Tuesday, March 6
Well, so much for an early start.
Even though I’m into the seventh year of full-time vagabonding with my crew, I still become excited about an impending camp move.
Last night it took me a while to fall asleep.
I finally dropped off in the early morning hours. If it weren’t for Roger and Reggie jumping around in their usual, morning hilarity, I would’ve overslept.
By overslept, I mean to get an early start on moving day. There’s really no such thing as oversleeping when retired!
I’m scurrying to finish preparations for the road when Del drives up with his crew.
He parks on the other side of the wash. Reggie and Roger are already in the Perfect Tow Vehicle. They hop and bark to be let out.
“Okay,” I say, placing them on the ground. “Go say bye to your pals.”
Away they dash!
Skeeter meets the crew first. The three of them turn to greet Beebee, Buddy, and River (the latter out of frame).
Yesterday I promised Del that we’d stop by his campsite this morning before leaving our camp at Midland Long Term Visitor Area (near Blythe, California).
“I’m on my way into town,” Del explains, “so I brought everyone over.”
“I’m glad you did! I’m late packing up . . . . ”
His crew and my crew run this way and that.
I twirl around with my camera. Buddy is checking out the Best Little Trailer.
I try my best to photograph little, black River.
He has a way of avoiding my camera and when I do get a shot of him, his blackness hides his features. In order to include him, here’s a photo from several days ago that didn’t make it into a post.
River has the loving nature of a rat terrier. He’s put on a few extra pounds as he’s matured and his chin has turned gray. (River is around twelve years old.) Still sweet as ever!
Del and I hug goodbye.
I promise to call to let him know we arrived safely at our next camp. Not one for long goodbyes, I catch the boys and pop them into the PTV. At the same time, Del calls his crew to board their vehicle. We wave to each other as he drives away. Canine faces peer out the back window.
It’s time to back up the PTV for hitching.
I slide into the driver’s seat and turn to Reg and Rog.
“Well, that’s that. Don’t worry, guys. You’ll see your friends again someday.”
Soon we’re ready to leave. We make a quick stop at the LTVA’s trash bins and dump station and . . .
We’re on our way!
Interstate 10 takes us due east from Blythe, through Quartzsite, and across Arizona, past Saddleback Mountain at Tonopah (a previous boondock), to Buckeye.
We head south on Route 85.
At Buckeye Hills Regional Park, I turn in. I want to check the status of camping.
It’s true — This free camping spot is closed. Reggie, Roger and I walk the dirt road past empty camp sites.
Boarding the PTV, I assure them, “It won’t be much longer.” (I think they’re learning the meaning of that sentence!)
At Gila Bend, we spend the night at the RV park behind Holt’s Shell Station. At the senior citizen rate, it’s $19.99 plus tax for one night.
In the morning, we’re back on the road.
I have an idea where we might find a nice boondock!
rvsue
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Close to the top?
You’re first, Rochelle! CONGRATULATIONS!
Woo hoo! That’s only the second time I’ve been first.
My eyes were playing tricks on me – I had to read the title 3 times before I realized it did not say “A flurry, flurry…”. Too much screen time today. 🙂
Hate goodbyes
First???
Hi Sue,
Sorry to have to say goodbye to Del and his crew, but looking forward to your next stop. Safe travels.
Happy Trails to you and your furry friends. Hope you find some place warm.
Top ten!!
Usually you post right after I turn off my computer. I just happened to be commenting on your last post – I should know better after 120+ comments.
Anyway, Hi Sue. Thanks for the post.
It seems sometimes at every glance there is a door closing, locking up, possibly forever. It’s sad, the passing of things, time, opportunities. The hurt, no matter how great or small, will move on, after it has said it’s piece.
Of course, the most beautiful thing about that shut door is the new one opening up just past it. Cliche, I know, just roll with it.
So glad to see your post today Sue! I can just see the dust flyin and rocks kickin as rvsue hightails it out of the campground, the crew perched at the PTV’s passenger window, ready to take on any danger, bovine or other, the day might bring! Drive on!
Ahhhh There’s Missy!!! I figured you’d show up sooner or later. Cute post. On to our next adventure!! HUG…Jim
Hugs to you, Jim!
I’m glad you found a quiet enough place for “only” $20. I look forward to your next camp.
Ahhh. Sweetness. Puppy love. They’re so cute. I’m sorting old RV stuff and toting small containers of “think-i’ll-need” things to new RV. Hope to be heading to DC in 4-5 weeks.
Hi there Sue! I always get sad when you leave Dell & K-9s. I was wondering….. do you have any techniques you use when hooking up the trailer? I happen to have a backup camera on my tow-vehicle BUT, the range doesn’t reach the hitch 🤨. I just acquired the two magnetic tennis ball combo but haven’t tried it yet.
I was just curious what process you use…..
Great photos! Always good to see a pack of k-9s!!!
Thanks
Lauri
Hi, Lauri,
From the start I wanted to learn how to hitch and unhitch without any “props.” The tennis ball thingamajig wouldn’t work for me anyway because I have the PTV loaded in a way that I can’t see past the bench seat when looking in the middle mirror. I rely totally on my side mirrors.
I was surprised how quickly I developed a “sense” for where to back the PTV so the coupler and hitch ball line up. One’s subconscious memorizes how the trailer and tow vehicle should look in the side mirror when they are lined up.
Is it quick and easy every time? No. Sometimes I jump in and out of the PTV several times to check what adjustments need to be made. The key is to back up very slowly, get out and look, back up making adjustments to left or right, etc. I never accept help when hitching. Someone offers, I say thanks and tell them it’s better if I do it on my own.
If someone hangs around watching or distracting me with conversation, I ask them to leave or I wait for them to leave. Never let your attention be split while setting up camp, breaking camp, unhitching or hitching.
I strongly believe that the key to hitching up is determination and confidence. I advise to quit looking for crutches and just walk. Others may disagree.
Thanks, regarding the photos!
We haven’t used the magnetic tennis balls but did use the “hitchin’ rods” which worked fairly well for my spouse when I wasn’t home to help. Now, though, he just relies on me to direct him and we’ve worked out a good set of hand signals to get him perfectly aligned. Occasionally there is a little yelling involved (him at me, usually 😉 ) but we have a pretty good system.
Something for everyone who has a travel trailer to consider seriously…
If spouse is unable to drive (stuff happens), would you be able to hitch up on your own? Would he, without your hand signals? It’s an important skill to have.
I believe the scope includes EVERYONE who has a rig period. All should know and be proficient enough to take over the duties.
I can think of two incidents off hand…where someone was incapacitated..and it was all bad.
Thanks EVERYBODY!!!
Hello from Iowa,
More snow on the way for us! Summer can’t get here soon enough!
Thank you for reporting on the closure of the Buckeye camping area. Anyone know why? Overuse? Too many problems? Budgetary issues? Inquiring minds…
We are leaving Green Valley on the 20th and putting the sale of our condo in the hands of a realtor. We love it here but feel we’ve done about everything we want to do in the area (although we will miss our new friends and the pool) and are anxious to get on the road and try out our “new” trailer. We are in the process of loading it with stuff we want to take home from the condo (including a recliner, which should be interesting to see if we can stuff it in the trailer). We were thinking of the Buckeye area so are glad to know of its closure. Instead we’ll stay in Wickenburg at the Horspitality RV Park (can you guess who they cater to?). We hear the people are nice and it will be a good place to stop on our way to Las Vegas.
Today’s book recommendation is the Andy Carpenter legal mystery series by David Rosenfelt. There are 16 so far and I just finished the sixth, PLAY DEAD, and guffawed throughout as Rosenfelt has a fabulous sense of humor and dog lovers will adore Tara, the world’s greatest dog. They are also wonderful in audio, but do start with the first book, OPEN AND SHUT and work your way from there.
Can’t wait to hear of your next camping site!
Robin
Thank you, Robin😀. I’ve been looking for a new book series. I love getting to know the characters and following them from book to book.
I heard about Buckeye Regional about a month ago. I had talked to another camper and he said there were too many vagrants and police calls to the park. He mentioned one guy left his RV overnight one night and found it ransacked and with bullet holes.
I went to the Campendium site and found a notice there, that it had been closed.
Too bad we’ve crossed over our tracks. I’m at Saddle Mt. now, and was last week. Leaving on Tuesday.
Surprised by the rain today!
Your report confirms what I’ve always felt…. It’s better (and safer) to camp away from populated areas. Folks who are afraid to camp alone, take heed. 🙂
Hi Sue,
I’m wondering if any blogerinos out in your blogorino-land, have done a solar system similar to yours, that might be willing to share some information with me? Specifically, the wiring schematic connecting the batteries that collect the solar (in our van, like yours) to the house (trailer towed behind. Also a Casita). It would be super helpful to see a diagram! Anyone? Anyone know anyone who might be willing to talk to us, via email? Send us a photo of the schematic? It sure would be helpful, and thank you in advance if anyone is willing to help. 😉
Thank you, and hope you all are well out there!
Suzi `
Suzi…. Do a web search for “diagram of solar wiring for RV.” Several diagrams will come up in images. 🙂
So you decided to go back east haha! Curious to see where your next stop is 😀
I had read that Buckeye was closing for overnight camping. Too bad, looks like a good location for accessing Phoenix.
Safe travels Sue!
See you later…..instead of goodbye! Causes less emotions.
Dells crew and the boys seem to enjoy each other’s company.
Yucky day…rain…stay warm!
Movin on . . . We too never tire of it. Thanks for the picture of River. He’s a cutie.
It’s good to know you still get excited about an impending camp move. Even when you return to a place you’ve stayed in before, there’s always something familiar, or changed in some ways after having been away from it, that you find to appreciate.
Recently I heard about someone that had retired, sold their home, bought an rv to live in, visited the 48 connected states within 3 years and then promptly bought another house in which to settle down again. Apparently they thought they had done and seen everything that was interesting. I’m glad for them if they are happy with all of that. I just think your way of living holds a lot more pleasure and joy. It’s certainly a lot more fun to read about 🙂 !
How nice of Del to make sure your canine crowd had one more chance to spend a few minutes together. I’m pleased that you showed us more pictures of them, thank you. One reason I especially like River is that he does show signs of aging. Even though it isn’t the right time for me to get one yet, sometimes I look at dog adoption sites online. Often the ones that look especially sweet to me are labelled as seniors.
Hi weather,
Photographer Pete Thorne shares your view:“Warm and Intimate Photos of Really Old Dogs”
I, too, have heard of people who set out to visit all 48 states by RV. That’s taking the bucket list concept to the extreme. It seems to me one would skim over the surface of each place and not gain any meaningful memories at that pace.
As an example… Last winter we had camped at Midland LTVA for a couple months when the unexpected happened. Desert lilies popped up all around us! The best things in life are not on a list of our making.
Your opening paragraph states the truth! New camps are exciting and fun to discover; familiar camps are a comfort and fun to revisit.
Thank you for finding that article and giving me the link. Every dog shown there I would find irresistibly lovable 🙂
🙂
Loved these pictures. Thanks for sharing this.
Weather – you might also enjoy looking at the website and/or Facebook page for Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. It’s located in Tennessee.
Thanks for the recommendation. While on their website I read the blog post from April,2015 with a co-founders explanation of how and why the started the sanctuary. Gotta love people with such good hearts!
So did you and Dell swap more interesting stories? Love the last one you shared! I agree with weather, River is a sweetheart! I am beginning to see the same gray face showing up on Radar and it makes me sad! I love my boy so much! But aging is an important part if life….a big part in my life! Hahaha!
Can’t wait to see what you found up around the bend! Hugs to all y’all! 💕
Hi, Geri,
You love little Radar like a baby. He’s so adorable; I loved him at first sight, too!
Hi, Sue,
I am looking forward to see where you take us next! 🙂
So sweet that the pups got to say “see ya later until next time – love ya!” 🐾 💕
Sending you, Reggie, and Roger love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
For those on daylight saving time, don’t forget to “Spring Forward” tonight! 🙂
P. S. – Del’s Crew are adorable. It is easy to see that they are one happy family! I love River’s platinum highlights – so handsome – especially on the edge of his ears. 🙂
Hi, Denise,
Thanks for the time-change reminder for everyone. Today I drove past a highway safety sign: “Arizona doesn’t spring forward. We buckle up.”
Love and hugs to you and Gracie pup!
I thought I could detect your route from the ‘drove past a highway safety sign’ clue. Assuming that you went east from Gila Bend (last know location) there are 17 ADOT Dynamic Message Signs that you could have passed. I went by one on Saturday, 10 Match, that had that same message.
I look forward to you posting your next location.
When you head North again , don’t forget about Telephone Cove North of Laughlin on the shore of Lake Mojave . Be careful about the coyotes there . They actively try to get dogs to chase them there . You know the rest .
Okay, Stan… 🙂
I’m not sure what route I will take when going north this year.
I can’t really plan my traveling till after mid-May, when I have appointments with my lung, kidney and heart doctors. After that I may try to get on the road again. Want to spend time in Tulsa with my friends. And head up to N.y as usual, and this year maybe head down to the South East for a bit. But I’m not sure of anything. My neck is so bad that I have to consider that as well. I think I will try arranging a bed in the back of the car this year, although I don’t even sleep in a bed at home. Maybe I will try.
Meanwhile I have to buy a new propane tank. Been without gas for several days, but I do have my microwave and an electric skillet and an Instant Pot so I have been managing just fine. And it hasn’t really been warm yet, but I need to get a window air conditioner and get set for when it does get hot. Always things to spend money on!
Hey you…..
A propane tank for the house? When you buy propane from a company don’t they provide that?
I have no doubt..you find a way to negotiate the curves in the road in regards to your health….You are the energizer bunny.
Maybe Ginger meant she needs to have the tank filled?
Not sure where my post went but I’ll submit it again.
Hey you!
Propane for the house?? When you get propane delivered from a company…don’t they supply the tanks? Maybe it’s different from NY… where we had 3 @100 gallon tanks.
I have no doubt you will find a way to navigate the curves in the road….you are the energizer bunny!
I don’t know where your post went. Nor my reply to it. I’ll repeat:
I think Ginger meant that her propane tank needed to be filled. (?)
I thought I saw it….then maybe I didn’t…but if you replied to it…..then I’m not losing my mind….we’re all good!
Hi Sue and Crew! We just got back from almost a month camping near the beautiful Florida beaches. It was so nice to get away and get a dose of sun and sand. We needed the break, as it’s been a tough year or so. Anyway. I’ve read all of the posts that I missed.
Weather here in upstate NY is snowy and cold. It must be winter! We’re blessed to have escaped it for a bit, and the shoveling was left for our son to do in our absence. Great kid.
That little River is a cutie. We are dog less for the first time. It’s so odd. We’ll probably remain this way for at least a couple of years – but who really knows. LOL,
Hi, Applegirl, I thought of your being in Florida during a couple of snowstorms we had here while you were gone. Welcome home 🙂 !
Welcome home, Annie! 🙂
Hi Sue! Can’t wait to see where you and the crew will end up next! Loved the good bye pictures of the dogs. I am resting at home with a nasty cold, just greatful that it’s not the flu! My kitty cats are keeping me company.
Get well soon, Dawn!
Hi Sue, I was a military brat and it was always hard to leave friends and acquaintances when my dad was given a new assignment. But, I also felt the excitement of going somewhere new and experiencing something different. This post brought back those times and emotions. Happy and safe travels!
Jesse….You describe my feelings when leaving people and places. I look forward to what lies ahead. 🙂
Hi Sue,
I can’t believe how excited I am to find out where you are. So hard to leave Del and his crew. I hope you’re busy enough not to think about it.
I don’t know how to ask this to one and all except to just ask: I am soon leaving on my first western boondocking trip, ever. Hoping to hit areas of AZ and UT this first time around. I have a medical marijuana card for MI. Never drive on it. Is it risky for me to travel in lower AZ with just a small amount in my camper? I may just have to leave it home. I have dealt with anxiety and sleepless nights my whole life without medicinal assistance, the last few years have been so much nicer since a friend suggested it.
Hi, Kathy, a quick web search I did showed what you’ll likely find disappointing news, sorry about that, but I thought it would be helpful to tell you about an informative article I found. You may want to type- Check out UPG’s guide to traveling with medical marijuana- into a web search, united patients group .com published an article titled -Traveling with medical marijuana. They list all kinds of laws, warnings and possible(though complicated) solutions that might answer your question.
Hi, Kathy,
I would think the anxiety of being detained by border patrol would offset the anti-anxiety benefit of the substance. I don’t know the severity of your anxiety to be able to give you a good answer.
Hi, weather and Sue,
Thanks for your replies. I’ll check the site you suggested.
Regarding anxiety, you are so right Sue..no border patrol for me. My issues go deeper that general anxiety, unfortunately, and not the real reason I have a card. The issue is medical in nature. Anyway, you both gave valid reasons NOT to chance it. I appreciate your time!
Although people do it…it’s probably NOT advisable. If you look at the map of medical marijuana states….there is a WHOLE gang of them that aren’t from MN to AZ/UT. In Utah MJ is illegal both medical and recreational.
You probably can artfully conceal it somewhere..(and you know medical MJ smells skunky) ..but just when you pull out your one hitter…and exhale….are you going to stress out more than what your intentions for using it is? Most likely……
Me thinks your maiden voyage is going to be relaxing once you get the “hang” of it…and you won’t need it.
Hope this helps
Don’t risk it. Just find a more favorable route. Life’s too short to add unneeded anxiety onto already untoward anxiety. Think first.
One thing I can tell you is that someone I know traveled to AZ within the last month on vacation. They went to a dispensary there and it was very easy for them to get it there. So I don’t think you will have any trouble getting it while there but I wouldn’t travel across borders with it.
Hey, all,
Sure appreciate your thoughtful and varied responses to my dilema. I’m very anxious to travel west, find quiet and beautiful vistas, take long, quiet walks with my old dog
Ellie. I’m really considering all of your thoughts and suggestions.
Kathy, there is a dispensing store in Winslow AZ ,_The Medicine Room, they grows it there and process it there and sell it in oil form, CBD oil. This is what Chuck and I use 600 mg oil! Seems this would travel better than the bud form. There is no THC left in it, so no “high” is involved. Also, as you know, Jolene also sells the oil from Hempworx. You could order from them while the road travelling. I am willing to swear to the amazing results of using CBD oil! No more excruciating back pain! Use caution and do your research and you should have no problems.
I’ll be traveling right through Winslow. I’ll check the place out. Thanks for the tip.
Thank Geri, Yes, people can find out more information from me if they click on my name here in the group. Amzaing testimonials from people getting help and just general wellness from CBD oil becoming part of their daily lives. My contact information is in that link.
Not everyone with a medical mj card smokes it.
We make capsules of CBD/THC extracted into coconut oil for my husband. In stage 4 cancer and has several very bad side effects from Opiods so cant take them. We also add ground bud to his food. By choosing various varieties he adjusts the effect on pain, sleep, nausea control, and mood. Not all mj smells skunky. In fact there are a wide range of odors from the over 1000 varieties. As a nurse trained in the 60’s I believed the propaganda/lies about the plant. Oh how I have learned over these years of my husbands struggles. We use the same coconut cannabis oil as a rub on sore knee or back and it’s amazing in arthritis relief.
It’s amazing what MJ can do. I, too, always thought it was such a shady drug. Little did I know how it would help me in my mid 60’s. Very hard to reckon previous conceptions of a substance with the view I have now. Just happy it works ‘cuz I don’t drink alcohol or take any pills so I needed something.
I wish you and your hubby the best of luck with things. PS I am a nurse too and worked almost 30 yrs. in ERs ….
Velda, I am also a nurse by education and I also believed all the stuff and it makes me sick now how much it was demonized. Mj is safer than alcohol and tobacco. The high CBD/ low thc products are helping so many people also. After my research I believe there is a place and a need for both high and low thc products to help people. I am just so thankful for finding what I have and I pray for everything you all are going through Velda. God bless.
Thank you Kathy and Jolene. We use a THC/ cbd combo which is needed for his severe pain and I’d like to collar the remaining ignorant folks who continue to demonize Cannabis based on outright lies we were fed. It’s even being used to wean addicts off Opiods ! and my thanks to any who follow if I happen to miss an opportunity to thank you for your comments.
Hi Sue 🤗 and crew🐾
I’m really going to miss Buckeye Hills. I’d stay there three or four times a year when passing through the PHX area. Oh well. The notice on the Maricopa County Parks & Recreation site used the word “suspended.” So maybe it’s temporary. Fingers crossed.
My dog Eddie (Ed Norton) is a clone of River. Uncanny resemblance.Eddie is a sweetheart also.