September begins for us at a lovely camp in the aspen forest on Badger Mountain.
Manti La Sal National Forest, east of Ephraim, Utah
The bleating of sheep filters down the hillside to our camp.
One day a tree blocks the only road out and a fellow camper removes it for us.
After several days we move south to Salina and turn east.
Here’s our camp at Gooseberry Campground in Fishlake National Forest.
A scouting mission in the Perfect Tow Vehicle results in the discovery of several boondock sites.
Soon the Best Little Trailer is set up next to a ridge near aspens and open fields.
Oak Ridge Road camp, off the Gooseberry-Fremont Road
During this camp we are visited by wild turkeys and a small herd of cows, the latter run off by The Reginator.
The crew and I enjoy several walks on trails through the forest.
During our stay the leaves turn from shades of green . . .
. . . to bright yellow!
We witness the drama of a calf that finds itself in the wrong place at the wrong time!
And Reggie tries to impress a mule with his fancy moves!
As you can see, this boondock on Oak Ridge Road is in a very picturesque location.
Beautiful scenes abound! I have a great time with my camera. I love photographing horses, and photographing horses with aspens, even more so!
We continue our journey southward through Utah, past Otter Creek Reservoir (too low, too hot) to the town of Junction.
West of town we make camp next to a creek, after crossing a shallow spillway. This is City Creek Recreation Area in Fishlake National Forest.
The next morning the crew and I discover a better camp, only a short distance up the road.
This spot is so enchanting I name it Camp Charming.
On many walks through the forest and on excursions in the PTV, autumn light and colors brighten our days.
From grand views of mountainsides to small arrangements on the forest floor, beauty is everywhere!
The crew and I have fun exploring the bank of the noisy creek that tumbles along the edge of our campsite.
On Friday the 25th, however, I discover that the Perfect Tow Vehicle won’t start!
A jump start from weekend campers and we’re soon moving out of Camp Charming to camp at the RV park behind Stan’s Mercantile in the center of Circleville, a town near Junction.
Rather than fret about the PTV, I order take-out from the pizza place next to the RV park. The crew and I stroll the streets of Circleville.
On Sunday the 27th, the solar panel has charged the PTV’s battery sufficiently for it to start!
Off we go northward to take care of this problem!
We camp overnight at the Wal-Mart in Richfield.
The next morning the PTV receives a new battery and we’re good to go!
Oops! Shoulda’ got gas!
It’s a harrowing drive on Interstate-70 through the Pavant Range because we’re riding on “empty!” We make it to a gas station on the other side of the mountains. I gas up the PTV and we continue south to the town of Beaver, Utah.
East of town we pull into a convenient boondock.
Our camp soon acquires the feel of “home” for the three of us!
September slips quietly into October . . .
Bridget, Reggie and I use this pleasant, riverside camp as a base for exploring the area.
The Beaver River in our back yard
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR ENTERING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
“We’re on the road again, Reg!”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Love the pics, so many ideas for my wandering. Right now I want someplace warmer than Tucson. …thinking Yuma.
Hi, Pat H.,
You’re making a habit out of being first! CONGRATULATIONS!
Yuma is a good choice for warmth!
Loving the reviews! Especially Oregon. Happy new year!
Same to you, robinb!
I loved the Aspen forest campsite. Those pics calm me and it was great to “see” your problem solving at work. I’m glad you had a wonderful Christmas and am looking forward to your New Year travels. Scratches to the fur kids.
Hi, Phiesty in Utah,
There are two aspen forest campsites in this post. I bet you are referring to Badger Mountain (the first one). That’s one of my favorites.
I’m glad you will ride along with us in 2016!
Well I might be 4 th today! I left a short note to Glenda in OZ on previous post before I reloaded page and noticed a new Sue & fur kids Gram up! Have a good day all. We are gearing up for hubby’s final two days of radiation and we will be so glad it’s done. His neck looks like a lobster!
My dearest friend in Lincoln recently had her last radiation treatment. I did tell her about the coconut..she had mentioned her boob was burnt and wearing clothes was painful. She didn’t make it to Sac but found some nearby (obviously not cannibis infused) it was a huge relief. Thanks for your help.
I’m sure you are aware that ringing of the bell signifies the end of the chemo/radiation journey.
She rang the bell three times for her….stopped and then rang it three times for my mom. She said although your mom didn’t finish her treatment she did the best she could…and that’s significant in itself. So with her English accent she said…so I rang it for her!
Wonderful gesture for someone who never met mom. I can’t believe it has been two years (Dec 30).
Two more treatments for your husband and he will get to ring that bell! Tell him to ring it like he means it!
Thanks again!
I have never seen any bell or other celebration other than saying good bye and good luck at UCD in previous two times of radiation for him. They do celebrate for children in chemo but not adults in radiation.
Another thing to pass along to your friend who finished radiation. Colloidal Silver gel. Tell her I get it at Sunrise Health in Roseville CA which is at South west Corner of Douglas and Rocky Ridge near Verizon store. Silver preparations such as Silvadene have been used for decades for burns. Silvadene is a cream, can be painful to apply to raw areas. Silver is antibacterial and soothing. I got water based CS gel because it goes on easily over raw skin. Soothes and prevents infection and states on label its for 1st and 2nd degree burns. Mel finds it stops the itching burning sensation right away and I like the antibacterial properties. Can’t be used right before treatment because they don’t want metal on skin during radiation but can apply right after. Mel applies soon as he gets home daily and in evening, then washes off before going.
I will pass that along! Thanks.
Patti walked past that bell 20 times without noticing it.
Best wishes to Mel…he is so fortunate to have you…finding remedies to ease the side effects.
It’s hard for me to believe but today will be day 101 of a total of 102 radiation treatments since August 2013 for Mel. I’ve not seen any bell or heard one so don’t think I would miss that for someone. In fact I had thought before and mentioned to one of the desk gals about no celebrations and she said yeah we don’t . I think they should.
That kind of makes me sad…such an important phase for one to not only to endure but complete. 102 treatments since 2013!
Perhaps UCD is so huge and busy that the human aspect has been lost somewhere.
I’m happy for Mel that he is about to complete his radiation treatments.
Amen to that!
i have a friend who will be doing radiation in a couple of months after her first serces of chemo and i made a copy of your advice about the silver creme.
i pray for Mel’s speedy recovery and wish you both happy new year!
Make sure it’s colloidal silver GEL not cream. Cream is uncomfortable to spread on irritated skin. The water based GEL spreads very easy and is cooling and soothing. CS does come in both and he first tried my CS cream and complained and I said NO use the GEL and he was surprised to feel the difference. CS both types are labeled for use on first and second degree burns, as well as for anti bacterial on other wounds.
I will make sure. Thanks!
Have a great day! Mel’s last radiation treatment. Best wishes for a healthy 2016.
They used silver on my abdominal wound last year. After they started with that, it healed much more quickly.
Hi, Velda….Two more to go! I’m happy for both of you. It has been a long road…
Thank you Sue!
Ringing a virtual bell for Mel! Ring, ring, RING!
Hi Sue, Furkids, and Blogerinos…
Looking at all the beautiful spots in your pic’s today sure beats looking
out my window! S.E. NM is in a blizzard that began last evening about
4 p.m. We are in a world of white! Snow has piled up and the wind has
been blowing the snow around so it looks like it is still falling. I am not
sure it is not still falling!
Our temperatures today are a high of 30* and a low of 17*…. Clyde and
I will not be going anywhere outside our home….!!!! No one will want to
come here today…. or leave either! The cold will last all the coming week.
Probably the snow will not! At least I hope not!
Hopefully everyone here has plenty of heat in their rigs…. This weather
is supposed to continue through tonight…. and maybe tomorrow also!!
Where ever you are…. stay warm and happy….
Elizabeth aka E2/etwo and Clyde Cat…..
Wow! Interested report, E2, from a blizzard in New Mexico! Stay warm, dear one!
Elizabeth’s weather has been pretty bad on that side of the state, many without power too. The Governor has declared a state of emergency for that side of the state. Here in TorC we barely got the snow, while in Las Cruces 70 miles to the south they averaged 10 inches and 70 miles to the north in Socorro they had almost 12 inches. Elizabeth, I hope you are able to stay warm.
Thanks for this info, EmilyO. I didn’t know it was that bad. You say “that side of the state”… which “side” is that?
LATER…. I’ve searched and searched and can’t find anything on WA…. Weather news is about Texas and southern Illinois… I can’t use any more data on this. I hope Elizabeth is fine.
I think it’s New Mexico. Maybe the SE or E part of the state got a lot more snow than the more NW part (a friend in Las Cruces got 10″ on his roof/solar panels. Boondocking!)
The eastern part of the state got the worst of it but EL Paso TX. also had a blizzard going during the football game there.
errgghhh!! The eastern part of WHAT state?
There’s an Elizabeth in Washington and an Elizabeth in New Mexico. I guess you’re talking about New Mexico.
Yes…. The entire east side of NM was involved in the Blizzard…. that is the side next to TX….. Today the
sun is shinning on us from a cloudless blue sky and there is NO
wind! Thanks for caring!
I think Emily meant E2s side of the state, SE NM!
I love those aspens. How quickly the year sped by. It is great to see some of those lovely camps again. I often write down the name of a low price campground when you post & they go into a small notebook for “someday” use. I was cleaning up clutter recently & found a scrap of paper with One of the camp names on it.
Reggie looks so cute looking out the window. Glad you had a lovely Christmas Day.
Ours was quiet and very good. Just our family. Warmest temps ever.
In the spring I am buying a small Coleman oven for the Colman stove. Not a huge expenditure, but I will try again to go through your link. Because I am in Canada, it takes me from your link to Amazon.ca so I can’t be sure if you get credit or not. I will let you know when I buy it.
Thanks, Val, for intending to purchase the oven through one of my links. I appreciate that and I’ll be happy to let you know when I see it on an Amazon order report. Just remind me…
I’m glad you had a good Christmas Day with your family.
Wow how time flies!
Your recap has been fun! The Beaver River is gorgeous as well as the aspens! What a huge smile from Reg man! He is loving life!
It’s been a great year! Of course, adopting Reggie was a high point. He certainly has changed our (Bridget’s and mine) lives…
‘Uall come to TN, it is 74 on the Cumberland Plateau. (new record by a lot!)
Hey, it’s warmer there than it is here. That ain’t right!
Beautiful photos! Lovin’ Reggie boy’s smile. What a ham. Thanks for your recap!
You’re welcome, Sealarkesmiles! Thanks re the photos. Glad you like them.
Enjoyed the gorgeous photos of beautiful places you have stayed. Best wishes for the New Year!
The same to you, Sharon in MO! Thank you.
Sue, thanks again sharing your well written and thoroughly entertaining blog!
You’re welcome, Mike. It’s my pleasure.
At last! Posts that I remember! So nice to re-live those wonderful days with you and gasp inwardly at the trials too!
And it’s nice to have you with us, Renee… More to come!
hi Sue, just a quick note to let you know that my tears, while reading your post about talking to Bridget, were good tears. i love remembering Beebop. also, my comment about wishing for a snuggling mom whishpering good things to me is so true for me.
please continue to share your loving thoughts about your crew and about your life. this blog is sooooo important to me. thanks so much, bess
You’re welcome, bess. You are important to me. 🙂
Aspens, horses, river in your yard and the crew happily exploring new camps and other places you went-September was a real feast of your favorite things. Wonderful photos and memories in this post, Sue, thank you. The happy eyes in Bridget’s and Reggie’s solo pics made my day 🙂
Thanks, weather. It’s fun sharing these recent memories.
A less recent memory is sunrise by 4:30 in June. I still wake up early enough to see that , though first light arrives hours later now. I keep a low wattage floodlight outside the back porch on overnight, in case critters without strong night vision or I should need to see the paths to warm places away from the almost always present wind here . This morning it’s dim glow showed a touch of glitter on things. Light misty freezing rain lasted just long enough to place a thin crunchy coating on the ground and pine boughs barely moving in the almost still scene.
It looks as though last night was slightly warmer than the previous one for you, Sue, I hope so. Sitting in your home must feel like a luxury after needing the PTV’s heater yesterday. I know I’m grateful each time I hear my furnace kick on. I wonder if the wind storm you endured left your ironwood tree intact. Have you decided yet about whether to renew your permit to stay there or move soon? I imagine both options have appealing aspects.
Good morning, weather,
You are the Kincaide of words! I can feel, hear, and see your frosty world. 🙂 Yes, it is warmer this morning. The crew and I are cozy, even without the heater working. I piled on the comforter and quilt and dressed really warm in a thermal shirt with thick, heavy duty sweatshirt over that, sweatpants and socks. Reggie wore his green “sweatshirt” to bed. Bridget is amazing. The cold doesn’t faze here. She crawled out from under the covers. I guess her chubbiness keeps her warm.
Funny how having to go out to the PTV for warmth doesn’t seem like an inconvenience at all. It’s part of winter, part of our lives. One thing I didn’t like about my former life was the disconnect between my air-treated days inside and the outside air. I’m very aware every day and night of the conditions and changes in weather. Somehow that is part of the fun of this way of living! Of course, if I had to get dressed in silly, uncomfortable, women’s clothes to go to work, I’d think differently about no heat in the house…
AT this point I’m planning on us moving by this weekend. It has been a joy to live here. I haven’t interacted (in person) with anyone other than the camp host to renew the permit in weeks! No gawkers. Privacy and quiet. The seclusion has been a delight every day!
It will be nice though to have new places for walking the crew. Change is always good. That’s why we like the different seasons, right?
Your photo of the horses grazing in front of the aspens is one of my favorites. The framing gives a three dimensional look, with the horses, the tall aspens and some blue sky peeking through way up at the top. Your framing skill adds a lot to your pictures.
Thanks so much for being RvSue and Crew too. ?? ??
It’s nice to be appreciated. Thank you. That horses-with-aspens photo owes a lot of its composition to the horses. They were perfectly posed and in a variety of colors. I can’t manufacture that! 🙂
I agree Mick! This is one of Sues top ten images in my opinion! ? love it!
I have been having fun reading through the archives from the beginning. I am up to November 2013. Found out about Sue’s love of horses. I bred and showed Appaloosa horses for 30 years. Good times.
I can’t tell you, Chris, how much I wonder what it would have been like if I had “bred and showed Appaloosa horses for 30 years.” *sigh* You were fortunate.
I was fortunate. Met a lot of nice people at the horse shows. I got my trailering experience pulling a 3 horse gooseneck with a dressing room. My 5th wheel now is bigger than that trailer was but at least I know how to back up a trailer.
It’s interesting how, over time, we apply skills learned earlier in life.
You mean you back up your 5th wheel ALL BY YOURSELF? 😉
Yes, I am so brave. Ha ha.
You know, it’s funny. In the boating world, if you’re female and tow your own boat, it’s remarkable/brave/puzzling. But in the horse world, women have been towing big trailers full of (literally) tons of horses for ages (and maneuvering them into grassy fields, etc.), and it’s just an everyday normal thing.
Funny how different realms can be so…. different!
You are right. I never really thought about it when I was showing my horses. Lots of women hauled their own horses and no one thought anything about it. I learned how to back up like many others, went into a big empty parking lot and started practicing. I did learn though that backing a gooseneck trailer is easier than backing a bumper pull. It is much easier to jack-knife a bumper pull trailer.
Here’s what I think is the reason that horsewomen are more independent overall than RV women are overall. A horse is usually ridden by one person, whereas an RV can be ridden by more than one and often is. 🙂
Hi, Chris. I spent 20+ years hauling horses all over Alaska to horse shows and understand that feeling of family. My last rig was a 34 foot Sundowner, 4H Living Quarter. I hauled that up and down the Alcan from AK to the lower 48 5-6 times. People were amazed that two women could and would enjoy making that trip. I sold that set-up in 2002 and downsized. In April of 2016 I will see my last remaining horse return to Alaska to a meaningful life and set off on my new adventures. Good news is I get to visit many of my “horse” friends from over the years and can get that fix I know I will crave.
Wow, 30 years. I can’t imagine the depth and breath of your knowledge. Are you involved with horses at all anymore?
Not anymore . My last (and favorite) horse died unexpectedly 10 years ago, so I sold off all of my equipment and retired from horses. Lots of good memories, but I don’t want to do it anymore. Losing Teddy broke my heart.
Hey Chris,,, What sort of tack did you sell? would any fit a standard jack at 58ins. at the shoulder fit,,,, rusty
Everything was sold 10 years ago.
The aspen and horses photo should be a jigsaw puzzle. Love it!
You’re right, Sally. It would make a good puzzle.
It is easy: http://www.printerstudio.com/unique-ideas/jigsaw-photo-puzzles.html
Hi Sue,
Been reading and rereading your posts for about a year now, you have inspired me in so many ways. Today I posted my first blog. Hope I have enough to say to keep it interesting and I can figure out the ins and outs of blogging.
Happy trails!
Edie
Hi, Edie in CO,
Congratulations on starting your blog! I would like to look at it. However, the link at your name doesn’t take me to your blog. What is the name of it?
Sue, I replaced the “at” symbol with a dot (period) and it opens just fine. I think the “@” was a mistake and meant to be a dot.
Congrats on starting your blog, Edie! Just going to look at it now.
Gee, I should have also added it:
https://keepingtbsblog.wordpress.com/
Thanks, Pen!
I looked at your blog, Edie — cute beginning! Have fun with it!
Wonderful, beautiful places to see! I am living through you Sue. Maybe one day my husband and I will hit the road. *sigh* I am still trying to figure out how to be first on here. Lol Have a wonderful week!
Thanks, Piper…. I hope you have a wonderful week, too!
September might be my favorite month so far. Except for the battery problem. Such beautiful places, beautiful colors, beautiful horse…just wonderful.
September did turn out to be a special time with outstanding camps (and some not so much). I love full-timing at any time of year. However, in the fall it is especially nice. I’m happy you enjoyed this post, Dawn.
Sue, I remember when you posted those pictures late in September – especially at “Camp Charming.” They are among your most “painterly” photos. Absolutely beautiful. We are so enjoying this review – of course the time warp will close shortly and you’ll be back in real time.
OK, so today we had a very quiet down day at home, which was good. The bad part was that I overate the holiday leftovers. It will be good to get out and about tomorrow. Move this old body!
Hi, Applegirl,
Ah, so you over-ate… It was fun, right? 🙂 That’s in the past… “Tomorrow” has arrived — Now get moving! 🙂
Thanks re my “painterly” photos (aka out-of-focus)…Ha!
“From grand views of mountainsides to small arrangements on the forest floor, beauty is everywhere!” And you are so good at showing us that beauty no matter what your surroundings. The recent reviews featuring photos of camps under the trees are what I always imagine as my perfect destination but because of your photos of the desert I will go slower and enjoy that environment on my way.
Hi, Dasher,
It is gratifying for me to read a comment such as yours. Thank you!
Blogging can be a PITA at times. Most of the time, though, it is good and often it is wonderful! To think that my blog encourages anyone to enjoy more fully the many forms of nature . . . . Wow! 🙂
Hi Sue,
All the places and campsites in this post have to rank up there near the top favorites. I especially loved the photo of the sheep. Over time ya get kind of used to seeing birds, horses, cows, etc when out in nature…sheep…not so much! It was such a treat seeing them grazing. Befitting for the holidays too, “My Sheep Were Grazing On A Plain. When Angels Sang This Glad Refrain”…
Happy Holidays! What an amazing year it has been for You and Crew! May 2016 be even more amazing as you ring in the New Year!
Hi, Pamela K.,
Those sheep were a surprise. One day, no sheep — the next day the woods are full with sheep. I love the “surprise happenings” of this way of life. There’s always something new and fun….
Thanks for the wish for an amazing 2016…. I wish the same for you and Klemper!
Good morning, Sue! I think this must be my favorite month of posts–the transition from summer to fall is my favorite & you captured it beautifully. I so admire your calm when you discovered you needed a new battery, your sense of what makes a great campsite & your skill at finding them, your love of & devotion to the Crew. And see, Walmart camping isn’t so bad! Hope you & the Crew are warm–it’s chilly here this morning. Jim says we need a bigger Mr. Heater–Ari & I completely agree!
I had to laugh at “see, Walmart Camping isn’t so bad.” I agree if the following words are added” “after the pavement sweeper is done.”
Good morning, Dawn! Thank you for your words about my autumn photos in this post. The fall is my favorite time of year for taking pictures.
These catalytic heaters have a tough time catching up once the “house” is cold.
BTW, speaking of heaters…. As I type this it is 28 degrees here in not-so-sunny Blythe, California.
As soon as I got out of bed this morning I went outside and started up the PTV with the heater on high. That’s where the crew and I are right now. It’s toasty warm with the heat blasting on us. I have my laptop and a cup of coffee. Bridget and Reggie are dozing, probably wondering why we aren’t moving!
I am enjoying your year in review and reminders of places I may want to visit this coming year. Have a great new year Sue!
You have a great year, too, Steve. Nice to see you here again….
Brrrrr!!!!! Seems to be cold everywhere in the southwest. We are cozy & warm in our new rig. Finally have a bed to fit my Pendleton queen size blanket. Wow!!!! It really keeps us snug and toasty. But venturing out is another story. We were really buffeted broadside by those gusty winds over the past two days. Today no wind but nippy. We stay inside & binge watch TV series we check out from the public library. Right now really enjoying Homeland.
A belated Merry Christmas to all— ours was really quiet. Best wishes for the adventures the new year will surely bring.
Thanks for the best wishes, kgdan!
It sounds like you have figured out a pretty nice way to enjoy the cold weather — inside and with plenty of entertainment. Great deal with the library….
Sue,
Awww, yes, the GAS-MA-LEEN dilemma. I do remember the comments about all the different Jerry-Cans. Different types and styles, those that are metal vs plastic, those that stand up vs lays flat, those approved (certified) and those not approved. The questions of whether too carry extra gasoline loads or not and when to consider doing so. It was a good discussion. If memory serves me you would have never considered carrying any extra gasoline – until after that trek.
My personal favorite ones are the ones a lot of ORV and motorcyclists carry. They are the ones that stack flat or upright, made of heavy plastic and are the only ones certified safe for long distance hauling over rough terrain. Dag, I forgot the name…will have to look it up again. They have the hole in the center for locking them in place. The best ones are from the original company who held the patent on them for years and are mil-spec.
Rotopax is one – I think there are others too.
Pen,
Yes! That’s the one, ROTOPAX! I knew it was something like that but they are in storage and couldn’t look at it. Anyway those are the ones and they are really great! Klemper and I have one each for under our soft luggage packs on our Vespa scooters. Anyway, thanks for looking that up.
Hope you had a wonderful holiday and the weather calmed down alittle.
BTW, did you ever get your Wolfgang Puck Mini Cooker? Used it yet? Do you like it? Still using mine most every day. Reheated some homemade Rancho Chili in it earlier tonight. I swear, that little thing “thinks it’s a microwave”, lol. Reheats stuff really fast!
So, did Santa bring you your mat? Or is it still on the “to get” list?
Hi Pamela,
Maybe you are thinking of someone else with the cooker? I don’t tend to use 110 (AC) appliances. More of a 12-volt/propane gal 😀
No mat yet. I’m working on my diabolical plan to make a storage space for it. OTOH, it’s so cold right now that I’m not missing it too much. Brrr, coldest winter I’ve spend in AZ so far. Of course January may get better, and it’s still a lovely place to be! Sunsets haven’t dimmed a bit 🙂
(I just looked it up, and it was December 31 last year when it SNOWED here (western AZ). Now that was a sight).
Hi, Pamela K.,
You’re mixing up this gas-gauge-on-empty incident mentioned in this post with our visit to the Ruby Mountains in Nevada where there aren’t any gas stations for many, many miles in all directions. I don’t want or need extra gas containers unless I decide to go to the Ruby Mountains again or some other remote area.
Sue,
Oh. Well, just goes to show I do read them all, lol. I can see how I mixed “that time” up with the remote mountains, easy enough to do. Anyway, I figured you didn’t buy a gas can for hauling extra gas, just another thing to find room to store it if you don’t need it often enough.
Ok…..we have joined the rest of the country……freezing our butts off! ?
You knew that balmy weather couldn’t last forever. Time to put your butt side to the fireplace! 🙂
AO has already claimed that spot!
Sue,
You can delete all the stuff about the jerry cans if you want to so it doesn’t confuse anyone. Sorry I got the different posts (this one vs the ruby mountains mixed up). 🙂
No apology needed. I get confused all the time. Ha! The info about gas cans may be helpful to someone browsing the comments. 🙂
With all those sheep, are you sure this isn’t BAAAAAAAAAAAger mountain? Just a thought. Have a great day Missy,,,
You, too, Jim!
Happy “Golden Age Pass Day,” Julie, Molly & gizmo (Idaho)!! May it serve you well 🙂