midge! Stop staring!”
🙂 🙂 🙂
Oh and that BIG dog says, “The kids think our parents bought this nice, super king-sized bed for them…..Ha! The little ones are soooo easily deceived!” 🙂
Thanks for the chuckles, Sue! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Have a great night, fellow blogerinos! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
Cute mini-blog post with dialogue… well done! I enjoyed it. Thanks, and you and Gracie pup have a great night, too!
N’nite!
I come in from loading the Motorhome, as I am taking off in the morning….not for fun but for work AND then some fun, and find another wonderful post. I love your visiting other campgrounds and giving us a detailed report about them. I still see that little flickering lite at the end of the retirement tunnel….I will be joining you soon and you are making my traveling so much easier as you have so graciously paved the way for so many of us…..THANKS
Stay safe out there, Judy
You’re welcome, Judy in east Texas! I appreciate the feedback. I’ve done more campground tours lately than usual. You say I’m making your traveling easier… well, you’re making my traveling more fun! Have a good night…
The clouds in the photo above “We’re here,you can get out now.” are spectacular!That’s a type of gift one can so easily miss if arriving even just a few moments too late.The paint horse is the most gorgeous one I’ve seen in a long time.That day was far more fruitful than just finding the campground that you sought,wasn’t it? Pleasures for all three of you and now for all of your readers,thanks,Sue!
The birds free from intrusion as they swam and ate the abundance of insects is one of my favorite parts of this post.I so love when any wildlife feels safe enough to do that…I’m a big fan of wind so I’d love to stay there when it was blowing through.Most people don’t like it, so even if there were campers nearby they’d likely be inside their abodes enough to let me really enjoy the experience.
The photos I enjoyed looking at the most are Bridget when she was lagging behind and Reggie looking grown up.No surprise there ,I guess,golly what a lovable crew 🙂
Hi, weather,
I agree with you about the paint horse. What a stunningly beautiful animal. Even the mane and tail are “painted.” I do enjoy going for drives with the crew where I can stop here and there and take photos of anything I find interesting or beautiful.
I was glad to see that the birds had their own placid cove, free from people intruding with noise and trash and startling movements. What seems like a negative to us (low water, muck, bugs) are positives for wildlife. 🙂
Thank you for commenting on my photos — that was a great day for cloud-watching — and thanks for loving my crew. N’nite!
N’nite
With a warm breeze at sunrise ,a lone eagle flying across the cove,pine tree boughs bouncing as squirrels collect autumn’s bounty,waiting for the rain the dark cloud bank on the lake showed was coming I lost track of time.Good morning,Sue,I hope the desert air you’re in feels as welcome to you as the sixty degrees temps at dawn outside felt to me.At this time of year in NY state that’s a rare gift.
Will you be moving again soon? If you are I hope it’s to a place not very far away from your current location.There’s so much to love about waking up in the desert,the air and light is like no other environment’s…
Abrupt change of subject-do you like your Lenovo laptop or do you wish you’d gotten a different brand? I ask because I’m going to replace the old Dell one I use now.
Good morning, weather,
The crew and I are settled into a very pleasant, desert home with a lovely view. It’s peaceful (no neighbors) and with trash pick-up! Ha! We’ve been here a few days and will stay several more. Thank you for your hope for us. “sixty degrees temps at dawn”… How delightful for you at this time of year! And with an eagle at sunrise over the cove… 🙂
I like my Lenovo laptop. I liked my Dell, too. It seems the Lenovo is easier to use in outdoors light. Maybe readers will share their opinions and give a review to help you with your decision.
I have had, one Dell Desktop, used it for 12 years in our business and loved it. We then bought and Acer laptop that we used nearly 12 hrs per day for 7 years, before it died. We loved it. Then we found a great deal on an HP. I died after 1 year. What a piece of junk! Since then we have purchased 2 more Acer’s. My husband has a 17 in. that he uses for watching TV shows that I can’t stand. He has had it 5 years. I have the 15.6 in Acer Aspire V-3 that I use everyday, for everything, reading, internet, work, etc. It also has a long battery life before needing to re-charge. I have had it 4 years and we both love our respective laptops.
Kind of like ones choice of rv…I think it all depends on what you use your electronic device for!
I have a dell laptop, Mac air laptop and iPad. I use the iPad 99% of the time. Every unit has it pros and cons individual to the users needs.
We take the iPad everywhere just in case we need to access something..very handy and doesn’t take up a lot of room.
I’m going to jump in with a plug for an iPad. I cannot tell you how much I love my iPad. I have Word on it, and excel, and can do pretty much anything i can do one laptop, but it also works on cellular, like a phone. I can carry it in my purse. It weighs about a pound. They don’t seem to have any service issues. I still have a laptop but never use it. I have both the Kindle app and the ?Nook app so I can download and read books. It is the best, in my opinion.
I’m the opposite. I had a laptop for years, then got an iPad and… I hardly ever use it. I keep it because it runs certain apps I use (mostly mapping and marine charts), and also I can use it for a prepaid AT&T Internet hotspot on a month-by-month basis if I want to, but other than that it gathers dust. I feel “handcuffed” without my laptop, keyboard, and files in a way that the iPad just doesn’t fix. (I have a hotspot/Jetpack, so I do still get online with the laptop via cellular service).
I have friends though who, like you, just live on the iPad, so I guess it simply depends. They are very small/light and non-power hungry, which is great.
(The iPads, not the friends ;))
How nice of y’all to be so helpful,thanks!
I had to take an extra look at the photograph of the house. It looks like a primitive drawing, or one done in fabric. Neat perspective.
Thanks. There is something special about the architecture of that house and the way it is situated in the valley. No other houses are near, the mountains serve as backdrop, and the white fences lead your eye as you approach it. I wonder what architectural style it is.
I’m also wondering about the uppermost part, that section above the horizontal strip of white. There might be soffits all the way around that circulate warm air out of the house…
It looks to me as though it could have been “just” a house with a mansard roof, but then maybe they found out that style wasn’t so great in snow country, due to the flattish top, so then they added a bit of hip roof to the top to fix that? Just a guess. It looks nice, even if it was an adaptation (sometimes that can look really clunky).
Growing up in snow country, you’d see the occasional house wherein someone must have said “Oh, let’s do an adobe style,” or whatever, and then subsequently found out why those are popular in the dry southwest, so there it’d be, an adobe with a gable roof on top, or etc.
The top section doesn’t seem like an add-on to me. It’s integral to the entire design. At one time this blog had a reader who was studying architecture. I wish he/she would comment here! 🙂
I know what you mean about people choosing a house style to build that doesn’t suit the location. That’s a recipe for disappointment and problems.
I think this roof treatment is a modified General Grant or Second Empire style. It looks like it may have been added on by removing the roof that was originally on the one story brick house.
Hi Sue and Crew,
I think I told you awhile ago that my family came from central and southern Utah so its especially interesting to me when you’re traveling there. My grandfather had a house in Monroe, Utah that was similar to the one you pictured in this post. As you know, this part of Utah is mostly of the Mormon faith and many years ago it was even more so. Mormons do not believe in using alchohol. Well, Grandpa Joe had had several careers in his day including being the town sherrif for a few years. After Grandpa was gone, my cousin and I were exploring in the old house. In the attic. We found a small and intriguing panel, which, of course, we dismantled and went through. Inside we were amused and delighted to find an old still! I’m sure old Grandpa had just been making medicinal moonshine. :).
We’re camped near Moab at the moment and plan to head over by Capitol Reef. It looks like we might have some rain on the way. Keep having fun, Desert Woman!
Hi, Marilu,
Love that story of you and your cousin discovering Grandpa’s still! Thanks for sharing it here.
“on the Colorado River above Moab”… A spectacular area! You’ll enjoy Capitol Reef, I’m sure… with or without rain. Happy times!
That county sure does think a lot of its park, don’t they? I’m surprised they don’t charge for people to LOOK!
That roof is interesting……I thought maybe a mansard, but I’m not sure…..never seen one like it.
Ha, indeed. “Don’t be LOOKING without paying the fee now. Did you just glance? We have that on camera.”
Heh.
Hi, Ladybug in Mid TN,
The impression I received when reading the signage at the entrance to the campground and which I didn’t fully convey in this post is that people, probably during the summer months, were coming into the day use area, swimming all day, using the rest rooms, showers, water spigots, boat ramp, etc., probably leaving trash to be picked up, and not paying the day use fee. If hordes of folks do that, I imagine it’s frustrating for those who manage the place and deal with maintenance, repairs, and the budget.
The signs are off-putting for someone who is not a part of that scene and who would never consider avoiding a fee. It’s a “damned if you, damned if you don’t” situation! 🙂
I was thinking of that too. All is great when everyone is mature and acts accordingly. If people abuse things, then what’s the right course of action? At least this way they can say “see, we told you the rules.” The sad part is that it’s even needed (and then of course it somewhat ruins it for those who use common sense and don’t cause problems).
Just this morning I kayaked past a section of private land (I was on a public waterway). I had passed several others that had subtle Private Property signs, no problem, they were informational and blended in. Then came a section with huge, blindingly white, threatening signs every ten feet. Yeah, I get it! Of course to me they really ruined the aesthetics, but maybe the person had had a problem with people who couldn’t respect a subtle sign.
OTOH, once I got past that small section it resumed being a magical paddle. Narrow placid waterway, with smooth-as-silk water reflecting blue skies, green grasses, golden aspens, and in the distance, steep rocky mountains. And something new around every corner! I love that sort of paddle. I even saw some young waterfowl swimming underwater, which I have never seen before. The water was so clear I could see them like they were in air! At first my befuddled brain thought… “Squid? But no they can’t be.” While swimming they do look sort of like a squid though, with streamlined body out front, and these crazy feet out back propelling 180º to each side. Then a duck pops up 🙂
These are such magical fall days, which we are so fortunate to enjoy.
PS: Sue, you would have been proud: I was out the door and on my way at 7 a.m. (even though it was barely 40º, and it would have been so easy to stay burrowed in the blankets).
Great paddling story. I’ve never seen ducks underwater from up above. That would be a great sight.
It was really neat! I had only seen something like it once before, and that was at the Monterey Aquarium, where they have a big glass wall that is the side of an underwater tank. There I saw a loon (IIRC) diving and swimming “underwater.” But this was for real 🙂 I was really surprised how their feet were 180º out to each side – looked funny 😀 😀
Great pictures ! Thank You. The mountains are just breath taking. I imagine they are even more beautiful in person. You had quite a day, horses, dogs and turkeys, oh my. Fur babies look good. Do you ever see snakes? That would scare me with the brush. I just found one on Saturday in my yard. Corn snake but not my favorite thing.
Good info about cell carriers. I just switched to AT&T so….we’ll see when I get (if I ever do) west.
Temperatures in the mid 60’s tonight and mid to upper 80’s tomorrow. It’s getting better. Yay….
Stay safe !!
Hi, Alice (So Fla),
I rarely see a snake. I think I’ve seen three live snakes in four years of camping in all sorts of environments, none of them venomous. I saw more snakes at my house in Georgia.
Thanks for complimenting my photos. I was looking at them again and clicked on the small photo of the paint horse. The mountains in the background of that photo make me wish I’d chosen it to be the large photo.
You are having the best of Florida weather. Enjoy!
The canine gymnast! What a riot! “I don’t GET a 10. I AM a 10,” said canine gymnast to whomever will listen.
Ha, exactly. No effort required. A 10 just lying there.
The canine gymnast…
“Look, I have *People*. They gave me this air conditioned daybed. It even provides me shade under it!”.
I guess having *People* is a good-thing. He/She sure looks richly comfortable.
🙂
The trees and brush, and low reservoir, are very similar to what we are seeing in the eastern Sierras this week. You really captured the sage-filled prairies, and love the horses! Wish I could get Tessa to stand still for every photo – good crew!!
Hi, Jodee,
The crew? Stand still? Sometimes. My camera makes them look like they’re standing still. 🙂
Thank you for the compliment. I look forward to photographing a full reservoir someday!
The pooch on the trampoline was funny. He looks very comfy..probably a better perspective for him …than if he was on the ground.
The house looks like a painting….as did that courthouse with the benches out front.
Nothing worse than snorting flying insects…..RUN!!! Hah
Your stories….always manage to have “flashbacks” to ones childhood! FREEZE!
Reg man is fitting right into to the lifestyle….nice to see him maturing. You and Bridgee are doing a fine job!
Have a great evening.
Hi Cin … Hi Jules … any snow yet?
Hello St Mick
They are mentioning it……on Sunday! So much for fall!
How are you?
Break out the snow shovels! Wax the toboggan! Stock up on firewood! 🙂
“Wax the toboggan!” Wow, that takes me back. Those gorgeous, curving wooden toboggans. We had one with a maroon pad on the sitting surface (leather?). At some point a family member took a movie (movie!) of three of us tobogganing down a hill, and we fell off the toboggan one by one on the way to the bottom. We used to play the movie backwards and just laugh and laugh as, one-by-one, we “popped” onto the toboggan as it flew up the hill 😀
I liked all of these photos. I thought house was most unique. It was so different from other homes I have seen. That Paint horse is just beautiful. I was getting tickled at the turkey discussion. We have so many of them here. Sometimes they fly up and sit on the roof tops. Talk about a strange looking sight, with them being so huge. They love strolling around in the rain looking for food. Last winter, we had some really cold days here with snow on the ground. While sitting in the great room, looking out our glass door, I saw two of them sitting on either side of the stoop railing. Guess they were getting out of the cold wet snow to rest. It was a strange sight.
Wild turkeys act like they want to be around people. More than once I’ve had a flock show up at our camp. It’s funny because they act like they aren’t interested, yet there they are! “Oh, don’t mind us, just passing through, gobble, gobble.” Your turkeys on the stoop is another example…. and what is so tempting in that yard in the photo? Funny birds. 🙂
Great gymnast dog! He looks like he’s holding court – king of the world, what a life.
I agree with Cinandjules, your pictures and stories really take us back. Probably because growing up we spent so much time outside wandering in the fields and woods.
Fall is particularly nostalgic for me. I think because when I’m out in the woods or walking through town, the aroma of fallen leaves is such a strong reminder of childhood. Kicking around in piles of them. Such fun and wonderful memories, which we relived with our own boys. Peonies, lilacs and Lilly of the valley have the same effect on me in the spring.
Thanks again, Sue, for sharing the ride.
You’re welcome, Applegirl NY,
“Peonies, lilacs, and lily of the valley”…. If you had asked me which three blooming plants would best remind me of spring in New York state, I’d pick those three! If I were asked for four, I’d add apple blossoms. 🙂
My internet friend sent me this lovely poster of a dog today and with this saying on it:
“Maybe the reason I love animals so much, is because the only time they have ever broken my heart, is when they’ve crossed that rainbow bridge.” Indeed!! Went to see daughter and family briefly today after several weeks away…heh, the grandkids were happy to see us but the dog was estactic!! Heh…
Hi, Elizabeth in WA,
That poster speaks the truth. I’ve never had a person be so happy to see me that they run in circles around me! I’m glad you had time with your family.
Over many years of camping, hiking and RVing I have come to realize that the price of a campground does not necessarily reflect how attractive it is to camp there. I think of some state parks with $40/day fees that do not look like they could be much fun and I wonder if people reserve sites at them based on a web page. The reservation system must help with some of them and the fact that most campers only get a weekend and face stiff competition for practically everything.
Municipalities, especially, seem overly proud of their facilities while many NFS, BLM, BuReclamation, and Corps of Engineers parks (many designed and built in the 1950s) are remarkably nice (and cheap; especially with a geezer pass).
Most of us don’t have the time to explore and evaluate. Which is one reason we all appreciate you so much. 🙂
WDR
Hi, WDR,
What a nice closing to your comment. It’s good to be appreciated.
Your remarks about campgrounds are supported by my experiences. I remember one “campground” I stopped at which gives an extreme example. I think it was a small town in Idaho that had a tiny park, not much more than a lawn with a rest room and a ball field. The town put in a few electric hook-up poles , side by side, along the parking lot and erected a big sign of rules. The nightly charge was $25! For the privilege of parking in a gravel lot next to the main road out of town! No one was camped there, of course.
I’ve wondered about the disappointment that must be felt by folks who made reservations for the pretty campground they saw online, which was not so pretty in reality. Very sad for working people with precious time to go camping.
I agree wholeheartedly with your second paragraph! We’re in one of those campgrounds as I type this …. 🙂
Hi Sue, Crew and all,
I love seeing the spots you find (oh I could move right in!). We have a ton of OLD campground areas here in Grays Harbor–some that have not been open for years. Several, however are getting revamped. They are cute, and fun… the restrooms are clean and big (and not run by the tokens needed at the state parks–ugh). I am glad to see them reopening… as it means things are picking up in our economy. I have found the prices comparable to the state parks (maybe even a tad less). I went out and camped on the coast for 2 days–80 bucks. I did have hookups, as the propane is not refitted in the new (to me) trailer yet. But 80 buckaroos? I was sort of shocked…
LOVE seeing all the news that is the news. Hugs from–
Hoquiam!
Barb
That’s great to hear, Barb… old campgrounds being opened again.
Eighty dollars for two nights… I can camp for months on that! 🙂
Hi,Sue.I missed morning coffee hour here because I wanted to get some tasks done and then enjoyed some of our glorious autumn scenery and breezes along the lake.The neatest thing happened before sunset .You know that feeling when tired from errands and whatever you come in and feel “Ah-h ,it’s good to be here.” ? I got that when I went into the T@B .Until now I’ve enjoyed being in it each time and been glad and grateful to have such a wonderful “thing”. This is completely different,it felt like home.
For a lot of reasons I hadn’t expected that to happen this soon…,and probably not until I was far away from familiar and loved surroundings.Tomorrow I’m meeting a friend for breakfast and likely will miss morning coffee on here again.Enjoy your time and wonderful crew until we catch up with each other,n’nite