It’s time to move.
Well, the cold and wind has me looking at my California Benchmark map and wind-sailing the internet in search of our next camp. We need to move further south. I do want to see Joshua Tree National Park. Might as well, since we’re in the vicinity, even though it’s probably not going to be much warmer than where we are now. From Joshua Tree, maybe we’ll look around the Salton Sea. I don’t know yet.
Blue sky is back, but it’s still cold!
The crew and I have been inside all day, except for their potty breaks.
I notice Spike doesn’t shop around among thirty bushes or more to find the perfect restroom. He’s out, done, back in. Sleepy Bridget didn’t want to get out from under the covers, so I carried her warm puffball of a body outside to minimize paw contact with the cold ground. Upon setting her down, she immediately did what was necessary, and then she dashed back to the BLT.
I did manage to go outside to shake out the throw rugs.
I recently bought a 72-inch rug that extends from the back wall to the refrigerator. I have a small rug for the “kitchen” and another small rug in front of the door. Vinyl is the way to go when ordering a camper. I hate to think what the floor would look like if it were carpeted. I don’t know if it’s the smaller space or if I’ve become even clumsier than I ever was. I spill stuff. Often. It’s nice to be able to wipe it up, rather than live with evidence of it forever. Anyway . . .
I swept the floor, did dishes, wiped down fiberglass surfaces, tidied up the place, played computer games, read my e-reader, and ate groceries. Bridget and Spike have a slideshow in the Canine Corner to show you what they did today.
rvsue
Canine Corner: “Activities for a Cold and Windy Day,” a slideshow by Bridget and Spike
[slideshow]
I know what you mean about the cold, suppose to be in 28 degrees tomorrow night. Time to head farther south……lol. Arizona hear I come…….again
Arizona is a very popular place this time of year! Safe travels, Pat.
Beware! It is cold in Arizona today also! LOL
I lived there before starting my journey and it is warmer than New Mexico. Plus if it gets to cold I have friends I can crash with.
You’re right about that, Pat. See Chuck’s New Mexico weather report below.
Weather just broke down here by Joshua Tree too…it’s now a nice ~70 degrees daytime. If you don’t want to pay to stay inside Joshua Tree park there’s a couple of places you can boondock closeby if you chose to….specifically you can take the south access road from I-10 and there are spots on either side from there. There is also some boondocking on the north side off 62 on a BLM area called Coyote Dry Lake.
Salton Sea is OK…I think The Slabs is worth a day visit, but don’t particularly like to stay there (it’s a bit too crowded for the kind of boondocking I like), but I know many people enjoy it.
After Salton Sea you should DEFINITELY check out Anza Borrego. I know you’ll love it.
Nina
Appreciate those suggestions, Nina! Oh, I have to see the Salton Sea because . . . well, I have to see it. Anza Borrego looks good.
Cool! I think I already gave you directions to Anza Borrego boondocking, but if not I have them on the blog here: http://wheelingit.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/boondocking-site-review-rockhouse-canyon-road-clark-dry-lake-borrego-springs-ca/
Enjoy your drive wherever you go!
Nina
Excellent review! Great info! Fab photos! I will use this.
Nina… I looked up Coyote Dry Lake and it’s 15 miles northeast of Barstow. Do you mean Dale Dry Lake? It’s a lake north of Hwy 62 and Joshua Tree NP.
Hmm don’t think so. I’ve not actually boondocked there myself, but I’ve talked to folks who’ve used it. According to the info I wrote down at the time the area is approx. 2 miles east of the town of Joshua Tree, and a few miles north of Hwy. 62…You take a road called Sunfair Road. The spot is called Sunfair Lake by the locals, but is actually labelled Coyote Lake on the maps. I’ve managed to find a little blurb on it here:
http://www.dirtopia.com/wiki/Sunfair_Dry_Lake
Hope that helps!
Nina
Ooooo…I just did some more reading and realized this is an approved OHV area, so it may not be exactly what you want. I did have some friends who boondocked on the southern side of Joshua Tree and it was peaceful. Just found this resource that lists BOTH areas in more detail:
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/upload/overflow.pdf
Nina
You da’ best! Thanks.
There must be 2 Coyote Dry Lakes because I’m looking at my map and there is one northeast of Barstow at 116 degrees 45′ . .. not to be picky or anything. 🙂
LOVE the slideshow. Tell the Crew to pace themselves on these sorts of days – wouldn’t want to overdo the r&r!!
Hi Lacy . . . You notice the frequent change of positions. This is necessary. Wouldn’t want to get “stove up.”
It turned cold here in Las Vegas too, but only for the weekend, the news says.
The crew looks so nice and cozy under the quilt. I don’t blame them for not wanting to go out.
I’m relieved they slept most of the day because I don’t know how I would’ve kept them entertained. Now I hope they aren’t awake all night. Keep warm in Vegas!
Bridget and Spike DID have a busy day….don’t you know how much energy it takes to burrow under the blankeys! Opps we’re getting too hot…gotta put JUST my nose out! Hmm they don’t seem to leave enough room for you…or do you have to conform to them? Oh my………I was again, laughing. How cute is that?
You sounded pretty busy yourself! Thanks for the smiles!
We somehow manage to fit on this narrow bed, and, believe me, it is narrow. Spike sleeps so soundly, when he takes up too much room, I can push him with my feet to where I want him, and he doesn’t notice.
That’s what I do too when it’s cold outside. Only I stick my whole head out with my nose in a book. Carry on Spike and Bridget! Send me some computer games suggestions Sue. All I ever play is solitaire. I’m so out of it.
Solitaire’s good. I like Spider Solitaire. Mahjongg. Bookworm is addictive. Collapse when I want something hyper.
Darling photos—-it does look COLD there. Poor babies!
Poor babies? When’s the last time someone carried you to go potty? 🙂
That was good, Sue! Glad the Crew isn’t spoiled………But then I carry Scotty up and the stairs……We got lucky dogs!!!!
How’s Scotty’s foot doing?
He and I still taking same meds, he’s better from his fall but he’s still gimping. Will be glad to get to T or C, he doesn’t have so much trouble with the stairs. Bridget looks to be doing well, at least no stroller!!!!!!!!
Reminded me of a story that’s true. My aunt went to a come-as-you-are party in her footie pajamas where she recited this poem, “Remember when you were a wee, wee tot And they pulled you out of your warm, warm cot And sat you down on the cold, cold pot And made you pee whether you could or not?” Poor Bridget.
Cute.
Phoenix is freezing & hubby doesn’t do heat in RV so cats and I cuddle under covers.
I hope you have enough cats, because it looks like we’re going to have a three-cat night.
We have 5 but only brought 2 along for the 1 week stay at Phoenix International Raceway on county land. (Which was fine early in the week in the 90’s).For Christmas at Lake Pleasant I demand all 5!
Sue: What kind of temps are you able to keep and maintain inside the Casita using the Wave 3 Heater during these cold and windy weather days?
Love reading your daily blog.
John and Kona
I haven’t turned the heater on since last Spring, so I have to go by memory and, of course, I don’t have a thermometer or a thermostat I can read. I can make it warm enough to be comfortable in sweatshirt and sweatpants. (I like a room cool.) I adjust the blinds so the sun shines in.
Thanks for continuing to read my blog.
This is toooo cute!!!!! I’ve ALWAYS loved ur blog but ur Canine Corner is the TOPS for me!!! I just love it! They r so very precious and ur captions are the best! Stay warm.
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks Bridget and Spike are precious, even when they’re lazy little bumps in the blanket. You stay warm, too.
We are in Palmdale and it’s cold and windy here too! I had to put my gloves on to work in the garage. It’s a good day to snuggle under the quilts! Safe travels to a new destination!
I’m assuming Palmdale is in California, too? I didn’t bother to put the heater on this morning so it was a bit nippy in the BLT. If I can find my cheapo gloves, I’ll cut the tips off so my hands don’t freeze up on the keyboard. (I’m a miser and I wear the name proudly.) 🙂
Yep, we are in California about 40 miles or so west of Victorville in the high desert. We are off the CA-14 and CA 138. It seemed to turn “winter” overnight. I’m a proud miser too!
Here in Mimbres, NM at 6K ‘ , it’s 42 and will get down to 27 tonite and the wind is howlin’. Doggies taking very, VERY short walks….
Brrrr . . . . Spike has learned to always lift his leg AWAY from the wind.
not Doogie……….and Radar squats……what a trio!!!! Canine Corner is great!
Bridget and Spike, y’all are adorable! My Oliver says, I’ve got a bed similar to yours but Mom doesn’t put a blanket on top like yours does.’ It’s going to be cold here in Texas tomorrow and the rest of the week too – I think it’s the cold front that started out where you are. Brrr….time to break out the flannel pj’s and hot chocolate! Stay warm, Sue!
I wear double . . . two pairs of socks, two bottoms (flannel pjs and sweatpants), two tops (fleece and sweatshirt over camisole), two quilts, and two dogs. I stay warm. Hope you do, too, Cari. . . .
I would recommend places at Joshua Tree (30 min from me), but you really hated Fossil Falls, so I’m reluctant to do that. I will say, though, that Salton Sea is the PITS. I wouldn’t camp anywhere near it. Now watch, you’ll love it. Really, Sue … it literally stinks. Don’t worry too much about the weather. It too shall pass. We’re not into full blown winter, yet. May even get a hot spell or two before that comes. My camping club will be doing Thanksgiving dinner next Saturday down here. Email me, if you’d care to join us. We would love to hear your stories around the fire!
I do remember reading an article about the smell (stink) from the Salton Sea making its way to Los Angeles. Sulphur – rotten egg. Don’t know if it’s ALWAYS like that or just when it was hot. Can’t imagine smelling that all day!
I don’t know where ‘down here’ is. Thanks for the invitation. Were you the person who recommended Fossil Falls? If so, that’s okay. Different strokes . .. I’ve heard the Salton Sea is stinky… maybe just in the summer? It’s one of those things a fulltimer should see at least once . . . not expecting much.
Hi Sue..
Borrego is the best desert in the world.
If its windy or cold these lower elevation sites are protected.
County campground – southeast corner lower elevation. Crowded on the weekends.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/agua-caliente-hot-springs-borreg
Hawk Canyon . smart birds like it there.
http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2004/jan/29/discover-slot-and-colorful-hawk-canyon-borrego-mou/
Hawk Canyon 33°10’58″N 116°12’21″W Elevation 630′
Got below 60 today in San Diego. Still shorts and barefoot weather, in the sun and behind the wind.
Thanks, Rand, for the information.
BTW, the last link says 4 WD for the road to Hawk Canyon, although that was 2003. Looks like a neat place to camp.
My hot rod Lincoln has been there. Blair Valley is better RV roads, just higher elevation and more exposed. Clark Lake is easy– beautiful after a rain when it looks like a huge lake. All campos in Borrego are 5 star.
Let the air out of the tires and you’ll find the PTV likes dirt. Lots of passing 4X’s w straps/jacks/shovels/motivation so not to worry.
Oh Rand… You make me chuckle… You know your way around the desert.
Cool and windy in Phoenix metro area today. I stayed in my normal attire, shorts, tee shirt and sandals but it was kinda chilly. As to Salton Sea, hold your nose there, it is stinky most of the time. Good read Sue as always.
You probably appreciate a bit of cool after a Phoenix summer.
Loved Bridget and Spike’s idea of how to handle a cold, windy day. It’s my favorite solution, too! 🙂
Spike started to go nuts with unspent energy, being cooped up all day yesterday. I took him out for a walk-around this morning and he soon realized being cooped up in a cozy bed is not such a bad thing.
LOL…Glad Spike and Bridget were able to snuggle with the quilts all day. It’s so cold and windy here today,24degrees at 8pm tonight with light snow! I would have loved to do the same but we are trying to get packed and outta here so no time to snuggle. Sure hope you find some warmth . I ditto the Salton sea…get some Vicks so you don’t smell it so much!
24 degrees at 8 pm with snow… now that sounds absolutely awful. (I’m not a snow lover.)
Spend about ten minutes looking at the Salton Sea and then go on to Borrego… It stinks all the time…. Rod
Sounds like a good plan, Rod.
Everyone should experience the Slabs, at least once. Borrego is definitely nicer. Suppose to go below freezing here for the next several nights. I’m freezing and ready for further south also, of the equator.
You’ve got the itch for travel! And when you travel… you go FAR!
Enjoy the photos of the puppies….so cute!! Hope you find a bit warmer spot to stay awhile!! Always enjoy your posts!!
Elizabeth now in VA
Thanks, Elizabeth.
Sue
A couple of years ago we went to Joshua Tree NP for Thanksgiving week. Can you say burrrrr?
It was cold never got over 40 degrees, and finally it was 28 degrees on Thanksgiving day. Heater and Mr Heater didn’t help so we came home.
I may have to make Joshua Tree NP a quick look-see on my way to a warmer place. I’ll see what we get when we get there.
the crew looks miserable.The recent changes of position indicate that they’re trying to get warm.you need double jambmies, the ecrew needs sweaters over their fur,what therer is of it.
Believe me, they were toasty. Bridget looks uncomfortable because she always makes a sad face at the camera. The pics of her in the brown bed were taken for the slideshow and then she was put back in the big bed with warm covers.
Hi Sue, just found your blog today. We live in Joshua Tree, own a Casita and a dog named Brodie. We live close to Sunfair Dry Lake or Coyote Dry Lake, or whatever it’s called today. Find Sunfair Ave. on your map, and the dry lake is just to the east. Almost no OHVers during the week. There’s also a pretty OK funky campground nearby called JT Lake RV and Campground. It’s empty midweek. Weekends, too, for that matter. There is an actual lake (pond?) where you can do catch and release trout fishing. They also have a very cool video astronomy group based there, and it’s the site of the JT Music Festival. We are up the road about a mile from the campground. Feel free to drop by! Go up the dirt road, make the first right, look for the Casita! It’s been cold at night but in the 60s during the day. If you go to the Slabs, you must visit Salvation Mountain.
Hi, George, and welcome to my blog! You used the word “we” so welcome to both of you. I’m making note of this info. Thanks for sharing it with us. Yeah, Salvation Mountain is one of those things to see at least once.