Thursday, May 29 (continued)
We’re hitched up and ready to go. Inside the Perfect Tow Vehicle Bridget and Spike wait expectantly for me to climb behind the wheel.
“Just a minute. I’ll be right back.”
I walk down the bank for one more look at the creek, one more listen to water cascading over rocks.
“Oh, the camp chair! I almost left it behind!”
The PTV carries me and the crew east on Route 50 to Salina.
The Best Little Trailer smoothly tags along behind us. I’m only aware of her when I look in a side mirror. From Salina we turn onto Route 89 to proceed northward through the wide Sevier Valley.
It’s a very pleasant drive retracing the route we took last year.
Shortly past Gunnison, we travel up the road toward Six-Mile Canyon and pull into Palisades State Park. Here I fill the fresh water tank and dump the waste tanks. I take the crew on a short walk-around on-leash. Before pulling out, I stop at the entry booth. I’m surprised when told there is no charge to dump tanks. (State parks usually charge around $6 or so.)
It’s less than fifteen miles to Ephraim and Badger Mountain.
We pass the Mormon Temple in Manti and shortly thereafter arrive at Ephraim. I turn right at the familiar brown sign pointing the way into Manti-La Sal National Forest.
With a deep intake of breath and a firm resolve, I point the PTV up the mountain.
This is a very steep, dirt/gravel road with switchbacks. From the valley floor to the top of the mountain one travels about 15 miles and gains about 5,000 feet in elevation.
I shift into second gear.
“C’mon, baby, you can do it!” We pass the entrance to Lake Hill Campground. After five miles of steady climbing, I park in a pull-out to give the PTV’s engine a break. We’re in aspen country now!
The nutcakes clamor to get out.
They zig-zag over the grass, sniffing here, sniffing there, excited at this new world. We’re going up awfully high. I hope it isn’t too cold. Gee, I love this mountain air.
“Pretty nice, isn’t it? C’mon, get back in. We have more to climb.”
We continue upward.
We go around a curve and . . . “What!” There’s water running across the road!
The PTV is chugging along in first gear and I don’t want to lose momentum. I have only an instant to decide to stop or to plow through. It’s not deep. We go through! I glance to the right. Water spurts about five feet into the air from a busted pipe.
Finally we arrive at Bluebell!
Yay! No one’s here. I park the PTV to inspect the campsite. Uh-oh. Not good. I study the narrow stream of shallow water crossing the entrance to the campsite.
Hmm . . . Not smart to camp beyond flowing water, especially in spring. There’s mud for Spike to get into. And the creek is so powerful! Too dangerous to let Spike outside at night. He can’t hear the water.
I push the image out of my mind of Spikey being swept downstream. We’d better go to the upper camp.
You may recall the upper camp.
It was there that The Lounge Chair Incident occurred. In a three-stage collapse, both me and the chair wound up flat-out on the ground, me looking up at the aspen leaves and laughing at the shock of my sudden descent.
At the entrance to the spur, the campsite comes into view.
It’s occupied. Well, no Clinger am I! I make a U-turn, once again thankful for our short turning radius, and park in the pull-out by the entrance to the spur road. I step out to take this photo and to decide what to do next.
Well, I don’t want to climb any higher. It probably will be a lot colder and there’s the possibility of altitude sickness. We’ll go back to Bluebell and I’ll find a way to make it work!
A few tries and I find a place that’s level in the short loop that goes from the road, across a bridge, and back to the road.
I can park in the loop. There’s room for someone to pass by, although why they’d need to drive through here, I don’t know. We’re further away from the creek and no chance of being trapped by flowing water. Spike can still get in the mud . . . oh well, I can deal with that.
It’s surprising how a plain, unappealing spot in a road turns into a homey, pleasant campsite once the mat is laid down and a chair set out!
(In the photo below, our former camp was at the far left.)
The crew and I are very hungry!
All I had for lunch was a banana and the mountain air has given all of us good appetites. First I fix plates for Spike and Bridget. Then I pull out a bag of potatoes from the cabinet under the stove, take it outside with a pot, and sit in my camp chair to commence peeling. It’s sunny and warm against the side of the BLT. Bridget and Spike, bellies full, lie down in the sun beside the camp chair.
“It’s nice here. This is going to work out just fine.”
I place the pot of peeled potatoes on the stove, add fresh carrots, a few Brussels sprouts from the freezer, and cover the veggies with water. While that cooks, I putter around inside the BLT, putting everything in order. I go out to retrieve a jug of water from the PTV.
In the meadow above us, a deer watches.
I take her photo and then go about my business.
She goes about hers, too. She grazes on the new grass, pausing regularly to watch her new neighbors below.
Last year we arrived at Bluebell Camp in mid-June.
I remember because it was the day after Father’s Day. The aspens were completely leafed out and a profusion of dandelions covered the sloping meadow. The creek was much tamer and there wasn’t any mud.
Nonetheless I’m happy, even if there are fewer flowers and some of the aspens look like bone-bleached skeletons reaching to the sky.
Spike is very pleased with Bluebird Camp.
I think he appreciates our early arrival. He has plenty of water and mud to soak in!
Friday, May 30
I wake in the morning pleasantly surprised that our home is cool, but not uncomfortable. At 9,750 feet during the last week of May, one would expect the temperature to drop very low by morning. Not all the snow has melted yet.
I slept very well, snug and warm, wearing long pajamas and under a comforter with the crew. It wasn’t any cooler during Spike’s midnight potty run than it was next to Ivie Creek. I hope this mild weather continues!
Below is the view from our front door and from the table where I blog on my laptop . . .
A steep climb along with some adaptability and we’ve found our home on Badger Mountain!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
A sprinkle of red-pepper-and-garlic seasoning with whole berry cranberry sauce on the side. Plain and simple. Yum!
First?
Hi, Phil! Nice to see you here… Yes, you’re Number One!
If a remember correctly, not only is this where your camp chair let you down :-), it’s where your brakes almost let go heading down to the highway! Be careful out there and no repeats of last visit.
Good memory, Phil. Yep, that was the time the brake controller wasn’t set correctly. You can rest assured I’ll check it before towing the BLT down this mountain. As for my new lounge chair, I’ll have to take my chances.
I think this was about where you were last year when I first started to tag a long.
You probably remember us sitting in a field of dandelions and going up to the top of the mountain to run around in the meadow . . . So you’ve been riding along with us for almost a year, John.
It’s been a blast. The for sale sign goes up on Monday! Wish us luck in the way of an immediate full price, cash offer with no contingencies and 14 day closing!!!
You don’t ask for much! But it doesn’t hurt, right?
Okay, everyone who reads this… Group Wish time!
Hope for the most and settle for less.
So Spike will be white with brown patches during your stay 🙂
His usual look is brown boots with a brown belly. I’m keeping an old towel on the floor to wipe up the paw prints.
Ya know,I’ve heard people say things like “The great outdoors just calls to me”,and similar things,but I’ve never heard of the beauty of a creek actually calling”Don’t forget your chair!The PTV performs well in such a climb,I can see why you would need resolve
to drive such a steep ascent.Hope you and the crew enjoy your stay in warmth.
Thanks, weather. Speaking of weather… It’s starting to rain and I hear thunder. I’m going out now to take down the antenna. Looks like a day to curl up with my paperwhite. Hope your weather is fine!
Ah the memories…..of your chair!
I believe that snow fell last week….i know Denver got hail and snow. Beautiful scenery…the creek looks a bit cold and rough. Spike….really?? Soaking in mud?
The weather is weird…. T storms here. Careful…..anything above 8k and you start acting goofy. You should sleep well…..with the thin air.
Contributed to your retirement fund today. I’m still in the organization mode. Needed storage totes for the god zillion life vests and boat cover. Made Jules go thru the clothes she never wears…if you haven’t worn it in 10 years….why are you keeping it?
Stay warm and comfy. Peace out desert woman!
Hi, Cinandjules,
You remind me that the PTV could use some purging, too. When living on the road, it’s more like the 10 month rule!
Thank you for ordering your totes through my blog. I appreciate that!
It started raining and I heard thunder. I hurried outside and stowed the antenna under the BLT. Went back inside, curled up in bed with the crew with the intention of reading. Listened to the rain on the roof and almost two hours later I wake up from a deep sleep… That’s the altitude. I remember I was sleepy for a day or two last year, too.
Jules had a craving for Hawaii. Hawaiian Sun pineapple orange drink and honey roasted macadamia nuts.
I usually bring these items back in my luggage from CA…cuz shipping is $80 a case. Didn’t have space in my luggage this time around.
Thank you Amazon….I’m not sleeping in the dog house! 🙂
Haha! That’s great, Cindy! Everybody’s happy, including moi!
“I place the pot of peeled potatoes on the stove, add fresh carrots, a few Brussels sprouts from the freezer, and cover the veggies with water.”
The picture of the veggies looks great and garnishing with red pepper and garlic is perfect.
In the quote I took from your posting I made one change; the “b” in Brussels sprout is usually capitalized but lower case is not grammatically incorrect. What is incorrect, and very common, is to leave the “s” off the end of the word i e Brussel sprout.
A much more important issue is why did you peel the potatoes? If that was less work than giving them a wash then I would agree with peeling them but the skin is good and it is a waste to discard.
Hi, Ed,
I knew someone would get after me for peeling those potatoes! Haha! Sometimes I do leave the skins on. These were gnarly roots with deep eyes, which would be okay…. a little dirt wouldn’t hurt.
My mother always peeled our potatoes (which appeared at EVERY supper and we never tired of them). That’s my excuse. Call me sentimental . . . 🙂
For you, Ed, I’m going to edit the post and make that a capital B!
Oh my…fresh mountain air…what is not to like and lovely trees as well…maybe the aspens will fully leaf out while you are there…so you catch watch them shaking along in the breezes…lovely spot again!!
Hi, Elizabeth,
I notice the aspens on the slope facing west are ahead of those on the east-facing slope (behind us), which makes sense.
I tried to capture the flickering glow of the sun through the new leaves but wasn’t successful as I was aiming the lens into the sun. I’ll try again because it is such a pretty sight.
I just stumbled upon your blog. Not only have you given
me the fever to order a new Casita I’m seriously thinking
of making the trip from Florida to Alaska. I will check in
with you again and again.
If you give RVSue’s name as a referral, she gets…something nice. Commission? Chime in, Sue.
Two hundred dollars, to be exact. Thank you for mentioning it, Cat Lady. )
Welcome to my blog, Mike! I hope you enjoy riding along with me and the crew. We probably won’t be going to Alaska, but we can show you some great camps along part of the way!
I hope you will write again. When you do, give us some indication which Mike you are, okay? Thanks.
What a gorgeous area you’re in, and the photos are lovely as usual!
I really love simple meals like that, fill your stomach but you don’t feel too guilty about eating them.
Hi, Terri,
I’m crazy for root/bulb vegetables! Doesn’t matter… potatoes of any variety, carrots, turnips, parsnips, rutabagas, beets (young and with the tops on), onions, radishes . . . . love ’em!
Love the spot you’re in.
Curious though, do you not eat meat?
Hi, Christina,
I eat poultry. I rarely eat pork or beef, usually only when I’m a guest and that’s what I’m served. It’s not that I don’t like it. I do enjoy it if I keep my mind from dwelling on it.
It’s mostly the handling of the raw meat that reminds me of a few close-up views of feedlots and the cruelty involved. Once you no longer see it as meat, but more as dead animal, well, then it isn’t as appetizing. I know poultry are treated poorly, too. I saw that in Georgia, a big poultry production state. I hated being caught in line behind a flatbed loaded with chicken cages.
It’s horrible what the chicken industry does and beef. I only eat’smart chicken’ here in California. Then only grass fed organic beef. We don’t eat a lot meat but at least it’s one step up from bad.
I was a vegetarian for 25 years so I know how to cook tofu 100 ways. I love your travels and certainly inspired me to do more.
We’re headed to Nevada beach in Tahoe next week in our tent trailer. It’s my favorite place, even with kids and lots of people, it’s still Lake Tahoe !,
Here we go again. Care when sitting in that chair Missy. I won’t go into detail here but your prayers for Detta worked. I am so pleased (of course she is too). She is seeing with one eye so much better. I also went to Dr. today and got a A+ on my situation, all meds are working. I didn’t mean to turn this into a medical thing. Your pics are as usual very good and the longer we ride along the more it means to us. You are a special lady and we love ya……Hi Spike you muddy little guy and Bridget you pretty little gal. Lobster and clam chowder from Portland Maine for supper….spendy but what the heck.
Hooray for Detta! When you’re dealing with vision loss, every bit of improvement means a LOT. And great news, also, on your check-up, Jim. I appreciate you sharing this with us.
Lobster and clam chowder from Maine… Perfect!
Thanks for the tender thoughts of me and the crew.
Glad to hear all is going well.
Umm…. What time should I be there for dinner?
Dear RV Sue,
I keep checking for your budget, especially where you’ve been and much it cost to camp for the month. I’m working with a real small budget and your input helps with planning.
Your friend, Linda
Hi, Linda May,
I keep promising to get those money figures current. The connection here on this mountain is faster than at the last few camps. Maybe… (sigh)… I’ll git ‘er done. I really should, because I know it is helpful.
Thanks for writing . . .
Hi Sue,
Got to take a break and read your post, another yard sale weekend, still some work to be done on the house before I can put it up for sale. My contractors keep putting me off, may decide to tackle the tile work myself.
To Linda May: I have been going back over RvSue’s 2012 and
2013 budgets and adding a little for inflation (& maybe a little fun!) should be pretty close
You’re right, CheryLyn. Adding some fun expenditures will give a good estimate. I have loosened the purse strings slightly during the past year or so, now that I know better what living my way requires.
You’re making progress. . . Good going, girl!
Lovely, lovely spot! I hope no one spoils your tranquility and you have no problem with the altitude. Picky of me, but I, too wondered why you peeled the potatoes. The dish looks yummy and I hope you enjoyed it.
Hi, Marcia,
I made my excuse about the peeled potatoes to Ed (above). Maybe next time I’ll leave the peels on. 🙂 It was “yummy” . . . People often say food eaten outside tastes better. Well, it does!
One of the many reasons I tow the BLT up this steep road to this high altitude is to find a place where the Clingers don’t dare to go. Yesterday a few after-work OHV riders roared up the mountain and back again, but you get that everywhere these days. No one at all today, probably because of the brief rain and thunder. The sun is “out” again and a blue sky to the south.
Hi, Sue,
Glad that you found a spot in the upper loop that worked. I remember reading one of your early posts where you had some friends who camped next to a stream or creek. They woke the next morning to find that they were parked in water due to a swell from storms and snow melt from up the mountain. We sure don’t want you and the Crew to be swept away!
It was nice that you were greeted by the resident welcoming committee! Cows, horses, turkey and deer. Oh, my! 🙂
Have a good evening – I hope that the temp continues to stay comfortable. Your dinner looked delish! A nice surprise of no dump fee, a beautiful site, a full belly, and two loving nut cakes – life is good! 😀
Hi, Denise,
Yes, life IS good. I took the appearance of the deer and her calmly continuing to graze as a positive sign for this camp.
My head is spinning trying to remember who it was that had water come up to their camp in the night. I can almost bring it to mind. Errgghh! I think that was ocean tide. I’m not sure. You know I’ll be awake tonight trying to recall! 🙂
Believe me, I analyzed the lay of the land and the flow of water before positioning the BLT. It is important to be careful about snowmelt and rain higher up at this time of year. Anyway… I think the BLT would float like a fishing bobber.
Linda May,
At the top of the web page right below the Banner Picture are two places that you can click to see Sue’s “budget” for 2012 and 2013. I have done some of your homework for you and gathered the Cost to Camp, what Sue has labeled Camping Fees, for January thru April for 2012 and 2013. I think you can see a pattern in these 4 months for each year. Sue boondocks so there is not much spent for Camping fees.
My opinion is you will spend the same amount living on the road as you do in a sticks-n-bricks. If you spend everything that comes in during the month now you will do the same thing when on the road.
Camping Fees:
January 2012 -0-
January 2013 -0-
February 2012 -0-
February 2013 -0-
March 2012 $14
March 2013 -0-
April 2012 $14
April 2013 -0-
Gee, Ed… Looking at the figures the way you present them… I’m proud of myself!
Hi Sue. Nice pictures as always. Not a bad looking place to camp at all. HoboJoe
You’re right, Joe. It is nice here. So Spike gets muddy. Big deal. I love the little guy.
I went exploring early this morning in the western Uinta Mountains in northern Utah. It’s pretty up here. There’s still snow from about 9,000 feet up. I need to recalibrate my idea of “late spring.” But lower there were some fine, dry, dirt roads up canyons and onto mountain tops and alpine meadows. Saw lots of camping spots for future consideration. When I saw how full the creeks were with spring runoff I thought, “Not a good time for water loving dogs.” Had to slow down several times for deer, including a group of five. They changed their minds about crossing the road and went back in the trees. May you enjoy Badger Mountain, even without Bluebell.
Hi, Al,
Thanks for the current information on the mountain forest. I’ve been looking at the western Uinta mountains. I almost went up there last year.
I see there are several campgrounds which tells me the western side is popular, being a short drive from metropolitan areas of SLC. That means I’d have to search on less-travelled roads which can be tricky at this time of year.
A road may be dry going in and then turn muddy and difficult on the way out. Once a road turns muddy the OHVers come to make a mess. I’ve seen that happen and it has made me cautious this time of year. In a couple of weeks, it will be less likely to happen.
I try not to go into canyons because I want to have internet and a fast enough connection for posting on this blog. Yes, fast-moving water is a concern with water dogs. Spike has already learned that he’s not allowed to go over by our former camp and the creek. I watch him anyway. (I have a clear view from my laptop table window.)
Actually, we ARE at Bluebell. The upper campground is the one that is occupied. Bluebell is more interesting, I think, and is my preference, mud and all.
Interesting to hear about Uinta. Thanks again.
I like having net access, too, but I’ll sacrifice it once in a while for the sake of nice camping for a couple of days.
I’ve done that, too, but I end up missing the blogorinos! I’m addicted to their (and your) comments.
C’mon over here to Middle Tennessee, where we’re doing our darndest every day to make it to 90 degrees!! 😉
Ladybug, you make me laugh. Good luck with the heat initiative!
We’re perched on the side of this mountain to get AWAY from the heat.
I am being a bit lazy, I am soaking in the quietness like Spike soaks in mud/water. LOL, I love his personality! He’s rather tamed down from the beginnings of your new life.
The FOOD… gosh looks so good, where’s the meat? When I lived in the Valley of the Sun, I ate little to no meat myself because veggies and fruits were so inexpensive. I mean, 5 heads of cabbage for a buck! I can do a lot with cabbage.
I planned on moving today as well, but then when we woke up and I looked out the window, I said the heck with the move… what’s another day going to hurt! We stayed.
As long as I am comfy, and not under a CLINGER attack all is well. You’re kind of moving towards colder country, I don’t think most places will see summer come – they will likely head right into fall. CRAZY WEATHER.
Enjoy the great plate, think I’ll rotisserie a turkey breast with a cranberry/orange glaze and boil some potatoes, carrots, and peas. Yep, I am hungry now.
Have a nice peaceful stay!
Hi, Kay,
Ah-ha! Maybe it’s not only your MiFi that’s attracting Clingers. Maybe it’s the aroma from your rotisserie! I can imagine someone coming up to your site, plate in hand. 🙂
Yeah, move, stay . . . It’s up to you. I haven’t posted the many times I planned to move and didn’t. It happens a lot! Unless I’m on a mission to see the Pacific or somewhere. Then I’m motivated to truck right along to get there.
I’m glad you are in a good place. Relax and enjoy!
Unless the person is RVSue and her canine crew, they would leave with empty plate!!!!
Got home a few minutes ago hungry as a bear and what do I see WOW! dinner in technicolor…looks soooooo good!! I think I’ll make a plate of veggies for din din and maybe an Italian sweet sausage. Love Spike soaking in mud LOL
Hi, Rita . . . I do that, too, sometimes, when I feel the need for a more substantial dinner. I like Emeril’s selection of chicken sausage.
You wrote you’re addicted to blogorinos? How about me? I went tent camping to San Rafael Bridge campground for a couple days and after I returned what is the first I do? I check if there is a new post by RVSue. Thankfully this is only one blog I follow.
Your campsite looks cold. Can you see any signs of flowers? Are you going to be warm enough at night? Do you need a down comforter? I have one extra.
Sue, you’re now in bear country. I talked with my friend who is a bear expert and she emphasizes there should be no traces of food around a trailer, RV, tent. I guess that includes bones Spike eats outside. What is your plan about bones? What is Spike going to do? Get mad or are you going to let him bring those yummy bones inside?
BTW, I hiked in the area of Buckhorn Wash and although temperatures were high but constant breeze made two days almost perfect for hiking. There are many primitive campsites beyond Buckhorn pictograph panels where you visited, Sue.
Hi, R.,
You went to San Rafael Bridge! I hope you liked the campground and enjoyed your hike in Buckhorn Draw. It’s beautiful country. If I’m in that area again, I might go in from the Castle Dale end and take a look at those additional primitive sites.
You can also camp in designated sites (There’s a toilet.) at the overlook to the Little Grand Canyon.
I appreciate the reminder about traces of food around camp. The crew hasn’t been given bones since we arrived here. They’ve had some bones in their sardines (served on their plates inside). I’ll have to let them chew their bones inside. At least the floor is vinyl and I’m wiping it often, trying to keep after Spike’s muddy paw prints! I notice he only put his belly in mud one time. Hoping he’s trying to be a good boy. . . Ha!
Tiny white flowers, low to the ground, are scattered all over the meadow. Those are the white dots in the deer photo. Today it’s been rainy, off and on. We haven’t explored more than walking the road.
Nice of you to wonder if we’re warm at night. You would not believe the heat that Bridget’s chubby body emanates! Last night I had to pull the covers off!
Hi Sue
I am finally starting to feel normal again. I love this camp sight area from last year. Since my health issues this past year, I am more determined than ever to follow the RV dream. Hopefully, my hubby will get on board.
Safe travels.
Dear Barbara, what great news to hear you are starting to feel better! You’ve had a rough time of it and it probably is very discouraging at times. It pains me when someone wants to RV and the spouse doesn’t share the excitement. Bless you for your determination! I wish the best for you both.
We live at 9, 200 ft here in Colorado. Some of our aspen have leafed out, and the others are still bare. We will see if they are dead or they are just late. Looks a lot like where you are camped, except our mud season is almost over here. The best part is that we are getting some afternoon rains, every little bit helps keep the fires from occuring!
Interesting, Mary. We’re only about 500 ft. higher. Sounds very similar to what I see here. Hope you get the rain you need.
A deer just walked by our camp! I wonder if it’s the same one I photographed yesterday.
It might be prudent to order a canister of Bear spray repellent… It is said to be much more effective than even carrying a gun….
You’re right, Rod. I should’ve included some in my last Amazon order. No UPS hub here. . .
The campground is an ideal spot for hiking in Buckhorn Draw. This place is so quiet at night. All I heard was a river making gurgling sounds. The river was so muddy it looked like a thick, kind of dirty, chocolate shake. Very early in the morning birds woke me up. I like watching and listening to birds but at 5 am I wish they too could still be asleep.
I thought about staying there one more night but on the second morning I noticed the rain fly of my tent was covered with ants and then when sitting at the picnic table and peacefully eating my cereal with banana a horse fly sat on my arm. I’m very sensitive to those things and decided that was a nice stay but it was time to go. I didn’t bring any bug spray with me. Nonetheless I want to return to this beautiful area. This was a real visual feast. The best hike I had at Black Dragon Canyon.
One map shows Buckhorn Draw, my map shows Buckhorn Wash. I don’t think I’m going try to figure this out.
Maybe it’s just me but I like to have rainy days once in a while. Enjoy whatever tomorrow brings
Like I’ve said many times, it’s good to leave when you still want more. The bugs gave you the message.
I’m really pleased you enjoyed that campground. Buckhorn Draw or Wash? I’ve seen it printed both ways, too. It’s probably both!
I agree. I travel to stay in comfortable weather. After several sunshiny days, blue skies, balmy temps… some rain is welcome. I enjoyed our little rainstorm today, at least before I fell asleep.
A good tomorrow for you, too, R.
Thanks for the mountain photos. Including the sheep, this area looks a lot like where I live. R in CO is right about bears. Also, the terrain is home to mountain lions. Good to hear in your response that you are being very careful about raw meat-food around your camp.
I planted most of my garden today, transplanting the tomatoes and peppers I started this winter. Going to plant the squash, zuke and corn tomorrow as the Farmers’ Almanac indicates that tomorrow is the day to put those into the ground.
Our little 12′ trailer is still under his cover. Once the spring rains subside, the cover comes off and the camping begins! Can’t wait. As John Muir said, “The mountains are calling, and I must go”. Just a couple more weeks.
Enjoy the aspens, the grasses, the flowers, the sky, the water, The Taste and Scenes of Heaven, as far as I am concerned.
Diann
Enjoyed your comment, Diann. You bring back memories of putting transplants in the garden. An act of faith, especially with the weird weather. I hope it is a good year for gardens in Montana. 🙂 You’re planting my mainstay crops. The only thing missing are the cucumbers.
I look forward to hearing where you take that little camper of yours.
Love your last line!
Wow I’m really late today. I love your new campsite but I could never camp at that elevation due to my COPD. But I have news to report.
I went to internist today for my pre-op physical and we talked about my weight and how hard I have been trying to lose weight, and the struggles due to being diabetic and not able to exercise. And he said ‘why don’t you have bariatric surgery, like the gastric sleeve’. I said I couldn’t afford it. He said its covered by insurance. So I did some research. It is covered, by both insurance and Medicare, if you meet the requirements! And I do. So…it is laparoscopic surgery, one small incision, hospital for 1 day, and generally cures type 2 diabetes within a few weeks, will probably cure my sleep apnea, lower my blood pressure and cholesterol, and I should lose all my excess weight in about 8 months. And I will be able to eat as much as 24 ounces of food a day. So…after my knee is done, that will be next. By next year I will be a thin, line dancing fool! I have to do 2 to 3 months on a medically supervised weight loss program before the surgery,so that I learn how to eat properly and demonstrate that I can do that, so I probably will not get the surgery till around October. Im so excited! I can’t wait to feel better.
Wow, Ginger! Your life has been and continues to be one of major changes! You move to Tucson, and plan knee replacements, and, following that, laproscopic surgery for a gastric sleeve. I think this qualifies for that cliche, “taking the bull by the horns.” I’m in awe of your positive outlook and your ability to make major decisions and follow through with them!
Know that your fellow blogorinos, including me, wish you the best all through this part of your journey to a better quality of life. Luv ya!
You are just full of exciting news,and I hope you’ll be feeling better way before October because the knee replacement brings relief! You have more notes to you on the last post,too!
Hello my dear…I loved reading the past two blogs…what a wonderful discriber of things you are! Do you know that you have become dear to me?
I just got internet here in Columbia, our event is in full swing, if you have a minute do a search for Columbia Diggins Modesto Bee for great coverage of the event…I love doing this event..it makes me joyful!
I cook at the American hotel, open fire, iron cookware, and we even serve fresh bread with the meals! Park personale from all over the state and many just docents..we get paid to work in long dresses and corsets with our hair up..and our pay is the smiles of the public… One young lady cried watching me make pies because she never learned to do her own cooking, she was a young executive from San Franciscio..and said she was going to learn now,, that we had enriched her life, that I reminded her of her grandmother….that is our pay!
Hi, Lee J.,
It’s a delight to read about someone totally immersed in a project and receiving great satisfaction from doing so. I enjoyed reading your comment. It sounds like you are having a wonderful time and the event is a big success. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Continue to enjoy yourself as you present this service to the public!
Oh Sue, I’m drooling. 🙂 Love your camp in the mountains, and especially love the picture of the deer surrounded by little white flowers. You just keep inspiring me!
My retirement countdown continues….61 days….and I’m planning to begin my wanderings 10 days after that, which will be August 10, with the full moon to keep the dogs and I company that evening. Had my BIG yard sale last week end, and it was wildly successful, to the point that I’m now sleeping on a blow up mattress. Still sooo much stuff to let go of though, and I work on that every day. Also, finally started my blog!
REI had a sale on bear spray, and I picked up a 10 oz can. I certainly hope that it remains unused though.
Thank you for your inspiring words…keep ’em coming girl!
Hi, Micky. . . Great hearing from you!
Countdown to retirement… only two more months to go! I know the anticipation is building with every step that beings you closer to the start date of your “wanderings.”
You had better luck than I had at my yard sale. Mine was far less than “wildly successful.” Good for you!
Best of luck with your final preparations and with your new blog…. 🙂 I hope you will keep in touch.
Bear spray is also good against two-legged critters if the need should ever arise.
Right!
Um, did I miss it or maybe you decided not to included it in your posts (not like you) but what happened to Don’s Sinclair to check those trailer bearings?
You missed what she had to say about Don’s Sinclair checking the trailer bearings because she wrote about that in a Comment Reply. She has not forgotten about the trailer bearings but it will not be done by Don’s.
This is a fast moving blog, you need to read EVERYTHING to keep up and stay current. HA
Oh, Ed . . . Your last line has me laughing out loud. If this is a “fast moving blog,” I’d better get busy and publish a post today! Hahaha!
Hi, Rick. . . I neglected to follow up on that topic. I see that Ed has answered your question. I haven’t had the trailer bearings checked yet but it is foremost on my To Do list. Today I researched a place in Ephraim, thought it might be the right one, changed my mind. That means I’ll be looking for a place from our next camp. Meanwhile the BLT isn’t going anywhere. She’s under house arrest!
Good of you to check on this… I don’t want much more time or many more miles to pass before having that done.
Happy to hear that Spike is still getting dirty and wet! I am in Two Rivers, WI camped right on Lake Michigan. It is beautiful here but a bit nippy having just come from Baton Rouge, LA. One night when I was camped along the Natchez Trace Pky in MI I turned around and what did I see….a Casista being pulled by a Chevy window van!! As it turns out these folks follow your blog so we had a great night discussing all your adventurers! Super nice people. Starting to get use to driving my Buggy…sorta…and my GPS…maybe…reading maps…not so much. It is difficult when you don’t even know what state comes next!! I am going to be heading toward SD because I need to get my license. What the heck…where do I need to be??? LOVE IT! Stay safe RVSue and pups.
Hi, Krystina,
I don’t know if you’ll see this. Sometimes I don’t catch the last comment under a post right away. Sorry about that…
Wow, you’ve covered some miles! When planning travels, I find it can be helpful to look at the front of the Benchmark atlas (or whatever atlas you have) to see the “big picture”… either the regional map or the map of the United States. Then you can see what states you’ll go through.
I don’t bother with my GPS. Lots of people rely on one though.
Gosh, more people talking about me! I know there are a few Casitas being towed by vans but this is the first I’ve heard of one being towed by a Chevy window van. I wonder which readers they are . . .
I’m glad to read that you LOVE IT! You stay safe, too, Krystina.
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