Tuesday, February 24
Bridget and I are strolling down the road near our camp in the Chuckwalla Mountains Wilderness when a grey pick-up comes out of the canyon and slows to a stop.
(The photos in this post were taken during walks with Bridget in the area around our camp.)
The driver brings down his window. A small dog sits in the front seat next to him.
I approach his window.
“Was that you who drove by our camp yesterday in the red pick-up?” I ask.
“Yeah, that was me. I was with my buddy in his truck.”
The man gets out and lets his dog jump to the ground.
“I thought I recognized your dog. He’s a beautiful dog,” I remark as the white-with-spots dog scurries around, sniffing and marking territory. “I’ve been looking for a dog and that’s just the kind I’d like to find.”
He tells me the dog’s name is L.J. and he’s a Jack Russell terrier.
“And who is this?” he asks.
“Oh, that’s Bridget.”
He squats down to give her attention. Bridget wiggles and swings her tail back and forth. She’s always thrilled with male attention. Gee, fall all over him, Bridget.
L.J. trots up to check out Bridget, too.
L.J. reminds me of a young Spike, the same size, a nubbin for a tail, mostly white, and with symmetrical face markings. I watch with fascination as Bridget takes a keen interest in L.J.
Bridget is usually stand-offish when approached my another dog. She sniffs L.J’s nose. It’s obvious she likes him.
(Sorry, no photos! I didn’t have the camera with me. Maybe it’s just as well I didn’t.)
I feel a pang, wondering if she’s thinking of Spike.
Oh, if I could find a dog like L.J., our family would be complete!
I learn that the man’s name is Craig and he lives in Long Beach, California. He’s been camping for a week with friends at the far end of Corn Springs Road. One of his friends, who is from Indiana, owns a cabin at the end of the road at Aztec Well.
While we’re talking, Craig notices a bird of prey hovering way up by the mountainside.
He grabs his binoculars, but before he can focus on the bird, it dives straight down,like it’s shot from a gun, a few hundred feet to the ground. A palo verde shields our view of predator meeting prey.
“That might have been a peregrine,” Craig says.
We talk for several minutes and then Craig and L.J. take off for the 200-mile trip home.
Later Bridget and I walk a wash near our camp.
That’s when I take the photos for this post. The rocks look like they were cut by a drunk stone mason.
Last night was windy and it rained quite hard for a short time.
The wind turns to gentle breezes by mid-morning and the wash is dry.
We startle a jack rabbit. It hops up the rocks like they’re stairs. Tracks and scat in the sand of the wash indicate the presence of animals with split hooves. I don’t find evidence of coyotes nor do I hear them at night.
As Bridget leads me back to camp, I assess our situation.
We’re running out of fresh fruits and vegetables. We’re on our second propane tank.
We could leave in the morning, now that the wind is gone.
Wednesday, February 25
It’s a beautiful, sunny day. I don’t feel like getting out of my nightie. I linger over coffee, reading comments, and writing replies.
Bridget is in a similar, lazy mood.
She has eaten her chicken breakfast and retreated under the quilt beside me.
“I don’t feel like driving today. Another day here will suit us fine. Right, punkin?”
Bridget doesn’t stir. I suspect she knows my decisions before I do.
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Here are links to a few of the items ordered by readers:
Hog Wild Pig Popper
Portable Tow Truck (orange)
Wigwam Merino Comfort Hiker Socks
Cuisinart Countertop Oven, Brushed Stainless
Sangean AM/FM Digital Rechargeable Portable Radio
Traverse Bay Fruit Co. Dried Blueberries, 4-Pound Box
Hi, first?
You did it!!! Congratulations, Jeff. You don’t get a prize.
The prize is another dandy blog post. We all come out winners!!
Hi, Don… Smiling here!
Nice pictures, Sue. It sounds like you and Bridget are having fun relaxing. I love that fluffy tree (3rd from the last shot). Do you know what kind of tree it is?
Thanks, Jenny,
I don’t know what that tree is. I suspect that some of the trees in these photos are dead or dying, rather than going through the winter phase. Several of the “fluffy” trees look like palo verde.
Smoke Tree
Dalea spinosa
A member of the pea family (Fabaceae), the smoke tree derives its name from its plume-like growth and golden color, which give the tree the appearance of smoke. The leaves appear for only a few weeks each year, the smoky gray twigs must produce most of the plant’s food by conducting photosynthesis themselves. The seeds need to be worn by water before they will germinate.
IMHO -Hard to capture their ‘essence’ in a photo- hiking with a full moon they stand out.
3rd?……Im getting better……HA…
now to go back and read……….
You’ll be Number One one of these days, Chuck. Work on your acceptance speech in the meantime. 😉
Sue, Im like you when there are days that I dont feel like getting out of my jammies…especially with this cold weather that has set in the last few days…..drink coffee and read most of the day…..
chuck
And that’s what I did. A lounger lizard most of the day…
I have a friend who breeds Jack Russlles… Check her out..
https://www.facebook.com/shortjackrussells
Adorable! My heart aches . . . .
Did you use to have one?
No, I’ve never had a Jack Russell. They look a lot like Rat Terriers which Bridget is (a mix). Spike, who died last August, was a Rat Terrier mix. I love terriers!
I just looked over that website with the puppies. Maybe that is your answer my dear, get a puppy!
My first Silky terrier was a lucky find from a local animal rescue, Pets and Pals in Lathrop. After Spanky was no longer with us, I looked and looked for another Silky..no luck… No rescue, anywhere in our location. So…I finally bought my first one, Arlo, and later bought another from the same breeder…I had never in my life bought a dog before..always had pound puppies…but I wanted a Silky again. I loved the terrier personality, healthy beautiful, the right size, so who knows maybe this is the right thing to do this time.
I always wanted to get a dog with a ‘get out of jail free’ card…always had…but this time I got my right dog by buying it. These two were the first puppies I haf ever had and I loved raising them, they are good citizens, are tolerant of my grand kids, love my friends but bark when it is a good thing…
Who knows..maybe they have your perfect match!
My son has a silkie. He claims it’s the perfect dog. I think it’s a good testimony that there are so few in rescue — nobody gives them up!
We have a Silkie. His name is Bogie. He has his own page on our blog. Check it out at http://www.sunrisesandsunsets.us .
That’s an interesting place to hike. I had to put my glasses on to examine that brown blob in the 4th photo. I kept seeing the tail end of some kind of animal, and finally realized its a cactus. It’s good the area got some rain, my daughter says they got some rain over the mountain in LA as well. Cheers!
We did get rain but not enough to make much difference. Although Craig did say it was very heavy further up the canyon. This drought is scary.
great post Sue, be safe..
Thanks, Ron. You be safe, too. Good to know you’re still reading here…
Wouldn’t miss it girl!
Good evening! Interesting you are checking out Jack Russells–from my limited knowledge, I understand they need room to run? Mixed with terrier would be good. Am sure both you and Bridge will know the right one when it comes along. You sure do know how to find great camps! I live in a condo in Mesa, AZ but have done camper life & loved it. Only never “on the road”. I envy your lifestyle.
Good morning, Lois Joy,
Yes, Jack Russells can have a high energy level. Some are more mellow but mostly they are little motors….
I’m including Jacks in my search because surprisingly many people do not know the rat terrier breed and they often mistake them for Jack Russells. I see this all the time at dog adoption sites. Also, occasionally one will find a mellow, average-energy Jack, which I’d love… Jacks have the spunky curiosity I loved in Spike.
Nice hearing from you again…
I have both and a chihuahua as I told you before. Nothing tops my tenacious Rat Terrier – Tuff – wild, crazy 11 years old and still insane – wonderful dog, and really smart, my only boy. Daisy is a Jack Russel mix – the difference other than some physical appears – rats are more proportionate, jacks have shorter legs, but she will run and play but is by far calmer than my Rat, she is much more of a lover and snuggler.. but I think it may just be my Tuff that is crazy maybe that is not inherent to the breed, as cute as my Gaby (chihuahua) is, the one that usually steals the show is Tuff – they can’t all be like that. – For the record I bought him from a breeder – first time ever buying a dog – but I really really wanted a Rat and so… never regretted it, not that much more than from a shelter and I knew his background — just saying…
Some Jacks have short legs, some long. In fact the AK C standards for JRTs call for long legs. Two completely different styles of JRT. Also have short coats and long coats.
Nice spot your in and great photos Too, going shopping Friday, also because it’s going to rain this weekend and maybe into next week and I’ve got things coming in the mail to finish the potty room and finishing the glassing, then I’llllllllll,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, got a nock, nock on the door ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Hi, Rusty,
You amaze me… You’re building an RV!
I was going to say “too bad about rainy weather on the way” but we all know how important that rain is! What a blessing if it continues for several days… except I imagine that Timber doesn’t like being cooped up for long. He’s such an active boy. Hug him for me….
“Oh, if I could find a dog like L.J., our family would be complete!”
We all know that day will come (and soon!) but it makes my heart break a little bit to hear you say it. I’ve said it before but I can only imagine how hard these past few month have been for you as the search has taken so many twists and turns. All I can say is to hang in there and know that you have the whole of the RVSue universe behind you.
Do you think that Bridget’s reaction to L.J. might be due to her increased confidence level from being the soul focus of your affection these past few months? She just seems to be doing so well in so many ways. Taking the lead on walks, bouncing like a puppy at Sonny Bono, heck she’s even almost kinda accepting of the demon camera these days.
Also I must say what a beautiful spot you found to get out of the wind for a few days! You certainly do have a talent for finding amazing boondocks. It even comes with drunkin’ Masons, Peregrine falcons and sleeping Punkin’s. I can only imagine what it would look like if not for the ravages of the drought. Those last 3 photos look almost dream like.
Hi, Rick,
Bridget’s reaction might be due to what you describe. That dog was very much like Spike. I do think that familiarity was what caused her to be friendly from the get-go. Usually she shows her teeth or moves away from a strange dog. Quite the opposite with L.J. Although it sadden me somewhat, it also encouraged me. Her behavior tells me she will do fine living with another dog.
Your last paragraph makes me happy. I’m glad you appreciate the boondocks I find. Thanks for writing, Rick.
Sue,
No need to search for the org miles on your PTV. I found the reading on an earlier 2011 blog post. April 24th, 2011. Odometer 108,000. Of course you were still working at that time and put miles on it to work and such. But that number still gave me a good start at doing some rough calcs. From there to Fla and MS and TX for the BLT. Next to your first camp when the real miles start 🙂 Well, several years later brings us to today’s current miles. What does the Odometer reading say now? It would seem that the PTV is holding up very well! That point is why I asked to know your current Odometer reading… The roads and places you travel are going to be similar to the ones Klemper and I will be traveling throughout the Southwest and West. Your Chevy 1500 V8 5.3L seems to be handling it nicely…all the miles and few repairs all in all. I am seriously considering a Van like yours but also am considering the 3500 with the larger V8, the costs are different but we like the 1500 Express Passenger Van best. Your current mileage reading would help to give a measure of the miles it has already handled very well with in the your full-time Boondocking travels. Klemper and I are eager to buy our van this week. Costs went up before and since I don’t like using credit we saved and are ready now. Soon our Southwest adventures begin 🙂 I can’t wait to see AZ again! We honeymooned there 30 years ago and loved it. Just so many places on our list of must-see places out there. Right now I’m busy getting little things fixed on the tiny Airstream…she’s lookin’ good. She still needs a new awning and then just small stuff.
I wait your current Odometer reading 🙂 Thanks again for your help!
Pamela
Modern vehicles, especially heavy duty trucks and vans can go many hundreds of thousands of miles. I have a 2003 Suburban 2500 that I bought with 145,000 miles on it. I bought it with no hesitation as I know it was cared for and was essentially a one owner vehicle. I have no doubt that this vehicle will last us many more years with proper fluid changes and attention to it’s needs.
Hi, John! 🙂
John,
Yep, we owned a 1995 Turbo Diesel Suburban for many years. The classic 350 Engine that was either great or awful, ours was Great! Couldn’t have asked for a better truck, loved it. The newer ones are just so costly now, so was looking for a long term replacement at a lower price point this time around. I think the Chevy 1500 will do well over all. Of course, like all makes and models, some years and designs fair better than others for miles and mechanics. It is always a major purchase and always a question mark associated with it and one that ya hope you are making wisely. Beyond the whole tow vehicle thing I have little worries about our travels, short or long term. Oddly I am seriously looking at a newer Chevy Conversion Van as the prime tow for our little Airstream. That would give us more weekend options away from the Airstream too…less motel stays if we spent time in any beach areas on the coast.
Hi, Pamela,
I knew I’d need a reminder to answer your request!
The present odometer reading is 148,947. Looks like we’ve traveled about 41,000 miles since the purchase of the PTV. That includes weekday commutes to a job 45 minutes away for a month, a trip from Athens, GA to Boca Raton, FL to see my sister before the house sold and we left the Southeast, two months of driving after retirement before we hit the road, and then the drive from Athens to Rice, TX to pick up the BLT.
Your eagerness to get on the road brings back memories for me. I love your enthusiasm and anticipation. How fun it will be to have another honeymoon trip to the Southwest!
Request: When you sign in to comment, if you don’t mind, put the 2-letter abbreviation for your state. Readers know you’re anxious to see AZ again but we can’t envision how far it is from where you are now.
Thanks for sharing your thinking on a tow vehicle purchase. This is the kind of information that readers absorb and helps them make their own decisions. I hope you update us … Let us know what you purchase. Good luck! I’m happy for both of you.
Good Mornin’ Sue,
So cool to have a handle on the current odometer reading, thanks! I thought the West and Southwest loops and associated side trips would total about 10, 000-12,000 miles per year. Figuring average wear and with good maintenance our soon-to-be new van should hold up well within our travel needs. Such good news! The expense for a newer Van, while high, is well worth the rate of return just for peace of mind alone. This makes me very happy! Lightens the load of putting all those dollars out 😉 Dag, buying new products, especially a major investment one, is always a concern…the ~will it really hold up well~ kind of questions. Applying the math really helped, thanks! I think that a 1500 will do the job just fine while saving some dollars for What? More travels 🙂 Win! Win!
This whole question may have seemed odd to some folks who are a lot younger than we are but this new van will most likely be our last one before we retire from driving in old age. Here’s hoping it lasts until age 80 or so. By that time it can also retire from traveling 😉
Pamela
p.s. Speaking of GA…
What’s up with this CRAZY weather?! SNOW, several inches, in the Deep South! If this keeps up I’m fixin’ to head out early just to find the Lost South…the one that doesn’t get snow and still has orange trees, lol, Key West maybe?! Good that you are not sliding down the hills of Athens today! The Southwest has been very good to you 🙂
I am VERY glad I’m not sliding down the hills of Athens today!
Good morning, Sue!
Not wanting to get out of your nightie…I can relate to that this morning! It started snowing late last night…so far about 6″, with the possibility of 10″. Work has closed – yay! I took care of Gracie this morning, and then we both crawled back into bed. She is in her crate snuggled under blankies, curled up into a warm little ball, sleeping soundly. I don’t plan to get out of bed until the snow stops…maybe 10 or so. Then I’ll throw on a pair of jeans under my flannel nightgown and tackle shoveling us out. Like many folks, this is just another round of snow….we had 8″ last week. The good thing is that last weeks’ snowfall was cleared off the roads before this storm hit. I love snow, but the bitter temps have me wishing for Spring!
Love the picures of the blocky mountain faces. Bridget really seems to be thriving, looking so healthy, happy, and content. I know your heart is longing to find a new addition to your family…I hope and pray that you will be guided to him soon.
Sending you both love and hugs….from me and Gracie pup (aka Little Snow-bunny)! 🙂
Hi, Denise and Gracie pup, you little snow-bunny….
You describe a delightful scene of your precious pup. Thanks for that. I enjoyed it.
Shoveling snow… You seem a million miles away. Speaking of miles, I need to get us on the road today! Bye for now…
Safe travels!!
Thanks, Denise.
I love the Smoke Trees, they were Mom’s favorite. They’re always pretty and should have lots of beautiful purple flowers in a few weeks. The cut-rock hillside is so funny looking! Sounds like Bridget is ready for another crew member as well. I’m sure you’re a lot of work for just one little dog 🙂
Hi, Jodee,
Funny.. Yes, Bridget has a full-time job watching me. You can see her hard at work in the photos. 🙂
Smoke trees! Oh, I’m too early for the desert lily and now the smoke tree blossoms. Well, you’ve given me more reason to return to this area.
Good Morning Sue, Bridge, and Blogorinoss,
I believe the fuzzy trees are tamarisk. They are an invasive species that grow along washes, rivers and creeks and choke out native trees.
We extended our stay in the Sonoran desert for another week or two. It is magical and unusually lush after this winter’s rains. Sue is the queen of sunset photos. I’m working on becoming the queen of cactus photos.:). How many goofy saguaro photos can one take?
Sue, I have to admit I was a little worried when you said you were going toward Blythe. Then I thought, if anyone can find beauty or something interesting in Blythe, it would be Sue. I’m waiting to see where we travel next with you. Thanks for your post.
You’re welcome, Marilu,
What a pleasure to read that you extended your stay for another week. The Sonoran desert is captivating! Consider yourselves captives. 🙂 It’s fun taking photos of cacti, part of the fun is looking for those crazy-shaped saguaros. They can be difficult to fit in the frame.
As for Blythe… I don’t plan on making camp there.. .
Nice post and pictures. Smoke tree or tamarisk (salt cedar)? I can’t tell from the picture. Smoke trees are so pretty!. They are member of the pea family. Maybe you can tell the species by looking at the leaves. Haha. Weird, right. I love learning about plants. Tamarisk is invasive and is not usually growing without other Tamarisk around. Wish we were there.
Hi, Bill & Ann,
I recall times, when walking the desert with you, Ann, that you pay careful attention to the plants, including trees, identifying as you go. Don’t tamarisk grow along areas where there’s more water? I never heard of a smoke tree. The name does fit what is here!
I wish you were here, too!
The rocks are incredible! Drunken mason alright. LOL We had 2-3 inches of snow here yesterday so every thing closed down!!!! It is beautiful, made some snow cream. The sun is out today and it will be gone soon.
I want you and Bridget to get another crew member and I know it is tough to find the one who will fit. Don’t give up…he is out there somewhere.
Love you!!
Hi, Pauline,
Those rocks are quite a sight — difficult to capture in a photo. Things in nature are usually curved… The straight lines of the rock (there’s a word for rock that splits in flat planes and I can’t recall it right now.. darn) seem unnatural at first. A geologist would find lots to study here, and they probably have. Even the small rocks are interesting with curved stripes and interesting shapes, lots of desert varnish, some white quartz….
I always get a warm feeling when I see you here, Pauline. I love you! Give my love to the family.
Rocks that split in a flat plane are said to have a “perfect cleavage.”
I’m sure that there’s a punch line in that but I’m walkin’ away.
Something that is flat and has cleavage…….hmmmm. Yep, kinda oxymoronish. 🙂
I love the soft feathery look of the vegetation against the hard rock. We have the perfect kind of snow here in Memphis. The streets are clear and everything else is covered with a blanket of white snow. It is beautiful to look at and easy to drive in.
I will be so glad when you find your new family member, the suspense is killing me. I obviously do not wait well. I am the type that reads the first of the book, the ending and then the middle, drives my family crazy. I wish you were here. We seem to have an overabundance of sweet dogs here. We have rescue organizations transporting dogs up north and out west everyday and there are still so many that are put down. No waiting lists here.
Stay safe RVSue and Bridgett. Love your choice of campsites. These are new to me.
Oh my gosh, I’d go crazy watching you read the ending of a book before reading the middle!
You have the kind of winter situation that is best. You can enjoy the snow without the road problems.
Yes, I’ll be relieved and very happy when we do find the next crew member. It seems like we’re incomplete. And this searching is so difficult while living on the road and moving about…
Have a great day, Jean. I enjoy hearing from you!
Thank you, Jean, for wishing us safety.
Jean,
Reading about the Memphis snow…you make me pine for Memphis so.
I just loved living there and miss it. Lived there, in Germantown, in the mid 1980s. It has changed and grown a lot since then but is still a favorite in my memories. I hope you have a gentle Springtime there, those storms can be really something at times…I remember those too…
An Arizona tale of destruction. Some people are such fools!
http://www.fox10phoenix.com/story/28204922/2015/02/25/vandals-destroy-several-saguaros-hikers-seek-justice-for-protected-plants
Oh, Jim, that makes me sick! What a terrible loss.
I saw a saguaro lying on the ground off Darby Well Road near Ajo a couple years ago. Tire tracks led up to it; obviously someone hit it for fun. It may seem strange to say this — That saguaro didn’t seem like a dead plant to me. It seemed like a corpse. So majestic, torn open, its flesh exposed, killed in an instant after 100 years or more of growth.
I know some of my readers enjoy riding ATVs, OHVs, quads, motorbikes, whatever. That’s fine. I wish them lots of fun. However, whenever I hear the roar of engines approaching my camp or when I’m out walking with Bridget, I get my camera ready. I remember the smashed picnic tables, scarred beach, mud holes, and noise at the campground at beautiful Delmoe Lake in Montana.
I will take photos and turn in anyone who drives where they shouldn’t with one of those obnoxious machines. The damage I’ve seen to roads, campsites, hillsides, beaches, plants, washes, etc. makes me furious. Some people need to learn — Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.
definitely one of my pet peeves ARGH! they give a bad name to the rest that are abiding by the rules. I’ve seen a lot in our travels too, and sometimes I want to go home and hide. People sometimes….like when we are out and see obvious signs that someone has dumped their black tank on the ground. That’s happened twice so far this year.
I sure hope they catch who did this!! That’s disgusting :'(
what is wrong with some people????
Ecological genocide!!!!
Makes my blood boil.
The pics of those poor cacti are just heartbreaking
My daughter and I were flying in from Philadelphia when a lady brought a small carrier and stowed it under the seat. Later we found out she had puppies in the carrier. She’d lost her beloved dog a springier spaniel but couldn’t find a replacement. Her daughter, unbeknownst to her, had purchased puppies on-line. She was on her way home to Northern California with the puppies. Needless to say, we just had to pet and hold the puppies. The lady let us sneak the puppies under our sweaters….they slept the entire flight into Phoenix. We wished her well and safe travels.
Hi, Rita,
You always seem to have an interesting story to tell! Nothing like a puppy under one’s sweater to make a plane ride more pleasant. 🙂 Thanks for sharing that story, sure to make smiles…
Withstanding more wind than the plants growing on the desert floor below them ever encounter,rarely sheltered by shadow from the sun’s relentless rays,the tenacity of the ones atop the sheer rock walls there fascinate me.They model a measure of strength,of resolute will to go on like few other things in nature do .Not considered to be anything particularly beautiful by most- with unassuming quietness parts of creation with that quality speak volumes to me when I look for the lessons in their story.
As I finished reading your narrative on this post I sat smiling about gifts sent to make life feel wonderful through all that.Thick clouds and times when all is still,or unusual circumstance that hold us in or back for a while,when we can be still,too- come as a temporary covering ,let us be renewed, so going on feels like the fun adventure that it’s meant to.
You wanted to stay in your nightie so you did,Bridget was content to be lazy,yesterday was similar for me.I prefer to call days like that proof that we’ve overcome our forced performance addiction,Ha!Guess needing groceries and wanting other things being on road gets will soon enough put an end to that for us both.Hope whatever you decide to today is as exciting or placid as you prefer 🙂
Hi, weather and good morning!
I always enjoy your messages, as you know. This one is no exception. Here it is 9 o’clock and I haven’t dressed yet, haven’t started packing up to get on the road, Bridget is into her morning nap…. 🙂
Sorry to be rushed with my reply. Thank you for the “hope” of your last line… Whatever the day brings…. 🙂
Ha!Actually I’m glad for once that you don’t have time for a discussion our replies usually take,no need to be sorry,I have to get things rolling here.too,and am relieved it’s working out this way. 🙂 Good morning and good travels until next time.
I love that…’forced performance addiction’, I must remember that, especially when I am still in my jammas and noon is creeping up.
39TH. Getting closer lol
I love seeing where you go, it gives me ideas where we might camp. We’re pretty big though, so that last one would have been a squeeze. Sometimes I wish we didn’t have a huge motorhome and trailer, we could get into some pretty cool spots.
Hi, Barb,
There are pros and cons with all rigs, whether big or small. You do point out that the choice of rig can determine how you travel and where you camp. We’d look pretty silly in a fancy RV resort, sitting between the big motor homes with multiple slides!
I hope your morning is bright and your day happy. Thanks for keeping in touch…
Regretfully our beloved Casita has become too small for our longterm camping. We are quite enamored of the 21′ Rockwood Mini Lite & are expecting to transition to one of those by the time we leave home next fall.
What year and what size do you have? All I remember is it had a boat with a rack. And it came with a chef that makes gourmet meals on demand. And it delivers eclairs. Where do you plan to list your ‘escape estate’? Do you have a dealer in WA that you’ll get your larger home from? Did you hit the R.V. show in Seattle? What other units were high on your list?
Our Casita is a 2002, 17′ Spirit Deluxe. We have just begun to come to grips with the notion of parting with it—- not an easy thing. We have been looking at a variety of 21’ers through rvtrader, Craig’s list, manufacturers web sites, etc. Specific features we do not have now & would like are a walk-around bed, dual axles, oven, sofa in a slide.
Thanks for the reply. Would you be so kind as to share your thoughts on the dual axles? How would they be better for you? Getting input from folks like you is much appreciated!
Dual axles will simply ease our minds for road safety as we have experienced a blow out & bearing burn out.
Hi,Kathy and Gil,
I’m sure you will find a good home for your beloved Casita. 🙂
BLOGORINOS….
Bridget and I are on the road today. Continue on without us! Just behave yourselves while I’m gone. 😉
Love y’all!
Sue
The cat’s away, let the games begin!
Love the rocks all stacked up…I’m ready for Spring and some Sunhine so seeing those blue skies gives me hope!
Hope is good ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Timber
The rocks . . .. Nature amazes again!
Do you ever make it out to Texas? If so, there is a rattie breeder that does rescue as well. Have you heard of KnD Kennels? I am friends with them on Facebook and see that they are constantly helping to home dogs. Let me know if you want more info.
Thanks, Dyann. I don’t plan on going to Texas anytime soon.
hi Sue
great posts, great pictures, makes me envious that my day is still so long away.. there are some breeders / adoption places just for the dog you seek. not to be pushy, but I know when I was looking for mine it took some research and not willing to spend a small fortune. Great site to check http://www.adoptapet.com/s/adopt-a-jack-russell. Look forward to every post, pictures and to hear how you two are doing. what beautiful, quiet relaxing places you find. take care stay warm..
Hi, dancer,
Thanks for wanting to help with the search for a new crew member. I’m familiar with adoptapet and about 500 other resources for adopting a dog… 🙂 You name it, I’ve probably seen it!
I’m glad to hear you are enjoying my blog.
I really enjoy looking at what Sue’s Blogorinos have purchased through her Amazon link. What a great way to peruse and figure out what one might need to keep life simple, at least most of the time.
I appreciate the feedback on the links, Diann.
Hi, Sue,
I looked at “dancer’s” link above. Seems that SLC might be the place to discover your terrier mix. Just sayin’. NO ADVICE. Just sayin’.
Can’t wait for you to be traveling north again, Sue.
Diann
If you see a bunch of rat terriers at a shelter, you can bet by the time I pull up stakes and drive there, set up camp and then drive to the shelter, those pups are gone. It’s a wild goose chase. Maybe when the timing is right and I do find him, I should name him Wild Goose!
I like that. Makes for a catchy blog title. “The Wild Goose is on the loose.” 🙂
Or…”At last I caught the wild goose!”
Or maybe just “Chase” 🙂
A couple years back Sue (my Sue) was off visiting her sister and I took our 1970 21′ Streamline “Princess” travel trailer and Teka and Ripley and loaded up the mountain bikes for an adventure. There is a BLM camp grounds north of Odessa, WA at an old cattle ranch. The ranch house and outbuildings are still there and in good shape. It’s called Lakeview Ranch and it’s on what was once Pacific Lake. There is a pit toilet and a launch ramp at the camp but the lake is long gone and the docks are pulled up onto the land.
We usually camp at the outbuildings which is a circle trail. I pulled in, set up the pen for the pups, and saddled up the mountain bike for a ride. The trails here are excellent for an mtb but sometimes you have to be a little psycho… er… psychic to find them. One trail heads west out the back of the outbuildings past the porta-potti and skirts two small lakes and some serious off-camber riding before joining the main trail that goes 12 miles back to Odessa. But when I hit that main trail I turn right and come out on the road just a mile up the hill from the camp. It’s a fast ride on loose gravel but fun. I often wonder just how the BLM got control of that ranch and the ranch house. There is another BLM ranch – a sheep ranch – east of Ritzville that is even larger.
I had a ride and a visit with the 5th wheel folks with their granddaughter. Their 5er holds their horses and they take off for a long ride up the same trail I just cycled over. I take a nap and the two dogs, both Jack Russell Terriers nap on the settee next to my feet.
When I wake up I’m restless for some reason. I try reading for a bit but I just can’t get interested. Finally I ask the pups if they are interested in heading home. They just look at me. So I say, “Okay… anyone who wants to head home jump down on the floor.”.
Both dogs immediately get up and jump onto the floor and look up at me. I pack up the mountain bike and their kennel, hitch the trailer up to the pickup and head home.
It’s always better if the crew get a vote.
WDR
Hi, WDR,
That sounds like an interesting place to camp and ride. I’ll have to get out my Washington Benchmark to see where Odessa is. I love your state!
Cute story about your dogs deciding it was time to go home. I think dogs that travel learn the word “home” pretty quickly. Yours probably also know the words “jump down.”
I’m like you… If the crew ain’t happy, I ain’t happy. Thanks for sharing some of you life with us!
Good Morning Sue, I suspect you have moved on and are again placed at a safe and sane campsite. Rain is coming this weekend, as I suppose you also know that, the all knowing woman that always appears. Waiting for next post to see where your travels have taken you, hope that it is on high ground and protected from the winds that are predicted in our area this weekend, and it then eventually gets out there to you….hunker down and stay happy.. You will probably have a lot of time to stay in your jammies this weekend and drink coffee and read. I also hope that you managed to get to the market to get supplies..Bridget needs her chicken!. Until later, hugs and loves to you and Bridget.
Good morning,Shirlene . . . Yes, we are safe and as sane as we’ll ever be. Yay! Rain is coming! Also the next post . . . .:) Have a wonderful day!
Waiting for twilight what’s beautiful is my little troupe as they sleep together nearby.Waiting for sunrise it’s the winter scene and morning song dawn and light reveal.There will only be twenty one more such precious mornings to call winter here.What loving such things has cost me I’d gladly pay again,though it’s not what I set out to do when I made the choices in life that brought me here.The rewards in the journey outweigh whatever it takes,always do.
When you started your life full-timing I know ,Sue,you hoped it would be a lark- filled with lighthearted fun and freedom you’d longed for forever it seemed.And you have and are experiencing breath taking beauty.Still,it’s turned,like most things in your life have,into a series of sacrifices accepted for the sake of what you love.In case you could use the reminder today I thought I’d point out a reward or two.
To get the needed isolation within nature and give what you do,despite what a job this blog has become-you’ve given up many of your favorite wintering places.Needing alternatives,you found out that you were ready and able to just strike out pioneering again.Autumn began at the familiar tried and true places,because you didn’t have it in you to do anything else.Reward?Being aware that you,your strength are back full force!
Loving a new canine family member, you haven’t even met yet feel calling, you’ve given up being or choosing where to go just for pleasure .For his sake,you’ve had to vault roadblocks you never expected to.Reward?Becoming aware that you aren’t trying to replace a little guy you love,you’re trying to find “the one” waiting- .You need to be part of what makes a home as much as he does,you love too much to have an empty free hand.
Good mornin’ n’ coffee time-Here’s to the adventure in all our hearts’ hunts 😉
Wow…that message affects many of us…one of your best my friend. Sue is fortunate to have you along, and I feel the same.
🙂 didja feel the hug attached to that smile?
Oh was that what that was 😉
Good morning, weather,
I agree with Shirlene… This is one of your best! Although every message you write here reveals something to me that I hadn’t thought about. All you wrote about our journey is true. Bridget and I have been going through a process which continues, the process of preparing our hearts and minds for the one who will join us.
With the growth of this blog and its readership, the work has increased. It isn’t a burden. Mostly it’s a joy. I thrive on the blessings I receive through the people who write here. You enrich my days, weather. Thank you.
I’ve finished a post and will publish it in a few minutes! 🙂
Glad my message struck the right chord for you. New post,this may call for fresh coffee 🙂 see you ,there!