Saturday, July 9
The search for oxygen in a can continues!
You may recall that the crew and I were in town a few days ago. The pharmacy people at Wal-Mart told me they were “all out” of cans of Boost oxygen. I’ve been told that sniffing oxygen from a can will help me — and possibly Bridget, too — make it through high altitude passes, of which there are many in central Colorado.
~ ~ ~
Bridget, Reggie, and I board the Perfect Tow Vehicle and pull out of our camp at Kenney Flats.
Our first stop in Pagosa Springs is Tractor Supply.
“No, we don’t carry oxygen in a can. Try Wal-Mart.”
Before leaving Tractor Supply I purchase a small bag of grain-free kibble for the crew and then hurry outside. It’s going to be a hot day (high 80s) and I don’t know how much time The Great Oxygen Search will require.
Next stop is Ski & Bow Rack, a sporting goods store.
“Do you have oxygen in a can?”
When I ask that question I’m reminded of the old phone prank that was hilarious when in elementary school, “Do you have Prince Albert in a can?” . . . . “Well, let him out!”
Hahaha, giggle-giggle.
A tall, slender man immediately offers to help me.
He looks around the shop for oxygen in a can, then excuses himself to check the back.
“No, we don’t have any,” he announces upon his return.
Another man speaks up from behind the register, “I think the company is having supply problems. I call them and . . . . ” He shrugs.
“You could try the Oxygen Bar,” Tall Slender Man suggests.
“The Oxygen Bar?”
“It’s behind City Market.” Seeing my confusion, he explains, “You sit down at a bar and pick out what flavor of oxygen you want.”
“You’re kidding me. Like a Starbucks of oxygen,” I remark.
He grins. “Yeah, that’s right! People who exercise go in there and take in oxygen and it peps them up.”
Our next stop is Wal-Mart.
As I fly by Pharmacy I see the lady I spoke with a few days ago.
“Did the Boost oxygen come in?” I ask hopefully.
“No, it hasn’t,” she replies. “Sorry.”
I sail up and down the aisles of Sporting Goods. No oxygen.
“Do you have oxygen in a can?” I ask the man in camo behind the counter.
“No, we’re all out. We can’t get it in. I’ve made several calls to the supplier. Maybe the Wal-Mart in Durango has it. I could order it for you.”
I thank him for the offer and decline.
“Well, gee. I come to Colorado to see your mountains and the altitude makes me sick.”
“Try The Outfitter store,” he suggests.
“Do you have oxygen in a can?”
“Yes, we do!” the lady at the register responds, lifting up a can of Boost proudly. “We have two cans left. A guy just came in and bought five cans.”
Twenty bucks and I’m the happy owner of 22 ounces of oxygen.
Yeah, I know it’s cheaper at Amazon: Boost Oxygen Natural Energy in a Can, 22 Ounce
At this point, I don’t care about price!
This can could turn out to be our ticket to the mountains of Colorado!
On the return to camp, I stop to grab this photo in order for you to see another option for “camping” in this area.
This is “Pagosa Springs RV Park and Cabins” on Route 84.
During our trip to town Reggie and Bridget weren’t given their usual walk-about. I didn’t want them to become overheated running around in the hot sun.
“I’m sorry, guys. Next time. I promise.”
Neither seems disappointed.
In fact, the crew doesn’t care about a walk-about. They’re interested in the tantalizing aroma emanating from one of the Wal-Mart bags.
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR GOING TO AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Every order you place is appreciated.
“Okay, okay, hold on, you’ll get your chicken. Let me take this photo first.”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
First?
Glad you found that oxygen. Anxious to hear how it works.
YES, YOU’RE FIRST, JD! CONGRATULATIONS!
I’ll give you a report after we go through Cumbres Pass.
Good for you. I asked Walmart in Montrose for boost oxygen and they did know what I was talking about.
HI, TERI…. SECOND PLACE!
I guess those low elevation folks in Montrose don’t need no oxygen in a can. 🙂
It worked out. I bought some through you and Amazon?
Lol, Sue, I thought you might be joking bout 02 in a can,,, nice photos and post,,,,,, Rusty n Piper
WOW, RUSTY! THIRD PLACE TODAY AND ONLY A MINUTE BEHIND SECOND PLACE…
😉
Glad you found your oxygen in a can, Sue. You can let it out as you travel the high roads 😉 will be interesting to see how it works.
Hi, Lisa . . . . I’ll let you know if it helps or not.
Glad you found a decent sized chicken that actually looked cooked well. And, of course, the canned oxygen, that took determination! The Oxygen Bar makes sense, given their location. Tending bar there would be different…instead of people walking in and staggering out they might stagger in and walk out-what a concept 🙂 Seeing some RV parks must make you think of how much better boon docking is. Gee, what a contrast between that photo and the one of your home.
Hi, weather,
I always look for the darkest chicken. Some stores don’t know what they’re doing. I’ve had good luck with Wal-Mart.
You’re right… Lots of sports and activity by people in this area. Flavored oxygen! 🙂
Yes, I couldn’t help but reflect upon the contrast between the RV park and our camp under pines at the edge of a meadow.
Being intrigued I did a search and found the oxygen bar is part of a spa there. Their website says the oxygen is dispensed by a respiratory therapist($1/per minute) , and that they sell Boost oxygen cans. You have one already, still it’s good to know a place there that would likely be more sure to keep it in stock.
Hope you and the crew are having a great day 🙂 Our sky doesn’t want to calm down, thunder and rain one minute, sunny the next…Yesterday the temp dropped from 90 to 70 within a half hour yet oddly there was no wind. It felt like heaven dropped a gift straight down, sweet!
Interesting! The Oxygen Bar was going to be my next stop. It makes more sense they would have a respiratory therapist instead of a bartender. 🙂
Wow, that cool air from heaven sounds . . . divine!
Drop me at the bar, I’ll have a couple of Gin & tonics please~
I’ll have a Shirley Temple with a real cherry , Jim
And a shot of Dr. Bronner’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, then mix like Mr Bond does, ,,,, 🙂
I hope the Oxygen helps. It must help some people or wouldn’t be out of stock in so many places. I bet you were glad to get back to your quiet camp site after all the running around. Have a Wonderful Weekend!
Thanks, Gail. You enjoy your weekend, too. In the 80s here. I imagine it’s warm (as in “hot!”) in Arizona…
Glad to hear you found the oxygen in a can..I never heard of it before…I am mostly a flatlander 🙂 Let us know if it helps…
Enjoy your beautiful camp !!
Thanks, Betty-Shea. I’m mostly a flatlander, too. That’s why I need canned oxygen for the mountains. 🙂
Caffeine really helps a lot (but of course, not for the sweet pup.) Caffeine pills, if you don’t care for coffee or tea. The longer you are there, the more your bod will acclimate. We love that part of Colorado. Enjoy!
Thanks, Suzan. Caffeine? I would’ve thought the opposite. I’ll be sure to have that second cup!
Are you new here? If so, I send you a warm WELCOME!
Thanks! We’re planning our life on the road for spring 2017, and your blog has already helped us immensely. Caffeine + lots of water, and deep breathing exercises helps with altitude. (I used to live in Colorado.)
That’s great, Suzan! This time next year you’ll be “on the road!” Good luck with your preparations and planning.
That chicken is making me hungry! I think the oxygen in a can is a cool idea. I wonder if it would be useful in an asthma attack, in addition to a prescription inhaler. Is it a one shot deal or can you “sip” on it on different days, I wonder. Seems like a gas is kind of let out of the bag, so to speak, once you open it. It would have to have be one way with a good closing mechanism otherwise.
Hi, ValGal,
The can has a plastic cone-type thing that one puts under (not over) one’s nose and over one’s mouth. The oxygen is pressurized and when the button is pressed it comes out in bursts.
The side of the can says the following: “Aerobic Performance” “Altitude and Poor Air Quality” and “Recharge and Recover”… The latter is next to a symbol for medical, like the Red Cross logo. It’s “95% pure oxygen.”
In small print on the can it reads, “These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.” Lawyer talk to protect against lawsuits, I suppose.
The can also reads that it contains “up to 150 inhalations.”
Got a good laugh from the Soup of the Day sign. Sounds like the handiwork of a transplanted Redneck Bubba close by, lol. I wish I had known about the canned oxygen when I was there. I thought I was dying. Hugs to the pups. Safe travels, Sue.
Cat Lady
Hmm . . . I should get a commission or something from the Boost company. 🙂
That sign… I imagine someone drinking beer out of a soup bowl. Slurp, slurp.
I had to go back and check out the sign. I’ve actually heard of Beer Cheese soup, so maybe it’s not a joke. Never tried it though.
It’s a joke… People don’t go to a sports bar for soup. 🙂
We have sports bars here that sell beer cheese soup. It is delicious. A bunch of us girls used to go there on payday Fridays for lunch just to have that soup. After we all went to the bank, that was all we had time to order.
Campbell’s even makes it now in the Chunky line. Not near as good.
It does sound good! Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe the sports bar does sell soup… My apology to Renee… 🙂
I’ve had beer soup. In some upscale places. My take on the sign is just Colorado local-yokel humor. Gotta do something when winter lasts 9 months.
Thanks, Sue, but it’s not necessary. It could be a joke or it might not be. We will never know unless you go in and order the Beer Soup and report back to us!
^That^ was a typo. I’ve never had beer soup. However, I really enjoy beer CHEESE soup and order it when/where ever possible. If that sign read ‘Beer Cheese’, I’d squeal my tires and make a U-ie into the parking lot for a bowl and some to go. Isn’t beer soup just hot beer?
Sorry, last night when I made that typo, I was hopped up on TWO bowls of Tillamook salted caramel pecan ice cream.
I agree, the Soup of the Day sign was funny. I am always amazed that they play pro football in Mile High Stadium. I often wonder whose idea it was to build it there. Anyway, glad you found your oxygen.
Hi, Sandy,
I got a kick out of that sign, too. Like the sign I saw in Oregon… “BEER. It’s what’s for dinner.” Haha!
Sandy, the Broncos built it there to give the Bronkos an edge
over its opponent each week since the opponent is not used
to high elevation….all the Bronko team members should
be used to it by now…:)
chuck
And that’s why the Olympic Training Center is in Colorado Springs … which is even higher that Denver.
I have never heard of such a thing – I thought oxygen in a can was a joke! I really could have used that in my travels, anything over 7,000 feet has me gasping for air. In New Mexico I was taking iron tablets hoping that would help. I learn something new from this blog all the time. Thank you Sue, hugs to Reg and Bridget!8
You’re welcome, Pam and Maya. We shall see if the oxygen helps us at all… 🙂
Hi Sue, How will you administer the oxygen to Bridget?
I have this idea. I don’t know if it will work. A lot depends upon the road and the situation.
I thought I’d make an oxygen tent. Maybe hold her in my lap and throw a blanket over us, then release oxygen in the air space near our heads. I’m not sure. I’d like to save talking about what I do for Bridget for the post about our trip through the pass.
Oh, Sue, I think you have a wonderful idea! I was wondering the same thing about giving O2 to Bridget, but your blanket/tent idea sounds perfect!
There may be one glitch in the plan. The Reggie Man. He won’t like it if Bridget and I hide under a blanket. 🙂
And all this time I thought the point in using Cumbres pass was to reach the free Co. forest camps near the sand dunes and such. You just want to play make a fort and tent again, Ha!
Oxygen in a can? As my grandma would have said….”Why I NEVER!” LOL Hope it helps though. Interesting to see if Bridget will let you administer it to her.
Hi, Dawn. . . I restrained myself… I was thinking the same thing. . . “Why I never!” It would have sounded very out of place in that sports shop with all those young, athletic types.
Better than, “I swan”….good southern saying! Ha!
Flavored oxygen?? Served at a bar??? I was really curious as to the flavors that are offered so googled it. Lots of information out there. Here are some of the flavors:,Peppermint, bayberry, cranberry, wintergreen .
That chicken made me hungry!! I hope it was as good as it looks.
Sending love and hugs to you and the crew!
I was curious about the flavors, too. Strawberry, raspberry, chocolate came to mind. Like the flavors you found better!
Yes, the chicken is good. I have some celery and I’m going to make chicken salad.
Love and hugs to you, too, Pauline.
Oxygen bars were really a big deal awhile ago. It was touted as anti-aging and healthful. Many were closed due to legalities and some ‘shady’ goings on.
Shows how out of touch I am with being “trendy.”
They have those oxygen bars in Vegas. Supposed to help with the hangovers! Selling air……hah! My concern would be the sterile or lack of sterile in the tubes! But then I’m quite the germaphobe!
Glad you found your canisters!
I knew before I scrolled down that the tantalizing aroma emanating from the Walmart bag was a rotisserie chicken! After looking at the photo….you definitely found the mother lode! Bear spray to boot! Happy and safe trails!
Oxygen bars in Vegas… That place has everything! I don’t know about germs. Seems there are more in the air we breathe, which is shared with all sorts of germy things. Sorry to freak you out!
Yeah, I finally sprung for some bear spray. Wal-Mart had a sale… $39.94 and it comes with a little hip holster. I don’t mean to sound negative… If I ever come across a bear, that will be the day I left the spray in the BLT. Which is why I waited 5 years to buy some.
There’s an old story about a man being chased by a bear, he said that bear was right behind him no matter where he ran, he said the only thing that saved him was the bear kept slipping. His friend said “weren’t you afraid?” The man replied “what do you think that bear was slippin on?” Ta da…….
Ohhhh…. *groan”… 🙂
I would die with a heart attack by the time the bear got close enough to use the spray, or manage to spray myself in the face. I’d just be too scared to function!?
Maybe not, Penny. Maybe having a means to protect yourself would empower you. People can do amazing things when terrified.
The movies and books like to portray women immobilized by terror so that bad stuff can happen to them. Apparently a large portion of the public enjoys reading about or seeing women come to harm.
In reality our survival instinct would kick in. Women have done incredibly brave things to insure their own survival and the survival of others. You are capable of that. Believe it.
Be kind Missy, I’m old.
I hope that’s right! I’ve prob seen too many bear movies! Re: altitude…..3-4,000′ seems to bother me more than the much higher altitudes….wonder if that’s weird? We always laugh about the way potato chip/snack bags puff up in high altitudes!
Aww, Jim… You are ageless.
LOL! Here’s one:
Two friends were out hiking and they see a big bear coming down the mountain towards them. One guy goes to put on his running shoes. His friend says “you don’t think you’re going to outrun that bear, do you?”
To which his pal replied “I don’t have to outrun the bear.”
Ha! Cinandjules, years ago I worked as a welder and used oxygen from the welder for hangovers. Looking back it’s lucky I never lit up!
From the oxygen or the alcohol ?!? HAHA 😀 :0 ;0
After a bit too much celebrating, I used to slap on one of my shipping labels *FLAMABLE* for a giggle. ( I put one in my bathroom next to my toilet paper for the guests to have a laugh, too.)
I need to check and see if you can buy Oxygen in a Can in Dallas. It sounds like a wonderful option, but I don’t want to get in the mountains and everybody sold out! Thanks for the heads up that supplies are low. Probably because it’s tourist season. Ya think?
Um… There’s another option and it begins with an A .” 🙂
Hi, kisstab… Somebody at one of the stores said they sold a lot of it over 4th of July weekend. I’m not saying oxygen in a can is a great idea or even that it works. I’ll let you know what my experience is with it. Maybe I just threw 20 bucks into the air.
Fortunately [keep your fingers crossed for me, please] we are hoping to hit the road before A can get it to us! Believe me, other wise that would be top of my list, via this website!
Have you ever had problems with your fridge keeping things cold at high altitudes? I’ve read it can be a problem sometimes.
I understand about the timing of orders. That’s why I bought Boost from a store. 🙂
No problems with the fridge keeping things cold. I have noticed ice/frost build-up in the freezer. Never had that happen before.
I have a big tube of oxygen that I take with me when we fish
a catfish tourney…..usually catfish that are 50 pounds need
help to be kept alive and a tube down their throat does the
job….we weigh the fish at a certain time of day and then
turn them loose to multiply another day….
chuck
BTW…..I also take the oxygen tank into the house and use
some of it myself when my chest is feeling tight and use
it right before bedtime…….
How do you do at those catfish events, chuck?
Sue, me and my fishing buddy usually do quite well……
we fished a tourney in May and finished 2nd for a
$720 payout split between us….entry fee was $50…
a lot depends on which lake we fish…..we always do
the Lake Conroe tourney because that is our home lake
and we know it very, very well…….but this last one
really took it out of me…at 71 my stamina isnt whaat it
used to be….fishing all nite takes it out of me now….
tourneys usually start at 6pm on friday nite and ends
at 10am saturday morning and you have to have your
fish at the weigh in by 11am…
chuck
You can get it from Amazon before you go.
Sue,
you shouldn’t have a bit of trouble crossing any of the passes since your accalmated to altitude now. If you were to spend several hours @ 10,000-11,000 you might feel ill, lighted headed, etc.. One thing you might look into since you are concerned is an “oxemeter” fairly reasonable now days. I carry one when in high country, and found that checking now & then helps with “peace of mind”. Main thing is checking for recovery of o2 in 5-10 minutes, I’ve mentioned before I had damage w/pneumonia several years back but I keep pushing and I may get depleted, but with meter I feel secure knowing what is happening. If slow recovering then get out the o2.
Again you’ve been at altitude long enough you should be able “feel” any thing strange happening.
Happy camping, Bob
Thanks, Bob. Happy camping to you, too.
The guy who first recommended oxygen in a can to me — He was at West Fork Campground — also mentioned using an oxygen meter that one places on one’s finger. Don’t know how that works…
I’m still concerned because I have tingles in my feet to this day and occasional shortness of breath. (Now don’t everyone jump on me that I’m going to have a heart attack!)
I’m glad you’re able to “keep pushing” in spite of your lung damage.
Sue just place the oxi meter on one of your fingers, wait a minute and it gives you a read out of your oxygen level and heart rate. Opens just like a close pin.
Pagosa Springs RV Park looks like an RV parking lot, I’d rather sleep in a hammock in a tree! Your spot is way better and much more quiet I bet. You sure find the beauties. Anyone already on an in haler should check with their Dr. before using the oxygen in a can as it may not be advisable. That’s what “rescue” inhalers are for. Gotta love the name, “rescue”, but that’s what it does in most instances.
Be Well.
JazzLover
I know you place it on your finger. What I don’t understand is how it can figure out how much oxygen is in your blood. I’m not a very “medical” person. It can determine O2 level based on heart rate?
2 separate wavelengths of light are used to compare how much of the light is absorbed by hemoglobin-that varies according to the oxygen level , the heart rate being measured is a different component of the device
that’s according to an article I read, not that I’ve used one or know a lot about medical stuff
The device passes two wavelengths of light through the body part to a photodetector. It measures the changing absorbance at each of the wavelengths, allowing it to determine the absorbances due to the pulsing arterial blood alone, excluding venous blood, skin, bone, muscle, fat, and (in most cases) nail polish.
Thank you, weather and Cinandjules! That’s what I wanted to know… very interesting!
I prefer to believe it’s magic. Easier on the brain! {ha!}
I hope you and your four-footed friends are doing well, cin and jules!
Thanks Weather and Cinandjules. I know it works pretty well but not how. OhGod, did I just tell a teacher how to use the thing? Oh Boy, sorry Sue.
Be sure to get O2, not O3, or you might find yourself high above the clouds, lol!
🙂
It would be my guess that they use the disposable mask and tube sets which come sterile. The o2 is a innovative idea. Have a great day Blogerinos!
Oh, yeah. You’re probably right, Velda. Didn’t think of that. Cinandjules can relax about germs.
Even better Cin doesn’t drink to “have” a need for the oxygen bar! Now Jules is another story!
Speaking of that photo the “soup of the day” is
Beer
anyone that has ever been to Las Vegas in the summertime can
tell you there is a oxygen stand just about every corner with just
about every flavor you would want…
last time I saw one the price was $10 for 5 minutes….probably
used by the drunks but Im sure if its hot outside a blast of
oxygen would cool you down…….
chuck
Really? I had no idea it was so popular…
A fixture on the Tokyo streets I’ve heard. Smog levels??
I’m a nurse and didn’t know that’s how the oximeter works. Hmm. They are cheap and available at walmarts. The one we use at work is more elaborate and I’ve been told very expensive but the cheap ones are accurate enough
I am working outside all day at about 7700 ft, east of Meeker Co. Four years ago I was working for the same people but at a campground 2,000+ ft higher, Meadow Lake and Meadow Ridge Campgrounds. Lots of boondocking/despersed camping near the campgrounds. It was very hard to adjust but after a couple weeks it feels the same to me as being at a lower elevation, like in Quartzsite at less than 1,000 ft. Our bodies are strange. Never heard of Ox bars before. Very interesting. The altitude has not made me sick, but I was pretty breathless and found it hard to move, especially walking uphill on a slight slant even. All’s good now. (Boy, does that chicken look good.)
Working at 9,700 feet would be very challenging for a flatlander. It must have been wonderfully cool in summer up there.
Okay, you got your O2 and chicken but what about that bear spray??? Have you had visitors? Do you have your horns available? Are you holding something back from us?
My daughter does a lot of hiking in the High Sierras so when we saw bear deterrent while in the Grand Tetons we bought her a can. Later I learned that bear spray is illegal in California. I told her to use it if she needs to. We’ll bail her out. An angry ranger is probably easier to deal with that an angry bear.
Why would bear spray be illegal in California?
No, we haven’t had any bears visit us and I haven’t seen any. Yes, the air horns are available. I didn’t put up the antenna at this camp. I do have an air horn handy in one of the cabinet drawers. I bought the bear spray on impulse, it was on sale, and we will spend a lot of time in bear country this summer, probably more than any previous summer.
Hi Sue, that bear spray is what one other blogorino needs for those big neighbor dogs that attacked her little terriers.
Along the same lines… There is a spray designed for pets.
HALT Dog Repellant Spray
I guess that would be more humane and more to their size. Thank you for the link.
You’re welcome, Renee. I was reading the side of the bear spray can, what to do if you get it on your clothes or hands or in your face. I was surprised. Apparently bear spray is pretty powerful and nasty stuff.
Interesting, the page says that dog repellant can’t be sold to California.
I don’t believe bear spray is illegal in California; you just can’t have a canister that contains more than 2.5 oz. And it’s not allowed in Yosemite NP. Probably wouldn’t need it there, because only brown bears in the area. Yellowstone is a different story – it is allowed there because of the grizzlies. Just don’t keep it in a car that may get hot inside because it will explode at 120 degrees.
Now Let me get this right. You are in Colorado and you are looking for something in a can that you can sniff. Because you are on passes that are too high. I know that you can buy stuff in special shops that will make you high, and you don’t even have to waste your time, and gas driving around on the road to get higher. What am I missing here?
Dave
🙂
The view. 🙂
Love the pic or Reggie and Bridget at the top of the page. Looks like they’re cooking up mischief. We used to have an oxygen bar in Estes Park, too. I think it was very trendy a few years ago. Estes is at 7500 feet, and nearly everything in nearby Rocky Mointain National Park is higher. I think I camped a night a week or so ago near the RV park you mentioned. If it’s the one I’m thinking of, there is a second RV park right there – Blanco River RV park. I stayed only one night because they had no cell phone service. I should have searched out a good boondocking spot!
Yes, Blanco River RV Park is not far from the park I photographed. No cell phone… 🙁
Hi Sue
Now that you have your oxygen, you really need to see the ” Million Dollar Highway “, simply spectacular, should not be missed. I drove the long way around from Pagosa to Ridgeway and that route was fairly uneventful. Then did Rte 550 in the Prius, and will have to do it a couple more times … there is that much to see.
Check the blog to see what I mean.
Bob
Okay, okay… I know you think driving up to the top of mountains is fun, so I don’t trust you about Rte 550. 🙂 I’ve received too many warnings about that road.
When I retired my co-workers gave me a present, a book “The Most Scenic Drives in America.” I’ll look at the photos again and your blog.
550 is not for the faint-hearted, although it’s breathtaking. The drive from Ridgeway down toward Telluride (even if you go only 20 miles or so) is spectacular.
You write about 550 and then the drive from Ridgeway down toward Telluride. If you were to go to Telluride from Ridgeway it would not usually involve 550.
Did you mean to say Silverton versus Telluride?
No I meant if Sue didn’t want to go on 550, then maybe she might want to go the other way (some time) to hwy 50 to Montrose, then down to Ridgeway and on 62 to Placerville, then on to Telluride. The Dallas Divide, between Ridgeway and Telluride is so breathtaking, it’d be a shame to miss it.
Have any of you who spend time changing altitudes in a short amount of time ever run into items leaking or exploding? Toiletries, foods, etc. ?
Yes, but it helps if you don’t tighten the caps all the way. I don’t understand the physics or chemistry or whatever of it, but it seems to allow a little room for expansion and then stuff doesn’t explode out.
Nice to see you here Bob. I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear of the loss of your sweet Jenny. My condolences.
I have not checked my personal e-mail in a few days and therefore have missed a few posts of yours. Thankfully, all of your posts are listed on your main page and I will be checking them out soon! With all the events happening across my beloved USA recently.. I am so happy that you have your blog. I feel bad about what has been happening, but I am also greatful that you have your blog and it helps me take time to think of something else. Your blog has always helped me, I have lost 16 beloved very close friends and family members in the past 3 years. I get very sad sometimes. AND sometimes when I am low and feeling a bit of a need to feel up…. I come find you and your fellow blogorino’s and I read about things far and away from what I am dealing with and guess what? I find what I am looking for….. a smile! Thank you to you and not only to you for the smile I am searching for, but also to those that follow your blog… they DO touch others lives like my own and they do…whether they realise it or not… bring smiles and hope to others lives just like my own! Huggles to ALL!
Hi, Laura,
We (meaning the blogorinos) try to keep it light and happy here. We can’t always, nor should we, when one of us goes through difficult times, great loss, sadness . . . . We stay away from the terrible stuff one hears on “the news” (which is usually so biased or false I don’t listen or read it anymore).
I’m sorry for the losses you have experienced and continue to endure. That’s a lot of pain to absorb.
On a happier note . . . .I’m glad your spirits are lifted by coming here, Laura. My blog as sanctuary is very gratifying. Thank you for the positive message. Huggles to you, too!
Hi Laura, I’m glad you come here for a bit of refreshment to lighten your load. Sue’s blog is a blessing, indeed.
Hi Laura: I’m sorry for all your losses – that must feel just overwhelming sometimes. I’m glad you come here to find some light at the end of the tunnel. God bless you.
Sue,
I just had a recollection. I was hiking with the Scouts in the Mountains in New Mexico about 15 years ago. I was from Illinois at the time and not used to the altitude. We had a paramedic as part of our crew. He suggested I take some Benadryl when at altitude. It helps open up the airways. It did the trick and I was fine for the rest of the trek. Hope you are enjoying your time in Colorado. After living here for about 13 years I find at times the altitude still affects me
I’m not sure about Benadryl. Would that increase the oxygen in one’s blood or simply keep a person from having an asthmatic attack? (Okay, maybe it’s a dumb question. Like I say, I’m not very “medical.”)
It’s dehydrating.
The altitude is dehydrating and the Benadyl does . . . ?
It’s dehydrating too. And it puts me to sleep or makes me drowsy at the least. Having taken it for allergies only, I can’t speak to it helping with altitude. As for myself, I couldn’t drive while on Benadryl.
I’m really confused now. (more than the usual state I occupy/reside) If caffeine and Benadryl dehydrates, why were there so many suggestions to drink lots of water and stay hydrated?
But hey, any excuse for another caramel mocha is fine with me.
I wondered the same thing when Benadryl was mentioned.
Coffee will dilate blood vessels. It shouldn’t be dehydrating if you drink a lot of water before and after.
Benadryl makes you more dehydrated. Not so sure it’s the best thing for altitude discomfort.
Lotsa water, deep breathing and some coffee were my usual remedies when I first moved to Colorado. 🙂
As a kid the chemistry sets were pretty neat (1960’s) but with time safety made them pretty boring. But now you tell me you can buy oxygen in a can, which opens up some very interesting “experiments”. But I will keep my suggestions to myself, or at least until the grandson comes to visit.
Please do keep it to yourself, Rhodium. 🙂 Some of us did very poorly in chemistry!
Might I add….some never took chemistry! Mwah
Not fair!
I see it this way…learning cursive writing in the third grade (weird shaped green pens) has been used many more times in my life than chemistry.
Hey Rh,
DO tell!! Hair spay cans were great flame throwers so what comes to mind in this application ?
Bottled water and canned O2…somehow the idea just gives me the giggles. Being a bit of a penny pincher, I use those filter pitchers for drinking water. Besides, I just can’t throw away all those bottles (we don’t have recycling in my parish). Only when hurricanes are in the gulf do I buy gallons of distilled H2O.
Your chicken sure does look like a winner! Chicken salad sounds good too! I so glad you did find the O2 can and bear spray…and may you never need them! Enjoy the rest of the weekend..and thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
You’re welcome, retiredcajunlady,
I love chicken salad in the summertime. I also bought greens, tomatoes, and avocados for another salad. Plus I have a watermelon and red grapefruit. I’m living well these days. 🙂 I hope you are, too.
I have been having wonderful salads! I have fruit salads…romaine, red onion, sliced strawberries, walnuts and Gorgonzola with strawberry vinaigrette….or vegetable with artichoke hearts, avocado, onion, romaine, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar…or Mexican with romaine, avocado, Red onion, corn, kidney beans, tomato, shredded cheddar and ranch dressing with crumbled tortilla chips. They are all so good. Love all the produce…the tomatoes Nd avocados…out now.
I have pulled a Casita through the million dollar highway. Just take it slow and easy .
Sept when the aspen are turning wow ,I dont think it gets any better.
Stayed in that rv park one night,about nine I heard a dog squealing ,looked up and a bear was chasing it. The little poodle was smart and ran under an rv. Folks started yelling at the bear and it ambled off.
Ron
Hi, Ron,
That bear probably smelled food or garbage. Very glad there was a happy ending for the poodle!
Dear Sue,
Please don’t * confuse * the two cans, It could be problematic.
😉
Hahaha!
I’m just sending a bunch of notes ’cause I wanna see if I can do the math problems. Perhaps a math widget on the side ?
Funny thing, I always wondered why, when flying, in case of emergency the masks dispensed oxygen, which when mixed with other things contributes to flammability. I would think it a much better idea to use nitrous oxide. The we could all laugh our asses off as the plane …. I’d rather be sedated that energized when in a stressful situation that I have no control over.
Maybe I’ll just start carrying around cans of whipped cream. It’s a win-win for me. Eat some comfort food or inhale.
Does anyone know if pressurized cans can be carried on? I’d tell them it’s medical. Or hair mouse
Hee-hee… Unless you mean rodents in your hair, it’s hair mousse. 🙂 I couldn’t resist, MV gal!
When my niece was little, her mom was making chocolate mousse for company. Mandy looked at the recipe card and her little brow furrowed. She asked her mom why she was making chocolate mouse! To this day in our family we call it chocolate mouse with a giggle.
Haha! My cat brings me live gifts while I’m in bed so it could have been a mouse. 🙂 My spell check seemed to auto-correct. It acts like it won’t acknowledge anything from the 80’s. Was it really that bad? I must have repressed some memories. Anyone remember mousse’s predecessor, Dippity Do?
If you make it to Leadville (10,200 feet) I know Leadville Outdoors carries canned oxygen. I saw it there last week. I didn’t know such a thing existed until then.
If you’re going to spend a lot of time at high elevations, and if you and the pups have trouble acclimating, perhaps you could get one of the O2 tanks people with respiratory aliments use.
I got a good chuckle and a smile out of your blog today. You truly have a great writing style. By the way, from previous comments you have made regarding roads you have no business on the million dollar highway (550 between Silverton and Ouray). Now if you can handle drop offs while someone else is driving you might think about doing it as the scenery is beautiful.
Hi, MelindaK,
It’s the drop-offs that I’d rather not experience. As much as I’d like to see the scenery, how enjoyable can it be when one is miserable, right?
Oh, then you better avoid Telluride! I had to drive from Placerville to Telluride daily to work or sell my bead work jewelry! Several scary drop-offs along the way. I nearly fell off one winter when the road was icy and no traction to my wheels or brakes! Obviously, as I lived since I am telling this tale, but gotta tell you it was a VERY close call! I never went back to Telluride after that until spring thaw!
“…while someone else is driving…”
I was a passenger yesterday, which is a very rare thing for me. We were slowly cruising around Ouray before meeting friends for dinner. I had a hard time looking to the right and left because my brain kept telling to watch the road, watch the road, watch the road.
Glad you finally got the oxygen in a can!! I tell ya Sue, some searches just plain wear a person out!! I have gone to more stores now than I can remember, in several towns around us even…I want Chicken Vienna Sausages…not pork ones, beef ones…JUST chicken…and yes, I got some a couple months ago and those are downright tasty. Maybe not the healthiest…but sometimes you want a certain thing. Yea, I can order them at Amazon…but not for the 44 cents a can I paid for the others!! No wonder the shelves are always wiped of them!! Oh well…I will break down and order some eventually.
Maybe you could ask your local grocer to stock the item. I’ve seen good results doing that, back when I had a local grocer. 🙂
Elizabeth in WA, have you tried dollar stores (Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, etc) as well as Walmart? Sometimes I can find an item there. Just a thought.
Yeppers try the dollar store/dollar general/family dollar etc.. Wally World usually has them also…..and if you absolutely strike out! Gerber baby food…they are called chicken meat sticks..stage 2. Glass jars baby food!
Thanks guys, will go look into at those stores when I can. I found several stores online saying it was at our local store…uh, no, not on shelf at least. I guess I ought to have asked up front for someone to look??
Although the oxygen in a can is too late for the chicken, I’d love to hear about how it works for you!
🙂
I see your comment about using “Bear Spray” and wanted to pass along what my sister in law who is a forestry engineer in British Columbia and frequently out in the field said. Because I will go out into areas that are frequented by Bears, I asked her if Bear Spray was a good idea. She carries marking flares instead because wildlife do not like fire and bear spray will turn back on you especially if it is windy at all, and then you may be in a worse pickle.
Stay safe out there!
Hi, Harold,
Your sister-in-law knows of which she speaks.
Okay, I’ll fess up. I bought the bear spray for the same reason I bought a phone… so I could say I have one. It makes folks happy. I’ll carry the bear spray on walks just like I carry the phone on my travels. (The phone is rarely charged.)
Nice to see you here, Harold. You stay safe, too!
If the bear spray is the flammable type, you could just ignite IT. Twofer! 😀
Interesting Harold … but Smoky the Bear doesn’t like forest fires 🙂
Glad to see the bear spray. When we were in Glacier a few years ago, bears made me so nervous. It was hard to enjoy the hike knowing I could run into a bear around every corner. When we moved on to the Tetons, we took a boat tour with a retired ranger who said to never go out without the Frontiersman bear spray. I figured he knew what he was talking about. But, you do have to have it on you every time you walk! :))
Hi, Cathie,
Having bear spray has to be better than having nothing!
GOOD MORNING!
Today is “Move Camp Day.” As so often happens, the day we move from a camp we’ve enjoyed is made bittersweet somehow. This morning I awoke around 5 a.m., looked out the window at a pink sunrise, and saw four deer grazing in the meadow of yellow flowers. What a way to begin a day!
I hope we have internet at our next camp wherever it may be.
Okay, gotta’ go. The crew is inside the PTV waiting for me. Talk to you again . . . as soon as I’m able.
Enjoy your day,
Sue
P.S. I appreciate all the participation. Thank you for your comments!
Safe travels as you find your new “home”, Sue and Crew!
What a way to end this most remarkable post and very interesting comments! Happy Trails to your next adventure!
Hi Sue, Mom and I are boondocking outside of Leadville, CO at about 10,000′. Almost every store sells 02 in a can. So far haven’t needed it. Bought a can last year before going up Pikes Peak but didn’t use it so gave it away. Bummer could have given it to you. 🙂
Loved this article sue. Thank you for sharimg. Hope the chicken tasted as good as it looked.
Hi sue,crew,and all,
I see the can of spray for bears, and as i am reading blog and comments,i have the news in tv in the background, and honestly, i am more afraid of the crazy a$$ people in this world than any animal! While shopping yesterday,i seen i dont know how many folks with hand guns strapped in their belt, people out for a cruise on their motorcycles… guns strapped on belts. …starting to remind me of gunsmoke around here now…. scarey place this world has become. . Be safe all, happy trails sue, peace and good wishes to all.
Mert and Asia Mae
Ps on “do the math and you’re in” thank goodness for fingers. 😉 lol
I’m anxious to hear how the oxygen in a can worked. I know you said you and Bridget have problems with altitude, are you going to try it on her too? I would think it will be tricky to get it under her nose, but over her mouth. And … how do you keep her mouth open? I did see someone give CPR to a bulldog once and the logistics of it seemed pretty daunting. Saying a little prayer that you all make it up and over the passes safely.
OK, so now I have to reconcile my memories of the little Pagosa Springs of my youth with the idea that they now have a bar that sells flavored oxygen. Life is so strange.
Hey Rick!
This may be tough for you to do but, if you could have ONLY ONE single burner stove in a small, rolling, mobile shelter – which one would you choose?
Sorry if this causes your brain to hurt, but you are the bestest authority on this gear.
MV gal
I’ll butt in and tell you I have one I have used while on the road and I keep at home for an emergency. It’s simple, easy to use and it works.
If you’re interested in the stove Jim is referring to, use the Amazon link and search for Coleman Single Burner Propane Stove. — Sue
We have the same one Jim! Works like a charm.
Stay away from the single burner BUTANE stoves…as they are having problems with them exploding.
Hey there, Jim!
Thanks for mentioning that one. I’ve used that one and it does the job but I’m not always graceful and the pots/pans tipped over/off more than once. I have been looking at the Coleman low profile model. It seems better for the ‘swiftness challenged’ like myself. What do you think of it? Would you use that type/style?
RE Coleman low profile: It would probably work fine. Years ago I used to be a product tester for Coleman and they do plenty of R&D before putting a product on the market. But as I look at that stove I like more distance between the tank and the flame or at least put the tank under the flame. But as you can tell I’m a bit anal about this.
I have a Coleman stove from the 1950s. It still works and is an awesome thing to behold. The only problem is that the way its stand works is not the most stable. After using it in Yellowstone and many other places, my husband retired it and replaced it with a Century Matchless that he found at REI. Here it is at Amazon. [Waving at Sue!}
I deleted the link. Those interested can use one of my links and do a search for Century Matchless Stove. . — Sue
Any idea how they measure up? We like it fine, but we certainly don’t have a lot of experience measuring them against each other.
Oh bless you, ya know I love the chance to get talkin’ about stoves! 🙂
For car camping in a small rolling shelter with no onboard stove my first choice would be a MSR Pocket Rocket (I’ll let Sue put in the appropriate Amazon links) Clean burning, pretty stable, folds up super small and relatively cheap. (around $40) they have used the same design for years and they are completely bomb proof. They are incredibly easy to use and there is no chance of spilled fuel or priming.
They run on ISOPropane canisters which come in two sizes 4oz and 8 oz. The small size will last me about 6 days on a solo backpacking trip if I conserve fuel. You can buy the canisters in any sporting goods store and probably most Walmarts. Canisters cost between $5.00-$10.00
But your right I can’t choose just one because if you are talking about going full time on a very tight budget than the cost of those canisters can start to add up. In that case I might consider a white gas stove like the MSR Whisperlite. Also bomb proof and packs up small, plus it will run better at colder temps than canister stoves if you want to want to winter camp. It burns liquid white gas like the old Coleman stoves which is still readily available in the U.S. Total fuel cost would be cheaper but the trade off is you would have a 1 gallon can of flammable liquid to haul around. Might be an issue might not.
Feel free to hit me with questions, my hearts all a flutter in anticipation.
Oh, cool you responded to Jim while I was typing and gave me another variable.
If ya want completely Clutz proof let’s look at a two burner stove such as the Camp Chief Everest. Burns even cheaper large ISOPropane canisters and you’d have to use a baseball bat to knock the thing over. Downside it does cost around $100.
Rick,
Thanks for the feedback. I’ve never used the white gas items. I’ve always been leery of liquid fuel and spills. That is just my sideways brain. I had a really bad experience with one of those small blue cans (gas?) that the stove punctures to set. I forget the name. The first (and I still have it) stove I ever used/owned was good ole’ Sterno fold n go. I also found one that uses those tablets. (my older brothers brought a bunch of those tablets back from the Viet Nam war. Along with wire saws with finger rings, pre-pasted finger sleeve toothbrushes and other fun things that should have become great retail sellers. Also used to play ‘army’ with my Dad’s WWII rations and equipment. 2 cigarettes with every MRI)
When needed, I now use the Coleman two burner propane stove. I’ve been noodling with the idea custom building the inside of a cargo trailer and wanted to go as minimal as possible.
I’ve noticed that I rarely ever have needed that second burner . So, designing a small kitchenette with, maybe, an easily storable stove.
As for the distance to the canister from the burner, I would probably use the large tank and adapter/extension hose. Hopefully with a quick disconnect fitting so the tank can be utilized by other items. In the picture, it looks like the same arm and distance used on the low profile and two burner. ??? Will probably be using it mostly inside otherwise I’d love to use the rocket type that uses many forms of fuel: wood, gel, alcohol, white gas, tablets.
Was wondering about wear and tear and getting out of adjustment if mounted and jostled in a trailer or van vs. stored in a somewhat padded container but taken in and out and set up each use. Did you do any testing in that regard?
A couple of things here. If you’re sticking to canister stoves than for the most part these things are designed for travel and if anything they are over engineered for general jostling. Traveling in a case is always a good idea but I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Of course everything wears out in time but you should get years of use out of any of the stoves I mentioned. I have a pocket rocket that is probably 20 years old and I’ve never done anything to maintain it.
But I’m not 100% sure about what you mean when you say you want to use the “large tank” with a quick disconnect. If you are considering a 5 gal type tank like what you see on the front of a trailer or your backyard gas grill than those run on a much different pressure level than the small canisters I mentioned or the stove Jim linked to. I believe there are fittings you can put in the line to make these types of stoves work with a larger/higher pressure tank but I’m not your best source for info using a canister stove in such a manner. I’ve used these exclusively for backpacking and a bit of car camping.
I would do some internet searching regarding how you can put a pressure regulator in the line or maybe a different type of stove. Let me know if you want me to do some digging as you’ve got me curious and now I want to know more myself. But it will be a couple of days before I can look into this.
Damn, I write all this babble and than I notice that you wrote using it with the ADAPTER/extension hose. Perhaps you are well aware of what is required. Sorry.
Would that be “Camp Chef Everest” ?
They have a Pizza attachment. 🙂
Yea, that’s the one Mick. Thanks for catching my autokorrect. 🙂
Hi Sue,
I got a lot of oxygen this weekend. I was to the point of walking ten steps before I had to sit down. I went to the ER on Friday evening. They actually checked me into the hospital and Saturday morning they drew almost 2 qts. of fluid from around my left lung, which had collapsed. Happy to be able to breathe, walk, and talk again at the same time.
Cheers,
Ilse
P.S. I sure hope your oxygen works. I guess, if it wasn’t any good, they wouldn’t be sold out.
Thoughts and prayers for you Ilse!
Oh Ilse, I’m so sorry to read about your trip to the ER. Hang in there and know that there are people you have never met who care about you.
Thank you Velda and BadgerRick. The blogorinos are a great bunch of people.
GOOD MORNING ALL!
The crew and I are on the road again. Well, as I type this we are on the side of the road in the PTV. Our camp last night was nice but it didn’t have internet signal. I hope our camp for tonight does have signal so I can tell you about our Cumbres Pass experience! 🙂
Thank you for making this a lively place! Wishing you a beautiful day . . . .
Bye for now,
Sue
Thanks for checking in 🙂 ! Wishing you a beautiful day, too.
Thanks for checking in. Interested in seeing the route you took. Can’t wait to see the next camp. Enjoy!
What a great post!! Thanks everyone. I loved the picture of oxygen, bear spray and chicken, Sue. Maybe it was the combination!
So far the only successful outdoor cooking I’ve done has really been plain and simple-The basic bacon, eggs, burger or hot dog type of thing.What do you grilling, camp stove and campfire folks make ?
Lets see now ribs, chicken, ribs, skirt steak, ribs, flank steak, Pork chops. Did I mention ribs. You get the idea. 🙂
You mean there IS more?!? 🙂 🙂
A must have: hot [cocoa, tea, coffee] with ‘flavoring’.
I now want to try the dishes you mentioned with that jalapeno relish.
Ever wrap ‘biscuit dough in a can/tube’ around a green wood stick and cook?
Roll them in herbs or garlic powder or even cinnamon sugar first.
S’mores come out nicely on a Mr Heater Buddy!
Every thing I have cooked on a house stove, I can cook on a camp stove. When the power goes out and the microwave can’t be used, I found that a good sized non-stick skillet with a lid can defrost and cook most anything.
The thing I remember the most, though, is at high altitudes things take longer to cook and I have run out of fuel before the food was done.
I recommend a fun book, “Roughing It Easy”. It has a lot tasty recipes cooked in uncommon ways.
I hope to get other yummy ideas from the Blogerinos, too.
Thanks for starting this conversation!
Thank you Alan and A gal in MV. Because my T@B has an indoor stove I hadn’t thought about carrying anything to cook outdoors with. A few really warm days when using a burner raised the temperature inside, and the chat above about what to use for cooking on the road have changed my thinking. Your answers gave me a better picture with possibilities that I like 🙂
I have a T@B, too, and we do have an indoor stove. After our first few trips, I am determined this time to take our propane stove. Back in the tent camping days when that is all we used, my husband cooked breakfast every morning because he wakes up first. I’m hoping to revert to that now!
Also, there is something really wonderful about cooking outside, and although I do cook with a camp dutch oven outside, I miss the ease of the propane stove. I think you’ll love using the option of outdoor cooking, just to be outside in the fresh air!
I was a fighter plot for 23 years. I flew with an oxygen mask all the time.
Those two cans of oxygen will give you a couple of quick pickups but it will not last long. There is not enough O2 in them to matter much and I would be surprised if it is 100% O2.
Sounds like a gimick. Although I can vouch for the theory that a bunch of 100% O2 is great for a hangover.
We camped over the past weekend at Bear Canyon Lake on the Mogollon Rim. Around 5 pm or so we started cooking and my daughter starts screaming ‘a bear!’ and our dogs go ballistic which scared the black bear. The bear ran and we never saw it again. We warned our camping neighbor with children we saw a black bear. Next day he tells us they saw the bear in wee hours. The dogs growling woke me at night but after that not a sound. We tent camped. I had a whistle and pepper spray but that was it for protection. We didn’t think we’d encounter a bear. I think I’d use an emergency candle stick next time although our dogs did a good job by barking to scare the bear away. Surprisingly I didn’t freak out.
Sue, since today is bargain day at Amazon, if you make some suggestions of any kind for a deal, I’m sure you’ll get some sales from your blogerinos. Just a thought.
Hope you found a great place to land that has wifi. Hugs to the fur babies.
Cat Lady