Before we begin, a note:
Most of the photos in this post do not match the text. In order to break up the print, I inserted shots of a recent sunset seen at our camp at Midland LTVA, Blythe, California.
Friday, November 10
Early this morning coyotes circle the Best Little Trailer, howling their lamentations and yipping their choruses. Roger jumps up and attacks the back window, barking frantically and growling.
Reggie doesn’t get involved.
He lets Roger handle the situation. That’s one of the perks of being second in command.
After about twenty minutes, the songs of the traveling coyote minstrel band fade as they move across the desert toward the main part of Midland LTVA.
“Good job, Rog. Now let’s go back to sleep.”
Daybreak is potty time.
Wandering around the BLT we find coyote scat not more than ten yards from our bedroom window. The crew sniffs the blue mat in a manner that indicates our visitors were outside our door, too.
~ ~ ~
“We have GOT to do laundry today!”
The last time I did the wash was . . . let’s see . . . Good heavens! I haven’t done wash since that laundromat in Green River, Utah!
That was before our camps at Turtle Mountain Wilderness, Las Vegas Bay, Sand Mine Road Mesa (Overton, NV), Cedar Pocket (Virgin River Gorge south of St. George), and Maple Grove Campground (Salina, UT).
I think it’s time, wouldn’t you say?
The closet by the door of the BLT was once used for storage. That didn’t work well. The large bureaus that I added to the interior in March 2016 provide enough storage.
(See the post: “Beauty and the Best Little Trailer: A Casita makeover.”)
Now the top half of the closet is where I hang my shirts and coat. The bottom of the closet serves as a hamper.
Today I remove the dirty laundry and throw it out the door.
Oh, the joy of boondocking in the desert . . .
I strip the bed and pull up the runner rugs. I even take the curtains off the BLT’s three big windows. I sort it all and pile it into the Perfect Tow Vehicle, along with the crew.
We head for the coin laundry in Blythe.
Saturday, November 11
The freshness of clean bedding, curtains, and rugs inspires me to give the BLT a thorough cleaning.
Really thorough.
I even clean the desert dust out from behind the bureaus and remove the stove top to clean underneath it.
Reggie and Roger are stunned!
See this bed they’re on?
(Never mind the grumpy faces. The sound of turning on the camera woke them from a snooze.)
I got the pillow-bed on sale at Ace Hardware.
$19.99 marked down to ten bucks. The cover even has a zipper so it can be washed. It probably won’t last as long as a pricier bed, but who cares for ten smackers!
~ ~ ~
Important Anniversary!
It gives me great pleasure to announce that November is the sixth anniversary of my Optima batteries!
For photos and details about these batteries, go to the drop down menu under Solar Power in the header. You can also follow this link to Amazon:
Optima Batteries 8040-218 D35 YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
In mid-November of 2011 the batteries became the essential “center” of my solar set-up and they’ve resided inside the Perfect Tow Vehicle all this time, storing the power we need for our home.
At that time I said, “If these batteries last five years, I will be very pleased.”
Well, I’m way more than pleased!
~ ~ ~
One more sunset photo before I close . . . .
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!
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~ ~ ~
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First?
GOOD JOB, BRUCE! YOU’RE FIRST TODAY! YAY!
Happy Anniversary to your batteries! LOL
Bet that panic horn would have made the coyotes think twice?
Happy Anniversary
Beautiful sunset photos Sue, and Happy Anniversary on the batteries, always nice to have equipment last longer than anticipated. Love the picture of the pups waking from their snooze on their comfy new bed…looks very snuggly!!
Sue and crew, I just love the photos in todays blog. Especially the puppy dog pillow shot. Those boys are the cutest things. BUT, it also makes me sad, as Tuesday night a week ago my traveling companion and friend, The Donald passed away. He lived a great life and was always by my side and really loved to travel. It’s funny how he would always know when I was mad or sad or happy or just needed him to stay beside me. As border collies go he did live a long time, 14 years.
Anyway on a happier note, I love seeing the crew have such fun together.
Stay safe out there my friend, judy
Judy, I am so sorry about The Donald! Be comforted that you gave him the best life ever!
I am so sorry for your loss, Judy. I too lost my traveling companion last August. I had her for seven years before lymphoma took her. Just before Thanksgiving, I found another canine friend who I think will live up to Daisie’s legacy. Rozco is coming along nicely (he’s a rescue from the California fires). I hope you can find room in your heart someday for another canine love. No rush. These things happen in their own time.
Oh,, Judy, I know you’re heartbroken. Border collies are such wonderful creatures and when you know one personally that one you know is the best of the best. I wish there were words to comfort you during this awful time of loss.
R.I.P. The Donald…
Sorry for your loss. Border Collies will always be my fave.
So sorry to read about The Donald! I have had dogs all my life! Saying goodbye to a best friend is never easy. I have learned over the years that there is always another dog looking for someone to love and comfort whether its in a shelter or a stray like Roger! Another dog will not replace The Donald, it might however, fill your heart with even more love. It has always worked out this way for me💗💝💜
Sorry for your loss. RIP, The Donald
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend, companion and confidante. May you find peace in your memories of the love you shared.
I am so sorry. Every border collie I’ve met has been unique in their own special way, so I know this has to be hard. Sending you many virtual hugs!
Sorry for your loss Judy. Losing a pet is never a good thing. Hope you can find it in your heart & spirit of adopt another pet. Shelter pets are the best.
Judy- I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful pet. They bring so much joy to our lives and like family it is so hard when they leave us. In God’s kindness, I know that we will see them again. Take care.
I’m sooo sorry. 😔 😢
The Donald will remain in your heart forever. I’m so sorry for your loss it’s so hard to lose a loved one. Sending huggs to you.
Had to say hi. I’m sure it will be the only time I am in the top ten!
Reading about Coyote’s reminded me of some personal Coyote stories. My mom had a dog named Dinky that was so loyal he would wait outside near the gate hour after hour when they were away. One time many years ago while watching their house while they were on vacation I caught sight of a Coyote out of the corner of my eye jumping the fence while watching TV at night. I thought wow, there’s Coyotes in the yard, and then thought oh no Dinky! I ran to the front door to see Dinky in the mouth of the Coyote! I ran at it yelling and it freaked out and dropped poor Dink who ran into the house. Needless to say we did not let the dogs out unsupervised after that and closed the doggie door! The Angels were looking out that night, that’s for sure! Now that I live in a retirement park in the hills we have Coyote issues. One gal a month ago was bitten several times during the daytime when she went to check on her dog in the backyard and save it from the Coyote .
I also use to love sleeping under the stars, but one night camping in the desert I awoke to a Coyote licking me(tenderizing the meat) in the face. I looked up, he stepped back, we stared, he left. I still slept under the stars, but another time while turning over at dawn in my mummy bag I looked down before putting my head down to see a scorpion where my face was! Started using tents after that!
Funny you should mention batteries. Went out to the car this morning and it would not start. No slow start nothing. Fortunately I was home. Took it out of the car and it was 5 1/2 yrs old. On my way to the auto parts store. Love the sunset pictures.
Hi Sue,
That is good news on the batteries. Got a new smart phone and now I can read your posts anytime. Happy Thursday from work. Still working on my downsizing and getting closer to freedom.
Norman
Happy Anniversary LOL…..I love hearing the coyotes some when I take the dog out at night. 7Ours aren’t quite as close though. I’m doing laundry today also 🙂
Hi Sue, that is a good anniversary…last night I brought a Honeywell True Hepa Air Purifier through your web link to Amazon…we have enter the dreaded air stagnation period here in Phx…Actually, been saving up for a sale….I have had the arcadia doors opened (sunrise to sunset) which means a quick dusting every morning but that is okay, 650 sq ft doesn’t take long to get a swifter treatment…last two days have been overcast; funny, the news folks go on and on about the gray skies…it is only once in a while so I just enjoy it…and the electric bill is done to 35 bucks/month since Oct and who knows how long into Dec…though yesterday I got out one of my WIPs (work in Progress) (2017 Temperature Blanket King Size I’m crocheting) and it is long enough to provide covering for my legs…current temp is 70* with a hi of 80*…which is quite nice…I have placed the “blue pillow bed with pups” as part of my rotation of screen savers…I too stretch out the laundry days…up to 6 six weeks…when I retired I had many sets of scrub uniforms mostly not worn because after I went hog wild at a sale I got enough scrubs for 2 weeks THEN my employer decided on a new policy – different colored scrubs to designate different job descriptions, WELL, I needed to change to dark blue so all of my different multiple color and pet designed scrubs were packed away and I got 2 weeks of dark blue…When I retired, I pulled out those scrubs and have enjoyed them; good for yard work, grubbing around the house, painting…then once in the apt quick to grab when having to take Miss Mollie out late at night…I don’t know when it will be time to get out the winter stuff as our weather is still quite pleasant…
Well, look at me, chatty typist, LOL. Sue and boys, have a wonderful day!
Take Care
Let me take a wild guess….blue scrubs Banner Medical center.
Yep, BTMC. How Funny!
dark blue signifies nurse. It really wasn’t a wild guess…saw it on the wall at ER.
Good concept ON PAPER but not applicable because most folks lose their minds at the hospital and will ask the next person they see a question regardless of the color of the scrubs.
Not to mention, the money you spent to have a variation in your uniform. Upper management sometimes are clueless.
Beautiful photos in todays post, Sue. One of the things I miss about our house and land in SE AZ is the howl of coyotes at night. We are getting them here at north ranch, but it isn’t the same. Glad to know that Roger is keeping you and Reggie safe when they are near. 😉
Hi Lisa,
I’m at North Ranch too! What’s your rig? I’m in a Nash 22ft travel trailer with a little dog that looks a lot like Reggie, RvSue’s Dog. If ya see me say hi. I’m a regular RVSue follower.
Sue,
Love the photos in this post. Arizona has some of the best sunrises and sunsets. Can’t imagine doing all that laundry at one time. I wait 10 days and believe doing that much laundry will kill me, but it does wear me out!
Our coyotes have been making a lot of noise lately. I saw 3 of them the other evening, at dusk, when walking Rosie dog. She barked at them, thankful to know she’s not gonna want to play with them. Rosie thinks every dog, cat, or person should be as happy to see her as she is to see them.
Keep up the wonderful posts, I sure do enjoy them! Thank you!
How ya liking the Nash 22?
The Nash 17k is on my short list.
Mine, too, mrdsee!
mrdsee & Diann, I see you are considering a Nash 17k for your travels. I purchased a 17k June 28th and have been fulltime since then. Only 5 months, but so far I am very pleased with it. I love the floor plan and I was also attracted by the quality components Northwood uses in their units. Good luck with your search and finding the rig that is right for you.
Loved ALL the sunset photographs! Love how the colors reflect off the Casita! I remember all that renovation of your home! Really looks good!
Hahaha! Gotta laugh at the RR Duo on their new bed! What expressions on their faces!
Great news on those Optima batteries!! Those babies are not cheap and you have used them consistently for the past 6 years! Folks heading out on the road should heed this as a good honest recommendation from RVSue!
Belly rubs to the boys, good hugs to you! 💟💗💝💜
⚡️⚡️Happy Anniversary ⚡️⚡️
Hope you get a picture of one of those coyotes. I’m inching closer to a solar panel for the RV. Gonna read up on batteries. Beautiful pictures…even on a laundry day!
I’m not fond of coyotes. We live on the edge of town & this summer they woke me up with their yipping really close in…..like in the back yard close in. After the second time they woke me up our momma kitty came up missing. I suspect she had her kittens out teaching them to hunt and in trying to protect them they got her. We ended up as cat parents to the two kittens. I worry about them when I hear the coyotes or the great horned owls who also live in the neighborhood. Just not sure I want house cats again though they may have to be inside at night to keep them safe. Please keep a close eye on the pups, even during the daytime. Probably wouldn’t hurt to carry a ball bat when you’re out for walks in the early morning or evening.
I have a set of those drawers you mentioned that fit into a little nook behind my bedroom door. Love them. They hold so much + they were on sale when I bought them so they were fairly inexpensive.
Happy Battery anniversary in Blogorinoland!
Uh oh! Is Mr Roger alpha? That makes Reg third in command!
Coyotes are howling here also! Saw one walking on top of the cinderblock back wall! Yelled over to Sammy’s mom (don’t know her but she’s always calling Sammy…who apparently has selective hearing…the dog not her husband). She immediately saw the coyote and yelled at Sammy to get in the house. They are pretty bold and have plucked three small dogs from their backyards. I’ve read recently that mt lions and coyotes have made their way into San Francisco, from Marin and the peninsula.
The coy dogs in NY were mange looking.. and did not have pretty wolf like features!
Laundry and BLT once around…sounds like fun! Ok fess up…with the space you have in the BLT….does everything have its place or not?
Beautiful photos! Enjoy your evening.
Hi Sue and the crew…………..still riding along with you and loving the photos as always. Nothing like the scenery you have captured in the dessert. Best wishes to you from down under!
Hi Sue,
The sun came up in the fog today & we didn’t get much of a sunset. Thank you so much for yours.
I like to press F11 and get rid of the tabs at the top of the screen. Then line up the pictures and text to fit the screen on my tv. My computer is hooked up to the tv. I’ve got the size increased by using the Ctrl+. When I go in the kitchen to fix dinner or whatever, I line up a good photo and can see it from there or the table while we eat. It’s like looking out the window into your world. I just love to stand outside in that orange/pink/purple light.
I also have a wireless keyboard and have sat on my a** for days, weeks, maybe months on end binging on the whole blog, comments and all. I have read other blogs and gone back & read some of their old posts, but not from the beginning. I agree. It’s like reading a good book you don’t want to put down. And once you make the commitment, you can’t stop yourself. I was also reading it from the past and the present at the same time. Even when I caught up, found myself re-reading current posts to see new comments.
Miss you when you’re away. I know you need it. I almost “knocked” the other day to see if Reggie & Roger could come out to play 🙂
Love, Barb
Beautiful skies – so soothing!! I miss the yip-yip of coyotes nearby. It is such a primal sound. Something about bedding and rugs and curtains being all clean that feels like new beginnings, fresh starts, change of seasons – love it! Nice when batteries and other things last longer than expected 🙂
Coyotes are bold. “Bless their hearts!” LOL
Good to hear you respect their rigorous tribal nature. Keep the boys safe, Sue.
With a southern accent………..👍
I have never posted but I read the blog. Has anyone seen the news about dogs dying that are chewing bones. These have been sold across the country in pet stores. 16 dogs have died. I read about it on one of the pet websites.
I have read that story and it has been on the local and national news. I wish they would give the brands. I have bought soup bone type bones at the grocery for Angel. I always wondered about them.
We have had coyotes out behind the house off and on for two weeks. Makes me really leery about taking Angel out before bedtime as it is really dark in our community even though a lot of folks leave their porch lights one.
They say that loud noises keep them at bay, so I play country music really loud while we walk up to the corner. The little stinker won’t do any of her business in the yard.
I love these sunset photos. The pups expressions on the new pillow were so cute.
From the FDA website…its not “brand specific” but the “type” of bones that are causing problems.
The agency says it has received reports of pet illnesses related to bone treats, including those that are marketed as “ham bones,” “pork femur bones,” “rib bones,” and “smokey knuckle bones,” according to a statement. In at least 15 cases, dogs have died as a result of bad bones. Others experienced gastrointestinal maladies that led to vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum, and blocked digestive tracts. Some of those products may also have been dried from baking or smoking and may contain seasonings and preservatives.
We follow the “when in doubt…don’t” attitude. Same with items in our fridge…when in doubt…throw it out! Some things aren’t worth taking the chance…but that’s just our beliefs.
Thanks for the heads up. I give my dog an occasional round bone from a round steak. Of course, this is a rare occasion. I trust only bones that have been attached to a piece of meat that I have handled. Never cooked bones, never poultry bones, etc.
I think I am doing the right thing here.
Wow, 6 years from your Optima batteries. That is great for any brand, especially in full time use. Figure you are going through at least 300 discharge/charge cycles per year, that is upwards of 2000 cycles. Got your money’s work there for sure. All gravy now.
Hello from New Mexico! I think that I am finally adjusting to this life on the road. I got past most of my repairs, renovated this beast, learned a few things along the way and am so happy to see what is around the next bend in the road. Thank you for showing me the beauty of another place in our vast country. This is definitely an adventure that I may never leave.
Isn’t it great when you really get your money’s worth out of something these days! It just has to make you happy!
Just leaving my mark, but not like Reg and Rog do. Hi Missy… 🙂
Wow! Beautiful photographs of a beautiful sunset! Bet I’m the bazillionth person to say that. 🙂 Thanks for the tip about the Optima batteries. I’m researching and deciding on which to buy for my trailer and it’s always helpful to hear someone else’s experience.
Not to belabor the coyote concern. But, I was wondering if you still have your air horn available. That group that keeps visiting will give you a wide berth after a few times of being scared off by the sound. Just an idea.
That’s what I was referring to as “the panic horn”. It’s a pretty darn cool add on.
AKA as the “tooter”.
Missing St Mick’s input, wealth of information and willingness to assist anyone.
Just a friendly reminder, now that if you go to Amazon from one of Sue’s links and buy anything, not just the linked product, that Sue gets a small commission. It’s a great way to thank her for the blog!
Being awakened by a chorus of wild creatures is usually delightful. When the voices are those of coyotes so close to you and the boys the delight would be knowing they had moved on to other places, though. I’m glad you went back to sleep and had a chance to start your day over again. Ending that day on fresh bed linens must have felt just wonderful. The new bed for the pups looks great, how nice that you got such a bargain on it’s price!
You knew what your batteries and solar design was meant to deliver and didn’t exceed that capacity, lived within those limits. That may be contributing to their longevity. So many folks feel they simply can’t live without appliances that use a lot of energy, your going without those conveniences seems to have many benefits.
You paint a lovely picture – surrounded by a clean home, beautiful sunset, adorable crew…It pleases me ever so much to know those gifts are yours, and that you are aware of and appreciative of them . This post was a pleasure to read and look at, thank you, I enjoyed it very much. It was also a treat to see the older post again.
Hi All,
I have a question for anyone who cares to answer. Is anyone dry camping or boondocking with a compressor driven AKA as a residential refrigerator? If so, what is your set up like? Hope its OK if I ask this, Rv Sue. Don’t want to hijack the comments.
Thanks for any answers!
Terri
As my DIL stepped out of her house one night to walk her dog, she saw a neighbor step out of her front door across the street, with her small dog on a leash. A coyote came out from behind a bush and snatched the small dog, pulling the leash out of the lady’s hand. My DIL said she could hear the small dog crying as it was carried off by the coyote, with its leash still attached. I know – horrible – and I’m sorry for telling the story but I get so annoyed with people who leave their animals out in areas that have coyotes, even in their enclosed yard, because coyotes are great jumpers and can get over 7 foot fences easily. I don’t let my little terrier in the backyard during the day unless my 85 pound pit bull is with her, I never let her in the yard at night, and when I walk her at night I keep her on a very short leash.
Totally agree!
AO was never outside by herself when we lived in the woods and it hasn’t changed living in AZ.
Just a bit ago…We saw the coyote crossing the street heading over toward Sammy’s house…probably knows his pee “schedule”.
How unfortunate for your DIL to witness…those screams are hard to unhear!
Don’t be sorry about telling the story…you’re putting the info out there..hopefully it will save someone’s pet and the owner from anguish.
Some incidents are unavoidable- the leash….others are preventable-unattended.
I’m not a coyote hater…I think they are beautiful in their own way. We’ve learned to live with them….
Wow 6 years. Be my next ones when needed. I am at Cienegas grass lands (Az) on south end nice and quiet and cool.
And, um, about time you went to laundry!!! Lol.
Sue,
I am writing you to see if it is ok to use one of your pictures for a US Forest Service website. You visited Devil’s Canyon last year and took a great picture of the campground with your trailer. Is it ok if we use this as a picture for Volunteer.gov for Devils Canyon CG? Please email me back at your earliest convenience. Thanks!
Wow, flattering! Good on you Sue. All your photos are usually gorgeous and interesting. I LOVE this!
☺️☺️