Tuesday, August 12
“Goodbye cow beach! Goodbye sage grouse peckin’ ’round our front door! Goodbye pretty cove on Boulder Lake!”
The crew and I are on our way to a new camp.
It great to be on the road again!
Our first stop, about twenty miles northwest of Pinedale, Wyoming, is Warren Bridge Campground ($10 regular/$5 with senior pass) on Highway 189/191. The plan is to dump waste tanks, fill the fresh water tanks and one-gallon jugs, and dump trash before continuing further north.
I stop at a campsite to allow Bridget and Spike a little snoop-and-sniff time.
Then I load them up and drive around the campground loop toward the dump station. A woman comes out from the camp host site and waits for me by the road.
“Hi! Are you RVSue?” she calls out with a big smile.
Her name is Diane. Soon her husband Tom joins us at my window. They’re camp hosts at Warren Bridge, from May until September. I learn that they’ve been expecting me, having read my plans on this blog. We chat for a few minutes and as we leave, they wish us safe travels. The tasks completed (dump station: $5.00), the crew and I return to the highway and head toward Jackson.
Only we aren’t going all the way to Jackson today.
The plan is to find a boondock along Granite Creek where it flows out of the Gros Ventre Range. Online research, including Google earth, indicates it is a lovely meandering stream through hills with lots of grass and TREES! I’m excited about a riverside camp!
On the way, out of curiosity, I pull into Kozy Campground.
Like many national forest campgrounds, it’s been around for a while. Situated along the Hoback River, it’s small, rustic, and the parking pads are short. Tall grass, bushes, and small trees obscure a view of the river. Maybe in earlier days it was quite nice with visual and physical access to the river. These days it’s overgrown.
Spike and Bridge are happy to be let out again.
Spike’s nose hones in on a small stream that rushes along the campsite on its way to the river. (The photo below shows Spike’s boo-boo and the area around it that’s been shaved.)
“Okay, nutcakes, I hate to interrupt the fun, but it’s time to go. Our boondock is not far from here!”
Bridget lifts her head and immediately sprints to the Perfect Tow Vehicle.
Spike sees my hand signal for “come along,” and, being a good boy, he makes his way up the bank, too.
With great anticipation I pull out onto the highway.
As we approach the turn for Granite Creek Road, my hopes are dashed! A big white sign with black letters states that camping is allowed in campgrounds only from May something to September something.”
What? In a little more than three weeks we could boondock here, but not now?
Sonuva . . .
I turn up the road anyway and pull into a parking area for people who fish.
I gaze at the boondockers’ paradise spread out before us.
Darnit! It would’ve been so nice. Well, now what are we going to do . . . . Granite Creek Campground is ten miles up this winding dirt road. Ten miles of heaven-knows-what kind of road and then all the sites might be taken or too short . . . .
As I’m contemplating whether or not to drive to the campground, eight vehicles go up the road, including a Class C.
Oh shoot, I’m not following the crowd up that road. We’ll continue on Highway 189/191 to the next campground.
A few miles up the road I turn into Hoback Campground.
Similar to Kozy Campground, the sites are small, parking pads are short, and it’s overgrown with grass and weeds and nearly full. A guy is backing a 24-foot trailer into the best site in the campground. Typically the wife is outside making hand signals.
Well, we missed that primo site by a few minutes. I guess it’s back to Kozy Campground. (I’m ready to stop for the day. This closing of dispersed camping has really messed up my plans and I don’t want to keep driving.)
I go back to Kozy and all the sites bigger than car lengths are taken.
As I’m driving out, I meet the couple who were backing their trailer into the primo site at Hoback Campground. The man stops the truck next to my window.
“If you want that site, we’re not taking it. The level part isn’t quite long enough for our trailer, but yours would fit.”
I thank him, go back to Hoback, and grab that campsite.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you know my camera is damaged. I can’t still take photos with it, but I can’t see what is in the frame. I point, shoot, and hope for the best. For this reason I don’t have a decent photo of the Best Little trailer snuggled among the pines in the campsite.
I can, however, show you Hoback River as seen from our campsite.
The fee at Hoback is $15 regular/$7.50 with senior pass. I pay for one night. The crew and I have an early supper (I skipped lunch), and then we relax together. This is a pretty campsite. No close neighbors. Very quiet except for the road noise. Good for a an overnight.
I keep a close eye on Bridget and Spike because at the edge of our campsite there’s a sharp drop to the fast current of the river below.
“Hey, we have water spigots here!”
It suddenly occurs to me this would be a good time to wash the mud off the PTV.
I fill up a basin with water from the spigot and, using my long-handled brush, the job is easy under Spike’s capable supervision.
Later that evening . . .
An internet connection at Hoback Campground isn’t available, as the campground is between close, steep mountains. Instead I read my Paperwhite while a light rain taps the roof and puts the crew into a deep slumber.
I wish I knew how big an area this camp-only-in-designated-campgrounds rule covers. Boy, that throws a monkey-wrench into things. People who planned to disperse camp are filling up the campgrounds. Hmm . . . I wonder where that couple with the trailer are spending the night. It was nice of them to send us to this site.
Gee, I can’t plan on boondocking . . . . Well, I’ll figure out what to do tomorrow.
rvsue
NOTE: Our present camp, which will be revealed in a future post, picks up 1X + 1 bar for internet. It took 5 1/2 hours for me to put this post together. (Please overlook any errors; I’m not going to edit.) Replying to the comments at the end of the previous post and also to those appearing under this post would probably take a full day. I’m sorry I cannot join in the conversation. I am glad, however, that I can read what you have to say. You blogorinos are a talkative and entertaining bunch!
Thanks again for the kind wishes and prayers for Spike. He’s having good days.
THANKS ALSO FOR SHOPPING AMAZON THROUGH MY BLOG!
First?
OK, I waited a day to see if someone else, that haven’t, so I will. Yes, yes, yes, Toni you are first!
Phyllis in Oklahoma
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. You’ll figure out something but where you are is pretty, even if not free.
Yes, it was really nice of that guy to tell you about the available site! You got the van washed..so you made good use of your day! Glad Spike is doing better & can be treated for his problems. Good luck with your looking for boondocking sites! What are the temps?
Hey Sue, I am glad you were at least able to check in with us. It may not be the spot you were hoping for but this is still a very pretty site. Living the dream with detours along the way is still living the dream!! Smile!!
I don’t understand…” A big white sign with black letters states that camping is allowed in campgrounds only from May something to September something” Doesn’t that mean you CAN camp there now??
I think it means that you can only camp in campgrounds during that time, no dispersed or boondocking. That’s a shame, it was a lovely area!
THANK YOU, CARI!!!!!
I don’t find the sign confusing, but I think the placement would bring some clarity. If it were inside the campground, then it would be telling the reader these are the dates you can camp inside the campground. If it stands on BLM grounds, it’s telling the reader you can ONLY camp in the campground, not on public grounds, during those dates. Otherwise there would be no need for the sign to be placed on BLM ground at all. That’s my take. Lol
Don’t feel like the lone Ranger Pauline, that has/had me puzzles too.
Someday I will learn to proof read before posting. I meant puzzled.
Yeah, Pauline, that’s what I thought. Guess you and I would be in the pokey for camping when it’s a big no-no. If you’re anything like Sue, that wouldn’t be bad at all.
I’m so glad Spike is feeling better. To me, in his previous close-up picture, his eyes looked tired. From your list of symptoms of Cushing’s Disease, it sounds like my pup had it but was never diagnosed. He was a good, faithful pup and we loved him. After three years, we still miss him so very much.
I got a No-Contract Tracfone Android Smartphone for about $50 and a 200 minute card that triples the minutes for $39 (minutes are good for 3 months). It has unlimited carryover, 3G/Wi-Fi Capable, 3.2 MP Camera/Video Recorder, gps, text, data…and a lot of other stuff I haven’t looked at. Total cost: just shy of $100. I may just keep this smartphone and let my AT&T contract expired 12/01 since I’ve Millenicom.
Take care, Sue and Crew. Yall are in our thoughts and prayers and we love you.
Cat Lady
I admit I had to read it twice, but in my case, I’m blaming the wine. 😀
So glad to hear that it wasn’t just me. Susan and I are sisters but are almost completely opposite. You won’t find me “camping” any where. Oh wait, I did camp in my recliner when recovering from surgery. I love both my sisters and I love our differences.
Me three… my first thought was that August used to be between those dates… but perhaps not any more?
Connie… .
I’m sorry, but I don’t find your comment humorous. Maybe it’s because I’m having an awful struggle trying to post an explanation for a very simple-to-understand sign. I realize it may be confusing for people who don’t camp, but anyone who has done any camping should be able to understand it. BTW, I do know the months of the year and their order.
Here is an explanation:
The sign says “Camping allowed in campgrounds only – May to Sept.”
Since I’m looking for a BOONDOCK, one can assume the sign is saying “No boonddocking – May to Sept.”
I posted another explanation, but for some reason it jumped below Ed’s comment. I explained the sign there also.
I wouldn’t have assumed that at all… and that is why I was as confused as the other posters. I even went back and read the section a number of times and still hadn’t a clue.
I’m still baffled why so many had trouble with that sign.
What if you went to a restaurant that had a dining room and an outdoor cafe attached to it and a sign read:
Serving in dining room only
Monday through Thursday
Would you sit in the outdoor cafe on Wednesday and wonder why you weren’t being served?
Would you realize you CAN be served in the outdoor cafe on weekends?
Would you be confused and think the cafe is closed forever? Or would you think the dining room is closed on weekends?
Maybe y’all are over-thinking the sign. It means what it says.
If Connie is embarrassed, she’s a big girl and can defend herself. Don’t go looking for battles, riley. Life is too short.
BTW, I resent your inference that the blogorinos are butt kissers. They’re too intelligent for that.
Am I in a great mood? No. My dog is sick, my camera is busted, I try to make a camp near a UPS hub so I can get another camera so I can post photos on this blog and it doesn’t work out, I drive by the Grand Tetons and don’t come up with one decent photo, I change all my plans and will have to drive 50 miles just to pick up mail, it’s rained for three days, there are three other sad issues I’m dealing with that I’d like to keep private and, oh, did I mention, I’m watching my dog die by inches. Leave me alone, riley.
We are with you, Sue. And, you know that. God bless and sleep a good sleep tonight.
Diann
I will leave you alone Sue because I truly understand the deep gut-wrenching despair of slowly saying good-by to a dog.
I always thought I was a loner until all of my dogs were gone. Never ever felt lonely until they were all gone.
Make a bucket list for Spike and savor every moment.
Coming out of lurk-dom for a moment – I started reading your blog a few weeks back, started with the first post, and have been reading every post every since.
Your comment about Spike (“by inches”) put a knot in my gut, and tears in my eyes. Not much can be said at times like these without sounding trite or maudlin. So I’ll not try.
I know where you are, Sue. I am there too. I have a sweet Staffordshire Bull Terrier boy that was born into my hands and has been mine all the days of his life. I can’t imagine life without him. He will be fourteen in December. Maybe. He is ill, some days better than others. It is what it is. What it is, for him, is terminal.
I know your pain. I wish I had the words to take away some of your hurt.
this reply is not to defend anyone,rather it’s to explain something.
Every time my son,husband,mother,or a dear friend enters(or entered) a room, I deliberately make them aware that they’re welcome,encourage them,applaud them and make clear that to me they are heroic.I do not extend those things lightly,nor offer them to people it would be false to.Selective in many ways I so appreciate the few I hold with such esteem-feel such love for -.
This is not hero worship or butt kissing-it’s giving honor where it’s due.To hold love above fear-of not looking “cool” is to be courageous with purpose.In a comment or in person -to show someone how much value they have to you,is right-is never regrettable-is not something to be despised or mocked-
Tread lightly among people seen loving and happy to be so,by simply watching you may find yourself enhanced by such graces
I’ve said it before to you weather, you are a wise woman. Perhaps the term butt-kisser wasn’t such a wise choice of words.
Better go before I get the thumping of a lifetime.
My best to everyone.
Thanks for letting us know you and the crew are OK, Sue! Safe travels!
It sounds like you had a few bright spots in a day mainly filled with frustrations. Getting to meet Diane and Tom, having another camper give you their spot, the nutcakes getting to “wade in the water,” and you getting the PTV washed. Well, it does show that full-timing is not all sunshine and lollipops. Gee, the lyrics of old songs keep popping into my head as I write this, what’s up with that?
That’s really disappointing about the no boondocking rule – wonder what the reasoning is and who decided that? Maybe the campground owners got together and set the rules to force everyone into their lots? Knowing you, though, you’ll find a great place to land, it just may take a bit more research.
I wonder if it is to protect the land from the inconsiderate and irresponsible yahoos who tear up the terrain with their off road vehicles?
Bingo! The west is becoming pretty frayed because of clueless outdoor “enthusiasts” who feel they can make new roads into whatever territory and run their OHV’s throughout pristine land, damaging critical habitat.
I have observed in my travels throughout the immediate area that people don’t have the same values of conservation, respect for the land and others, and the glory of the outdoors that most of us who contribute to this blog have.
A wise conservator of our land will act in the best interests of the land and all the dependent creatures. I trust the Forest Service and the WY Parks and Wildlife officials are doing just that.
I am sorry that responsible outdoors enthusiasts such as Sue and Crew have to pay the price of restricted enjoyment.
Diann O.
If that’s all they were doing, they could just say “No off-road vehicles” without blocking their use by others. For that reason, I rather think that it is a campground owner’s association that is pushing the state into those rules, just to benefit themselves. It wouldn’t be first time our liberties have been curtailed by greed.
Hi, John!
Or it’s the NFS trying to funnel people into its campgrounds which aren’t being maintained. I saw a young couple with children where they stepped out of their camper with one foot of space between their door and waist-high grass. And they paid $15 a night for that.
I guess I should say “A wise conservator of our land will act in the best interests of ” it’s own agency and personnel.
Someone on this blog so poignantly explained that we own the forest and the FS and other gov’t agencies act as stewards of said land.
Hi Sue and bloggers,
Well the campsite looks lovely and Spike and Bridget are happy. The neat thing about this lifestyle is plans are more of a guide line but always subject to change. I bet
you find that special boondock camp tomorrow. Safe travels friend.
I don’t know what the only-in-campgrounds deal is where you are, but where I am now, in the Tahoe NF, there are subunits called Recreation Areas (mostly along the highways and around bodies of water) where camping is allowed only in campgrounds, no boondocking. I got a map at the ranger station ($10) showing the entire NF and the borders of the Recreation Areas. Combined with the MVU maps I was able to find a boondocking spot just outside the Recreation Areas — and with a 4G signal. Sweet.
Well, since you can more easily read and see your blog than post on it now,maybe you can look at something I noticed.
You’ve washed away the PTV’s “mud badge of exploits”- when the brown rim around it’s lower parts was there-the wooden parts of covered wagons came to mind.
5/18/2013’s post”Dirty Devil River Campground Glen Canyon Recreation Area
The white topped covered wagon of a pioneer shown there,once struck me with it’s resemblance in shape,appearance and purpose to the BLT,the PTV and even the combination of the two.
There’s something so strongly appealing about taking only what’s needful on a wheeled journey to discover what the world has to offer.Sunlight glinting on the shiny parts of what protects you from the elements-the picture holds promise of hopes for better tomorrows, as clearly today, as it has for centuries.
Thank you for keeping that alive for those longing to see it.Every detail of the search-it’s love,struggles and triumphs -that your skill and dedication shows us-gives more to this world than anyone but God Himself could ever repay you for.
As you run your hand on the crews bodies beside you,may every effort you’ve made in life -for them and all else -stand aside…letting only what brings comfort and joy touch you.
P.S.that title will get you to the page,scroll down to 5/16-Fort Bluff – the picture of the covered wagon is there if you want to see it
Back at Kozy Campground when you get ready to leave and signaling for Spike to come on, it looks like he is saying, “Oh! OK! Mom, I coming. Don’t leave me.”
Nice photos Sue, even if you don’t have a viewer. I’ve been looking at campers on line and I might hit the road next year. Spike is looking like he’s feeling great and Bridget Looks like she’s great too! Timber says hi ,,,,,,,,,,,,Rusty
Hey Rusty, Does that mean you would give up your house?
Maybe. It depends on the owner. ,,,,,,(
Darn, I sure hope that doesn’t happen for you. I know you loved that house. Can’t the VA help you find other housing if that were to become an issue?
This year of rain and I mean rain, the home is leaking over 2 windows and the porch roof is rotting and falling apart. I have shown it twice to the management and 2 people came and looked at it this passed June and nothing was done, there are other things that need fixing right. And if it is not fixed by next May, I’ll be out, because AZHUD will make sure it’s right or no pass to live in. The owner didn’t fix things this passed year and so I want to be ready just in case. ,,,,,,,,,,,
Well it is good to be prepared and part of that preparation I would talk to your VA representative that helped you get that home. Maybe there would be another place you could go if this happens. Now is the time to start asking the questions. My ex husband was a VA employee and I have an idea of some of the things you go through for these things. I will pray this all works out so that either the house you are currently in gets fixed or they can find you another place to live.
One more thing Rusty because I didn’t see your reply when I posted that last one. There are things I don’t like either with the VA but there were a lot of things I didn’t like with the VA way back in the 90’s when it affected my life. The inner workings of that system are crazy and the general public doesn’t have a clue as to just how bad that whole situation is.
Without prying into your privacy, I am glad that you are preparing for the future. That way you won’t be surprised or unprepared.
Things always work out….don’t stress on something you have no control of.
Remember….as long as you and Timber are together….home can be anywhere!
Much love!
Sunkmanitu tanka ob waci
Hi Cin n’ Jules, Well, the fella that got me into this home resigned back in December, he just got up and quit and he had 70 of us supposedly under his wings and these new fellas came last week and told me that I’m no longer dependent that I’m now independent, I told them not me I’m a republican. , and that I need to get my self to the VA for visits, well how am I to get to Phoenix for my thyroid test? they told me how much money it’s costing them, to help us vets., and that pissed me off. so I called the boss of Prescott VAMC and told what was said and someone is coming to see me tomorrow. I think they’re getting the boot, and if I loose the house, cause the owner has no money to fix it, before May’s house inspection , well in the mean time my next door friend is helping me redo the camper to where it’ll look modern ,with my bed over the cab, a real stove n’ all ,,,,,, then Timber n’ me can see you all, I’ve put pencil to paper designing it. ,,,,,,,,,Rusty
I wont live in a major city, this is off the main stream and if I must move again, it will be the road, there are other things going on with the VA that I don’t like, so it depends what happens. till then I’m getting ready ,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Excellent idea Rusty to have an alternative plan in mind!! Hubby and I are going to be doing some more hunting in the next months too…when our lease is up in April, we may put on some running shoes and get outta here. The excessive noise at times has nearly shattered my nerves. When people yell and holler (and are in town, not the hollers) they never take into account that people an hour earlier did the same etc. More and more it looks attractive to have a way to keep on trucking…
blessings on your plans…
Bummer about the dispersed camping being off limits. As I mentioned a few weeks ago you are close to one of my favorite places on earth. I’m sure that you will figure something out.
BTW good call on Granite Creek Campground. It is nice but it’s just a short hike from a hot springs and wilderness hot springs are a magnet for wilderness clinger types if you know what I mean. It’s also very popular with the OHV crowd.
Nice to see that Spike got at least a bit of a soak he seems to be wearing his badge of honor well. As always thanks for letting us come along.
With it being dry in some areas and all the wildfires going on in the west, some State and National Forest restrict remote camping till everything settles down and the Dew Point Factor goes up. Also some remote camping in some areas are closed do to over use and folks not obeying remote camping rules, like driving where they shouldn’t. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ;>}
That’s disappointing about not being able to disperse camp at Granite Creek. What a spectacular area.
I’m hoping to be able to boondock in the Bridger-Teton NF in a couple of weeks on my way through The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone NPs.
Best wishes to Spike!
Nice to see Spike prone in his favorite element. He is lucky to have you.
Don
Well thanks to the kindess of another you guys were able to get a decent campsite. So glad. And my the PTV is as white as your curtains. Feels good to be clean.
So happy to see little Spiky up and soaking again. The sounds of a gentle rain is wonderful even though you have little internet reception. Your Blogerinos are here with you anyway, and wishing you well. I know you will find a magnificent spot to call home soon you always do and I can’t wait to see it and all your experiences. Take care Sue and Crew
Well, this is a gorgeous site, even if overgrown and all….very pretty. So sorry about the boon docking…am wondering if that might be the situation down the road aways as fire danger will still be around awhile yet and there has been so many fires this year…up in the NW at least.
Its a wonderful looking overnight spot and water out of a spigot…HECK that like a night at the Hilton! Spike looks good! Onward we go!
Awesome scenery! See you don’t need a stinking viewfinder!
Funny how spike can soak in the smallest body of water. His owwwie looks good!
How confusing….the sign! Can’t imagine if English was your second language and you tried to decipher the wording.
The temps are dropping and the leaves are starting to turn color……..is it time for “fall” already? Weird weather!
AO is having her “cycle”. There is a study on Goldens that suggest waiting a “cycle” before they are spayed…instead of the routine “get them fixed at 6 month”. 60% of goldens end up with cancer thus shortening their lives.
All of our Goldens (4 between us) have died of cancer. So if we can do something different….perhaps AO can be the in the other percentile.
In the meantime…..Jules says if she starts HER cycle…..(she just cleared her 1 year without) someone’s gonna be in deep doo doo! Hahhhhhh
For you male readers that are scratching your head reading this…not knowing what in the heck I am referring to……it is common for females who live together to be on the same cycle.
Now…fast forward to menopause x 2 and one AO (the dog)……sounds like a recipe for a disaster! Thank god it isn’t winter!
Enjoy your evening Desert Woman!
“it is common for females who live together to be on the same cycle…” Wow! can you imagine the chaos in the harem when you get a bunch of PMS women together? At the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got the menopausal group. A guy can’t win for losing, can he? Gotta take the bad with the good, lol.
Cat Lady
Sue,
You might like one of these sites.
43.14471,-110.97981
N 43 42.648′ W 110 35.055′
43.699031,-110.616274
44.103365,-110.686011
I sure enjoy your blog
Garth
I no longer want to camp in that area. I need to be near a UPS hub and I don’t want to go to the one in Jackson. Thanks, Garth.
Ok, be safe.
What beautiful beautiful country around you there! Sounds like a lot of people still go camping with the places all full but sounds as if a little maintenance is needed in some of those parks! Sorry for the annoyance of having to go back and forth for a spot. Can’t wait to see more of this country through your lens. By Jackson I am wondering if you mean Jackson Hole?
One thing we have learned, even without being in such remote areas, is to always carry an electric weed eater. Of course, we always make sure we have an inverter heavy enough to run it, and sufficient battery power to do the job, but there are also many rechargeable a on the market now. I despise having to park where the grass hasn’t been maintained. A few minutes with a weed eater will clear a spot big enough to enjoy.
Jan, Jackson Hole is actually the name if the valley that the town of Jackson is in. There is no town named Jackson Hole.
Regarding that black and white sign which, of course, I have not actually seen…
My interpretation is that the sign is indicating WHEN the campground can be used…May thru September. If it was restricting areas outside of campgrounds, would it not have some reference to camping in campgrounds “only”, as opposed to the wording that seems to be describing the months of operation of this particular campground?
If it is indeed restricting boondocking, as worded, does the sign then mean that boondocking IS allowed between September and May?
I think the sign is being misinterpreted.
Okay, everybody… The sign had two rows:
CAMPING ALLOWED IN CAMPGROUNDS ONLY
MAY TO SEPTEMBER
(I don’t remember the exact dates.)
What that means is you are allowed to camp ONLY in campgrounds from May to Sept. but you can’t camp OUTSIDE of campgrounds from May to September.
From that we can deduce that boondocking is allowed from the Sept. date to the May date.
Every comment takes 30-45 min. so I’ll reply to Ed here…
ED: I did not misinterpret the sign.
If the msg. was to inform people of the season for this one campground, it would have said something like: Campground (singular) open May 31, close Sept. 15
The sign is not referring to the “particular campground” because “campgrounds” is plural.
TOP LINE: The rule
SECOND LINE: The time period for the rule
“Camping allowed in campgrounds ONLY”
“May to September”
I tried to edit the post to make the sign clearer, but it’s taking too long with this slow connection. Is there anyone out there in cyberspace who understands the sign?
Yep ,I get it.Like”Beer,onions,flowers” means that’s all they sell,doesn’t mean you can have them whenever.Everyone knows beer onion flowers only grow in the summer! 😉
Hi, Sue,
I understood the sign. 🙂
Gracie pup and I are looking foward to seeing your new “spot”.
Hope you, Spike and Bridget have a great day! Hugs to all!
I read it the way you did.
Admittedly, I’ve been accused of beating things to death. But this will be short and painless…
I called the local Nat’l Forest Main office in my area of S. California. I “read” the sign to them, making it clear what each line said. The gentleman essentially confirmed it meaning as exactly how Sue has interpreted it in her reply to my post above.
His opinion beyond this is that May-Sept is the height/busiest time of the year (most dangerous) and local authorities want to “contain” use and traffic during that period. Camp, but do it only in campgrounds.
Now, I have a firm grasp on the obvious and will go back to my corner, standing corrected. 🙂
I got it too.
For the record, I do not find the sign confusing.
Sue, I’m glad that Spikes doing better and that everything is going well with you guys n’ gals, Have a peaceful camp, Timber says Hi ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Me
Good morning Sue,
Laden with the weight of heavily soaked leaves branches sway slowly in the strong fitful winds of morning.Were they dry,they’d be dancing-I’m so glad they’re not.
You see each tree has captured it’s own falling branches.Torn slightly, yet alive,they’ll change shape,but live!I watch the care created within them and marvel.
Uncut by saws used to suit diagrammed landscapes,the wild things care for their own.
Accepting the angles new among them as naturally as bears protect cubs.
Each season finds me praying just one more,Lord!Night of sounds lulling us resting- towards sleep-sunrise- birdsong-blossoms -wet feet..
when autumn comes I’ll pray colored leaves… -later snowfall…-egg filled nest…
As though by now He didn’t know I loved it all,my thanks are repeated as if I’m seeing it for the first time every day.And I am-it’s different today with every detail seen,heard and felt.I smell fresher wave tops,my coffee’s more sweet-not from sugar ,it has none ,from knowing you’ll share some -Wyoming or here-our world’s waking -yippee!
Hi, Weather,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your comments. Your beautiful descriptions always “take me there!” Hope you continue to enjoy your day!
It is a Fall-like day here….I am loving it!
Thank you,Denise!Hope you have something nice and warm to put on as we love the cooler air’s visit… 🙂
Ah, that VA. I believe, they should FIRE all of the powers at be in all of the facilities across the US and hire NEW ONES. The recent shake up will clear out some problems, but allow others to remain and even be added.
Couple weeks ago hubby went in for his check up, the DOCTOR himself came to the waiting room to call hubby back. I said “calling your own patients now, huh.” He chuckled, yes they don’t have a nurse anymore and we doctors only have one room each to see patients.
The VA sucks, and unless EVERYONE raises complaints and reports, I am afraid it will remain to suck.
Rusty, that landlord of yours is REQUIRED to maintain that home in tip top shape per his/her contract with the VA. He/She cannot collect the rent payments and provide substandard housing…. that’s a NO-NO.
As for the person who told you, it costs a lot of money to care for Vets, that idiot don’t have a clue what it cost the VET to give that idiot the ability to speak those words. I hope they get him out into an unemployment line real fast.
Now, back to work I go. Engineers, Contractors, Service Providers, and still no sign or word from Cable TV or Telephone Company….. Grrrrr
Hi, Kay,
My name suggestion for your park: Happy Trails.
Contractors, service providers and such can be so annoying….you NEED them, but they don’t need to be timely for you! Hang it there – it will all fall into place when it is supposed to. You and your husband rock, Engergizer Bunny! Have a great day! 🙂
Energizer Bunny!!!!
Your state should have a Public Service Commission or equivalent agency that handles complaints against public utilities. Call them and explain the runaround you’ve been getting. Give names of folks at the utilities that you spoke with and what actions, or lack thereof, that you’ve been experiencing. When the Public Service Commission gets involved, work gets done.
Good luck.
Cat Lady
Your “less desirable” spots are still better than many of the ones I see others crammed into :-). I hope the one you’ve landed in now is at least comfortable and serene.
Good morning Sue! The fact is YOU are our reporter on the scene. It’s your interpretation that counts. And rest assured that, should you violate the rules, we promise to come visit you on weekends during visiting hours. 🙂
Too often, signs are created by unthinking people that assume everyone must be a mind-reader. Yesterday, our yard man emailed me to tell me that one of the stores had 40# bags of topsoil for 50 cents a bag. When I went up there and said I wanted ten bags it rung up as $2 a bag! I said wait a minute…the sign outside says “10 slash $5”. The cashier had to get the manager involved, and after he went out and read the sign, he tore it down, and agreed to sell me ten bags for 50 cents each. But told her “no more”. This is a store that continually hires extremely young employees who haven’t learned a clue about customer service or the legalities of operating a business…nor how to write signs. It isn’t the first time I’ve had a legal confrontation with them, and as a result, I will avoid their store as much as I can. I think this whole thread should be brought to the attention of the department in charge of state signs, so they can see what confusion occurs because of unclear wording.
I remember a story my mom used to tell about how after she and my dad were married in 1941 in D.C. Dad told her right before he shipped out that under no circumstances was she to go to the military for her medical care-she should pay for it on her own. My uncle suffered an attack of appendicitis during the invasion of Anzio-he lay on the beach until the battle was over and then was taken to the “military” hospital. He said he left even before he was released because he was afraid they would kill him!
Boy, where did I put my energizer pills, now??? Printing out blue prints and all these cad drawings are wearing my patience very thin, thinner than a MINT!
Sometimes, I find so frustrating dealing with others. It is those times that cause me to want to go into my Cancer Shell.
I have long been thinking, especially this last couple years, that someone in my life who has passed on, is steering me. I know that sounds crazy, but this last couple of years its been really difficult for me as my brain seems to be much more knowledgeable about several things than before in my life. It also seems to be a much faster processor than in the past. Now, my ex father in law was a general contractor, he passed, and my father, a custom combiner and he has pasted, and then my great grandmother, the greatest cook and she is passed. I can’t explain this “new” fond knowledge I have come into, but at times, it can be very hard to deal with. Almost depressing because I am telling people in their own fields how to do things and they look at me like… “Where the hell did you learn that” GRRRRRRRRRRRRR they Tylenol is gone again…
HELP BLOGORINOS.
We find ourselves in a position to do the rice/camera thing. 🙂
How long do you need to keep the camera in rice and will Minute Rice do?
Thanks in advance.
I would try minute rice if its all you have. Shall we assume, you rushed in out of the rain, leaving camera outside????
My husband fell yesterday and didn’t realize his camera fell out of his pocket until this morning. It stormed all night. We’re hoping to revive it.
Actually, any absorbant material will do, even cat litter or floor sweeping compound, but they also are made from clay, which has a lot of dust, which can cause other problems. Rice has less dust particles. Most reports I have read say anywhere from a couple days to a week. I consider the longer term the safer bet. If removed too soon, the moisture may not be completely gone. But it only works if nothing has already been damaged. In the case of Sue’s camera, where the viewfinder is already dead, it’s already beyond help.
Thanks. We’re at Glacier, so our choices are very limited. Minute Rice is dusty, but seems to be doing the trick.
How about forming a bag of fabric to put the camera in, then putting that in the rice? I think that would protect the camera from dust and the moisture would go through the bag. I haven’t tried it. Just a thought…
Great idea. Thanks
I’m amazed at how pretty your pictures turn out while using a messed up camera. I recently started following your posts. I’m enjoying your travels, and I’m praying for Spike.
Hello, Monica, and welcome to my blog!
I’m also amazed with what my camera produces. It wasn’t left out for a brief rain. It was rained on all night long.
Thank you for praying for Spike.
BTW, if you go back to the beginning of my blog to read how the crew and I began our travels, be sure to enter those posts through rvsueandcrew.com (not .net), in order to view the slideshows.
I have been reading your journeys from the beginning. I love your blog!
I’ve been playing my John Denver albums, finally found an old turntable at the thrift store….I’m playing Back Home Again from 1974, boy it feels good to hear it, but then I realized I will never be able to play my guitar again!! Its never easy to accept that some parts of our lives are only in the rear view mirror. Makes me wish I had dusted my guitar off while I still could make chords with my left hand!-Just wanted to share that to remind everyone be thankful for everything you enjoy while you’re still enjoying it!!
Here …Here…. Attention all BLOGORINOS….
Ya’ll sit down now… ANNOUNCEMENT
The CABLE COMPANY are FINALLY arrived!!!!! They sent a “locator” to our RV Park for the locating since the Gas company requested it so they could bring in natural gas. I took the liberty of informing the locator dude (6’2” at least, and probably 250 lbs) that I am not real happy with his cable company, and he was on private property! He told me he has to do locates, and I told him… “Ya, well you were suppose to be out 3.5 weeks ago or more to do those locates for us too, AND we are still waiting for them, AND we are still waiting for INTERNET and I have no pitty for his company anymore, they have earned themselves an “F” rating with a minus 100.
He got on his cell phone, called the man in charge…. he told that man, he had better come down here because this a “little” woman who is not to happy with us right now as she’s called five or six times and no service or locates have been done here.
The man WHO was suppose to be here a couple of weeks ago. Now get this, that MAN is really pissed off now because his VACATION starts at 5PM today. HE failed to do his job here because he is WAY BEHIND so a few others are waiting too.
In My Opinion, his vacation needs to be a REALLY LONG ONE….. And, no, I am not going to let him off my hook either. I am PO’d at these companies and their BIG monopolies, taking advantage of us little people. Me – 5’…..
Grrrrrrr….
Come on now Kay find your third eye and breathe deeply inhaling all the way to your lungs filling them completely and then release slowly counting the breaths, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. …Your feeling relaxed completely relaxed from your head to your toes, breathing….anyway, don’t you just hate when the man in charge is always a man in charge.
Not that I’ve stayed in very many RV parks but even the nice one I am in today, Winstar World Casino, doesn’t have cable. It does have a pool though!
Phyllis in Oklahoma
I think you could set up a Wifi system to stream video and not have to worry about running cables.
We will have wireless, however, we wanted to have each space be able to hook up to cable tv as well…
I have been researching the Wifi / Wlan situation. It is generally agreed that most RV parks with Wifi don’t have enough bandwidth to carry video signals. This will change with a new Wifi standard 802.11ac.
I see that Netgear has a Wifi router that supports 750 Mhz. That should feed maybe 50 users with 10 Mb, good enough for video.
Maybe today, or pretty soon you will be able to tell the cable company to “take a long walk on a short pier” (Navy talk)
I’m sorry, was I not clear, they have a POOL!
Micky I wondered the wifi here at sucked, now I know. Anytime I would ask staff their response was it’s working fine in here.
Phyllis in Oklahoma
We will not have a swimming pool for humans, we will have a SPAW (in honor of our favorite soaker, Mr. Spikey) for doggy’s and at some point do plan for hot tubs.
I may be quizzing you when we get to the point of spreading the wifi, Mike. The repeaters aren’t very good, most RV parks that use them space them 100 feet apart, tus making weak connections. One park we stayed at spaced theirs 40 feet and the park was awesome on their WIFI…. at the same time, those repeaters are a bit costly so most try to get by as little as possible.
Sue,
A few miles SE of the Kozy Campground on HW 189/191 is the junction to Forest Service Rd 30530 on the right as you are driving SE. It looks like there is Dispersed Camping there. Check it out on Google Earth if you can. 🙂
Always loving your RV tales of you and the crew!! Happy Trails!!
Sue, please no more signs. I am sorry for my confusion. I can only blame “Oldtimers” which I have a ever increasing case of. Oct 2nd will bring the burden of another year to my condition. Still, I do have the uses of most of my body, except the missing fingers on my left hand, thank you table saw. I love riding along with you and hope you know I never meant anything hurtful to you. If I did, I am very sorry. Please don’t expel me from your caravan.
I also apologize!! I really didn’t mean to start such a long discussion. You can tell I am not a camper or a boondocker, but I am learning as I travel along with you. Love you much, Dear Sister.
I also love the pictures of the kayakers on the river and looking at the river with the trees on the bank.. Reminds me of standing on the banks of the Battenkill
Sue,
I’d check out the sigh of “no boondocking May thru September” with the Forest Service if I were you. What, you can only boondock when the snow is flying and there’s four plus feet of snow on the ground? That doesn’t make any sense. Luck to you and the crew!
One of our fellow blog groupies, Ed, did call the forest service and Sue is correct in her explanation.
YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Tuesday we shall have INTERNET here… AND, we will have all NEW high speed digital lines to each RV space AND we will have it in the snack shack too…. Hehehe….. I am feeling muchooo better now…..
Come to find out, the “cable locator dude” was not doing his locates and they fired him 2 weeks ago…. Now we know why we didn’t see the cable company, and too boot, all the 5 year old lines were cut by our digger, and NO WE ARE NOT having to pay for the new lines because it was their fault….. not ours….
HOT DIGGY DOG…. Kay’s ending the week on a high note….
GOOD NEWS!!! Glad to hear this battle seems over, Kay…sure sad we have to fight so many battles as consumers isn’t it?? In all of life anymore, so often it seems the customer gets lost someplace in the shuffle!!
Preparations for departure have commenced! We have about wrapped up the home stuff so now starting on Casita stuff. We feel satisfied with the restoration & renovation of the rental house, the garden & grounds & the work begun on renovating the garage. Concentration switches to the trailer. Even though we keep the trailer pretty neat we like to clean down to the bare bones before departure. Scrubbing, shampooing & polishing underway. Appt . made to pull wheels for thorough inspection as those have given us troubles in the past. Just received Wyoming Benchmark so can see where Sue is. Can’t wait to start rolling down the road! We will be leaving about a month earlier than last year.
Sue,
Plenty of good wishes heading your way. Some days r tougher in life than others. Just know that u r loved and respected by many a blogerino. Absolutely love your blog…
Patricia
Sue, very sorry to hear you are feeling so low these days. I do hope you might find someone to locate near for a time, if you feel that you will have to say good bye to Spike very soon…try not to be alone in that time!! It DOES help to be with others who also love dogs and understand what you are going through. I am sorry for the other troubles too…do they ever come alone? It does not seem so.
Hubby saw his surgeon today…they are not happy with how the incision looks. To my uneducated eye (based on how other sores on him have healed) I thought it was not bad. No visable sign of infection. BUT…he has to take more antibiotics and they do not set well with him…so we are kind of discouraged too… I feel the best I can do is whatever I can to make his life easier…and cook some good (and as healthy as possible) meals for him right now…
I hope we will hear that some things at least, will have improved soon!! Prayers for better days ahead!
For Marsha, the woman with the wet camera, I sure hope your husband is okay. My husband kept trying to fall while we were in the Grand Canyon. He was constantly looking thru the view finder and fell off rocks and tripped on curbs. I was genuinely frightened everytime he walked near the places without fences. Falls are serious even when they aren’t off cliffs. I hope the camera is okay too, but they are more easily replaced than good husbands!
Thanks for asking, Pat. He just had an abrasion. We did end up buying a new camera.
Hello fellow blogorinos. I have to say, the sign made sense to me. Glad to hear things are going well for Kay.
I am home, sick as a dog and just trying to be patient and let the meds and time do their work. I have to say, keeping the meds straight is quite a chore. Always afraid I’m doing it wrong. Having a lot of trouble eating; nothing is appealing and everything makes me feel nauseated. Ice cream still my best bet.
Oh Sue, I feel your pain so deeply. My last year with my Daisy was so hard. If I could have, I would have taken a different approach. In stead of spending the days cataloging the losses, I would have spent the time celebrating the successes and victories. It’s hard to know our valiant little pets will leave us. It reminds me of the lines from a country song about a boy and his dog….”I was young and he was old and we were the same age”. The sad truth is that their lives are shorter than ours. And I wanted so very badly to keep Daisy with me, I held on so tightly that I think I may have missed some of the joy I could have had in her last year. For Spike, this is just another time of his life. Dogs don’t suffer the way we do; he isn’t regretting the loss of his hearing or feeling cheated by his arthritis. He is just living in the moment, enjoying each moment as best he can. So then you know what to do…help him find those lovely moments. That cool stream to soak in. A big mouthful of some lovely rotisserie chicken. Spending time with you and Bridget. That is what he wants. Enjoy it with him. Make this your best winter ever.
And of course we will be here for you. As you are, for us. Hugs and love Sue. For all of you.
I really liked what you said here, DesertGinger. I think I could have used your counsel when my pupster was in his last year, but it’s still nice to read it now. Thanks.
Sue, Happy Anniversary! Tomorrow you will have been the proud owner of your
BLT for 3 years. You have had a wonderful life on the road and so have all of us
that follow along with you. Give Spike a belly rub and remind him that we all send
our best to him.
Debbie
Since it’s 1:10 am, the date is August 16th. Happy Anniversary, Sue!
I remember meeting you in Quartzsite that first January when you were still wet behind the ears as an RV owner. You are an expert now!
I hope that the bumpy road that you have encountered recently smooths out for you and the crew.
Here’s to brighter days ahead!
Chris B
Good morning Sue,
By about 9:45 I need to be in the jeep to work at the store until 5ish.This note isn’t about enjoying this morning here or my usual subjects shared with you.
If I knew every last detail of what your dealing with and the condition you’re in ,I still wouldn’t know know how you felt .I know sometimes knowing that I’m being prayed for and loved,that it matters to anyone that I hurt isn’t going to change much,inspire,sooth or make it easier for me.
The company of people being intolerable to me while I was falling is a simple fact.
Help offered included their presence,and I couldn’t bear that,so nicely refused.If you need -ever-someone to bring mail,food you don’t need to prepare,a mechanic or any thing you want- without facing someone to get it,e-mail me.I would bring it within hours,leave it within your reach and not expect to speak to or look at each other,leave and never breathe a word of it to anyone,or even to you again.I’m offering to be the robot I could have used at times in my life.
I believe you would do those things, weather. Thank you.
Dear Sue,
As I’m sure you well know,you’re most welcome,for the offer,to take me up on it or much more,or to contact me for any reason at all.I’d sensed soon you wouldn’t be posting more than a “notice” for a while,at the least, and prayed-that my finally telling you these things- would be well timed and received.I appreciate the exact words with which you responded,and that you even did.God bless you,love,weather
HELLO, EVERYONE!
I wish I could respond individually to each of your comments. The crew and I have settled into a quiet campground for the weekend. The internet connection is maddeningly slow, but I don’t have the energy to search these mountains for another camp where the connection is faster.
I’m humbled by the strength of character evident in those readers who are coping with their own health issues or those of a loved one, whether human, canine, or feline, or are grieving over a deeply painful loss. Yet you offer caring words and encouragement to me when my troubles are relatively minor and temporary.
For me to be in a low mood while living the life of my dreams is irrational. That’s the devil with depression. It doesn’t know logic and it ignores rational persuasion. It just is. I can’t talk myself out of it. For me the only remedy is the passage of time.
Thank you for your suggestions, for understanding my vulnerability right now, for patiently putting up with me, for offering comfort, and for supporting each other in my absence. Thank you for the cheer you bring to my blog!
Thanks also for reminding me that today — Saturday, August 16th — is the 3-year anniversary of full-time vagabonding by me and my crew!
Love y’all!
Sue
Congratulations on 3 years of traveling, filled with about 15 years of living! Whenever I see the slogan “Just Do It”, I don’t think of athletic shoes, I think of little fiberglass trailers.
Sometimes even a hug is too much, so I’m sending you a couple little birds to bring you a smile from just the right distance :-).
Congrats…. Oh my how time flies when you’re living on less and enjoying life more.
This blog…..and you are amazing. You continue to teach and expose areas that would have remained unknown.
There are good and bad days….something that we ALL have…thank you for sharing yours.
Now……..head up….tits out…..the crew is ready for their next journey!
Glad you recognize what is going on dear Sue…I have days too. Have had a few lately…but a good night’s rest can help me…it was not as noisy last night after 10 PM as USUAL for weekends in this place…that helps. Rain helps too…heh, even helps some stay home and not spend time on the sidewalk, YELLING to each other…heh!! I am grateful for some rain this last week!!
Happy travels…looking forward to more reports when you are rested up. Everyone needs to take a “vacation” from the usual at times!!
(B complex vitamins and magnesium help me out….by the way).