The people of Ely and White Pine County, Nevada, are proud of the area’s rich history, as they should be.
Murals along Ely’s main street and inside the Hotel Nevada show scenes from the past.
Pony Express (Note the telegraph wires going up,)
Rather than me posting several photos of murals, if interested, do a search for “images of Hotel Nevada murals.” See if you can find the . . . um . . . lady with the peek-a-boo pantaloons. Shocking!
Basque shepherd (No, the peek-a-boo pantaloons aren’t in this mural!)
In the previous post I promised to show photos of the old railroad depot and museum. I do want the railroad buffs to be happy so here they are!
East Ely Railroad Museum
But I don’t feel like talking about the old train depot and the museum. I’ll stick the train and museum photos in between other stuff, okay?
Somebody knew how to make their luggage easy to find!
Wow! Did you see the comments under the previous post?
I turn everything over to my readers while I enjoy a break from commenting. Well, I don’t know how the word gets around. Someone must have whispered across the blogosphere, “Hey, RVSue’s not here. It’s time to PAR-TEEE!”
As I type this there are over 340 reader comments written under the previous post.
What fun for me to sit back, relax, and learn more about those who read my blog. I hope it’s fun for you, too. What a great group of goodhearted, helpful, interesting people come here!
You can see what I’m talking about by clicking here .
Railroad Express Agency
You know something? It’s pretty darned hard to write something interesting in between a bunch of railroad photos. Let’s see . . .
View from the depot’s platform
Our camp at Ward Mountain Campground continues to be a quiet, peaceful camp.
No one is here and rarely does anyone drive through the campground or the road leading to it, except for the forest service occasionally. Of course, the lack of campers is because of the cold.
Bridget and Reggie going down the steps at the railroad depot.
I don’t mind the cold.
It’s a rare experience ever since I retired and it became possible for me to choose where I want to live on any given day. This touch of winter is a nice change and I love change!
I run the Wave 3 propane heater a lot.
Some days I have it on all day. Usually it becomes too warm inside by mid-afternoon. I turn it off for a few hours and then fire it back up before the evening chill returns. I always turn it off to sleep.
Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation?
Overnight lows have been in the high 20s with daytime highs in the 30s to 50s. No problem with pipes freezing (knock on fiberglass!).
That building reminds me of one-room schoolhouses.
This post is as dull as dirt in a pile and it’s going nowhere.
Here’s another railroad pic. I can’t take it anymore. I’m going for a walk with Reggie and Bridget. See ya’ later!
A train and train tracks. . . z-z-z-z-z-z-zzzzz.
Wednesday, April 8
Reggie stirs from under the covers and proceeds to lick my face, burrow his nose into my neck, jump on my shoulder, dig into my head, and growl while he wiggles his tail. He knows I’m not asleep. I was up earlier to turn on the heater.
“Okay, Reggie, I get the message.”
I sit up laughing as Reggie excitedly jumps back and forth over the sleeping Bridget. I slip my feet into my Bearpaw boots. I put Reggie into his sweater and clip the leash to his collar. No point in waking Bridget this early.
Grabbing my coat, I open the door of the Best Little Trailer and . . .
Snow! Again!
Our campsite’s picnic tables in the early morning light
The step has a layer of snow on it about 2-3 inches deep.
“Hold on, Reggie. Let me get the broom first.”
I close the door to keep Reggie inside while I sweep off the step and blue mat.
I’m glad I put the lounger and the rest of the mat in the PTV yesterday. . .
It’s a very light, fluffy snow, easy to sweep.
“Okay, Reggie Man. You can come out now.”
I take hold of his leash before stepping inside for the camera.
Then we go outside.
“What happened, little guy?”
“Oh my gosh, look at the PTV!”
Needless to say — but I’ll say it anyway — it’s COLD!
“Let’s make this quick, Reggie.”
Like I said, not one other camper here. . . hmmm . . . .
“C’mon, Reg. You can do it. We’ll sight-see later. Do your business . . . please!”
See the depth of the snow on the campsite post?
“Way to go! We have lift-off!
Together Reggie and I sprint to the BLT.
Bridget isn’t quite awake yet.
I caress her cheek with the back of my hand.
“Keep sleeping, honey. It’s early.”
The glassy-eyed stare of a semi-conscious Bridget
I make a pot of coffee and flip on the computer.
After several minutes, I feel eyes in the side of my head.
Reggie is concerned when I stare at the computer or the Paperwhite.
“I’m okay, sweetie,” I reassure him as I kiss his head and pull the covers around him. “I’m checking the blog. Go back to sleep.”
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
The snow melts quickly around our home.
Hi RVSue! I hope I am first, just for the fun of it. I have been enjoying your travels and search for a new crew member. You bring joy to my day. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Lois . . . Where is milton?
Hi Sue,
Milton is in northwest Florida near Pensacola.
-Lois
I was suposed to fly to Pensacola for a meeting with the Ropellas in Milton but had to delay because I was taken with the flu. Do you know them? Janet
Welcome back Sue, I missed you! Really!
Well…….I did not see that one coming…snow, again….what great changes for you, last month, hot in the desert, drive a little and wham! Snow…beautiful country…I think I like Eeeee-Leeeee. The pictures I have to admit made me cold, but I know that is something that you and the BLT can handle…it looks like Reggie is none for wear also….I hope it gets warmer there Sue, it is a beautiful place to scout around….Enjoy your day and thanks for the new Post…Whew…that last one was BIG…and you did not respond, could have been upwards of 600 comments….thats what happens when you leave us to our own devices….we blow them up! Ha!.
I was with you, watching from the sidelines. It was fun!
Oh that was you there with me? Thank you, I felt you…just that little something sitting on my shoulder. Hugs to you and the little ones.
Sue, what are you talking about? This is a great post! We went from historic murals, trains with vivid colors, to a beautiful snowy scene, and then really cute pooches. Love it!
Thanks, Tara.
I second this post! Reggie’s cute face makes it for me!
That little guy makes me smile and giggle every time I look at him!
Someone said they think he knows that he is looking cute. I agree. I can just hear him say, “I’ll give them my glad-to-be-adopted look!”
First?
Nope darn, I must have snoozed through the trains, too…
🙂
Woo hoo! First?
Hi, Ann . . . Where in the world is tz? You’re in Time Zone?
Texas….Guess I don’t type well til afternoon! 😀
I thought yesterday’s comments were amazing! It made me feel like we were all one big happy family.; you know, that warm fuzzy feeling. Thanks for giving us all the opportunity to introduce ourselves!
You’re welcome, JanisP. It was an amazing thing to watch unfold!
BTW… anyone reading this… Feel free to talk about yourself, your rig, your plans… Just because I’m here doesn’t mean you have to fade. 🙂
Brrrrrrr!, Sue! Little bit warmer here at Pahranagat but too windy to fish! Today we are going to see the visitor center. Also heard there is a Laundromat in Alamo. Nights are cold as we do not run heater at night either. Love that down comforter!. If cold continues we may skip Dave Deacon this trip and check in at an RV park at Ely. Couple days there and then onto Jackpot.
Wow, Jackpot, great place on the Nevada Idaho border…I guess that is where you are heading…safe travels, I wish I was following.
Hi, Kathy and Gil,
Back in the 70s this weekend in Alamo, 40s at night. Report for Sunnyside (Dave Deacon) shows 74 on Monday.
That Visitor Center is exceptionally good, I think. I didn’t go to the laundromat in Alamo. It’s a tiny, concrete block building across from the RV Park behind the grocery.
Sometimes an RV park is the answer… Whatever you do, enjoy!
Yay, I was first. Now I can die happy. Don’t worry all you first wannabees, I am satisfied and won’t vie for this coveted spot again.
Now I am off to the local library to get a book you reccomened Sue, “Take me with you.” It’s wonderful when one can narrow a search for a good book by looking at anothers favorite. PS, the snow looks so lovely….
Chances are you’ll enjoy that book, Lois. I still don’t know where Milton is, but I do know it has a library. 🙂
Oh, and congratulations on being first!
I’m always so amazed at how clean and well kept the little towns are. I loved the train pictures and the snow was amazing! It’s overcast and threatening to rain here in Dallas. Spring has finally arrived and is trying to make up for lost time.
Hi, Susan… I think some of these western towns are swept clean by the winds that sweep through the valleys between mountain ranges.
Rain is a good thing.
we spent the nite one time at the Imperial Hotel in Cripple Creek Colorado and I was wakened around 3 am and looked out the window at main street and the fire dept was washing the street and sidewalk down….of course we had the window open since there was no AC in the hotel….
chuck
My husband and I spent an afternoon and night in Ely a few years ago on our way home from a big trip. We didn’t get to see much there but we did go to a place southwest of town where you could dig garnets.
Hi, Becky… “Southwest of town”… Probably not far from where we are camped.!
If the ground is frozen under all that snow, you may need a pickaxe to dig for garnets! 😉
I only have a reliable computer at work, I did not have time to read all the commets in the last post. I will go back someday when I need my RVSue fix and RVSue isn’t writting anything that day. I go back and read comments at those times. I love this post also. I love trains. I would love to visit this museum. Do they have a train ride too? I used to live in Ogden years ago and was in Ely several times. It has been so long ago, I am sure everything has changed.
It is full blown Spring here now. Everything is blooming and leafing out. My dark blue car is yellow with all the pollen. I do not miss the late springs in that part of the country. I love hot weather. Tuscan was great. Pictures of the snow are great though. Enjoy your time there.
Hi, Jean. . . . Yes, you can go for train rides. Pets aren’t allowed though.
“Ride Back in Time” – Nevada Northern Railway
Enjoy your springtime and flowers…
Some really bad train puns:
Old railroad engineers never die. They just lose track.
How do you find a missing train? Just follow the tracks.
If I lose my train of thought, will I go down the wrong track?
Those who steal trains must have a loco–motive!
What is the difference between a conductor and a teacher? A conductor minds the train and a teacher trains the mind.
I used to be a railroad conductor, but my boss found out I wasn’t trained.
I’ve been meaning to make a list of bad railroad puns…but I keep getting side tracked.
What do you call a train that sneezes? Achoo-choo train.
Wonderful, more, more!
Hi, John K. … Those are so bad they have me laughing! Haha!
LOL….Thanks John…that was a HOOT HOOT
In spite of myself, I laughed.
Too bad on the No Pets thing….what’s that all about?
They’d get twice as many customers.
😉
Had me laughing!!
Cindy….The website at the link I posted for the railway states that there are hazards for pets…. oh well….
I love those puns. Good for a great laugh. Got any more?
Well…yeah, if you let them run around all over the place.
“Rolls Eyes”
Me thinks they are not giving people credit for the ability to hold onto their own pets.
Heck, when we went on the Ferry to cross the lake to Mackinac Is. in MI…even though I “knew” we were OK taking the dogs on the Ferry…I STILL half expected them to stop us at the gate and say, “No dogs…too dangerous.”
But we each just sat in a seat and held our respective dogs as we flew over the water. It was amazing!
All it takes is one “incident” with an owner not keeping control of their dog, and then the “no pets” rule appears.
Yeah, Bridget and Spike were well-behaved ferry riders, too.
Love the puns. Very good for a few laughs. Thanks
My side hurts from laughing…thanks for posting this.
Hi Sue-you’ve shown me another great place that I can look forward to visiting. I always thought Nevada would be boring but your posts have shown otherwise! I love the murals!!! Thanks for letting us travel there, too!
You’re welcome, Alesa… It’s pretty hard to find a place on this earth that is truly boring, and even more difficult in this country. Of course, it helps to have the wheels and the time to find what’s interesting. 🙂
I loved the train photos!
I take the train every chance I get…steam, short trips, Amtrak…whoda thunk this old lady would get a kick outta trains?
See, you give to all of us!
Snow photos are so cool…loved them… You should get some nicer weather coming up, we had rain and hail two days ago, and our beautiful blue skies are back..as it usually moving east from here, nice weather is on its way!
Hi, Lee J.,
I would like to ride a train if I could do so without a crowd of tourists and a narrator, only the crew in the seat next to me…. That would be fun.
I’m glad you liked the photos… This weather is fine with me. We’ll have plenty of “nice” days soon. Enjoy your blue skies!
I’m sure you rode on the Tweetsie Railroad Sue, that was so long ago my Dad was still alive, fun memory of the fake Indian attack, and the Ghost Town shoot out. Mom and I rode a narrow gauge RR in Cripple Creek Colorado, another fun time, and of course all my Subway rides when I lived in NYC…lots of clicketty clack!
I don’t know what the Tweetsie Railroad is. I don’t think I’ve ever ridden on a train, except maybe when my Gramma took Pauline and me to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall from her home in Newark, NJ. I don’t remember how we got there. All I remember is sitting next to Gramma in the dark, and a lot of women on stage wearing yellow outfits kicking their legs.
Oh, I love it!!!!! Gramma had dreams that I might be a Rockette until she realized that I would never get tall enough!!!
Oh, the first-born grandchild… How Gramma doted on you, Pauline! 🙂
Wow…I could go for that!
Ohmygo’ness-I’ve never seen a yellow caboose before!Just that wouldda made this a happy post for me 🙂 It’s like a toy-from bygone days, makes me want to pull out my Crayola box and coloring books,in fact,I’m going to. The bonus of you back and seeing the crew,well color me glad all over!I’m relieved that fur snuggles,puppy kisses and your heater have kept you warm.Your readers made your blog feel that way on the last post,wow! Have an ever so wonderful day,you’ve really helped mine be one again,thanks.
Hi, weather…. Trains are inspiring, aren’t they…. They just didn’t inspire me to write today. It must’ve been thrilling to board a train, back in the day, with a conductor yelling, “All aboard!” Sit back and watch the landscapes go by…
I’m glad my blog colored you happy today. 🙂
It’s impressive that you were able to put a post together,and not at all surprising that you felt uninspired.You’ve been “warm enough”,yet not truly warm for days.And your photos show that the days there have been at least as gray as they have been sunny,if not just plain gloomy.That can take it’s toll,I know,especially if one isn’t used to it.
Toward the end of our record breaking forty day freeze,a friend and I spoke about it’s effects. I said “At one point I couldn’t form a sentence.” You know,back to that “Writings easy,just cut open a vein and squeeze…” for a spell.Of course,you may just not have enjoyed the trains,ha!
Again, you understand. There is a residual effect following emotional events that takes a few days to disappear. I’ll have my blogging mojo back soon… 🙂
…sending high wind,until you ride it, you know putting pressure on yourself to “deliver”is futile and unnecessary.You could post totally random photos and talk about your ignition switch and YOUR following would be delighted.
I’ve done something similar to that in the past and you’re right. 🙂
😉 n’nite
It’s the adrenaline.
A dog trainer friend of mine explained it to me once. She said after a confrontation between dogs OR humans (any animals)…your adrenaline rushes up and once that happens it stays there for awhile. You need to chill out for a bit to let it get back to normal.
You can’t even make rational decisions…you gotta let it pass.
You’re right; Reggie, Bridget and SNOW are way more interesting than ole railroads.
🙂
Love you, Sue!
Hi, Cindy… The snow has been fun. It’s almost all gone now.
Hey Sue! I just love these small historic towns. I love trains. Years ago my Mom and I tried so hard to buy a caboose no suck luck. We wanted to convert one into a little guest house. Guess all the collectors had the same idea. Dang it. It would have been made a perfect little cabin. Enjoy the snow with the crew. It will be hot really soon. Hi Bridge and Reggie!
Hi, Karen… A train car for a house. How perfect! Not too big and all those windows, not to mention the history..
Interesting place you’ve found! The trains and depot are neat!
Hah hah! Snow again! Just a dusting! Reggie sounds like quite the character! Silly boy!
As long as it isn’t a DEEP freeze you should be fine…with the help of that wave 3! Don’t remember if you have a gauge on your tanks….watch the level!
A small drip on the faucet might also ensure the pipes won’t freeze. Now the pooper black water tank is another issue..the pull level might get stuck in the closed position. Happened to us in WYoming!
Have a wonderful day…stay warm!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Funny you should mention it… No, there isn’t a gauge on the propane tanks. I’m on the 2nd one and have been for several days. Today is the day I take the empty tank to town and have it filled. No more procrastinating!
It’s gonna be in the upper 80’s today in Georgia. And the pollen count is over 6,000! Remember the yellow nasty Spring pollen in Georgia Sue? Yuck. Wish I was somewhere cooler where I could breathe easy!
Hi, Sandy,
I remember the yellow pine pollen covering my car. People with allergies suffer so in Georgia. I hope you are okay and the air improves soon.
Hi Sue,
Ely is a cool town, isn’t it? What more snow? Yep that’s how she rolls there in the desert mountains. Did you get my post question about your Wave 3? Does the entire grill area light up or just the lower half? Mine only glow about 1/3 -1/2 way up. Maybe that’s why it doesn’t seem very effectivie?
Thanks,
Kerry
Hi Kerry,
Yes, I saw your question and I answered it somewhere… My Wave 3 heater panel heats all over except for about an eighth of the panel in the upper right hand corner.
Yours sounds defective or the panel/pad was damaged or dirtied with dust. I’d contact the Olympian company before ditching the Casita.
Hi Kerry,
Not Sue, but I was talking in the last comments section (where we did discuss this some – maybe you didn’t see it?). My Wave (upon closer inspection) glows about up even with the “wave” patterned bars on the grille. Maybe that’s why they call it the wave? There is some faint glowing above that, but not “full orange.”
I have a friend with a Wave 3 and his is similar. Maybe it glows slightly higher, but not much.
I double-checked the Wave instructions, and they include a drawing that shows it glowing just as mine does, in a “wave” pattern on roughly the lower half of the heater. They also say this: “A properly operating heater will slightly ‘glow ‘ on about 40% of the bottom of the heating element. At times a higher glow spot may be seen. This is normal.”
This seems to describe pretty much how mine and my buddy’s looks. 40% glow in a wave form coming from the bottom of the heater.
The Wave 3 doesn’t put out a huge amount of heat, and only heats objects for the most part (just a characteristic of radiant heat). To me this means it will work better in certain situations, worse in others. For example, if you have it mounted in a place where you can sit in front of it and it “glows at you,” so much the better, as you will be a radiantly heated “object” then.
Eventually, heated objects release heat into the room, so it’s not that it can’t raise the ambient temperature; but it just doesn’t do it in the same way as other types of heaters.
I see Sue posted while I was typing and our info slightly conflicts. At any rate, it’s the Olympian Wave manual that mentions the 40% glow. So…?
Gee, I must have an uber-Wave 3. If the BLT is dark, I can see red glow almost all over the pad. ???
Good point about radiant heat. I find it helps to bring in porous items like pillows, rugs, quilts, doggie beds, to absorb and hold the heat. Also the infamous Casita wall-covering helps, too. 🙂
Maybe yours is a 6 that didn’t quite make the cut, thus you actually have a 5.5 😉 (Just kidding, I know the 6 is larger.)
Anyway, it sounds like yours is a “super wave,” and the rest of us have the normal ones. I can’t believe it took me this long to “get” the Wave name. Duh!
I have around 400 cubic feet of space, and I definitely wouldn’t want to use the Wave 3 to heat the space in “real” or long-term wintery temps. It just wouldn’t be large enough (for me, but I like things cozy during the day).
As it is, I tend to like to be places in “shoulder” season, where it might get a bit nippy at night (no biggie, I have a warm sleeping bag) but warms up during the day for the most part, hence it works for me as I need an auxilliary heater but not a full-time, day in and day out “furnace” type of use. If it were to get too cold for too long I’d either move or find a plug in (and add in the electric space heater).
Kerry, I forget what type of temps you are in (if you mentioned it)?
The wall covering is called…….wait for it……….Rat Fur….:)
Probably cause it’s such a short pile….?
I was thinking about the rat fur….how the name came about.
RV language hahh. Toad etc!
It just makes us more “special” 😉
Kerry, she answered your question. Hers lights up most of the way. She said yours may be faulty.
Although, note that the Wave instruction manual says it should glow over about 40% of the bottom of the grille. The accompanying drawing (which I can’t reproduce here) shows a “wave” pattern doing just that.
I realize Sue’s glows more, but apparently a glow over 40% of the bottom of the heater is the standard amount. Mine is just about that, I’d say. Obviously there is some variation.
I run mine on high a long time. Maybe that’s why it glows over most of it… and maybe I’m not supposed to run it on high a long time
Thanks, y’all. The lowest I was in was mid twenties, but even in the thirties it would only get to about 55. Fine when you’re under the covers, but you don’t want to stay there ALL the time. I do try to heat “things” up, but also am cautious about setting things on fire. Definitely fries my legs when I’m cooking or whatnot.
My 4th house buyer backed out of escrow, and the shop fixed the valve seals that blew out of van’s heads right after the valve job last winter, so I guess I’ll be keeping the Aerostar and the Casita for a while. See ya on the road Sue.
Brrrrrrrr! Snow !!!!!!!!! No thanks! Here in N. Florida spring has sprung and the magnolias are beginning to bloom now that the dogwoods have stopped showing off!
Love your mural and train photos, but my favorite was the very sleepy Miz Bridget poking her head out of the covers! Take care Miz Sue ( all the ladies up here in N. Florida are called Miz before their given name if they are over 50 years old! LOL!)
Hi, Geri,
North Florida is pretty this time of year… ahh… magnolias..
Ha! I remember the Miz business. Regionalisms are interesting. I never did get used to hearing a mature woman refer to her father as daddy when talking to another adult.
Ha, that always was really noticeable to me too! I mean, older adults calling their fathers “Daddy.” Example: A 50 year old person, someone asks where their car came from, “Oh, my Daddy bought it for me.”
I called mine “Dad” when growing up (Great Lakes), but “my dad’ or “my father” when talking about him to others.
Regionalisms are fun! In some ways the US is so large yet so homogenized, but there are (delightfully) still some unique things 🙂 I took one of the regional language quizzes and it pegged me – was fun to see the various choices on the multiple choice quiz.
all 3 of my grown boys still call me “pops”…..I luv it!
chuck
Hi RV Sue. I just love reading about your adventures. That little scamp Reggie had to go out into the cold and snow! I’m with Ms. Bridget. I would have stayed under the warm, comfy covers. Keep travelling and God Bless to you and the crew. Tammy
Thank you, Tammy.
Reggie has such a high level of energy that I take him on several walks every day. Bridget skips some of them. I don’t blame her. If I could figure out a way to have Bridget take Reggie for walks, I’d skip some of them, too!
I like the train pictures, enjoyed the snow pictures…but that last picture of Reggie was just the cutest!!! I wanted to reach out and hug his cute little face!!!
Sending lots of love and big hugs
Thanks for being here, Pauline. Love and hugs to you, too.
So I watched closely to see when the next post would go up. Hmm. The last one reached 300 comments, then 340, then 360. No new post. I went ahead and took a couple of hours reading comments on the other post to see who the other blogorinos are. After a couple hundred, I refreshed and there was the new post (this one) with 40 comments ahead of me. Oh well.
Along the lines of the comments on the last post, here’s the relevant part of my story. I get inspiration from many people, among them the Silver Gypsy, Sharlene Minshall. Her story inspires me to not wait for some time that may never come. My rig will be very simple and most likely ultra-small. I have already missed my goal of full-timing once. My wife and I had dreamed and planned the perfect set-up for us, with a 24 foot TT and matching tow vehicle. I won’t tell the whole story but we both let our fear get the better of us at the same time, and that cost us the plan and all the money involved in it. We eventually separated. Now I will not wait. I will make my move whenever I once again have just enough money, or I will decide ahead of time to do something else. Trying to do it perfectly has cost me a great deal.
A very thought-provoking comment, Calvin. Lots to be learned from your experience. Thank you for sharing it here where others will benefit from it.
Not everyone gets a second chance. As soon as you have enough to make it work, go for it. I wish you well.
And, oh, how sweet it will be for almost having missed it!
Calvin, your references to trying to do it perfectly, and letting fear get in the way really ring true for me!!! That’s why I gave up living on the road with my family business when my mom died and I was alone, and it’s what keeps me “dreaming” at 59 of getting back out (to work on the road, not retire) when I qualify for Social Security as safety net. And why I admire RV Sue si much, who didn’t let herself be gridlocked by what if’s. Bravo for you if you just go for it!
I’ll be 58 next month. I don’t regret doing my best the first time, and I’ll be going for it again or finding some other way to really live, not just exist. Part of the problem before was that we headed out late in 2007, and the economy collapsed during our travels, which kept us from “making a comeback.” Such is life.
There is a very relevant Helen Keller quote. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.” I share that attitude. Security is a mirage or a tool to sell people an idea.
Boy, you hit the nail on the head, Calvin.
Me and you are almost the same age…I’ll be 58 in Sept. I’ve been married 33 years this coming May 1st. For the most part I’ve felt trapped in a “lifeless” existence. I kept telling myself if I waited long enough husband would see the futility of being such a devoted workaholic. Well…he’s 2 years younger than me, but now looks/acts 10 years older than me, has had 4 hip replacements (same side), and has no life outside of his job.
We now live “separately” in the same house. I’ve brought up the idea of going on the road, and showed him actual facts of being able to successfully live a minimalistic and simple life. He refuses to see.
So, I’ll be going on my own by the time I’m 62… when I can take early retirement. Likely I’ll have to force a divorce so I can get my half of the community property…I no longer will want to support this house with my half. But, I’m not afraid to go earlier than that if it starts to get ugly around here.
Meanwhile I’ll use the time to sell off any things I have that have any value. Already started all that. Been listing sewing patterns all day today.
I’m pretty excited, and I can’t wait to see you all on the road, too!
To not let yourself be knocked into passivity in the situation you describe is remarkable, Cindy. Your last line says a lot about you — in a good way!
I wish you and your husband happiness, however it is found. Thanks for sharing here.
Thanks Sue,
Sometimes I feel pretty sad…like when I let my thoughts float over wasted time gone by. Plus, I really have nobody to talk to about it.
But, I learned long ago that doing full-filling, progressive and meaningful work gets me out of it, and I keep moving forward. I guess that’s what workaholics do, too. But I feel that I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Husband’s light looks a lot different than mine. I don’t know if he will find happiness. I asked him a couple of weeks ago if he could define himself outside of his job, and he was honest at least, and said no.
In the 90s I almost bought into the idea that consumerism will make you happy…that “enjoying” things will satisfy you, somehow. Well, I knew deep down that it doesn’t work; that it’s a trap. Anyway, I realized that was really an escape from my life…and I had to face that. That was the hardest part.
But, I’m past all that now and looking forward to a second chance. I just want to have a second chance to find peace in my life.
I think I’ve had a similar marital experience…. It’s like living in the dead zone. I hope you find the peace you need.
my heart goes out to folks that have divorced or unhappy in their marriage….me and my better half are fixing to celebrate 51 years of marriage in May…..Barb was 15 and I was 19 when we met…she had just turned 16 when we got married…..fell for her the first time I saw her and we sorta grew up together over the years. We raised 3 boys and 2 of them have been married twice….go figure that one out…..
Hi Sue
I like all the train photos. It inspires one to think of nomads, vagabonds and such. Also, I will never look at pool tables the same. LOL Have a splendid afternoon.
Hi, JW….. You found it! Ha!
Although I’m not “into” trains, I like trains and enjoy history; particularly western history. I loved the photos you posted. They carry us back, so to speak.
And as for your snow in the campground, THAT is the best kind. Kind of like here in the High Desert. The very worst “Minnesota”-looking snow can be gone by noon. ENJOY!
Well, that’s great that you loved the train and mural photos. Thanks for telling me, Ed.
I’m keeping a list of places to visit out west based on your blog. Most of my travels have been in the eastern half of the US, so the west is wide open for me!
We plan to take our first outing with our dogs in the Casita this weekend. It took 3 nights of driveway camping to get Tanner (hound) thru the whole night. My furry kids are about 50#s each so outdoor activities will be key! Hopefully the weather will cooperate, but rain is in the forecast. An adventure awaits!!
That’s the spirit! Have a wonderful weekend, Tammy.
Your comment about Reggie Man (love that lil extra addition to his name) about “We have lift off!” totally cracked me up. Thanks for the humor in my day.
You’re welcome! When one of the crew is constipated and is straining, it’s, “Houston, we have a problem.”
Sue, do you have a general big picture plan in place when you choose your next stop? (Like heading gradually toward NW.) Or is it basically one step at a time without an endpoint in mind?
Hi, Pam… Our general destination is the Pacific Northwest. How we get there is unmapped and subject to whim and weather, of course. “One step at a time” fits. I’m not sure where our next camp will be and we have to leave here soon.
Btw, I also loved the sleepyhead pic of Bridget. Was surprised you adopted
a chichuaha/jack russel terrier mix, only ’cause my daughter owned a Jack Russell and that dog was outta control. But Mr. Reggie Man, under Bridget’s guidance, seems to be working out very well for you as part of the crew 🙂 YAY
I’m surprised I adopted a dog with Jack Russell in it, too. I thought the chihuahua part of him would temper the JR mania. Not so. I hope I didn’t make a mistake. Well, he is cute. Gotta’ give him that much…
I gotta chime in here for the Jack Russells… I’ve had one for about 5 years, sort of a rescue, and I love her to death. We’ve had some of our biggest laughs over her antics! Love the terrier mindset and absolute loyalty. I think mine had a good initial training/upbringing, but through a series of moves to different people within the family, she ran into problems. Ultimately I got her because she wanted one on one attention from the “pack leader,” and the alpha dog wouldn’t allow it. She’s now an “only” dog and seems to love it. I know there are some really scary Jacks out there, but they aren’t all bad. That said, I DO know you are asking for trouble if you don’t find a way for them to run off their energy!
If you ever think you made a mistake, offer Reggie to be adopted by one of us blogerinos and watch another 350 comments come in offering to take him off your hands! The thought of life minus The Reggie Man will be so dreadful that you will never again think you made a mistake! As that wise English philosopher Mick Jagger sang (LOL): “You can’t always get what you want, but you get what you need!”
Perfect quote, Gayle…applies to nearly everything going on here!
Shame on me! Shame on me for thinking Reggie is a mistake! This morning he had me laughing so hard my eyes watered and we hadn’t got up out of bed yet. . . . What a character!
Things are coming along nicely!
That snow is lovely.
Yes, it is. Here today, gone tomorrow!
The last photo of Reggie…adorable!
I know this doesn’t make sense, Pat…. Reggie acts like he KNOWS he’s adorable. The little pistol.
Sue, our Vanna is the same, my little Diva! :-))
🙂
I’m glad you’re weathering the cold weather up there. It’s pretty bearable until the wind starts whipping around like it can in that neck of the woods.
Reggie looks very happy to be in his snazzy blue sweater.
Hi, Bonnie,
We’re somewhat protected from wind at this site and in this campground loop. Lots of cedars between us and where the wind comes from. I agree though. Wind can make good weather unpleasant.
I’m glad you’ve found some shelter from the wind. My dog can’t figure out why I stare at those boxes all the time either. He feels as though he’s in direct competition with my iPad.
Reggie really starts to worry when I frown at the computer screen trying to understand a comment. Haha!
I love the train pictures. I hope, in addition to full-timing, I can take train across Canada. I’ve only ridden on one once and it was a 3-hour dinner train ride. Very enjoyable. The restroom break was a challenge, while on the move! LOL I will leave it at that.
Even my hubby thinks Reggie is too cute! I think he just like going out in the snow.
Oh my, Barbara, I read a book recently that included a train ride across Canada and the mystery took place on the train. Darn! I can’t think what it was… I enjoyed it very much.
Reggie is a cutie-pie. I wish I could get a pic of him sleeping. There oughtta be a law against that much cuteness in one little face. 😉
I think the book you are referring to is “The Edge” by Dick Francis. That’s one of my favorites!
That’s it! Yes! Thank you, Ann… I never would’ve thought of it! One of those stories that you hate to see end . . .
We moved to A F N M and Ohv’s, didn’t want that noise, so we came over to just above Cordes and found a good camp with Cows saying hi every once in a while . Wow I can see a storm a coming by the clouds that are to the WNW. Looks like your getting some of it too. The wind is still blowing cold air here. that Reggie sure is a good looking pup and thanks for the Train stuff, stay warm you three,,,,,,,,,,,,,, us ,,,,,,,,,,,, oh oh, I’m almost out of GB’S and 4 day’s to go , we’ll catch up in for days,,,,,,,,,,, me
Hi, Rusty,
You went over to Agua Fria National Monument and the OHVs sent you to a camp north of Cordes? Well, the mooing of cows is a lot better.
I don’t see any signs of a storm here. We had a sunny day and the clouds are thin and white.
I know you will take all precautions in wind and storm. You and Timber stay safe. Glad you liked the train photos. Yeah, those gigabytes can disappear too fast!
Bye for now. See ya’ when you can come back!
Everyone . . . In case you’re interested . . . Comments continue to come in under the previous post!
What better subject is there but oneself?!
You’re right, Gayle… Thus the proliferation of bloggers!
Blogging is ego, ego, ego. 🙂
That is so true! We love to talk about ourselves, and when you give us the chance we can do it without the commitment to our own blogs. Sue, you’ve completely spoiled us!
Just sat down to look at the murals!
Oh my word! What’s up with that woman…bloomers and high blue socks with no shoes?
Looks like she’s having fun with her pal….girls just wanna have fun!
Um… Did you look… I mean really look… at those bloomers? I don’t think the high blue socks and lack of shoes are the worst of her fashion statement. 🙂 You’re kidding, right?
Um yeppers I did….that must be equivalent to the “trap door” on the old union suit!
In public no doubt! Sheeeh
I have a sewing pattern for bloomers like that….um, but you’re supposed to stitch up the back all the way.
🙂
NOW I will check out that mural! Once seen, one cannot unsee. I’ll take my chances. Me thinks our pioneer sisters had more fun than we believe.
Hmm…wonder if anyone has converted an old train car to a house….a tiny house!
I understand there is a bed & breakfast constructed from rail cars–in or near New York Mills, Minnesota!! Always wanted to go see it–not sure if it is still operating but will check on the web.
Whistle Stop Bed & Breakfast.com
there is a lady in South Texas that has a book store in a caboose…she dresses for the occasion….
chuck
PBS had a special about some folks converting old train cars into homes. Can’t recall exactly where right now. We also have a local program called “Tennessee Crossroad” that has some unusual content from around the state. Seems like there was something on there a couple of years back.
I have kept my Wave 6 on low all night several times and am still alive to tell about it. 😉
It’s okay to do that with ventilation and a CO2 detector. I’m being super cautious. I imagine one of the crew getting up in the night and bumping into the thing, half-asleep, in this tight space, which would never happen, of course.
I get it. Mine isn’t mounted and I set it up on a counter so Bucky doesn’t set fire to his tail. 🙂
There is a motel in Dunsmuir Ca called R R Park Resort….and you guessed it…the bedrooms are old cabooses and RR cars!
We stayed there this winter, stayed in the yellow caboose..it was perfect! The interior was all tongue and groove pine and it had a pergola! We climbed up there and had a glass of wine and enjoyed the view.
Usually we drive right past it, on our way to Klamath Falls to see the kids and grand kids…this time we stopped and were so glad we did. So if you find yourself on I-5 in Northern California , give it a try!
How interesting and fun, Lee!
I went to the website and watched the slideshow that they have presently as their header. Wow! Beautiful photographs of trains, inside and out. The dining room is gorgeous!
I encourage readers to take a look … Railroad Park Resort, Dunsmuir, CA
Thanks for telling us about your stay there, Lee.
Your posts are never boring, Sue, and I love the photos you take. You’re really good with the camera. Not only technically but in choosing the subjects/telling the story.
That photo of Bridget and Reggie going down the wooden steps made me snicker. My female basset hound used to do that little “butt bounce” with both hind legs together as she went down the stairs. So cute. And Reggie is just the cutest thing. I just want to pick them both up and smack them on the cheek with kisses. Yes, I AM a dog lover, have had them all my life. My dog, Cooper, is 13 and still going strong, my best little buddy. She gives me that same look that Reggie gives you, always reading our moods.
Lucky little dogs, and happy pup-Mom, seeing what’s around the bend.
Hi, Nancy,
Thank you for a sweet and loving comment. Our dogs are precious gifts. Your Cooper is your greatest pal, always aware of your feelings and ready to offer comfort.
When I’m happy, the crew is happy. When I’m sad, they’re sad and concerned and anxious to fix whatever ails me.
We marvel at the human capacity for abstract thought, creative intelligence, and all the rest. I’m not as impressed with that as I am with the canine capacity for pure, selfless love.
A dog doesn’t have the capacity for cruelty. Humans, on the other hand, can be conduits for evil, more often than we realize. Maybe someday humans will evolve to the level of canines, but I doubt it.
I can’t seem to quit posting!
Those drawers the ‘lady’ that is shooting pool are totally period correct! They are called split drawers, and I have some..for real…
I am a docent at Columbia Historic State Park….we dress in correct garb for the mid 1800 time period…think chemise, petticoats, corset, and drawers! They actually make using,the ‘necessary’ simplicity itself. When you are all trussed up in a corset it is difficult to, er..take care of business, but with the split drawers….well..let your imagination take over here…..lol.
If you want to see images, check out Columbia Diggins 1852 and take a look at us having fun!
I thought that the “ladies” I the pictures were working girls….part of a brothel, so the crotchless bloomers were just part of their usual dress! Ready for action! LOL! Anyway…not sure that a “lady” would be playing pool during the day with her goodies out for show unless she was advertising!! 🙂
I thought the same thing, Denise. I wonder if they really did play pool dressed like that or the mural is the result of some imaginative painter.
Maybe the artist was a regular John, or ahem…customer! 🙂
Hi again, Lee… Nothing wrong with making more than one comment!
I googled Columbia Diggins 1852 and saw the photos. That’s quite an extensive, living display of the mid-nineteenth century! I can see where it would be a lot of fun. It’s wonderful when people are involved in what they truly enjoy.
Thanks for sharing this and for the teaching and entertaining you do as a docent!
I don’t blame Reggie for being reluctant to do his duty (doodie), after all when you’re built like him that snow is knee high. Poor guy.
JW is right, I may never look at pool tables the same way again. I wonder if those were originally intended as an advertisement for when they had legal brothels in that part of the state. Just curious. FWIW I loved the train pics. But it was the last shot of Sir Reg snuggled up in the blankets that really did it for me. I’m not sure what it is about that boy but every picture I see of his face makes me smile. What a gift.
And yes, on some level they DO know that they are cute. Probably just reacting to how we react when they cock their heads a certain way or do certain things. But Dexter is the same way. There is no way that she does not realize that she is cute and can get away with stuff as a result.
Someday I’ll stop being amazed at this place but WOW what a response in the comments to the last post. I had to step away from the computer for a couple days to do battle with the tyrannical forces of commerce but when I returned there were 380+ comments and none of them were from you. I have only gotten through about half of them but after I do I’ll try to pick up the conversation.
Glad you’re warm, hug your crew,
Hi, Rick,
I did notice your absence and wondered . . . I’m happy to see you here again. I hope you fought the tyranny and won!
Don’t feel too badly for Reggie in the snow. As we walked the campground later in the day, the road was clear of snow. What does Reggie do? He pulls on the leash to sniff a snow bank, up to his elbows in snow!
When we return to the BLT, I take one end of the comforter and hold it in front of the heater. Then I wrap up Reggie and Bridget. They love it!
I’m amazed, too, at the participation on my blog. Lately the blog is receiving 7,000-8,000 visits a day. I can’t even wrap my foggy mind around that!
Although the numbers are fun to watch, what’s important are the individual readers, whether they comment or not. As long as this blog is a force for good in people’s lives, bringing hope, inspiration, courage, change, camaraderie, helpful information, etc., I’ll do my best to keep it going and trust that readers like you, Rick, will continue to make it a special place!
Sending warm wishes to you and Dexter . . .
LOL!
You know how many people I’ve told, linked or otherwise pushed over to your blog?
LOTS…lots and lots. 🙂
Thank you, Cindy!
“I wonder if those were originally intended as an advertisement for when they had legal brothels in that part of the state. ”
I don’t know if the pool tables were intended as advertising or not but legal brothels still exist in Ely – Stardust Ranch 190 High St.
Multi-purpose bloomers….
Gosh, the information this blog provides is outstanding! At “RVSue and her canine crew” you can find where the legal brothel in Ely is located.
Thanks, Ed!
I’m freezing sitting here looking at that snow, and the temperature in my home is 65. I can’t blame Ms. Bridget for staying under the covers. I would too if I were there. The campground look pretty with that little layer of snow. Enjoy and stay warm!
Hi, Monica,
If Bridget didn’t need to take care of bodily functions, I think she’d lounge in bed all day. Once I get her up and out the door, she enjoys doing things, going places, and, of course, eating. Kind of like a teenager.. Ha!
You keep warm, too!
This is NOT a boring post! I’m going to put that place on my bucket list! I love both trains and murals – the shepherd cowboy is just wonderful! I love that you have the whole campground to yourselves! That is how I would want it. Some campgrounds around here are so crowded. And you sure are better off with the nice cold than your old home here in Georgia. It has been upper 80s – in early APRIL! GRRRR! I am so so so hot. We would move in a second if I had the money. That’s funny Reggie stares when you get on the gadgets. Mine don’t care about that but the slightest thing I eat I have three pairs of desperate pleading eyes and often four as our cat Bindi joins them most of the time. Can’t wait to see more of this area!
Hi, Jan,
Your comment sent me on a search for information about the “shepherd cowboy” and I found a website called “Cowboy Showcase.” At that site there is an extensive history of the Basque people who immigrated to northern Nevada. It’s a very interesting and thorough article.
If too much to read, I encourage readers to scroll down to see the photos of the Basque Festival held the first weekend in July each year in Elko, NV and also the pics of Basque arborglyphs.
Oh, that Georgia heat! It comes on early and stays. I guess I should appreciate it… That’s part of the impetus to find a different place and way to live.
You have a house of beggars, too! Ha! I hope you and your canine/feline crew find ways to stay cool!
Good morning, Sue,
I enjoyed this post and pictures – thank you. I loved the trains, depot, and murals. They really make it easy to imagine what a day in the life was like back in the day. Light snow that can be swept with a broom and melts by the afternoon is the best kind! You get to enjoy the snow globe view for a while, but are not inconvenienced. The picture of the BLT framed by the snow dusted pine is perfect! Bridget and Reggie are just too cute! Our pets are really perceptive of our moods…wanting to help or kiss it away if we are upset or not feeling well. Just one more reason that they are so priceless…caring for us, without us having to ask or clue them in…they provide us unconditional love. 🙂
Hope you, the Crew, and all of the blogorinos have a great day! It is overcast here, but I believe the bulk of the rain has passed. April showers are right on schedule this year! Love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! Stay warm! 🙂
Good morning, Denise and Gracie pup,
That’s good news — April showers “right on schedule.” I’ll never complain about a rainy day again!
I appreciate your response to the photos and topics in this post. Living in a snowglobe is a good description of the few days we had light snow here. I like that it snowed. The coziness of the BLT with the crew inside, furry and warm . . . Plus the snow will make our Ward Mountain camp bright in my memory.
Thank you, Denise. Have a wonderful day!
🙂
I must apologize, I made terribly disparaging remarks about the ugliness of traveling through NV. May I beg forgiveness and take it all back? Either Sue is expertly foolin’ with the photos or the midsection of NV really is gorgeous!! I did not see the beauty because I had to travel fast to get to the next job – did not keep an open mind, take time to search maps and venture off the highway to see the natural beauty of NV. But, it should be kept quiet (just among us), otherwise next time it will be overrun with people. LOL. I have long felt that way about My Real Florida. I have kept quiet about it’s real natural beauty, hoping people would stay at the beach and theme parks and leave my beautiful springs and rivers alone. NOT! Thanks for showing that there is even beauty in NV. The snowy are drawing me in. Gotta get my rig on the road!
Hi, UPCDebra,
Your contrite remarks have me laughing! I don’t know why your remorse strikes me as funny! Did you learn your lesson, woman? Haha!
Seriously… Thanks for the amusing comment, Debra… I enjoyed it very much. I hope your day is marked with laughter!
🙂 I’m so glad, only thing better than laughing is making others laugh. Hope this makes you laugh. The other day an old friend and I walked around three different lakes in Orlando. We saw hundreds of ducks- mamma ducks, baby ducks and other water fowl! But, there were about 30 gorgeous Swans on Lake Eola! I asked my friend, if she remembered RVSue (I sent her the link a while back)? Sue is crazy for ducks and would really enjoy these, but all the Swans would block her duck photos. HAHA! We are hikers (I’ve slowed down), in fact we are flying to Humphreys Peak in AZ, near Flagstaff April 26. She is practicing for another attempt at Mt Rainier (got within 800ft last August). Maybe we will see you there sometime!
That is funny…
An entire blog post about ducks in a pond…. Who does that? Well, RVSue, of course! Haha!
Man, serious hikers… I’ve found it a lot easier to walk on flat ground. 😉
I didn’t read all the Comments so this may have been said by someone before me.
On October 19, 1985 Kennecott Copper Corporation donated the East Ely depot, building including all furnishings and records, the transportation building, the wooden freight shed and 2,000 feet of track in front of the depot to the recently formed White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation, Inc. (Nevada Northern Railway Museum).
On May 24, 1986 they donated Baldwin 4-6-0 no. 40, four wooden coaches and the rip track building to the Museum.
Then in April-May 1987 they donated the remainder of its assets including 32 miles of former Nevada Northern Railway trackage between McGill Junction and Keystone, the complete East Ely complex of machine shops, roundhouse, yards and rolling stock, the McGill Depot, and all historic buildings on the mainline between Cobre and Ely including the Cherry Creek Depot to the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation.
For that they got to have a caboose with the company name on it?
Oh, Ed, it’s so good to have you back! 🙂
The pines let the wind whisper,leafless trees let it raise it’s voice.The lake turns it to a roar coming up the cliff, finally the best part comes.Entering the house it becomes a howl -like a wild wolf that’s been gone too long has arrived.This,a friend with me since childhood- calls me outside,alerts me that birds with the highest flights will be coming.
Wonderful,isn’t it Sue,how one voice can make you love all the other ones more again?Help you find your real own one?Shadows and thunder came after that happened.The pups are sleeping through it,the canary finches are particularly precious to hear when we’re the only ones up.This afternoon that howl will be with me in the jeep.Will you be driving anywhere today ?
Yes, it is wonderful, weather. A disruption on one side of a lake makes waves which become ripples that cause flowers to bob and reeds to sway on the opposite shore in silent applause. Isn’t it grand?
For you it’s the howl of a wolf. For me it’s the song of a meadowlark. 🙂
Nope, no plans to go anywhere today. We went into town yesterday. That’s enough excitement. I wouldn’t want to overdo. Haha!
Happy jeeping!
Profound,and beautiful,description,in your first paragraph.Guess you’ve been listening and heard just the right song 🙂 Grand,indeed!
Do your canary finches sound like the American Goldfinch? (Click and listen.)
Wow,that brought some surprised looks from the troupe fun,thanks!Mine sing at a third of the volume of goldfinches,with triple the melody.If I can find anything close online,I’ll let you know.A nice thing about mine is they sing at everything,a particularly pretty one they only break into when they know I’m listening.
I get American Gold Finches in my backyard, especially in the winter and more especially if it is raining, I do not know why the rain brings them in, but they come in flocks..so beautiful…we also have lesser gold finches that visit our small backyard in the city near the beach…funny huh.
Flocks of them must be awesome!Hi,Shirlene,I was hoping you’d come to visit.I get a half dozen goldfinches,at most,and the neighbors and I are thrilled to have that amount.
http//www.soundboard.com/sb/Canary_Bird_sounds
Try canary song 5.Clicking on the above might not work,as I’m not sure I’ve done it right.If you type it starting with the www you can find it though.It’s not quite as pretty yet is very close to what I hear when awakening.They sing more for the sake of enjoying their own sounds as the day progresses,so are at their best, carry longer and more varied melodies then.
Wow! Nothing says “Good Morning!” quite like a canary singing! That was fun… Thanks, weather.
🙂 If it’s possible that I can find them more precious,it’ll be when we’re camped in places without enough birdsong.
Speaking of birds…oh have we enjoyed the resident mocking bird here. We have not heard them in WA…well, with the thousands of crows, that is about all we do hear. We have missed the mockingbirds and are soaking up listening to their gorgeous sounds!!
Thank you much Weather, for your kind note a couple pages back and welcome and encouragement…I do appreciate all you said!! Blessings on you!! Back to work now…this is getting to be hard on us old folks!! But this too shall pass!!!
Finding you,Elizabeth, here brightened my morning.You got to hear a mockingbird -treats for us both!I hope you don”t work too hard-have a little fun-and a great day 🙂
Elizabeth… I wrote you a note “back there” where weather wrote to you… 🙂
Good Morning Sue, enjoy your morning and coffee if you are still having some…
Drive safe Weather….
Blogorinos….Enjoy your day!
Thanks, Shirlene, and good morning!
🙂
It’s been about 20 yrs since I was last thru Ely, interesting to see how much it has changed. It was still pretty rough when I was last there. I remember husband and I pulling a trailer thru Nev. in mid 80’s and with the head wind couldn’t get up much over 35-40 mph. Long, long (long) straight roads seemed to take forever to cross.
Love the pictures of the trains. Volunteer train buffs in our area worked years and rebuilt a part of the narrow gauge railroad, steam engines, and cars. They run in the summer. A blast to ride.
Hi, CherLyn,
Wind can be fierce across these broad valleys between mountain ranges. I’ll be checking the weather reports for expected speeds of wind and wind gusts before choosing a day to move camp. I’ve never had a problem with wind, but it can make driving very tiring and head winds can be a devil, as you know!
Those trains sound fun. One of these days I’m going to ride a train, gosh darnit!
Sue,
OMGoodness!, what fun!!! The last post comments were beyond AWESOME!
I have spent the better part of today reading all of them. No kidding, every word!
Before reading all those comments, hearing about their rigs and RV dreams I didn’t really feel connected. Now I feel like I know each of them so much better, it was simply wonderful!
AND, to show you that, yes, I am trainable, I bought a 1800 watts invertor that connects to a 30 solar panel. I know, Who Knew?! …see, I’m trying 🙂
You read every word? That’s no small feat!
You saying you feel more connected because of that post makes me very pleased. I often feel like my replies get in the way of conversations developing between readers. That was such a success that I plan to step aside periodically to let y’all talk about yourselves and respond to each other. I found it interesting, too!
Solar — It’s the way to go! 🙂
Hi Sue, I have a question for you about your mat that you put outside you BLT…Where do you keep it when you are on the road, inside the BLT or inside the PTV?
The mat was once large, 9 x 12 I think. After 3 years of wear, it began to split at the center seam so I cut it into two pieces along the seam line. I can stake them to form one big mat or only use one half or do different configurations depending up where shade is for lounging.
When breaking camp I pull up the stakes, roll up the mats, put a bungee around each, and toss them in the back of the PTV.
When I hike in Grand Basin NP I never go to Ely but after reading your post and admiring your photos I know I need to get there soon. Murals are very colorful. If any of your followers enjoy seeing and learning about local history depicted in them then Twentynine Palms near Joshua Tree National Park in CA has some spectacular murals too.
How I wish I could read your posts regularly but with my tent camping I have limited access to internet. It is always such fun to read what you wrote, comments and pictures are always so inspiring and entertaining. It is cold where I stayed last night too at Coconino NF just north of Flagstaff (elevation over 8,000 ft.) Woke up to 18 degrees. A few nights before this one I stayed Cholla campground on Roosevelt Lake. That is a really nice campground with showers and view of the lake. The tent loop suppose to be quiet but it is not always a case because of proximity of couple of RVers who ran all night long very noisy generators. Still loved the campground with great views of the lake and so near Arizona Scenic Trail where I spent two full days of hiking. BTW, this campground and Windy Hills campground both now accept long term campers (up to 6 months) between October and March 31. I don’t know about rates for long term camping but daily rates of the pass for Coconino NF is $6.00/$3.00 and there is no additional fee for camping but with those with boats I think there is $4.00 extra per day. I recalled while driving through that area you stayed there so I followed your experience and now I want to thank you for sharing information about places you are staying in
You’re welcome, R.! It’s a pleasure for me to read reports from readers who camp in places that I’ve shared on my blog. Yes, Coconino NF north of Flagstaff is high and can be surprisingly cold. We camp across the highway from Sunset Crater … maybe that’s where you camped also? If one ventures further north from Sunset Crater, the elevation drops quickly on the way to the Painted Desert. The next time I go that way I’m going to look for a boondock in that lower area.
I know exactly what those tent sites are like at Cholla Campground at Roosevelt Lake. Most of them are very nice, private with lake view. I’m sorry the generators spoiled it for you. They are supposed to turn the damn things off at 10 (which is bad enough!).
Thanks for repeating the information about long term camping. I’m happy to learn from your comment that the rates haven’t increased as there was much talk and publicity about that when we were there. I don’t think the cost is any different for long term…
I’m always pleased to see you appear here, R., as I know you don’t always have connection.
I think you better lose some elevation for awhile to keep warm and out of the white stuff. Snow is only good on Christmas cards as far as I am concerned. I had neighbors from when I lived in Chamberlain South Dakota visit day before yesterday. She is a High School teacher and he owns a large gas station and convenience store. They love it out here and their kids want to move out here. I got an email today telling me how much they missed AZ. I has been beautiful here of late, mid to high 70’s and low 80’s. Blue skies wall to wall. I see the crew is doing okay in the snow, Reggie looks perplexed about it. It is probably his first snow experience. I’m still just riding along and enjoying the trips with you, Missy….You be careful…. 🙂
Hi, Jim,
Your weather sounds wonderful and what fun to spend time with your former neighbors.
I’m not in any hurry to change our camp or our elevation. We’re enjoying this mini-winter, although today was much warmer. I spent some time outside in the lounger reading and the crew slept in the sunshine.
Good to know you’re still reading here..
Beautiful morning today at Pahranagat; warm, no wind. Now if the fish would start biting!
Visited Alamo yesterday. Found a miniature Laundromat and had lunch across the street (Carlos Mexican/American Food) while clothes were washing. Filled up with water from spigot behind grocery. Got propane at RV park behind grocery. Tried to visit visitor’s center but was closed due to lack of volunteers. Will try again. Saw a coyote trotting down the road. Lizards everywhere. Today is our 9th day here but officially 7th. Host started a new count since we switched sites 2 days in. That’s a nice guy.
Hope you are having a nice day, Sue.
Hi, Kathy and Gil,
Well, you accomplished a lot! It’s handy in Alamo how so many things can be taken care of in that small area. Too bad about the Visitor Center…
The lizards were starting to appear when I was there and I heard coyotes at night from across the lake. That is nice of the camp host to start a new count. Isn’t tonight your fish fry night?
Yes, we’re having a great day. It’s been sunny and warm all day. Thank you!
We have to postpone the fish fry as the host has to man the visitor center what with no volunteers. Looks like early next week.
Got an easy stovetop recipe for you. Tonight I chopped up rotisserie chicken breasts, 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 onion & 3+cups of cabbage. Sauteed that mixture in 2 teaspoons olive oil until cabbage started to wilt. Poured in a mix of 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 t. ginger, 1/4 t. garlic powder, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1/2 cup water. Heat to taste. Easy, delicious & Casita friendly.
Yum!
Yummy…my favorite kind of food!!
Thanks! I like that!
Gee,Jim,it’s good to see you here!I miss you (and your stories 🙂 )when you aren’t.Other folks ask about you,too.I hope that you and Detta are doing well.
Please forgive me,Sue,for not letting you be first responder as I should.I hoped to catch Jim while he was here,and wasn’t sure when you would be back.
Hi weather! I come here everyday but I kinda enjoy just seeing what all you guys are up to. I just got asked if I am doing any writing by a school teacher friend of mine. I told her what I’ll tell you, I take spells where I just am not in a writing mood and I guess I’m kinda there now, though a little real life yarn has been tickling my consciousness lately. It’s nice of you to ask. You are a wonderful writer as I have told you before. You have a real talent of painting the color into your little stories. I enjoy them. Be safe and I’ll look for your entries here.
Thanks for replying,Jim.I get those spells,too.Glad to hear a yarn may tickle you out of this one.Mainly,I’m just glad you’re here,it gives me comfort and a warm smiley feeling.Thanks,too, for the nice things you said and caring about my safety.Take good care of you two 🙂
weather — I love it when readers respond to each other. I’ve been away from the computer most of the day, except when working on my taxes.
Thanks,that’s very good of you,and as you’ve mentioned enjoying our interactions,obviously true.I felt it might be poor manners not to wait until you spoke with each first, on days you haven’t specifically said you won’t be replying.All better,phew.You inspire me,guess I won’t wait until the 14th to file either. 🙂
Hi Sue!
I looked up those pictures you recommended! Her peek a boo pantaloons give a whole new meaning to liquor in the front poker in the rear. I’m enjoying your camp and especially your adventures! I sure do love that boy Reggie. He is such a cutie! HRH Bridget is sure a great big sister. So glad you are happy!!!
Chaunte’, Shea, GiGi, & Spike Bovine’
I can’t find it! What did you use to search? What Phrase?
you have to use Yahoo,Google doesn’t have it -images of hotel nevada murals- it’s third one,top row if you get there
Hi Desert Ginger!
I found it on Google and just looked up Hotel Nevada murals and clicked on an image. It just happened to be the first one I clicked.
Shooting pool?
Once you get the images up, click on one and then use the arrows to go through the collection of photos until the breezy bloomers come up.
Hi, Chaunte,
Clever saying! You don’t have a reason to say that every day. 😉
Thanks for the cheery note. Hope all is well and good with you and your crew!
I find higher elevations in forest campgrounds to be deserted until early May. Have fun camping with the crew!
Hi, JSprater,
Nice to see you here! You’re right about forest campgrounds. Some in Nevada open (meaning they turn on the water, etc.) in mid-April. I don’t know if that has to do with fishing season, just guessing, or maybe that’s when the weather settles down. A lot depends on elevation, of course.
What a treat I had today..I was sitting outside drinking homemade lemon juice and eating a hotdog with my friend when we noticed a hummingbird hovering near a big cactus. Looking a little closer we saw a small nest with 2 very wee hummingbird babies being fed. We sat entranced, while finishing our lunch, watching mama bird working hard to feed her babies.
What a perfect day: blue sky, good food, loyal friend and mother natures gift. We were both grateful.
Hi Willow! I’m so jealous. We used to have a couple of humming birds come visit us regularly. I have never seen babies though. I can imagine what a treat that was. I love those little birds.
Willow . . . .What a treat! I can’t imagine how tiny baby hummingbirds are. They must not be much bigger than thimbles.
You did have a perfect day!
Sue, I love the train pictures. the perspective is beautiful. The pups under the covers are so adorable! Ely looks like a great place to visit.
Still waiting for spring in Upstate NY. For once, Sue, I think you’re colder than we are.
Take care and stay warm.
OK, now I guess I have to go back to yesterday’s posts, I kept checking in and can’t believe there are even more. How fun!
Hi, Applegirl,
We probably have been colder here than in NY, although yesterday was in the 70s and a beautiful day for lounging and reading outside.
You stay warm, too!
Hi Sue,
Don’t know if you had seen this article, but thought you and others who may not have seen it might be interested in its content. I am concerned about the beauty of our country being taken over by greed and development.
Sorry this has nothing to do with the discussion.
Sorry, I forgot the link re: the Grand Canyon.
https://www.yahoo.com/travel/a-mall-in-the-grand-canyon-activists-trying-to-116042178052.html
Thanks, Barbara… The Grand Canyon is a topic of interest for all of us!
Now Sue, you might read this and just say ‘Lacy, NONE Ya!’ – as in none ya business…….but I gotta ask: do you have a back up for JUST IN CASE you ever lock yourself out of the BLT?? The thought crossed my mind as I read that you shut the door and left Bridget sleeping. I’m certain you’ve figured something out by now, knowing you!!!!
Here’s hoping you’re enjoying the warmth of your cocoon!
Lacy
Not a bad question…. First off, I didn’t lock Bridget inside.
I have spare keys for the BLT in locations outside the BLT. Same for the PTV.
I knew you had figured this out long ago, but hearing it from you comforts me……..ya know, just in case!
😀
When my daughter and I went on our first big trip…I was worried about not finding the ignition keys fast enough….like if we wanted to get the heck outta Dodge in a big hurry…in the dark…or right after just waking up.
So, I made a spare and put in on one of those spiral stretchy wrist bands, and hung it on a hook in the closest cabinet to the drivers’ side. It’s always there, if ever we need it.
If I had no calendar I would know it’s mid-April just by stepping outside.The sun and sky are acting like they can’t decide what to do-it’s hilarious,and made me laugh!Sunny one second,cloudy the next,splashes and rain drops falling from trees- in some spots,-the pups run along a dry path a few feet away.Good morning,Sue,I thought of Reggie waking you with his morning antics and grinned .Thought,again,about what a great choice getting him,and others you’ve made,have been…then about ones I’ve made.The writing on my coffee cup”Choose an author as you would a friend” made me smile ,so glad I’d done that when I found you and your blog.Hope having your coffee,and your day is as nice.
It’s always a pleasure to start my day with a message from you, weather. Thank you for the tender words to me. I’m glad you chose me.
Reggie is becoming calmer. At least he was last night. Maybe I finally wore him out! He woke up a few times, as usual, and instead of going into a kissing and licking frenzy, he shifted his position, curling himself around my head (!), and went back to sleep.
My first cup of coffee is left-over coffee and not so good. I deserve better than this muck. I’m going to make a fresh pot!
Wishing you a splendid day . . .
Fresh pot-great idea 🙂 I like the word splendid-it’s fun to pronounce,change that to Splendid Idea!Makes me feel grown up and fancy saying it,Ha
🙂