Thursday, April 30
The crew and I leave Three Island Crossing State Park early.
I didn’t unhitch for an overnight stop, of course, and there isn’t much packing up to do. The park has a dump station (included in camping fee). Since we dumped when leaving our last camp, there’s no need to do that now. However, I do fill up the fresh water tank before we leave.
Moseying on two-lane country roads is a great way to travel.
There are times, though, when an interstate is the way to go. I’ll be honest with you. I hate the drive across southern Idaho from Glenns Ferry to Boise on I-84. The landscape is monotonous — flat, dry, and, oh no, not more sage! — and the wind is relentless.
I avoid driving in wind.
This is a stretch of road where it can’t be helped. I’ve never had a problem with wind tossing the Best Little Trailer around, but it’s tiring having to be constantly alert for wind gusts and the wiffle-waffle effect of passing tractor-trailer trucks.
Look at the length of this truck passing us!
Hey, wait just a dog-gone minute! Who took the photo?
Today we have a cross-wind, sometimes becoming a head-wind.
By the time we reach Boise’s multiple lanes and six exits, it’s the noon rush and, for added excitement, lanes are diverted with traffic cones, funneling vehicles where they don’t want to go, causing quick lane changes and overall pressured driving. Everyone seems to be in touch with their inner maniac.
One more exit and we can get out of this mayhem!
On the other side of Boise, I take exit 27 at Caldwell.
Whew!
Now if I were a normal RVer, I would drive I-84 to Ontario and then cross eastern Oregon on Route 20 to Burns and onward to Bend. Instead I follow Route 19 west to pick up Route 95 and head south.
Decisions! A big part of the full-time vagabond life!
Why head south?
Well, in my Idaho Benchmark atlas, I see a town called Jordan Valley. Hmm. . . Jordan Valley, such a pleasant name. . . .
It’s about 50 miles past Marsing, Idaho, and about 150 miles before Burns, Oregon. I’m compelled to seek out-of-the way places, and Jordan Valley, Oregon, just over the border from Idaho, certainly qualifies!
I read online that the town was named for a 19th-century prospector, Michael M. Jordan, and many of today’s inhabitants are descendants of Basque shepherds, recruited from Spain in the early 20th century. Only a couple hundred people live in this isolated place.
And they don’t have internet!
At least I couldn’t pick up any signal when I parked in the center of town to walk the crew. Uh-oh. . . goodbye blog. We’re going to a place even more isolated than this.
About twelve miles west of Jordan Valley, I turn onto a two-track lane cutting through the sage.
About a mile further and we go over this low ridge.
I love this! I wonder what’s on the other side!
“There it is! There’s Antelope Reservoir!”
Bridget and Reggie perk up.
“And there’s our new home!”
At the sound of that special word, home, the crew is charged with excitement. They bark and hop to get out of the PTV.
Well, isn’t this nice! No one is anywhere, not at the campsites, not along the shore of the reservoir, not on the distant hills!
I drive us down the lane and around to the three campsites. There’s no charge to camp. Who would come out here to collect it? Haha!
This will make a peaceful home for me and my crew.
rvsue
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“Reggie, you’d better get your nose out of there!”
A hermit’s dream camp? I need to go read, not just look at the pictures.
You’re first, Calvin… Aha! Scrolling through the photos first…
That’s rare for me. Usually I wait for the email.
Oops, forgot to say it — CONGRATULATIONS!
Hermit’s dream camp — best headline ever!
Hi Sue,
Enjoying your adventures and pictures. Just wanted to know if you find you need to use your air conditioner on the BLT very often?
Norman
Hi, Norman in San Diego,
No, I hardly ever use the air conditioner because I don’t camp where there’s hook-ups. Our overnight at Three Island Crossing, where there’s electric, is rare for us.
I don’t need or want air conditioning. Once I learned to use elevation and location for temperature adjustment, I could dump the air conditioner and not miss it!
I know we already talked about this, Sue, but since Norman is asking anew, I’ll just mention that is IS possible (and even easy) to remove a rooftop AC if one buys a rig that has one but doesn’t intend to use it. This was my situation so … off it went. I like it because I got rid of over 100# aloft, plus the wind resistance — and the typical RV AC roof hole is sized such that a 14″ RV roof vent will fit right in. Ahhh, more light and air!
I removed the AC in such a way that it can always be put back (say if I want to sell and next person wants one). However like you, I don’t tend to go places with hookups, plus I use altitude and latitude to “adjust” the temperature. I also dislike the noise and feel of AC (‘course that’s just me, and no reason to think anyone else will feel the same).
I did consider “what if I want or need to go someplace hot for a time” (and yet it’s a short enough trip that I don’t want to bother putting the original AC back on the roof)? I decided I would go with one of three options:
1) Stay someplace with AC (B & B or whatever). However, I prefer my wee turtle shell, so…
2) Buy a cheap (square) window AC and put it in the passenger cab window with a plywood frame cut for the purpose (have seen vandweller examples). Then donate or sell it when moving on.
3) Buy one of the “free-standing” AC units and set it between the front seats, with the hose going out the passenger window (in a small piece of plywood that would “close” into the window). Donate or sell when leaving.
Again, not for everyone, but just mentioning the possibility. Too, I figured it might not be obvious that the usual rooftop AC is mounting in the same size hole as a typical roof vent (~14″ x 14″).
There is the option of running a generator in order to simultaneously run the rooftop AC. I don’t think there is anything short of you-know-where that would make me want to do that though! Been in a friend’s rig while that all was going on and I was happy to get back to my own place, even sans AC (but with an ice cold damp towel and a fan… ahhhhh… before you know it I was pulling blankets up!)
PS: Might not have been clear, but in options #2 and #3 (short term stay in super hot climate), I’d stay someplace with hookups so I could plug in and run the A/C.
wow what a wonderful place. you are right very isolated. I love how you chose a place to go, the name sounds so cool.. the drive from insane to peaceful …. the puppies look happy and reggie is such a doll, he seems to be getting much better then the first week the three of you were together, have you tried letting him walk with you without a lead yet to see what he does? Does he come when he is tethered when you call his name? Enjoy Sue and Crew and again thank you for letting us travel this journey with you 🙂
You’re welcome, dancer. I’m happy you are with us!
Good summary of this day … “from insane to peaceful.” I could’ve used that for the title of the post.
No, I haven’t let Reggie off-leash. Either we’re in a place where it isn’t allowed (the state park) or we’re in a place where he could run for miles around and not be seen by anyone.
You asked if he comes when tethered and I call his name. Well, there’s the problem. Reggie comes to me without being called. Always! I go to call his name and here he is, at my feet!
We’ll work this out. Time helps. He’s less hyper than when I brought him home. He’s cut back on the kissing-fits and jumping on my head when I’m asleep. He doesn’t pull on the leash as much. He’s calmer and more aware of our routines.
Yeah, I wonder if I would’ve gone this way if the name of the town weren’t Jordan Valley?
He’s just so darn happy to be rescued by you, Sue. And what little doggie wouldn’t be happy to be rescued AND into your life of adventure! Lucky dog!
I know, right? What a life! For a while there I considered donning a puppy outfit and looking winsome 😉 😉
‘course I can out-scowl The Bridge, so it might not have worked 😀
I have a rescue also but much older, small dog, and he was a handful for the first month or so, but now he is calm, follows at my feet, he has time to realize that I am not going anywhere and that I love him to death, so it gets better, he doesn’t need a lead any more but I still do where appropriate. So glad to hear Reggie is calming down, but hearing about him and seeing him I had no doubts that he would fall in love and settle in. Yes I like you love my own company never bored and hate may ham, which is what the road trip looked like, so when you finally get to that peaceful place, I always say “Insane to Peaceful”. love the pictures, I think some day that will be me, but if not I have travelled till my hearts desire through your blog. cheers and bless you and the crew.
Sweet comment, dancer.
I do hope that someday Reggie will be like your dog and know to stay close. You’re right. They need time to adjust, to feel secure, to know the routine, and that this is where they belong forever.
I’m happy my blog takes you places.
Wow!! You certainly have found some wonderful places to park! A Hermits Happy Haven indeed!
I love that! Great title!
Hi Rachel… You know how I fell in love with Macha… Well, the other day I thought of that and realized how similar Reggie is to your Macha… I got what I wanted!
Hope all is well with you both… Nice hearing from you again.
That’s a very nice camp at Antelope Reservoir. I would have trouble reading there because I’d be distracted by the view. That’s a good “trouble” to have.
Is the “who took this picture” from a big parking lot?
Hi again, Calvin,
You touch on the problem with a beautiful, quiet, isolated camp. I’m so relaxed and enjoying the view so much that I don’t get anything done!
Oh, to take that photo I stood on the roof of the SUV in the other lane… Tricky to get the focus and the wind almost blew me off, but I’m pleased with the result.
Aw, I’m kidding! Yes, we were at a rest stop when I took that photo while standing on the ground. 🙂
You crack me up Sue!
The only one with their home on a body of water that beautiful?!!People buy islands and have less privacy,this must be one of your pinnacles in boondocking history-and is it Reggie’s first one?Beneath “About a mile further…” your photo of the grass growing in the middle of the road-Wow,is that a gorgeous shot.”…if I were a normal rver…” Ha!-then your life,and our experience as your readers,would be pathetic in comparison to what it is.
Hi, weather,
I thought something similar when looking around at “my” private reservoir and surrounding acreage. People pay a fortune for this!
I like that photo, too, of the road going over the low ridge… because that’s when anticipation is greatest. Right before reaching our destination and the blue of the reservoir comes into view.
I don’t know if this camp qualifies as a boondock due to there being a campground, although it surely is in the boondocks! It does qualify as one of our most isolated camps.
Funny… I imagine a lot of people would be uncomfortable in this spot. For me the isolation is a comforting blanket.
To be uncomfortable there I imagine would stem from fear of some sort?After all ,if one wanted people around they need only drive a ways to reach that,right?It seems if isolation were hundreds of miles from civilization I might not choose it as a permanent location,but as a “re-treat”-it is being treated to comfort-the safety in solitude…-solace for suffering the weight of suffocating amid swarms…
I think there are people who fear being by themselves. It doesn’t matter if there are people a mile or hundreds of miles away.
For me, knowing I won’t encounter another person is a blessed treat. I never made the connection with the word retreat before. Thanks for that! Language is a wonder.
contented sigh 🙂
What? You don’t like sage? LOL I love sage and would live happily in a ‘forest’ of sage. Yes, careful Reggie where you stick your nose….might be a rattler curled up under the brush. Some Petsmart in AZ train dogs for rattlesnake avoidance. I haven’t observed how they train yet but I’d love to observe. Unfortunately, my sister’s young dogs each got bit my rattlers…both saved by vet. Anyway, I was walking to her house and saw Millie leap high in the air (I chuckled because she leaped straight up on all fours at least two feet up) when she saw a rope in the path. Guess she learned her lesson.
Hi, Rita…
Well, about the sage… Take anything you love and multiply it by a gazillion-bazillion and it becomes a bit tiresome. Especially while on an interstate! 🙂
Actually I do like sage, the color softens photos and the aroma when crushed… aahh.
You do have a knack for finding places out in the middle of nowhere. Looks like the reservoir is pretty full, no drought there. Maybe you can break out the rubber boat and tool around a bit. Give Reggie his first boat ride maybe. 🙂
Hi, Alan,
Yes, I love being nowhere!
Nope, I’m done with the inflatable boat. Well, Reggie doesn’t have a lifejacket anyway.
Nice find!
Thanks, Rob. And look where you are — Pahranagat! Are you the camp host or are you a camper?
Just spending a couple of days…
That’s a good place to be!
Lookin good Missy. Nice find and quiet too. I know this was a “three days ago post”, so I have no clue how long you stayed and if it remained so isolated during the weekend, but at least for awhile it looks like a wonderful spot. Speaking of AC, we’ve been running it for about a week as needed. So far only one over 100 degree day. Have fun and tell the little guys we said “howdy”.
Hi, Jim,
I can say this… Not one other person the entire time we were there. That’s the way I like it, and on a weekend, too!
You’ve already had a 100+ day! Thank God for air conditioning.
Hi, Sue,
You must have been posting this just as I was posting on your last post …
I moved that comment to here (below) . . . Sue
Good morning, Sue,
I remember whizzing by that exit to where you are staying. We will definitely go back there and points south to those camping spots we missed. A couple we met at Pahranagat tried out Dave Deacon and really liked it. We have to try that one as well. Good RV Sue recommendations.
Would like you to know that we are doing really well here. Everyday is yielding improvements in energy, breathing, sleeping, eating. Gil is now gardening with me, going everywhere without labored breathing. His heart rate this morning was 60! Of course that’s with medication but, oh well. There is a myriad of medical apps.; 3 next week. We can only hope that he recovers enough that those gradually are reduced as well. As you know, our goal is to get back on the road by fall in a new trailer; just a little larger than the Casita. Hopefully focusing on that will get us through this.
We have really enjoyed reading about your camping “finds” but now they come to us through a new reality. We understand how important your stories are to those readers who enjoy the world through your eyes.
We absolutely love our casita. However, for long term traveling for 2 people, we have decided we want 2 axles, walk-around bed, an oven, power hitch and a slide for lounging. So far we haven’t found a fiberglass trailer with those features. The closest trailer we have found is a Rockwood mini-lite. Still looking.
Wonderful report, Kathy! I can’t tell you how happy I am for you and Gil. Thanks for the update and good luck finding the perfect trailer!
Hi Kathy, I commented on your comment on the previous comment section so I’ll just add to my comment here. (whew)
You and Gil are probably aware of all this but you won’t find a slide on a molded fiberglass trailer. I’m not sure of the engineering but I assume it would kind of defeat the benefits of the one piece construction. Bigfoot does make a couple of 25ft double axle trailers with a walk around queen and oven but they don’t come cheap. Personally I’m a bit skittish of slides if you travel a lot of very rough roads. But lots and lots of full timers travel with them and maybe most new conventional trailers come with them so I’m sure you and Gil will find your perfect new home on wheels. Enjoy the search, again so glad that Gil is up and around.
Home sweet home!
Enjoy!
Thanks!
Obviously you have moved on but I have to tell you that camp seems pretty perfect. Water, mountains, easy road in, picnic tables, toilet, and no one around for miles. Not sure I’d describe myself as a hermit but I definitely have hermit tendencies. I think I could live without internet for a couple of weeks and stay the limit.
But I know how hard it would be for you to give up the blog for more than a few days and since I’m enjoying this post I guess I’m reaping the benefits of that. I’m not sure if you consider it a sacrifice or not, but your dedication to all of us is appreciated.
I’ve made that same drive across south Idaho myself and your right, it is VERY monotonous. Such a shame that it’s the impression of Idaho that too many people receive because the state has so much more to offer than endless miles of sage. As always can’t wait to see what comes next.
Hi, Rick,
I agree with you about Idaho. I’ve seen a lot more than “endless sage” and I want to see more of it. In fact, I came close to going to the Sawtooth Mountains. I didn’t for two reasons… It’s a bit early in the season for that elevation and if we’re going to the Pacific Coast before the summer crowds, we need to move along. I hope to explore Idaho’s mountains, streams, and lakes in the future. We zipped by several tourist attractions not far from the interstate. Yes, a lot more than sage…
I think interstate driving gives a skewed impression in many states. I guess because the interstates weren’t built for a ride through beauty, but rather a way to get from Point A to Point B in the quickest manner.
I could stay at Antelope Reservoir for about a week without internet if I didn’t have this blog. I’d be restless to move, not for the company of people, but for the desire for change (my addiction). Since I do have this blog (my baby to nurture and watch develop), we only stayed one night.
Another waterfront camp! You seem to have good luck finding isolated waterfront camps! A welcome gift after dealing with all that nerve wracking traffic!
Enjoy the rest of your day, dear Sue and Crew! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
You’re welcome, Denise and Gracie pup,
Thanks, we are having a very restful, sunny Sunday afternoon.
🙂
Hi Sue n’ All. Well We got up early and as I was checkin’ the axel I heard a song on Enlighten 65 on Sirius XM Radio , “go back the way you came” and I prayed and thanked the Lord and turned around, drove from Apex, back to Arizona and We’re setting at the Petro Truck Stop just east of Kingman, AZ., Thankin the Lord All the way back. I got permission to work on the truck and We can set here for 2 days waiting for the Permitext to set up and cure, plus the Winds are a blowin’ and just about every truck that runs I-40 is here, this place is packed and a storm is commin’, but I’m not worried, The Lord is with us all. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Thanks to all who were praying for us And Bless you all with good Wisdom and great Health. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Hugs to you Sue and th’ Pups,,,,,,,,,,,, Rusty
God is good, takes a special heart to hear Him when He speaks! We are glad you are safe and out of the wind! Hugs for Timber please! Radar and DoogieBowser say a friendly bow wow to Timber too!
Thank you Geri, Timber says Hi back,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,rusty
Hi there Rusty and Timber,
I’m not too far from where you are right now, so if you need anything where a set of wheels would help (while your gaskets cure), just say the word! I have access to a car at the mo’ so not hard to come up there (I mean, luxury, no need to even break camp! I can see why Sue enjoys the tow/trailer type of setup).
Hi Pen, Thanks for the offer, we have purity much everything we need and Thanks again,,,,,,,,,, rusty
Sounds good. Handy to be at a store 🙂 And with folks coming and going there are conversations to be had, etc. Just sing out if anything changes and you would like a delivery and/or a ride. I’ll be checking the comments anyway since they are good reading.
Hi, Rusty,
It’s not enough to listen, one has to act on what one is told. And that’s what you did! You are a man of faith.
It sounds like you’re in a good place to fix the truck and wait out the storm. I’m relieved that you are there. Thanks for letting us know.
I guess “He” didn’t want us to go to Sister’s and we can save our Dullers for the Auto repair Shop to fix it “Right” and we wont have to camp Miles apart, just Prescott, Kaibab and Coconino National Forest, all close to a shop and Wally world. Thanks for caring Sue and have a great time up in the Northwest,,,,,,,,, rusty
I see you are sending replies to the comments, can I infer that you have found a wi-fi signal at Antelope Reservoir? Or, maybe you have moved on to a new location that we will read about later this week? Either is ok, this is a lovely spot to stop and stay for a while. I am wondering if you have a signal at your Antelope reservoir campsite.
Thanks for sharing. Kevin
You’re welcome, Kevin,
No, there isn’t any internet signal. We only stayed one night at Antelope Reservoir. I was already behind on the blog when we arrived at this camp and I didn’t want it to slip even further behind. This post and my replies are coming from the camp after Antelope Reservoir.
We had a lovely afternoon and evening there, a good night’s rest (no lights but the stars and moon, no sounds, not even an owl!), and an enjoyable walk in the morning.
Ah the peace and quite of solitude. But does it mean something else? Didn’t we just have a Blood Red Moon? I remember when I was ten years old and watching a warewolf movie with my hand covering my eyes (except for peeking through the cracks of my fingers of course) and hearing these dreadful words spoken by the old gypsy women…” Even a man who is pure of heart and says his prayers by night, can become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the moon is shinning bright”.
Hi, Joe! No werewolves showed up at this camp. Or, if they did, I slept through their visit!
Looks wonderful there! A Hermit’s Dream Camp indeed! How sweet that you had it all to yourself and as soon as I saw that grass growing in the middle of the road, I was gaining an understanding of the blog title.
From one of your comments above, seems like Reggie is settling down and growing into the challenge of being a crew member! I am so happy for him that you found him and brought him home!
Sitting here with Chuck watching NASCAR @ Talladega! * rolling eyes*, but Chuck loves NASCAR so it’s what we do !!! Grin !!!
On the road again……
Hi, Geri,
Yes, my kind of camp has a road leading in with grass growing in the middle. 🙂
Reggie is much calmer. He will always have a lot of energy, I believe. If I make sure he has a good morning walk and another in the evening, play with him a little during the day… he’s good! I think he was nervous and excited the first week with us.
I’m happy for Radar and the Doog! I wish them continued good recovery.
Two of the many things I don’t understand: 1) When bowling, you try to knock all the pins down. Once you do that, why try to do it again? 2) In car races, the cars go around and around. Why? You can’t even tell who’s ahead.
😉
EXACTLY! Watching cars go round and round seems pointless to me, but Chuck has his favorite drivers and he loves the 16 car piles ups !! Must be a man thing! I went out and planted 6 red salvia flowers at the humming bird feeders, took about an hour, came back in and still the cars were going round and round! Hahahaha!
That is funny! I bet they were going in the same direction, too!
Left turn, left turn, left turn, left turn.
If they tried writing a blog like yours I bet it would be pretty boring. 🙂
🙂
Another beautiful location with no one else around. You did hit the jackpot. Glad to hear (from reading the posts) that Reggie is settling down and not walking on your head. He sure lucked out when the Bridge and you found him.
Hi, Lisa W,
Yes, we are fortunate to have Reggie join our family. His behavior has improved. Not only did he walk on my head, he would DIG into my head… with those demon claws of his!
Not sure where you are now but thru the area around Jordan Valley, the high desert and mtns. when you see cottonwoods or other white bark trees you might see names carved in them from the old basque shepherders. Some dated over 100 years old.
Hi, CheryLyn,
We weren’t around many trees. Of course we didn’t explore the valley. I’d like to see those 100+ year old cottonwoods…
I did see a restaurant sign advertising Basque and American food.
Im so jealous…..imagine having the whole lake to yourself to fish in……HA!
congratulations, you done it again young lady!
chuck
Hi Chuck,
I read an undated BLM site that says the lake is stocked with trout regularly for people to fish. Then I read a wikipedia article that says the BLM discourages fishing because of high levels of methylmercury from old mining operations upstream.
I would think there would be warning signs at the reservoir if the fish were deemed unsafe to eat. There weren’t any signs. There wasn’t anyone fishing either.
Oh well, I enjoyed being there. 🙂
So are you saying this site is “A Hermits Happy Haven”?
Definitely, Jim… See Alison’s comment below.
“I hate the drive across southern Idaho from Glenns Ferry to Boise on I-84. The landscape is monotonous — flat, dry, and, oh no, not more sage! — and the wind is relentless… By the time we reach Boise’s multiple lanes and six exits, it’s the noon rush and, for added excitement, lanes are diverted with traffic cones, funneling vehicles where they don’t want to go, causing quick lane changes and overall pressured driving.”
I’m sure you had a good reason for driving I-84 although you hate it. If I had been going from your point “A” to point “B” I would have taken UT78 to US95.
Hi, Ed,
I see where 78 is. It would have been a similar drive to that I took the previous day. As much as I dislike that strip of interstate, I didn’t have the energy for the alternative. It’s a long way to Jordan Valley from Glenns Ferry no matter how you go. Maybe 78 would’ve been better . . . it might not have been as windy.
I will drive additional miles just to avoid Interstates and Interstates thru a city.
Yes, the scenery would have been a lot of sage but you are in “buckaroo country”. That is a part of the US of A that I really love but just far too cold in the winter. Remember to call those men on horseback “buckaroos” when your in that area. They don’t cotton to being called cowboys. I saw a bumper sticker there that read:
Cowboys Don’t Line Dance, Buckaroos Don’t Even Watch
I usually am the same way… driving out of my way to avoid an interstate through a city. I don’t know why I thought the interstate would be better other than being overstimulated by the drive the previous day. One thing about that stretch of interstate, your senses take a nap!
Okay, buckaroos! Was it Howdy Doody who called kids buckaroos? I vaguely remember something from the 50s… I thought a buckaroo was a joke-type name.
I think it was actually Cowboy Bob that used the phrase. But I think the word is spanish for a person that works with livestock, a farm hand so to speak.
Oh yeah, Cowboy Bob…. known in Idaho as Buckaroo Bob.
At the end of the Roy Rogers TV show he use to say, ” Happy Trails Buckeroos “. I think he meant that for all us kids sitting too close to the television set.
That included me! My sisters and I used to push and shove each other in order to grab that seat two feet from the tv screen.
Wow Sue – Most people outside Oregon would not know this but you’ve found your way to one of the most isolated places in the lower 48! You’ve gotten pretty darn good at finding those kind of places. Can’t wait to read more about it.
Oh and hardy har har about the photo of your rig next to the truck …. in a PARKING LOT!
Hi, Alison PNW,
Leave it to RVSue to find “one of the most isolated places in the lower 48!” I wanted to see what that big “empty” area on my map looked like in person.
You mean the photo didn’t fool you? 🙂
Hi Sue, I know you took the photo of the ptv and blt, I just wanna know which dog was driving?
Hi, Laura,
Bridget was at the wheel. Reggie was at the gas pedal. 🙂
Ha ha Bridget at the wheel and Reggie at the gas pedal – that sure sounds like how things are day to day for those two nut cakes!
Ha, great mental image.
A question about the PTV. In the photo it looks like it is squatting a bit. Is it just the photo or does it sit a little low when the Casita is hooked up?
Hi, Ray,
I’ve heard that question before. 🙂 The PTV probably could use some help holding up her rear end (a common problem past middle age. Believe me, I know.) Anyway . . . .
She rides perfectly horizontal to the ground when the load is well distributed. That horizontal line of her undercarriage is lower than the horizontal line of the BLT’s undercarriage. Which is fine. The hitch extension takes care of that.
What you are referring to, I assume, is the droopy look to her back end. I need to repack the load as there’s been some shift, plus the addition of the new and somewhat heavy table.
I’d love to have those air-shock-jack thingies installed, whatever they’re called… Those things that pump up the rear… (No bad jokes please… ha!)
Not sure if air bags would help or if you need another leaf spring. Redistributing your load will definitely help. Best to keep those front wheels firmly in contact with the road. Sweet travels.
Okay, thanks for the terminology, Ray. I’ll look up “leaf spring” to find out what they are. Maybe your comments have given me the motivation to empty out the PTV tomorrow and arrange the weight better. I say maybe, nothing definite. I wouldn’t want to commit. Haha!
I once had a truck that wasn’t technically overloaded, but with the usual load would sag slightly in the rear. I went to a spring shop (nearly any larger town may have one) and had them add an extra leaf (you likely have leaf springs in the rear now – if you look under the axle they are like a stock of metal popsicle sticks, shorter ones on top, longer ones beneath them).
Adding a leaf was inexpensive and worked perfectly for the ten+ years I owned the truck. There were no moving parts or things to wear out such as you might get with air bags.
Actually, I have never had air bags. so this part may not be correct, but I would think one reason to go with air bags would be if you had a light load one day, and a heavy one the next – as they are somewhat adjustable. With an extra leaf if you ran empty half the time it might be a bit stiff (as if, right?). Of course a leaf could be removed or changed in future, but not something you’d want to do if you had a huge load one day, then empty the next, then a medium load and etc. I think that may be why people go with airbags sometimes (?).
On the truck I mentioned, I had the same load all the time (small camper), so I didn’t need adjustability, but rather just a bit more “uplift” in the back all the time. Spring shops should know just about what you need since they will be seeing your vehicle with the typical load, and since you don’t vary the load greatly from one week to the next. On my truck the added leaf was a great improvement. Cheap and long-lasting, and the truck looked perky and handled better. I never experienced a down side.
That should have said “like a STACK of metal popsicle sticks.” Anyway, there is one set of “leafs” on the driver’s side and one on the passenger side of the rear axle — out toward the tires. They run fore-and-aft, from just ahead of the axle to just behind it, and look like a stack of long/thin pieces of metal in a sort of arch shape (may be a flattened arch in your case). “Leafs” can be added or taken away at a spring shop (when I had mine done it was relatively cheap).
Thank you very much, Pen! You are a gem! I knew what you meant right away from having seen them. It’s good you explained what they are for anyone else reading who may not have known.
Your reasoning is sound and there’s nothing like experience… Great info! I’ll look into it.
And thanks to Ray for mentioning leaf springs!
You are a few miles north of me on my beaten track from NV to Idaho… Jordan, Valley is a lovely area… Gets dang cold there at night even in the summer time. I didn’t know about the reservoir and may have to check that out on my next trip north. If you swing through Winnemucca, NV down the 95 let me know! I would love to say a quick hi and I have a spot you could stay if you wished…
Hi, Idaho Gurl,
If you’ve read any of my blog you know that I’m not one to accept invitations from readers. Thank you for the offer. It’s very nice of you.
Been through Jordan Valley many times…but never stayed long…was always going someplace else, like California. Never knew that there was water such as you found around there…but hubby knew…our Science teacher loved to make field trips all over the desert…heh, I only remember going on one of those….never much into the chance of snakes, etc.
Hope you will enjoy your stops here and there as you proceed towards the coast.
Hi, Elizabeth,
Reservoirs can be found in the most unlikely places! Well, that’s why they have them… 🙂
Jordan Valley is quite out-of-the-way for you to have gone through it many times. You’ve done a lot of travel!
Well, Jordan Valley is on the way from the Boise Valley to California…and while we lived in Idaho we made the trip to see our kin in California every so often. And of course, when hubby got out of the Navy…the long trek from the Bay Area to Idaho, in December and during a snowstorm no less…yea, though we did not make long trips every year…by this time of life we have made a few!!
Your mention of Jordan Valley brings back many memories of driving trips between Sacramento and Boise to visit family in the Boise area. Did that drive many times over 30 years and the DW has done it for almost 50 years of her life. Still a wonderfully isolated place with a rich Basque heritage as well. Glad you “discovered” it.
Wow! I didn’t expect any of my readers to have driven through Jordan Valley. I can see where it would be on the way to Boise from Sacramento. It would’ve been interesting to spend some time in the area, talk to some locals….
Lived 10 years in Sacramento while growing up…still go when I get a chance, to see some kin there. I do NOT miss summers there however!!
Hi Sue. I love reading about your travels. I read them out loud to my husband and he enjoys them too! Did I already mention that in a past comment? Probably did. Oh well Your last two homes have been beautiful! Give our love to the crew!!
Hi, Kelley in SoCal,
It doesn’t matter if you did tell me that before. I love reading it! It makes me smile, thinking of the way people once huddled around the radio, listening and laughing to the old skits. And here you and your husband are reading my blog together! 🙂
Hi Sue, My 5 year old granddaughter came in to ask me something as I was reading your blog. She spotted the picture of Bridget and Reggie, about the 4th one day, and stopped in mid-sentence. (You have to know Annabelle to know what an event that is.) She loves dogs, and right away had to know who they were.
We hit the high 70s here in Rochester today. It is GLORIOUS after that long spell of snow and cold! Today we bought some perennials and tomato plants. Will have to wait to plant the tomatoes, it’s still too early to trust the warm to stay overnight. But oh is it wonderful to see green stuff growing in person! Your blog and pictures have kept me going til now.
Hi, Pat,
Kids around the age of 4 and 5 are such a delight. Not that other ages aren’t, but I’ve always found that age especially adorable. I know you know what I mean!
Yes, it must be glorious… A short while ago, snow, sleet, cold, wind, and now you’re buying perennials and tomato plants. I remember what fun that is… and making drawings of my garden, where I’d plant everything…
I’m glad my blog was a benefit to you… Thank you for telling me that.
Love following your travels & the places that you discover. “It takes me away.” Much better than Calgon!
Hi GB in norcal…. Thanks.
Happy Monday Sue and Crew!
Whew… what a wonderful spot you found… again! You really do have a talent for making wonderlust a need. 🙂
Glad to hear Reggie is settling down a bit. He is such an expressive little man!
Spent the weekend doing some chores–painted the porch, yippee. LOL Aren’t you glad you don’t have to mess with that??? Yes, I am jealous! Also put in a few plants, and noticed my first artichoke has budded–the plants are perennials and this is the earliest I have noticed any. And my blueberries have gone insane!
I am planning an extended stay over in the Sumner/Orting area this summer–to help my daughter with her kiddos. Her husband is taking a new job, which will have him traveling. I HOPE I can do it. The heat makes my headaches worse, so it will be interesting. Moosee (my vintage trailer) will be my home, nestled near the Puyallup River. We will see how long I last. I may put in a system like you have for your internet… I don’t really want to pay for cable or something when I can do something longer lasting and less costly. Any ideas would be welcome! Going to have my husband do some investigating here and see if your system would be workable. 🙂
Thanks for everything you share Sue. It is like a min–vaca when I sit down and read the latest news… I know I am not the only one.
Hugs from Hoquiam!
Barb
You’re welcome, Barb!
I enjoyed reading your newsy comment… the porch is painted, plants planted, artichoke budded, blueberries bonkers! It’s springtime in Hoquiam…
“nestled near the Puyallup River”…. sounds wonderful! I hope it works out for you and your daughter. I looked up Orting and found that it’s in west-central Washington about 30 miles from Mt. Ranier. Pretty area.
As for internet service, you could go to a Verizon store and ask about a jetpack and whether it covers your daughter’s home area. Of course, once you buy the jetpack, you buy gigs monthly (or maybe you could go online via your daughter’s internet using her password and pay her the difference). I think my card was around $100 but that was five years ago.
What a sweet little spot. Loved the bi-directional doggies. Which way indeed 🙂 You’re really picking up speed – must be getting excited to get to the PNW! And of course there’s missing us when you don’t have internet :-))))))
Hi, Jodee,
The first and only time the crew and I went to the PNW it was late summer into fall… at the end of the season. This visit we’re moving along for the beginning and then we can take our time wandering to warmth for next winter.
I was just thinking…..and salivating….
You might be up in the PNW in time for Copper River Salmon season. Once you’ve tasted it…you’ll won’t want to eat another type of salmon. EVER!!!
Never heard of Copper River Salmon… You love seafood… Dungeness crab, salmon… 🙂
Sue,
This comment is about your rightful disregard of blogerinos suggestions that you publish a coffee table book using your photos. The author of this quote published a book about his travels and maybe(?) he has broke even with it, but this is what he says about his photo coffee book:
“I guess I don’t like defeat! I know it is an aspect from my many years of working in a kitchen that follows me when once in a while throughout this Journey I take on a project such as right now, our Photo Coffee Table Book “Hues of my Vision”. My motto was and obviously still is “failure is not an option”.
I have followed the idea from hundreds of readers, as we are somehow approaching the five million visitors mark on this Journal, to put together such a Photo Book. It is an adventure in sharing with no financial profit from pre-orders for $40 a Book including Tax and Shipping anywhere in the World seems like a good idea. I know that as a print on demand, as the sample [the only one!] I have and paid a bit over one hundred dollars which included Tax and Shipping, it would put this Book out of reach for many.” – The Oasis Of My Soul
He is having a difficult time getting 1,000 pre-orders that will make the $40 price possible.
Very interesting, Ed. I’m familiar with The Oasis of My Soul from having read it during the years before I bought the BLT. Ara is a much better photographer (and cook!) than I’ll ever be. He has put a lot of work into that coffee table book and now that it’s finished, there’s the promotion and selling to do…
Readers, if interested… Click on the link above. Ara is a chef who worked for wealthy, private employers. (He shares recipes on his blog.) His son and only child, Lance, died as a young man. For several years since that loss, he has traveled on his motorcycle with his buddy, Spirit, who rides in the sidecar wearing a helmet and goggles. A lot of Ara’s photographs are taken in Texas.
Thanks for the quote, Ed. It gives insight into what publishing a coffee-table photo book entails.
Waiting and watching for whatsoever is lovely to wake up with outside took a while .Good morning,Sue.I imagine where you are there’s something nice to hear.Birds were arguing about something earlier here.They’d seem to have settled it and begin squabbling again.Peaceful singing and calls eventually replaced that.What ,I wonder do they have to argue about?There are plenty of trees to choose from and certainly enough to eat around here.All I could think of is that one wanted the nest somehow different than it is,and the other didn’t.Must be like a couple picking out furniture and where to put it.Hopefully these two aren’t mating for life.as they were hidden by branches I couldn’t tell what kind they were.From the song they-finally-sang ,I’d guess a jay of some sort.It amused me very much,reminded me of the I Love Lucy show.As I see little regular programming on tv ,I don’t know if current series have similar plots.If so couch potato makes sense-I was thoroughly entertained.So,I missed an early hello.Will this be a busy day for you?I hope something fun is in the plan 🙂
Good morning, weather,
Your squabbling birds… Hmm… maybe two guys fighting over a girl? I’ve seen a lot of that lately… among birds! Your imaginings are entertaining…and, as always, your connections — “like a couple picking out furniture and where to put it.” 🙂
Yes, it’s lovely here, a sunny morning. The kind of day where a blanket on the grass is the place to be! Nope, not busy at all. I have a new post almost finished. Once that’s done, there’s nothing on the agenda. In fact, there’s no agenda!
Although I should empty the back of the PTV and redistribute the load… We shall see. Have a day full of wonder, weather!
Thanks,it really has been…
Hi Sue,
I loved the lush green of Three Island Crossing State Park and what a treat the remoteness of your new camp. It is very nice as well.
I loved the PNW the last time you went there and I am looking forward to it again as we journey closer.
Love seeing how well Bridget and Reggie are getting along. Both so darn cute!!
So much to love, right? Every camp has something special about it. Always nice hearing from you, Jolene.
Poor Ara; I know how it is to lose a child. May he find peace, and good luck with his book.
Today is another chore day for me. I’m still working on files, filing, paperwork. I do a few hours each day. Making lists of things I have to do, phone calls, pay bills, etc as I go. So much to do, so little energy. I’ve been going to the pool every day around 5pm when it’s a little cooler, doing 40 minutes of jogging. After that, I’m wiped out. Just energy to have dinner and read for awhile, and I’m in bed by 9pm. I hate being old and decrepit! I’m trying all the time to get better and build more energy and stamina.
I’m starting to look at maps and plan my trip, which I enjoy.only about 10 more days! Then I’m on the road again, my favorite thing. Thank god I have improved enough to be able to do it. I wasn’t sure last summer how things would work out, but I’m doing better all the time, knock on wood!
Well…back to the chores. Happy day all.
Only 10 more days! I do hope you are willing and able to have us tag along with you…. whatever suits you.
Is that “jogging” for 40 minutes in the pool? I assume it is as that would be best for strengthening the muscles around your knees. Now, for me, being a morning person, going to bed at 9 p.m. isn’t being “old and decrepit.” It’s normal.
I know the blogorinos are happy along with me, to see you able to make a cross-country trip, after those bleak days in the past. You sound young and vibrant to me!
40 minutes of jogging? Old and decrepit? Sounds like an oximoron to me…I for one cannot wait to follow you across country…I hope you get to write us everyday…in your old and decrepit way…ha! Seriously, good luck to you, sound like you pure sence of will, will carry you through, as it seems to always have.
Hahaha. You guys are funny. I do get up early, but I used to go to bed at midnight and get up at 6 or 7. Now it’s bed at 9. Usually up by 6 but that’s 9 freaking hours of sleep!
And yes, I will keep everyone posted on my trip!
Ginger…I am usually in bed by 9 and up before 3am….6 hours continuous sleep
for me is unusual….arthritis in my hip and knees wont let me lay in one spot
too long…..but I am usually on the couch by 5 and sleep til 8 sometimes….
it dont matter since im retired and in my golden years…..HA!
Oh yes of course, jogging in the pool!
As many of you know, we feed wild birds in our backyard. We have three types of dove, sparrows, cactus finch, brushtail grackles, and our favorites, Gambel Quail. Yesterday we spotted two brand new Quail chicks with their momma. She was teaching them to eat and while that was goin on any other bird who came near those chicks got quick attention from momma. Last year we had three chicks and they are always a delight to watch. No bigger than a chicken egg but man those little legs are quick. It’s just a treat to sit in our patio and watch them come out of the purple sage that we have all along the rear wall of the yard. They stay here day and night back in the sage.
That does sound like a delightful scene, Jim. Gambrel Quail are such sweet-looking birds. They have an air of domesticity, scurrying around… and to see their chicks in your yard, what a treat! I’m sorry your comment is buried by my latest post. You paint a lovely picture with words.
Sounds like a little bit of heaven…..I love sitting in backyards watching the wild birds. Yesterday while watching birds at the feeder…..a Cooper’s Hawk flew into the big pine tree in the next yard…all the little birds scattered like someone shot a cannon…luckily I did not have to see a National Geographic Moment….all birds got away, full and happy. Have a lovely day Jim.
Hi Sue, I am here, although late to the party, as I see many are. Love your trip, can identify with that drive on the 84, did that with my daughter in March…into downtown Boise and out the other side….gets really busy where the construction is going on, which is right where my daughter lives…but beautiful if you head up towards the mountains to the right of where you went. Have a safe trip and cannot wait to see the next post…I love following you and the crew….I cannot believe how nicely Reggie is settling in on his new job assignment. Spotted dogs! who knew!
I almost went to those mountains — probably too cold this early. Next time maybe… 🙂
Isn’t Reggie a great guy? He’s adapted very well to long stints inside the PTV while we move from place to place. Quite remarkable, considering his high energy.
Heehee…spotted dogs, Shirlene!! Our smartest ones were always spotted or freckled even…
Mine, too!
Hi, Sue,
Could you please direct me to earlier posts in which you discuss your PTV in some length? I will begin full-timing in late August with a Casita 17SD, just like yours, and it finally dawned on me that a cargo van with shelving and room to stand up would allow me to carry a lot of stuff accessibly. I’m hoping you can give me a taste of the pros and cons of such a big TV. Thank you!
Just letting you know that mud flat road is excruciatingly beautiful right hand turn when you come to Jordan valley. Craters north of Jordan valley as well.
How ironic! Today is Saturday, April 30, 2016, and DH and I just came back from Pillars of Rome and on the way back not only did we check out the Rome Launch site for future camping possibilities, but also Antelope Reservoir. So funny that while driving down the road to check it out, I say to myself, “Self, if Sue asks if any of us are familiar with this area, I’ll be able to tell her!” Ha! You’ve been there already. As in the time you were there, it is also empty today and we thought how nice if we had our FW to just stay and camp by ourselves. Even the outhouse was clean and well stocked with TP. Only problem is that it was really windy. Was it windy when you were there, Sue? Lots of what looks to be Unita Ground Squirrels. That really kept our lab, Maggie, on watch and on alert!