Monday, April 13
Our campsite in morning light, South Ruby Campground, Nevada
South Ruby Campground is in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
It clings to a hillside above Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge which is described on its website as follows:
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge lies at the southern end of Ruby Valley in northeast Nevada. Flanked on the west by the rugged and scenic Ruby Mountains, it is one of the most remote refuges in the lower 48 states.
The word “remote” tells me to forget about internet.
Shortly after we arrived yesterday, I turn on my Verizon jetpack anyway in the hope there’s a trace of signal that my Wilson antenna could boost into something workable. Nothing.
At our last camp near Ely, I read online that a cold front is on its way across the region and that it will bring strong winds (50-60 mph) and snow. We need to hunker down and heaven knows for how long.
As the sun rises above the mountains across the valley, Bridget, Reggie, and I explore our new camp and the campground.
It’s a lovely, sunny morning that promises to warm up nicely.
After breakfast the crew and I board the Perfect Tow Vehicle. I drive south and find a two-track lane for us to walk (in background at left in photo below.)
Bridget and Reggie are happy hikers!
The lane goes up to a mine. It’s too far and steep for us to walk all the way.
Next I drive across the road and park in the boat ramp area.
Bridget and Reggie are tired. While the crew waits in the PTV, I get out and take a few photos.
“Okay. Now let’s go to the Visitor Center.”
The wildlife officer is a friendly, personable, 30-ish woman.
“Where is the closest place I can get internet signal for Verizon,” I ask.
“Well, nowhere in Ruby Valley.”
“Gee, I don’t want to go all the way back to Route 93 and head toward Wells.” I look at her expectantly.
“No, don’t do that. Take Harrison Pass. You might get a signal at the summit. If not, you could go down into Huntington Valley on the other side and drive north toward Elko. That would be shorter.”
“What about snow? Is the road clear up there?”
She assures me it’s open. “I was up there yesterday.” Then she turns to her computer screen.
“If you’re going that way, you’d better do it soon because winds are gonna’ pick up this afternoon and the storm will be here by tomorrow.”
The crew and I follow her advice.
We go back to camp and pick up the laptop and the air card. The PTV carries us up Green Mountain, through the pass, and down the other side. We turn north. Near the hamlet of Jiggs my Verizon jetpack picks up a signal!
The east side of the Ruby Mountain Range
I write a post and publish it on the blog.
Now that readers know why we’re off-line for a few days, I can relax and enjoy a break while the storm blows through.
We wind our way up and over the mountains and return to our campsite.
Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15
I have a front row seat to watch the storm roll down Ruby Valley. As I sit in bed by the window, a white mass of falling snow moves southward across the marsh and ponds and toward our camp. Wind swirls dust in haboobs before it. Soon wind gusts jolt the Best Little Trailer and snow flies horizontally.
I have the heater on high and the crew and I are comfortable.
During two days of wind, snow, sleet, and even small hail, I read my Paperwhite, eat (of course) and watch the storm through the bedside window.
It being too cold for long walks, the crew and I run outside several times in short bursts, for exercise and potty time.
Bridget knows to do her business quickly. Reggie becomes a speed-pee-er, lifting one back leg while the other is in snow, quickly putting that leg down and then rapidly lifting the other. A clever two-sided delivery into the snow!
The three of us run to the door and the warmth of the BLT.
Late that afternoon the cold wind is gone and we enjoy a long walk on the main road.
In the evening I study my Nevada Benchmark maps because it’s time to leave.
Why don’t we stay longer and explore more of Ruby Valley?
In a word. . . gas. No, not that kind of gas. The kind that runs the PTV.
With less than half a tank, I have to conserve gas in order for us to have enough to return to civilization.
This is the first instance since we hit the road in August of 2011 that it would’ve been wise to carry a can of extra gas.
I figure we have enough to tow the BLT around the southern end of the Ruby Mountains and make our way north to Elko.
Let’s see . . . We’ll follow the Pony Express Trail through Overland Pass at 6,790 feet. That shouldn’t be too difficult. . . Oh, what’s this? Wild Horse Territory? Gee, I’d love to see wild horses . . . .
Thursday, April 16
A cloudless, calm, warm day. I hitch up the BLT and secure the interior.
“Okay, crew! We’re off to our next camp!”
A gentle, winding climb takes us to the other side of the mountains. I scan the hillsides for any sign of wild horses.
Gosh, it would’ve been so great to see them . . .
Now that we’re in Huntington Valley the dirt road swells up and down over low foothills. We cruise over a rise and . . .
There they are!
A small herd of wild horses!
I stop the PTV. Rather than move forward and scare them off, I use the zoom while standing on the running board at my open door.
The herd continues grazing, while this one watches me intently (below).
“Oh, there’s a foal!”
After a few minutes the herd trots off and we continue on our way.
We leave wild horse territory. A fence appears along the road. We must be coming to a ranch.
“Oh, more horses!”
They’re between us and the fence.
I assume they’re wild — free range, at least — and are down from the mountains, finding new forage.
The only vehicle I’ve seen since breaking camp this morning approaches from behind us, grabbing the attention of the horses.
One of the horses is speckled with what appears to be caked-on, white mud.
One last shot . . . .
I grin happily as I drive the dirt road that cuts through the acres of sage and grass in the valley.
The pronghorn in the next photo is so far away that it looks like a speck with two points on top. In fact, I’m not sure it’s an animal until I zoom in for this photo.
About ten more miles of sage brush and empty desert and I see something in the distance.
“What’s that all about?”
The fluid line of reddish brown in the grey-green sage becomes clearer . . .
“Cowboys and cattle . . . It’s a round-up!”
To be continued . . .
rvsue
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love the spotted horse
Hi, Janis!
hey that cowboy is wearing a baseball cap !!!
A cowboy is a cowboy no matter what he’s wearing (or not). 🙂
Nothing better than cowboys, wild horses and big mountains to create beautiful images! Great story Sue! What fun! WhaaaaHooooie!!!
Thanks, Geri. Say hi to your cowboy for me!
Her cowboy may have hung up his spurs (literally, they’re hanging from a cabinet) but loves the pictures. The horse that has mud(?) is probably an apaloosa with leopard appie in its lineage. The thin tail is a clue, white eyes would be the clincher. And cowboys wear baseball hats!
Hi, Chuck,
Are you saying the white splotches on that horse are its markings? I did a search for Leopard Appy Horses and wow! What beauties!
I don’t think that’s an appaloosa.
Maybe some Leopard Appy blood?
I don’t think so. I vote for the dried mud or maybe a roan. I had an appaloosa for 15 years and was very into the breed. But, I love horses no matter what they are.
Oh, now I get it! I’m sorry, Toni… I’m am soooo dimwitted! I didn’t connect Appy with Appaloosa. I thought it was an entirely different breed.
What incredible pictures! I would have loved to see the horses in their environment. Such a beautiful area to explore. The weather is also amazing. Imagine living out there!
Hi, Karen,
Right when I figured I wouldn’t see the horses, there they were! Such a treat for me, like you said… in their own environment. I was happy to see them looking healthy, too.
Loving your blog Sue! Great pictures and information! I am excited to see where you go from here because I will be traveling through this area from Oregon on my way to Wyoming during the middle part of May. Not sure on the rules of contacting blog followers but here is my email jeff.agueda@gmail.com
Hoping to start my own blog soon.
take care,
Jeff
Hi, Jeff,
Good to know you’re loving my blog. Thanks for the compliment. I’m not sure what you mean by “contacting blog followers,” whether you mean me or fellow readers. Other than personal friends, I don’t email folks. I’d rather we share here.
Best wishes as you start up your own blog!
OK, thank you 🙂
Do feel welcome to join us here anytime, Jeff!
You were driving thru your own little (not) zoo.
Hi, Ed . . . .Much nicer than a zoo! 🙂
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Fantastic report again. Wildhorses!! Finally. Aren’t they beautiful? Now, I know I need to go to that area. Enjoy your amazing adventure.
Hi, R,
You’re welcome! I’m glad you liked the post.
Yes, the wild horses were “icing on the cake” for our visit to the Ruby Mountains. I want to see wild horses in every western state (always wanting more!). So far I’ve seen them in SD and NV…
Do you remember where in SD? I’ll be there in May/June
Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. If you can,go to rvsueandcrew.com ,type that into the search box,Sue had a post about it July 5,2012 with a slide show.That post and ones before and after it have information about where one might camp there or within driving distance of it.
Thank you, weather. I was on a walk with the crew and we just got back to camp. Here’s a link to Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary. We camped at Cottonwood Spring, a very inexpensive, Corps of Engineers campground near Hot Springs, SD, that July ($7 reg./$3.50 senior pass).
Thank you Sue for the link and info on camping near Hot Springs.
You’re welcome!
how do you Sue get all these discount passes?
I have the senior discount pass, sometimes called the “Golden Age” pass, that people 62 years old or more can buy for $10 at a National Forest Service office or at the nfs.gov website. You pay the $10 only once and are issued a card. It’s good for the rest of your life for 50% off campground fees at BLM and national forest campgrounds, as well as other public campgrounds. It also gives you free entrance into national parks and monuments. It’s the best deal ever!
Enjoyed your post. You are in my kind of country, love the mountains and high desert.
Reggie’s two sided delivery reminds me of the time I was visiting my brother who lived in Henderson, NV at the time. He had a male cocker spaniel named Kona who loved to go bye-bye in the SUV. The usual routine was for Kona to go pee before getting in the SUV. Well, this time he skipped it out of excitement of getting to go bye-bye. My brother said “No, you have to go pee first.” Kona took off at a fast pace headed for a bush up by the house, lifted one leg as he ran by the bush never slowing, gave a squirt and was back at the SUV ready to go bye-bye. This took all of about eight to ten seconds – getting to go bye-bye was a matter of urgency to him.
I really like your photos, sometimes showing the intimacy of the scene and at other times showing the vastness of the area. Our country is a big and beautiful land. Thank you for sharing it with us thru you eyes and lens and words.
Safe travels and adventures.
Clayton
Hi, Clayton,
That’s a cute story — I can see a cocker spaniel doing a run-by pee!
Your last paragraph about my photos and writing is very nice. Thank you.
Another great post! Of course, I haven’t read one yet that hasn’t been terrific.
Thanks, Shawna… I appreciate that!
Hi Sue!
I’m wondering where you get your detailed information on the places you visit? The internet? Books? Rangers in the area? For example, the detailed information about Overland Pass, and the free range wild horses there.
Love reading your blog!!
Larry
Hi, Larry,
I know I’m a “broken record” going on and on about Benchmark maps. That’s where I find a lot of the information I insert in my blog stories. The Nevada Benchmark shows the California Trail, the Hastings Cut-Off, the Pony Express Route, the boundaries of the national forests, refuges, and BLM lands, the boundary of the wild horse territory, the mountain passes with their elevation, places of historical interest, museums, hot springs, what roads are 4 WD only, what roads aren’t maintained in the winter, what roads are impassable when wet, names of ranches, location of mines, trail heads, rest stops… That’s only a small part of what one can glean from these maps. They’re great!
The Benchmark alerts me to something and then I research it online if I want more detail. If it weren’t for my Benchmark atlas I wouldn’t have known to look for the wild horses.
I’m very pleased you love my blog. 🙂
Hi Sue,
Thanks for the response! I have Benchmark Maps, but they date from 2003. Either I haven’t paid enough attention to how to get information from them (highly probable), or I need to update! LOL 🙂
Happy Trails!! Larry
Did you find out about the wild horses in the benchmark?
I got me one of New Mexico and Arizona and I don’t think I know how to read
them correctly, yet. You find out a lot more than I do, that’s great.
Get better with practice? Great blog! Love the crew!
Hi, Dedra,
You wrote your comment before I wrote the reply above. Yes, the Benchmark shows the area and its labeled “wild horse territory.” The more you study the Benchmarks and the more you put them to use, the more you find. I devote a lot of time relaxing in my lounger, perusing a Benchmark. That’s how I find boondocks.
The West…the Wild, Wild West! Oh, I’m so loving this path!
Me, too, Monica, and I’m glad you are on this path with us!
Nothing feels cozier than snuggling with pups in your home, a remote refuge as you watch an approaching dramatic snowstorm overtake your world for a while.Seeing wild horses on your way out,no wonder you were grinning by then!I’m glad the wildlife officer let you know what to expect and where to find a signal .The feeling of being able to reach out to civilization in a pinch is nice,even if unneeded/unwanted at times.
It’s a good thing that you didn’t have more gas in the PTV,we blogorinos missed you enough as it was 🙂 .Gee,it’s hard to choose a favorite photo from this post,I really liked each and the whole story.I guess I pick the cowboy ,his horse and herd in the field-gorgeous.If you hadn’t included that one I’d have chosen the top one-it’s a lovely picture of what morning for you can be like.The wording… camp sight in morning light-perfect.
Hi, weather,
You’re right about watching a snowstorm while snuggled inside with the pups. I really enjoyed it… quite dramatic as it came over the mountain peaks and rolled … and I do mean “rolled”… down the valley toward us. The wind jostling the BLT added to the fun!
Even though we would have stayed a few more days if I had more gas, we did see and experience enough to gain a “feel” for the place. The campground emptied out before the storm arrived, except for one other camper, making for a very natural camp with no human noise.
Thank you for your remarks about the photos. More cowboys and cattle in the next post!
Did you happen to use the thermometer that you recently bought while camping in that snow?I’d honestly had a hard time falling asleep one of those evenings until I prayed for you to feel warm…
You are such a caring person, weather. Well, the thermometer. I had it outside on the propane tank cover. During the storm it blew off and was covered with snow. I didn’t find it until the snow melted. Haha! I think I’ll go back to my former way of measuring… There’s kind of cold, and there’s cold, and there’s very cold, and then there’s too damn cold! 🙂
HaHaHa!You’re right-your way is real-ly accurate!
# 17, Beautiful photos Sue, glad you three did well in the storm,,,,,,,,,,,, us,,,,,, oh give them pups a hug from us,,,,,,,,,,,,, me
Hi, Rusty,
Thank you for the compliment on the photos. As for hugs for the pups, we were outside in the sunshine and Bridget and Reggie were taking turns on my lap, wanting cuddles and hugs. Give one from me to Timber… 🙂
OK, this ones got it ALL!
Wild horses, cowboys, pirouetting pee pee and you got to use the word haboob in a sentence. (remind me never to challenge you to a game of scrabble.) 🙂
Great post, great pics…..again. Glad that whatever cold you endured the BLT handled with aplomb.
I do however need to make a confession.
Me: “Hi, My name is Rick and I’m a stoveaholic.”
Blogorinos: “Hi Rick”
Me: “So some of you who made it through all 450+ comments from our last “meeting” might remember the conversation turning to camp stoves. Specifically the Camp Chief Everest model and I said that I have been thinking of getting one for when I get my trailer and follow my full time dream.
However I also shared that due to some odd circumstances I already own no fewer than 8 camping stoves of various makes and models. The conversation was very good and made me realize that I truly had no need for any more.
So then……….well……….so then. Yesterday I go to my local REI store to pickup a shirt that I had shipped to the store to save shipping. To my surprise (honest) I find that it’s the day of their annual garage sale where they sell all of their returned goods and old rental equipment super cheap. I figure I’ll make a quick scan to see what’s out there and indeed I picked up a exercise shirt for $8.00 and a pair of carbon fiber trekking poles for only $45.00!!!
But there, leaning against the side of a display table is a new in the box Camp Chief Everest on sale for $55.00 which is more than half off. But I stay firm and just casually mention to my girlfriend that that was the stove I had been looking at but had decided not to get it. Well right than the sales clerk with her magic red pen overhears us and comes running up behind us and crosses of the $55.00 and marks it down to $20.00!!!!!
Yes, that’s right $20.00 for a $120.oo stove. And……………and………….and……….sob. I just couldn’t help myself. So now I own 9 count em NINE camp stoves………….sob,
I promise I’ll do better tomorrow. Just take one day at a time and “JUST SAY NO”
Thanks for letting me share”
Oh, and I realized that I got to use the word aplomb. Triple letter, double word score. 🙂
You are so clever, Rick! Enjoyed you fessing up to another camp stove purchase. I approve… Never pass up a bargain like that!
I have a feeling you’re tough to beat at Scrabble… 🙂
That is so funny, Rick.
Um…maybe you could sell all the others? After all…you got your favorite, now 🙂
Stoves are good! $20 for a stove is excellent! I understand the interest in collecting different types of stoves. I only own three different camping stoves, old Svea, old MSR, and the classic Coleman two burner. I haven’t used that Svea in over 40 years. I’m holding on to it forever…along with the MSR.
At least the stoves take up less space than treadles. I own 9 treadle sewing machines. Each machine is different. Out of the nine, I use three machines to make quilts (one for piecing, one for quilting-walking foot machine, and the third for decorative binding stitching). I love the mechanics of the machines, and I look at them as a form of mechanical art.
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. 🙂
Thanks Monica, I can SO relate to you hanging on to that old brass Svea 123. I think mine last fired up in the Carter administration. But it’s so cool looking I had mine sitting on my desk at work as a bit of a conversation piece. If a new job applicant came in and recognized what it was it I hired them on the spot. 🙂
Hah hah…..I am so jealous!
One, you went to REI and didn’t ask me if I wanted to go with you! Then again we would have been there for HOURS! And two…..SCORE!
Even at 55 bucks, it would have been in that shopping bag/cart that they provide!
Never knew REI had a garage sale per se!
Well then…fire it up and let us know how it compares! I think the hesitation with many is the ability to control the knobs from simmer to blazing!
I’m excited for you! Nine and counting!
Thanks, if your a member you can get on the REI mailing list. They of course fill up your inbox with sale stuff but they also send you a monthly schedule with member only sales and classes for cool things most of which are free or maybe $20.00.
In the past couple of years we have taken basic bicycle maintenance, advanced rock climbing, backpacking basics, navigation with map and compass, hiking the Lake Superior trail, and wilderness first aid. For Kelly and I these count as a romantic nights on the town. (but admittedly we are a tad on the weird side)
Oh, and sorry about forgetting to invite you. I figured you were still shoveling snow. 🙂
Very funny!
Ya know I’ve been shopping at REI for 20+years and every time I paid for my merchandise they asked me…I politely declined!
Never EVER did I know they had garage sales…
Rick,
Oh My Golly! Super great SCORE! On Sat Klemper and I went to REI and got the invite and 411 on the annual garage sale that started on Sunday. After some general looking around I did pick up the Coleman Triton 2 Burner Stove. I chose the one that is NOT the instant light. Matches or a lighter is fine with me and was $20.00 less than the Instant light one. After the discussion that you and I had, I felt better about giving Coleman another try. If it work great then super, if not, no foul, I’ll just find something else later. Today, however, I took the massive leap and bought my Dream Cooler! So excited, I am the proud owner of the Sand colored YETI Tundra 45 🙂 🙂 🙂 Set me back $350.00 but it will hold up to the SW heat so I thought cheaper on the stove and stronger on the cooler was the smarter way to go. Klemper says it is my Mother’s Day AND Birthday gift 🙂 I told him it was HIS Father’s Day and Anni Gift, HA! Broken down that way it really isn’t a bad price long term…
Rick, that Champ Chef you got should be a real honey for your growing stove collection! And that price, KILLER GOOD!!! We both are over the moon tonight!
…And my new Yeti fits perfect right between the Driver’s Seat and Passenger Seat…BONUS! Goldie Locks is very happy 😉
Wowser, I have looked at those YETI’s and they are SWEET! Very well done. Sometimes it’s hard to justify spending top dollar for high quality equipment. But once I have it I rarely regret spending more for the best. FWIW I agree with your priorities, if the stove goes kaput you won’t lose $100 worth of groceries. Pretty cool that you and Klemper can share holidays. Enjoy.
Rick,
Thanks! Yep, kind of my thinking too.
I can’t wait to put some travel stickers on it, LOL.
Ones for the states we visit and for the places we bring it to. Blue Ridge and The Dragon are going to be the first ones for this new cooler. The old cooler has many from there already, have to break this new one in right 😉
Wait! You have a REI too?
I fly back to CA to shop at REI…Berkeley CA to be exact!
SCORE on your stove! And Yeti…Jules would have a cow if I spent 350 on a cooler!
Just tell her that when that cow gives milk you can keep it fresh in that cooler for days. 🙂
Boy, I did look at them for ever so long before going for the YETI. Countless times I had the checkbook out and just couldn’t make myself buy one. Then Klemper read all the reviews and he found that they are Bear-Proof with two locks on them! Well, being the ever loving German who loves great functural design, he said to go for it! That’s when I knew he wanted one too 😉 He almost never asks for anything for himself so this is for my van and for his love of stuff that functions great when needed to do so. Otherwise, I too, would have never spent that much on a cooler – win-win!
I can too always use another camp stove, Badger Rick. If you want to sell one. I need very light one for overnight backpacking hikes. If you don’t want to sell it, what backpacker stove would you recommend?
Depends on how you intend to use it. For ultralight trips where every gram counts I carry a homemade alcohol fueled “soda can” stove. Do a web search, they are really easy to make and the lightest option out there if you just need to boil water and don’t need flame adjustment.
For a light weght canister stove I like my MSR Micro Rocket.
I believe this is the RVSUE amazon link:
MSR MicroRocket Stove
Canister stoves work great down to about 30 degrees.
For colder temps I like white gas stoves. The MSR whisperlite is a great stove at a great price and will work down to below 0.
MSR Whisperlite Liquid-Fuel Stove
As you can tell I love talking gear so feel to ask with any questions.
Sue, if you could clean these links up with your own that would be great – thanks. I did. Those are my links. Sue 🙂
Another option that I don’t own (believe it or not 🙂 ) but people rave about is the Jetboil system. They are very efficient with fuel which is less of an issue for short overnights but they are popular with folks that thru hike long trails like the PCT.
Flash Personal Cooking System, Carbon
Forgot to include that the Jetboil systems are only good if you eating freeze dried food and you just need to boil water. You can’t really cook on them.
Rick,
The newest JetBoil System is the Mini-Mo. It has a simmer control so you can really cook some foods in it instead of just the dehydro stuff or water boils. I looked at them and almost sent with one. They also have the new skillet pan option that fits on it too – very cool for breakfast foods. Also the new JetBoil Mini-Mo is shorter and wider than the more common ones. Makes it more stablein winds, easier to stir your foods when cooking. It really is a good design for hikers and backpackers. Mostly for the solo packer because it is about 1L. There is one that is taller and wide for larger 2-person trips but that escapes me right now. Anyway, a very nice cooking system indeed! I didn’t get it because I love my Traingia 28-T ~the Mini-T~ and the Trangia 27-T for larger meals on the trails. However, I do think that the JetBiol Systems are a great choice when you can’t use a live-flame based stove.
Not sure WHAT is going on with my cursor! Skipping all over the place and dropping off as I type. Sorry for all the typos but I fixed more than there are left in this post – geez. Maybe it is the speed of the cursor since I do not type fast enough for it. Who knows…
Must…………………….resist……………………..temptation…………………do not………………….go look at……………………new stove………system.
Better call your sponsor, Rick.
You guys are crackin me up!
Be strong Rick-‘member -ya just gotta not look today-tomorrow ya get the chance to decide again-“Thanks for sharing”
Ha!Or just get it-after all,look at the $you saved by paying only $20 for the last one,you deserve this as a reward…insert sheepish snickering here
Rick.
Awww, look on the bright side… If you weren’t lusting after the newest Jet-Boil then it would be something else to grab your attention 😉
Toys, MORE Camping Toys!
Bad Pama, don’t encourage Rick….
Shame.
I have no shame.
~Slap~
I love all your posts, the first ones I go to in the morning. Just one teeny, tiny correction if you will allow me. Unless you can see clearly that that baby is a male, the correct generic term for a young horse is “foal”…..a colt is a male baby, a filly is a female baby.
I couldn’t see from the picture whether it was a boy or girl, maybe you could…..sorry.
No need to apologize, Sue!
I think I knew that at one time. It’s one of those things that faded from my brain with time. I was thinking a colt was the next stage beyond foal. Duh. Thanks for the correction. I’ll fix it! 🙂
I’m glad you shared that info. I had it mixed up in my mind. I guess because foal and filly sound like “pair” of words to me (as in male and female) because they both start with F, but then colt sounds totally different. So I was thinking colt was the generic term.
Okay, now I have probably confused things again, so I’ll write fifty times:
Foal = young horse of either gender. Foal, foal, foal!
Filly (that one’s easy for some reason) is a young female.
Colt is a young male. Colt, colt, colt!
Thanks again!
Great post. Beautiful pictures.
We met a single young lady in a Casita yesterday who is a blogarino.
We were at Badlands NP. On our drive yesterday morning we saw mountain sheep, bison, pronghorn, deer, coyote, wolf (or huge coyote) and many whistling prairie dogs. Also; fossils and beautiful country. When we returned to our campspot we were greeted by a flock of yellow headed blackbirds all singing in a tree and many meadowlarks ambIng around the camp area.
I cannot get over the fact that we are now located on visible, continuous solid ground! I feel like throwing myself on the ground and giving it a hug. I truly believe we are not swamp people.
Hi, Bill & Ann,
Wow! You’re in Wyoming! You guys know how to move it!
I remember the yellow-headed blackbirds of South Dakota. What a great tour of animals you had! Thanks for keeping in touch. Yeah, forget the swamp. Stay on solid ground…
Hi Bill and Ann! Sorry we missed seeing you this year! Chuck and I loved the Badlands also but we didn’t see all the wildlife you did!
Not swamp people huh? Neither are we! We prefer living next to the Gulf of Mexico for awhile! Have a great trip home! Geri & Chuck!
So many people missed the wildlife at the Badlands. You have to drive out on the gravel and dirt road, Sage Creek Rim Road, to the free Sage Creek Campground. It is an eleven mile long one way drive. Well worth it. You can camp with the bison! Sort of spooky as they are such big animals.
I wouldn’t mind living by the Gulf of Mexico. I did so as a child when I visited my Grandmother in Tavernier, Fla.
That camping with bison sounds neat! You had me at “wildlife” and sealed the deal at “free.” 🙂
Another great S.D. trip is Wind Cave N.P. everyone goes to see the caves (which are very cool) but there are thousands of acres of beautiful country above ground that almost no one ever explores.
Awesome horse pictures, they are amazing animals. We are just learning to ride right now and it’s been fun. And I learned a new word! Haboob, I feel enriched 🙂 Happy trails!
Hi, Jill,
Lucky you, learning to ride. I’ve wanted to learn since I first saw a horse. Have fun!
My kids are way better (and they’re only 2 and 5), I was thrown and have been a bit saddle shy for a while. However, we all love going to the barn and watching the horses gallivant about, it would be amazing to see them in the wild. Have you ever heard about Sable Island off the east coast of Canada? Truly wild horses live there!
No, I hadn’t heard about the wild horses of Sable Island. I bet they are beautiful, maybe similar to the ones found in Nova Scotia. . . rugged, like the horses of Scotland and Wales.
Pretty country…and if you have what you need…staying in a quiet snowy place for a bit would be welcome!! It was such a joy to stay in our friend’s lovely modern basement with SO MUCH QUIET to sleep by!! And a good mattress too!! Ah, quiet is so lovely!! And good chats with friends in our waking hours too.
We just got home from a weekend with our Virginia friends…and on the way back, we missed a horrific 3 car wreck by 5 seconds says hubby (does anyone slow down when it rains so hard you can barely see? Probably not…)…some were hurt, but probably all alive, fortunately. We were shaken…these near misses are beginning to wear on my one last nerve!! But we know WHO takes care of us, until our time is up. And we are rejoicing in life tonight and being ok!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
I’m happy to know you and your husband arrived home safely and that you had a relaxing visit with your friend. Peace and quiet and a good night’s sleep are precious, especially if you haven’t had that for a while.
I rejoice with you! Have a wonderful evening…
Thank you…rejoice with those who rejoice…thanks for so doing. Listening to good music right now…such as one song I loved enough to include in our wedding music: You’ll Never Walk Alone…some great versions on youtube.
When you walk through a storm
Keep your chin up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark.
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Walk on through the wind,
Walk on through the rain,
Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown.
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone,
You’ll never walk alone.
–Rodgers and Hammerstein
🙂
Absolutely one of my all-time favorite songs! A dear friend of mine chose that song for his Vocal Recital in college. He was a tenor and the highs and lows of that song are perfect for that voice tone. Love it, I can hear it in my head, such wonderful mellow tones.
Yes, a tenor does that song justice…our vet sang it for us…great singer!!
Wow Elizabeth…what a perfect song for a wedding! Love that song. When I was in my teens, I was a member of the Audubon, All Girl Drum and bugle corps in Audubon, NJ. We played “You’ll Never Walk Alone” for two years. The crowds went crazy when we played it. I was not too happy when we stopped playing it 🙁
You wonder why people don’t love such good music and lyrics, don’t you?? Strange how decisions are made.
Well, another day, another near hit this time…some nut almost t-boned us a few hours ago…virtually no traffic either…hubby said the idiot missed us by only 2 inches!! Sigh…I am ready to stay in bed and not get up anymore!! Then the roof would fall in eh?? I hope this siege ends soon…I am not finding it funny!! On my last nerve!! Once again however, grateful to be alive and ok.
Hi Elizabeth…yikees…you take your life in your hands when you get out of bed in the morning!!! Happy to hear that you are ok. Close call.
Good Evening! The USA of ours has some beautiful scenery and thank you for letting me see some of it through you! When I was younger I wanted to travel to Europe, etc., but school and life got in the way. Retirement isn’t scratching my husband on the back yet, so we won’t be driving around soon, but looking forward to it. We still have 2 dogs and 3 cats and I don’t want to kennel them, due to age, and my worrying about them. But….we live in the country so I’m sure someone will drop off a cat or dog here and my kindhearted husband will take it in. At one time, we had 5 dogs, 5 cats, and most of them were strays. We love our animals, don’t we? I re-read your post about 3 times to check out your pictures. I really like the wild horses! Very magnificent creatures! Have a good evening!
Kay from KC!
Good evening to you, too, Kay,
You must live in one of those areas where people drop off unwanted pets. It’s easy to end up with quite a crew, both canine and feline, in a short while. You and your husband have kind hearts and are a blessing to those poor strays. Every one is precious, as you know, and deserving a secure and loving home.
Thank you for the positive comment on my photos.
You’ve surpassed yourself! I really felt that I was on this trip instead of just watching it unfold. You are at the top of your game!
Ha! Your enthusiasm is contagious, Gayle. Yeah! I’m at the top of my game!
Were you a cheerleader in high school perhaps? 🙂
Yes, as a matter of fact I was. HOW DID you know?
LOL!
Ah…horses! And WILD!
During the summer around here we do (an almost MANDATORY) river float on the Lower Salt River, and guess what we see? Horses! In the river with us…it’s so cool…literally and figuratively.
🙂
Another great post, Sue!!
Thanks, Cindy,
That must be fun! My two favorite things at the same time — horses and floating a river… sigh…
What beautiful photos! I love the scenery and really like the wild horses. I have definitely got to travel the western states more. I am really missing a lot of this beautiful and unique country.
Keep up the good work. Hug the pups for us. Have you noticed how much Reggie resembles Butters?
Hi, Barbara…
Reggie resembles Butters in his puppyness. I’m glad I didn’t get Butters. I think he would’ve grown too big. Reggie is such a pleasure to lift. He doesn’t seem any heavier than a loaf of bread. Ha!
I hope you do travel the west more. There’s so much to see and enjoy. I gravitate toward the lesser known places and, as you can see here, there are “gems” to be discovered.
Thank you for complimenting my photos. 🙂
Beautiful photos again!! I love horses too. Growing up on the Rez, we had four horses…three geldings and one mare. The geldings were 16 hands or more…they were massive…I think a mix of Clydesdale and Arabian. They had hooves the size of a 10 inch plate (I might be exaggerating a little but to a little girl they were huge) with wide, long withers. Most of the time, I didn’t need a saddle…the seat was soft and I could cling to a horse better. My fav to ride was Bucket…I’d step on his front knee and pull myself up. I was a scrawny kid back then. He’d snort and prance ready to gallop…he loved to run and of course I enjoyed that fast ride (why do kids like anything fast?). My parents died by the time I was 16 years old and I don’t know what became of our horses. I’m an old lady now and I don’t have anyone to ask….all of our elders are gone. Today, my younger sister Ann has beautiful pinto horses…eight of them. They are so beautiful to watch as they come racing home at feeding time. I don’t know all their names but I know several…April, Baby Girl, Zina…..and others LOL
Aw, it’s kind of sad when there is no-one “elder” to ask anymore. I’m sorry you lost your parents so young (and the horses). At one point it hit me: I’m the oldest person in my family now. Many times I have wished I could go back and ask someone older about this or that.
I would love to have seen you mount the horse from it’s front leg. Cool! I get this picture of you and the horse as one, galloping along, mane, tail, and hair streaming out behind you…
Rita! You had my dream childhood! Riding your own horses . . . and bareback.. Wow! I can’t tell you how I longed for that as a kid.
I’m sorry for the sadness in your childhood, losing your parents and your horses, too.
You have a talent for painting pictures with words. I can see the dust being kicked up as those eight pinto horses gallop home. Thanks for writing!
I love this story! So descriptive; you really create pictures.
I also lost a parent young. I missed hiking over a mountain peak, swimming out to the end of Malibu Pier or body surfing in the waves, jogging on the sidewalks in the city with my father as a companion and teacher.
Major, a half Arab/Saddlebred, became my next best friend. If we rode with a saddle we were considered sissies. Running full speed, bareback as one with Major, or exploring the back country canyons visiting the Basque sheepherders filled my afternoons after coming home from school. I miss my horses.
One of my dreams is to have a combined horse trailer with living quarters. Do you think a pony, dog family would be welcome on the Blm areas? Probably.
I think you can assume this is Ann talking, Ginger… She used to teach horseback riding.
Wild horses, sage and Cowboys . . . It’s enough to make me swoon. I’m glad you and the crew weathered the storm in comfort and style.
Actually wild cowboys are what make me swoon. Ha!
Good morning, Bonnie… 🙂
Oh I love love love your description of the storm. There is nothing better, IMO, then being alone, self sufficient, and cozy in the midst of a dramatic beautiful storm. Your Ruby Valley stories are fantastic! Can’t wait to hear about the round up; and maybe even meeting the Marlboro Man in your photo.
Hi, Alison,
Oh, my description of the storm was poor compared to the real thing. The way that “whiteness” rolled over the mountains, slid down to the valley floor, and came at us like a steamroller… quite a spectacle! And the sound effects of the wind blowing through the cedars, the ceiling vent rattling, the sleet slapping the windows… and being jostled while sitting in bed watching, the doodleheads snuggled in the covers…
Alas, no conversation with the Marlboro Man. . . BTW, my uncle was a sign painter. He painted the Marlboro Man on billboards in the Northeast… Just imagine standing on a scaffold above a busy freeway with paints and brushes, creating a 50-foot reclining Marlboro Man, and it begins to snow!
So enjoyable, thanks again. I was out in that desert last September when I had to pick up my husband who had broken down in the desert. I had just moved to southern Orgeon where I started a new job and he was settling things back in Wisconsin. I admire your lifestyle.
Hi, Julie,
Well, that was inconvenient. . . a new job and a husband broken down in the desert in another state! Couldn’t have been much fun for him either . . .
I’m happy to be able to share my lifestyle with you, and extremely happy that I discovered it!
the reason you only saw two horses was the cattle herd.The BLM is me mares me mares you can learn o I understand about introverts, I am one also.This is done on an iPad, scuse the typos.moving them off the range for the cattle. They will be trucked to Mexico to be slaughtered.If you want to learn to ride, boondockers on our farm.My daughter has two very ta
Hi, Jean,
I understand how easy it is to make typos on an iPad. I tried to type on one and it was so much trouble! I prefer a regular, full-size keyboard because I can type fast on one without a lot of errors. Lots of folks love their iPads though!
Thanks for the offer re learning to ride. It would be hard for me to stay in one place for the time it would take to learn!
You seem to be a horse magnet.
Hi, Al,
I like that!
Hunkered down comfy with the crew sounds like fun times! And the BLT was rocking to boot!
The horses are beautiful!
Getting a gas can might not be a bad idea…..no cell service and stuck in the middle of BFE is a bad thing! Add some Stabil (prevents gas from separating) and it will last awhile.
BFE an acronym for………well politically correct…lets just say….middle of nowhere!
Hi, Cinandjules,
I’ll keep the gas can idea in mind. Thanks for mentioning Stabil. I didn’t know about that. Having had the experience of wishing I had more gas, I’ll be prepared (sure) the next time we venture into a very remote area. Until then, I don’t want to add another item to the back of the PTV.
Which reminds me… I should empty out the PTV, vacuum, and reload. Ugh! I’d rather read.
“It being too cold for long walks, the crew and I run outside several times in short bursts, for exercise and potty time.”
What? I thought you had a toilet in the Casita for you. *LOL* I know corny huh? Nice horse pictures and I am in awe at Reggie’s switch leg pee routine.
Hi, Jim,
I looked at that sentence after I wrote it and saw how it seemed like I was lifting my leg over bushes, too — haha! — but I was too lazy to rewrite it.
The “switch leg pee routine” — Remember how Charlie Chaplin would walk away and hop with his legs to one side? Reggie’s side-to-side hops, flinging his legs out, reminds me of that.
You know, Reggie is so light and limber that he can lift his hind legs up, both at the same time, and hold them there, standing on only his front legs. It’s the most amazing thing!
You couldn’t have gotten a better little crew member than Reggie. He is just adorable and already loves you like crazy. You can see it in his eyes.
You’re right, Jim. One special thing I can’t convey is how sweet he is when he wakes in the night, realizes where he is and who he’s with, and gives me a few kisses, buries his forehead in my neck, then curls up again for more sleep, head against my heartbeat. My tender boy!
How precious is that!
Oh Yes, RVSue, you can and did convey the special things Reggie does when he wakes and realizes where he is and how fortunate he is, with kisses, snuggles and his head against your heartbeat. What a way with words you have. Thanks for the great pictures also.
JazzLover
Sue,
Very cool post. Love the pic of the Cowboy and also the wild horses.
Have you ever seen the wild horses on Cumberland Island here in Georgia? I have not but I hear they are beautiful too. Maybe later this summer I can get down there and try to see them. Sometimes you can and other times they are out of sight. I guess that is true with most horses in the Wilds. If you ever come back to Georgia for a visit then maybe you could add the Cumberland Island horses to your list of states.
Hi, Pamela,
No, I’ve never seen the Cumberland Island horses. I intended to, but like so many intentions while living in a regular house and working, I never got around to it. Plus there were all those years I didn’t go anywhere, saving for the BLT and all that was necessary for this lifestyle.
I hope you do go and see them. I’ll have to get my wild horse fix in the West. I can’t imagine going back to Georgia.
Thanks for the “cool post” compliment! I have more cowboy photos for the next post..
Good morning, Sue. I’ve read this post 3 times now–the photos, Reggie’s tripod pee, the photo of Bridget (is she waiting for a lull in the storm to go potty?), the gorgeous scenery, and the horses. They all bring such gratitude to my heart for the amazing places we’re very privileged to occupy here on the big blue marble; for your kind & gracious heart & for sharing your life with us, especially for your skill with the Benchmarks. Thank you.
Good morning, Dawn,
We’re both up and online early this morning! A 3-time read… Now that’s a nice compliment! Thank you.
I was going to take some photos of the crew to break up all the Ruby Valley stuff, and that’s what I got from Bridget. She was in one of her moods again. I took a couple of photos with her ducking out of frame and then gave up. Exasperating! Reggie is clueless about the camera. The difficulty with him is he moves all the time. I have a photo collection of white and brown blurs!
We do have a lot to be grateful for . . . The wonders never cease. I hope your day reveals many of them, Dawn.
She was probably in one of her moods because you made it snow again. What were you thinking? 🙂
You may be on to something, Rick. It would fit that Bridget, thinking I’m all-powerful, blames me for any discomfort. 😉
Love your blog
Hi, Paul . . . Love that you do. 🙂
Waiting for dawn we could feel weight in the air,I say we because the pups behavior,(they’d intermittently look at me for reassurance that nothing dangerous or threatening was nearby) let me know that they felt it,too.The down pouring rain,wasn’t causing it-this was an unmitigated force.Wind ,unabated,remained when the rain left,it wasn’t the cause either.The raw power felt was coming from the lake itself-the sheer strength in it and it’s waves as they crashed owned the place.
When we get heavy rain rivers,run offs and creeks pour swiftly into it so the lake rises-afterwards everything subsides in sound,movement and size except what is still happening here as I type this.Those familiar with ocean beaches during storms may know the feeling of standing within that,to be inland and have it is astonishing.I have a boat trailer down there now that the waves are pulling on.I considered the way it’s anchored and how many pounds it has ,realized it will most likely hold it’s ground, grinned,came inside for a while.Even I get that I’m no match for the lake when it’s like that,it can take the thing for all I care-I’d consider this morning’s experience worth it.Good morning,Sue,I hope your atmosphere is calmer yet as wondrous to you .
What a gift it is to receive times like that- and know that you’ll understand why I find it more precious than a piece of equipment!Folks around here will consider this a nasty few hours.I’ll be sympathetic,of course, in discussing it, and how it made them unhappy, with them if I can’t avoid the topic.I find my loving it is most often best not mentioned,as you can likely well imagine.Snuggles and hugs to the crew and you 🙂
Hi, weather, and good morning to you and your troupe!
Fascinating experience with the air pressure (for lack of a better term… well, atmosphere is better) from the lake. I don’t know if I’ve ever experienced that. . . I haven’t lived by water until lately and rarely in turbulent weather.
I know what you mean about not trying to explain that which is beyond communicating within the restrictions of mere, spoken words. One comes across to others as being daft. Well, yes, being daft is delightful! Ha! But it does bother and confuse people . . . . Better to leave the ethereal, mystical, magical moments unsaid in small-talk encounters.
I relate your view toward the boat trailer in jeopardy to my recent experience with strong winds jolting and jostling the BLT. I found myself cheering it on! “C’mon, is that all you’ve got?” It’s enthralling to be in the middle of wild power.
The crew was up before dawn wanting their meat breakfast. I complied with their wishes, and now I’m rewarded with two sleeping pups. Hope all is well with yours, too, including the feathered ones.
“C’mon…”-enthralling to be in the middle of wild power-exactly!!
I had joked with the wildlife officer before the storm’s arrival. Having explained that I live in a 17-foot fiberglass trailer, I reacted to the info she gave me about 50-60 mph winds… “If you see a big egg bouncing through the valley past your window, that’s me!” She laughed and then replied drily, “I won’t see it. The wind is going south and I’m north of you.”
Gotta luv it,she sounds cool,I’ll bet being stationed where she is she’s seen and felt some amazing events…not a place for the timid of heart to enjoy.Ha!Unless it were within a tornado I can’t see your egg bouncing-but it sliding on it’s side speeding across the land would be a ride to remember.I remember winter before last someone on here,Tom maybe?,was in a Texas storm that was tossing building and cars around,though.He positioned his trailer so the wind wouldn’t hit the sides and rode it out unmoved and intact.You really do have ,because you can move it,a safer home than most on earth,sweet!
Hilarious… The BLT sliding on its side down the valley with me and the crew looking out the back window, transfixed…. There are probably folks in cyberspace who would love to see that! Haha!
Good to hear that story about Tom in Texas. I’ll remember that!
😉 -to the first part
🙂 -to the last, nice to have a rig what’s not just P-closer to invincible
Jeeze RVSue FANTASTIC pictures!! In the last post your pics were also FANTASTIC! I really love the horses. You need a bigger lap so both the “kids” can be there at the same time…Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us. Sure missed you when you were gone.
You’re welcome, Krystina . . . Hello!
Well, that’s one of the nicest messages I’ve ever received! It thrills me to have someone react enthusiastically to my photos. Thank you for writing that!
Yeah, like I need a bigger lap. To have a bigger lap, one needs a bigger behind, and I think mine is big enough. 🙂
It’s nice to be missed. Are you at a new camp on the coast? I hope you are enjoying more balmy, beautiful, beach living!
I didn’t notice Ventura after your name… You like it there!
Good Morning Sue, well my coffee got cold, I was so busy trying to catch up from the weekend flurry of comments, and also the 2 new posts that popped up from when I left on Friday….Amazing pictures and again, amazing comments from the blogorinos…love them all….
I love the wild horses, but then again I love horses…About 20 years ago, when I was in my late 40’s, I took riding lessons…I rode many times when I was a kid, growing up, but never had any formal lessons…then one day while driving past the local stables that I used to rent horses from, I thought that now is the time. I took lessons for a couple of months, and really, really liked it…got to ride every week without renting a horse from the stables and learned so much about technique…Now in my old age, I have the opportunity to ride again, as my best friend has 3 horses on her ranch for me to ride…but I think I may pass, I just don’t know if the old hips will be able to swing up over the back of those lovely creatures, but then again just watching them run in the field and pastures just tickles me just as much. Enjoy your Day Sue, and I hope many more horses are to be in your future.
Hello to Weather, missed you.
Hi Shirlene,it’s sweet of you to notice my “being absent” 🙂 -Ha!recess always was something I kinda had to drag myself away from…still is,in a lot of ways,depending on why I take one.I’m really glad you’re back after your week end.Was it fun?
Hi Weather, nice of you to ask, my weekend was both fun, full of friends and relaxing….No greater time can be spent than with friends that you love and care about…dinner with some, breakfast and lunch with others…it felt like all I did Saturday was eat! Sunday was my day of rest and rest I did….I binged on (watched in succession) Breaking Bad..although I know that you probably don’t have a clue of what I am talking about, but trust me, YOU would not have watched it. The weather was wonderful, as was the Ocean, which was a bit churned up this weekend, but as always beautiful. One of my favorite things to do is drive along the ocean (Pacific Coast Hwy) where there are fire rings and smell the fires that are burning and see the masses of people huddling around the warmth of the fire at sunset…As long as I live, that will be one of my favorite smells of my life, that and a campfire while camping…simple pleasures that I know you understand.
I hope you and your troupe have a lovely day whatever weather you are enjoying, as you enjoy everything that He gives you..
Hugs to you and your troupe.
Eavesdropping on your conversation with weather… Interesting! You make me yearn for the ocean!
You’re on your way! I know that is where you are heading…the smells are amazing. Thanks for your comment. I also yearn for where you are everyday.
yep,totally get it,and love all of it,when I lived there and now-imagine my joy in Novembers here when the doors and windows are wide open to hear and smell the lake,autumn and pines while I have a fire in the fireplace waiting as I walk away from one on the beach…
Your week end sounded wonderful!!! I’m so glad for you,consider the troupe loved on a bit extra for you and Sue(love having my feathered ones being included,sigh..)
hugs back to you and yours,I’m off to have “outside time” 🙂
How fortunate you’ve been, Shirlene, to have those experiences with horses. I’m glad you had the initiative and resources to take lessons which enriched your life. 🙂
Thank you for wishing me more horses in the future. Sweet.
If you get a gas can, look for a Jerry can. They are hard to find but better than the junk out there in the market place now days. Keep the gas can outside of your PTV. Maybe on the rear bumper? These new gas cans are plastic and leak like a sieve. You’ll need a Jerry can nozzle too. You may not be able to lift a full 5 gallon Jerry can but cowboys and rangers can help you fill the tank. When your gas gauge starts getting low is the time to use the your Jerry can. The Germans invented the Jerry can in WW II and it was such a good design our Army started using and then manufacturing them. This is why they are called Jerry cans.
You are such a wealth of information…awesome.
He is!
Thanks for the advice, Joe. No, I wouldn’t want a gas can inside the PTV.
Don’t know if you’ll see this, but you might look at “Rotopax.” These are “cans” that are meant to fit on various mounts on the outside of the rig. They are flat and come in various capacities. Some stack together. I like more/smaller ones because they are easier for me to handle when full. I like to be able to handle them myself and just can’t do 5-6 gallons in one container.
Pen,
You are so right about the ROTOPAX! They are ~ the only ones~ that are fully approved for long term travel too! Many insureance companies will not pay a claim if the gas cans are not fully approved, especially if a claim is due to something caused by or related to the gas cans. I was surprised to learn this info from my motorcycle group of riders. When I heard about it I read up on it and sure enough that info is correct about being the only ones fully approved. Good of you to comment on them! They lay flat and even have special locks for stacking, very cool and functional in design. They can be pricey but for good reasons. They are the only ones I would ever concider buying and using long term.
Hi Sue!
I wish I was sitting in your chair in the first pic!!! Beautiful location!!!
Missed ya! 🙂
That campsite scene with beckoning lounger gives a good and true impression of what it feels like to be here.
It’s nice to know I was missed. Thanks for stopping by, Marla…
Hi Marla, hope your weekend was good….on to next weekend….have a good week…We will have coffee tomorrow morning together I hope…and anyother blogorino that happens along…
Hey Shirlene!
Yes, I look forward to coffee in the morning…weekend was rather stressful…that fire that they have named “Highway Fire” that started Sat night was about 1 mile from our house! We could see the flames, hear the intense inferno (so incredibly scary sounding), and the smell was horrible. Our house is still covered in ash, but thankful the firefighters prevented any home loss. We were about 5 streets away from the ones that had to be evacuated!
home loss….jeez… 🙂
Oohhh, so sorry….you are blessed in many ways…The Southern Cali fires are a force to be afraid of huh….All I have to worry about is Sunami…lol. Well remember your good luck and be happy everyday for another chance to keep your beautiful home. Glad everything is okay…I missed most of the info about the fires because I was bingeing on Breaking Bad….the news scares me. The weather pattern has changed and the winds are gone and so is the threat. Better times ahead.
Sheesh…I sound like Weather!
😉 someone’s gotta wear my Pollyanna hat while I’m out playing,feels good on,doesn’t it?
🙂
Yeah, I’m with you regarding the news, we barely ever watch it, so depressing. We watched Breaking Bad sometime last year, too…rented from Netflix, so we would spend hours catching up. We are watching “Better Call Saul” now, the spin off from Breaking Bad. Once you start watching these shows, you just get sucked in!
Yep, sucked in all day Sunday…can’t wait to finish it so I am free again!
Oh my goodness, what wonderful pictures and postings – from the blogorinos too!
Sue, that last picture of the solitary horse is so beautiful. It just says “wild west, freedom.”
Of course, following up with a pic of cowboys is always a good thing. Gotta love those cowboys!
Honestly, your last couple of posts have really given me wanderlust. Thankfully, it’s warming up here and we’ll be heading to the Adirondacks – so I’ll be set for the summer.
Hi, Applegirl,
I know a post is a success when it makes people want to hit the road! Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed this one.
You’re off to the Adirondacks soon… How wonderful that must be! Enjoy!
HI Everyone….I haven’t read this post yet because I finally went out traveling in my little RT and just got back. I wanted to tell everyone that the Kindle Fire HD7 is on sale today for $79 instead of the original $139 so I’m ordering it from Sue’s website as soon as I post this message.
Thanks, Linda Rose! I missed seeing that sale or I would’ve put up an ad. I appreciate you going to Amazon from my blog.
Hi Sue,
Great post (and blog). I have a male chihuahua that does #1 in the snow just like Reggie. 🙂 I also have 2 female Chi’s and 2 cats. Bridget and Reggie are so cute. I was reading your post to my mom who is 72 and showing her the images of your camp and she couldn’t believe you were out there alone. I told her this was my dream as well and that I planned on living similarly in the not to distant future and she expressed such fear for me as a single woman. Just out of curiosity what do you tell friends/family that express fear for you? I would like to find a way to alleviate fear before I hit the road.
Thank you and I look forward to following your awesome blog! It truly is an inspiration. ~Ann
Hi, Ann,
Thank you for complimenting me on my blog and for sharing it with your mother.
I wish I had great advice for you when friends and family express fear for your safety traveling alone. I didn’t have to deal with much of that. My co-workers looked at me like I was nuts or they were terribly confused and couldn’t imagine what I planned to do. One friend was panicky, but then she panics about a lot of things. Mostly my response is in the form of a question. What is there to be afraid of? Anything brought up I could shoot down quickly. Ha!
Most fear for women doing something by themselves is a conditioned response not based in reality. Do what you want. Go where you want to go.
FDR said it best, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
I didn’t mean to sound flippant when I said I could shoot down any fears…. This is what I mean.
Fearful friend/family: What if someone comes along to bother you?
Answer: Odds are much better that no one will, much better than around people. I can be bothered/threatened anywhere. I’m not going to hide in a routine life because of an unlikely “what if.”
Fearful friend/family: What if you have a flat tire far away from everybody, all by yourself?
Answer: Fix-a-flat, air compressor, cell phone, emergency road service
People run out of specific fears pretty quickly because mostly their fears are a generalized feeling of uncertainty when presented with something they hadn’t considered a possibility…. especially for a woman.
Hi Sue,
You didn’t sound flippant at all. I appreciate all of your suggestions and will make use of them. My mom actually said when I showed her the picture of your camp, “What if some crazy person showed up and attacks her?” I did tell her that was highly unlikely but that you were prepared as I would be. 🙂
Thank you and I look forward to following and reading your blog!
Keying in on “she couldn’t believe you were out there alone” and “as a single” ,to me implies that perhaps the notion of one being without help may be an issue that’s causing concern or fear.I hope it’s alright to add a suggestion.
Perhaps showing someone a US map of Verizon’s phone and internet coverage,Good Sam’s and triple A’s service areas,chain motel and hotel availability ,etc.-to show that “on the road” need not be without rest in more posh rooms than an RV,without people and their chats,company and help anymore than living in a building and driving to places everyday is?Assuming that you already prepare your own food and pump your own gas,on occasion walk outside,visit parks,shop with out an escort among strangers of both genders ,it really need not be described as very different…Photos of wee trailers in the wilderness can mistakenly be taken to mean that one intends to embark on a solo expedition to “the land of beyond all help/ hope to survive”
Good sam Road service stinks.I blew a wheel bearing last year and this year.Last year they said that I was too far away from a service provider so I should drive on the shoulder of I-40 for 30 miles.This year they said that I would have to wait for 3 days for someone to come.They are administered by Allstate which is the worst insurance company out there according to my wife who is a retired insurance person.I am done with good sam road service.Managed to find someone on my own.
Thank you for pointing this out Chas. Hopefully there are other alternatives. Perhaps triple A?
I don’t mean to sound “callous,” (i.e. that you don’t care about your friends’ worries), but I find the opposite, which is that when I start detailing each fear or situation, and then why it won’t happen or how I’ve prepared for it, it just sort of digs things in deeper (because there is always something more that someone can bring up that could happen). Hence I tend to just go on ahead and do things, without really detailing justification to other folks. And/or just acknowledge the concern, but then move on (e.g. “It’s so nice to have friends who care about me. Thanks! I’m really looking forward to seeing the mountains in Montana (or whatever).”
Just another approach.
You don’t sound callous Sidewinder Pen. I appreciate your input. Thank you.
Thank you weather. I appreciate your suggestions a great deal.
🙂 Mother’s hearts can feel like offspring are their “little ones” forever in ways.I hope your mom becomes happy about you enjoying new things.
I am putting the trailer on the lake and buying a Class C.Settled on a Forest River Sunseeker 3010 Ds .Before I break the bank, does anyone have one or have any comments? Was going to buy a Leprechaun but bad reviews about front water leaks at the seams caused me to look at the Sunseeker which has a one piece molded fiberglass front with no seams.
You probably have seen this while doing your own research (might not be relevant to the model/year): Forest River Sunseeker Recalls
BLOGORINOS….
Do you have anything to say about the Forest River Sunseeker that Chas is considering?
Sue, This has nothing to do with your blog entry, so feel free to erase this entry if you want to…but I would be remiss not to warn all of you based on our recent experience, which is still not over. Hubby retired from working a govt job and this January they decided to force us to use CVS Pharmacy…but since the nearest one is about 90 minutes from our house in WA, we are allowed to use their mail pharmacy. So he sent in all of my prescriptions from my Washington doc….had to get one out there as we are there for awhile. They filled all but this one medicine that is a name brand medicine. All my others are dirt cheap (either generic or just way cheap…$5 or so). We had to come to NC and it was too soon to renew my expensive drug ($80 per month). So when they did send it, it was the generic which for some reason will not work (keeping blood pressure down). They had called my former NC doc and got permission from his staff to order the generic. His nurse does not even know us. Hubby has spent hours on the phone (fortunately he had made a copy of all the prescriptions prior to sending them into the mail pharmacy). So today we went by our old doc here in WA (whom they called to ok using the generic…but who had not seen me for at least 18 months…probably illegal actually to get his ok when he had not seen me in that long…?) and filled them in on what was going on and asked them to please correct it, even though this doc did not write the current prescription. The last time I tried the generic, and got worse, was years ago…so CVS had to look back years to find that I one time took it. The last notice said that they would BEGIN to fill it (with which drug I am not sure) in mid June…not I would have it then…but they would begin to process it. I will run out long before that. I did get a call tonight that the correct drug would be sent in a few days…so we shall see. But just wanted to warn all the blogarinos that if they are using CVS mail order pharmacy to be very careful as they are obviously doing illegal things!! DO make a copy of whatever prescriptions you mail into them!! If like me you can only use the name brand med, make sure your doctor’s office will not give them permission via phone to use something else.
I have been very stressed between these crazy car accidents and this…really great for someone with high blood pressure!! We went for a drive in the country today…that was soothing. Well, if you want to remove this Sue feel free…it might be helpful advice for ANY pharmacy one uses anyway.
There’s no reason to remove your comment, Elizabeth. This is what you experienced and you’re sharing it, hoping to inform readers and prevent them from experiencing something similar. I’m sorry you and your husband have been going through all this.
Thanks Sue…have been afraid to even take my bp with all this…but feeling calmer tonight. I hope it helps someone else if same occurs to them. I am not sure Hubby has ever made a copy of prescriptions before sending them in, before this…but we are very glad he did. I think from now on, this will be our practice.
Well, as of this morning…another STUPID email…refusing to send my correct prescription!! So back to square one!! WARNING…BEWARE OF CVS PHARMACY…esp. the mail order one…which by the way, also controls the regular drug store ones…the one locally also refused to fill my prescription yesterday, because of the control of the email one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, noooo!
Goodness,Elizabeth,what a frustrating series of encounters you’ve been through!I pray that in between drives and contacts with drug stores and companies you find moments of peace and happiness.Years ago I needed a prescription refilled and found for some reason they needed a doctor’s express permission and/or hand written new one…Anyway,I physically went there and asked them to phone his practice,and they did.I had to wait there until they straightened things out,yet it worked.Perhaps you might do well to go to a CVS and ask the pharmacist or assistant to call a doctor who could Fax them a script stating that only the brand name be used to fill it?
You may have already done that,or for other reasons just have to wait.Until you do get the right pills,may His healing and grace keep you well.
Weather, the doctor who wrote THIS current prescription, did mark the box, no substitution…namebrand only. But it is expensive so they don’t want to let me have it, even though a month’s worth costs us $80. We could get our doc to get ahold of another pharmacy, but I am still not sure it would work. I can see this if you are using something narcotic, but this is only for blood pressure. Hubby called later after my note here and someone told him that we would have the correct one in 2 days…even though that is not what the email says. So we wait. A couple days. Then will have to start on something else because I will run out ere too long. Sigh…I hate meds. I am working on the weight…it MIGHT help…but not necessarily with the blood pressure. I have been reading about some other things the last couple days…so maybe I will find another solution be it herbal or whatever…It is one part of health that is risky to deal with…strokes happen easy. But we do the best we can and then hope GOD steps in for the rest. I do so wish I would not need to take a single pill!! Thanks for your suggestions. Once we get back to WA, I will probably have more time to work on this…and call the stupid drug company every single day if need be. Years ago I had VERY good help from the state insurance commissioner. Have no idea if there is a good one now…but back then, I got some apologies and fast pay on some health bills…but I had to do a lot of research…and write letters, make phone calls. But both those bills were somewhat large too…so it was worth my time. It is so infuriating with this situation as our doc DID write the correct prescription. They have chosen not to honor it. All about money and our wonderful health care system now. I hope that in spite of their emails, I will receive what I need soon.
Hubby has broken out in something tonight…hives? I figure it is this unneeded stress right now. We have kind of a time limit on us anyway due to needing to get back to the WA daughter…and so much to do. Oh well…our problems are very small compared to those of others. But I do want to warn others of what is going on. Our son’s company in this state too, just forced them to use the same pharmacy and he says it has been a nightmare…so I guess we are not the only ones.
Glad to hear about that phone call means hopefully Thursday you’ll get it!.I love your way of seeing our problems as small compared to those of others-so true!We are blessed in so many ways that most on earth aren’t…
The Bayfield Bunch bought a 23′ 2012 Sunseeker Class C that they quickly sold after finding it to be too small. They then replaced it with a 26′ Winnebago that they also found to be too small.
No other complaints posted about the Sunseeker only the size for them.
thanks I am getting the 32 footer