Some days can really wear out a crew.
The crew . . . worn out from a full day.
This morning the crew and I take a ride back to Wikieup, ten miles north of Burro Creek Campground.
I need to buy some milk for cereal and coffee, and there’s a package from Mick waiting for me at the post office. Mick, you may remember, is my engineer friend from Tennessee (whom I’ve never met in person). He researched and found the best buys for the equipment for my solar set-up, as well as “masterminding” the project, and designing, fabricating, and mailing the tilt mechanism for the panel. Mick saw on this blog that I could use a good walking stick, so he’s mailed one he rarely uses. Pretty neat, huh? (More about that in another post.)
I stop at the Wikieup post office and find it’s closed for lunch.
Next the crew and I pull into Hidden Oasis for lunch.
I’m happy to see several cars and trucks parked out front. Brenda greets me with a cheery hello and tells me business has picked up since I was last there. David sits down at my table while I eat my sub sandwich. He draws me a map to Kaiser Hot Springs in a canyon between Wikieup and Burro creek.
“It’s just past mile marker 134 heading south. You drive about a mile or so until the road gets too rough at the mouth of the canyon. If you hike back into the canyon you’ll come to the river. There are hot springs back there, coming out of a rock. Brenda and I go there and camp in our tent. It’s beautiful. “
Brenda’s busy waiting on customers.
“Would you like some apple pie?” she asks. “I made it this morning.” A man at the counter is enjoying a slice with his coffee.
“Sure, I’ll have a slice! That sub filled me up, so make it “to go.” The man compliments me on my hat, telling me he has one just like it. Brenda hands me my pie, I thank David for the map, and return to the crew waiting in the PTV. What nice people in this town.
I park in a lot across from the Trading Post.
This is the same road we boondocked on and I know the signal is good. I post a blog entry I’ve prepared while the crew waits patiently on their bench seat. That done, I park the PTV at the Trading Post and run in for some milk.
The wind is fierce and I almost lose my hat!
I know I’m going to be burned buying milk at a small town store located in a gift shop, but there’s no regular grocery store in Wikieup. A gallon of whole milk is $4.99. I want a half-gallon with only 2% fat. Oh well, at least I’ll have milk, even if I get fatter and it goes bad before I finish it.
The post office is open!
The postlady hands me my package and a form to fill out, allowing me to get general delivery for thirty days. I fill it out, even though I don’t know if I’ll use it. There’s a bookshelf of paperbacks, free for the taking. I pick out two. I wish I had the two paperbacks back at the BLT to replace these with. I’ll have to pay it forward the next chance that comes along.
Back at the campground . . .
“Hello, Casita person!” I stick my head out the door and see a couple returning from a hike by the river. It’s Connie and Barry from Ohio who are here at Burro Creek for one night. We tour each other’s 17’ Liberty Deluxe, and we agree, of course, that it’s the best model trailer Casita makes.
Connie and Barry show me how they widened the twin beds, replacing cushions with real mattresses. Barry refinished and installed a table top from Lowe’s, creating a warm, inviting, and functional focal point for their living space.
Next to our Casitas is a 1950 Silver Streak Clipper.
Connie, Barry and I meet the owners, Jim and Patti from Washington state. Jim tells us the Silver Streak was painted green when they purchased it. Jim brought it back to its original finish. He gutted the inside and remodeled with a marine theme, including the kind of wood finishes you’d expect on a fine sailboat.
He shows us photos of the Silver Streak hitched to his yellow, 1935 Auburn Boattail Speedster. Quite a sight! I’m even more impressed when Jim tells us the Silver Streak weighs only 1,500 pounds.
Later that evening . . .
I drive up out of the canyon and park in a wide, gravel area off the road. I want to write some emails and read blog comments. After about ten minutes the crew gets restless, so I walk them up the road. As we’re walking along, I’m enjoying the wildflowers and the mountain views.
I notice a familiar post stuck in a mound of dirt.
Wait a minute . . . That’s a BLM 14-day limit sign . . . I could camp up here! And have internet! And it’s free! I look over the area. It’s flat and the BLT could face the mountains. There’s hardly any traffic on this road. Hmmm . . . I’ve got to think about this. Ah, the possibilities when you’re self-contained!
Another slideshow . . .
I’ve included photos taken when Bridget, Spike, and I hiked the road that crosses the river and winds up the hill behind Burro Creek Campground.[slideshow]
rvsue
Note: If you’d like to learn more about Kaiser Hot Springs, click on this link: http://www.rei.com/guidepost/detail/arizona/hot-springs/kaiser-hot-springs/32032
Great pictures!!!! You are really in a lovely area. I am glad that cafe is doing more business. It is amazing what word of mouth can do. That Mick is something else. I remember him from school but seeing I was a LOWER classman he didn’t know who I was. LOL
Hi, Pauline . . . Glad you liked the photos. I think I’ve figured out why they aren’t always as sharp as when I edit them in Picasa. The original photo editor is still on my computer and I think it goes to it by default, not always, but sometimes. Gotta fix that … so maddening when I see how much better the pics could be.
Mick is a great guy, no question. I need to write him a decent thank you note, for this latest kindness . . .
My gosh, Sue, the crew really IS sacked out!!! They are like Jack. When they sleeps, they sleeps! I’m sure the Hidden Oasis is grateful to you. Hope people who prefer campgrounds to boon docking will give the some business, as well. You know, they might be able to make money by offering services like showers, water, dumping for a charge. Maybe I have forgotten that they do. I remember that you suggested a sign for propane sales.
I enjoyed the pictures–great area. Nice to see the different RVs, too. Thanks, as always, Sue.
You’re welcome!
I’m not sure, but Hidden Oasis may already offer some services without staying over.
It must make your heart happy to meet so many kind and generous folks, Sue. That Silver Streak is gorgeous. I’m glad the Oasis is doing well. I’ll bet that homemade apple pie hit the spot. The pictures are just lovely. The one of the crew made me laugh…..that must be where the phrase “dog tired ” came from. I don’t know any other animal that can look so worn out. Let us know how the Mick stick works out. Have a beautiful day.
Mick stick! I love it! That’s what I’ll call it from now on . . .
Yeah, Brenda’s apple pie was very good. I wish I had another piece here right now.
You have a beautiful day, too, Karen. Thanks for stopping by.
I think I feel a move coming on! 🙂 Thanks for showing the mod – I assume those beds and the table isn’t yours. I really love the casita. It’s the only trailer I would ever consider. Otherwise for solo Rving I think I’d have a small Winnebago view or something like that. What a great friend you have in Mick! Didn’t see a picture of the hiking stick but I assume that’s up and coming. And do just that, keep em’ coming!!
Hi, Sherry . . . Yes, the photo of the twin beds with blue covers is a shot of Connie and Barry’s Casita. Isn’t their table pretty, too?
I’ll show a photo of me with my hiking stick from Mick sometime soon. Some days there’s so much to tell I have to spread it out over a few days! And I haven’t taken the photo yet!
Another great post, Sue!! The Auburn bobtain is one of the most beautiful cars ever made IMHO. What a treat to get a tour of the 50 Silver Streak! What a beauty it is now!!! The Liberty is how Jim and Carol Uptons and mine(I copied theirs) was set up. Miy table was a surf skimmer. You meet the neatest folks, thanks for sharing them!!!
I thought you might appreciate the Silver Streak . . . Glad you enjoyed the post, Chuck!
Stay safe on the roads to Zion . . .
You are the first blog stop I make in a day!! So interesting how all the experiences you are having and nice people you are meeting…I am beginning to wonder if the chances of meeting some of the best people in this nation are greater among RVers!! Very inviting to us yet not in that stage of life…but almost with us!! Now to figure out what to do NEXT!
The lovely doggies…so cute…thanks for sharing them too. And also those nice folks along the way who show how they have made their “homes” more individual to their needs.
I do believe the odds are better of meeting good people when RVing. People who are RVing want to enjoy life, not work on making people miserable.
There something about dogs sleeping that’s always cute!
Another good post. Glad you were able to have lunch at the Hidden Oasis and help the economy of Wikieup! :)) Isn’t it fun to meet such friendly people on your travels. I would go for the move and the internet!
You’ve guessed where I’m writing this from!
Another interesting post. I was curious about you comment about whole milk. Consuming fat does not make you fat. Actually, consuming fat promotes weight loss as fat decreases your craving for carbs, which is what actually makes you fat.
Best regards.
Paul
If you say so, Paul. No doubt you’re correct. I get fat eating apples. . . which increases my appetite for carbs . . . where it stops, nobody knows.
Apples are sugar and it makes you want carbs. If you want fruit eat berries. Paul is right. Fat burns fat. We are taught all the wrong things. Better to have cream, butter, reg.milk then the other as it doesn’t have all the artificial crap. You would be surprised you would lose weight.
Paul and Sharon are right. Once I started to eat more fat, and decreased my carbs (sugars, inherent in almost all processed foods but also in fruit) and starches, I started to lose weight. Now I feel much healthier and have tons more energy almost 30 pounds later. Bring on the fats (butter, cream, fatty meats, skin-on chicken, nuts, coconut and olive oil [NO VEGETABLE OILS]! It’s the carb-loaded natural and processed foods that are making us sick. If you’ve ever inclined, visit a low-carb forum and read about this way of eating.
Off the food topic, I’m still absolutely loving your blog, Sue!
I’ve jumped around to different approaches to Eating Right. I’ve finally taught myself to eat fruit for my health, after a lifetime of skipping it, and now I’m told the sugar carbs are no good! Ha! I wish berries weren’t so darn expensive, especially in these small towns in the West.
I’m curious why no vegetable oils. I’m going to look for a low-carb forum.
Thank you for giving me a rationale for all the nuts I eat! I’m also getting sick of the whole idea of low-fat. It’s so unsatisfying.
Glad you enjoy my blog. . . Wish I had your artistic skills and talent!
Very interesting discussion that flies in the face of the medical research of Drs McDougal, Campbell and others. Maybe it depends on ones body. I gave up animal fat and dairy and have never felt better with all the carbs and fruit I want to eat. Have lost 15 pounds as well. But I guess we can all agree processed foods are worse than anything for us.
No, I’m not worried about snakes. I’m careful not to let Bridget or Spike stick their nose in or under anything I can’t check visually. They don’t get to run around. They’re on a leash when not inside the BLT or in the pen. The only exception was when I let go of the leashes momentarily so they could cool off in the river when we first arrived at Burro Creek.
I’ll bet there’s acres of BLM in that area. Hope you hike to the hot springs and share. I didn’t know those were there. Added it to my SW hot springs book. Most RVers are just plain good folk.
Look forward to seeing the Mick Stick.
LOL
It’s quite impressive! LOL!
Ok Sue, I just have to ask what all us other women are wondering, but are too polite to ask. Before you retired and set out in the Casita, you worked a sedentary type job – I am guessing. Now you go for long walks, probably eat less fast food, eat less junk food, and stay much more active. When all of this happened, I thought for sure you’d be a skinnie minnie within a year. Are you sure you haven’t lost any weight? Please don’t dash my dreams of natural weight loss when you start full-time rv’ng. 🙂
I’m sorry, Pam. I don’t think I’ve lost one pound.
Working as a classroom teacher I was on my feet all day and teaching math, looking over students’ shoulders, I probably walked several miles inside my classroom every day! My feet hurt at night. I also walked a lot out of the classroom before I retired.
Doesn’t matter what I do, I stay about the same, probably because I love to eat. Living like I do now, I try to eat mainly fresh vegetables and fruit and lean meat. When they run out, my carb intake goes up . . . sandwiches, peanut butter, pasta, etc. I don’t eat a lot of sweets, but occasionally I’ll go nuts and eat a piece of pie, ice cream, a piece of cake.
My life now is stress-free and I’ve developed a “what happens, happens” sort of attitude about life . . . which is another reason I stay fat . . . and happy.
Everyone’s different . . . Look at Kelly of the Bayfield Bunch . . . Geez . . . Life is so unfair.
Not knowing how how big, or should I say how small your refridgerator is in the camper, and if it has a little freezer or not, I’ll mention that you can freeze milk in small containers until you need it, just leave an inch or so ‘headroom’ for expansion.Take it out to thaw and give it a bunch of good hard shakes when it’s still at the slighty slushy stage and there you go, you’ll have ice cold milk. You can let it thaw until all the ice is melted if you’d rather, but be sure and shake it well. It would be a good way to keep that extra amount of milk that you are afraid may go bad. I’ve also bought 2% milk in a cardboard container that stays on a shelf until you open it the first time at Dollar Tree stores, and I’m sure you could find it elsewhere. I drink skim milk so I found it a bit rich, but for those who drink the other kinds I think it would be good if it was real cold. It does make awesome creamy fudge! We live a far ways from a grocery store out in the country, and I’ve been freezing milk for years. ~Pam in Louisiana~
Pam . . . This is why I love having a blog! What a great, simple solution . . . another one of those “why didn’t I think of that” tips. Thank you for taking the time to write your suggestion!
I do have a freezer. It’s small but since I’m not much of a meat eater, I don’t have it packed with ground beef and steaks, etc. I have some small rubbermaid containers that I could use for the milk and stick them in the spaces between other things. Each one would be enough milk for two big mugs of coffee. Milk for coffee is my main want . . . Hate Cremora and don’t like black coffee at all.
You have a wonderful Louisiana day!
I’m going to freeze some this morning. Thanks again, Pam.
Sue,
Could you ask Mick if he would be interested in guiding me on my solar journey?
Thanks,
Wayne
Hi, Wayne!
I’ll ask Mick. Just keep in mind I might have worn him out with all my quirky ideas and solar questions, so it’s understandable if he doesn’t want to do any more! Doesn’t hurt to ask, right?
Good luck on your solar journey!
Great to read your blog. Its 2am and I am still up. Love the pictures. You took alot!
How has the weather been? We have a natural hot springs here near where I live. It cost $20.00 to go so I don’t go often. Its open year round and the Europeans travel here for their health and to enjoy. I’d rather go in yours out in the wild. I too was hoping I would get more healthy and lose some weight when I started traveling. I guess it is what it is. lol. I have someone coming to look at my car this weekend so cross your fingers. I’m still sitting or laying for the past two weeks trying to heal my back. Got to get better before I travel. Its getting warmer here now. Tonight we had our first rain and thunderstorm. Most the lakes here are dried up so we pray for rain. The rainy season is coming and so are the hurricanes. I feel so bad for the people in Texas. Does it make you nervous being alone in the rv during a bad storm. do you just sit it out or do you leave. I guess it depends on what it is. lol. I wonder about the Tornado’s there all having. I guess when its your time its your time. At least I will go out happy. Have a great day coming up. You and the crew are probably sleeping. Thats what I better do! Sharon
Hi, Sharon!
I wish I were up last night so we could’ve talked together until you were sleepy. Ha! What do I do in storms? Luckily we haven’t been in any bad ones yet, only a snowstorm which, as long as you’re able to keep warm, you just wait out.
Wind in a hurricane or tornado is the biggest danger. There’s not much I can do if strong winds are expected, except move somewhere else before the winds arrive. There isn’t always time for that. Of course, parking under limbs or trees that might topple is not good.
I’ll try to stay out of tornado-prone places. If extreme weather approaches and there’s no escaping, the crew and I will have to go to a shelter. I’ve waited out a hurricane in a shelter in Florida. It is not a pleasant experience.
Hi Sue,
I too would love to see the Mick Stick and
the hot springs .Can’t wait for pictures The walking stick could also be used for protection against many things. ….snakes ,people ,mad cows, ……Glad you have one.
Happy Camping
Grandjan
I’ll be sure to post some photos of the Mick Stick. I don’t know about the hot springs. It’s a helluva road to get to them, followed by some serious hiking. The former could be a problem for me, the latter a problem for the crew. Driving by on the highway, the canyon looks like it goes down into the center of the earth.
I’ve been a flatlander for about 35 years. Gotta get over that.
Oh yeah, the Mick Stick makes a good weapon.
Great post as usual Sue! Love all the pictures! That could be a fun hike if the hot springs aren’t too far back in the canyon! Chuck and I are all packed and ready to head to Utah. We leave in a couple of hours so we may be out of touch for a few days! Keep on livin’ the life for the rest of us Sue! You inspire a lot of folks out here!
Hi, Geri!
Saying a prayer for your safe travel and happy arrival at your workkamping positions. I know you are very excited. I won’t expect to hear from you soon.
I posted the directions to the hot springs for the benefit of readers. I have to be careful about attempting long hikes in isolated areas by myself. I have the kind of ankles that twist walking on blacktop, and Spike and I aren’t as young as we used to be!
YaY the Verizon MiFi works good! We are in Springerville AZ tonight and tomorrow night we will be in Flagstaff…. so we should have good connection there. After that it will be Lee’s Ferry or Jacob Lake and not sure about connections there and the next night we will be in Virgin Ut at our campground job for the summer. Thanks for the prayers and the directions to the springs!!!
Don’t expect WIFI at Jacob Lake, not sure about Lee’s Ferry, but there is WIFI in Marble Canyon. The Virgin River is so awesome. Maybe you’ll make it to the North Rim, and if so look me up.
You are living life up!!! We are boondocking over in Red Rock country near Sedona; Too many people will be here this easter weekend; time to hitch up :))
Keep on, sue… love your travels!
Thanks, BCB!
Funny, isn’t it .. Boondocking makes one intolerant of camping crowds! Good luck finding a new spot perfect for you.
Solo hiking into a canyon . . . (see above replies) . . . relates to your recent “Truth or Dare” post that I enjoyed very much. There is a tipping point . . . We want to be athletic and adventuresome, but not to the point of calamity.
Your photos put me to shame . .. Blog on!
🙂