Wednesday, February 21
It’s well past time for us to leave our boondock at the grasslands of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in southern Arizona, about six miles north of the border with Mexico.
I wake up and pull aside the curtain from the window above our bed. I can’t see out because it’s covered with condensation.
Placing my hand on the glass to wipe away the water droplets, I’m surprised to touch not water, but . . .
ICE!
Day-um! It’s cold in here!
I can see my breath as I kneel to light the Wave 3 heater. (We never sleep with the heater on.) It’s immediately obvious that the heater isn’t going to warm our home fast enough.
I grab the keys hanging by the door and sprint to the Perfect Tow Vehicle. I turn on the engine and set its heater on high.
Inside the Best Little Trailer . . . .
Reggie and Roger come out from under the covers.
“We have to skip breakfast today, boys. It’s too cold. I promise to give you something later.”
Quickly I harness them and we go out for their potty run. Reggie shivers. Roger is cold, too, but he seems to bear it better. When they’re done with business, I pop them both into the PTV which, by now, has become comfortably warm.
Long story short . . . .
I should’ve anticipated this cold. I should’ve put Reflectix on the window above our bed and that would’ve made a big difference.
I should’ve hitched up yesterday when it was warm instead of leaving it for this bitterly cold morning.
I did turn the blue mat to dry yesterday. I swept off the mud-turned-into-dirt before packing it into the PTV.
(That activity got the crew excited. Yay, play time!)
I put the griddle in its carry bag and packed it into the back of the PTV, along with the table and camp chair.
Anyway . . . .
I nearly froze this morning before all was ready for travel!
On the bumpety-bump ride over ruts on our way to the main road, Reg, Rog and I savor the warm air blasting out of the PTV ‘s heater. I chuckle at my concern of the day before.
No way we’ll get stuck in the mud — It’s frozen solid as pavement!
About 40 miles north . . . .
We come to Robles Junction aka Three Points. I gas up the PTV, buy tortillas (gotta’ have ’em), a container of yogurt (my breakfast) and a pack of sliced turkey (the crew’s breakfast).
The sun shines brightly while we eat our breakfast.
We shoot west on Route 86.
Across the rez, a brief roadside walk-around about halfway, and we arrive at Why.
Why?
Why not?
Rather than set up camp where we were before, I take a look at Gunsite Wash dispersed camping area, south of town. I’m pleased to find this popular area isn’t crowded.
A pleasant, level campsite isn’t difficult to find. The PTV pulls the Best Little Trailer to a site between an ocotillo (right, photo below) and a palo verde (left, out of frame).
Our camp is within view of other RVers, but we’re far enough away not to be aware of each other. The Best Little Trailer is positioned so the “sitting side” faces away from other RVers.
I like a front-door view of nature only.
“Okay, okay . . . We’re going for a walk. You two were great copilots today!”
(NEWS FLASH!!! Roger didn’t whine at all!)
Our walk takes us up the road that goes further away from the main camping area. We find another good site, also by a palo verde.
Very private. Has charm. If people move in on us, we can move here.
Later, before sunset . . .
I bring the camera for the last walk of the day.
Ocotillo with a few small blooms
~ ~ ~
Palo verde, the greenest plant in the desert right now
~ ~ ~
“Hey, Reg! I’ll race you home!”
~ ~ ~
“Hey! I thought we we’re racing! No fair, Rog!”
~ ~ ~
This was a good move today.
Better to scrap the plan to push eastward this early in the year. At least here we are poised to move to a warmer place, if need be . . . . and our campsite is nice . . . . The boys are happy . . . . Maybe we’ll leave in a few days . . . . Then again . . . we could stay a while . . . .
rvsue
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First?!
CONGRATULATIONS, DAWN! 🙂
Top 10?
I am honored to share first place with you AZ Jim!
CONGRATULATIONS, JIM! 🙂
Wow Sue! You’re getting ice on the inside of your windows, and I am having to open my windows at night it’s getting so warm! Is Why any warmer than your last camp?
Crazy weather this year! The best I can tell, the air temperature isn’t any or much warmer at Why. It feels warmer though. Maybe because everything was damp from heavy rains at the refuge and it’s drier here. Also very little wind. This morning is sunny and calm.
How nice that you’re having a break from winter. February can seem very long in wintry places.
Hi sue and the boys,
Why? Absolutely Why not!
Stay safe out there my friend, Judy
You, too, Judy!
We’re not in Why anymore. Home in snowy Duluth.
Which John is this? Help my foggy brain please….
Welcome back.
Thanks, John.
According to Yahoo Weather right now…
If you’re in Duluth, Minnesota, you have 13 degrees.
If you’re in Duluth, Georgia, 73 degrees.
I’m guessing Minnesota. 🙂
Yup, MN.
John McDonald – I commented from my i-phone and I guess it didn’t include my last name.
Hey! Great I am in the ballpark of the top readers! Stay warm Sue. Just to help you keep things in perspective. Here in IL it has warmed up to the 40’s. I have recently been looking at cargo trailers for conversion to camping trailer. Any thoughts? Any thoughts from fellow readers.?
I’ll ask the blogorinos, because I have no experience converting a cargo trailer or living/traveling with one.
Blogorinos: What do you have to say about buying a cargo trailer and converting it for camping?
From what I understand, they would be relatively easy to convert due to square plywood walls. Also, cargo trailers are typically sturdier than most RVs.
Terry,
You might read this link http://occupation-of-independence.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_26.html to give you some ideas. Every conversion is custom so a lot of how to detail is not always useful unless you want to build a copy.
I would check Bob Wells’ Youtube channel, too.
Unless it had some windows…it might be claustrophobic.
There are some interesting conversions of cargo trailers on YouTube. Maybe you can do a search there.
There’s a detailed blog post about one conversion here: http://www.cheaprvliving.com/living-converted-cargo-trailer/
Oops! Posted too quickly. There’s a less detailed but more aesthetically pleasing one here: http://www.cheaprvliving.com/stealth-cargo-trailer/
Thanks to all who shared info on cargo trailer conversions.
I must have moved up in the que, I am getting the post when there are very few comments. I always read the post and enjoy before I comment. I don’t have to be first. I did not think that it would be so cold that far south. Is Why a lot warmer? A lot of the bloggers are hanging out close to Why right now. I guess there is a reason WHY. Love you adventures. It is cold again here. Raining a lot and cool. Our cold winter is over probably. It will be wet and cool for a month or so now. I am so looking forward to retiring in April and next year not having to get out unless I want to or being able to follow the warm weather might even be an option. Right now I am just trying to get all the paperwork filed that has to be and insurance decided on. I hate paperwork.
Hi, Jean,
The temperature is influenced by elevation. Sasabe (near our boondock in the refuge) has an elevation of 3,566 ft. Why, though at a slightly more northerly latitude, has an elevation of only 1,784 ft. There are other influences, such as cloud cover, humidity, wind…. In general, western AZ is lower and warmer than the higher eastern parts.
Your retirement date is coming up soon! Two months! You’re right about the relief of not having to go somewhere (like to a job) during inclement weather or when you simply don’t feel like it. Good for you, tackling the necessary paperwork!
We have snow in the Willamette Valley today… a rarity indeed!
Hi, Sarvi…. Time for you to go out and make a snow angel. 🙂
I live in a Goodyear (west of Phoenix) which is 2 hrs. away from you. Weather prediction is 60s daytime and 30s & low 40s at night for next week. You will probably get similar weather. We are usually warmer this time of year. But I’m sure you already know that. Stay warm!
Hi, Carolyn,
It’s sunny here in Why. We were much more comfortable this morning. I got up around 5 a.m. and put the heater on. By the time the boys woke up at 7, the house was cozy.
Wondering why you don’t use the Wave 3 at night? I do! I just leave a window cracked about 1/2″ and every morning I wake up still alive! And warm!!! I’ve also been known to use the cooktop for a fast heat-up, I just open the window a little wider because the open flame sucks up more oxygen than the catalytic heater.
I don’t feel comfortable sleeping with the heater on because of the possibility of carbon monoxide building up. It may not kill, but it can make one experience weird symptoms. If I turn on the heater and the air flow isn’t quite right (window cracked, vent slightly open), I get a ringing in my ears. I don’t want our lives dependent upon air flow.
I’m not saying you are wrong. It’s not something I want to do.
I agree; not something I want to do either.
Question:
In our RV the Carbon Monoxide detector was located near the floor…in our house it is about two feet from the ceiling. There are combo detectors smoke/CO2..ours are separate.
Should it be low or high? And if the answer is low..then the combo detectors are useless?
My smoke/propane detector is near the floor, installed at the factory. My CO2 detector is near the ceiling where I had it mounted. I don’t know what is the best place for either.
Hi you all,
https://nest.com/support/article/Shouldn-t-a-carbon-monoxide-CO-alarm-be-installed-near-the-floor
Why hello Alan!
Hope all is well…thanks for the info and clarification.
How is your attack cat?
Well you could put that worry to bed; the Wave heaters are true catalytic heaters (unlike the Buddy) and produce no carbon monoxide! They use up some oxygen, that’s all. Interesting about the ear ringing though.
Day-um! Haha, no kidding! So many should-uvs and could-uvs yet with ice on the windows, there’s no denying the fact that it is time to MOVE.
Just reading your playful words of Why, AZ pushes me to drop everything planned for the day, jump in the car and sing, “WHY NOT??” at the top of my lungs to the trees and clouds as I pass them by. 🙂 Hair whipping in the wind like a crazy lady, smile plastered to the windshield, I can see it now! Of course, I will also see the strap across the hood of the car (there to prevent said hood from flying off in said wind), will slowly be brought back to the present, and gently settle my inner wild woman, comforting her with promises of our own departure soon, and maybe some chocolate.
I’m curious if you will jump to the more private camp, just because you’re rvsue 🙂
Hi, Seana,
The other camp is nice. It does mean driving in a somewhat sandy wash for a stretch which is something I’d rather not. That’s okay one time in and one time out. If we were to come and go, it could become more sandy and there’s the chance of becoming stuck. So far, I’m content with our present camp.
Keep the hood on your car, wild woman!
Interesting weather everywhere. Yesterday here in Lancaster, PA it was 83; today it’s in the 40’s, raining, cold & damp. Thankfully yesterday I got to see the 130,000 snow geese that pass through here each year heading back to the Arctic. Shorts one day/sweatshirts and fleeces the next; go figure.
What a glorious sight that must be, Sandy! Surely 130,000 don’t pass over you in one day, do they? (Uh-0h, here come the poop jokes… )
I remember how my mother would call us children outside to watch and listen to the geese on their trip north.
I love cold weather if I’m bundled up in nice warm clothes, but to have to get out of bed and run out to the PTV when there is ice on the windows? I think I would have been tempted to throw on another blanket and stay cuddled up with the boys. Of course, I know they eventually will need to go outside, so I guess you were just being disciplined and doing the inevitable ….
I was curious about the town of Why and found this: “The town derives its name from the fact that the two major highways, State Routes 85 and 86, originally intersected in a Y-intersection. At the time of its naming, Arizona law required all city names to have at least three letters, so the town’s founders named the town “Why” as opposed to simply calling it “Y.” The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) later removed the old Y-intersection for traffic safety reasons and built the two highways in a conventional T-intersection south of the original intersection.” So now you know why Why is named Why and not Y!!! Hope y’all stay warm and cozy 🙂
That is interesting about Why. Thank you!
Thinking of Sammy today. He’s very fortunate to have you for his mom. 🙂
Of course, you love cold weather. It must be a huge treat in San Clemente!
Thanks for thinking of Sammy. Will let you know what happens in the echocardiogram tomorrow. He’s really wheezing today:(
Yes, do let us know. I hope there is something to help him.
Wow, ice on the window! Definitely cool. Don’t blame you a bit for running and throwing to get out of there. I’m glad the pups were in a traveling mood. I really like the Why area – well except for the groceries. We didn’t find Ajo great for that. Wonder what Lukeville would be like?
Hi, Lisa and Connie,
I haven’t been into Olsen’s Grocery this winter. To me it’s always been a pretty good store for its size. I heard that the management has changed from father to adult children and maybe the store has changed also?
I’ve never been to Lukeville. Whenever anyone mentions it, they only talk about passing through it, if that’s any indication.
When I drove down to Organ Pipe the other day I went on down to Lukeville to see what was there. Answer – nothing, it isn’t a real town. There is a gas station/convenience store and an RV Park. That was all I saw. Gas was $3.99/gal that day.
The cheapest gas I’ve come across lately was where I didn’t expect — Robles Junction (Three Points). If I remember correctly, it was $2.35 a gallon.
Lovely update, Sue. I always get lost by your words and feel like I’m there with you instead of here at my laptop!
We too have been shivering here in Idaho. Cold blustery days and now today we woke up to snow, up to 4 inches and still snowing by late morning. No preparation was done to the roads – sand, de-icer, or salt – so the roads were like ice! Now it’s stopped snowing and the roads are starting to thaw a little.
Take care and enjoy your lovely new camp.
Thank you, Renee. I love that you “get lost” here. 🙂 Be safe if you have to be on the roads…
Literature, including your blog (well maybe not the Classics, but who knows, maybe some day (ha ha)), is my way to escape and I love it. I’m an avid audio book person too.
🙂
Hi Sue. Happy you found a warmer spot. Like Sarvi mentioned (Hi Sarvi) we had snow last night. Cold but now sunny and beautiful. Just finished our walk. Not much stops us altho I did wait a few extra hours to get out. Have you decided on your summer destination yet? Will be looking forward to seeing where the winds blow you this year.
Hi Stephanie!
Hi, Stephanie,
No, I’m not sure where we will go this summer. I was planning to move east across AZ, go into NM, work our way northward on the east side of the San Juans. Now that we’ve backtracked, plans will probably change. I’m not a long-range planner about our travels.
That’s the best part about your lifestyle…you can stay awhile if you like.
I’m in Alabama at the moment, was 75 this morning, probably warmer now. Loving it!
That’s great, Dawn. An early touch of spring!
Having ice on the inside of the BLT’s window and seeing your breath while in there, wow, that is COLD.That, I think, has to be a first since you left Georgia, right? Even long ago, when you lived through northeastern winters, I imagine you awakened feeling warmer than you did yesterday morning. Thank goodness for your trusty heater in the PTV!
How nice that Roger didn’t whine on that trip, another first aside from very short rides? It will be nice for his sake, and yours, when he becomes a consistently relaxed passenger. “…a front-door view of nature only” – how wonderful for you! At the moment mine is of snow falling, which to me is wonderful, too.
Hi, weather,
I think it was the first time we had ice on the inside of a window. We’ve camped in snow a couple times (once with the old heater that was broken (Lander, WY). I don’t know why it is that these situations, rare as they are, don’t bother me the way they would if I were in a regular house. One develops a different mindset, more tolerant of being in less-than-perfect comfort.
Roger learns from Reggie. Reggie knows the signs of moving camp and immediately settles in for a long ride.
Roger takes a while to catch on. Not because he’s dumb. Because he’s learned to hold his ground, to resist doing what someone else wants, to not expect things to be better. That may be from mistreatment early in life. For example, I have been trying to train him to hop on the bed next to me whenever I hold up his harness. It’s easier than me cornering him at the door and bending over to hook it on him.
Reggie hops onto the bed immediately when I hold up his harness. Roger stands and stares and I sit and wait and call him gently. I wait and I wait. He stares and he stares. This has been going on for how many months? Haha!
Lately he jumps up more readily. Progress! I congratulate him although I confess that today I added some sarcasm. “Good job, Roger. You got it on your fifteen thousandth try!” 🙂
I found this on the “Desert Bloom” site you sent me the link for. It’s an article on how your smartphone can save your life in the desert/wilderness ‘even when you have no signal. I thought it was very interesting…and would be very useful if you got lost…
https://www.desertusa.com/desert-activity/desert-survival-smartphone.html
Thanks, Russ! I’ll check it out!
Russ,
Interesting. I remember going to our local BLM office for maps and the agent showed me their app that did not require satellite.
Interesting article. I have had the MotionX-GPS app for several years and really like it. It’s good for driving also. I also had a blm ranger show me the avenza app. Planning to get it.
The gps apps will eat your battery in no time though so I would be careful of relying on them in a survival situation. I use mine mostly to track distance and elevation change on a trail. But I also carry map and compass.
Today I hiked on Barry Goldwater Range. I used their map to navigate with compass from parking area to Sloans Well. On way back I went off cross country over a couple ridges so ended up further west than I planned. But since I had map and compass I pretty much knew where I was and found way back to truck fine. I had marked a waypoint in MotionX where I parked also. So if I had to I could have used that to get back. I put the phone on airplane mode so battery didn’t run down. It is easier here in mostly flat land also.
On a survival note I watched the movie The Mountain Between Us last night. Anyone seen it? Scenery was beautiful, the movie was good But not very realistic that they would have survived those conditions.
Day-um is right!
I don’t miss scraping the ice off the corners of the windows or constantly wiping the condensation so the ice wouldn’t form..back in you know where! For the life of me I couldn’t figure out how to stop it..open the curtains, close the curtains…..yep better just move……hahhh!
It’s been quite cold..everywhere, USA….hopefully your new site will be warmer. Wonky weather in the northeast…think it’s puxatawny phil’s fault!
Sleeping with the heater on in the RV never crossed my mind as a good idea…either.
Have a great day…stay warm!
“yep better just move”….. across the country if necessary. You have a great day, too, Cinandjules.
It’s 86* and I’m wearing shorts and sleeveless shirt. The a/c is on. God, I hate cold weather. Glad you and the boys are doing fine.
How nice for you, Cat Lady! Sounds like balmy weather along the Gulf today (See Geri’s comment, FL panhandle).
Wow, ice on the windows. It is cold up north in Casa Grande too. Low of 34 tonight. I’m kind of enjoying the nice sunny 60 degree days though after the heat wave in Arizona a couple weeks ago. Love your blog. Roger and Reggie are a laughable duo. You must laugh every day at their antics.
Hi, Connie and Lisa,
Yes, Rog and Reg give me plenty of laughs. This morning they were playing and Reggie figured out how to stand on his head in the mess of covers. Funny sight to wake up to!
Flew right by you through Why on our way out of Organ Pipe.
There is a tame coyote that begs for food at the Why gas station.Unfortunately, people have been feeding him.My dog Eddie went nuts when he passed by the window.
Interesting but sad.
Hi, chas,
Yes, sad for the coyote and it’s also sad that there are people that stupid running around loose. Really dumb to alter the behavior of wildlife!
I’m curious- is it warmer at your new campsite? If not, is there anyplace you can camp in this cold spell that is warmer, but still in the USA?
Sending warming thoughts…
Hi, Becky,
Yes, it is warmer. Your thoughts made it here! 🙂
The crew and I woke up from a nap a few minutes ago. To my surprise it’s so warm I had to open windows. To answer your question, usually (playing it safe here)… usually Yuma area is the warmest of the places we go in winter (southeastern CA/southwestern AZ).
South Texas is usually warmer.
Oh, but it’s soooooooo far away. 🙂
Well, I’m finally going to do it and retire! It is still a ways away, Jan 2019, but a set goal. All ur travels and stories have got me so excited for this new chapter in my life. Thank u Sue!!
You’re welcome, Patricia. I’m happy for you! Retirement is fantastic!
Great post and photos Sue, ,, well I’ve been doing better and was told today I may excell on my exercising and a whole lot of appointments for me up at the Louisville VAMC are going to happen to better my life and they are going to pick me up and bring me home, the VA is,, that’s neat in my book. My Provider is real nice and pleasant, she explained a lot of things on all that needs fixing to make life better for me and I’m starting to trust the VA more and more each time we talk,, and Piper is getting better with my visits to the VA and the Store now,,,,, it’s been raining real hard here and windy too, but Saturday it’s supposed to be Sunny and Bright,,,,,, have a pleasant weekend and give the Boys a huge hug from us,,,,, 🐾👣
That’s super good news, Rusty! It sounds like you have found a person who takes the time to explain your health needs for you. That makes all the difference. I really like that you trust her.
Thanks for the update. Several blogorinos (and probably others who don’t comment) have been concerned for you and Piper. I appreciate the hug…. Sending hugs to you both!
😊
Hi, Rusty and Piper,
Glad to see a note from you. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I am glad that you are getting some good help from the VA. Miss Piper, do take good care of your daddy! Sending you a hug! Take good care of yourself! 🙂
Hi Sue,
I was not going to bring this up and just let it be. Since I’m heading out there soon, making notes and planning, are you sure your at Tyson Wash? I may be wrong but I think you may be at Gunsite Wash? Luv your blog as always, so much information, entertainment and help. Stay safe, warm and have lots of Fun!
Thank you, Scott! I’m wrong… mixed it up with the LTVA Tyson Wash. I depend upon my readers to keep this blog true to the facts. You don’t let me down.
I’ll edit the post (now that I’ve confused people all over the continent… Ha!).
You be safe, warm and having fun, too…. 🙂
Well at least one was confused. Guess I will have to erase Tyson Wash but I still don’t see Gunsight Wash but I assume it runs northwest from Gunsight Hills shown on my Benchmark Map.
We had a great trip south and north to Death Valley National Park. I don’t know if it is warmer there now but we never turned on our furnace there. It was beautiful. We parked next to another Casita at Texas Spring Campground that had boon docked outside the park before they entered. Sounded like it might be a good place to camp for awhile.
Hi, Gloria,
All one needs to know to find this dispersed camping area dubbed Gunsite Wash is how to drive (or walk) south of Why a couple miles, cross a little bridge, look to the right, see a bunch of RVs, and enter. No maps, apps, or whatever necessary.
I’m guessing the reason you don’t see Gunsite Wash on your Benchmark is because it’s not a landmark and it is not a campground. It’s where people camp on BLM land.
Without knowing WHEN you experienced these warm temperatures at Death Valley NP, the statement “we never turned on our furnace there” doesn’t carry much weight. Need more info.
I forgot to mention…… Sorry my mistake confused you.
I looked at my AZ Benchmark, Public Lands Section. South of Why, on the west side of Route 85, opposite Gunsite/Gunsight Hills, there is a dashed line (representing a dirt road) that goes northwest, then turns sharply north and ends at Route 85 between Why and Ajo. There is camping all along that road. Most people camp near the entrance of the road (no road sign) south of Why. I hope this is helpful.
Love that Roger didn’t whine during the drive. I really hope it is because he is becoming more comfortable riding and not just because it was toasty warm in the van ;)!
Our one day of summer is a distant memory…….been snowing for the past 4-5 hours!
Aw, shucks…. Summer passes so quickly….
I do think Roger has calmed down considerably and has learned that whining doesn’t end a long drive. He’s had the warmth of the heater on a cold day before and didn’t even notice, too busy whining. 🙂
That is one behavior I am very glad to see disappear. Hope I’m not talking too soon…
I hope the whining behavior is also a distant memory…I know how disconcerting it can be to have a whining dog while traveling. My Max was a whiner and some days would be worse than others to the point I would stop the car to make sure he hadn’t hurt himself or needed to go do his business. Of course he was always fine so I can only imagine something from his previous life before we rescued each other was cause for his anxiety.
I went through that, too…. stopping for potty breaks due to Roger’s whining…. and then get back in the PTV, get on the road, and more whining. I hope that phase is over!
Sue, you are in my favorite area now. I love Ajo and the surrounding area. I especially like the National park nearby. We have snow and ice here in Longview, WA. I wish I was there! 🙂
Hi, Michael,
Organ Pipe is a special place and Ajo does have charm. You remind me how fortunate I am to be in this part of the world…. although I do remember how much we enjoyed the state of Washington a couple years ago… in summer.
Welcome back to Why! I’m still camped up by Ajo. I love this area! It’s been chilly the last 2 nights but not rainy. So as you said, it doesn’t feel quite as cold. I will need to empty tanks and get water probably first of week and then I’ll go down to the campground at Organ Pipe. Would like to spend a few days hiking the trails there. It would cost more in gas to drive back and forth. Plus I can use the dump station/water there when I arrive and leave.
Enjoy the sunshine ☀️
Your thinking is smart, Debra. There are times when one needs water and a dump station and it makes sense to move one’s camp to where that is. Also less time on the road. 🙂
I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.
We just spent 5 days at the Organ Pipe campground.It is a very well laid out and attractive campground for a large campground.It was our first time there and it is an underrated park.5 Casitas were there.
Thanks for the positive feedback! When I arrived in the area I drove down to check things out. Took a drive through the campground. Overall it seems pretty nice. The sites are pretty close though. But I will be out and about most of day. Did you find they enforced the generator hours?
It did not appear they had to.Most people complied and ran them only if necessary.I grabbed a spot on the end 86
and had nobody in sight of my front door.I would look on the ends
Hi Sue,
Mid 70’s in Tennessee today and jonquils are blooming. I’m sure that it’s temporary, but we’ll enjoy it while we can.
I love that you’re able to move about with no firm long term plan. Just reassures the rest of us that retirement is the best gig there is. Enjoy Why.
Hi, Joe,
You call them jonquils, I call them daffodils. Whatever the name, they are such happy-looking flowers.
Long term plans can easily turn into must-do, must-go and that’s not what I want my life to be like. I’d rather live wondering what lies ahead and being surprised by the serendipity that comes when I follow my latest whim. Yeah, retirement is the best!
Hi Sue-
I am glad that you got to a warmer place! I am freezing my patootie off here in TX. 30s and 40s and night. And rain, drizzle, clouds! Can’t leave as repairs will be under way Wednesday. Can hardly wait for Spring!
You have such good traveling boys! Griddle on!
Hi, Linda,
Your poor patootie and my poor batukus! We have to keep them warm! 🙂
Spring is going to be very well appreciated this year by many. Sounds like you’re experiencing hot tea weather.
Hot Chocolate and popcorn weather for me:))
Whatever works!
WOW there are a lot of people here! Hi Sue, I see so many people changing out rigs getting bigger, better homes-on-wheels…..You have been in that Casita for a very long time now…..I was wondering if it ever crosses your mind to change it out? Even just toy with the idea….
Thanks for another shot of reality! Those two were meant for each other!!!
Lauri
Hi, Lauri,
Love seeing all these people… old and new blogorinos….
About your question: No. I can honestly report that I never think about “changing out” the Best Little Trailer. I never wish I had a different home. The BLT is perfect for the way we camp and travel, she is kind to my wallet, and I love her looks (no small thing for me).
I’m not saying a Casita Liberty Deluxe is perfect for everyone, of course.
On the other hand, I have thought about changing out the Perfect Tow Vehicle for a newer model. But how would I ever find another tow vehicle with all the great features of the PTV?
Wow that is cheap! Best price here is $2.69 at Circle K.
Thanks, I’m hoping I can get an end site too 😀
Way to go Roger! 🎉 No whining. Could you give my Peanut some pointers on how to do that?
Hi Cat Lady, Misty says thank you 😊 She is beautiful and has adjusted very well to our new life.
Hi Sue, El Paso is known for its windy season, usually in March, April. However it has been windy here for the past week (up to 4o mph) and forecasted to last through the weekend. Although, parts of the day are calm. We have had unusually warm weather. As a matter of fact I recently got back from Elephant Butte Lake S.P. in New Mexico. I stayed at a campground called South Monticello and it was in the high 60s low 70s the six days I was there. I’ll tell you what though, I will take windy weather in El Paso any day because I have lived here since I was 15, I’m 58 now and this place never experiences the type of weather affecting the rest of the country. By the way, how long does it usually take for your wave 3 to warm up your BLT? I recently got the wave 3 heater and finally tapped into a gas line on board my Casita. I have not had a chance to use it. I plan on heading out here in the next couple of weeks and doing some boon docking. Did you ever get a cover for your heater? I also placed a question on your previous post. I don’t know if you saw it. Sorry for the rambling on I get a little scatter brained with all these ideas running through my head. You and the crew be Safe!
Hi, Jesse, until Sue replies I hope my suggestion helps. It’s a bit time consuming yet may show most of what you’d like to see.
Go to the custom battery box part of the solar power section at the top of this page. Click on the post she suggests there – A custom battery box for brand new batteries. Then look at the following 8 posts after that one, too, to include Percha dam State Park, New Mexico. Almost all of those posts have photos of the connections you’re interested in seeing.
Hoo boy, it goes on…then, go back to the- A custom battery box for brand new batteries- post. Below it you’ll see “Related”. Click on -Solar panels and more coyotes-. Read that post, then in the Related section below it click on each post she has listed there.
There are also a some other posts where she showed the connecting cable between her van and trailer, at one point she made the original one longer in order to be able to park her home in the shade while leaving the van with the solar panel in the sun. Hopefully, seeing the posts I mentioned above gives you enough information to consider for now, though.
Hi, Weather, I didn’t realize she had more posts related to her battery set-up. I really appreciate the info. I will definitely look for those other posts.
Thank you very much, weather, for providing that information for Jesse in my absence today. As you might have guessed, we were on the road to a new camp. It was a long drive, made longer by strong winds. We arrived safely and are set up for the night.
I appreciate your help. Hope you had a great day!
It’s always nice to know you’ve arrived safely. After what must have been a tiring day, it’s good of you to check in here. Get some rest,no reply needed, n’nite
N’nite. 🙂
Good morning, Sue, hoping you could just relax last evening I waited until now to mention the link you provided for Jesse.
It works to let us view posts, however, those are viewed from the rvsueandcrew.net site we are on now. As you know, unless we are on the rvsueandcrew.com site we can’t see the slide shows that are on some posts.
We can, of course, use the link you provide(upper right side of this page, beneath the -To view posts prior to June1, 2013 heading) then type – What more does a person need?- in the To search blog box when we are on that site . Yet because not everyone sees, notices or is familiar with how to use those tools, I’m pointing them out. If we do what I just described then we can see those slide shows.
Anyway, I don’t know if you want to or can change the link in your reply to Jesse, and just wanted you to know exactly how it’s working. I hope you and the boys are warm and happy at your current camp 🙂 !
I changed the link to what you are suggesting, if I understand correctly. Thank you for pointing it out to me. 🙂
Yes, it works very well now, guessing it was another long day for you, I’m glad you checked in.
A very full day! I tried to write a post this morning and it didn’t work out. Then life took over. 🙂
Hi, Jesse,
I don’t mind the questions nor the rambling. We all do that!
The reason it is difficult to find answers to your questions in my blog is the way it is organized (or not organized might be more accurate.) My blog is in a diary form and I write as much for entertainment (stories) as I do to convey information. You may have read comments from blogorinos where they said they learned a lot from my blog. The information is embedded in the posts and in the comments that follow.
If you have the time I suggest reading the archives. If you don’t want to start at the beginning (before I retired), you could start at our Elephant Butte camp (2011). I was a newbie then and learning as I went along. I also had solar and batteries installed in the fall of 2011. I think you’ll find yourself absorbing a lot as you read those early posts. If a post touches on a subject of interest to you, read that post’s comments which elaborate on the topic.
Here’s a starting place: “What more does a person need?”
Yes, I got a cover for the heater when at Elephant Butte. A friend made it for me.
The Wave 3 heats up our home at varying rates due to many influences. It works best if you anticipate the cold, rather than letting all the hard surfaces get really cold and then expect the heater to warm them up. If an overnight low will require heat, I run the Wave 3 a couple hours before going to bed, turn it off, and close all windows and vents. Then in the morning I crack a window and open the ceiling vent an inch, turn on the heater, and the house warms (length of time dependent on outside air temperature.)
There are tricks to aid the heater. I like to face my large back window facing southwest when winter temps drop in order to catch the afternoon rays. Then I close everything up tight before sunset and falling temperatures.
Reflectix on a window or two helps also, adding more insulation.
Heating up soup, coffee, tea, etc. takes a chill out and can make the heater unnecessary.
The crew and I had a long day of travel today, so this reply is rushed. If you have more questions, I’ll be happy to answer them tomorrow.
Hi Sue,
Thanks. I have started reading yours and Ms. Weather’s recommended posts. Absolutely informative. I’m sorry I rushed you into replying to my question. I just didn’t know if you had seen the question on the previous post. Also, thanks for the info. on the wave 3 heater. I have, like said, tapped into the gas line. As a matter-of-fact I read your post on the wave 3 installation and did exactly the same. However, I have not installed it permanently yet because the wife is not sure she would like it there. I’m really not sure where else I could put it without it getting in the way. We have a custom mattress that takes up almost half the living space.
I had the heater mounted there simply because hot air rises. I’ve seen a Wave 3 mounted on the wall between the stove and bathroom door (Liberty model. That’s face level, which I didn’t like. Another consideration is to mount the heater where there is no chance of curtains or bedding falling close to it.
Jesse,
I have found that a big heavy duty garbage bag works just fine as a cover for my Wave 3. It stays wrapped up in that during the hot months and remains naked and ready for use during the cold ones.
Thanks Ed,
I will do the same for now. I’m not a big fan of the black cover they sell.
👍 Glad to see you are in a warmer area now! YIKES! Ice on the inside windows??? That is COLD!
I see Chucks twin air bed mattress made it to your list! Since I am still having to sleep in the recliner due to my back injury we decided to take out the queen bed and go twin size and build closet! Never enough room for clothes.
To answer your question about my bucket garden, this week I planted 6 strawberry plants and an oregano plant! So I am starting my planting.
Tomorrow Chuck and I go to the Apalachicola Farmers Market with a load of Mermaid Tears we have been working on! $$$
I am so happy to read that Roger has settled in for the ride now, without the whining! Yay!
STAY HAPPY! STAY WARM! Belly rubs to the boys! Hugs to you! 💗
Geri and Chuck . . . . Best wishes at the farmer’s market tomorrow. I hope you sell every one of your Mermaid Tears.
Your bucket garden sounds fun. Strawberries love that Florida sun. Hugs to you, too!
We had a great day at the Farmers Market! Sold all but 2 tears! $$$ yay!
Any chance of a small donation now that you guys are successes in the Biz world? Good job guys..
Explain further…. AZJim !
I think Jim wants you to share some of your profits with him, since you’re rolling in $$$ from your sales… 🙂
Ohhhh! I thought he was wanted a mermaid tear donation for an auction of some sort for a charity! We have done that!
Fantastic!!
Love the polka dots on Reggie’s back.
Stay toasty….another cold night ahead!
Hi, Sue,
I hope your new camp is in a slightly warmer spot. The weather seems “backwards” lately, with the Southwest getting the cold that usually settles in the Mid- Atlantic and East. We broke several records this week, with temps in the high 70’s to 80! I actually had to turn on the A/C! I am putting in a request for some of this warm air to be piped to you and all of the other blogorinos that are dealing with cold and/or snow. If some of the warmth is shared, we all can be comfortable! Waking up to ice on your interior window – that is crazy cold!
Today, nephew #2 came for a visit. It was a wonderful to catch up with each other, enjoy a couple meals together, and “just be.” Gracie pup was delirious with joy, getting lots of extra attention. My nephew helped me feed all of the holly bushes and fir trees with Hollytone. Perfect timing, as it is raining tonight with more chances for showers tomorrow. We had a great day! The topic of travel came up, as he has a couple out-of-state weddings to attend in the coming months. I told him that I would love to be able to go back to the Southwest; that I could be very content to roam around for a month or two….Gracie pup as my co-pilot. 🙂 Until then, I am glad that we are able to travel vicariously with you and the Crew! 🙂
No need to reply, Sue. I can imagine that you are exhausted from having to relocate. I hope you have a peaceful, restful, warm night. Tomorrow, my top priority is to refill all of the bird feeders and bird baths, and clean out several bird houses. The birds were very vocal today…have to keep my feathered friends happy and well fed. Such a small price for the joy they bring me. Sending you, Reggie, and Roger love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! N’nite! 🙂
P.S. – Gracie usually whines when I take her to the vet or groomer. I ask her if there is a monkey in the backseat with her! On the way home, little Miss is quiet and calm. I think her whining is a coping mechanism…she copes…I get stressed! 🙂
I just read from “The Dog is Driving” on Instagram that there is a regular coyote that begs at a gas station in Why, AZ. So be careful!
Brrrr, ice inside the window!! At least some of your loading up was already done 🙂 The last couple weeks have definitely been cold here, but is looks like the temps are warming up over the next few days. Enjoy your new spot!
Hi Cindy,
I am doing just fine and attack cat is doing great, Most of the time he just ignores them but sometimes I guess they just look at him wrong and he decides they need an attitude adjustment. Everyone gets a kick out of him.
Going to Tucson in May to check out their parks. They have several nice ones that have a yearly lease that is quite affordable.
My best to you and yours.
Alan
Hi, Alan! 🙂
Hi Sue & fellow blogerinos
Am on month long trip & yes it’s been Cold! My heater has worked beautifully in the escape. Maybe one propane tank used. Rye patch reservoir, Alabama hills, mojave preserve, Joshua tree, desert hot springs, Anza borrego, valley of fire & now cathedral gorge. Heading home to snowy Idaho Tuesday. May have to rewinterize. Ugh! Brought too many T-shirt’s but not enough fleece. Had 4 big desert bighorns in back of my camp at valley of fire. Majestic! Hope you enjoy warmer weather soon without wind. The boys are good traveling buddies as are my two. I’m amazed that it is so hard to find laundries in these small towns. None in Overton or 29 palms. Have to go to Joshua tree to a very popular laundry. Let’s just say the fleece pants stand up by themselves. 😖
Hi, Julie,
Your trip sounds wonderful!! Safe travels home! 🙂