Bridget and I are camped at Corvina Beach Campground which is part of the Salton Sea State Recreation Area.
NOTE: Text for the first segment of this post has been removed.
In the custom of many campers, as sunset time approaches I position my chair to enjoy the show.
Bridget and I have made our home at the Salton Sea for a week and every night we’ve been given a wonderful sunset. Each sunset conveys a different mood or “personality.” Here’s an example from a few days ago.
Every sunset changes quickly. The birds hush into a dreamlike state, drifting in the watercolor of the lake that is painted by the setting sun. Sometimes the sunset is subdued and moody.
Okay, so you’ve seen a lot of sunset photos.
I’ve posted several in my Salton Sea posts lately. I don’t try to make the sunsets what they aren’t. In other words, I don’t use “color boost” or “saturation” or “glow” or any of the other photo enhancers. I straighten the horizon, crop the photo for composition, put a frame around it, and slap it into the post.
It’s hard to believe these are real.
I assure you that what you see below is the real deal. This is yesterday’s sunset soon after the sun disappears behind the mountains on the other side of the Sea.
Wow!
Suddenly the world is awash with purple and pink!
Fuschia!
I’ve seen a lot of spectacular, absolutely exquisite sunsets in the four winters we’ve camped in the Southwest. This definitely is one of the best I’ve ever witnessed.
What you see here is only what is within the frame. Imagine this color blazed across the sky and reflected in the lake from far left to far right . . . .
I stand in awe.
Why did I sell my house and give up most of my possessions?
Why did I choose to live in a little trailer to travel from place to place?
What single reason can I give?
It’s difficult to come up with one reason because there are many convincing reasons for living as a nomad in this beautiful country.
I do know, however, that this sunset is reason enough.
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Here are links to a few of the items ordered by readers:
Prime Products Utility Tray
Painting Watercolors (First Steps)
Muse: The Brain Sensing Headband
Lorraine Home Fashions Jackson Tier Curtain Pair
Optima Batteries YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
Dell Inspiron 11.6-Inch Convertible Touchscreen Laptop
Love following your travels
I’m glad you’re here, Judy L. Congratulations on being number one today!
Oh thank you, just got lucky I guess. So cold here just staying inside and reading on outer.
Love Bridgett. Looking forward to meeting the new crew member whenever he or she arrives
Unbelievable photos! Just beautiful! The colors are incredible!
Chris B
Hi, Chris B…. I was stunned. The color was all over the sky and lake. It only lasted a few minutes, but I’ll remember it forever.
Am I second!!! LOL
Lovely photos as always Sue!!
Hugs from Hoquiam! !
Barb
Thanks, Barb. Hugs to you, too!
Wow. Simply amazing!
We are awaiting on an offer for our house. There is a young couple who came by last weekend and proclaimed that they want it. We are hoping to see an offer very soon. Everyone please keep your finger crossed. If everything goes right we could be headed west by the middle of April!
That’s wonderful, John! I do hope and pray the deal goes through without any delay. How exciting!
Good Morning Sue, Wow, the sunsets just seem to get better and better…I am in awe and I am not even there…Wishing I was….The Brown Pelicans…yep saw hundreds of them by that Plant…We saw flocks of them flying in V formation, wondering where they were landing…now looks like they are dispersing around..remember we call them Mexican Coast Guard here in Huntington Beach, because they are always there and always skimming the water searching…I especially love the breeding plumage around the beak, nice bright red….means get ready girls!. Well, enjoy your day, looks like the campgrounds are filling up again…only thing missing is ME! right down there by the showers….lol.
Good morning, Shirlene,
I saw the brownies down by the plant, too. They were at our section of beach for one day. I don’t see them today. While I was rolling up the awning right before dark yesterday I saw a ribbon of seven of them, one after the other, skimming the water, heading to the north shore. Looks like they have fun doing that!
Yeah, the campground was empty for a day… just Steve and us. Then a bunch came in. That’s the way it goes in campgrounds like this…
I wanted to tell you about one of the pictures that Laura took while we were there this last weekend….She wanted sunrise shot, just as the sun was coming over the hills…..a TRAIN went by…but the shot was beautiful, golden lights coming through the windows of the train from the sun coming up on the other side of the train…it was spectacular…just wanted to share…
I’m jealous! I’ve been trying to take a good shot of one of the trains since we first arrived and with poor results. That photo sounds wonderful!
If she adds it to her website, I will let you know so you can see it…or ask her on her website, she will post it for you.
Beautiful sunsets ! Love your pictures. In these very cold days 10 degrees , your
Pictures make me feel a little warmer. Thank you .
Hi, Deb D…. A little bit of “hot pink” to warm your day! Thanks for stopping by.
The sunsets are beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing them with us. You can fill your posts with sunsets all you want. I do not mind. When we are camping, sunset is always the best time of day. It is as if the world is taking a big sigh and saying “Well that’s all folks, time to say goodnight”. So glad you and Bridget are doing so well. Stay safe.
Thank you, Jean…. I like your talking sunset description. I think of sunsets as the Creator reminding us to slow down and enjoy the world given to us. It’s hard to ignore such beauty and who would want to!
Sue and Miss Bridget,
The pictures are stunning and what beautiful colors! Thank you for sharing! I love all your bird pictures but I have to smile because those birds are big compared to my little midwest birds. I hope, someday, to be up close and personal to those big things! They’re amazing! I’m having to feed mine 2-3 times a day because they’re spoiled. Enjoy your stay!
Kay from KC!
Hi, Kay…. Those birds can use the extra food for energy in the cold weather months. You’re good to provide for them. I love the little birds, too, and backyard feeders are such fun!
Thank you for complimenting my photos.
Beautiful post, Sue! This is why I love coming to your blog.
And I love having you here, Ariel.
I can’t wait to see the sunsets myself–much better for me than sunrises! My school system has been closed all week due to snow/ice/low temps. Haven’t accomplished a thing and enjoying every minute of it! Thanks for the gorgeous photos, and for sharing another person who is so delighted with his life choices.
You’re welcome, DeAnne.
We were wishing for another day off, tacked on to the three-day holiday weekend and look what happened… the entire week off! Enjoy doing nothing, for a change. 🙂
Bucket hats!
Love the colors of the sunset!
Helllooooo. Bridgee babeee! What a pretty smile!
Why?? Because you’re living on less and enjoy life more! Not letting life dictate how you live, making decisions and living with the decisions you’ve made! That’s your dash…girlfriend!
Rock on Desert Woman!
Overturned flower pot hats! 🙂
We’re rockin’ on… Hope you are, too!
Cinandjules,
Happy Chinese New Year!
Do you celebrate? Any holiday that revolves around extra special food is one I’d like to incorporate. Heard a segment on NPR about a gal up you way that just broke into the lobster market in Asia for this holiday. She said the weather was causing concern as she ships them by air. I wonder how hard the flight crew has to work getting their tiny little seat belts on? And what if they were serving lobster on the flight?
Anyway, just wondering if you kids have run out of doggie towels from a soaking wet pooch and are keeping warm just from keeping the weight off the roof. Have you tried the window jumping thing I keep hearing about?
What kind of Class C did/do you have? Did you do any mods? What would you have done differently? You wrote that you’d like a 17B. Is that the Escape? Not sure how big your lake is but you get or build a pontoon and put the trailer on it for a summer house boat. (You could escape your in-laws.)
People get dive bombed by seagulls here, too. Mostly by the waterfront of Puget Sound where they will take food out of your hand if you hold it up. It’s fun to do that on the ferries. Then they thank you by crapping on your head. They sell hats that have birdpoop designs and say ‘Don’t look up’. We used to call it Seattle hair conditioner.
Thought you might be drifted in and needed a diversion from shoveling and raking. At least the moisture will bring a lush spring and no summer water restrictions. Warm wishes for you and all your buddies there.
Thanks.
No we really don’t celebrate since we’ve moved to NY. Mom’s gone and my dad has lost his mind.
Annie Oakley loves the snow. No we don’t partake in snow activities. Raking the roofs and shoveling is the North Country free gym membership!
Coachmen catalina classic 240wide body. No mods. I wouldn’t buy a “C” because it like a ball and chain. Prevents you from exploring.
Yes it’s the Escape. The floor plan is the attraction. Drop it and go exploring.
Seattle hair conditioner….I like it!
Four inches of snow last night…There is a wind chill warning today…stuck inside. Maybe tomorrow.
Have a great night!
Just noticed on my map how close I am to the Escape factory. May have to take a roadtrip up there this spring. Sue convinced awhile back that a trailer is the smart way to go. But, got a deal on an older C to use as a ‘starter’ to remodel and learn about *stuff*. Like you, I really like the 17B and, hopefully, when the time comes to GO, that seems like the best way.
Free outdoor gym membership without all the other people; that’s a good thing. Maybe have to dodge the occasional snowball?
You are never to old to ride the shopping cart at the grocery store.
…this sunset is reason enough…perfect response Sue.The dreamlike state that the world and we hush into at moments like those is the answer to so many questions beginning with why..
risk,sacrifice,try,hang on,reach through-because of THIS a heart wants to shout.What a truly well expressed beautiful post that explains so much about you , while it could just be taken as a way to show what draws folks to the RV life.
There have been countless times in life ,here and elsewhere,that one such glimpse or feeling of gratitude has made everything,just living, worth it.A full sentence is more than it takes to make those that get that understand,and a whole book couldn’t convey it to those that don’t.
Volunteering with the bonus of staying there for a season-what a great exchange for a smart thrifty vagabond!That idea by itself to offer encouragement to readers so hoping to get what they long for that they come to your blog …Wow,once again you give and teach like no other found doing it on the web or in “real life”. May the rewards given you for it be as profound.
You always make me feel special, weather. I know you “get” the message of this post, as well as what makes me, me. (Oh gosh, I did it again… “me, me!” Ha!) I hope readers of my blog find my posts as uplifting as your comments are for me. 🙂
Ha! me-me…That sounds like a singer beginning to warm their voice.The “young pelican calls” on the link you provided made me laugh,too.They really sounded like babies trying to form words,too cute!
🙂
Well now, I wasn’t trying to be defensive, but more incredible…. Meaning that I found it incredible that your were experiencing a much different Salton Sea than I did the last time I was there…. And I find that to be a good thing, as I very much wanted the place to be a lot like what you are reporting…. But when I stopped there with my late wife, it really wasn’t what we hoped for…
Having created the Salton Sea quite by accident, usually man’s blunders don’t work out for the long haul… So I can only hope that they find a way to replenish the waters there to maintain the very bird sanctuary that wasn’t intended to be…
Maybe the energy created by a geothermal plant could be used, but I would like to see the lake restored if that would be possible…
Just wanted to say hello to you Rod It’s been a while since our communication. Hope you are well.
I see now what you were getting at. I’m sorry the Salton Sea wasn’t very pleasant when you were here. I don’t know why I find myself in places at just the right time. It certainly isn’t by my design.
Yes, I agree… I want the lake restored, too. I see how beautiful it is now. Imagine how gorgeous it would be if it were healthier, full-up with water, waves lapping a few yards from where my front door is now. Everywhere I go the lakes are less than what they once were.
It is said that the Salton Sea will be fixed when the smell moves permanently into Palm Springs — which could be soon.
Wow Sue mother nature sure has given you such beautiful sunsets to share with us. Love those colors and it sure makes me look forward to seeing them in person sometime soon. I’ve been kind of down lately but I’m going to get myself out of this funk. Looking for a part time job starting next week….. just couldn’t get myself to make phone calls or anything.
Your post was a wake up call.
Debbie
Hi, Deb,
Oh, it’s no wonder you’ve been feeling down and not ready to take action. I hope that things not turning out the way you hoped will lead to something better than you can imagine from where you are now. That does happen and I wish it for you! If my post helps, even if only in a small way, I’m very glad. Thanks for keeping in touch.
This is a good spot to thank you for the interactivity of your blog. There is a person who has an RV blog focusing on various formations and definitions of community. They post long, thoughtful, well-informed posts, but the Comments “go dead” because this person does not interact with the readers. One might as well read a book on the posted subject. I suspect that this RVer wants only to pontificate on the subjects of his choice without any feedback or debate. I have discontinued reading their blog. Social media is designed to encourage community, and you have “nailed it”!!! In addition to feedback, you provide a compassionate response to blogorinos who have various challenges in their lives. I think it is cruel to create a community and then slam the door on their responses. Opportunities to show compassion are right at our fingertips. RVSue, we are a lot of work for you, but we appreciate it.
Hi, Gayle,
Talk about thoughtfulness…. You put some thought and understanding into your comment! It made me smile to read that I have “nailed” social media — me, the one who doesn’t do facebook or any of that. 🙂
I don’t know how bloggers can read comments from their readers without responding. I have to jump in!
Bloggers choose to emphasize different facets of their blogs. I don’t maintain a blog roll. This may seem selfish to some, but, to tell the truth, I can’t do comments to the extent that I do and also maintain a blog roll.
Also I don’t visit other blogs and comment on them the way some bloggers do. I feel badly that I don’t. However, I have to keep a handle on how much time I devote to online activities, and I can’t keep up with blogs without sacrificing doing other stuff that I want to do.
Thank you, Gayle, for noting the compassion that is a part of what holds this community together. The people who comment on my blog are caring folks. They demonstrate that over and over again. I love them!
I was wondering about that very thing Gayle and Sue; how come some blogs lay dead and others….well, let’s be honest they haven’t taken off like yours, Sue! Yours is the Bomb!
These photos in this post are the epitome of why that is! And of course that you’re not afraid to carry on conversations with anyone joining in is the icing on the cake.
As we speak I’m in the process of redoing my website and blog, too.
My website is rather old….in terms of technical stuff. But my blog is only a little over 2 years old. But I had already given up on it, since the comments “lay dead.”
What DID generate a comment here and there was my book reviews…of course they were dog-related. Not just true-life stuff, but novels, too.
I don’t want to write book reviews, though…it’s like school…tedious. I have a BA in English…and that was just a lot of work! Writing book reviews takes me right back to that.
I want to write meaningful stuff having to do with today’s animal-human challenges, whether it’s about domestic animals or wild.
So what do you guys suggest? I’d like to get back to my blog after it’s all redone, and I get off of Go Baddy, I mean Daddy (that’s what prompted me to start redoing it, ironically…GD created that despicable puppy-mill commercial for the Super Bowl…and they nearly had a riot; a bunch of their customers pulled out, so they cancelled the commercial. I will soon be one of them).
So you guys got any suggestions for me?
Cindy, right here in this blog, the Comments have lots of energy, offering handy hints, advice, sympathy, condolences. One or two subjects posted by RVSue really went viral, but I just can’t remember what the subjects were — maybe politics. RVSue, you had to shut us up, we got so carried away! Good example of what I enjoy is to click on a Yahoo story that has over 1,000 Comments. WOW! Dy-no-mite! Comment, Reply, Extended Replies. Facebook also is high energy. I follow Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love) and her FB community has exploded because she posts a subject, gives her impression, then REPLIES to others. Like-minded people (with Likes!) seem to gravitate to their appropriate blogs. It’s magical, like everyone here. I’m sure we’d all do anything that any one of us would need, like good friends. RVSue keeps a wise, strong hand on us so nobody gets hurt. Where else can you go every day for that?!
Gayle…I guess what I’m asking is what do think COMPELLS people to comment. I get no comments.
Cindy,
I need time to think about this before I offer any suggestions. I will look at your blog. In the meantime, I want you to know I’m not ignoring your question!
Awwww….I appreciate that you wanna give this special attention, Sue. That warms my heart.
Keep in mind that the blog you see is the “old” one. My soon-to-be-son in law and I are working on the “redo” of both sites together. He being the technical one, and me being the writer. Plus he has a full-time job, and is helping me while working around that. Great kid!
We’re working out the pet sitting website first, but since they are both linked together…likely they will be published live together, as well.
Anyway, I appreciate any honest help you can offer as you are the expert!
A quick suggestion… Maybe the blog would be more effective as a stand-alone rather than part of a bigger website. Link to the blog from the website, but develop the blog separately, if that makes any sense.
Yes…thank you…it already does, and has its own domain: petdailypress.com, whereas my pet sitting website is creaturefeaturepetsitting.com
It also has it’s own Facebook page.
me,too!
Ahh Sue, I’ve had a rough week…But I look at these wonderful sunset shots and feel so calm. Thank you for sharing the beauty of this awesome place with us. By the way, I don’t need to ask why you choose the nomad lifestyle. I am happy for your experiences.
Take Care Sue and Crew.
Sorry your week has been rough, Diane. I hope the coming days make up for that. Glad to bring some “calm” your way…
Wow! Nice sunset!
High of 28 here today. We had a nice hike at Fort Raleigh and the vicinity of the Lost Colony. The dogs loved it.
28 is your high? Good thing you have a well-insulated trailer!
Hi Sue
Love the sunsets. They are my favorite and you always post some great ones.
Hi JW…. Thank you!
Well Missy, you’ve done it again. What beauty you captured in your sunset shots. I wish I was still able to get out like I once did. But, with my wife’s health problems, my health problems and no camper anymore I have you to bring it to me here in my home.
In the days I was able to get out and go I saw most of the west north to south and east too. I don’t think I enjoyed it then like I would now though. I enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong but as we get older we appreciate it much more, we see things we didn’t notice when younger. Oh well, enough….Keep on having fun and thanks for dragging me along.
*Hug for Missy and one for Bridget as well*.
Hi, Jim,
Oh, the opportunities we missed when younger! I know what you mean about being more appreciative at this stage of life. I’m sorry you aren’t able to travel-camp as you once did, but I’m happy that you’re riding with the Bridge and me. You’ve become an important part of my blog for me.
Thanks for the hugs. Back at you! 🙂
Hi, Sue!
Those colors in the sunsets are wondrous and it seems that combo doesn’t happen that often. I make all of your shots of the evening ‘interactive’ by tilting my screen up and down. I can have sunup and sundown in time-lapse! 🙂
Isn’t it fun that, for so many, no matter what age, birds make us stop and look? Their song or size or colors gives us great pleasure and a yearning for more. They are universal. Everyone has seen at least one. I want to think they are another thing we all have in common and can bring us together in conversation by sightings, either in person or photographs.
Hi, a girl in Maple Valley, CA,
Appreciation for birds, for sunsets, for new horizons, for quirky canines… all things we have in common! This blog goes off on tangents, not always sticking with RVing stuff, and I hope that it covers those things that everyone can relate to… like in this post… meeting someone who is loving his life…. or seeing a jaw-dropping sunset…
You’re cute, doing “time-lapse” with your screen…
You are truly blessed, Sue
thanks for the wonderful pictures…..I know there’s a bunch of folks
traveling along with you just as I am…thanks for taking me along…
chuck
You’re welcome, Chuck,
You are so right… I am “truly blessed.” I’m delighted you are traveling along with all the rest of this blog’s followers and that there’s always enough room… 🙂
Beautiful photos Sue, Have a great time to the both of you,,, me
Same to you, Rusty! It’s nice having you drop in here.
You cannot have too many sunset pictures.
Hi, Rob…. and you cannot become bored watching those sunsets!
At first I was nervous for you when a guy just shows up out of the brush. Then, since you didn’t seem worried I stopped worrying. Then I got to the sunsets…and I teared up. Don’t exactly know why. It was just so beautiful. I think I want to paint one of them. You might have inspired me. Though I suppose anyone looking at a painting wouldn’t think it was true life. Except those that have been to the SW. They’d know.
What a touching comment, Dawn. At first you’re nervous for me and by the end of the post you’re moved by the sunsets. I take that as a lovely compliment. Thank you.
You’re right about painting this sunset. People would think you got the colors all wrong, just as I expected that’s what one would think looking at the photos.
I don’t always look at other people’s blogs. I’m at the computer too much as it is. I did read a few of your recent posts. Very well done! Excellent writing and intriguing photos. . . .
Awwww..thank you! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Good afternnon, Sue! Gorgeous photos of the sunset–your photos are always so well-composed. We rarely see sunsets this beautiful at home. Pelicans are such interesting birds–I didn’t even know there were brown ones.
We’re enjoying our time here at Las Cienegas. Our site is isolated & restful. It was cloudy here last night but it made the sunset more complex.
I am going to order the beginning watercolor book–have been an aspiring watercolorist for years but never had enough time to engage fully until now. I have all the equipment so I could even paint plein air, just like my Mum once did. She’s moved on to pastels & oils. Anyway, my thanks to the person who ordered it–they’ve inspired me.
What an interesting person Steve is–he’s got a dream workamp going. He certainly has verve & enthusiasm.
Ear skritches to Miss Bridget.
Good afternoon, Dawn,
When I saw the watercolor book on today’s Amazon report I thought, “I’ll include that in the links to purchases and maybe someone will be inspired to pick up a brush.” And here you are! I wish you many satisfying and contented hours with your watercolors…
One of these days we will camp at Las Ciegnas…. I’ve intended to do that for three winters and we haven’t done it yet. It seems like a very peaceful place with lots of wide-open space. I hope you continue to enjoy your camp!
I could sure use some of that warmth shown in your photos..it will be 9 here tonight and the wind chill will make it even worse! I am enjoying your bird and sunset shots!! Have you tried a Panoramic shot with your Panasonic yet? A pano of that lake will be awesome. Have a peaceful night.
Hi, Sondra,
I have tried the panoramic function, but not since we were camped at Lone Rock on Lake Powell near Page. I’ll take your suggestion and try it with today’s sunset which I’m expecting to be a doozy because the clouds are unusual.
Good heavens, 9 degrees in South Carolina!
yes! we had frozen water pipes this morning and we had to use all the heaters we have to keep warm…thank goodness tonight its only 24, and a warm up in on the way.
Hi, Sue,
Beautiful, just beautiful! Shades of honey, orange sherbet, pink lemonade, and cotton candy. Gauzy skies reflected in the sea. Birds add to the peace and serenity of the scene. I love how the mountains look like paper mâché layers in some of the shots. So peaceful….Aaaahhhh.
There is something so magical about SW desert sunsets…and the unique scent of the desert after a rainstorm.
Thank you for sharing your warmth of heart and desert goodness, Sue! Hugs to you and Bridget (adorable pose!) from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
PS….Steve has a sweet deal with the state park system. He is loving life, too!
Those are great color references! I’m looking forward to what the sunset show will be like tonight. . . . Those pelicans insist on being in the pictures. I laugh when I’m setting up for a shot, waiting for the color, and here comes a pelican or two. Ha!
Yeah, I love meeting people who are excited about their life and content where they are and with what they have. Steve has found what makes him happy and keeps him looking forward to every new day.
Nothing like getting photo-bombed by pelicans! 🙂
Beautiful post, Sue. Those sunsets are reason enough to go there. It has been unseasonably cold here in FL, breaking some records, I hear. Only 50 today and going down to 36 tonight with windchill of 20. Fortunately, it looks as though the Jet Stream is going to give us a break with daytime temps going back up to the more normal 70’s on Saturday. So that’s the “weather whine” from the Sunshine State.
Hi, Marcia GB in MA . . . . The “weather whine”… That’s funny! Good to hear you’ll have more typical Florida weather for the weekend.
70’s in MA? That’s the temp INSIDE your house right? 🙂
Opps MA is now in FL……
Beauty all around you, in beauty you walk! To paraphrase a Navajo saying that I took to heart! You do always get to the right spot at exactly the right time, The Creator chooses that time and that place because He knows you ” get it”! Then you pass it all on to us so we cab oooooooohh and ahhhhhh! and rejoice through you, the beauty He has chosen! Loved this post and all of the beautiful sunset images!!!
Hi, Geri,
Gee, I’d better keep blogging and passing on the beauty, otherwise I’ll arrive at places at the worst time! 😉 Aww… just kidding. Thank you for the nice comment and for loving my post and pics.
I hope you are feeling well and are walking without pain. I think of you and Chuck often. In fact today I was looking at dogs and I saw a pic that looked like Radar… My heart skipped…. I enlarged the photo and oh, darn….nope, not even close. Of course not! There’s only ONE Radar!
Yes, there is only one Radar! He is laying in my lap now all curled up and comfey! He’s just a mutt, he’s just a rescue, but he is the best doggie ever… Well he stole my heart !!!
I am walking better, but that MRI ended up teaching me a lot of new words! The sciatica is almost gone YaY but it showed an even worse problem, another word I had never heard of- severe stenosis of the L 2 L3 & L4 area of my spine that will need surgical attention one day! Yuck! But if I am careful and do exercises that stretch my spine, I can delay surgery for awhile! It just means no more Wild Woman activities! LOL! Sheeeeesh!
Well, Geri, that’s not good news about your spine, although it is good that now you know what’s going on with your back and that there is a remedy. I’m not making light of it. I wish you didn’t have to deal with any of this.
I’m happy to hear the sciatica is almost gone!
Love reading your Blogs. I started one. I have actually started a few. But recently started one about our soon to be RV adventures. Might be another year till we do any traveling tho. Anyway I like your writing style. it’s like reading a book. I am lucky if i don’t put readers to sleep. Keep up the good work 🙂
JoAnn (Rocking N Rollin)
Good luck with your RVing blog, JoAnn!
In the future, when you sign in to comment here, put your blog’s URL so that your name becomes a link to your blog.
I’m glad you like my blog and thank you for the compliment on my writing.
Thank you, for sharing a part of your day, Sue. It sounds like you’ve been having a very relaxing and enjoyable stay at the “sea”. And, as usual, some lovely photos for us to see.
Thanks, Lisa W. When we left our Ogilby Road camp west of Yuma to come here, I was prepared to leave after a short visit if it wasn’t a good camp. Turns out it’s a great camp!
Fantastic!!!
I agree!!!
I am jealous of your life & I am so grateful that you allow us to share it with you!
Thank you!
You’re welcome, Lynn. Thanks for the encouragement to keep blogging!
You could sell those pictures. They are fabulous!
Thanks, Linda!
Beautiful sunset photos.
Thanks for sharing those.
You’re welcome, AJ, and thank you for the positive feedback!
Yes Sue -the sunsets are beautiful!!
I get credit for the photos, yet I’m not the One who creates the sunsets!
The photos are breathtakingly beautiful! Thank you for sharing them & your journey. No TV for me either except for a bit of PBS via computer. Books though I devour, mostly second hand. Putting a small bookshelf above my bed was the first modification I did to ms anonymous (what I call my trailer). Be glad you’re warm-40• here in mid Florida.
Hi, Maryanne,
I am glad I’m warm and I wish you were, too.
I don’t miss television. Sometimes I’ll pull up a news website and watch a video of a newscaster giving “the news.” I often find the pace and sound of the newscaster’s voice to be irritating, sometimes jarring on my nerves. Must be because I’m not accustomed to yakkety-yak, pressured speech.
You have your own reading room with Ms. Anonymous… 🙂
MESSAGE TO READERS:
This post originally contained a story of Bridget and me meeting a fellow camper. After discussing my blog with this person, I felt it best to remove that story.
If a subject of one of my stories feels uncomfortable or is the least bit hesitant about being featured on my blog, I want to respect those feelings. That is why I deleted the opening story of today’s post.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sue
You are so sweet and compassionate…I read the story this morning, but totally understand your point .
I appreciate you letting me know, Lee J.
“When in doubt, leave it out.”
I read your comment about removing your encounter more closely, and I do agree that if it makes this person uncomfortable, you should remove it. However, these chance meetings with other campers are one of the joys of camping….meeting new people and making new friends. You always wonder what we would like to see in posts….these “natural” encounters with others are always interesting. (Not people who seek you out…and take advantage of it!)
As a longtime follower of your blog,I’ve noticed that many people commenting have been folks you’ve met along the way…what a nice way to keep in touch!
Other topics you might consider…maintenance of your fiberglass egg—I’ve heard that the cabinets are attached through the shell, and that these attach points bear watching/maintenance…any other cosmetic/ preventative maintenance, such as waxing or cleaning of the RV fridge chimney….photos of the towns you visit. I especially enjoyed the photos of AJO church and square, and some of the very tidy towns in Utah. Visits to the laundromat and grocery store. It’s nice to know where good ones are,,,when you look at a Benchmark you can’t tell if the town is big enough to have them. Info on how you take care of your health needs/doctor’s visits while on the road. Do you go to the same area in the winter for annual exams?? Haven’t heard much on this subject other than the visit across the border for dental work and eyeglasses, and also the infamous shingles shot.
Photos of the BLT’s interior, and your storage solutions are alway popular. We’ve had our rig 5 years now, but it seems like there are always ways to tweak things to make it hold more. I’m sure you’ve done this too. Photos of the campground (and signs) are always good…..we got to see how folks parked at Corvina Beach in today’s episode. Tales of problems you encounter are welcome also. We’ve had our fair share of these while camping, and to not include them would be unrealistic…
Thanks again for your great posts and personal replies to comments!
Thanks for all the ideas, cc, and for feedback on what I already write about!
Your suggestions are very good reminders of what people want to read. Topics such as campground information, trailer mods, and maintenance of a rig can be found in numerous places on the web… both in blogs and on forums. I’ve shown the interior of the Best Little Trailer in previous posts and it hasn’t changed. (I don’t have many mods other than what you can see from the header topics.) Informational blogs such as wheelingit.com and cheaprvtravel.com satisfy a niche that I wouldn’t begin to equal.
One thing that sets my blog apart from others and what I think is it’s appeal is the story-telling…. stories about every day life on the road and, when possible, the people I meet. As my blog’s popularity has increased, it has become more difficult to include character sketches of new acquaintances, because, like with me, they find the attention of strangers disconcerting.
Thanks again. I’m not dismissing your suggestions. I’m considering them carefully!
Hi, Sue. I’m sure you’ve moved on, but I was catching up on comments, and felt he need to reiterate something that I’ve said in the past. Your blog is a very comforting and relaxing place for me. For one who dreams of living a life similar to yours, followig along with you and the crew has been the escape I need to accomplish a tiny part of that dream, now. I ride along and visit the places you go and the things you do, escaping the realities of a stressful day at work and many other day-to-day routines. Your blog reads like a great book one doesn’t want to put down, and you’ve become one of my favorite authors. Your story-telling has always been spot on, and the emotion, compassion, and quite frankly the simplicity of your writing is the appeal. Story-telling transports the reader into that world, and I feel you have mastered that through your words and photos. I can google the technical stuff, but I can’t feel what it’s like to be in a certain place or moment. I’m so attracted to your blog because you do create a feeling. To add to that, the blogorinos add that separate side note that makes me care about them, too. And, I feel that’s the difference between your blog and most all others, people here seem to care about you and you about them. Thanks for allowing me to tag along, and also to post such an incredibly long rant. Safe travels.
Teresa
Teresa… Your comment is a delight for me. Thank you! Forgive me for a rushed answer. I’m putting together a post in a hurry so I can go look at a dog this morning… I hope to find a pal for Bridget. Wish us luck!
YAY!!!!
I read your comment again, Teresa, now that I’m not rushed. You puff me up with pride that my blog does all those things you describe! I can’t help but smile. Thank you again. I’m glad you’re one of the blogorinos. They’re a very special group.
Hi Sue and Bridget,
Congratulations on those sunset photos. Magical! Brightened my below-zero day. I’m just catching up on your last half-dozen posts after taking care of problems with my dad over the last week…he is in poor health. Reading the continuing adventures of Sue and Bridget (as I often do) brought me back to my self and my happy place. Hugs to the Bridge.
Hi Linda,
I’m sorry your father is in poor health. It’s good that he has you to look after him. I wish you both well.
Thanks for your remarks about the photos. Seems like lots of readers are experiencing very cold temperatures tonight. I’m happy to bring desert sunsets your way!
Awesome sunset photos. Very calming effect on me. Looks like you have a great set up there. Nice time of the year to be in the desert & I’m glad that you are enjoying it so much.
Nice hearing from you again, GB in nor cal!
Yeah, we have it pretty good here. Thanks re the photos. We aim to calm! 🙂
Gorgeous pic of the Bridge.
On behalf of the dumpling, thank you, Heda!
Wow, Sue. The sunsets look like high art. Wish I was there standing in awe instead of staring at a computer all day. I am heading down that trail though….
I’ve been gathering opinions from other travelers before I commit. There seems to be quite a bias against fiberglass. I’ve discounted the ones who are into comfort loungers and who don’t understand that less is more. You’ve been out there in a fiberglass rig for a good, long while and I don’t see you interested in trading. Any thoughts on fiberglass now that you’ve lived the life in an egg?
Hi, Sandy1953,
I’m surprised to read “there seems to be quite a bias against fiberglass.” I haven’t done any analyses of types of rigs and their construction in several years, not since I was working on my decision. At that time I hadn’t heard anything negative about fiberglass. I wonder where the negativity is coming from, what started it, what specifically is being said that is bad about fiberglass, etc.
I have no complaints at all about fiberglass. If I were start out all over again, I’d go with a fiberglass egg. I’m very happy that I chose a Casita, although I have no experience with any other brand.
A few of the things I like about fiberglass. . . . Fiberglass is appealing to my eyes. I prefer it over metal and over anything that looks painted. Sitting next to fiberglass is pleasant. I like the rounded corners of an egg which ameliorate the feeling of living in a box and contribute to good aerodynamics when towed. I don’t like roof seams that can be scewed apart by frequent travel over uneven, rutted and rocky roads which leads to leaks. Fiberglass is easy to clean and maintain. Also an egg is cute!
As for the size of the BLT, perfect for us! I wouldn’t want it any larger or smaller.
What the heck is the bias? I’m totally unaware.
I think it started with the maintenance of the shell. Remember when I asked you about that recently, Sue?
Several years back I read a bit about fiberglass RVs and everybody on forums, comments and what-have-you were going on and on about the maintenance of the shell. When one takes a long look at all that as a whole…it seems kind of intimidating.
People nowadays for some reason are afraid of regular maintenance of things. I don’t know why…perhaps they’ve gotten too used to paying somebody to do that for them.
But, I would agree with you Sue, that the aerodynamics, the light weight aspect and all the rest is very appealing.
I still don’t get the problem with maintaining the shell. I thought every rig needs waxing. I think people like to pick at what they don’t have.
You’re probably right about that.
But, cc and canine touched on it, too…the fact that stuff is attached to the shell?
I think I read in Becky’s blog (I can’t remember the name…she was on here a couple weeks ago) where something become unattached on her Casita, and she wrote about how she fixed that. Her’s is older than yours.
Oh, that probably has to do with re-attaching rivets. No big deal. I don’t have the tool to do that. I had a rivet come off and someone… a fellow camper… fixed it for me.
Oh…OK.
Would you have been able to do it yourself, though?
We went to the Oliver factory a few days ago to check out their fiberglass trailers. We currently have a Casita, but are planning a switch to Oliver. They don’t use rivets, but that’s not what got us interested in them. We would like something just a bit bigger for the two of us, and Oliver has a 23.5′ trailer that has a king bed.
We wash and wax our Casita, but it’s not any more difficult than taking care of our truck and car. Bias? Interesting.
Oooh…I thought they only went up to 21′
Maybe I’m mixing up my companies…..
I’ll have to check that out.
Unexpected gifts that touch our soul are always wonderful – those wrapped in pink are by far the best 🙂
Hi, Jodee . . . .Right now the lake, mountains, and sky are wrapped in pale blue. That’s pretty nice, too!
Gifts floated to me as pearls of a necklace being given one at a time as I waited for sunrise.Most came in shades of white everyone’s seen on things-moonlight,lily of the valley,cotton balls,clouds,doves and the beam of headlights.That’s the one I’d prayed would arrive in the driveway because it meant the guy plowing at times the snow’s too heavy to move any other way had made it here.Next came the most precious one-looking as aged as an heirloom lace wedding dress tea stained with a hint of a peach cast glowing on it’s surface- it was the sun.
These are among the last days of true winter here.This season’s sun has diligently given it’s all to make things beautiful every day,has more than earned it’s rest coming- when spring’s sun will take over the job.Studying it’s color, that lends it that old tired look, I feel the same affection there when tucking in a favorite child- whose playing and having near is so delightful -you just have to love it more than the rest.
Good morning ,Sue,you must have felt as loved by Light when you received the sunset you said was reason enough…The affection for it I mentioned today is familiar to you as well.I watch you express it by what you do,how you live all the time.Some think rich is owning multiple sticks and bricks places,inherited bank accounts too large to need to even consider and such,really we have riches that so surpass those.Hope your coffee cup feels like the precious chalice royalty toasts with-Here’s to another day in paradise!
Thank you Weather, for another day of inspiration for me..
🙂
Thank you for another morning devotional to that which is beautiful and freely given. You see the delicate fading of winter’s glow in the sunrise and I see the burnishing of the desert by a setting sun. We marvel at all the other precious jewels, too many to count, that we encounter each day. Riches indeed!
One of the lessons I learned a long time ago is that it isn’t necessary to own something in order to enjoy it and to love it. This is true for places, things, and even people, too. I love the beach more because I don’t own it. I can browse gift shops and art shows and appreciate what I see without having to buy any of it. I can love someone who doesn’t love me and still find delight in the loving.
Why is that? It’s the freedom from the need to possess. Wow! What a difference it makes in one’s life to walk this earth as the animals walk, to fly as the birds fly, finding what one needs and leaving the rest unclaimed.
Never will I achieve a complete state of “being.” It’s where I’m going though and the closer I get to that “being” rather than “having,” the richer I become.
Here’s to you, weather, and to the riches that we share!
Stunning reply,Sue ,beautiful and brilliant!You reflect love given in sun and rain being sent to the just and the unjust, by loving someone who doesn’t love you.In not needing the control of possession you hold and love life while wearing it loosely as a garment.
Speaking of “love life while wearing it loosely as a garment”…. It’ 10 a.m. and I’m still in my nightie! Haha!
🙂 luv it!
Also… Sue CleanerGreenerVegas wrote a reply to your comment under “Corvina Beach Primitive Campground.”
Thank you for letting me know that,I wouldn’t have otherwise.I found it, responded to her there and am glad about it’s timing and placement.You’ll no doubt understand why I say that if you read what I wrote.In any case, know that I appreciate,as always,the extra effort you put into each day by doing things like that 🙂
I worked out this morning at my gym that has huge windows overlooking the Chicago skyline. The tops of the skyscrapers were all aglow in the sunrise over Lake Michigan. Pink, purple, and peach skies made the -7 temperature bearable. I would trade that beautiful view gladly for one of your desert sunsets. I just love seeing your photos. The colors do seem unreal.
It’s 18 months and counting for us. We just found out yesterday that pension tax changes will deprive us of $30.00 dollars per month. Somehow we will make it work!
Good morning, katydid in Chicago,
Your description of the view from the gym is lovely. I’ve never experienced that and can only imagine it through what I’ve seen in movies. How very different are our lives! Yet we both can be dazzled by the art of a sunrise. 🙂
Bummer on the pension tax. Yes, you will make it work! At least you won’t have to pay for gym membership… You will go places where exercise is a by-product of doing fun things like walking the desert and hiking the mountains.
If one has to “give up” amenities and entertainments, and live more simply in order to travel and enjoy the full-time vagabond lifestyle, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. For me, it’s good!
Funny how the lake can gift you with beauty while at the same time sending biting lake-effect cold. Be warm!
“Lake effect” actually keeps the land warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Its tempering effect can be a good thing for us, although it can also bring increased snows. Michigan and Indiana usually get the brunt of lake effect snows, but occasionally eastern winds will dump them on the Illinois side.
The whole gym membership thing is to get me ready for hiking during our travels. Two years ago I was putting both feet on each and every stair. This morning I was easily able ascend the 4 flights of stairs in the gym before starting my workout. The descent (which had always been more painful) is pretty darn good too.
Fantastic, katydid! That’s wonderful progress. You must feel great!
Oh, what the heck do I know about Lake Michigan and lake effect (nothing actually). I was thinking of the chilly wind that comes off water. I appreciate you cleaning up after my mess. Haha!
Good Morning Sue, What I found so awe inspiring with the Salton Sea sunsets, was the glow that comes from behind the birds as the tread in the water in the late evening sky…it is like effervescent stream of light…when our neighbors were out in their kayak, it trailed behind them like the light of angle wings..you can see it just a little on the birds in one of your sunset photos on this post, just a little behind the bird, but in person, no words can describe the amazing feeling it left in its wake..pun intended. I for one will miss the Salton Sea when you move on, it has been a wonderful ride with you and one that will be on the top of my favorite sites you have visited in you three year journey. Enjoy your coffee and your sweet dog and your sweet life, as we enjoy watching you enjoy it…or whatever!.lol. Love to you and blessing.
Good morning, Shirlene,
Aww, you love the Salton Sea… How sweet is that! I’m imagining people reading my posts and our comments and thinking we’re crazy. What? The Salton Sea? Yuck! (hee-hee… out little secret)
The “stream of light” you describe is magical. During our first visit to the Salton Sea I took a pic at sunset when the water looked like silken gold. Incredible! And, of course, a pelican was smack-dab in the middle to the stream of gold. Ha!
Thank you for a lovely — and loving — message to me this morning, Shirlene. God bless your day.
MESSAGE TO MERT AND ASIA MAE…
I miss you and I’m trying not to worry about you. If you can, please drop in with a few words. I pray you are okay. Sue
Pretty photos but could there be a Salton Sea Monster lurking just below the surface. The bones that wash up on the beach could be left overs from the Monsters dinner. No boats or kayaks on the lake…is that a reminder to never turn your back on the lake and to stay out of the water? Will the pristine beauty be balanced in a Steven King new novel? Is this the end of RV Sue or a new beginning of the Twilight Zone? Stay tuned…
Gee, Joe… I think I’ll count pelicans and keep track from now on.
Lol..RJ
What beautiful colors in the sunset!!!! You don’t find that just anywhere. I do love the birds and the water. I could sit, listen and watch for hours.
Give Bridget a hug for me and sending a big hug to you
Love you
Hugs to you, too, Pauline. Love you!
We escaped the desert of central Washington right after Christmas and ended up near Yosemite in an SKP park for two weeks of warm weather, bluebirds, hummingbirds, mountain bike riding, Jeeping and just hanging out. Then we got home and the winter went away!!! For the first winter in 23 years I have not driven on a snow-covered road! Not even once.
So maybe we won’t have to go south any more. (snicker).
There is something magical about a desert sunset and that magic is magnified if the sun sets behind a mountain range and it’s even better if there is water and birds. I’ve been past the Salton Sea many times, walked its shores, checked out the camps but never realized it could be so pretty. Nice pictures. 🙂
Oh look… it’s sunny and warm (55F) outside. I’m gonna go ride my bike. 🙂
WDR
Wow! You’ve passed a milestone.. An entire winter without driving on snow! Good for you, wa desert rat!
In 1996, when we still had our farm near Royal City, WA there was so much snow that we could not leave the farm for 3 days. My tractor (a 3020) could not get through the drifts, the 4020 across the road could not. Only the Huge Steiger could blast through those drifts!!
I think they had a couple of inches of snow while we were gone but we did not have to drive on any snow (even on I-5 headed down to CA through the CA/OR passes).
Finally! Global warm is here when I need it! But we may pay for it in August.
WDR
By the way, is it my imagination or does Bridget suddenly like being photographed. I’ve noticed she’s look back at you and smiling in quite a few photos. She has a great smile and looks happy. 🙂
WDR
Her moods come and go. You don’t always get to see the photos where she’s a butt head and runs to hide!
Exactly I couldn’t agree more!!