Now that we’re camped closer to the road, I expect Saturday campers to drive by throughout the day.
All day only about five cars go by, and only one looks like someone who might camp (in his van which has curtains), unless the rest are tent campers. In the main camping area there are still only three camps: Ken and Scooter’s, Gail’s, and mine and the crew’s.
The Perfect Tow Vehicle and the Best Little Trailer look good under the pines!
Bridget, Spike, and I walk up to the rocky plateau.
It’s at the top the slope on the other side of the road from our campsite. I let Spike lead the way over very rocky ground. He takes us far away from the camping area. I see numerous signs of deer and elk.
I take a few photos. At one point a duck appears out of the bushes and flies off. A duck? Up here? I bet she has a nest. Spikey pulls toward the bush and I see the cozy construction she’s made out of pine needles.
“C’mon, Spike,” I order as I pull him back. “We don’t want to disturb her nest.”
At one point I feel like we’re lost.
We come upon a rock garden.
I mean, pine trees, grass, and rocks tend to look alike.
Let’s see. How did the sun strike the BLT first thing this morning? Oh, I know. Just keep the sun at our right and we’ll be heading home.
After picking our way through rocks for several minutes, we reach the edge of the plateau and Gail’s motorhome comes into view.
Whew! We really shouldn’t be traipsing around in the forest without a compass. I need to get one before we do this again. We follow the road back to our camp. The crew is worn out.
- I like the way the forest changes from deep shade to bright sunshine . . .
Shortly after we’re back at camp, the shooting starts.
Someone is up where we were walking, shooting at trees or a target or something. It’s not someone hunting unless there are over a hundred head of game up on top of that plateau or he’s one heckuva bad shot! The person pulls off about that many shots before Spike can’t take it anymore and starts barking at the direction of the shooter. Soon the campground and forest are quiet again . . . except for the birds, of course.
I pull up my lounger and watch a robin splashing in Spike’s Pond.
Spike and Bridget are pooped from our big excursion, and now that peace has returned, they fall asleep in the pine needles. I have to smile at the mud on Spike’s legs. Nothing like wading in a pond to cool off after a long hike. Gee, I hope that package arrives in the mail – I’ll check the post office on Monday — so we can leave on Tuesday morning. I don’t want to drive all the way to Lee’s Ferry in one day. Keep the trips short. That’s my motto.
A bluebird and a bright yellow bird come by Spike’s Pond for a drink.
Maybe I could take us a little north of Flagstaff and camp in the Kaibab National Forest for a day or two. That would slice off at least 30 miles from the trip to Lee’s Ferry. I doze off for a few minutes until Bridget wakes me up. She wants to be held. What a baby!
I look for Spike and see he’s wandering around. I can tell he’s in his Heh-heh-she-s-not-watching-so-it’s-time-to-make-a-break-for-it mood. I get up, follow his cute little behind which he moves at a faster and faster pace, trying to outdistance me. I scoop him up and hold him in my arms, his belly to the sun.
“Okay, devil dog, we’re going inside.”
“Yes, YOU! You’re a devil dog!”
Speaking of a devil dog, later I cook some chicken on the charcoal grill. After giving Bridget and Spike several morsels of prime chicken breast, Spike goes ahead and steals one off the grill while I’m in the BLT getting a drink! I come out and see him trying to chow down on the dirt-covered chicken before I catch him, but it’s too hot for his mouth.
I love this guy so much, I can’t get mad at him. I pick up the chicken, wipe it off, and cut it up into chunks. “Okay, Spike. Your devilry is rewarded. But you have to share with Bridget.”
Tonight is Super Moon Night.
What would I do without this blog! I get so much good advice, plus a lot of laughs, from people writing comments. I wouldn’t even know to look at the moon tonight if it weren’t for the blog. Tonight several of you will probably be looking at the moon, too. What a crazy, wonderful time to be alive!
rvsue
The only time I’ve been lost was in the forest. I’ve never been much of one for a compass, just follow my tracks back…assuming there are tracks. But out in the desert, you have lots of landmarks – in the forest, not so much.
Lee’s Ferry, eh? I’ve read John Lee’s diary, it’s pretty interesting. A hard place to live, but beautiful in its own way. I always think of Zane Grey when I think of that part of the country. You’ll miss those cool pines, but on with the adventure! And the pups sure are entertaining!
No, there aren’t any tracks to follow back. The ground is oak leaves, pine needles, and rocks. It was only for a short while, once I got my bearings and we covered some ground with the sun to our right.
Yes, I’m going to find it hard to say goodbye to these pines and all this shade.
Sue
I still have a lot to do before I can follow your led and go full time. I read a lot of blogs and am trying to lay out an outline of what I want.
I found some small acreage in the big Bend area of Tx and its cheap a couple grand for 5 acres
All fees and taxes will run about 200 a year . I think this may be my desert winter home and insurance if they were to stop the dispersed camping.
Just an ideal what do ya’ll think?
Ron.
That sounds good, Ron, although I don’t know anything about Texas or its real estate. I would think Big Bend area would cost more. We’ve got some Texans who read this blog. I hope they will share their opinions with you.
Are you familiar with Ara of Oasis of My Soul? http://theoasisofmysoul.com/ He bought some Texas land, pretty isolated, and travels on his motorcycle with his dog in a sidecar. He had utilities put in and would be a good one to ask questions . . . .
If you’ve got the money and you would like being there in the winter, I say, why not?
Sue
It is a lot like the areas in the desert you camped in.
I have read that gentlemans blog.
Ron
The location is good as far as travel away from there once the worst of winter is over.
My I suggest a gps instead of a compass? Using a GPS one just changes the function to retrace your route and soon your home again.
I have a dog that cannot resist stealing bread from the counter, she has out-witted me many times …. still I love her 🙂
I forgot about those things. Something to consider. Although a compass would be cheaper and I could pretend I’m an explorer from years past . . .
Really? I’ll have to take a closer look at mine. I haven’t been using it much on the roads lately. The places I’ve driven have been pretty obvious how to get there. That would be great if I use what I already have.
Oh I would keep it natural and just boondock there.
Ron
Thatht right, Thithter! Duckth! You haven’t theen the latht of them.
The Good Luck Duck
Somebody remind me not to mention ducks in my blog, okay? Thanks.
I’m reading your blog and looking out my window at the beautiful Super Moon. The only thing that would make it better would be looking at it out my Casita window 🙂
It’s not dark here yet. I’m going to go look in a little while. I’d like to get a photo of the BLT and the super moon. (That was NOT nice, rvsue!)
As per usual here, whenever there is something to appear, like this moon tonight, it is clouded over and stormy…but rain is needed, whenever it arrives.
Did you keep some things in storage someplace? Oh my…this going through and downsizing takes so long!!
Did I keep some things in storage someplace? Yeah, in the PTV!
Seriously, I feel your pain. Makes you wonder why you worked so hard to buy so much unnecessary stuff. Good luck with it.
The super moon is great. Would be better if I wasn’t in the middle of Tucson.
I can’t find the super moon! It must be behind the pine trees . . .
I take it you don’t like Tucson.
It is ok, but I am trying to get out of here to be a full time rver. I retired the end of March and did not want to still be here.
I went through the same thing. I retired at the end of May and had to wait until mid-August before I could leave and finally pick up the BLT. Time really drags so slowly sometimes . . .
Just came in from gazing at the supermoon with my kids. Had our first campfire of the season. Would only be better if it were near the pines like you are.
It’s different with cats. They usually don’t beg or steal, just stare at you until you feel compelled to give them some. My cat Bert loves ice cream and pudding and ice water. Not ice in his water dish, mind you, but sharing my ice water out of my glass. What a character!
I so enjoy following your blog. Your adventures are wonderful and you’re a very good writer.
Thanks, Kelly. I’m going to go outside again and see if I can find the Super Moon.
Suggest a hand held gps…..they are a bit pricey…but have nice features to you can set way points…to find your way ‘home’
I’ll have to think about that. I kind of like the idea of using my own wits with a compass. But then I once hated computers and cellphones!
The moon is super, really! And very bright.
Per gps, compass: please get something. We don’t want to lose you. We would all feel better. 🙂
That’s a sweet comment, Cathie. Thank you.
Chuck and I just walked “home” from work with the super moon shining down on us! It is beautiful here in Zion !
Sorry you got rain Elizabeth!
I finally saw it! It’s beautiful shining through the pine boughs.
Good job, Spike, grabbing that chicken AND having a pond named after you!!!!! You are the man(dog that is). Super moon here at Zion is beautiful and HUGE!!!! FYI, it’s only 125 miles from Flagstaff to Lees Ferry….about 2.5 hours or thereabouts….just saying…..some of us shorter days than others…REALLY short days…hehehehheheeeee
You know how I like to creep along . . . Remember The Tortoise and the Hare . . .I’ll get there, for sure.
But such a cuuuutttteeee little devil face he has!! Moon shining big and bright in Washington State!
I’ve noticed a change in Spike over the past few weeks. He’s always been sort of a stand-offish sort of guy. In fact when I picked him up at the pound several years ago he seemed autistic, no eye contact and flinching when I’d try to cuddle him. Now he’s become a little love bug. He actually seeks cuddling, something he never did until recently. Maybe he feels retired now, and the stress has fallen away!
Just took a walk around the pond by my house. The moon is big and bright but I am not so sure it is the best spot to see it in all its glory. No photo cause you realy need a tripod and long exposure to catch it here. Still, a sight to see and the sounds of the pond at night are what realy thrilled me. All kinds of bird and frog sounds.
The area around your house sounds like a park. Those nighttime bird and frog sounds make me nostalgic. I remember long summer evenings listening to them.. . makes a mood and atmosphere unlike any other. It’s nice you have a pond near your house.
Yes, it is just at the end of my street and a lovely place. If you look on my blogger page you can see some photos of White pelicans at the pond. It seems to be a migration route for lots of birds, ducks, geese.
Shooters, I don’t like that.
I recommend a few days on the Kaibab just north of Flagstaff and visiting Sunset Crater and Waptki. Also check out the BLM west of Lee’s Ferry for a desert stay. Plus lots of great places on the North Kaibab once the gate at Jacob Lake opens May 15th. And even some outside the gate.
Wonderful to think so many of us were out tonight looking at the Supermoon.
The dirt (mud) roads around Flagstaff are drying up now making more campsites accessible (although we have to follow the 300 ft rule!). I’ll probably stop at the Kaibab on the other side of Flagstaff. I like small hops from place to place when possible, makes for an easy-going, fun life for me and the crew.
I’m sure you are anticipating opening day at the North Rim!
Some real nice National Forest boondock camping right there at Jacobs Lake area…BEAUTIFUL area…didn’t get to spend as much time there as we wanted…had appointments back here. As geogypsy2u said…Nice camping on either side of 89 around Sunset Crater! If your going to Jacobs lake when leaving Lees Ferry…be sure to have your camera charged…the vermilon cliffs are breath taking!!!!
I’m looking forward to seeing these places I’ve heard so much about.
Pheebs & I found us a high spot on a country road last night & cracked off a few quick Moon photos before it disappeared into the clouds. Looked about the same as any other full Moon I have seen. Sometimes people get a little carried away with the word, ‘Super’. Nice that you have been able to enjoy the Pine forest. It’s what boon docking is all about. The diversity of the landscape & the ability to change your quiet & peaceful surroundings whenever you wish. You are just going to totally love Utah with all it’s mountains & massive colored rock formations. Oh how I wished we didn’t have to spend our summers just sitting in one place for months at a time every year. Who knows, we might have been in Utah by now……:))
No doubt, Al, you would be in Utah . . . You know how you guys always keep ahead of me in my travels! I’d wake up in the morning thinking…. hmmm… tomorrow we’ll pack up and go to that place. Then I’d go on line and you and Kelly were there and the photos are posted . . . Geesh! You’ve got this boondocking thing all figured.
I think Bridget may have been involved in the chicken breast caper. She probably talked Spikey into taking it off the grill knowing it was too hot for him to down it before you caught him. She knew she’d get part of it in the end. (Good job, Bridg!)
Couldn’t see the super moon where we live. Cloudy and rainy night in MN. Was up all night with a freaked out Shitsu that hates storms so all we saw was lightening. According to the Bayfield Bunch, it may have been a little less than super so maybe I don’t feel so bad. The lighening was a pretty good show in itself.
Once again it’s the woman who’s the brains behind the operation! (Sorry guys). Hope you can take a good nap today to catch up on what you lost last night. I know about lightening. Spike practically sleeps on my neck during nighttime storms.
All is good today. It’s cloudy but the storms have moved East of us. The dogs are napping (Scooter, tired from shaking and panting all night and Buddy, tired from watching Scooter doing her “storm thing”.) You mention that Spike has changed since you first adopted him. I think that he’s grateful for the life you are providing for him. I mean, really, spa days and barbeques nearly every day? No wonder he’s become a cuddly guy. The crew is livin’ the life and you are too. Here’s hoping you all enjoy your day.
“Livin the llife” . . . I like that!
Again LOL. Think I’ll stick to liking a big ole harvest moon. You’re heading into beautiful country.
In an email we received photos from this website. I hope you have high speed internet so they don’t take too long to load because the ones of the Milky Way from Utah are fantastic!
http://indulgy.com/post/k39tw1PNG1/royce-blair-photographs-the-milky-way-over-gran
Hi, Alice! The photo loaded quickly for me . . . outstanding! It boggles the mind how many stars there are . .. Beautiful photo. Thanks for sharing it here.
Hey Sue, I still can’t get that compass thing down. I got one, and even though we have not been anywhere where we needed on, every time I try to figure out where the sun is going to set or rise, I still can’t figure out how I would get back to my campsite if I went off walking without a trail. I commend you.
If you have a compass you don’t have to think about where the sun sets or rises. The simplest method is determine at the start what direction you are going to go, let’s say north, northeast in general. To get back to where you started you need to go the opposite, which would be south, southwest. That’s a basic explanation. At the very simplest, when lost in the woods, a compass will keep you from walking in circles, because you pick a direction and stick to it.
Just another reason to wish I were where you are or in Zion where it sounds like it really was a SUPER moon. Here in hot Florida it was just an ordinary moon. Or it was when it came up and for a couple of hours after that until I went to bed. I kept waiting for it to get SUPER here but apparently I missed it. Your campsite looks fabulous Sue and that Devil dog (or is it really dogs) is too cute!!
The only difference with the moon is it looked larger.
This campsite is one of the best, for sure. The trouble with the Devil Dog is he’s the cutest when he’s being a little devil, so he doesn’t get corrected. Being a devil is a way of life for Spike.