Monday, July 8
WARNING! THIS POST CONTAINS REPETITIVE PHOTOS OF SPIKE SOAKING!
We leave Ponderosa Campground after one night. The tanks must be emptied! Only eight miles from the campground, Route 132 meets Interstate 15 at Nephi. I drive south on I-15 to the next exit #222. Previously I read online that the Texaco at this exit has a dump station for $5 and the Flying J has a dump station for $10. You know which one I pick!
That task done, I drive over to the Flying J.
I buy propane and fill the fresh water tank. Then I go online to post on this blog. Back on the interstate, we head north through Juab Valley and turn onto Forest Road 014 at the southern end of the town of Santaquin.
Tinney Flat Campground is about five miles up Santaquin Canyon.
This is Uinta National Forest. I look for dispersed camping sites along the way but I only see a few and they’re occupied. The narrow, paved, and winding road climbs upward along a rushing creek.
Once I’ve located our campsite and backed in, the crew and I explore the campground.
Our walk takes us along the bank of the creek.
Photo of Spike soaking, Number 2,163. Bridget and I watch.
Photo of Spike soaking, Number 2,164.
“Bridget! What a big girl you are! You’re in the water!”
The campsites at Tinney Flat have a paved pad, picnic table, grill, and fire ring.
The crew and I stay cool in the shade.
Internet signal doesn’t reach this canyon, so I type up a blog post offline.
Tuesday, July 9
After an egg breakfast at the picnic table and another walk around the campground, the crew and I head down to Santaquin in order to post on this blog. Bridget and Spike sleep on the bench seat of the PTV while I reply to the many comments about the help I received when the brakes failed.
On the way back up the canyon, I stop at a picnic area by the creek.
The PTV’s air conditioner isn’t working and all three of us need to get cool . . . and Spike needs to soak! Let’s see . . . This is Photo of Spike Soaking, Number 2,165.
Even Bridget cools her toes in the creek. I take off my shoes and join in the fun!
And . . . Photo of Spike Soaking, Number 2,166! (I can’t post enough photos of my boy.)
“Okay, let’s go. It’ll be cool back at our campsite.”
The Best Little Trailer waits for our return.
Later, while the crew is inside the BLT and unaware, we have a visitor.
This deer hangs out at Tinney Flat. Marie, in the neighboring campsite, says the deer really likes cantelope skins. I don’t have anything good to share, and once the deer realizes there’s no handout at our campsite, she leaves.
I have mixed feelings anyway about taming an animal that lives in the wild. Her lack of fear of humans may make her more vulnerable during hunting season (and you know whose side I’m on!).
The day ends with me typing another blog post offline.
Wednesday, July 10
After two nights at Tinney Flat, Bridget, Spike and I hit the road! We’re on the road all day. In fact we motor right out of Utah and into the state of . . . .
To be continued . . .
rvsue
THANK YOU, RVSUE SHOPPERS! It doesn’t matter if your purchase is big or small. I appreciate every one. Here are some of the things readers bought recently through my Amazon links:
Wilson Dual Band Trucker Mirror Mount Antenna with 3-Way Mount
Culligan RainDisc Showerhead with Filter
Webroot SecureAnywhere Internet Security Plus 3 Device 2013 [Download]
Instapark PowerBox Mars100 Fold-n-Go Portable 100-Watt Solar-powered 12V Battery Charger with Built-in Charge Controller & Cooling Fan
The Light Between Oceans: A Novel
That deer seems so small with such big ears, I thought it was a baby moose until I read it. I agree with not taming wildlife. It’s dangerous for them. Hope you can get the ac in the PTV fixed soon.
Hi Donna!
I think she’s a mule deer. She doesn’t look very healthy or maybe she just gave birth. Her milk bag was somewhat prominent but that may be because she’s skinny.
I’m going to guess Wyoming…
Wtg Bridget getting those toes in the water, Spike is just a cool dude 🙂
Where ever you are Sue hope you have a good internet signal, cool temps and there is a creek for Spike….
Do you ever feel isolated when you are without a signal for internet?
Hi Tawanda!
I’m rarely without internet for more than a day or two. When I do have internet, look at all the interaction I get! 🙂 No, I never feel isolated, just anxious to find out what’s been going on in cyberspace and on this blog.
Keep the pics of Spike coming, I never get tired of seeing him soak his belly! Gotta love it. It was nice to see Bridget get her toes wet too.
Hi Glenda!
Can you believe a blogger criticized the blog that has dogs rolling around in the water? Haha! Without that topic to cover, where would this blog be? It’s my go-to photo!
I’ll never tire of seeing Spike soak his belly either. I think he makes a water photo so much more interesting. I bet my readers sweltering in this summer’s heat and drought share Spikey’s urge to soak in a cool stream.
Absolutely enjoy seeing Spike soaking up the cool water, and Bridget getting her paws in there too, I’ve not seen a pup just lay down in water like that before, never tire of the pix you post of them…
Can’t imagine why someone/anyone would feel ok to be criticizing a blog post, oyee… If you don’t like it leave it and leave it be….
So look forward to reading about your all day travels yesterday and the part of this great country you and the crew are enjoying today Sue…
Getting ready for an 8-10 hr work day here and when there is opportunity while there I try and get a peek at your posts…
Enjoy 🙂
T~
I agree with Tawanda about that other blogger. Some people never have anything nice to say. Probably not a dog lover either! I eagerly await your new posts and the dog pics. They always make me chuckle!
The way I look at it… I’m not trying to write great literature here . . . LOL
Oh Tawanda… I used to peek at travel trailers at work. Anything to keep from going absolutely insane!
I appreciate you letting me know you look forward to my posts. That’s where my motivation comes from… people like you!
I enjoy seeing Spike’s pics in the water because I wish I was right there with him! It’s been so hot & dry all summer in my area, I envy every cool soak Spike gets. Take one for me, Spikey!! 🙂
Bye bye Utah…………..have loved the visit………….thanks Sue and the crew for the tour!
You’re welcome, Glenda! (I assume this is the Aussie Glenda.)
Yes that is me…………….Aussie Glenda…………have to clarify each time LOL !!! didn’t know you hade another Glenda amongst your followers 🙂
Yes, amazingly… Glenda from Glendale (above)
I can’t wait to see your next spot. Remember, we’re all keeping track of your schedule for tank emptying and underwear laundrying–ha!
Hi, Mary Ann!
Do my readers keep an RVSue Crapper Chart? Is there a countdown app for RVSue’s panties on their Blackberries and Iphones? How do they do it?
I’m not seeing any of my purchases! I always come back here and click on your link before I buy anything. Wonder why they aren’t showing up?
I really like your new camping spot, very pretty country there. What’s the altitude? Night time temps?
John
Hi John!
Not to worry about your purchases! You can be sure that I’m getting credit for them. So far this month (10 days) my wonderful readers have ordered 191 items. With me posting links for only six on each blog post, you can see why yours hasn’t appeared.
Let me give you a BIG thank you for shopping Amazon through my links. My future looks more secure with this added income.
Re: temps . . . Look at the weather widget in the sidebar. It gives (in very small print) the high and low for a few days. Also you can click on it and get more information than you’d ever want. 🙂
Re: altitude . .. For fun, enlarge the Google map and set it on “terrain.” Then drag to see the mountains to the east. There’s a road going up the canyon… It leaves town just south of Eastside Park. (You may have to enlarge.) Follow that road until it ends, right past another road crossing it. Tinney Flat is near that intersection at approx. 5,700 feet. Not as high as our camp near Ephraim which was around 9,000 feet.
Ahh, OK, glad to hear that you are getting more than just the few items that you are posting.
I noticed the weather thingine after I posted my ???. I didn’t know about the terrain feature of Google maps. Now I have something else to play with. Just ordered Benchmark maps for CO and WY as we will be riding from NM to MT at the end of August. Can’t wait to get back out west and away from the humidity!
The terrain feature is my favorite thing about Google maps. Yay, you bought Benchmarks! They’ll be great “dream books” for you as you wait for the end of August to arrive.
I say you are headed to Idaho then on to Glacier NP!! Love photos of Spike and Bridget..makes the photos more endearing. Bridget has come along…not shy of the camera anymore…love the photo of her looking into camera!! What a lovely campground…next time I travel through Utah I have to stop here and there to see what you’ve seen.
Hi Rita!
As you know, I prefer camping by myself with the crew away from any evidence of human existence. Sometimes a campground is a nice change and these last two — Ponderosa and Tinney Flat — are really nice. We will probably stay in campgrounds while we travel through country that’s not conducive to boondocking (farms, ranches, sagebrush plains, treeless hills, etc.).
Finally!!! Rain last night in Surprise AZ! The whole 9 yards….lightening and thunder. I know many who read this say “Rain? Big deal!” but to us in the drought stricken desert of the southwest, it IS a big deal. Sue, I hope your new destination is a wonderful one, hopefully with a belly soaking stream for Spike. If you are heading to Idaho you are in for some great scenes. Your A/C with the fan operating has to be the fuse. Do you have a fuse block locator in your operators manual? Simple fix if I am right. I used to carry spare fuses of several sizes with me. Roll on lady, roll on…..
Well, hallelujah! That’s a VERY big deal, Jim. Hope there’s enough rain to share with New Mexico and Texas.
I haven’t looked at the PTV’s manual yet to find where the fuses are located. (Yes, it’s true. I don’t know where they are.) I’m not in a hurry because I don’t have a replacement fuse yet…. too busy putting miles behind us and playing in the woods! I should stock up on spare fuses.
Hi Sue
There may be some spare fuses in the fuse block. Just make sure to use the matching fuse for the one you replace.
I really enjoy your blog.
Thank you.
Don in Okla.
Hi Don!
Thanks for that tip. And also for letting me know you’re enjoying my blog. I love good advice and positive feedback!
There are 2 fuse blocks if I remember right. One under the driver’s seat (ought to be fun) and another under the hood on the drivers side (yaahh, more fun!)
Hoo-boy… Maybe later . . . 🙂 Thanks, John.
I was thinking Mule Deer too because of the size of the ears. But I’ve made enough embarrassing mistakes mis-identifying flora and fauna on my blog to retire from the business.
Never get tired of seeing Spike soak. He’s just so good at it!
Hi Kim! That’s why I’ve developed the habit of writing… “I think it’s a . . . ” 🙂
I’m with you on taming the wildlife! Definitely not a good idea. People don’t think about the winter when everyone is gone and the hands are gone, too!
Love seeing Spike soak!
I see people tampering with wildlife patterns all over. Feeding jack rabbits and quail at a campground, drawing the coyotes in close, is one questionable practice.
We never get tired of seeing pics of Spike soaking. Glad to see Bridget is also partaking in the activities. What a good girl.
Nice camp site. How long can you go if you don’t have sun for your panels?
The deer looks like Sister Bertrille………or Mother Superior! hah
Enjoy your day.
Hi cinandjules!
It’s hard to say how long I can go without sun on the panel. It depends upon how much power I use. I can adapt my power use. What I have to be careful about in shady places, like Oregon, is making sure the batteries get maximum charge on a regular basis.
The photos show the BLT in a lot of shade. The PTV and panel did get full sun for an hour or so each day and dappled light the rest of the daylight hours. Sometimes the inverter squawks while I’m online, so I turn it off for a few minutes and rely on the laptop’s battery while the house battery catches up.
Guess I need to order another Benchmark atlas! (Don’t worry–I know which one 😉
Hi DeAnne!
Well, if ever anyone is in any doubt about which atlas they need, I suggest buying them all! Heh-heh.
Sue,, AH, yes Internet,,, Sorry how dumb of me..
Safe travels…
No problem!
Ummmm….where’s a pic of YOUR toes soaking??? 😉
Ha! Hi, Ladybug . . . I wasn’t in long enough. That water is cold!
I’m guessing Bridger Teton NF in Idaho.
What do I win if I guess right?… A photo of Spike soaking???
; ).
Gee, I don’t know if I can spare one of Spike’s soak photos . . .
Certainly has been an eventful few days with the brakes and all. Glad help was close at hand. Luv the Soaker Spike pics..My Shiloh does the same in our lake when it is calm. If water is rough she has the annoying habit of barking at the waves. I agree with not taming the wildlife. The deer who visited me this week got very well fed. It ate all my hostas. 🙂 I don’t care, just wished I could have seen it. Saw a few frootprints in the morning. Safe travels, can’t wait to see where you go next,
P.S. It looks like I could buy from Amazon Canada now via your blog…..correct?
As far as I know you can buy from Amazon Canada from here. If you buy something you don’t mind telling me publicly, I’ll check and see if it shows up on my list of orders. I appreciate you wanting to support the RVSue’s Exit Plan and Tire Fund. LOL
I see you left us with a cliff hanger as where you are going next. Can’t see too many pictures of Spike soaking, its very cute and he looks so happy.
I love the dreamy look Spike gets on his face. It’s similar to the look I get with cookies n’ cream frozen yogurt.
The shower head, a 15 minute job that took 1o hours; a story I don’t care to tell.
I was just looking at your “site meter” widget and the yearly report shows a strong climb toward fame, almost 100,000 page hits last month. Congrats!
Hi Mick!
You’re the shopper who bought the shower head? And it took 10 hours to install or to take a shower with it? LOL
You’re kidding me! 100,000 page hits last month? Hard to believe, isn’t it.
I don’t see the “followers” listed anymore?
I didn’t bother to put it back because the numbers are all messed up. All my followers were dropped in the transfer to self-hosting and now they’re signing up again so the numbers don’t mean much.
I’m not into numbers. I’m into quality with readers like you, Mick. 🙂
I will, however, be thrilled when the sitemeter hits one million!
The pics were great, Just love Spike & Bridget. I love all animals except skunks, and think folks should leave them alone, as well. When we visited Colorado for the first time, my husband & I went to Pikes Peak and stopped at many scenic views. At one place, the chipmunks were sitting on our shoes, the squirrels a foot away and birds taking peanuts right out of other visitors hand. Unbelievable!!!
Thanks for the info regarding Rusty & Timber. I am excited for them too. Is Timber in training yet? How is he doing? He is such a beautiful dog.
Can’t wait to see the new camp.
Hi Barbara!
Timber’s lessons have been postponed. It was too difficult for Rusty to take him to lessons once Arizona’s summer heat came along. Rusty moved out of the area in order to keep cool.
Another cliff hanger….let’s see…the states you could be in are…..
Ah, yes, seeing the photos of the green trees, creeks, and Spike soaking is definitely helping this Texas gal survive the heat. Just wish I could be there with you! Heat index was 102 today 🙁