Saturday, May 23
Let’s see . . . Clothes, towel, soap, wash cloth, shampoo, de-tangle comb, back brush . . . .
Pringle Falls Campground on the Deschutes River, central Oregon
I toss the tote onto the front seat of the Perfect Tow Vehicle.
“Okay, crew. If you’re good while I shower, we’ll go for a long walk later.” Of course, we’ll do that anyway but you don’t know that.
I start up the engine.
Reggie settles into the doggie bed between the front seats. Bridget perches on the bench seat behind him. I turn the heat on high to take the morning dampness out of the PTV. Bridget jumps off the bench seat and squeezes into the doggie bed next to Reggie in order to be close to the heat blasting out of the vent.
“Feels good, doesn’t it . . . . ”
Dreamy canine eyes agree.
Our heads bob as the PTV rocks and rolls, carrying us away from the campground, over the bumps and ruts of the narrow, dirt road.
We’re going to La Pine State Park.
When we were at the park recently to use the dump station and take on water, I read that showers for non-campers are $2.
I hope all Oregon state parks offer this!
Stay at a rustic campground for $5 a night, go to the nearest state park for a shower for $2. Way to go!
A sign says the campground is full.
Not surprising for Memorial Day Weekend. I drive the paved road into “North Loop” in search of the shower house. Man, this is like a city!
Trucks, cars, campers, bikes, tents, boats, coolers, cookers, camp chairs, and so forth are a chaos of color. This is camping? Gee, I’ll take our five-dollar a night digs, thank you.
I continue around the loop at 5 mph. A mother holds her child back from the road as I pass. A few guys stand around a smoking fire ring, talking and laughing. People are everywhere. Oh well, everyone certainly looks happy. Good for them. To each his own.
I park in front of the shower house.
“Be good! You can’t bark here! I’ll be right back.”
I grab my tote. All four showers are occupied. Reggie and Bridget peer at me through the PTV window. Gee, for once the crew is doing what I said!
I like these kind of showers best. Individual entrances.
A few minutes later I’m under a stream of super-hot water. Ahhhhh. . . .
“You were such good puppies!”
I drive us into La Pine.
Why? Because it’s there. Plus I feel like a fast food lunch. I choose McDonald’s “Artisan Chicken Sandwich.” What the heck — I’ll go for the meal. While munching french fries, I park the PTV next to a vacant lot. I share the sandwich with Bridget and Reggie. Artisan? Ha! I wonder where McD’s finds artisans in La Pine, Oregon, willing to practice their art for minimum wage.
“Pretty good, eh?” Reggie’s and Bridget’s eager eyes are riveted on the sandwich, anticipating the next morsel. “Those artisans sure know what they’re doing!”
This blog post makes a point, believe it or not.
Really, it does — Are you a blogger and feel like you don’t have anything to blog about? Not true! There’s ALWAYS something to blog about.
Even if all you did was take a shower and go to McDonald’s!
Sunday, May 24
A few campers have moved into the campground for the three-day weekend.
I’m up early taking these photos before the fog lifts and the people emerge.
Pringle Falls has been a lovely, quiet camp.
Other than a few folks walking through our campsite causing Reggie to bark himself into a frenzy, it’s pretty calm here this holiday weekend.
More people camp at nearby Bull Bend Campground or one of the other national forest campgrounds in the area around Bend, probably because they have easy “put-ins” for boats and/or long banks for fishing or are alongside one of the pretty lakes.
The crew and I went over to Bull Bend one day to see what it’s like.
Photo taken from the road entering Bull Bend Campground
The campground is behind those trees. I didn’t take photos because people were out and about. Several people were setting up camp for the three-day weekend as we cruised through. Bull Bend is $10 regular/$5 with senior pass, same price as Pringle Falls Campground (our present camp) and Big River Campground (where we camped recently).
Oregon has loads of inexpensive national forest campgrounds in beautiful settings.
As you know, I like to boondock. However, if I can find a peaceful campground for $5 a night, that’s where we’ll camp. As for the state parks with prices like the ones shown on the sign at the beginning of this post? Well, only if we have to. I’d rather spend my money some other way. I might drop in for a shower though.
Unless I wake up with a case of the lazies in the morning, the crew and I will be on the road looking for our next camp!
Monday, May 25
Enjoy the freedom of this day and remember those who gave all.
rvsue
NOTE: Thank you for the notes of congratulations on the occasion of this blog surpassing two million visits. It was nice of you to write. And, of course, I thank you for your visits being part of that number!
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Hi, Sue
First?
Oh you are too fast 🙂
Tina
Northern, CA
CONGRATULATIONS, SCOTT!
The Oregon campsites are awesome…. They were the best! Best amenities, best prices, best locations! 2 million visits! Wow. Congratulations!
Thank you, Jill.
2 million is quite a number congratulations Sue !!!
Huggs from Grandjan
Thanks, Janis.
How nice that you could drop in for a hot shower (individual entrances!) and then head back to your quiet campground. I was “right there” at the busy campground, you described it so perfectly. Like you, that’s my nightmare scenario. But obviously the folks there enjoy it, so that’s cool.
I’m boondocking (still in AZ due to some appointments) and amazingly, no-one has shown up nearby. Probably because it’s “nothing special.” I mean, I think it’s a great spot, but you know, no official attraction or superlative features whatsoever. Just a patch of middle altitude ground :).
Those “ordinary” camps are great when you need to find the right elevation for temperature and the right location to get things done.
READERS: My computer is very slow today. Hard to reply to comments. I’ll try to answer, but I have to keep comments short or wait until our next camp.
I need to take lessons from you. I so enjoy reading about your day, but worry that my family and friends will find my blog uninteresting if I blog of the “mundane” things. I never find yours uninteresting so why should I doubt my family. I love the idea of staying in a $5 a night campground and going to the crowded with kids campground for a shower. Good find. Congratulations on reaching 2 million visits to the site – what an accomplishment.
bird pictures: zenfolio.com/arizonabirder
I’ve got to go to Oregon one day. It looks like my kind of camping! You need to take up fishing with the opportunities you have. Anyway still reading just though I would say hi. You and the kids be safe!
There really is always something to blog about if I pay attention. I just wrote about walking. Last time I wrote about a local controversy and a couple of pet peeves. As long as I have something to think about, there’s something to write about. Often, I clarify my thoughts that way.
Not only do we each choose how we camp, we might choose differently at different times. While I favor places that are free or nearly so and might be uninhabited, sometimes I need or want a town nearby. Often that leads to more company and sometimes to more expense as well. I have “camped” in cities, too, when I had a reason to do so. It just depends on my needs and mood. I try to avoid setting limits on my own freedom.
I had to laugh when you said the crew wouldn’t know you’d take them on a long walk “later.” I bet you’d be surprised by what they know!!! I think people and dogs are happiest when they have their routines, interrupted of course by a few nice surprises. The crew seems pretty happy with their boondocking routines! Congratulations on 2,000,000 – onward and upward 🙂
So, how far to a dump station from your campground? $5 a night is my kind of price.
The dump station, water, and showers are at the state park about 15 min. away. There may be closer facilities. I didn’t search for them.
Living in southern Oregon is like camping out everyday, we love it. I’m sure hoping you’ll go to Crater Lake because it’s so vast and I’d love to see your photos but also it’s south and am not sure you go backwards. But then you can go anywhere you want, that’s the point!
Hi, Julie,
We did visit Crater Lake a few years ago. I don’t plan on including it on this trip.
Makes sense to me to go less expensive site, which has fewer people. So far Oregon is a winner!
I agree, Dawn!
Wow! Nice looking showers from the outside, were the insides also nice? I really appreciate clean facilities. Hopin you have a good time there, Missy….
Yes, inside nicely tiled and clean!
Awwww….showers….wonderful!! And the little doggies were quiet, very good thing, Sue!! They must be learning eh?
Well, it’s two steps forward, one step back. Reggie barks terribly whenever he sees a big dog. Little dogs, he’s okay.
Gee,I love the photos in this post-especially the ones with fog in them!There’s something so heavenly about being in mists or fog.I am so very glad you have been at that camp,for your sake and mine.The three posts since you first showed it have given me a lot to think about.Do you suppose if you move in the morning you’ll travel much distance between home sites?
Hi weather,
I don’t plan on driving far tomorrow. Only will if I can’t find a satisfactory camp.
Thanks for taking the trouble( your slow computer made you replying go through) to answer me,Sue.May your drive be easy with a nice discovery at it’s end, and this night be good for and to you,no reply of course needed to this. 🙂
my goodness,it surely is quiet here,i will try to speak softly-wouldn’t want to wake anyone,’specially if the crew that’s asleep.guess by now a new camp’s been found and a walk or two’s been taken,hope so anyway.also hope a good internet connection can be found there and your laptop’s not running slowly.oh,and also that you can at least tell if you like the place because of something nice about it.
Lots of “something nice” here!
“Here” sounds great already,I hope it feels that way to you,Sue,enjoy it all…if doing that takes precedence over putting together another post for a bit-wonderful-all the better to inspire you when you do!So nice to know you got some rest,and to see you back online,too!It’s a beautiful day out,”see ya” when I get back in from wandering through a bit of it 🙂
Hi, Sue,
Love the foggy morning shots. Even with fellow campers, it looks like it was a peaceful spot. I am looking forward to see where you take us next! Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend – hope you land in a comfy spot! 🙂
Hugs to you and the adorable Crew from me and my adorable Gracie pup! 🙂
Hugs to you and Gracie pup!
Soooo, this $2 shower, do you have to plink quarters into a slot or pay at the gate?
I am interested in reading other camping blogs. Any recommendations? I read Interstellar Orchard to get the perspective a young person fulltiming and being a work camper. Love her recent post on Yellowstone. Maybe someone fulltimer in the southeast (you know the area you happily fled).
Wohoo 2 million views…kind of mind boggling isn’t it? Mostly it should feel flattering. Keep up the good work.
Hope Reggie’s eye is much better now.
Hi, Shelley,
Go to hitchitch.com for links to blogs. The $2 is paid by slipping it in a fee envelope, writing “shower” on it, and dropping it in the fee payment box at the entrance of the loop. You can take a shower as long as you’d like.
Thanks, I was wondering the same thing.
What a lovely camp! I am amazed that you have all these beautiful choices of camps for only $5.00. I just love the mountains and forests, even the desert camps. After I got sun poisoning, waaaay back in my 20’s, I have not cared much for the beach. I bet the showers are wonderful, though. I presume you have Navy showers in the BLT?
Well, I need to get back to my chores, take care and enjoy the camp. Hugs to Bridget & Reggie.
I bathe with basins of water, back scrubber, wash cloth and soap. Navy showers are annoying, trying to conserve water and then the bathroom has to be wiped down.
I’m with you on that one. I’d much rather clean up out in the main room, with the heater on (if desired), lots of elbow room, and nothing to wipe down (just when I’m all clean and totally don’t feel like it).
I know we’re the “odd ones out,” as most people really like their RV showers, but… to each their own.
I make up for it by really luxuriating when I get to a nice public shower. Seems special then!
Oh, I forgot, “Congratulations on 2,000,000 visitors.” You know they say the memory is the first to go!!!!
Thanks, Barbara!
I will say congratulations on passing the 2 million mark now! Grin! Wow! That is so wonderful Sue! In 4 years, you have become a bit of a phenomenon! We all love you and love your blog! You have taught us all so much and given some of us the courage to take that seldom used single lane highway of the full time boondocker ! Some of your readers are just beginning their new journey and others like Chuck and I and E2 from SE NM are getting off the road! Thank you for sharing your roads and your life with us!
I was so happy with the photo last post of Reggie looking back to camp as he heard Bridget barking! He wanted to run back to check on her! You two are definitely his family now! Your camp sites in Oregon have been wonderful! Picture post card perfect! Sorry we never made it to PNW !! Makes it nice seeing it through your eyes!
Looking forward to your next spot! Drive safe and hug the crew from us!
I love the title of this post. When we went camping last month at Garner State Park there were several large groups of folks that apparently were camping together. Each one had five to seven campsites with multiple tents and a gathering spot at one campsite with food for all. Not something we ever did but I’d rather see kids riding bikes and playing in mud puddles than them sitting at home watching TV.
We prefer to camp sort of away from other folks, but sometimes we just accept that that’s not available where we want to be. Camping is fun when you’re the one making the decisions about your preferences.
You’re absolutely right, Reine. Make choices to suit your location, your needs, your whims…. 🙂
Min. wage at Mc Dee’s is soon to be $15.00 an hour, that’s what I heard on Fox just this past week. Do I want to settle down and work for McDee’s at 15 bucks, Not on yer life, all the beeping and being on your feet all day on concrete would put me over the edge, I love the freedom of being a full Timer going to all the places that you go Sue.,,,, , by the way,, those are great camps, when they’re empty and not on a Holiday.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Reggie sure is AAWWW,,,,,,,,,,, have a great MM weekend, stay warm and give the Crew a hug from us,,,,,,,,,,,,, me
Thanks, Rusty… Same to you and Timber!
Nice camping there in Oregon, and the weather looks decent too. Weather near home here in Colorado has been wet and cold, more like Oregon usually is in May!! So, we took off and went to the Moab, UT area for 10 days. We are home now. We opted to go home rather than share camps with all the holiday traffic we saw streaming into Moab for the holiday. We did enjoy a lot of hiking and jeeping around the Moab area, top shelf fun. Be safe, and thanks for being here Sue!!
2 Million, Wow! A real comment on your ability to communicate personally with your readers. Loved your blog about shopping at Walmart and today’s on showering and Mc D’s – anything can become fascinating reading when well written. Congratulations on being the writer who can do that. Everyday I check on and follow your adventures, I just don’t comment often.
A question about Reggie and Bridget’s harnesses, when they pull does it ever ride up and choke them a bit? Riley has a tender trachea and we have a low riding harness that doesn’t bother him but I’d like to get a softer one. His current harness abrades his fur some and leaves a line when he has to wear it for an extended period of time, like when we travel. At home he doesn’t wear it unless we are taking him somewhere.
Enjoy!
Kitt
Hi Sue,
Major Congrats on the 2 Mill visits!!! Goes to show that valued information, great photos and your own style of fun humor has no boundaries. Resetting the bar higher to 3 Mill now 🙂
I look at all those great camps and i’m in awe at what little costs there are associated with them. Today, Klemper and I went to day camp…just today camp and cook some dinner on the camp stove. We checked the websites, read all the listed rules and chose a city park here in the greater metro. Nice enough and by the lake. Well, sounds nice enough, right? Upon arriving we were greeted by a large flashing sign…”No Alcohol, No Grills!” We didn’t need to worry about any booze but NO GRILLS?!!! How do they expect anyone to picnic, cookout, without grills/stoves? We were not pleased and no mention, in advance, that that was the case. Oh, and least we forget, we had to pay $10.00 to park our car to find that out! Bummer, so we left.
Next we went to one of the local State Parks. Got a Day Pass for $5.00 and found a picnic table (only) next to the Ranger’s Office. Not exactly what we had in mind but at least we could, or should I say…DID…cook on our Coleman Propane Camp Stove. I worked out great and dinner was very good. Clean up was a breeze and the bath house was right up the path from us. All in all it was a good day camp but times have sure changed since we tried doing this last time. In total, $15.00 for the use of a picnic table…on a busy road in the park and no lake view from that location. Believe me, Oregon is looking pretty swell about now 🙂
Tomorrow, Monday, we will do it all again. Only we are going to a National Park/Wildlife Reserve or National Forest instead. I’m checking them out and reading all the rules now…Hope there are no surprises, but such is the way it is when you’re in the hunt for a Day Trip adventure 🙂 Nothing is EVER dull!
Hugs and Safe Travels to your new camp.
P.S. Those showers are really very Cool! Nothing like that here, even in the so-called upscale Resort Camps.
I remember traveling across a few states, driving and sleeping at waysides (which is frowned upon) but I just did not want to spend alot of money for a hotel room if I was just going to sleep a few hours and then start driving again…. during one trip I drove through a state park that had camping and I drove up to a ranger I saw doing his rounds and asked him how much it would cost if I just wanted to take a shower and he said, no charge! Oh that shower was one of the most enjoyed showers I had in a while! Private room, with a sink and toilet, over head heater for a small fee, I forget I think the timer was .25 for 15 minutes? But it sure was nice to get clean and then get back to driving! Glad you found a shower for only $2! That is a treat I am sure! Huggles from Laura
At least Oregon has water for those hot showers. In the Bay Area, a CA campground has cut off the water to the showers due to the drought. I say bypass CA this summer unless you camp by a lake. Oregon looks inviting!
Hi, Monica,
It’s encouraging if CA is getting serious about dealing with the drought. Although I would’ve chosen other ways to conserve before eliminating showers…
I’ve decided we won’t visit CA this year. I want to focus on OR and WA. and then there’s the return to AZ later on. Don’t know which way we will go for that…
While wandering around checking blogs I like tonight, I stumbled upon the news that Hazel, solo RV’er with her cat and two Greyhounds, passed away suddenly. She was on days off at a volunteer positions and someone noted she had not been seen in two days. A Ranger entered her coach and found her gravely ill apparently of a massive stroke. She passed away this weekend. The greyhound rescue has taken her two hounds to care for and her cat is in foster care. So very sad. But it brings to mind several things. I think it’s important for someone to know where you are and how to find you if there is concern. I can’t imagine how it was for those animals there for just two days with no care. Please note I am not aiming this at anyone in particular, but to bring up important things to consider ESP when RVing alone esp with animals. Perhaps a prominent packet attached to a wall near the door with instructions? No one has Hazels password so,they can’t close her blog or post a last post. Does someone you trust have access to a copy of your passwords? Any other thoughts on preparing for what we hope will never happen? Is there an “ice” message ( in case of emergency) contact in your contacts on your cell phone ( mine is). Emergency personnel know to check there. Do you have someone who can come take care of your coach, animals, and close out your life? Hazel they said had no family at all but a niece from Germany. Luckily someone knew that. It’s hard looking at Hazels blog and her last post just a week or so ago knowing there will be no more stories of she and her hounds.
Velda
I respectfully wish to add to your comments if I may.
Your suggestions of emergency notifications and information should be implemented by everyone regardless of where or what type of structure you live in. Death is an event that we all will experience. Having a “plan” in place for your fur kids …..is peace of mind.
From reading the tribute to Hazel it appears that she was “comforted” after hearing that her beloved pets were in a safe place and being well cared for.
God Speed Hazel!
<>
Isn’t that’s why we all have or it least should have Wills?
My response above should be the answer to Velda’s question
Do you have someone who can come take care of your coach, animals, and close out your life?
Wills are “after the the fact”. I believe what Velda is referring to is “immediate”.
Hi, Velda,
I read Karen in the Woods’ post about Hazel. From the photo of her smiling, holding her grandmother’s quilt shows what a warm personality she possessed. My condolences to all who’ve lost a dear friend.
Thank you for the suggestions . . . .
Sue,
Your photos are always just beautiful and so inspiring. That fog and those beautiful trees and water, and the fact that you needed to turn on the heater in the AM tells me that you’re someplace I’d probably really enjoy. There just aren’t as many free or very reduced-price places in the South, that I know of, as there are out West.
I’ve always felt that each individual, regardless of where they may have been born or reside, has a place where their spirit belongs based on their personality and desires. Mine definitely was NOT meant to be in South Georgia, USA! And especially now when we’re entering summertime with heat, humidity, and flying bugs everywhere that are big enough to saddle-up and ride.
You’re doing what I would be doing if I could break away. Your blog is one of the first things I check when I turn on the computer and you help me live that lifestyle vicariously. Don’t think that anything you post is ho-hum or boring because there’s always a little nugget of information in each blog and something to think about.
When I took my RV to Michigan from Georgia last fall to visit family, I learned to be creative with bathing. My mother had given me an Igloo water cooler, about two gallons with a spigot on the bottom. It worked fine perched at the corner of the RV kitchen counter for cold water. I realized that it would also keep hot water, so I filled it with hot water (see next paragraph) and used it so I didn’t have to fire up propane. I had a large metal basin which I used to first wash my hair and face with. Since it was big enough to stand in I then just put that on the floor surrounded by a beach towel and used it as a tub. I poured warm water from a 4-cup glass measuring cup onto myself and it dripped down into the basin. Worked fine and then I just poured the bath water down the kitchen sink to use as “flushing power” for when I got a chance to dump the blackwater.
I parked in Cracker Barrel parking lots en route, having my 5 pm meal there and then spending the night out back in their RV slots. The manager graciously had one of the kitchen workers fill the Igloo with boiling hot water made from the coffee station, which was hot enough for a bath (mixed it with some cool water because, did I mention, it was boiling hot) and still hot enough for instant coffee the next morning. Well, this experience taught me that necessity being the mother of invention leads to come clever solutions, that less truly is more, and that minimal living is very freeing.
Anyway Sue, thanks for sharing your photos and stories with us as it always gives food for thought. You’re doing what a lot of us wish we could be doing right now.
Nancy,
Late yesterday my husband was reading Sue’s blog and came across your post.
He called out to me, “Honey, come here, read this! You could have written this. It sounds so much like you! She doesn’t like Georgia either, lol. And she camps like you do, on the fly, when she travels!”
We both had a great grin on our faces as your post confirmed the way we feel about land-locked middle Georgia. Seems most any ocean beach is at least 8-14 hours away. Sometimes I can’t help it, gotta take the Van and go where the salt air is, waysides, Cracker Barrel, Wally World…all those free places to sleep along the way. It’s what we DO to get from Point A to Point B, never a doubt we are all hooked on the next adventure…away from Georgia 🙂
Hey Pamela,
Good to hear from a fellow Georgian. Yep, we’re now entering Days of Haze, days that are so hot that when you look at the asphalt all you see is haze rising up. Ugh! I dread it. Time to fantasize about taking off. My RV is in the shop right now, going to get a cab-over roof leak fixed which, as I’m told, is just about a sure thing with an older Class C. It won’t be ready to pick up until the end of June and we plan on going to Stone Mountain State Park for a few days. After that, I might have to break out and head for Michigan!
Thanks for your comments; it’s nice to hear from a fellow Georgia who knows what I’m talking about. Who knows, we might pass one another on the road. Happy travels.
Oh…hubby and I went to Stone Mt. many years back when he was on business in Atlanta…were so impressed with that park!!
Elizabeth,
Nice info to know about. I have visited Stone Mountain but never stayed in the campgrounds there. I hear they are very nice but also very, very costly for full hook-ups. I could do without the hook-ups in the Airstream but would need them for the Conversion Van. Maybe on the off-season sometime would suit my budget better. I try to go cheap on the campgrounds and more on the local foodie haunts, especially if camping at the ocean beaches, lol. All that seafood has my name of it every time! Stone Mountain, no beaches and no really fresh seafood…no special draw card for me so the price might be too high for the return. I’ll have to think on that later again.
Nancy,
Good luck on your Class C repairs. Always nice once the needed repairs are completed. The end of June will be here before you know it 🙂 Mich is so nice, beautiful country around there, and the lighthouses! We have friends in Bloomfield Hills. Always a pleasure seeing them and all the wonderful areas of the north shores too. They even have Black squirrels there! I found them fascinating to see them for the first time!
Congratulations on 2 millions views, Sue! I love ongoing dialogues among commenters. Oregon is my home state–I love it there. I’m glad you’ve found the essence of Central Oregon without setting foot in Bend–and probably because you haven’t, actually! My family camped in central Oregon every summer when I was growing up & we all have such happy memories of those times.
Velda, Hazel’s death is such a tragedy. We got to spend time with her & the pups when we were all camped at Pancho Villa State Park in March. She was a kind and gentle person. You bring up good points about our passwords and information. We have our passwords with us when we travel (in a secure location). We also keep a card behind our driver’s license that contains all the information emergency personnel would need to know including our meds, any allergies, our contact person & doctor & insurance information. It’s amazing what you can get on one small card! I understand that emergency personnel know to look in someone’s wallet for a card containing this information. We should all make sure we have our ducks in a row when it comes to wills, living wills, etc. I found the website getyourshittogether.org a great place to begin the process of life & death planning.
Hi, Dawn,
The “ongoing dialogues” that appear here are fun for me, too. I appreciate the suggestions you gave, important for all of us….
Ohhh your makin’ me home sick! Love love love it when you are in Oregon ~ farm still not sold and real estate in Jackson Co. GA sucks. I just hope it sells soon I dinna want to die here LOL. Sorry I haven’t been on much but look at least several times a week. I’ve gotten sucked into Outlander world both the books and the show LOL.
Enjoy you time in Oregon ~ I miss it soo.
Gosh, MK, you’ve been waiting a long time for the farm to sell. The right buyer has to show up soon!
Oh, I know how addictive the Outlander series is. I haven’t seen the television series. The books took over my life! Haha! Enjoy…. Good to hear from you again.
Early morning walks in the fog are such a treat – thanks for sharing the lovely pics. Funny how a shower is so much a part of our lives. With days left before we move into the MH, I find myself taking longer showers. Like I can “save up” that feeling for the future. A long shower in CA is not something one does without guilt of course 🙂 We have a real shower in the rig, but it still feels like one of the few things I’ll miss. The item “McDonald’s Artisan” is such an oxymoron! You can’t get less artisan than fast food :-))))))) Oh well, they try.
Hi, Jodee,
You’ll replace frequent, long showers with other experiences just as enjoyable and probably more so… and you can always find a place for showering when you miss one. 🙂
Good Morning! Since I’m not a camper, not interested in it, but love reading your blog, I have a question……What is a camper and what is a boon docker? Thank you! Kay from KC!
Hi, Kay,
A camper is anyone who spends the night in a vehicle designed for mobile living (including a car) or in a tent or other temporary structure or no structure at all, one night or more. It doesn’t matter where you park it; you’re still a camper. The amenities don’t matter either; you’re still a camper.
A boondocker is a more specific term, meaning a camper who makes camp on isolated land, not in a campground. All boondockers are campers. Not all campers are boondockers. Maybe readers will elaborate for us.
A camper refers to a self contianed living area that is mobile. They can be simple, like a pop-up, which is a tent on a trailer. Or they can be fancy, like the mobile homes that are very big, think city bus, and have everything a house would have…a camper can also refer to a person who goes camping, e.g. sleeping in the woods and cooking over an open fire.
A boon dock is to stay some where in a camper where there is no electricity or water supplied at the place you arre camping.
I guess I am odd man out. I live in a motorhome and stay mostly in RV parks. But I in no way consider what I am doing as camping. I have what I consider to be a true mobile home.
I see your point. I think in a way, “camping” is a state of mind. Because, like you say, you don’t consider yourself to be camping. I have a friend who RV’s a bit like that, and he tries to make it as much like living in a stationary house as possible – he definitely would not consider himself to be camping (even though he happens to be boondocking at the moment, not to confuse the issue!). But what I mean is, he has the mindset to make his RV as much like a comfortable house as possible, and lives accordingly.
I always enjoyed camping, so even though my little RV has many more “conveniences” than a tent, I tend to downplay those, and live more like I’m camping in a really nice tent. I like it that way, a bit more simple.
I agree with Sue’s definition of boondocking. That is, staying on land without any hookups or services (and, ahem, hopefully without a generator running, but that’s just my own slant), typically with a dispersed/privacy angle to it (but not always).
There is also dry camping, which is another type of staying without hookups, but usually either at someplace like a Wal-mart parking lot, or sometimes at an established campground where they have “primitive” spots called dry camping (although there will often be public bathrooms, maybe a communal water spigot, and perhaps access to dumpsters. As you can tell, the lines get blurred at times.
I like that…a true mobile home!
I’m not so sure I could boondock for a long period of time. My water consumption would be too high. (Shower, contact lenses, teeth brushing etc. )
“Campers” up here are the weekenders…seasonal folks. “Lakers” are the year rounders.
I think I’d be a boondocker while en route to a destination and then, depending on the location and season, may or may not be boondocking while stationary for a bit. For me it would be mainly about the weather and the need for heat or AC.
If I were in, say, Maine during August and didn’t need electricity for AC I could boondock, or in Nevada during January, with no need to fire up the propane. If I didn’t need heat or AC I’d boondock and save that money to put towards something else.
As for getting water and having lights, there are ways to conquer that. An investment in jerry cans for stored water and solar panels for small-draw electric use would work. When water was needed I’d crank up and go fill up water jugs and return to my boondocking spot. While looking for a water spot I’d make that trip double as a black water tank dumping run as well.
So it is all about the weather for me and I’ve learned that from reading helpful blogs like this one.
Hi, Nancy,
I may have the wrong impression because all I have to go by is what you’re written in this comment.
Having boondocked frequently for more than 3 years I can say that the crew and I are rarely uncomfortable. We’ve had a few frosty mornings inside the BLTand a couple of hot days. However, most of the time temperature can be regulated by elevation. I thought I should point this out because you mentioned location as a means of finding comfortable temperature.
Part of the fun (for me anyway) is finding great camps at the right elevation to moderate the seasonal weather.
It’s more likely one would do the opposite than what you described— pay for hook-ups for AC or heat while going from Point A to Point B (when you aren’t choosing elevation) and then boondocking off-grid at the comfortable elevation in a location where one wants to stay.
Unless of course you want to visit family or an event where you can’t change your elevation.
Your plan for water and dumping will work great!
Hi, Cinandjules,
Your need for water can be adjusted easily while boondocking. 1) Go to a water source more often and refill the tank and drinking jugs. 2) Equip yourself with larger water containers.
I remember seeing a couple at a water spigot west of Yuma. They opened up the back of their vehicle — the kind where the door lifts up — and across the back were several large water containers. He attached a hose to the spigot and filled them up. They were happily boondocked nearby in the desert.
Good to know!
“I guess I am odd man out. I live in a motorhome and stay mostly in RV parks. But I in no way consider what I am doing as camping.”
No, I am the odd man out. I too live in a motorhome and stay in RV Parks, usually a month then move. Since I am not living at a permanent location I do consider that camping and refer to the places that I stay as my ‘camps’.
One of the definitions of camp is: A place where tents, huts, or other temporary shelters are set up. I guess everyone gets to define ‘temporary shelter’ as they see it much like “It depends on what your definition of ‘is’ is.”
I wouldn’t call your style of living “camping” either. I admit I didn’t think of you, Ed, when making up my definition. You practice a lifestyle that cannot be covered with one word.
You gave me a chuckle with your last line… That’s a quote “which will live in infamy.” 🙂
Oh my…that saying: the meaning of “is” is…has become a very well known meaning among my kin and friends….heh….
Happy Memorial Day everyone. Thank you to all Veterans and those who are serving now. Freedom isn’t free. Thankfully my daughter survived two tours in Iraq as a Marine.
I just love where you are camped! Great photos. The last park I was in had the exact same kind of showers…..ahhhhhhh….again on a reservoir. In the last three weeks I have seen many folks hacking live branches off trees and not picking up after their dogs! What???? Happy to hear that your neighbors are quiet. Bliss.
I am still in the Woodward Reservoir in Oakdale, CA. The park is fabulous…$10 no hookups $15 w/hookups. $5 extra for the holiday. Just about nobody here during the week…perfect. However weekend are not to be believed. Like Reine said, one car and 8 more trickle in. Last weekend there was a Religious gathering so they were aloud to having a really loud sound system. At the same time a motorboat that had a overhead HUGE sound system with the volume on “you can hear it in Vermont” was cruising the reservoir. While that was going on, the campsite across from me had 4 cars (rules say limit is 2 vehicles) 10 children and 6 adults. I have to say that the campers were pretty quiet for the amount of people in the site. HOPEFULLY today everyone will go away and I will have this beautiful place to myself again. I am staying for 15 days…the limit. Saving money and using no gas..wha hoo. While here there was a guy next to me that had only been on the road for 3 weeks. He was from Vermont (my state)!!! Great conversation. I asked him if he had a GPS and he said “what’s that”! Yikees. I was nice teaching him stuff. Fun time….he left yesterday and crazy people moved into his site. UGH. At the moment I am watching all the rigs moving out. Oh happy day!
Oh, Krystina… You are experiencing the good, the bad, and the ugly of full-timing.
The good? A nice camp, undisturbed, meeting someone you enjoy…
The bad? People overloading campsites, noisy, obnoxious, inconsiderate…
The ugly? People trashing campsites, mutilating live trees for no good purpose
I would’ve gone nuts with the speaker blasting on the boat. One of my pet peeves– Boaters playing music. The way sound carries over water, everyone has to listen to what they choose to play.
Well, the long weekend is over. I’m happy that you escaped from high prices for a while and in a place you like. I see it in my Benchmark. Great find!
Being curious I looked up nearby Modesto Reservoir Regional Park, southeast of you… No pets allowed! First time I’ve seen that.
Here it is Memorial Day. To my way of thinking, showers and camping should be free, paid for with the blood and lives of Veterans. My thanks to all who have served.
A heartfelt message, short, bittersweet, and beautifully written, Joe.
2,000,000 !!!!!!!! Wow!!! I am so proud of my Famous Sister!!!!!! I love the pictures. I think I would really like Oregon.
I agree with Jodee Gravel…McDonald’s Artisan is an oxymoron! 🙂
Wishing all of Susan’s fan’s a Happy and Safe Memorial Day. Also want to say thanks to all of you VETERANS out there. Thank you for your service. To those who have lost loved ones in war….thank you for your sacrifice.
Hi, Pauline,
You would love Oregon… also Washington (think berries!)….
My thanks to Jerold for his service. I hope y’all had a good Memorial Day weekend!
Hi, Everyone!
Bridget, Reggie, and I are in another beautiful camp under clear, blue skies! Our site is along a meandering river with a view of the stunning, snow-covered Cascades. Even though the drive was short and easy today, I don’t have the energy for editing photos and writing a post. All this cool, fresh air is relaxing!
Thanks again for the congratulations on my blog passing the 2 million visits mark. Have a great evening and I’ll see ya’ in the morning!
Sue
Nice of you to let us know you found a great place and are relaxing- that news is as good a new post 🙂
Hard to beat cool, fresh air with a stunning view!! Enjoy!!
Elizabeth and weather… I appreciate your understanding. Bridget and Reggie were worn out, too! They’re both sleeping late this morning. It must’ve been the long hike after we arrived here.
As I type this there have been 7180 visitors since we rolled over the big 2M on Saturday. That makes 3590 visits a day and this was in the middle of a holiday weekend. Do the math and it means this site is on pace for just over 1.3 million visitors a year.
Just for a little perspective that’s more visitors than Arches, Mt. Rainier, Shenandoah, Sequoia, or Everglades National Parks.
So it’s official. You Miss Sue are a national treasure. 🙂
I don’t know why… Tears in the eyes reading your comment. You are a dear person, Rick.
I don’t need to be a national treasure. Like all of us, it’s enough to be treasured. You are.
Back at ya girl. Today and always.
Hey! What BadgerRick said!! We all love us some RV Sue and Crew!
Now, I know that lingo won’t fall softly on Sue’s ear but the sentiment is there all the same. Thanks for sharing your travels, Sue. Pat K
Awww, Pat… Your message fell very softly on these ears. Nice of you to chime in with Rick…
Showers, Mickey D’s, shopping, laundry or a malfunction poop hose….this blog is addicting.
Add your gorgeous sites and photos and you’ve got a bunch of blogorinos…just wanting to have fun…cruising around the wild Wild West using a benchmark map and NOT using any gasoline! Hah!
Cute! 🙂
Another fascinating post. I too expected crowds in one of my favorite campgrounds in WY. Well, that didn’t happen. One loop of the campground had two campers, other loop had one tent camper and the third had three campers. It was raining and cold on Friday. Woke up to 36 (Friday), 38 (Saturday) and 34 (Sunday) degrees. On Saturday I went for 9 mile hike, prepared my early dinner and a few minutes later it started to rain. Sunday morning the sun came but and I had to leave. There is still plenty of snow in the mountains and two roads (70 and 130) I like to access trailheads from campgrounds still closed for the winter.
Hi, R..
Wow! Wyoming! You do get around. I bet you could write a very informative book for hikers. Take a few photos, draw a few diagrams, include the wildflowers, animals, etc. you see on the trail, give some tips for safety…. You must be an expert with all the experience you have across several states. Hmm? You could make them ebooks through Amazon publishing… Several small guides selling for under $2 each… I can see it, R.!
Here are a few of the things I like: Harsh weather and bad roads. Why? They keep the people away! That’s especially good on a holiday weekend.
(I edited your last sentence because some words were missing. Let me know if I changed the meaning.)
We had a few lovely days in the mountains, so I’m catching up on reading the last posts.
Congratulations, Sue, on 2 Million. That is so wonderful, and a testament to how hospitable your posts are and the community you have formed, once again, THANK YOU!!!!!
We are in a bit of a drought here, in Upstate NY. Could really use the rain. Saddened to see what’s happening in Texas and the loss of life and property due to heavy rains and flooding.
A belated “thank-you” to all of you veterans who have helped to secure our freedoms. God Bless America!
Hi, Applegirl,
Maybe you will have a rainy summer before it’s through. I know how gardeners and farmers welcome those gentle spring rains to give the crops a good start.
I’m running out of data this month, probably due to transferring files from the crashed hard drive and me fooling around with my new smartphone. To conserve data I haven’t kept up with the weather news. I don’t know where the flooding is — hope no blogorinos are suffering because of it . . . .
You thanked me when the thank you for the 2nd million is deserved by you and all those who take the time to read my blog. Thank you. I couldn’t do it without you. 🙂
Morning everyone!
Since we are talking about showers and creative ways of bathing I wanted to add a note about a score I found yesterday at a Publix Grocery Store. I found this cool Igloo Party Tub. A med/sm size, with handles and a drain spout. It is insulated as it is suppose to be used for ice and cold drinks and a grab-it party tub. Well, it is perfect for a personal wash basin! Keeps the water hot longer and easy to drain and store afterwards. I love it…and they sell them of Amazon too! We bought 2 of them, different colors. One for sponge baths and one for general use…washing dishes and as a grab-it table-side cooler. Both work great for their intended uses. Sure beats a dish pan for sponge baths! I’m really liking them and they are very well made. Go for it if you think it might fit your bathing needs as a wash stand basin on a counter or a small table.
Anyway, I’m resting up today, after my mini-staycation of the last 4 days! Klemper is back at work and I’m relaxing with my coffee and Sue-N-Crew…Life IS Good!
Hi, Pamela,
Don’t you love it when you come across something that you see will be perfect for another use than what it was intended? That’s part of the fun of living a simpler life. Situations are handled with ingenuity and efficiency.
I was thinking about that yesterday as I used the tines of a dinner fork to cut up hard-boiled eggs for egg salad. All I had to do was press the fork on the egg and it sliced. Gee, I thought, this works just like an egg-slicer thingy. And I can use the fork to put the salad into my sandwich,too. One thing to wash, not two. Ha!
That Igloo Party Tub is simple and efficient. You have a resourceful eye!
Anyone know whether Sue has to pay a park entrance fee to get to the showers and dump station? I have never seen a state park you can enter for free.
Hi, Sherry,
Now that we’re settled in our new camp, I’m replying to comments.
I didn’t have to pay an entrance fee. I’ll make some generalizations here, which may not be true… based on what experience I’ve had. Maybe other readers will offer better and more specific info.
I haven’t stayed at many state parks but I’ve cruised through a few. Some have a manned or womanned toll booth. In that case, I would state that all I wanted to do was use the shower house. That may get you in without the entrance fee.
I remember a state park in Utah that had an entrance fee. I asked the guy at the booth, “I just want to look around. May I drive through without paying?” and he said, “Sure, go ahead.”
I’m guessing that state parks in the west are less likely to charge an entrance fee than those in the east and that is based on almost no experience, other than the east being the east, if you know what I mean.
Readers?
Here in Missouri there are NO entrance fees to State Parks…so you can picnic (and grill) and scope out the campgrounds for free!!
Here in Wisconsin we love our entrance fees. It’s the only way we can get our ridiculous politicians to allocate any money to the parks. You can not enter without at least a day pass; $7.00 for residents $10.00 non-resident. Annual pass $25.00 and $35.00.
Some of the park entrances are not staffed in the off season but they still expect folks to pay the fee.
Good morning Sue!
I had a good feeling that you would land in a perfect spot – cannot wait to see it!! Enjoy! Hope you, the Crew, and fellow blogorinos have a great day! Sunny here, with the humidity starting to creep up. I am not complaining one bit…the holiday weekend was perfect with comfortable temps and low humidity! Whoo-Hoo!
Let me be the fist to say…Happy, Happy Birthday, Shirlene!!! 🙂
Love and hugs to you and the Crew from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Good morning, Denise,
I’m glad you and Gracie pup had a nice weekend. We were fortunate in that regard compared to many around the country!
I love your enthusiasm for the next post. You inspire me to get busy on it.
Always enjoy your sweet messages…
🙂
…FIRST to say…
Wow, Thank you Denise, thanks for being so thoughtful…it is a glorious day to be here… 🙂 Stay cool in Richmond!
P.S. Thank you for being FIRST! 🙂
Enjoy – hope your special day is perfect!! 🙂
Good Morning Sue and blogorinos…first cup of coffee in the m0rning and enjoying it with the Blog life! Have a great day!
Good morning, Shirlene,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
And thanks to Denise for reminding us . .. I’m TERRIBLE about remembering special occasions.
From your comments here, I trust you will celebrate and make this day a good one. You know how to have fun! 🙂
Whether you have candles to wish upon or not, I hope your birthday wish comes true!
Thank you Sue, as usual the whole nation celebrates my birthday with a holiday…and yes we did whoop it up all weekend, today all I asked for was to rest! And then we will start again next week!…for the dinner requests…but Clam Bake this weekend, shopping trip to Bass Pro Shop, dinner with friends last night, so today I rest…I earned it! MY wish would be that you would always be just the way YOU are, happy and healthy with two wonderful companions on the road.
Thanks, Shirlene. I’m the one who needs a rest after reading about your activities. Haha!
Happy Birthday Shirlene
🙂 Thank you!
Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you……Have a great day 🙂
🙂 Thank you and you too have a great day Krystina, enjoy your stay in Cali…but hurry out..lol.
Happy Birthday Shirlene-I’ll bet while you’re resting between celebrations you admire whatever you got from Bass Pro and think about plans to use it 🙂 hope you enjoy this day and those!
Thank you weather 🙂
Happy Birthday Shirlene, from me too!! I hope your day is/was just perfect by whatever meaning you consider perfect!!
You are a peach Elizabeth, thanks berry much for the wishes… 🙂
Happy Day Late Birthday, Shirlene!
I just got back to work today and have been catching up, and I’m behind on my RVSue posts! I hate when that happens.
Are you still heading out to go fishing?
Hi Marla…I have missed you. ..yes leaving Friday for Big Pine….
Hi Sue,
A day in the life of Sue and her crew is always enjoyable! You have a way with words and we are all addicted to your world. I can hardly wait to get all my belongings packed into my house on wheels. Right now it’s parked at the RV shop and they will be installing a slide cover and a Maxx air fan. I did some research on comparing the Fantastic Fan with this Maxx air and it does everything but better. Also possibly a bike rack of some kind too
Now I am worrying and fretting about the money from the buyers> it”s suppose to be wired directly in my bank I wont bore you with all my fears and emotions
My laptop is acting up>> that is not suppose to be >> the cap gets locked and no commas or periods work> lol
got to get a new one>>> enjoy the beauty of where you are and be grateful you are not in hot and humid florida>
Nice trailer Deb; have fun but be careful.
Congratulations on the new rig, Deb!
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a new laptop, maybe a new keyboard for under $20 will solve the problem (assuming stuck keys are all that’s wrong.).
Hubby has fixed mine many times by using the can of air on the keys!! Hehehe…a few crumbs find their way there at times….
Well Houston is practically shut down today after the rains yesterday. Some spots got over 9 inches of rain if I heard correctly. I live a couple of counties over and we got the tail/edge of the storms-and only got 2.5 inches of rain. We do really need the rain out here so in that respect it is good, but last night was one of the most violent thunderstorms I have ever been in! Rain, hail, thunder, and lightening. Saturday night a huge storm came through our area but missed us narrowly-it dropped 12 inches of rain in another county and spawned tornadoes and winds up to 70 mph. Yikes! So, all in all, an interesting Memorial Day Weekend! We did nothing but read all day yesterday (and eat steak). I hope everyone had a safe, relaxing weekend!
Glad you are safe and hope the rest of the Blogerinos are as well. We have been watching reports as husbands father and sister live just north of Oklahoma City.
A Word About Needing Medical Help While RVing…
Many people are not aware there are some major pitfalls when using an ambulance for medical emergency transports.
A little known fact is this: Once you enter an ambulance you are giving up many of your medical rights to the care of others. They, and ONLY THEY, have the rights to treat you as they deem necessary. While most places and most ambulance companies are wonderfully knowledgeable, some are not and all are not created equal. That said, keep this in mind should you have need to visit an unknown ER while out RVing. Try to ALWAYS TRANSPORT YOURSELF if at all possible! If you must use an ambulance, ask if their rights to deem treatment ends at the ER Entrance Doors or if they also extend to the ER inside the hospital, some do extend even you are inside the ER.
Knowing this info can help you and others to know whether an ambulance transport is the right choice for you or not. Of course, always get whatever medical help you need by whatever means if time is most critical.
Recently I went to an Urgent Care Clinic, not feeling well and having some shallow breathing problems. The staff nurse called an ambulance to transport me to the ER ~without telling me or my husband~ until AFTER she had called them for transport. I refused to be transported! The nurse was NOT PLEASED but it was my right to say NO! The ER was less than a mile up the roadway and it was not in primetime traffic patterns. Remember that no one ever ~just rides~ in an ambulance… They treat you the second you are onboard. The cost to transport you is HUGE MONEY and sometimes not necessary. Try, if you can, to take your own measure of things, what’s best FOR YOU is not always what is best for the local Clinics or ER. Turns out that I had Walking Pneumonia! I simple chest X Ray could have discovered that and outpatient treatment could have been started at that time. Needless to say, I was upset. I called the clinic’s Board Of Directors member heading up nursing. She scheduled a two hour staff meeting about it all and heads-rolled because it was so badly handled by the staff. Four weeks later, I’m getting better care and hopefully their staff is giving better care too! This clinic was not a small no-name chain. A major one and one who should have known better and taken their time to assess my condition at the get-go. So I write this, not to knock about good care but to say that not all medical care is equal in all areas and states. It is always good to ask the needed questions, you or someone you trust to ask for you. We also have our wills recorded at the courthouse in the county we live in. Recording them early, makes for little to no questions about your future intents regarding your estate should the need arise later.
Hope this info helps someone out there and that they do NOT have to go through the red-tape of medical care and related expenses while traveling. Good to know that sometimes ER care is not what is really needed but Urgent care can be fine and do the job for much less costs.