Too cold on the mountaintop, too hot in the valley, just right at our camp

Thursday, June 5 (continued)

1-DSC04782In the last episode of “RVSue and her canine crew,” we leave a lovely alpine meadow to climb further up Badger Mountain.

We travel about a quarter-mile to find that a small avalanche has partially blocked the road. 

Oh, this does not bode well.   The snow on the vertical banks where the road was cut through originally is melting fast in the sunshine.  When these large chunks of snow and ice give way and fall, they carry rocks and dead wood to the road below.  The road we’re on. 

We pass under a few potential avalanches.

The accumulation of snow increases until we are snaking our way between snowbanks.

1-DSC04783I haven’t see snow like this since 1975.

And with good reason.  I don’t like snow.  Where snow is, I don’t go.  So what are we doing on this road!  We could be watching aspens flutter in the sunshine a thousand feet lower on this mountain.

My curiosity says, “Let’s go all the way up to Skyline Drive!”

The tingling in my arms and legs says “To hell with THIS!”  As happened last year, the altitude affects me.  I feel a headache coming on.  At the first chance to turn around, I take it.

Down the mountain we go . . .

1-DSC04785Soon we’re crossing Cottonwood Creek at our Bluebell Camp.

1-DSC04789The crew and I disembark from the Perfect Tow Vehicle. 

I unlock the Best Little Trailer and we step inside.

You know how, when you return home, you look with “fresh eyes” at the condition of the place?

Gosh, this place looks bad.  The rug is dirty.  The quilt is dingy.  After lunch, we’d better make a trip to the laundromat.  The mud is almost all dried up.  We’ll have a fresh start.

Around three in the afternoon, we roll down the mountain to Ephraim.

1-DSC04790-001First we stop at the post office to pick up mail and then we go south about ten miles to the town of Manti.  (I know from our visit last year that Ephraim doesn’t have a laundromat.) Boy, it’s getting warm.  The crew doesn’t need a walk-around.  They’re worn out from this morning.

1-DSC04806I leave Bridget and Spike in the PTV with the windows open.

No one is in the laundromat.  I fill up an extra-large washer with a comforter, quilt, and a couple of towels.  I pour in the laundry detergent, choose the water temperature, slide ten quarters into the slots, and push the mechanism that deposits the $2.50 in the machine.  Nothing happens.

“Son of a gun!”  Nobody around to refund the money.  Oh well, that’s part of the cost of living on the road . . . 

I empty the washer and move the items to one that works.  Later I tape an out-of-order note on the big washer to warn others.

By the time I put the wet laundry into the dryers, the laundromat is stifling hot.

It’s hot outside, too.  I check on Bridget and Spike.  They’re okay but they’re panting. When the bedding is dry, I pull everything out — some things still damp,  load up the PTV, and away we go with the air conditioner on high.  Gee, a few hours ago we were between snow drifts!

1-DSC04805

We return to our camp on Badger Mountain.

I drape the damp clothes (mostly socks) on the antenna wire and the spare tire cover at the back of the Best Little Trailer.  I don’t want laundry to be seen by someone passing by on the road.

I drop into my camp chair.  Ahhh. . . That cool breeze feels good.  The weather is perfect at this elevation.

Friday,  June 6

A stay-at-home day.  Our long walk for the day is up the road and across a clearing and back.  Our short walk is up and down the slope behind camp.  I read a lot throughout the day.  While I’m reading, a deer walks past the window by my bed on its way to the creek.

Saturday, June 7

It’s the weekend!  Here come the weekenders!

1-DSC04798This bunch (above photo) drives right past my window, within six feet of the side of the BLT.   Traffic up and down the mountain continues all day.

I stay inside most of the time, which is unusual for me.  I’m in the middle of a reading marathon.  That’s the way I am.  Either I don’t read at all or I’m reading all the time.

Spike tried out his new light last night!

1-DSC04808A thoughtful and generous reader (Thanks, Cinandjules!) sent the crew two night lights that clip on or hang from a collar.  The primary purpose is to prevent Spike from disappearing during his midnight potty run, like he did for several hours recently, much to my horror.

Since Bridget never leaves my sight, I put one of the lights on a collar for Spike and the other one I’m saving for future use.

It’s funny to watch Spike wandering in the dark with the bright red light in a halo around him.  It’s even funnier with the light set on strobe function, but I don’t do that to him.  I took the photo below without a flash to show how the light looks in action.

Here’s Spike choosing a bush upon which to do his business in the middle of the night.

1-DSC04792Now I ask you . . .

Where else are you going to see such fascinating material as this?

rvsue

THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!

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121 Responses to Too cold on the mountaintop, too hot in the valley, just right at our camp

  1. Janis Harrison says:

    Your Blog is a work of art

  2. Gloria Brooks says:

    Oooh, am I second place today?

  3. AZ Jim says:

    What freedom. Almost like a thermostat, you pick the temperature you and the little guys will live in day by day. Wonderful. I am so glad you found your wings Missy….

  4. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    #2….Whoo-Hoo! 🙂

  5. Hi Sue and Crew. I’m up to 2/2011 on your blog. I’m enjoying every entry and comment and learning a lot. Switching from the past to the present can sometimes get confusing.

    Hugs to the fur balls.

    Cat Lady

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cat Lady… Maybe you mean 2/2012? I didn’t start this blog until 4/2011.

      I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog.

  6. Sue, is that May 5 continued (and subsequent dates) or should that be June 5 continued? Just askin’.

    Cat Lady

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Oh, for heaven’s sakes. I meant June. I’ve been working on the May financial report and forgot what month I’m living in. Thanks for setting me straight, Cat Lady. I went back and fixed it.

  7. mockturtle says:

    Where else are you going to see such fascinating material as this?

    Absolutely nowhere! 😉

  8. Denise - Richmond VA says:

    Hi Sue,

    Looks like four of us hit “post comment” at the same time! The top of Badger Mountain is meant for another time. Glad you listened to your gut.

    Spike looks like Rudolph with that red light…no way he can sneak out of sight now. Could you please add the link again for that light…I would like to pick one up for Gracie.

    When you had your garden did you have problems with voles? I am having a heck of time. Five new perennials are completely gone….perfectly fine until Friday night. I have tried spraying castor oil, putting down the castor based pellets, putting crushed
    Stone in the hole and around the plants, Juicy Fruit gum in the burrows, trying to flood them out. Everything short of putting down poison…I don’t want to do that for fear of
    Gracie getting ahold of it. Any words of wisdom?

    Hope you and the Crew are enjoying your Sunday afternoon! 🙂

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Yes, I had voles in my garden in Georgia. The first two years I didn’t, and then they were everywhere! I never figured out how to get rid of them.

      I can tell you what doesn’t work…. Two rat terriers. Sheesh . . . .

      Here’s the link:

      Ruffwear The Beacon, Red Currant

      • Denise - Richmond VA says:

        Gracie, a Westie, (a breed known for hunting vermin) is an expert digger…are we in China yet?! I end up with a bunch of newly dug holes, but the vole population stays firmly intact!

        When buying thru Amazon, do you get credit for purchases that ship from a non-Amazon vendor?

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Usually, yes. There are rare instances when I don’t (when a link takes you straight to the supplier). Don’t give it a second thought. Nice of you to ask, Denise.

    • katydid in Chicago says:

      Hi Denise,
      We had lots of voles under our front porch and in my kitchen garden. I too tried all the methods you describe with little to no effect. My only solution that worked was to place mothballs in each hole, (pushing them down with a long screwdriver.) Then I filled the hole with “locking stones.” These are sharp edged small stones that “lock” into place with surrounding sand. That is the only method that worked for me. This comes in a small (but heavy) bag of stones and sand mixed together. Those pesky voles did not seem to be able to get around the locking stones and the mothballs kept them away for as long as 4-6 months. Good luck, voles are persistent pests!

      • Denise - Richmond VA says:

        Good morning Katydid,

        Thank you for your suggestion – I will certainly give it a try.

        Hope you have a great day!

  9. Anne H says:

    I love the lighted collar! Probably my biggest fear in traveling with a pet is the fear of losing one.

    So funny how much elevation affects the temp. Here I am in British Columbia and it’s in the mid-80’s!!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Anne H,

      Elevation is the key in summertime. In the winter, go south. The crew and I live in perfect weather almost every day of the year. When a storm comes or a heavy rain, it’s a treat just because it’s something different!

      Mid-80s isn’t bad… If you have air conditioning, a shade tree, a glass of iced tea…maybe some water to swim in . ..

  10. Ladybug in Mid-Tenn says:

    Gee, just call you Goldilocks! It’s about 77 here today with fairly low humidity, and a breeze is blowing. Ahhhhh!!

  11. Patsy from Ontario Canada - North says:

    LOL love the comment about the snow.. ours just went away middle of May we were starting to wonder if we would ever get summer.. seeing snow made me shiver, no no not for another 3 months at least, let us have some sunshine.. LOL.. I love that light on Spike now you will never lose him. ATV’s well I guess if it is a popular road for them then they are expected, but pretty close to the trailer if you ask me.. glad to see that you and the crew where in side and no chance of accidents. Beautiful area, but like you had my fill of the snow this past winter.. Need summer and sun now. take care, happy trails

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Patsy,

      Snow until the middle of May . . . That’s not right!

      Going to the top of the mountain seemed like a good idea, until we were up there. I drove over a section of road covered with hard-packed snow. I’m thinking… Why do I want to drive on this mess? And on a road up in the sky with no guard rails? With a headache and tingling in my limbs?

      I hope you have a lovely, warm summer that lasts longer than usual. You and a lot of other people deserve it!

  12. Mick'nTN says:

    Slow flash on the LED light will do wonders for your battery life.

  13. weather says:

    Simply love your title of this post!Of course the pattern of the narrative goes along with it,clever, cute,gee your good at this stuff.
    Had I experienced those body sensations at that altitude before,nothing would entice me to try it again.Glad you turned around at the first glimmer of a repeat.Couple that with stifling heat within a few hours and it’s no wonder reading while still seemed attractive for two days afterward.
    Pushing the envelope physically is not foreign behavior to me either,as long as the line is respected when it becomes obvious,can’t say as I blame you.It does make for a memorable day to experience three climates,good for you!
    You might be country when…..you pasture your horse and cows together.Now that’s real life,instead of white fenced mown and landscaped corrals with practice jumps set up!
    Spike’s OBVIOUS whereabouts should put your heart at ease,nice gift,what a doll she is,especially to send two “because she doesn’t play favorites”!
    Hope it’s quiet there by now with the week enders going back to their jobs as you remain in your perpetual playground world…

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Haha! Yep, here we are in our “perpetual playgound!”

      I didn’t set out in the morning with the intention of experiencing three different weather environments. It wasn’t until I was driving back to the mountain from Manti that I realized the crew and I went from one extreme to the other. It’s quite wonderful to drive from a hot valley up a twisty road to cool breezes coming in through the open windows. I have a 12v fan I used in the summer of our first year on the road. Once I learned the effect of a change of elevation, I put the fan away and haven’t used it but once or twice since.

      Yes, Cinandjules…. What a sweet, yet practical, thing to do! Not to mention thoughtful and generous . . . And, you’re right, she didn’t want to send a light for Spike without including one for Bridget.

      Yes, the weekenders are gone. All is quiet again on Badger Mountain… Goodnight, John. Goodnight, JimBob . . .

      • weather says:

        Such mastery of language…to use “All is quiet again on Badger Mountain” in a reply- so your readers realize that nostalgia for idyllic scenes can be traded for living them.
        The uniqueness of your being blessed with living it and gifted with phenomenal talent to write about it simultaneously is delightful to behold.
        So very few ever receive either.
        You must at times stand in wonder at the magnitude of love He’s lavishing on you by having given you both.
        The glory of the landscapes around you is diminutive in comparison to that love.
        Because displaying facets about oneself through creating is an expressive way of giving,after all,only parts of oneself to share.
        Directed powerful love is a never ending outpouring of the life in one’s heart to another,and so ,immeasurably greater.
        My esteem of, and affection for you makes it easy for me to see why He chose you 🙂

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          Beautiful, weather. Yes, I am in awe at His love towards me.

          Today I drove a road that crossed green, grassy fields in the valley. The wndows were down. Because I like to see the “little things” and look for photos, I was driving very slowly, hardly moving at all.

          A meadowlark appeared and flew by the open passenger side window, right alongside, keeping pace with us. It was quite an arresting sight. He flew faster and perched on a fence post ahead of us. He sang as we passed him and then flew away.

          Without straining the laws of nature and science, He reminds us of His love.

          • weather says:

            Good morning Sue,Meadowlark serenade,what a perfectly suited to you way to send a message you would notice…
            Another stormy overnight here with soundly sleeping creatures all around me.I find it so gratifying that my once struggling little girl dog was given peace with something called Thundershirt,also perfectly suited as I’ve so often heard Love spoken through thunder.May your day feel as full of promise as mine does!

            • rvsueandcrew says:

              I’m happy the Thundershirt calms your pup. I admit I had my doubts when I first saw the product. Now I’m convinced.

              Have a glorious day, weather.

            • Connie & Mugsy (MN/AZ) says:

              Sadly they don’t work on all dogs. It didn’t really seem to affect Mugsy.

  14. Marcia GB in MA says:

    Spikey with your light so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight? (In honor of the high altitude snow).

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Cute! I’m chuckling as I type this, Marcia.

      Spikey with your light so bright, won’t you hurry up and pee tonight? It’s cold out here!

  15. Chaunte Cole-Walker says:

    Hi Sue! I’ve been following you around on your adventure for a month or so now!
    Last week I went back to the very beginning and am slowly catching up. I have thoroughly enjoyed every step of the way! I feel like I am there! I’ve wanted to
    live in an RV and travel all over the U.S. for as long as I can remember.I am in the beginning stages of planning to make my dream happen! I am currently downsizing
    my belongings. It feels great to rid myself of “things”! I’ve also been researching travel trailers to see what’s available. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! I look forward to getting caught up in this adventure as well as the adventures yet to come!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Chaunte! Welcome to my blog!

      I’m glad you are reading my blog from the beginning as you downsize and make other preparations for living in an RV, because you will learn a lot of valuable and relevant information (as well as a lot of nonsense, too). A good deal of the helpful information is found in the comments from readers.

      You will read about the ups and downs of others, like yourself, who dream of living full-time on the road and are working toward making it happen.

      Thanks for writing. I hope we hear from you again!

  16. DesertGinger says:

    So, Goldilocks Walton, I presume? You not only seem to be in a reading marathon, you are channeling characters as well! I forgot to mention that I went to LA via interstate 8, and was so excited to realize I passed thru your winter stomping ground. Sidewinder Road, Algadones turnoff…it was too cool! Some other place in CA I have forgotten right now.
    Spending my day on last minute chores. Vacuumed and mopped my house,cleaned my kitchen, battening down the hatches in my carport for the soon approaching monsoon season. Tomorrow I want to try to get a last minute temporary handicap plate, plus send some packages via UPS. And send some important mail. Trying to get everything handled so I have no worries.
    They have wifi at the hospital, so I can keep up with you from there. Don’t know about the rehab place. I will download a bunch of books to my iPad so I’m prepared, just in case.
    I love that Spike has the light. No more terrible scares. I felt so bad for you. I can easily imagine the agony if Chloe was missing like that. But he would have to go a long way for that light to be missed.
    Weather, thank you for your lovely comments about how I am used to pain…that was a great reminder and did ease my mind.
    This is the best blog!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      It’s the “best blog” because of people like you, Ginger, and weather and all the other readers who drop in. Your comments add much to make this an interesting place to visit. Weather with her insights and observations and you with your sincerity and make-it-happen approach to life, from starting a new chapter of your life in AZ to getting those dang knees replaced and making all those preparations by yourself. I’m impressed with how thorough you are. You are quite a woman!

      Maybe it was a sign for Borrego Springs or the Salton Sea . . . or Wellton where I got stuck in sand!

      • Cinandjules (NY) says:

        We will be thinking about you….don’t you worry about anything but healing! Once dem knees are good to go….watch out world…desert ginger will be on the loose!

      • DesertGinger says:

        Wow! Thanks everyone! I am to report at 7:15 tomorrow for an 8:45 curtain. Show time! So great to have this cheering team! See you guys on the flip side with my improved body! I’ll change my tag to bionic Ginger 🙂

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          You’re going to be surprised how well everything goes… from arrival through recovery. Go, DesertGinger, GO!

    • weather says:

      Nice to hear your minds more at ease!Also glad to hear you’ll have wi-fi.First,because you can express relief or whatever you’re feeling to us, people that care about you.And second because you’ll probably turn half the staff into blogorinos 🙂

    • Mick'nTN says:

      Best wishes DeGin, Just keep the Happy side up and the blue side down and remember that a lot of “Blogarinos” will be sending good vibes.

    • Krystina McMorrow says:

      WOW!! Your “plan ahead” attitude is fantastic. Keep up your good spirit and remember that all of us are with you. Happy to hear you have WiFi so you can let us know how you are doing. Good Luck!

    • Denise - Richmond VA says:

      Good morning DesertGinger,

      Best of luck with your surgery – you will be our thoughts and prayers. Glad that you will have access to wi-fi so you can keep up with Sue and her Crew.

      Sending you sunshine and postive vibes!!! Surgery, rehab and recovery will soon be in your rearview mirror! 🙂

  17. Cinandjules (NY) says:

    The snowbanks are actually quite pretty. Not the avalanche part. Oh oh…tingly feeling and headache. Does it go away as soon as you get to a lower elevation?

    Laundromats are always fun aren’t they? ;). Hang yer bloomers and bras out and you’ll certainly won’t have any clingers! Hah!

    Oh my! That is VERY bright! Hmm …it may also be a deterrent to any stalking wildlife. I don’t believe the blinking function will bother Spike at all. Disco Spikey!

    Like I mentioned Camp Ugly is in your rear view mirror! I’m glad it works for you…and him. Peace of mind!

    The ruffwear beacon can be used for visibility for city dog walking, joggers or hikers. Use provided link 😉 The battery lasts 50 hours on steady. Good looking out Mick! Batteries are commonly found where watch batteries are sold..two CR2032 batteries. WRITE that number down somewhere Sue.

    Enjoy your evening….. Hugs to you and the crew!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Cinandjules,

      I wrote down the battery number like a good girl. Yes, the light is bright. That’s a good thing! It will be visible through tall grass and bushes. Thank you very much! Blogorinos appreciate the gift, too. No one wants to go through Camp Ugly, Camp Heartache again!

      The tingling and beginnings of a headache go away immediately. By the time we passed the alpine meadow i was fine. Bridget was whiny up there. Don’t know if it bothered her, too, since just about everything on earth bothers her.

      Yeah, laundromats… If I run out of blog material, I can always go to the laundromat and make a story out of nothing. Bras? What bras?

      Have a good night. Snuggles to AO!

      • DesertGinger says:

        OMG! I always feel like I have to wear a bra and I hate them….now I feel like I got permission for au naturel!

  18. Diann in MT says:

    Thanks Cindandjules for supplying the NightSpikeLight,. We followers were overwhelmed by Sue’s grief when she lost Spike for a night. May this never happen again.
    Diann

  19. Elizabeth in WA says:

    Sue, that is so right…where else will we find a site that covers so many things!! That light for Spike is amazing!! I hope it works forever!! A nice gift!!

    I assume from how you put it, that you read indoors mostly? It must stay cool enough inside? We love perfect temps too…and one of these days when we can find them at a price we like, hubby and I are planning to each get what he calls whitelight kindles to read books on!! We are watching now!! And get set up somehow in our little breezy sunroom to have a couch or some such to rest on while we read!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Elizabeth,

      I like to read outside, as long there isn’t a chilly breeze which sometimes we have here on the mountain. This camp is somewhat exposed to the road. I know if I get out my lounge chair and settle back with my Paperwhite to read, someone will drive their vehicle under my neck. It’s comfortable inside the BLT. I’m very pleased how I can regulate the indoor temperature by opening/closing windows, the door, and the ceiling vent.

      Sometimes I read inside simply because Bridget wants to cuddle and nap next to me in the bed as I read.

      I assume by “whitelight” your husband means a Paperwhite. I hesitated replacing my kindle with a Paperwhite. Once I did, I was very glad. I like how I can read at night with all the lights off and there isn’t any glare when reading outside.

      Your “breezy sunroom” sounds delightful.

      • Elizabeth in WA says:

        Oppsss…heehee…got the name wrong…you are right that is what he thinks we need…yea, so we can read anyplace without lights on!!

        My sunroom is a mess of sorts presently…but we are working on what to do…cause now that daughter’s house is about sold, we have more time to do our own thing.

  20. Only here can we get this awesome reading material. People will be quite upset when they discover that they missed Spike in his red glow!! So glad I was tuned in today, as I am ever day:)

  21. Susan (MO Ozarks) Smith says:

    Sue, thanks to your blog, we are looking at Lance trailers. Yes someone from CA said they were going to purchase a Lance & since we had never heard of them, we have been looking at that line. The ride up the mountain this week looked quite scarey, if not dangerous with the snow melt/slide. It was a relief for this reader when you turned around & came back down. Like you, my opinion of snow is not favorable (4 letter word in fact)..so one of our goals is to avoid that type of precipitation when we fulltime RV! Thanks again for another fun diary entry!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re welcome, Susan.

      That’s interesting how a comment here led you to look at a certain line of trailers. I continue to be surprised and delighted how this little blog influences people. I hope you find a trailer perfect for you!

      I didn’t go far into the snowy part of the mountain. I don’t seek out challenges. I face them when they come along. I never, even in my youth, was one to rise to a dare. Once driving became more work than fun, I turned around. It did give me something to write about though!

  22. Ron in TX says:

    Your killing me with the pics of mountain and aspens the last few day,I love that high country.
    Two more weeks and I will be headed there for a few day ,cant wait
    Ron

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Great timing, Ron! In two weeks the mud will be gone (most of it has dried up around here) and many more wildflowers will be in bloom. The dandelions are starting to show and every time we go down the mountain I see different varieties of flowers appearing along the way.

  23. Dee says:

    Hi Sue! I read your blog and enjoy it. I was wondering if you have any trouble hooking the trailer up to your Van by your self? I am trying to decide weither to buy an Rv or a trailer. You must be good at backing it. Also do you ever see used trailers like yours? Thanks, Dee from Washington

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Dee,

      No, I don’t have any trouble hitching or unhitching the BLT. Sometimes I can hitch up in a few back-ups and other times it takes several tries, getting out of the seat and going back to check after every move. Big deal. I’m not in a hurry.

      I’ve found that the coupler on the BLT and the hitch ball on the PTV can be persnickety, even when lined up perfectly. In other words when I lower the coupler onto the ball, the latch engages when it shouldn’t. This is easily avoided by giving the hitch ball a squirt of WD-40, which I now do as a matter of routine.

      If by “trouble” you are referring to not enough strength, that’s not an issue even with a manual (not electric) jack.

      The only used fiberglass trailers I see are being enjoyed. You can find them on forums like fiberglassrv.com and casitaforum.com, but you have to be prepared to check often and act immediately. People buy used Casitas, sight unseen, because they sell very quickly. Good luck!

  24. Mark Watson says:

    Your blog is always a good read…. fascinating too.
    Somewhere between Denton, Tx and Utah, and sleeping in the Casita tonight….. yippeeeeeee !!!!

  25. Kay says:

    Rudolph! I love it!!!!!!!! Stay the heck out of that snow…. YUCK!

  26. Glenda in OZ! says:

    Fascinating material………….no where else but here on your blog Sue……..love it !! I immediately thought of a reindeer, looking at Spike with his light…………such a good idea for you and what a thoughtful and kind blog reader……..

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Glenda,

      What you wrote about reader Cinandjules is very true and, yes, my Spikey does make a very cute reindeer!

  27. Krystina McMorrow says:

    Your readers ARE fantastic!!! I read every reply and have learned soooo much from them. Best blog on the planet

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Krystina,

      Yes, my readers are wonderful. Every morning I put on the coffee pot and open up my laptop to comments, starting the day with my two addictions!

      “Best blog on the planet”…. very high praise. Ha! I thank you on behalf of all the readers who write comments and make my blog what it is.

  28. Geri Moore says:

    I love Spikey’s new “night” light! We used to have a similar one for Chuck’s dog Bobby! It will be a big help! brrrrrrrrr that snow just looks too cold! You really rode the thermometer that day, from snow to heat to just right! Except for the ATVer’s, seems you have found another great place to just BE !!!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Geri,

      I’ve come to the conclusion that ATVers are everywhere, even at the great places! There’s something about sitting on a loud, motorized vehicle with open top and sides that makes people disrespectful of boundaries. I’m trying to accept it, but I admit, it’s difficult for me.

      Not one of those ATVers thought, “Gee, there’s someone camping. It’s mid-afternoon. Maybe they’re taking a nap. Maybe they’re on the phone. Maybe they towed their camper up this mountain because they like peace and quiet. Maybe they don’t want me and my friends running loud vehicles under their bedroom window.” Haha! Rudeness reigns!

      I’m trying to be tolerant. I really am.

  29. My mother was born and raised in Manti. Her father was superintendent of schools. Their house is still there, but it has been added onto, doubling its size.

  30. Susan Wade says:

    Hi Sue,
    I was at the north rim of the Grand Canyon with my two dogs and my Casita when I met a couple from Lake Tahoe who also had a Casita. They asked me if I was ‘RVsue and her canine crew’. They had only heard of you recently and not read your blog. I had to chuckle as I’ve read all your blog posts and gleaned everything I could to ease my immersion into the RV world. I told them, though I travel solo with two dogs, boondock a lot and value my privacy, that I was not THE infamous RVsue.

    I have an idea for a spot in Oakley, Ut in the cool Unita mountains if you are heading that way. email me…

    from Susan with two dogs

  31. JodeeinSoCal says:

    Love the pic of the horse family – so peaceful. If everyone took the two minutes it takes to post an “out of order” sign, return the shopping cart, pick up a piece of trash, park between the lines…….humans would know peace in the every day of living. Character is what you do when no one is watching. On behalf of the next person who needed to wash a large load – thank you for the sign :-). Glad you found your “baby bear” location and returned to it safely. Avalanches and altitude-sickness – quite the adventure!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Jodee,

      What a contrast between your comment and the one that follows! Yes, all it takes is consideration for others.

      One of my concerns is that the next person will come along, pour more detergent in the washer, and somehow it will work and then soap bubbles will pour out all over the place.

  32. Jim says:

    Generators, ATV’s, Weekenders! Bitch, Bitch, Bitch, Do you think that you are the only person who enjoys the outdoors?!? Is it only for you? Piss and moan, Piss and moan

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      You’re a jerk. Something tells me I struck a nerve… Your rudeness, perhaps?

      Several of my readers are ATVers. You know why they don’t write rude comments toward me? Because they drive their ATVs responsibly and with consideration for others. They don’t drive off designated trails, tearing up the landscape. They don’t make figure-eight scars on the desert ground. They don’t drive their ATVs in circles around someone camping (had that happen) and they don’t drive under someone’s window when there are other places to drive. They don’t take short-cuts that ruin campsites.They don’t drive their ATV every time they need to go from their campsite to the restroom. They don’t smash cacti for the fun of it. They don’t make tire marks on pristine beaches. They don’t park next to a campsite and rev the motor or leave the motor running while they wait for their buddy to arrive. They don’t go ATVing after a rain in order to splash mud, making deep ruts in roads until they are ruined. They slow down when passing a pedestrian or a campsite in order not to throw dust. They don’t toss trash as they drive. They don’t bump picnic tables for the purpose of destroying them (seen that, too!). They don’t take up the time and energy of rangers who work hard trying to control destructive behaviors. They don’t do things that result in roads being closed to everyone.

      I realize that some ATVers would not be able to see the beautiful places I go to if it weren’t for their ATVs. I see disabled people on ATVs and people whose age prevents them from taking long walks. More power to them! I think it’s wonderful that they have a way to get out in nature.

      You need to learn some manners, Jim,Daniel, particularly when you drive your ATV and run your generator.

      Thank you for writing. My comment doesn’t come close to the great job you did illustrating the hostile and inconsiderate attitude of SOME ATVers and generator-users.

      • Denise - Richmond VA says:

        AMEN, Sue!!!!

        Jim/Daniel comes off as a cowardly, vile, angry little man. Hope there is a way to block him.

        AZ Jim…it never even crossed my mind that the hateful comment could have been made by you!! 😀

        • rvsueandcrew says:

          I gave him all day to respond. Apparently he got the message that he doesn’t belong here. I’ll block him now.

  33. AZ Jim says:

    Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Hear Ye…Let it be know by those assembled here and spread the word throughout the land that the Jim in the forgoing nasty rant is not the AZ Jim who posts here. I have petitioned the King to remove this person from the city gates and forever banish him to wander the vast wilderness beyond, alone and stripped of a name that has served me well these 78 years.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Oh, Jim… No one could possibly mistake that comment as coming from you. His name isn’t Jim anyway. It’s Daniel. (My apologies to the good Daniels!)

      Let me keep his comment posted. It’s an excellent example of the kind of people that don’t belong on my blog. He sticks out like a sore thumb. Plus it’s fun for me to put his kind in their place for everyone to see and enjoy!

      Your comment is cute, though. Haha!

    • Cinandjules (NY) says:

      Never crossed my mind either Az Jim!

      Hah! The little man can’t even post his “real” name. Daniel you are a coward!

      May I remind you that this ISN’T your blog. There are plenty other blogs that you can co-mingle in that have the same thought process as you.

      Have a great day!

      Oh one more thing…..bless your heart!

      • rvsueandcrew says:

        That’s tellin’ him! 🙂

        • Cinandjules (NY) says:

          Could ya’ll hear my southern accent?

          😉

          Enjoy your evening!

          We just had quinoa…I had it in CA and thought Jules would like it! It’s kind of like a lighter rice…per se. She loved it!

          Have you ever tried it?

          • rvsueandcrew says:

            No, I haven’t. Just what I need… another carbohydrate to love. I know, I know, it’s a complex carb. All that means is I get a complex wide butt.

            Have a good night, y’all!

  34. WTXCal says:

    WOW! That guy’ rude, negative comments just make me appreciate your blog even more. It’s so nice to read all the positive, uplifting thoughts everyone shares. A true jerk he is.

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I am blessed with readers of high caliber. It’s a pleasure to open up comments every day and read uplifting messages and notes of caring not only for me, but from blogorinos to fellow blogorinos.

      I almost deleted his comment which is common practice of bloggers. I believe one of the reasons this blog doesn’t receive many hostile comments is because I don’t let the jerks get away with it. People who go from blog to blog writing angry remarks are bullies hiding behind anonymity, like using a different name as this jerk did.

      I’ll expose them for what they are and give them some of their own medicine which invariably causes them to crawl back into their World of Darkness. Kind of like turning a light on cockroaches . . . 🙂

  35. Sue (Alabama) says:

    First let me say “Yahoo RVSue” your reply to Daniel was spot on!! I love this blog and all the readers and it hurts me to read something so unbelievably insensitive written to such a great lady. You handled it great.

    Second I took my Yorkie, LaciLou to the vet for some exams and we started talking about her diet, raw, then I started to talk about Bridgette and her weight gain and could she advise me on helping. She stated that the raw diet could be the cause of the gain as there can be more fat in it. She suggested that you cut back a little and mix with some kibble and see if that helps. I told her about your travels and the challenges of find decent kibble. She was so interested in you and the crew I think I made her late for the next appointment!

    Love reading your blog and wishing I was there! Don’t the let the nasties get to you!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Hi, Sue (Alabama),

      Great to see you here! I don’t think I have many readers from Alabama. Your first paragraph is very kind. Don’t worry about the “nasties” getting to me. 🙂

      How thoughtful of you to ask the vet about Bridget’s weight. I’m pretty sure her fat is not the raw diet because Bridget has carried this weight for several years and the raw diet was started only a few months ago.

      LaciLou… cute name!

  36. PH says:

    The shadows that are created by the red night light Spike looks like he has a pair of giant reindeer antlers!

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      I know! That’s what I see, too. It’s an odd sight watching that red orb move around the campsite. At last, Spikey’s sneaky ways are foiled…. heh-heh.

  37. Lolalo says:

    Laughing out loud at your last sentence! Literally.

  38. Kay says:

    Looked all over your site for a “contact” me link/button and I am either blind, or you must not have one. So, be on the look out for a $25 gift card from Americas Mail because I gave your Name/Blog as a referral!

    Thanks for giving me that nightly “relaxer” dose of “RVSue and her Canine Crew”

    • rvsueandcrew says:

      Thanks so much, Kay! You’re very thoughtful.

      You’re not blind. I don’t post my email address and I rarely give it out.

  39. BadgerRickInWis says:

    Ok, somebody has to do it.

    Spikey the red nosed Rat,Chi
    Led a very special life
    And if you ever met him
    You would know he knows no strife
    All of the other nutcakes
    Used to love him every day
    They always let old Spikey
    Take a soak along the way

    Then one dark and dreary night
    Sue came out to say
    Spikey with your neck so bright
    You won’t give me such a fright
    Than all the nutcakes smiled
    Knowing Spike was safe and sound
    Spikey the Red nosed Rat/Chi
    You’re the sweetest boy in town

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