Wednesday, March 25
Today is our first full day at our new camp at Dave Deacon Campground, located about 200 miles north of — and a world away from — Las Vegas, Nevada. The only bright lights here are from the rising sun.
The Best Little Trailer is positioned perfectly for those morning sunbeams to strike directly on the long, side window and reaching to the bed covers. The crew discovers this is a prime location for a morning nap.
The sun appears suddenly at this camp.
No gentle rays brush the world pink. At this range land camp, the sun clears the mountain peaks with its full beams on, bringing welcome warmth to our little home.
Bridget, Reggie and I emerge much like rabbits coming out of a burrow.
In fact, we startle a black-tailed jackrabbit in front of the shelter. He slowly hops away, a comical sight with long ears bobbing.
Interesting fact: Black-tailed jackrabbits don’t sleep in burrows. They sleep above ground, the better to hear the approach of predators.
The meadowlarks resume their singing from yesterday’s twilight. This is a peaceful camp.
I’m the only woman here.
The men take off with their boats to fish, leaving the campground almost empty for me and the crew, until they return at lunchtime before going away again for the afternoon.
I like to stay around camp the first day.
After breakfast and replying to comments on the blog, I walk the crew. As we pass a group of campers, a hunting dog runs out to greet Reggie and Bridget.
I’m pleased to see Reggie is friendly to a dog bigger than he is. I praise him and then lead him away before he changes his mind.
Bridge says hello, Bridget-style.
A brief show of her teeth establishes the limits of this social interaction between females. Hmm . . . I’ve used that method.
With a water spigot nearby, I can be lavish with bathing and house cleaning.
I heat up a big pot of water on the stove which removes the last of the chill in the house.
After my bath, I wash dishes from yesterday in a basin in front of the sunny window. I use my last clean dish towel to dry them.
Next I pull a few dish towels from the hamper in the closet and wash them. I string a line from the handle next to the door of the BLT to the frame of the shelter and dig out a few clothes pins from the Perfect Tow Vehicle.
The wind picks up, quickly drying the hand-washed towels.
Next I unhitch.
When arriving at a new camp I try to park the BLT in a level or near-level spot so that I don’t have to unhitch right away.
Why don’t I unhitch right away?
Sometimes I find something wrong with a site that I didn’t notice at first. Maybe the sun and shade isn’t quite right. In campgrounds a neighbor might be too noisy. If I don’t unhitch, I can make a quick change. Anyway . . . .
In this camp I park the BLT in a place that is perfectly level from side-to-side (indicated by the bubble level over the propane tanks at the front). It’s slightly high at the front end (indicated by a bubble level by the door). I put plastic leveling blocs in front of the back tires and tow the BLT onto them. All set for overnight!
Okay, that was yesterday, back to this morning . . .
In order to unhitch, I need to make sure the crew is out of the way and happy. Aha! Time to make a tether for the Reggie Man!
Using the same cord as the makeshift clothesline, I tie one end to a tent stake and drive it into the ground. I find a clasp in my drawer of junk and tie it to the other end.
“There you go, Reggie.”
The cord is stronger than it looks in the photos. I suppose Reggie could chew through it if left alone a long time, which I won’t do. I set up a chair to keep an eye on him. The next photo, while not a good pic, does show the radius of his roaming circle. (The tent stake is in the upper left.)
The three of us enjoy the sunshine.
We’re all set for several days.
The cupboard and fridge are well-stocked.
I bought two boxes of large taco shells, cans of refried beans, jars of salsa and hot sauce, a head of lettuce, and a bag of shredded cheese — all I need to make good lunches!
I bought the fixins’ for meals that “keep” for a while… black beans and rice, eggs for omelets and sandwiches, Progresso soups, that sort of thing.
The nearest grocery store is in Ely, some 70 miles from our camp.
The road going east to Route 193 and the Egan Mountains
Later, that evening . . .
It’s around 9 p.m. and the campground is quiet. I’m sitting at the laptop with one light on. A car drives up to our campsite with its lights turned off. It stops. I turn off the light and pull back the curtain as someone gets out of the car. The interior light doesn’t come on, so I can’t see who it is. I hear the car door shut.
I get up and make sure the door is locked.
Shortly I hear footsteps creeping around the Best Little Trailer.
“HELLO!” I shout. I quickly add in my most assertive tone, “WHADDAYA WANT?”
“I lost my dog,” a male voice replies. “I thought maybe you could tell me something. Have you seen him?”
Bridget is barking her fool head off. Can’t blame her. This is unusual.
I speak loudly through the closed window.
“You talking about that hunting dog?”
“Yeah. She’s a German Shorthair Pointer. Usually she comes back before dark.”
“The last I saw her she was going over to meet the new guy. Over to the truck camper. I don’t know anything more than that because we went inside. That was around sunset.”
“Okay.”
“Good luck!”
Thursday, March 26
Bridget, Reggie, and I walk over toward the entrance/exit of the campground to go up the road. As we pass the group of campers, a man comes outside holding a cup of coffee.
“Did you find your dog?” I call out.
“No, we haven’t.”
“I apologize for sounding rude last night. I heard someone creeping around . . . . ”
“Oh, that wasn’t me. That was the other guy. He’s out looking for his dog right now.”
To be continued . . .
Next post: The crew and I look for the hot springs!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
A simple camp in the middle of somewhere
First????
Yep. Congratulations, Tina!
LOL … Oh yes!!! 🙂 Now will go read the post … ha ha ha!!
You silly thing. 😉
I think I would have handled the late night visitor the same way, but my voice would have accompanied by the racking of the slide on my gun. I would not appreciate someone showing up the way he did.
Hi, John,
In the days of mountain men, pioneers, and cowboys, it was customary to call out, upon one’s approach, “HELLO, THE CAMP!” This was to keep from being shot as an intruder. It’s still a good idea to yell a hello before coming close to another person’s camp, rather than appear at the door and startle the occupant.
I assume he had his car lights off as to not disturb other campers. (?) He probably wasn’t thinking about anything but his dog.
I would have ended that last sentence after “thinking”.
🙂
John K: Since I’ve got nothing to “rack,” how ’bout a simple: “George, put down your gun! You know how strangers make you crazy!” 🙂
🙂
Second? I have to go read too!
Almost, Cynthia. 🙂
Good morning…hope the dog is found! It would worry me so much if one of my dogs took off, especially out there..too many possibilities to worry about.
It amazes me that you are so far from ‘stuff’ and yet you have Internet, wonderful!
My grand children just left after a spring break visit, and left me a present…a cold..grr…I hate to get sick, especially when the weather is so beautiful..so I will enjoy sitting and reading..nice thing about being retired, no time card to punch, I can be miserable without the pressure of disappointing a boss….long live retirement!
Thank you so much for your blog, it never disappoints…
You’re welcome, Lee J.,
Sorry about the cold. There’s always that risk when around children. The warmer weather beckons and you’re sick. Well, at least you have sunshine to bask in!
Good Morning Sue, Gee, I hope he finds his dog, otherwise, the crew may become bigger, because that dog will surely find his way back to your camp….I suppose you will resume the tail in the next post…but did you get his phone number in case the dog returns to you? Oh my, now I am going to worry all day…I hate lost dog stories…Remember when Spike got lost, I thought I would have a stroke! Well, glad you were safe with a strange person approaching your camp.
Hi, Shirlene,
I don’t have the man’s phone number because when I went over there, the man was out looking for the dog. I intend to get the number before they leave. I did find out they are from Las Vegas which is a reasonable distance to come pick up the dog should she be found after they leave (There, I’ve given away the cliff hanger!)
I hate lost dog stories, too. One can hope they end like Reggie’s.
Resume “the tail” about the dog?! Cute!
My post was for Shirlene, but like the dog, it wandered off!
Your visitor certainly should have announced his presence before coming around your camper. I know he was looking for his dog, but if he pulled up farther away and called his dog, I’m sure his dog would have come. Hunting dogs should be well trained. I wouldn’t have been happy at all to have heard someone outside like that.
The first picture of Reggie with the blue cord cracks me up. It looks like it’s part of his sweater and if he runs away that he will unravel. Sounds like he’s training up nicely.
Haha… Your unravel comment gave me a laugh! I’m the one who is unraveling around here! 🙂
Now that you mention it, I didn’t hear him calling the dog at all. He may have. I close up the BLT snug at sundown to keep the warmth inside.
Shining his headlights across this flat desert might have alerted the dog, broke the dog’s concentration from following a scent. We don’t know how long he’s had the dog or how well the dog is trained.
Well, you would want to break the dog’s concentration from following a scent since it’s night (makes for difficult shooting) and it isn’t hunting season anyway.
Right. That’s what I’m saying. Headlights might have helped the dog come home.
What a great post! And it sounds like a great camp, too. But I can’t help it…..I’m concerned for that other dog. 🙁
I’m sorry that seems to be marring your otherwise perfect time there.
Hi, Cindy,
Thank you for complimenting this post. Yeah, a loose hunting dog around here is not good. This campground is in the middle of about 100,000 acres of sage brush and very few people. There’s a notice of another lost dog on the bulletin board at the entrance, a black lab.
It may seem harsh and unfeeling, but the lost dog isn’t marring our time here. That’s because I’m aware of the many, many dogs lost every day all over. . . Plus I didn’t get to know the dog. I’m glad I didn’t.
Scary moment, I don’t know if I would have handled it so well. My voice would have been shaking so bad whoever was outside would not have been able to understand me. I hope they find the dog. I am so glad you put Reggie on a leash. He might be missing too otherwise. This campground looks good for being free. I like the covers over the tables. Happy Trails.
Hi, Jean,
I haven’t quite figured out the shelters over the tables. The wind, since we’ve been here, has come from the north. The shelters face north. This has the wind hitting the shelter after blowing over the table. The calmer side isn’t where the table is. It’s on the other side of the shelter. Strange design.
Tone of voice can convey a lot. Never a good idea to sound like a victim. It can bring out the predator instinct in a man.
Your last sentence is so true, Sue!! What I learned from having brothers (all younger than me, thank GOD!!…but the 2 just younger loved to gang up on me too…and yep, they got the best of me at those times) was that you MUST sound confident, and even aggressive at times, if you want to make them leave you alone!! Weakness never!! I tell you, I am good at bluffing!! 🙂
A new format? Or is it my ipad?
What a great day! Laundry done…a BATH (didn’t think I keyed in on that?) and quiet time.
The Taco looks great! Yum!
What’s up with people who just let their dog wander wherever they want? Then they get all concerned when it doesn’t come back? Desert equals predators. Hope she is found…for her sake not the owners! Sorry.
Question about a weight distribution hitch, Anderson something or rather hitch, anti sway bar and brake controller. Does one need a combination of some or all?
Hi, Cinandjules,
What do you mean “a new format?” Is the page not looking right? Details please!
I have to go offline for a short while. The crew needs to be walked. See ya’ in a bit to answer your questions, or maybe someone else will help with all that weight distribution stuff!
It’s back to normal…must have been the ipad.
It had all your posts in a column on one page…to access the comment section…there was a blue “cloud” looking do hickey with the number 6 (comments) next to it.
Weird.
You know these ipads have a mind of their own
Hi Cinandjules, Don’t know if this is helpful to you –
We have a Casita and tow it with a 1500 Ram Pickup. We have the anti-sway bar – which we think is very helpful. We do not have a Weight Distribution Hitch, and don’t think we need one now, although those that have them swear by them. Can’t hurt. I believe in NYS that a brake controller is required. If your tow vehicle has a tow package, they are really easy to install. We ordered one from Amazon and it plugged right in under the dash. The hardest part was attaching the mounting bracket.
Thanks that is helpful!
Hi again… I don’t know what one “needs.” I know what I have and it’s working for me… a brake controller, an anti-sway bar, and an evenly (somewhat) loaded trailer and tow vehicle. We encountered some wind crossing this big desert basin on the way here, also big trucks hauling two containers at a time… no problems.
The tongue on the BLT states 700 lbs. I don’t know anything about our hitch weight. I do know that the back end of the PTV doesn’t drop when I hitch up and the two vehicles ride with their bottoms horizontal and level to the ground. So far, so good!!
Um… just because I don’t tell you about a bath, doesn’t mean I didn’t take one that day. There are things I do that I don’t tell you… shocking! 🙂
I hope he finds his dog but I find it curious that he wasn’t calling its name. The others vouched for him so I guess he was on the up and up. I agree that the picture of tethered Reggie looks like his sweater in unraveling! LOL. Enjoy your new camp
Love you
Hi, Pauline,
I’ve had people look at me funny when I would chase after Spike (and now Bridget) without calling a name. No point in it if your dog is nearly deaf. That may be the case with this man’s dog.
Love you, too!
How come Bridget can hear the man outside but can’t hear you calling?
Selective hearing. 😉
Sometimes AO forgets her name when she’s outside!
Actually when one sense is “compromised” your other senses are heightened.
My eyes are eh….but I can smell and hear things better than most!
Different tones. She probably was alerted by the car engine. My voice doesn’t carry. It was a handicap when teaching. Not that she hears any voice well.
And now that I give it some thought, I don’t remember if she started barking until I started yelling through the window. I doubt “selective hearing” is Bridget’s lack of response to me. When I clap my hands, she responds.
Sue, Don’t feel you need to answer me but wow, you have a lot of courage…And thank-fully a good barking dog! The views as usual are fantastic.
Hi, Julie,
I don’t think I have any more courage than most men. A firearm is a great equalizer. A stranger doesn’t know if I have one or not. One thing he probably knows is that more and more women, as time goes by, are not going to act helpless in the face of a threat. We have cell phones and we may be armed!
Morning’ all! It’s a beautiful day in the ( Blogerino) neighborhood! Have to tell you, the only time I was really scared in our RV, was when it was brand new and we were in a grocery store parking lot for the night ( not Wallyworld). My husband had a bad low blood sugar ( type 1 diabetic) and I was trying to deal with that. Suddenly it sounded like someone was trying to open the door of the rv, so I clicked the key fob to lock it and again it sounded like door trying to be opened and I again clicked my fob as I yelled GO Away and went from window to window ( not far to go in a 22 ft van rv) looking and seeing nothing. I am freaking out when husband moves as his brain comes back from low sugar land and the noise stops immediately. Turns out he was laying just right on his set of keys, triggering the lock mechanism! We got a good laugh when he was fully functional again, but that was really my only scare in our RV in ten years. We are careful where we go and we know where we put the keys, ha ha! It is curious the guy did not call the dog and just because the other guy mentioned the man looking for dog does not mean the guy was looking for the dog, only that is what he told people, he was doing out late at night. I think Sue is always as careful as she needs to be for her comfort level.
That is a funny story, Velda. After a good chuckle, one realizes you haven’t had any reason to be afraid in your RV. The only thing to fear is your husband lying on the key fob! Ha!
I hope your night-time visitor finds his dog before someone shoots him. That lights-out approach brings that on sometimes. Calling the dog would allay most people’s fears in addition to increasing his chance to find his dog. It makes me wonder what he might have done if nobody had been home.
I like your campground. Something about that kind of scenery (and free camping with water!) draws me. I had not expected that in northern Nevada; I’m used to loving the Sonoran Desert but I know very little about the Great Basin.
Hi, Calvin,
I can’t portray everything in a blog post, which sometimes gives a wrong impression or has readers wondering all sorts of things. I believe the man was sincerely concerned about his dog and not thinking about the impression his actions made on me.
Case in point… I’ll never forget this although it happened about 40 years ago. My battery died on our old car while parked in a convenience store parking lot. My husband went to make a call (no cell phones then, of course.) I was sitting in the driver’s seat with the doors locked. It’s night. Convenience store parking lots are prime targets for robberies, drug deals, angry youths, etc. I’m young and pretty. A man walks up to the driver’s side but sort of behind me so I don’t see him approaching. He reaches forward and with his knuckles raps sharply on the window, a few inches from my ear.
I’ve never been so startled in my life, before or since. It startled me to the point that I burst into tears. The guy says, “Need any help?” I could’ve killed him!
People do stuff without thinking of the other person’s point of view.
He might have approached like that because he was afraid too. That’s how cops approach.
By sneaking up on someone in the dark? I know what you mean . . . This was a different.
Whew. So proud of Bridget for keeping her bark going! Wow that was weird.
I learn so much by reading your blog. The sun and light and all of the maneuvering of the tow vehicle! Smart lady!
Well, our tow vehicle is finally home-and rather than camping… I am hauling stuff… ugh. I hate being behind. And I am soooo behind. But the truck is fixed. And now all my weekends are spoken for! BLAH!
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
PS It is interesting that Bridget didn’t really seem to act the same as how she does with other dogs… when she met Reggie. Or am I completely confused? Amazing… SMH Just amazing. 🙂
Hi, Barb,
Good to have that truck fixed. Now you can get those jobs done and eventually go camping!
I think Bridget didn’t show her teeth at Reggie because she saw me pet him first, before letting her close to him. She knew this was a dog I accepted, so she accepted him, too.
Sue IS the pack leader!
Good day Sue and Crew! Any word on whether the dog was found? The more time that goes by, the more dire…coyotes, snakes. Not good.
At the risk of being late to the party, I always thought the Casita was at least a 17’er. But in the last photo, it sure looks shorter. Am I incorrect about the length, or do my eyes deceive me?
Hi, Ed,
The Best Little Trailer is listed at 17 feet. However, that includes the 3 feet of tongue. Some companies measure differently.
As for the dog… Let the story (and my blog) play out… 🙂
Hi Ed!
Have you ever had issues with your Roo’ and the age restrictions at some parks/resorts?
Nice job on the solar! Any photos of the mods inside: floor, beds, etc.?
I am SO sorry that I have only now realized that you posted this question. I see you posted a comment on our blog quite some time ago. Yikes!
We have only recently run into RV rig age discrimination, but that is only because we have not been out there RVing in quite some time. We ARE aware that this will be an issue with many or at least some RV parks. But that is why we want to be boondocking-ready. We would actually prefer to boondock anyway.
Ironically, here in the High Desert of Southern California WHERE WE LIVE, we were out driving around in our car and dropped in to the Premier (not) RV park in our area. Believe me, it is really nothing special among RV parks. Anyway, we went into the office to make an inquiry and got to the point of them asking the year of our 32 foot Bounder. When we told them it was a 91, without having ANY interest in seeing it, they said “Oh, that’s too old to stay here” and then added, “Sorry, that’s the owners policy”. For the record, our motorhome is in showroom condition having been garaged most of its life. It must have been the miles. No, it only has 37,000 original miles.
Thank you again for sharing your day with us. You must be so proud of Reggie for not growling at the bigger dog and of Bridget for barking at the stranger in camp. I hope that man learns to announce his presence and reasoning for being there before someone takes a shot at him! Shortly after moving into our home a gate was inadvertently left open and our two shepherds got out. We were shot at while on one of the dirt roads, driving slowly looking for them. We started calling their names LOUDLY after that! Found one that night and one the next morning.
I like how you did your clothesline, we are packing up now and just put the clothesline in the RV yesterday, I was wondering how to attach it and now have a good idea to use.
The tacos look great.
Hi, Lisa,
Glad you found both your dogs and weren’t shot in the process…. As for the man coming around my campsite, maybe he would’ve been more cautious if I weren’t camped in the same campground that he’s camped in.
Yes, I’m proud of Reggie. I noticed he didn’t bark when the man was outside. He let Bridget handle that.
Sue,
Your late evening (for campers) visitor reminds me that I hope you carry Bear Spray, and not just for bears…
Happy Trails!! Larry
Hi, Larry,
No, I don’t have bear spray.
I removed the link you posted because I wouldn’t receive any commission from anything a person bought in the next 24 hours if they entered Amazon through that link.
Readers: If you want to see bear spray, you can use my Amazon search box for “bear spray.”
All hands on deck!!!! Battle station…..
Hmmm….might have been a perfect opportunity to test the tooter! 😉
Oh my, I haven’t set up the antenna and air horn yet. The internet signal is very good here.
LOL, I can just imagine the poor guys reaction.
Freaking out about my lost dog I dumbly approach a trailer without properly declaring my intentions. Suddenly all hell breaks loose as the Klaxon of doom sounds like a nuclear reactor losing its core…………I hope he has some extra poop bags. 🙂
Funny, Rick! If I had the antenna with air horn up, the man was standing right in front of it. Those dual horns would have lifted him as if he stepped on a land mine.
LOL…worth it just for the visual!!
LOL!! 🙂
With your description, I actually saw the man lift off in front of my eyes! Hilarious!
And a change of underwear. 😉
(New sign for Sue to put out: ‘Don’t make me make you have to change your shorts’)
LOL! That’s funny!
I think you handled the strange visitor well. If it was me, I would have had some kind of weapon in my hand as well. One time I was caught off guard when we were off to he side of a road while crossing an Indian reservation out west. A drunk Indian came up to the RV’s rear door and knocked. (There was a car load of them behind the RV.) He was trying to sell trinkets. I told him I wasn’t interested and to get back while trying to close the door. He tried to hold the door open and I got a long screw driver near the door and told him to get back. He resisted and then I told my driving partner to “take off”. He didn’t know what was happening, but heard the urgency in my voice and gunned it. The Indian fell back and we took off with the door half opened. I might have over reacted, but when you don’t feel safe, your adrenalin kicks in. Being in the boon docks like you are, I think I would always have some kind of protection with me, and I guess you do :^). AND I don’t understand why people allow their dogs to run loose like they do. If the dog means anything to the individual, why would they allow it to run free, approaching other unknown dogs. I would never allow a strange dog to approach my dog, but she is like Bridget, she wouldn’t allow it either without a showing of her teeth.
Hi, Gene,
One personal rule…. If I’m unsure of a visitor, if they haven’t identified themselves, or it’s dark, I will not open the door. I figure if a person tries to break through a locked door, I have time to prepare myself for action and he will regret trying.
That’s a scary story. Unfortunately alcohol is a big problem with many Native American men and that, combined with being unemployed, can make them dangerous and theft is a problem. I will not camp on a reservation for that reason.
Unfortunate, but true. It’s something like an average of 50% + alcoholism on reservations. Alcohol will change an otherwise normal/kind individual…usually not in a good way.
When I took my trip last summer with my 3 little ones…I stopped the 1st night in a WM lot in Grants, NM. It wasn’t dark, yet…as I always plan to pull in well before dark.
I had pulled in and hadn’t even turned off the engine yet, and a drunken Native approached my driver’s side. My rig is a 25′ Class C and I tow my car. He was in his 50s or 60s, and I could tell he was a long-time drunk…I mean as in years. I let my window down a coupla inches, and he gave me some song and dance about needing $ for him and his girlfriend…bla, bla, bla…I turned him down, and he just moved on to the next RVer pulling in. I didn’t see him again that night, nor the next morning when we pulled out.
The thing is I would have offered to buy him a meal at the McDs that are in all WMs if I thought he was a normal/hungry homeless person. In fact on my return trip 6 weeks later, I again encountered a Native beggar…again in NM. But that time I bought the man a meal. He tried to refuse it, and said he was just thirsty. But I asked him when the last time he ate was…and he said the day before. So, I insisted and he accepted.
Actually, that’s my usual schtick; I’ll buy or give food….especially if they’ve got an animal with them….but not money. In fact for the last 5 years I’ve collected food on behalf of the Pets of the Homeless organization…headquartered in NV. But I won’t give anything to a substance abuser….for me it’s easy to tell if they are.
Many of the homeless with pets I’ve encountered are mentally ill, and while they may be addicted to cigarettes…I have yet to run into one who was a drunk.
If that guy just let’s the dog go all day with no idea where it is, he’s begging to lose a dog. That is a hunting type dog and it’s not impossible one of the other campers were looking for such a dog….I hope he is found by his owner but I also hope he watches it better in the future.
I do find it odd that a person would let a hunting dog run loose. Those types of dogs have such a strong scent drive that they’re unaware of their surroundings as they go, go, go after a trail. Really dumb move on the owner’s part or, on second thought, see my reply below Cindy’s.
I am curious to see what else you write about this situation, but letting my imagination go…I’m thinking another more caring camper saw the situation as a neglectful one, and decided to give the dog a better home.
That would be good. It’s not likely because, at the time, there was only the guy with the camper and the other cluster. The guy with the camper was in full view of everybody. Hard for him to hide a dog.
The guys in the cluster didn’t strike me as the kind that care how someone else treats their dog…. You know, high testosterone, pick-up trucks, camo outfits, standing around a huge bonfire at night talking man-talk..
What I’m thinking — and this haunts me — is the dog got loose somehow and when he came over to Bridget and Reggie and then over to meet the truck camper guy, he was loose and his owner didn’t know it yet. I wish I had gone to the owner’s door and asked if he knew his dog was loose. Darn!
Yeah…I kinda figured you’d say that.
But, don’t beat yourself up over this…it seems that it’s common for people to knowingly let their dogs loose in these situations…but you can’t always be their keeper! After all…you expect people to be responsible…but they aren’t sometimes.
It’s like when I have to confront somebody in my neighborhood, who consistently lets their dog run loose around the neighborhood…I don’t WANT to have to do that, but the person seems to have a mental block about it, and only when a confrontation happens do they wake up. But…it’s not other’s responsibility to have to do that. Yet when it’s happened, and the dog gets killed anyway…I can’t help but blame myself.
Ah…human nature…
“the sun clears the mountains with it’s full beams on”-That must be a glorious and welcome sight and warmth each morning! I get a kick out of your keeping so many useful things stored,rigging up solutions for whatever a day brings-warm baths and instant tethers,clothes pins and line,etc. I also like your food choices ,always do.Glad you have a place all to yourself most of the time to enjoy with your lovable crew as you wait for future camps to warm up-well chosen in a state that seemed to offer far less before your studying and searching.
Not being privy to all the facts,I’m not going to pass judgement on the pretty pointer’s owner.Some dogs scamper away if they know the owner is about to catch them when they want to keep going, may be why the guy used no light and didn’t call.I’d like to think somehow the story will have a happy ending whether we know it or not.Though I doubt it will come up again,just so you know,if someone has breached my perimeter,I don’t betray my position,let on that I’m armed or speak, the element of surprise is often the most effective thing at ones disposal in a possible confrontation…
Hope meadowlark songs and whatsoever is lovely are the only sounds evenings bring for a while.You lose enough sleep as it is with motor baby’s early morning antics.Love the photo of the road going east showing the Egan Mountains.Are the beautiful stripes and designs of their rock really blue or was that effect from the time of day?
Hi, weather,
You mention me keeping useful things in the PTV. I do have a load of stuff in there…. You wouldn’t believe! Ha!
You may be right about the man’s actions re: his dog. We don’t know the situation.
I also agree with the tactical wisdom of not revealing your position. In this case, my position is obvious. Someone is inside this trailer with the light on. However, I have the “high ground,” which is to my advantage. He doesn’t know what I’m pointing through the glass. 🙂
I yelled in case it was someone snooping around looking for something to steal. (Like my sweet camp chair with attached table… Ha!) I didn’t anticipate someone coming around to break into the BLT since we are in a campground with other campers present.
As for the mountains, I don’t know how blue they are on your device… They are a blue-grey in some light, more brown-grey in others. I have another photo that I might post that shows the latter color at sunset.
Whoa!You mean the camp chair only sold in Quartzite? that’s held your tea as stories took you into bygone eras,lands,and lives imaginary or real?that you sit in to watch all alive near you or at the edges of your world through a monocular?that you relax in while being serenaded by birds?that makes having meals outside comfortable? that made it through a camera killing sudden storm no worse for the wear?That chair?!!No wonder you were getting riled up,Ha!That guy’s lucky ya didn’t wup him for being near it 😉
Haha! You’re hilarious, weather….
Well, you’ve described three chairs… the lounger for reading, looking through the monocular, napping, the Quartzsite chair with attached table for eating and watching the crew, and the cheap camp chair for sitting in rivers and creeks with water flowing over it and me (That one fell apart and rotted to shreds), the one left out in the rain. Of the three, the Quartzsite table is the most treasured because I don’t want to go to the Big Q to replace it!
Sue, something to think about. Many stores in those rural stores carry dry ice slabs. That was if you have a small “picnic type” chest you can keep meat for several days. In my case I used to carry out a couple of steaks and some ground beef. That and some baked beans makes a mighty fine supper for a guy (or gal). No need crowding up the tiny freezer if you have that dry ice.
Thanks for sharing that idea, Jim. I don’t have any craving for meat. I eat chicken when it’s available — like a chicken sandwich at a fast food joint — or an occasional dinner. In a place like this, I don’t eat meat at all and it’s no sacrifice. The freezer is for the crew’s meat. 🙂
It’s always good to know the “prime location” for napping purposes. Gosh, I love retirement!
Me, too!
I love your photo of the black tailed jackrabbit! I guess he does have a black tail, but his ears are soooo huge! If he sleeps above ground, his big ears must help him hear who’s coming…. The large ears must also help dissipate heat in the hot desert climate.
.It’s just amazing what I learn from your blog! Thanks….
You’re welcome, cc and c,
That’s not my photo. If you click on it, you’ll see in the lower righthand corner… pestproducts.com.
Yes, the black-tailed jackrabbit is equipped to live in this environment. They’re big! I enjoy watching them.
Wonder if that rabbit receives tv AND internet? :0
Dang, those are some big ears.
Cinandjules reminded me of the ubiquitous ‘jackalope’ postcards and the ones where a rabbit was wearing a saddle!
Just saying ‘hi’ 🙂
Hi, Sandy. Nice to know you’re reading my blog!
Miss Sue, The Divine Miss B, and Mr. Studmuffen, Reggie,
Now I’m hungry for tacos! They looked good! So glad you’re ok. What does Reggie’s bark sound like? I know……he sounds like a dog, I can see you writing that already, but is it high pitched?
Kay from KC!
Hi, Kay from KC,
Gee, that’s a tough assignment… how to describe Reggie’s bark. Well, it isn’t gruff and it isn’t high-pitched. It’s sharp and clear and not at all intimidating. Besides a bark he has three other sounds: a slight woof-woof which isn’t much more than forced air, a growl that is laughable, used when attacking my face while I’m trying to sleep, and a little cry, barely audible, when he wants me to pay attention to him. That sounds like a baby.
I tried.
Nice photos and nice camp Sue, that Reggie sure is getting Wise, bet the Bridge is teaching him.,,,,,,, If some one came to my camp at night without announcing their presence, they’d hear a click , click and a red laser beam would be pointing in they’re direction real fast, till there is a good reason to be visiting,,,,,,,,
You’re used to boondocking out by yourself where a visitor is more of a possible threat. We’re in a campground.
That’s right Sue, but anywhere we live, that is my way for greeting unknown night visitors. If they can’t visit during the day, evening or morning, don’t bother coming at night.,,,,,,,,
You make a good point, Rusty. There aren’t many good reasons for showing up at night. And if you do, you should state your business before coming close.
Hi, Sue,
Sounds like you all are enjoying this camp. Do the BLT curtains need freshening? With unlimited water and having your clothesline already in place, it just might be the perfect time for some Spring cleaning! Love the pictures! My favorite is the portrait of the Eagan mountains – layers and layers of striated triangles! That taco looks yummy! When I first saw the picture of Reggie on his clothesline run. I, too, thought at first that he caught his sweater on something, and it was starting to unravel! How did he like being able to explore on his own? Was he content with his freedom or was he pulling, wanting to go test the limits of the line? He looks pretty content in the pictures. 🙂
I am so proud of Miss Bridget, sounding the alarm when the strange car approached. Good girl! I agree with most folks, that it was odd that the guy approached your campsite with the car lights turned off. If you are looking for a dog at night, especially in total darkness, you use all the light available and call the dog’s name. If all was in the up and up, he really was clueless, alarming you for no reason. I am looking forward to hearing the rest of the story…as Paul Harvey would say!! 🙂
Have a good evening! Thank you for your sweet note on the last post. Hugs to you all from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise and Gracie pup,
Thanks for the hugs. Let’s see… The last time I washed the curtains was in December, I think. I know we were at Roosevelt Lake. They still look pretty clean. The set over the bed could use “freshening” as those are rubbed often by Bridget’s back. I should wash the PTV and the BLT. I almost draw up some ambition and then I look at this desert … miles of it ahead of us… and I think, oh, it’ll just get dirty all over again. 🙂
Reggie seems content on his tether. He doesn’t strain against it. When he reaches the end he stops. Reggie’s personality as I see it now anyway isn’t forceful and aggressive. He does watch for my reactions and moods. Spike never looked me in the eye or gave much thought to what I might do… at least not until his last days. Spike was all about Spike. Maybe Reggie will be that way when he’s a “man” and not a … well, I hate to say it Reggie. . a baby.
A simple chore or two a day…gotta set a limit, after all, you are retired! 🙂
Glad the tether was a success! 🙂
Been without wifi for a month.Now in vegas.Congrats on getting Reggie.He looks good.Been in Utah for a month.Cold at night, April would be perfect..Many nice boondocks.Found some nice ones off Toms Best Springs Road near Bryce in Dixie National Forest.Juice has been hiking 2 miles a day and is looking better than she has in years.Also did Goosenecks,Lone Rock,Temple Rd. near Goblin Valley and Spencer Flats Rd. in Escalante.
Hi, Charles,
Wow! It is a little early for Utah…. You proved though that it can be done… I’m familiar with most of those boondocks, very nice. You’ve been to some sweet spots. Utah is fantastic! Hmm. . . . Don’t think I’ve been on Spencer Flats Road. I’m very happy for you and Juice… Great news that she’s doing well. Thanks for the update. Have fun in Las Vegas!
Charles, thank you for your great list of boondocking sites in UT. Jim & I were just talking about potential boondocking sites in those areas!
Also,lots near Escalante along Hole in the Rock Road.If you are doing capitol reef natl park there is a couple spots near Rte. 24 MM 72.9 outside Torrey.Nice spot along Potash Rd. in Moab at Gold Bar(I think thats the name,right near Corona Arch).That one could get crowded but it is right on the Colorado River.Can hold 6 or 7 Class As
That spot by the river off Rte 24 was the subject of one of my posts. Spike and Bridget loved exploring that sandy road and resting under a big tree. . . You’re bringing back sweet memories, Chas.
HI Sue you did right…night time, someone approaching you in a campground, should have shouted, ‘hello Im looking for my dog,” or something…
this is kinda the reverse…on a hiking outing with one of my sisters we were trying to get down to the river off a logging road that was above it…so we bushwhacked…we came out right in a camp! NO one was around, so we headed toward the river, we had to walk through the edge of the camp and were headed on when suddenly this creepy man shouted “get out of my camp” then this creepy woman showed herself…for one thing there was no designation to show it was a campsite…I said sorry and we are just passing through didnt know this was a campsite! He was very nasty and acted as if he owned the river…gave us the creeps so we hightailed it, but honestly I felt he over reacted and he was the Threat to us! Loose dogs can get into all sorts of trouble…
Hi, Sondra,
Yeah, that does sound creepy. I’ve come across a few people who have that attitude of “I was here first or I’ve been here a long time … so I own the place and you aren’t welcome to it.” Um, it’s public land! Those are the kind of folks the BLM and National Forest rangers have to deal with re: the 14-day limit… squatters.
Your habit of not unhitching until a day later makes so much sense to me. I’m going to share that with Jim–once we’re settled in, we hate moving.
Jim once hunted upland game birds & I can tell you he would NEVER let any dog of his be off-leash anywhere without an e-collar & supervision. That man is just plain irresponsible. If he’s a new hunter, I hope he’s learned a valuable lesson. If he’s an experienced hunter, shame on him.
Hi, Dawn,
The wait to unhitch springs from my desire to have the BLT positioned just so. I’m fussy about that! I want the view perfectly framed when looking out the window, the outdoor rug running straight, not askew, in relation to the picnic table, the sun to greet me at the door in the morning, the shade at the door in the afternoon, no rodent holes too close, the wind not hitting the BLT broadside, facing away from people. . . . You get the picture. Picky.
great post, Sue….my heart jumped when you were telling about the guy
coming into your camp unannounced…..YIKES!
the lost dog story reminds me about the story of Pookie getting lost. He was
about 8 months old I was sitting on the porch watching him and he took off
chasing a squirrel in the trees……I chased him for a mile in the woods but
couldnt find him….drove the roads all nite hoping to spot him walking down a
road. 2 days later a lady called me that lives about 3 miles away saying she
had Pookie….Had to bribe him with food so she could catch him…..when I pulled
up in her driveway you should have seen the look on his face….HA…..MY DADDY
IS HERE….he has not chased a squirrel since. I was very lucky to get him back.
cant wait for you to finish your post….
chuck
Thanks, Chuck. Yes, you were very fortunate you got your Pookie back I had a similar thing happen with Spike when he was young. A woman found him and ignored the tag because she liked him and wanted to keep him. Her daughter told me this. She and her husband had to convince the mother that the right thing to do was to give the dog back to its owner. I worried and cried for three days because of that woman!
…and every conscientious owner of a hunting dog also has their dog trained to come to a whistle. This guy really needs to think about what he’s doing to & with his dog.
It does seem that something isn’t right.
Excellent post!
Yes, I would have been nervous/scared w/some guy creeping around my coach after dark, too!!!
Hope they find their dog!
Thanks, Lynn, for your remark on this post. I’m glad you liked it.
At the risk of being pompous (since when have I cared!), I’ve learned — and this takes practice — not to fear something that I think might happen. Things like “Is that guy going to break in the door?” or “What if I have a flat tire in the middle of this desert?” or “Gee, I’m all alone and I might need someone.”
Fear is reserved for those things that are clearly known as truly fearsome. I’m pretty good at it. Driving on scary roads is my weak point. Things that go bump in the night I don’t worry about . . until I see the bear at the window. Ha!
Wow that was creepy. Hopefully you have your air horn and gun close by. This camp looks a little barren compared to most. Is there any vegetation around at all? Can’t wait to hear the end of the story….Be safe.
Hi, Gary,
The camp is in shrub land (sage mostly). Between the sagebrush plants are sand and rocks. Other parts of the wildlife management area are wetlands or grass land. There are no trees. Except for the reservoirs created by the dam on White River, this is very arid desert.
The only trees are the huge cottonwoods in the campground. Some have died as there are enormous stumps remaining. A few tufts of some sort of tough plant are scattered here and there. Mostly the ground is bare of vegetation. There wasn’t much to begin with and this ground has been trampled and driven over repeatedly.
I like it! The wind has swept the ground “clean,” and the open, barren aspect has its own appeal.
Sue,
I am glad the unannounced visitor issue turned out OK. I do think I would have handled it somewhat differently and not called out to him.
He came without car headlights on.
He came without car dome lights on.
He came on your camp site without calling to you first.
He didn’t announce his intentions until you asked him.
All that would tell me to not call out to him and wait for next steps from him.
A predator, male or female, will always choose their time, there place, and their victim.
The one thing they cannot choose is The Element of Surprise.
That Element of Surprise is silence and a well pointed, loaded gun…if need be.
As for the lost dog, yes, maybe he is lost but the unannounced snooping around your camp may or may not be related in fact or actions, just sayin’, be extra careful of the entire lot of those guys until they leave.
Hi,, Pamela,
The facts you listed are correct. Your course of action is similar to what weather wrote. I agree the element of surprise is important.
I see this situation differently. My course of action was to stop his behavior before it moved to the confrontation level. In other words, I didn’t want to wait until the man did something — crossed the line — that would require me taking action. That could turn out to be a horrible mistake.
I’m reminded of a news story I read several years ago. A man heard something in his carport. He looked and saw the figure of a man. He called out and there wasn’t a reply. He shot the man dead. Turns out the man didn’t speak English well and therefore he hesitated responding. Once a gun is drawn, we’ve gone to an entirely different level.
If the man hadn’t replied I would’ve threatened him verbally and prepared to “up the ante.”
I’m in a campground with other people. A scream would alert other campers. I didn’t feel my person was threatened at all. All I thought was maybe a guy was drunk and roaming around to steal something, even though that seemed unlikely also as, again, we are in a campground.
Plus I was curious. I couldn’t sit there and listen to someone walk around my campsite., even if the reason was not threatening. The element of surprise is a good tactic. I didn’t want the man thinking he had the element of surprise on ME. In this case, I felt establishing my attitude of not “taking any sh#t” was best.
Thanks for the warning about the guys. I appreciate your concern. Interesting situation to discuss! 🙂
Sue,
I agree that the man in the news story made an awful mistake by firing his gun into a man in his car port. Nothing in a car port or even the car is ever worth killing someone for. He was clearly too quick to use deadly force during a non-deadly event.
To me I would only use such force IF an attempted intruder took action to forcefully Break Glass to enter, Splinter Wood to enter, or Bend Metal to enter the location where I or my family was occupying – then and only then would I shout out saying ~I Fear For My Life!~ Then I would take next steps and fire if they did not stop. Of course, any actions are subject to conditions but I would not give away my Element Of Surprise until it was absolutely necessary and only right before any use of deadly force. Like everyone, one can only guess at what one would do if ever confronted with a real world event. Hopefully none of us will ever have a need-to-know event happen. The last thing anyone wants is to have anyone that is gun-happy or too quick to trigger…those people are the Deadly-Fools kind. No THINGS are ever worth deadly force, only the life and safety of one’s person or family is worth that. Then and only then is quick action called for…and a Fear For My Life Warning issued to the Intruder. So sad that good and decent people even have to think of the what-ifs events. Sue, as for screams to other campers…many may hear you but sadly history stats show few would run into harm’s way to assist someone. Sad but true enough and I would never rely on any calls for assistance to come quickly enough during such an encounter.
Sue, my point is…stay ever safe and keep a close watch on those guys. That lost dog may have been transported safely home prior to the lost dog story… Just strikes me as odd how he chose to take real and extra care to be in darkness while coming to and being on your campsite. Just seems that he was quick to have a ready made story for you IF you asked him first! It feels too planned out to me, just my personal take on it.
I can see where the scenario you describe in your last paragraph would seem possible. Here in the desert where every move a person makes with his vehicle can be seen for miles, well, not so possible. The dog owner is still camped here. He’s not a villain. Nothing weird or subversive is going on. A fellow camper lost a dog. The distance between my campsite and his is short, probably didn’t bother with the headlights for that reason. My dome light is turn off all the time, too. He’s probably read this post and all these comments and is chuckling to himself and shaking his head. 🙂
Thank you for your explanation of the issue of deadly force and possible intruders.
Wow! I can’t wait for the 2nd part of this. Too, bad the Bear Horn, I mean Air Horn wasn’t hooked up. One toot of that and he would have broke his neck getting away right after he peed his pants. I am not very trusting. I am hoping he just wasn’t thinking when he approached your camp. He may have thought you took the dog in for the night and was going to check with them the next day. Hope he found the dog.
Reggie and Bridget are looking good. That Reggie is so cute! And, Bridget’s became the Alpha Dog. She is an awesome big sister.
Hi, Libby,
I agree…. Bridget is a wonderful big sis and Reggie is cute!
You mention what may be true… Another camper might have told the man that they saw me with his dog and therefore he came around to see if I had his dog tied at my campsite or inside my trailer.
How funny! Sue called her dogs Huggies and Pampers and amazon picked up on that an put and ad for them at the bottom. (no pun intended)
Hi, Maple Valley gal,
I put that ad there… Ha! I didn’t think about my Huggies and Pampers remark.
Reggie is no baby. He’s a handsome little gentleman. 🙂
Yeah he’s a handsome little gentlemen. And when we’re snuggled under the covers and he’s curled up in my arms about the size of a baseball cap, and his fur is warm and soft, and he stares at me with his big, brown eyes and licks my chin… he’s a baby. 🙂
I love those little crescent shelters as they seem to provide many more hours of shade on the table. Isn’t it great to be able to dry towels in such a short time?! Reggie looks like he’s doing well on the tether, at least no stink eye like the pen 🙂 It seems unusual to me that multiple hunting dogs (at least two) have gone missing as they are usually trained to return to home base. I hope no one is picking them up to sell elsewhere 🙁
Hi, Jodee,
I didn’t care for these shelters at first. They “grow” on ya’. . . and do throw good shade. I tacked a vinyl tablecloth to the table which is made of huge slabs of wood, paint worn off. Then I put the crew’s pen around the table and put down the quilt and doggie bed. It makes a very shady den with a sunny front “yard.” My lounger is set up next to it. Works great!
The other dog went missing last fall. I don’t think anyone is picking up dogs to sell. This area is too vast and there are hardly any people in it. The gas and effort to drive here . . . no, I don’t think that is happening.
If someone comes upon the dog and is a hunter, they might ignore the tags and figure, “Hey, I got myself a huntin’ dog.”
That makes better sense, I’m sure you’re right. In any case, I sure hope she’s safe with someone 🙂
It is a good thing you didn’t write the line about the hot springs first. I would have been off on the hunt (online) for it before reading about the dark intruder, wandering pooch, brave canine protectors and the strong woman of the west!
I do love hot springs. Remember,I posted about Essence of Tranquility, Safford, AZ? By now, I pray the towels are dry, the pooch is reunited with owner, the legend has gone out across the territory, “Don’t ever mess with Sue and the Crew,” and everyone has been rewarded with a hot soak (remembering Spike, the water loving canine).
Camping Guide NV says, “By far the best feature of this place is the hot springs and the adjacent impossibly-clear natural pool, not more than a half mile away (90 degrees year round!). It makes for a perfect place to take a dip since no showers are available.”
Can’t wait for the photos!
Debra, honey! Gosh… Save the story for me to tell! No need to wait for my photos and post, everyone, you can see the hot springs online. The darn internet is a spoiler! I’m going to work on writing my hot springs post now.
No way………..I am waiting for the best guide on the net to post these beautiful sights
Thank you, Marg.
OH! SO SORRY! Just got too excited at the possibility of all that luscious warm water and didn’t know that you are a virgin hot springer. I’ve now read your post! My few words in no way diminish nor measure up to your happiness and worshipful words of wonder at your first Hot Spring experience.
A few guys were ice fishing together just past the cove.The scene with them huddled amid small shanties drinking coffee at sunrise is incredibly charming, like a painting of all but forgotten days gone by.Intent on catching tonight’s meal for their families,they ignored the cold but not each other as ,glad to be together again,they received their just one more…
The warmth here isn’t found in temperatures,it’s found in people’s hearts.The couple next door had lived together, yet really each was alone,for years. I’ve watched them thaw in little ways over time.Finally agree on a dog they both love and enjoy enough to keep,share pleasure in the birds and even my wild landscape that brings them here.A short conversation revealed their melting,feeling love again.They were both (a first) at the store,smiled at each other and me.He asked about my boat,hopes to take her on the lake this year.
On last evening’s news they said not to expect a warm day until later this week.Guess things must be different where they live,at least as far as they know.Hi Sue,hope your toast was dark enough,coffee light enough,being with the crew precious enough to make your day so far just right,too 🙂
Beautiful story, weather, to warm our hearts. Thank you! Yes, our day is “just right.” Hope yours it, too. 🙂
Secluded hot springs are such a treasure! Nothing can compare. My first was the Jemez hot springs near Albuquerque NM ! There was still some snow huddled in the shadows as Linda and I started the hike up to the springs! The springs were deep in the woods, clear water steaming in the cold air. We offed our layers of clothing and jumped in with no hesitation! This started a love of nature’s hot springs!
So glad you found that special hot springs. This is certainly a baptism of the spirit! So much better than water poured on your head in a church when you are young, scared because you don’t understand what is going on! Now, in this setting, your spirit is free to accept the love and generosity in a God given baptism!
I enjoyed the link listing all of Nevada’s hot springs! Wow! Never knew there were so many! I can now visualize you poring over your Benchmark nap of Nevada marking them all and deciding which one in next!
I agree with weather that it may be wiser to take Reggie to the warm water leaving Bridget in the van. Give him a chance to decide on his own how he feels about getting in water! Then bring Bridget in to enjoy the warmth!
Happy Trails my friend! Hope you get to enjoy those springs a few more days! Belly rubs to the Crew!
I have always had two Aussies and a 12 gauge, best nurglar defense ever.The sound of a sjepll being racked into the gun is unmistakableHornet spray works as well as near spray does, for bears, or nbastards!Pointers are bird dogs, not pon hounds, Hun at daylight
I love the “laundry on the line” photo. To me, it says, “Ordinary life in extraordinary places.” I have a photo I took on my road trip that is almost identical to yours — laundry on the line in Nantucket. Ever thought of allowing us to post photos? Love to see photos of other blogorinos, their rigs, etc. I mean only one photo post per blogorino each time, not a take-over of your blog. What do you think!?
Hi, Gayle,
In order to post photos from blogorinos I would have to make my email address public. That would be another chunk of my life . . . You can’t unring a bell and you can’t take back an email address.
On a related issue… I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’d like my privacy — my home space — to be respected. People are still taking photos of my camp while I’m at home and posting the photos on their blogs. After all the fuss I’ve made and the bold print that says NO PHOTOS in the sidebar. Can they not think of anything to write about or photos to post that they have to hover around my home to take a photo? It gives me the creeps!
Imagine if my email address were public… I shudder to think of it.
Your suggestion would be fun and I’d love to do it, but I can’t.
I get it.