The crew and I take a little drive up Araz Road.
First we get on Interstate 8 and go a few miles west to dump trash and fill water jugs at the rest stop. On the return eastward we pass the Ogilby Road exit for home, continue past the Sidewinder Road exit, and take the exit at Araz Road.
Araz Road to the south (right by the casino) takes you to Los Algodones, Mexico and the many dental, vision, and medical clinics so favored by retirees for inexpensive care. We turn the opposite way on Araz Road, heading north-northeast to Winterhaven.
Not far from the interstate we come upon a clutch of boondockers.
That’s the interstate going across the background.
Why would people choose to boondock that close to the highway? My guess is it’s close to Los Algadones and also a short trip both to Winterhaven and Yuma. Sometimes boondockers choose convenience over scenery and quiet.
Some may be here to stay overnight. Others look more settled.
Here’s a patriotic cluster. It looks like they know each other.
Do you see the three television antennas?
These folks like to be off by themselves. I can relate to that!
This site is the furthest from the interstate but closer to railroad tracks.
The last two campers I see along Araz Road are parked behind a sign that says, “Indian Reservation. No trespassing.” I suppose they have permits or they are Quechans. The Quechan reservation includes the town of Winterhaven and its surrounds.
We drive over American Girl Canal.
This water irrigates the fields where most of our salad greens grow.
The landscape flattens into agricultural fields on both sides of the road.
Fields of head lettuce look recently harvested by machines. Other fields of romaine, Bibb lettuce (?), and kale appear ready to be picked. Busloads of pickers work over these fields, picking the greens by hand. They box up the greens out in the field for immediate loading into cargo containers for shipment.
Lettuce is planted in double rows on raised beds with irrigation furrows in between.
We enter the town of Winterhaven, California. You’ve heard western towns described as dusty. The adjective fits Winterhaven.
Bougainvillea along the wall of the post office provide some bright color. Click on the photo. They are very pretty!
I park at the curb alongside the post office, dash inside and grab a form to apply for a passport card.
I should have sent in the application months ago. Instead I procrastinated.
Are we seeing a pattern here?
I would like to go to Mexico for new glasses and to have my teeth cleaned.
Speaking of procrastination . . .
I did complete one of my many waiting projects! I cut and grommeted two panels of Reflectix. I put one on the west window and the other on the south window.
The other drapery hook is for the curtain rod.
See the Reflectix through the grommets?
I don’t have a panel covering the east-facing window.
I need that window open for ventilation. With the door and roof vent open, plus this window, we have plenty of air flow. It’s very comfortable inside the Best Little Trailer during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Today it’s very warm outside, definitely in the 80s.
Before driving to Winterhaven, I stretch out on the bed and listen to XM radio while Bridget naps in the crook of my arm. I smile, happy and content with my home.
The BLT is cool and dark inside. I can see to edit photos!
I think the grommets look very professional.
However, they are a b*#tch to make! As y’all are my witnesses, I will never ever make another grommet as long as I live. I pounded on those dang things forever!
I do need to make a panel to cover the third big window for use in cold weather. Needless to say, but I will anyway . . . It will not have grommets.
DeAnne of Tennessee, a long-time reader of this blog, sent me a photo of a “bugaroo!”
That’s what you call a Volkswagen bug that’s been transformed into a camper.
Oh my! The curtains match the bug! “Harvest gold” shag carpeting! Gee, I feel faint . . .
To see more photos of “bugaroos” and other unusual motor homes, as well as to take another look at that woman’s hair, click this link:
The Amusing and Amazing VW Beetle Motor Home!
Thanks, DeAnne!
rvsue
EVERY AMAZON PURCHASE MADE THROUGH MY BLOG IS APPRECIATED!
Its the small joys that make being full time and retired so enjoyable. When you can lay back and feel good about where you are there isn’t a much better feeling. I love reading how each project improves your home.
Hi, lindale,
I agree. It’s a wonderful feeling. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, living in any other way.
Wow I never thought about a passport card. That ladies hair looks like someone from the sixties Leave It To Beaver or other shows. Wonder what the difference in a passport and a passport card is Sue or readers?
Hi, Bill,
“The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.” — U.S. State Dept.
Hi Sue,
I bet you’ll find that Reflectex works great. Here is an idea for more decorating.
Buy some 3M spray adhesive and some nice material you like. I think you see where I’m headed!
I sewed some sleeves to slip the reflectex into but I could have saved time with the adhesive.
Can’t believe you’re still at Sidewinder! But with chores and appointments it is a great place. Heck you’ve met up with a whole bunch of folks down there. You social butterfly!!
Geordie barks “hello” to the crew.
See you again down the road.
Hi Robert,
I appreciate the suggestion for the Relectix sleeve. I thought I’d be bothered by it appearing in the windows from the outside. Now that it’s up, I don’t care about covering it. It looks fine.
Well, I did leave Sidewinder for a few weeks at Kofa. This is a good place to get goodies from Amazon, work on projects (yeah, right), and hang out in the sunshine during the coldest part of the year.
Waved to you when we drove by today, you have a very nice spot. I think you did a good job with the grommets.
Hi, Jean and Skip,
I didn’t see you! Sorry . . . *wave*
OMG, there’s my carpet in The Bug. Yup, bet you are sooooo glad you aren’t still in the southern states right now. I am sooooo glad I am here in the southwest too. I like the way you have put up your Reflectix, good idea.
Hi, Emily,
The folks back in Georgia are in a deep freeze, dealing with black ice… the worst! Yes, I’d rather be here. 🙂
I’m glad you’re happy in New Mexico.
Your covers with grommets look very professional! Sorry to hear the grommets were such a bear to install. I saw this tutorial on Pinterest (scroll down about mid-way.) Looks like they snapped together.
http://warehousefabricsinc.com/blog/grommet-curtains/
There was also this, which looks like it took some pounding.
http://www.sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/how-install-metal-grommets
Anyway, good luck with the remaining grommets!
Hi, Annette,
The metal grommets, which I have, require pounding. I did them exactly like the second link’s tutorial shows. However, pound as I may, the top did not want to “meld” with the bottom. It may have been because of the Reflectix being somewhat spongey, due to its inner layer of bubble plastic.
I finally got the right and wrong sides to stick together. I don’t trust that the grommets will hold over time so I put silver duct tape across the back (doesn’t show) for a little “insurance.”.
Thanks for the links.
Like you, I prefer remote sites without a lot of company – but I’m new to boondocking and new to the southwest. So, for me, as I white-knuckle around with imperfect maps and few directions, when I see a bunch of trailers at least I figure it’s legal and I won’t get stuck (even if it is noisy). I’m sure that after I’ve done this awhile, I’ll have more confidence and venture further afield.
Meanwhile, now you know why at least this camper is close to the highway and probably in the vicinity of other rigs 🙂
Your reflectix looks great! I agree, grommets are a drag. I wouldn’t have thought of hanging them that way because my trailer has a smooth plastic insulating layer instead of the fuzzy material like you have.
Hi, Anne,
Let me warn you . . . Once you “venture further afield,” you won’t want to go back to living with close neighbors. The peace, quiet, and lack of irritations becomes a requirement!
I understand you wanting to start out with the security of a group. Everyone needs to explore their options at their own pace. Whatever makes you comfortable and happy!
Best wishes for your future boondocking and for your enjoyment of the wonderful Southwest.
Similar situation here. I love privacy and hate “people noise,” but am new to SW Boondocking. For my first night, I was heading east from San Diego and figuring I’d try to find someplace near Yuma, and like you, thinking that I’d find some other folks and then park near (but not too near!) them, knowing it was a “legal” spot. As it turned out I then read that RVSue was at Sidewinder Road, so I headed there, arriving after dark and just sort of blindly taking one of the first spots I found. Had to laugh when I noticed that I could *juuust* make out a certain white Casita in the distance (because there were quite a few places I could have ended up, even in that general vicinity, and I might never even have seen her).
Like you, I figure that once I get some practice I’ll be better at finding/knowing the really secluded “better” (for me) spots. (But also like RVSue, I have to wonder why many people choose the spots they do! But no complaints if it leaves the more secluded spots for “us” :D)
Hi, Pen,
Nice to hear from you again. You did something I have never done and I hope I never will . . . look for a camping spot in the dark! You did it!
I know I sound like a broken record (now there’s an old phrase!)… However, I find the public lands by studying my Benchmark atlases. If it’s public land, I can camp there. Once you get more experience and grow in confidence, you’ll be finding beautiful, secluded boondocks!
Hi Sue,
That’s a good reminder/advice on the Benchmarks and what to look for. It can be a bit funny arriving someplace after dark; sometimes in the morning the spot suddenly seems a bit ridiculous (meaning, parked not exactly how one would have in the daylight!) but, I just happened to land in a good spot that night. A bit of beginner’s luck, in addition to a good-sized dollop of RVSue-information inspired confidence :)) Funny thing is that as I pulled in I was thinking “Now RVSue would have arrived in the early afternoon and be all settled in by now – not groping around in the dark.” Such is the life of a night owl (we don’t always get an early start…).
I’m hoping to wend my way back to Sidewinder again (in daylight :D)
PS: I meant to say that I like the grommeted Reflectix panels. I have used plain panels like that, but always just friction fit or taped them up; the grommets look great in a practical, “industrial” way. I may copy them!
Don’t do grommets. You will suffer.
It’s been a few years since I have grommeted anything, but I don’t remember it being that bad (not that I haven’t done *other* infuriating, difficult projects). I’m either forgetting the pain (possible) or it’s because I have a really heavy-duty grommeting tool (which I once stupidly packed along on an international flight – oops, got some extra attention from security). If we end up in the same place again before you’ve done your other panel (that gives us about ten years, right? ;)), then we could try it (if it’s any better than yours). Sadly, I don’t have the “super easy to hang things on” fur walls, so I have to figure out something for that side.
You found out the hard way…..grommets suck..
Sue, thanks for the info yesterday.
Would velcro work in place of grommetts? Also how fast will that passport card take to receive?
Rocky Mtn. Bob
Hi, Rocky Mtn Bob,
No, velcro won’t work. When Les was over here, I told him about my Relectix window project and showed him the grommets. He immediately suggested velcro. Casita owner, friend, and reader of this blog — Reine from Plano, TX — had already commented here a while back that velcro won’t work. Well, Les had to see for himself so he got some industrial strength velcro out of his truck. Wouldn’t stick…
I expect the passport card will take a couple weeks or more, especially since there will be some detail that will make it not go through on the first try… You know how these types of things can go . . .
Hi Sue,
Second-time commenter. 🙂
Grommets are a pain! Yours look very good.
And I love the woman’s denim top and pants combo, or as it’s known in these parts The Texas Tuxedo.
Hi, Jessica,
Better watch out… commenting here is habit-forming! 🙂
The Texas Tuxedo . . . I don’t know why but I immediately saw Glen Campbell singing Wichita Lineman . . . Wichita is in Kansas . . . Maybe he used to wear a Texas Tuxedo?
In 1957 I bought a new VW Bug right off the boat. In those days they had a roller accelerator and a small rear window. I could fill up the tank for $3 and drive on it for a long time. The idea of a VW was so new then that if you met another one on the road you always beeped (literally) your horn a waved and always got a wave back. We were pioneers of a sort. The little bug was fun to drive but you had to remember it’s limitations. It had a 36 SAE Horsepower engine. If you were going along the road and spotted a grade up ahead you had to floor it in order to still be doing 20 or so when you crested the top. Because of the rear suspension configuration if you took the weight of the rear of the car the back wheels would “pigeon toe”, which is why my first wife totaled it one Sunday morning in 1961 returning from Church in the rain. I had a lot of fun with that little German car. Gawd! I just thought about it, that was about 57 years ago!!! Now, I feel tired suddenly. Goodnight Missy…
I bought a brand new VW Bug in 1963 IIRC. The cost was $1,350.00 +TT&L. Amazing what a young mother can cram in one of those things along with 2 little girls. LOL
I had a VW bug. I was driving somewhere through NYC, saw my exit appear suddenly, tried to move over four lines of traffic, didn’t have enough power to make it, so I took an exit further on with the idea of backtracking. Found myself caught in traffic in Harlem with people yelling at me to get out of the way. Not a memory of which I am fond.
Hi Sue,
I am impressed with your window coverings…seems a good idea for any windows…regardless of a rig or in a house of some kind!! Thanks for sharing your ideas with us all!!
You’re welcome, Elizabeth. I like my window coverings, too. . pretty on the inside, functional to the outside.
Hi Sue and Pups!!! I followed the link to the site with all the Bugaroo’s. The Bugaroo that is under the Traveland and Jack in the Box sign was in Kennewick WA. It was up there when I moved here (actually 2 towns over) in 1979 and disappeared a year ago or so. I always wanted to check it out on the inside. Guess I lost my chance!!!
Happy Trails!
Susan
Hi, SusanS,
Every time someone mentions Washington state, I want to go back!!! I want it to be late summer and I’ve got pear juice dripping off my chin, berry stains on my fingers, a crab restaurant nearby, the sound of fog horns and gulls, the sun streaming through moss-covered branches, sparkling, cool river water through the forest . . .
Oh, yeah, what were you talking about?
Bugaroos! Yes, it would be fun to look inside one, although Lord knows what might be living in some of those shown at that site.
You did a good job with the grommets! However, if you don’t want to use them on the last shield, I’m thinking you can probably cut a slit or punch a hole in the reflectix and reinforce the slit/hole on the back with the duct tape.
That’s my plan, Ladybug! The curtains cover up the Reflectix on the inside anyway. I don’t know why I got involved hammering those dang grommets.
Probably because you got all decor-conscious after spiffing up your place with the new curtains. Just don’t get a wild hair idea of copying that bugaroo decor!
To set the grommets you need a very solid surface underneath and a heavy hammer. Try finding a big flat rock next time. I think the grommets are a great idea but you won’t get the insulating value unless you seal the edges. Your maintenance skills are improving by leaps and bounds. Luvya virtual travel buddy.
PS: We have no temperature degrees at all this morning, a big goose egg!
Oh no, Tennessee has dropped into the Black Hole!
Hi, Mick,
I found out very quickly that I needed a rock. Funny how these little projects become major. I had to traipse around the desert looking for a big enough rock with a flat side. That took a while. Then I had to sit on the ground to hammer . . . 🙁
I know what you’re saying about sealing the edges. I think that would be very important if we often camped in sustained temps of 30 degrees and lower.
I have a vague memory of reading about a guy — this was about 8 years ago — who covered his camper’s windows with cardboard painted matte black. He was very specific about the distance between the cardboard and the window glass (something like 1.5 inches). I don’t remember if he sealed any of the edges. I do recall that the air between the board and the glass heated, expanded, rose out the top, providing much warmth. Seems like he allowed air to come into that space somehow.
I remember thinking that it sounded like something that wouldn’t work, yet this guy said it did.
Given that I want extra warmth when nighttime lows go into the 30s and 40s, I may experiment to see if I can duplicate what that guy did. I have t-pins to hold the Reflectix’s other 3 edges to the carpeted wall. They are easy to add or remove.
I may end up sealing it all around as you suggest.
The black solar collector will work well except it will give you heat in the daytime and none at night, just opposite of what you need in the desert.
Oh hell! What were we thinking! Mick is absolutely correct once again!
How about this…..use the reflectix in the day time to keep the heat out. Turn on that heater…the one Spike hogs…and use the same reflectix and the curtins to keep the heat in. That way the reflectix never has to be messed with!
Cinandjules . . yes, that’s it. Except the reflectix will be stored during the many months we travel in perfect temperatures.
Mick . . I’m usually not in the desert where it’s cold. The southwestern corner is like summer. It’s when I’m moving northward in the spring or southward in the fall, i.e. Glass Creek snow.
You make a good point. By storing heat in the day, closing up the BLT before nightfall, this little capsule holds heat pretty well
That’s another thing that is a matter of opinion. I find Arizona winters to be VERY COLD!! I hate walking the dog when the temps are in the 40’s and even 30’s sometimes. By 5:00 in the evening, I put a jacket over my sweatshirt… by the last walk at about 9:30, I’m wearing two jackets.
Aha! At first I was surprised by your comment re AZ being cold, when I’m walking the crew in temps in the 60s and above . ..
Then I read you walk Mugsy at 9:30! I hardly ever walk the crew past 7:30. The difference probably is campground/RV park (where you have to walk the dog) vs. boondocking. After 7:30 the crew can go outside for a quick potty run next to a nearby bush. I watch from inside. They stay close.
Now that Mugsy has developed kidney and bladder stones, I need to walk her late in the evening and early in the morning. He would probably like me to get up in the middle of the night for another walk, but…
Hi Sue,
Thanks for mentioning passport cards, I had never heard of them, sounds easier than a passport,and to think I used to work at the P.O. Your grommets look nice.
Hi, Trudy,
If I read the State Dept.’s website correctly, a passport book is $110 while the passport card is only $30. There may be other fees beyond that.
Grommets are fun. As Mick said a hard surface and heavy hammer. I have a 5 lb. short handled sledge I use for this. Trick is you have to somehow push the ring down as far as it will go. A 1″ piece of 1/2 inch tubing does great. The driver fits inside and your fingers holding it pushes down on the tubing forcing the ring down.
I just finished a cover for the window to my separate toilet room. It has no heat and the little window is like an ammonia hole radiating cold. I measured out the inside of the window an cut 3 pieces of reflectix to fit snugly inside. I glued them together with 3M super 77 spray adhesive to make a pad. One thing I noticed in the design stage was that the aluminum frame was four times as cold as the glass so I made a fourth piece to be the width of the frame wider on all sides. I glued it to the pad. It fits into the window like a glove. No more freezing the jewels during the night. I don’t really understand why anyone would want a window in their toilet room anyway. I will probably leave it there all the time.
Well currently it is about 20 degrees in Virginia Beach with 8-10 inches of snow. Storm came thru last night. I sandwiched my frozen water hose in a small electric blanket and slid it all in a giant GTB. Took a few hours but it worked and my water flows like a charm. Even with 8 inches of snow on top of it.
Product Review/Alert: Armadillo RV freeze-free heated hoses don’t work. I bought one and it froze at the first opportunity. I emailed the company and told them, haven’t heard back from them in 4 days.
Well as usual Best Wishes and Enjoy.
Hi, Alan,
Well, it would’ve been nice to have all that equipment while grommeting (notice how that rhymes with vomiting?) . . . .
Why do bathrooms have windows? Here’s an experiment for you. Clean your bathroom with various household cleaners. Each time add some Comet, Bon Ami, or other non-abrasive powder. The chemical reaction will kill you if you don’t have a window open or if you don’t run out the door! Just kidding… don’t try it.
My point is… sometimes a bathroom needs to be ventilated to remove smells, fumes, or dampness that encourages mold.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with keeping hoses from freezing. I’m glad that’s not a concern of mine right now (she says smugly), but there are readers camping in less favorable weather.
Best wishes to you, too, Alan!
Hello Alan in Virginia Beach. My brother is there, too, and this morning joked about coming up here for my snow blower. I can’t believe the snowfall you have!
Sue, I found these on amazon. You might find them a little easier to use.
Easy Gardener 70035 Sun Screen Snap Grommets – 10-Pack
(I replaced your link with one of mine. RVSue)
Hi, Alan,
Those grommets work on lightweight screen. Customer review says no good for heavier screening. This Reflectix is thick . . . I don’t think those grommets would hold, although they look easier to install.
Look at the bottom of the page, There are links to one type that is for tarps. Should be more than heavy enough. The reflectix will compress very easily. Puncture the air cells where the grommets will be. But it is very light so weight shouldn’t be an issue. But alas there is always more than one way to skin a cat, as they say.
Alan, I punctured the air cells… I’m not doing any more grommets. period.
🙂 I think she means it!!!
Oops, well never mind my “helpful offer” above! 😀
I liked the idea in an earlier comment about the “pad” of Reflectix with the wider outer flange to cover the metal window frame – those do conduct a lot of cold. Sounded like it worked well on a small window where it could just friction fit into place. Or, one could stay in SW Arizona where it’s not that cold (she says, smugly, in advance, for Sue).
Those grommet tools do work very well. I’ve seen them used. If I were making a bunch of curtains I’d invest in one and face grommets again. For this reflectix, it’s not worth facing. I mean, I don’t have a shop. I was hammering on a rock. . .
Hi Sue,
I think all your recent additions to the BLT are really nice. Everything looks so fresh and colorful.
I think about how good our own Casita looks at a campsite, all the time knowing that after traveling it will look a mess. Sometimes when Larry and I get to a new destination the inside of our Casita looks like it has been hit by an earthquake.
I have been wondering how you deal with keeping things in place while on the (bumpy) road. For example, do your plastic storage drawers slip off the bench?
RVSue readers, how do you solve this problem? Thanks out there, for any suggestions.
Hi, Lois,
I take the storage drawers off the “channel” and place them on the floor. They fit snugly, stacked two high. That way no drawers fly open nor do they fall. It’s easy to do that and then simply set them back on the “channel” when we arrive.
People have suggested bungees and adding turnbuckles and so forth. I have 12 storage drawers. I don’t want to secure each one.
Yes, the place is a mess while we travel down the road. I can put it back together again very quickly at our new camp.
I do need to get some wire to secure the curtain rods to the drapery hooks. I suspect the rods will bounce off the hooks, especially with the kind of roads I tow on.
Thanks for the approval on my new decor!
You can install the child proof drawer locks on the drawers. The ones that are inside and allow you to open it a little then push down on the lever are nice because they are not obtrusive.
Child Proof Deluxe Door Top Lock
(I removed your link and replaced it with one of mine. If it’s not the correct one, people can browse Amazon and find others. RVSue)
I am kind of surprised this is an issue. All the RVs I seen have spring locks on all drawers and cabinet doors. You can get them at places that cater to RVs.
Hi, Alan,
My cabinet doors have spring locks. We’re not talking about the cabinets built into the Casita. I removed the cushions for a second twin bed and put plastic storage drawers there, the kind that you get from Wal-Mart and that can be stacked. Then I covered the fronts with wood-grain adhesive paper. Those are the storage drawers I put on the floor when towing.
We have one of those child proof locks that Chuck installed on the big drawer under the stove! BIG P.I.A.! This one is also adult proof and I cuss it every day!
Your grommets look great and love the new decor! Good job!
Thanks, Geri!
Since you asked for reader comments, I’ll add a couple. I started with sailboats, which basically roll back and forth and or hobby horse to 45º plus occasionally more; that’s a good training ground 😀 There nothing gets left “out” on surfaces and it’s all secured so that it can be completely rolled over and come up looking the same (that’s the goal anyway). I don’t go to quite that extreme in the RV (not necessary).
Anyway, I like “scoot guard” type rubbery mesh (ConTact makes a brand I like with big “scoots”). I typically line cabinets with it and it keeps things from moving around. I’ll also keep any scraps and use them to stuff between “clinky” things to try to eliminate noise (I have a one-piece RV so can hear all of that while driving down the road… ugh). Old socks work well as “jar socks.” Spare paper towel rolls get sprinkled around for “wedges” and of course come in handy to use as… paper towels.
I had a vertical stack of containers (somewhat analagous to RVSue’s drawers) and rather than secure each one (I agree, a bother), I had one bungee that ran vertically across the whole shebang (multiple drawers). I rigged it so it would easily clip out of the way when stopped yet still basically be in place. I’ve also seen someone do something similar with a dowel and “broom clips” on each end. Of course all drawers and doors latch closed (but you probably already have that). I read a neat idea of someone using a spring curtain (or closet or shower?) rod across the front of large refrigerator shelves to avoid surprises when opening the door after a trip (my refrigerator is so small it’s not necessary).
Basically, anything that moves I try to find an easy (so I will do it) way to secure it, where the means can stay to hand (vs. being yet another thing to store, dig out, etc.). I try to drive smoothly anyway, but hate to have anything in my mind where I “know” I have to try to drive carefully to avoid it falling, rattling, etc. At least with a trailer you don’t have rattles and clinks while you drive 😀
You think of everything – good idea to take those curtain rods down during transit. You wouldn’t want to put too much stress on the carpet walls and only add more maintenance somewhere in the future. Last thing you want is ANOTHER project! haha
Speaking of maintenance, what will you do with the Crew when you go down to Mexico?? I know you, you have a plan!!!!
hugs,
Lacy
Hi, Lacy,
About the curtain rods in transit . . . The rods are very lightweight and so are the curtains. The drapery hooks have the extra long pin that inserts behind the carpet. I think they will hold okay. We shall see. If I take the curtains down every time we move, they will get dirty.
When I go to Mexico I will leave the BLT (Casita) wherever I am camping, like I always do. The clinics are right over the border, within walking distance. Most folks go over, do their appts., and are back in a few hours. As for the crew, I’ll see what my options are when the time comes. Maybe someone will be around who will watch them for me. This is something I can’t plan at this point.
Wow! What a professional looking job! They look great!
Since you have carpet along the windows….and you may or may not feel like doing the grommet thing again….how about those strips of Velcro? Those curtain hook/spikes look a bit dangerous.
The weather is not good at the moment to test out the high heat spray paint. But I will let you know the results.
Who will take care of the crew while you’re in Mexico? Opps you already answered that!
Have a great day!
Hi, Cinandjules,
No, velcro won’t work. See my answer to Bob above.
Man, the Deep South is in Deep Trouble with the ice storm! I feel sorry for those teachers who had to spend the night in school with students . . . after a day of teaching. No beds. I bet there was a whole lot of whining going on.
You don’t need to test the paint. I have enough Reflectix to replace a test panel if it turns out to be a bad idea. Thanks anyway.
You have a great day, too!
The southern California version of student whining: “No beds?! You can’t make me stay here. Give me a hotel voucher and an iPad or I’m calling my mother’s attorney and you’ll lose your job.”
Hi, Gayle,
Your comment is funny.
It’s also sad, at least for teachers who have “been there, heard that.” 🙁
I know we teachers are supposed to LOVE teaching, but at the middle school level it’s very stressful. Too many spoiled children with adult privileges running the schools. I found the best part of teaching is the pension, albeit small.
Thanks for posting the pics and info about the bugaroo! I love it. I have been poring over the pitiful schematics on the website trying to imagine it. Of course, it is missing one essential thing–a toilet. I may spend the $50 for the plans and see if maybe it can be altered or lengthened of something…
I collect Volkswagen models and trinkets. My first car was a 1972 Beetle. I now drive a 2005 Beetle. When I posted the pics of this thing to Facebook, I bet 20 of my friends said it would be perfect for me. I’ve even joked about building it on top of a truck and then welding the front of a VW on it! What a character I would be! I just love it–it makes me smile. And the retro pictures are just so groovy! Thanks so much for sharing, Sue–it made my day.
I’m the one thanking you, DeAnne. It added something different to my post for the day.
Gee, I wouldn’t want to try a mountain uphill grade with a bugaroo or try to get out of the way of trucks on an interstate with it. Cute is cute, but live in it? Be sure and think it over . . . 🙂
Oh, I will, don’t worry. Remember, I have a few years left for serious research…thanks for caring. I’ve also been looking at vintage trailers…Airstreams…Vista Cruisers…the mind is boggled. And I’m going to an RV show this weekend—lots of options as you well know.
Sue, the photo of the bougainvillea is beautiful. Such a gorgeous color and then the gnarled trunks.
And please keep writing the temperature so I can live vicariously through your blog. I am soooo tired of these arctic temps, lol!
Hi, Pat,
Well, the sun went down a few minutes ago and it’s about 77 degrees here, sunny all day with blue skies, up in the 80s this afternoon. I’m wearing a tee shirt with capri pants and sandals. I have the door open with just the screen door and a window open, too. In other words, it’s perfect!
I look at the weather on the online news and it’s hard to believe. I know this winter must seem awfully cruel and long. Wish I could share some of this warmth!
Since every other topic has been covered in depth, I just want to add that the bougainvillea pic is very cheery and it reminded me of Valentine hearts.
Hi Marcia,
I thought some flowers would be a welcome change for people living with snow, cold, sleet, and ice… Flowers and fields of lettuce . . .
They are a welcome change, as are all your pictures. Even if it finally warmed up to 20 ABOVE it is still cold, so thank you for sharing sunshine and flowers – it helps.
Sue, it can get pricey, but a lot of places have doggie day care centers where dogs can stay while their owners are gone all day ( doctors’ appointments, tourist stuff, etc.).
Social dogs can play and quieter dogs can stay in kennels that are usually small rooms. We travel with our dog and use them a time or two on most trips.
Hi, Jana,
That’s another option. There probably is a day care for dogs around here somewhere. I’ll figure something out once I have my passport card. Nice to hear from you, Jana!
Jana, I’m sure you saw this reply by RVSue:
Hi, Lacy,
When I go to Mexico I will leave the BLT (Casita) wherever I am camping, like I always do. The clinics are right over the border, within walking distance. Most folks go over, do their appts., and are back in a few hours.
I just want to add my experience to reinforce what she said about “back in a few hours”. I went across the border, had my teeth cleaned and returned in not much more than one hour. I left my dog in my RV in the parking lot on the US side while I was gone. This was during the winter and early in the day so heat was not an issue; I would not do this during hotter temperatures nor do I do so while shopping in the US.
Your idea of using a doggie day care would work but it would require a drive to Yuma then back to Algodones then to Yuma again. If you were to do so it would be best to plan on an all day stay at the doggie day care. That cost would sort of defeat the idea of going to Algodones for cheap dental work in some cases i.e. a cleaning.
Hi, Ed,
Your quick dental visit is encouraging. I’d like to purchase glasses, too… graduated lenses with “transition.”
Never having gone to Mexico for appts. before, I’m leery about leaving the crew in the PTV. It’s cool in the morning. By noon it can become quite warm. That’s lately… Maybe by the time I have my passport card we’ll have Arizona’s version of a winter cold snap. 🙂
Good point about the travel required for doggie day care. That’s usually the reason I don’t put the crew in day care, not the price.
Here are some added thoughts….
Doggie day care usually requires bordatella (kennel cough) which isn’t one of the standard immunizations owners give if they don’t board their pets! That is either given in a shot or nasal mist!
Some places offer the family plan…two dogs at a discounted rate.
Some vets have boarding…..but I wouldn’t do that because dogs/cats are often frightened and the place has a different scent/ stress level….if you will!
The BIGGEST dilemma is……Bridget and Spikes idea of spending the day in an unfamiliar place!
Maybe you’ll meet up with someone you know who will gladly spend time with the crew! Just like you did for Glenda, Jeff and Kyra!
I am a firm believer in what goes around comes back!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Before hitting the road back in August 2011, I thought about possible problems and obstacles and wondered how I would handle them.
Since living and traveling in the BLT, I’ve discovered so far that the difficulties smooth themselves out over time, that solutions to “problems” eventually appear, and many anticipated obstacles never materialize in the first place. A way will become apparent.
Possessing the ability to adapt to the ever changing scenarios associated with your “living on less and enjoying life more” lifestyle is something you definitely have!
Rock on Desert woman! 🙂
Hey Sue, I could not find a way to email uou on your blog so I have to put this in a comment. I referenced you and your blog in my post on my blog today. Its very positive in nature. I thought I should tell you about it so you can check it out. I think it will help folks get better data signal strength until they can upgrade their system and save money. Its on http://oneleggedcowboy.wordpress.com Hope you like it and I am sure if you were to reference it it would help me with my new blogg getting readers. Thanks for all your wonderful info and entertainment by the crew, Bill
Hi, Bill,
You’re welcome and great post on your blog! Thank you for mentioning my blog.
For clarification, my Wilson antenna is not custom made, only the bumper mount is custom. In other words, my antenna is how it is sold with no changes. This is a small point so it is not necessary to change anything you posted, just saying in case anyone questions it.
BTW, if you click on your name “Bill from NC,” you’ll see that it links to your blog. Most of my readers know this… no need to post your link in the future.
Best wishes with your blogging, including getting that all-important internet signal. You’re off to a great start!
Thanks Sue I know how you struggled with signal until Mic came up with a solution. I want to have a signal on.my Great Western Trip so I can blog for my readers. But I must admit being a one legged compromised man I want a signal in case I need HELP. Dont get me wrong I am a strapping big strong guy, ego time there you know Sue, anyway I just cant walk my way out of a situation like most folks. I just cant walk far with my artificial leg etc. So there I said it, afeared I am. By the way Mick posted a comment on my blog
If we can be of help . . . We are leaving here on 3rd headed to Quartzsite for couple of weeks at Dome Rock. Then to casino at Quechan for couple of days. Would be delighted to crewsit. Btw Quechan allows boondocking no limit and is 1mi from border.
Hi, Kathy and Gil,
Thank you. That’s very nice of you to offer. I made other arrangements about an hour ago which I’ll write about in the next post.
Yes, Quechan allows boondocking but I’d rather stay out at Sidewinder. The extra distance is no big deal.
Back to Dome Rock and the Big Q, eh? Have a great time!
Completely off topic…
Last fall I was reading the blog of a woman RV’er who was volunteering at a wildlife refuge in Minnesota. This was at the time of the government shutdown. I must have come upon it from a link from some other blog, but now I can’t find her blog even by backtracking through links from other blogs. Why didn’t I bookmark it? I wonder if any of your readers may know what I’m talking about and point me in the right direction. Thanks.
Oh, I hate when that happens. If you could remember what other blog led you to hers . . .
Linda, I think this may be who you are looking for:
http://travels-with-emma.blogspot.com/
Yes!! !! !! Thank you, Rose. I had a feeling someone in the RVSue readership would come through!
Small world–we got a new teacher today and she just came back from visiting her brother who lives in YUMA of all places and lives near Ogilby Rd. He telling her about all the “winter Visitors” that spring up during this time of year. It was really cool to have a point of reference.
Or maybe I said Darby Wels..anyway, she said the brother lived on the road…
It could’ve been Yuma. It is jammed with RVs this time of year.
Seeing the link on the VWs made into motorhomes, you know my brother could do that if he chose. His latest thing is a SUPER DUPER pick up…he can put their 2 four-wheelers in the back of it, and has all kinds of locked storage compartments all around that area…much more well designed than any such setups we have seen. He enjoys making unique vehicles. Used to have a race car he made and raced…when young and foolish…and brave!! Has a gorgeous Willy’s pickup…he changed it some, but not a lot…it is painted red…I think he has it for sale. My dad used to put together a car from 2 wrecked ones, etc. though he tended to make things pretty much normal. Being he always sold his, you had to have it to please the customer. Thanks for being an interesting place to read!!
Happy travels and hope you find a good dentist!!
Your brother sounds so clever! I envy you. I always wished I had a brother.
Late comment: Perfect grommets. Yee haa!
Sue, Another way to hang the reflectix is with T pins through the Reflectix into the carpet. Not as classy as the grommets but WAY easier. The T pins also hold the shade closer to the window. Third option is to sew some shoe laces to each side and tie them around drapery hooks in the carpet
Hi, Reine,
I have inserted some T-pins along the bottom and sides of the Reflectix on the window above our bed. A cool wind today strikes that side of the BLT.
Restaurants and eateries come in all shapes and sizes, and I worked at an interesting variation on the
norm – a rural hodge podge of general store, gas station,
and sit-down dinner destination. Uploading the Existing Downloads From Other Servers.
Getting your Minecraft Server up and running is only the beginning, to truly customize the experience,
you’ll want to tweak your server.
My blog post: Free Minecraft Servers
Hey – see if you can find a store like Mill End Fabrics here in Reno NV. They have all the grommet and button making machines – you can use them free if you buy the hw in their store. CRAZY easy.
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