Thursday, May 5 – Tuesday, May 9
The crew and I wrap up our extended stay at Bluewater after eight nights at $14 a night. Spending $112 for only eight nights is extravagant for us!
Bluewater Lake State Park, New Mexico (See Bridget about to duck behind the tree.)
There’s a time for everything, I suppose.
As explained in the previous post, I want us to have heat on when we want it during the cold nights and I will not run the propane Wave 3 while we sleep. I also use the strong internet connection to catch up this blog.
For several days at Bluewater the weather is cold with a damp, biting wind. This limits our outdoor activity.
On a sunshiny day Bridget and Reggie meet a fellow canine camper named Sandi!
Sandi is a Pomeranian with a haircut. She’s 10 years old. It’s true that a good haircut can make one look years younger!
Bridget immediately sets the ground rules for social interaction.
Communication is accomplished via ears.
Bridget’s ears say “Watch your paws, Buster,” while Reggie’s ears say, “It’s okay, Sandi. She’s really nice once you get to know her.”
“Wanna play with me? We could run around and stuff. Ever play Special Ops?”
“Aw, gee, do ya’ hafta’ leave already?”
Walkies must occur, regardless of rain, cold, wind, or hail!
Yes, we have all four during our stay at Bluewater. This makes a reasonably warm and sunny day all the more enjoyable!
From the campground I take a photo of a place colder than where we are.
We search in vain for a glimpse of the wild horses that live around Bluewater Lake.
Horse poop piles and hoof prints give evidence that they do visit the campground.
Usually the crew goes out in the middle of the night for a potty break.
The night before we leave Bluewater we’re outside with the porch light on when I nearly jump out of my skin.
“SNORT!”
That was a horse! Unmistakable!
I toss the crew inside and grab a flashlight.
Pointing the beam in the direction of the snort, four pairs of eyes glimmer in the darkness. They aren’t close enough for me to see them clearly.
Well, at least I have that much . . . . They don’t seem like wild horses. More like domesticated horses allowed to range freely.
Wednesday, May 10
“Okay, crew. Now that temperatures are warm again, we’re leaving!”
Before exiting the state park, I fill up the jugs and the fresh water tank. I also dump the waste tanks, even though it’s not yet necessary. Rarely do I pass up an opportunity to dump tanks. It’s nice to arrive at a new camp with empty waste tanks.
Beyond the park gate . . . a surprise!
Four horses graze alongside the road!
A parting gift . . . I bet these are the same ones who visited our campsite last night.
I capture two of them in this photo.
Bridget, Reggie, and I board Interstate-40 and head northwest toward Gallup.
At Gallup I’ll load us up with groceries and then we’ll be all set for our next camp.
Ah, what a day . . . blue sky, fluffy white clouds, and the open road!
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Hey, BLT! Don’t get too used to that power post!
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
first?
HIP HIP HOORAY FOR DAWN! CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING FIRST!
Helps to be sitting here at my computer working on my 50th high school reunion! Sandi is a cutie–she doesn’t seem to social though. So glad you got to see the horses–they’re beautiful! Happy trails!
Remember when reaching 50 years of age seemed hard-to-believe? Then comes the 50th high school reunion! Whoa!
Dawn….I attended my 50th class reunion 3 years ago and I wondered how all them folks got old and ugly in such a short time………..HA…there is a reason name tags are given out…
chuck
Had my 50th this past fall. Since my closest friends were not actually in my class, I chose not to attend. Of my closest friends actually in my class, 3 never attend, 1 has passed away.
As my mother said at her 50th high school reunion: “You just have to take people’s word for it when they tell you who they are.”
Dogs and horses! Sure winner.
AND YOU’RE A SECOND PLACE WINNER TODAY, CALVIN!
Love the pic with the road and the clouds. Thanks.
You’re welcome! COLLEEN TIES FOR SECOND PLACE!
Lovely pictures as always. Thanks for sharing, Sue.
You’re welcome, retiredcajunlady! Third place!
So glad you got a glimpse of the horses. Safe travels!
Thank you, Kristi and Daisie. Also in third place!
almost made it to first??? I laugh because I can’t figure out why this has become such a weird obsession to be first… love your blog
It is pretty silly, isn’t it. Ha!
Oh my gosh, peggy…. You also tied for 3rd place!
(I’m glad you love my blog.)
Love the pictures of the furkids.
Hi, Karon!
Beautiful horses, can cows be next?? You know I love those bovine photos.
Hi, Susan in Dallas,
I’ll think of you when taking the next cow photos. I’m sure we will come upon some bovine beauties soon. 🙂
I’m in total agreement with “blue sky, fluffy white clouds, and the open road.” If it gets better than that, I have yet to find it.
Hi, Calvin,
You know the message behind the title of this post! It’s a pleasure to share the road with you.
Good morning Sue and crew. Very happy to see your latest post. Now must read it. Ha.
I hope you enjoy it, Marilyn. It’s good to be back online with you!
I am looking forward to finding what I’ll search for. Just thinking about retirement in 98 days is a plus. My son and his family are living with me and we are working out just fine, especially with my cute, little grandson. I hope you and the crew will have warmer days ahead of you.
Hi, Cheryl O.,
These are precious days for you, spending time with your grandson when he is little. It’s a credit to you, your son and daughter-in-law that you can adjust to living together.
Thanks for the weather wish… It’s warm here! Wish the same for you…
I was just waxing my truck and thought “it’s about time for an update from rvsue, and you posted while I was working! Reggie’s quite the ladies man.
I’m getting casita fever–the amazing Amy is warming to the idea–I showed her the results of my budget calculations (we want to buy new), and instead of arguing she said “we’ll have to clear out the old garden for a parking spot.” Whoo hoo! And I’ve found a lot of good info on adding a tranny cooler (and Scangauge), and airbags to my FJC, so we’ll be ready for towing. And (best part), I just found out about an egg camper rally in a week in Hiawassee GA (only 2 hrs away) and they’re having an open house, so we can go check them out. We’re leaning towards casita, but there will be 7 or 8 other makes there as well.
I hope your next camp is just as nice!
And don’t worry, I’ll buy all the parts through your Amazon link 🙂
Yippee! Kisses to you, Steve! (Oops… Hi, Amy…)
Gosh, Steve… Your excitement is contagious! Isn’t it fun when dreams start becoming real?
Great idea to go to the camper rally. Now I’m wondering if I could’ve done that. I didn’t know anything about RVing back then and bought the BLT from a brochure. Anyway . . . I know you’ll have a fantastic time looking at the choices in travel trailers, plus Casita people are friendly and helpful. You and Amy will learn a lot. It’ll be fun!
Thanks, it sounds like it will be fun–pretty impressive, this is the first time they’ve done it (through fiberglassrv.com), and they’ve got 40 rigs coming! Don’t worry about not going to one before you bought yours, cause this is the first one I’ve found in Georgia. I was all fired up about going to an RV show in ATL about 6 months ago, but they cancelled it.
We got a tour of a friend’s 17FD a few months ago, and I think that’s what helped turn Amy around. She kept saying she like camping in the tent, but she’s never comfortable sleeping on the ground. She was impressed with the Casita. Still says we’re not full-timing though… 🙁
Steve, be sure to mention Sue so she might get $$$ for referral. Right, Sue?
Thank you, Corker. Yes, Casita Travel Trailers sends $200 for referrals.
I would, but I need to list our friend–he spent over an hour showing us features and answering my silly questions. Sorry! BTW, placed an Amazon order.
Steve… If you don’t mind…. What is one item you ordered and what day did you place the order? I have a feeling I’m not being credited with orders placed through my blog. Thank you.
Funny you should ask Sue, I was just checking back in to tell you to keep yours eyes open. I clicked on your “shop amazon” link and ordered a hayden trans cooler, Scanguage II and airlift air springs. I hope you get credit for them…and [w00t!] they get here today! I know what I’ll be doing soon…
And the date was May 12.
Yay, Steve! I see the stuff you bought! Sending you a BIG THANK YOU! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Bridget is a hoot. Doesn’t like pictures, and she is the alpha. She is precious.
Glad it’s getting warm for you. Wondered about propane vs. hooking up to power. Good idea.
Stay safe…
Hi, Alice,
99% of the time, our propane heater is all we need. I turn it on for an hour or more before bed, turn it off when we sleep, and, if needed, turn it on again in the morning. We rarely camp where it’s cold like we encountered in New Mexico. It was nice to run our air conditioner heat a few times during the night.
$14.00a night. You always find the best values. We are also packing to hit the road. It’s so exciting. Good travels to you.
Hi, Teri,
I’m smiling at “you always find the best values.” Here I was cringing at paying $14 a night. I’ve been spoiled by the many nights we’ve camped for free.
Best wishes for the road. . . . Let’s us know how it goes!
Love the picture of the horses. I’ve been catching up on your blog so I haven’t left any comments, but I did make a note NOT to get rid of all my winter skirts and blouses it looks like I’ll need to pack a few just in case. Brrrr just what I am trying to get away from! Although the previous pictures of the snow did look pretty – as long as it’s in pictures 🙂
Hi, Leesa,
You can keep away from the cold weather by staying in southwestern AZ longer than we did. New Mexico’s higher elevations are colder as a rule. I wanted to see more of NM and took the chance of snow and cold.
Great post and pictures, as usual. Sometimes you have to pay to stay, that is so very unusual for you. But better to be safe than otherwise. And with the crazy weather that has been going on it was the best thing. I’m sure it was hardest on Reggie, not being able to get out as much as usual (well maybe hardest on you with Reggie going bonkers inside).
Glad you were able to see some horses on the way out.
Lisa
Hi, Lisa,
Reggie wasn’t too bad, considering his energy level. Both he and Bridget saw and felt what the weather was like and that made them content to stay inside. Reggie played with his toys and chew bones and Bridget napped a lot. Occasionally I had to take them outside to remind them. They were very willing to come back in.
Hi Sue,
I know what you mean about not wanting to sleep with your propane heater on. On really cold mornings I crawl out of bed very early, start the coffee and our Mr. Heater. Then I take my coffee back to bed with me until the trailer is warm enough to consider getting out of the covers.
$14. seems very reasonable for a nice campsite with electricity. You shouldn’t feel overly extravagant for treating yourself to that comfort.
I love the picture of the horses. How lucky that they came to wish you good bye?.
Hi, Marilu,
Good plan on managing your morning when it’s cold. Yes, we were fortunate to come upon the horses on our way out of the state park. Our timing often amazes me.
We do the same Marilu. We set our heater to 45, just so things don’t freeze, crawl under blankets and a sleeping bag. In the morning, I jump out of bed and start up the Mr. Heater and get back in bed till it takes the chill off. Even with solar, I still turn on the Mr. Heater and turn up the thermostat to warm up our RV. I often will bake cinnamon rolls in the morning, then when they’re done, I turn off the oven and open the door to let the residual heat warm us up too. Mr. Heater is supposed to turn itself off in low oxygen conditions, but I haven’t tested it and don’t want to.
I always love the canine photos. Bridget is so predictable and Reggie’s body language just shows what a little rascal he is. Once you saw the horses in daylight did you still think they were domesticated roamers or wild? The pinto spotted one reminded me of a paint pony I used to ride as a child – they were wonderful horses, very easy-going and reliable for kids. When I went to Cal Poly (Pomona) they had an Arabian horse breeding facility there. Whenever a new foal was born, a flag was raised on the “foal pole” and many of us rushed out to see the new baby. I worked at the stables my first two years – in exchange for mucking out the stables and other work, I got free riding time. Riding the Arabians was very different from riding the paint ponies, but so much fun. I have great memories of riding on foggy mornings in the hills of the old Kellogg Ranch.
Hi, Cynthia,
How very blessed you have been to have all those horse experiences! I’ve wanted to do that sort of thing all my life.
You ask if I still think they were domesticated roamers or wild.
It depends on how one defines “wild.” If wild means no person owns them, then they could qualify.
If wild means skittish and aloof from people, then they aren’t that.
I have no way of knowing if they belonged to anyone because I didn’t look for a brand. The horses were tame to some degree because they stood looking at me, only about 25 feet from the PTV, and that’s not what I consider as wild.
Great post and pictures! I am lovin that blue,blue sky! Have a wonderful day!
You, too, Gingerita, and thank you.
Hi Sue!
I love the picture of the fluffy clouds and long highway stretched out in front. Brock and I were going to go off in the truck camper this weekend. But they’re calling for rain. So we’ll probably stay home and work on our retirement plan…..January seems so far off. Safe travels and thanks for the wonderful forum and pictures. They’re both always uplifting!
Hi, Rick and Brock,
I’m glad you like it here and enjoy my photos. Too bad about the rain this weekend — I remember what a bummer that forecast was when I was working. You’ll love retirement! Every day is YOURS. 🙂
Hi Sue. Thanks so much for the update. They really brighten up my day. I really appreciate you sharing so much of yourself with us. I love catching up with Bridgette and Reggie as well. Please give them some hugs and kisses from me.
You’re welcome, Dawn. I want every day to be bright for you. As for the crew, I’m about to deliver those hugs and kisses for you, as soon as Bridget and Reggie wake up from their naps. Thanks for the note.
Speaking of horses, we have a wild horse herd of 100 or so in the salt river area near Mesa. There has been speculation for years about them both positive and negative. Now, a new law, just signed by the governor makes it illegal to harass them in any way. Here is a article about these beautiful animals. http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2016/05/11/governor-signs-bill-protecting-salt-river-wild-horses/
PS If it makes the pill easier to swallow, on the $112 fee for those eight days, think about how now that would only buy one night in a mediocre hotel now a days. Glad you’re back in contact Missy….
I found that article very interesting, Jim. Thanks for posting it. I wasn’t aware of the herd along the Salt River. I’m glad they are being protected.
Hi AZ Jim! Many Thanks for posting the horse article!!!!
What a cutie, Ms Sandi!! Reggie is a doll to be so welcoming. And Her Regalness is the true ruler. Such a sweet family. Hope you found some rotisserie chicken or Carl Jr’s. I’m really getting worried about your meals with the crew. You ALL deserve some Rotisserie chicken. Always makes my mouth water. One of my favorite.
Also, love the pic of fluffy white clouds, blue sky and long open road.
Thank you. It was a scene I couldn’t resist photographing.
Hi, Corker,
You will relieved to know that there’s a half-eaten rotisserie chicken in the fridge as I type this. 🙂
Phew. I’m so relieved!! 🙂
Heat when you needed it, horses around to send you off, having the funds and freedom to have stayed there to receive those-are all things I’m sure you were grateful to be blessed with. Still pulling out onto the wide open road ahead and it’s possibilities must have felt wonderful once again…
What a cutie Sandi is. I find it delightful that Reggie loves running around and playing with other pups, and equally delightful that Bridget doesn’t feel she has to when she’s not in the mood to. You and the crew coped well with being cooped up inside as much as you were at Bluewater Lake. I imagine it’s terrific to now be where hopefully that’s not as necessary.
Our temps in central NY recently have swung from frosty with cold rain to really warm sunny days. Thankfully, the dry times coincided with days a lot of driving had been planned. One trip a friend drove on was to look at two models of T@Bs different than mine. I was pleased to realize they didn’t offer what speaks home to me the way mine does. The other trip was to help my grandson accomplish end of semester tasks and get him to the airport for his trip home in San Diego for the summer. Now that you are where you can set up camp to give your site the “at home” feel the crew and you have come to know, will you be unpacking and using the replacement outdoor rug you have?
Hi, weather,
I enjoyed reading your newsy report, from sunny, warm days to outings with your friend and with your grandson. He will always remember his helpful, loving grandmother.
Isn’t it a great feeling when you realize you’ve chosen the right rig for your home-on-wheels?
I have unpacked the new mat and we’re using it at our latest camp. I also have the awning out and together with the lounger and camp chair, we have a comfortable outdoor room.
In a conversation we had long ago you said one reason for your choosing a travel trailer was “having a home to return to” was something you knew you would want. That stuck with me, and influenced my choice in that I then realized I would want that, too. What makes it look like home from the outside is likely peculiar to each person. Your Casita and my T@B have curved shapes, even around the door and window frames. To me that’s a soft element like nature has in shelters such as beneath trees or a rock/ soil sloping overhang in the side of a hill, cliff or mountain. I don’t see harsh right angles when I look around outside except what humanity has constructed. Anyway, seeing and being in that whole hobbit house blending in with the earth thing makes me sigh with contentment.
A bit more news about my family-my grand daughter selected the same university near me for college that my grandson did, primarily for the same reasons. Her parents and brother had expected her to choose other ones that had programs more precisely tailored to her tastes. I’m not surprised, yet am thrilled, that she more followed her heart than her head. It won’t change my plans to full time, just where during a few parts of some years.
Your outdoor room with no walls sounds wonderful. Does Bridget still at times prefer the cool spot under the BLT even when you have the awning out? Is it quite a task to put it up and take it down? I hope you are enjoying that room, your campsite and this good day so far 🙂
“Having a home to return to” is still important. Probably others feel differently. With a trailer the freedom is having the choice to bring one’s home along or to leave it behind. With other rigs, the freedom is always having home with you, never having to “go back.”
Your analysis of the curved structure of our trailers is amusing and true. The “soft element like nature” expresses our relationship with nature. Rather than push her aside with sharp elbows, we wish to nestle in her arms and conform to her shape, creating little disturbance with our space, sound, and movement.
Thrilling news about your granddaughter’s choice of college! Following her heart includes her grandmother. 🙂
About the awning — It’s easy to put out the awning and to bring it back in. Takes about 3 minutes. Bridget doesn’t go under the BLT as much when the awning is out. She can relax in the shade of the awning while lying in her comfortable doggie bed, and be next to Reggie playing and me reading.
I think of you whenever I see a T@B. Thank you for the thoughtful mini-essay on our hobbit houses and for sharing your happy news. Have a splendid day.
General question for blogerino family and Sue. Knowing what you now know, which month would you visit the state of Utah? All those national parks have been on our bucket lists but with hubby’s IPF diagnosis in Oct. our time is now limited so bucket list getting prioritized. Utah a MUST. We’ll be staying in rv parks or state campgrounds in a 36′ FW. TIA to all.
Blogorinos: What month would you recommend that a person visit Utah?
Utah has so many different climate zones it’s hard to say. If I could only choose 2 months I would pick May and September. Depending on the altitude Utah has wonderful places to visit From March through October.
I always went to Moab in Late October. September is still to hot. October was mid 70’s daytime, mid 40’s at night. Perfect.
We’ve always gone in mid September. The weather is perfect at that time.
We do have some amazing national parks, don’t we? For the most part, I think the hip seasons are the best times to visit, my favorite month being October.
I haven’t been to Zion NP, but I understand the spring blooms and full waterfalls of May are spectacular. We’re planning a visit ourselves for late November. Zion is wildly popular, so campground reservations are a must; the NP campground can only be reserved 6-months in advance, and it fills quickly.
In most areas of Utah, I find the summer months (especially July) to be just suffocating, both in temperature and crowds of people. Personally, I avoid summer vacationing, unless it’s for a day of boating or other water-based activity.
I’ve spent many fall vacations (September/October) in our national and state parks in Utah, and I think the weather is just perfect at this time! Fall is still a somewhat popular travel time as far as crowds go, but nothing at all like summer. If you’re not afraid of a little morning chill, slightly winter-side of the hip seasons is good, too! We spent some wonderful time in Moab one November. In March/April, October/November, the weather can be unpredictable, so plans need to be a bit flexible if you plan to visit during these months, but I hate crowds, so to me, it’s worth it.
I do hope you will enjoy your adventure to our beautiful state! Good luck, and safe travels!
I realized after posting that I have a trip planned for July 4th weekend to Kodachrome Basin. I guess I’m not very good at following my own advice. LOL!
Hi RVSue and crew,
I commented a few days ago, and I also let you know I’m reading your archived posts in order too. On 6/8/2012 you asked your readers if there were things they thought you should write about to make your blog more interesting. I agree with most readers that your blog is wonderful as it is. Reading about the escapades of your crew and the vagabond life you’re living is fun and informative and just an outright joy, the way you write…turning negatives into positives, or making fun of life and its follies is refreshing. I want to thank you for that.
I do have one request, and maybe you’ve done this and I just haven’t found it yet, but you are boondocking at some wonderful locations, you give a brief description of where it is, but could you post the coordinates of some of these places? I understand if you’d rather not, you may want us to enjoy the journey of discovery for ourselves. You’re description of some of your sites makes me want to see with my own eyes what you saw. To be able to soak up the beauty myself is what I would request. Not always would I expect the coordinates of all your boondocking sites, but in June of 2012 you were in Zion National Park and there were some sites that some of your fellow boondocking friends introduced you to, and they sounded wonderful. I would love to see them, and maybe I’ll find them. Anyway, if you find a boondocking site you would like to share in your blog with the coordinates I would love that. I have a lot of notes I’ve taken from your experiences and that would be like a cherry on top!
Thanks for continuing to be you, just the way you are, because you’re wonderful just as you are,
Beth from the Phoenix, AZ area
Hi, Beth,
I’m very pleased to see you here again. Thanks for reading those old posts and for the compliments on how my blog has evolved. I enjoyed reading your description of it!
About the coordinates of our boondocks…. I don’t know what the coordinates are and I don’t use a device that would tell me those coordinates. After the GPS system nearly had me, the crew, the PTV and the BLT falling off the side of a cliff on a crappy road from h*ll, I stopped using it. I enjoy map reading anyway.
Another reason not to post coordinates…. My intention with this blog was never to provide a list of boondocks for people to visit. That readers are making such “bucket lists” of our boondocks is not a problem for me. However, my primary goal in showing the fabulous boondocks I discover was and is to let people see the possibilities. I encourage folks to learn how to find their own boondocks by applying information available at numerous sources, i.e. Benchmarks that show public lands, Google earth, weather pages, other online resources.
I think I give a pretty clear description of where my boondock discoveries are located. Regarding the one you mention near Zion, this is what I wrote in the post titled “What do you think?”
“When you come to southwestern Utah to experience Zion National Park, be sure to drive the few miles to Virgin and go up Kolob Terrace Road. Not only will you pass my boondock site alongside North Creek . . . .” With a good map and that big hint, plus the photos, I’m pretty sure you will find it and, in the process, develop your own skills for finding great places to camp on your own, which is part of the fun!
For anyone reading this, I urge you to take my blog to learn how to find your own boondocks. I don’t mind you making a list of mine and then searching for them. I hope you enjoy them. Do realize that many others are making lists from my blog and you might find the site occupied.
Thanks again, Beth, for asking. Between the descriptions I write and the photos I post, I’m confident you will be able to locate our camps.
Yes, I did notice what you wrote about taking Kolob Terrace Rd near Virgin, kinda felt foolish after hitting send, but there have been other places where I wanted to know where you were.
I think part of it is I’m a few months off from being able to travel full time. I need to boondock as much as possible for the financial reasons. It’s just plain scary, but exciting at the same time. I’m shy, but I do hope to meet lots of people, and I’m sure I will. Just say a prayer for me, physical limitations may keep my plans from ever happening, I’m fighting those physical things, just throw a prayer up to the Big Guy for me. I’ve wanted to do this since I was little, now I can, if my body cooperates. So I may have been trying to make things a little easier. I have a collection of maps, apps downloaded, notes taken from different blogs on boondocking I just haven’t done it yet.
By far, your blog is the most enjoyable one I’ve read. I’m not trying to get brownie points or anything. Thank you and keep on enjoying the journey. I do hope to meet one day down the road!
Oh, I’m getting to actually see a Casita in person on Saturday!! I’m still in the process of picking my trailer. September is my “get on the road” goal month.
Thanks again,
Beth from the Phoenix area
Oh, I never doubted your sincerity, Beth. You write honestly. I can understand “it’s just plain scary, but exciting at the same time.” As you know from reading my blog, I didn’t jump into boondocking right away. I spent some months in NM using the annual pass and becoming acclimated to a different lifestyle. I hope you have enough “buffer” so that you aren’t totally reliant upon finding free camps. It’s good that you have the maps and so forth to help you.
I hope when you do begin living on the road (and prior to that time) that you will feel welcome to ask questions of me and of your fellow blogorinos. We’re here to encourage, support, give perspective, share information, and have fun. Good luck choosing the trailer that fits you best. Remember, we’re here for you!
Thanks, so much. I’m sure I’ll be asking more questions when I begin the travel I’ve been dreaming about, or maybe I’ll do a superb job because of your blog and the other blogs I’ve been reading!
I’m learning a lot, and reading your blogorino’s replies are helpful, too!
Once again, thx!
It has taken me a few weeks but I’ve read your site from start to finish. Wait–not finish! Never, that. Let’s say, I’m up to date! We are pretty new on our small trailer journey, and though we don’t plan to fulltime, we do plan to take some loooong trips. I’ve learned so much from you!
I don’t know what you think about ceramic heaters. We have this one because it’s cute [yes, I’m a sucker!] but it works really well in our small space.
I’m not sure it works when boondocking, though. It may draw too much power to run off a battery. We’ll figure out more in New Mexico next month. I love your current posts on New Mexico, and now need to go back to your earlier ones again!
Thank you for everything you share! We have two dogs, too–one a chihuahua! She and Reggie would be hilarious together!
I removed the link you provided because anything anyone orders for 24 hours after entering Amazon through a reader-created link will not earn me a commission. (Yes, I do like those commissions!). The link before is a link that I created. — Sue
PuraFlame 1250W Clara Red 9 inch Mini Portable electric Heater, Red
Welcome kisstab-chick in Dallas. You are now officially a blogorino!
Thank you! I have felt like one for awhile. Now it’s official!
Welcome, kisstab! 🙂
Thanks!
Hi, kisstab-chick,
Welcome to my blog! Thank you for reading my blog from the beginning. That means a lot to me.
As for using a ceramic heater, such as the one you suggest, it would be too much of a draw. As a general rule of thumb, anything that generates heat tends to be too much for the batteries.
You’re right about your chihuahua — Reggie would have a blast playing and being chihuahuan together!
Happy Thursday!
Wouldn’t it be great if there were a remote control for the “catalytic” heaters? I have such a hard time getting out from a toasty nest into the harsh cold even to turn the heater on. While I appreciate less things to break/go out, the better and longer life an item has but it would be a wonderful feature.
Sue, are you contemplating Colorado? The saying was “Cool, Colorful Colorado”. I think it was on the license plates. We use to know what city/area another car was from by the letter code. I think other states do or did that, too. Funny story – my folks and I were ‘doing’ Mexico in the 70’s in our rig. (Mom called it the Queen Mary.. 52′ of truck and trailer.. she always drove her shift) Somewhere, on a long stretch of highway, we went by a road crew and as we went by a gal shouted ” Hey Colorado Springs! You’re far from home! ”
I remember quite a few places that were at a lake or reservoir with few people around. South Park, kind of in a ‘valley’ between two sections of the Rockies. 360 mountain peaks. Some windy and arid but long sweeping views.
You probably can’t go to many places because of the high altitude. I recall more than one white knuckle drive to and from some awesome spots. I hope you can enjoy the state as much as possible. You may have mentioned it but I forgot – if you take your time and acclimate slowly, can you handle the altitude any better?
Just stopped in for a chat. Thanks for your time.
MV gal
P.S. Did you notice I was away from your blog almost a year?
Glad to see a post from you, Maple Valley Gal! You are one of the blogorinos that had been missing for a while; I missed seeing your comments. I hope all is well in your world! 🙂
Hi Denise!
Thanks for the note. Your notes are such a big part of this blog that I usually read them twice. 🙂 Hope you are having spring now. No late snow dumps this year for you, I hope.
We have had several weeks of grey, rainy weather, with cool temps, but no late snowfall. 🙂
You were away for almost a year? I knew you were gone but I didn’t realize it was that long. Of course, I have little concept of the passage of time, a typical condition of a retired person with no schedule! It’s good to have you with us, MV gal. I enjoy your comments.
Wow! Your mother was an adventuress! That’s a lotta’ rig!
I remember the license plates that indicated location. I think in New York state (where I grew up), the county of registration was on the plate.
Happy Thursday to you, MV gal! Thanks for the interesting comment.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Colorado? Altitude? ^ ^ ^ Or maybe you are mum for a reason. 😉
Oops! I skipped over that unintentionally.
I don’t know if I could become acclimated to the high altitudes. I probably could. If I tried to do that, I’m afraid I’d put Bridget through misery. She reacted poorly when I tried to drive us higher than approx. 9,700 feet. As for Reggie, I don’t know if it would bother him, too.
Comfortable and safe with good internet in questionable weather isn’t extravagant – it’s just smart. One of the rewards of living on less and enjoying it more is that you can splurge occasionally without any guilt. Seems to me you made a good decision to handle some questionable weather in the best way possible.
It’s hard to believe your blog has been going strong for 5 years. What a fun journey for all of us. You’re doing a great job and Paul and I always look forward to reading it. Guess we need to put Bluewater Lake State Park on our must see list the next time we’re in the area.
Hi, Reine,
I’m very pleased that you and Paul still read my blog. You gave me and my crew the jump-start we needed at the start of our 5 years on the road. I’ll always be thankful for your help.
Funny thing about being frugal all my life. Whenever I find it best to spend some money for reasons of safety, comfort, or just because I want to, I remind myself that I’m far better off financially than I had ever hoped when I started this lifestyle. In other words, I tell myself, “Heck, go ahead and pay for an electric site. The RVSue shoppers are paying for it!” That really helps this ol’ tightwad to loosen up.
One horse picture???? Just one? As photogenic as horses are and as great a photographer as you are…I am SOOO disappointed. But all the other pics were great, so I’ll let it slide……. Stay safe, Kiddo and Radar and Doogie say woof to Ms B and Reggie!
Well, well, well… Get ready, Chuck, to eat some crow. 🙂
I happen to have a collection of horse photos which will appear in the next few posts. Are those crows I hear? “Caw! Caw!”
Hee-hee… Woof-woof to Radar and Doogie, hugs to you and Geri.
I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t had time to make a comment on your blog for awhile and that’s unfair of me because I enjoy it so much, and I couldn’t be any busier than you. I had to laugh at the cute little doggie Sandi, with the good haircut. So adorable. But it reminded me of being in a campground recently after cutting my hair. I’d spent 10 minutes trying to fluff up a spot where I took a little too much off. I was walking Chloe when 2 fellow rvers mentioned to me they really liked my hair. One of the ladies ask where I get it done & I told them the name of the lady who does it when I’m home. Which is true, but she hasn’t for awhile & I guess I was embarrassed to admit I was the one who butchered it. They both agreed “you can always tell a good “haircut”. It made me laugh at myself & little Sandi reminded me of it. Love to Bridgett & Reggie. ?
love the blue sky white clouds 🙂 of courses the horses, just love those over sized dogs 🙂 well bit the bullet and selling my tent trailer, moving to a 17′ Hybrid. A little nervous to pull it, but following Sue and the Crew for all these years has given me the confidence to do it. excited to have a real cooking area, real washroom / shower .. oh shower nice.. with hot water i hope lol… watched some videos on how to dump black / grey tank, so little more confident about that. I am really excited to pick it up on monday. Booked camping for a week in July with her. Sue could not have had the confidence to do this if it wasn’t for your blog. Thank you for sharing your travels, adventures, blogers for information etc. here’s to camping YAH… hugs to Reggie and Bridgett. Can’t wait for the next addition of Sue and the Crew 🙂
Hooray for you, Patsy! That’s fantastic news! I’m very happy that you have taken this big step. How exciting for you…. and, oh, the places you’ll go!
I have to admit I don’t know what a “17′ Hybrid” is. Is that a brand or a type of trailer?
As for being nervous about pulling a 17-foot trailer, you’ll soon discover how easy it is. Sometimes I forget I’m towing! Same goes for dumping tanks and all the other tasks… Once you’ve done it successfully on your own — and you will — it’s an easy, automatic thing with no stress.
I have a feeling next Monday is a day you’ll never forget! “Here’s to camping.. YAH”… 🙂
The Hybrid is a type of trailer that’s as tall as a regular pull-behind trailer, but the bedding folds out on either end like a tent pop up trailer.
Okay. Thanks. Of course. I see them all the time.
Hi, Sue,
I am glad you enjoyed your extended stay at Bluewater – even if the weather was not optimal. That may have kept many campers away, allowing for a more enjoyable experience for you. It always makes me smile to see Reggie so excited to meet new doggie pals, and to know that Bridget is enjoying her chariot. They both are so sweet! So nice of the horses to gather to greet you and wish you a safe journey. I love the picture of the fluffy clouds in the bright blue sky over the open road. Oh! The adventures that await! 🙂
Along the lines of saving/splurging…. A while back, you mentioned stopping in at a Fresh Market grocery store, where they had hydroponic lettuce in the produce section. Every Thursday, they have a $20 Little Big Meal deal – a meal for four. Each deal runs for a month, however, their month starts and ends at odd times. The current special is: Taco Night. Choose your protein: shrimp, chicken, or ground beef. Choose your sauce packet (several varieties). Choose your tortillas: flour, corn, or corn/green chili. Choose your shredded cheese. Get 1 lb of roasted corn/black bean salad, a container of freshly made guacamole (several choices) and a container of sour cream. All for $20. Some of the LBM deals are better than others. Also, currently on Tues, they have ground chuck or boneless, skinless chicken breast for $2.99/lb. Their seafood bar, which has half a dozen different seafood salads to choose from is on special @ $9.99/lb. I treated myself to a shrimp salad last week – cost of me less than $4 for what I bought – put it over a bed of lettuce. If a Fresh Market is convenient, it may be worth your while to take advantage of some of these specials. I picked up the LBM tonight. I had some of the corn/black bean salad for dinner tonight – very tasty. The rest of the fixings will be enough to take care of meals for me through the weekend. Just thought I would share this info with you and the blogorinos. In general, the store is expensive….I only buy sale items. Search The Fresh Market for more info.
Your “splurge” was well deserved. You cannot put a price on safety and comfort. Hope you have a good evening, Sue. Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! Please give those little pups a kiss on the head for me! 🙂
Gosh, Denise, you’ve made me very hungry! The Fresh Market store does seem to be innovative in ways to attract customers. I like that you can put together the meal with the ingredients you prefer. I think it’s safe to say your prices in Richmond are generally higher than what we encounter in the West (boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $1.98 a lb., for instance). Which may mean the seafood salads you mention are cheaper also… Then again, maybe not, since you’re closer to the sea… 🙂
Love those good deals on tasty food! For those of us not crazy about cooking, picking up meals like you mention can make life on the road much easier (no clean up!). I think the only Fresh Market I’ve seen in in Richfield, Utah. I should look online for their locations. Thanks for the tips!
You have a good evening, too, Denise. Dang, I’m wanting tacos. Hugs to you and Gracie pup!
Wow! $1.98 for chicken is a grat deal! Ground chuck at Kroger runs $4.99/lb….the chicken breasts are about the same price. It is amazing how prices can swing so much between states or even localities. I remember about 10 hrs ago, a friend and I made a whirlwind day trip to NYC…I was amazed that there were street vendors selling fresh fruits and veggies for prices that were very reasonable. I had assumed that everything in NYC was expensive.
I should have mentioned that Fresh Market meats are grain fed, hormone/antibiotic free, which usually carry a premium price. For me, the LBM deal is really flexible. I might have guac tacos, and make an entirely different dish with the shrimp, saving the simmer sauce for a future recipe.
N’nite, Sue….1:50AM here…insomnia….ugh! Gotta get up for work in a few hours!! 🙂
…great deal….
….10 yrs ago…. I WISH I had been in NYC 10 hrs ago!!
Good morning, Denise!
I didn’t realize that about Fresh Market meats. That makes the prices seem very low. This $1.98 chicken comes from Wal-Mart.
I wish you could figure out why you have insomnia and know how to get rid of it.
That was a nice camp – even if the weather was iffy. A little luxury now and then doesn’t hurt. And you did get to see horses on the way out ?
Hi, Marcia,
Seeing those horses had me shaking my head as I drove us away. Sometimes my timing amazes me. I wanted to see the horses and I didn’t because we holed up in the BLT for most of the time. I get to see them anyway because they conveniently graze next to the road at the same time I drive through there. This happens so much! Like the time I saw Old Faitful in action because we went by the park at the precise moment . . . .
I hope you are enjoying springtime in Massachusetts. 🙂
Sue, what a pretty post, dog friends, blue skies and HORSES!! Your writing really raises my spirits, thanks. Right now I am focusing on feeling normal and doing things that help me feel that way. I am back to working on my trailer. Today I built (poorly) a ramp/ platform combination to help my 18 year old cat get on and off the bed. I raised the bed to counter height to take advantage of the crossbreeze from the windows. My carpentry skills will support the 10 lb cat, but my 75lb dog is NOT convinced. Actually by sleeping on his bed on the floor he gets 90% of the cool air from the AC. He is a smart dog!
I will be heading west the end of this month, so much to do, but so fun to be fixing up my tiny little house.
You’re smart, Lisa, to keep yourself involved with projects. Accomplishing things lifts one’s spirits, besides getting stuff done. You are very kind to your furry pals, making accommodations for them. I’m glad to hear you are having fun fixing up your trailer and looking forward to going west. Have a good night!
Hi Sue,
Here is a website horse lovers and riders might appreciate: endeofthetrail.com It belongs to Bernice Ende a Lady Long Rider. She is currently riding over the North Cascades Highway headed for the Washington coast. She is nearing the end of her 2014-2016 ride, 8,000 miles from coast to coast. She reminds me of you Sue! A solo woman and her furry friends seeing the beauty of this country at their own pace, in their own way.
We just got back from our trip down to Lebanon, Oregon, to the Northern Oregon Gathering (NOG) of small fiberglass trailers. The county park was filled with more than 60 different rigs. They actually opened the second loop to accommodate all who wanted to attend. A great time was had by all! For people wanting to see what Casitas, Escapes and other brands look like, a gathering is a great place to go. Most people are more than willing to show you their rig.
Glad to hear you are headed into warmer weather. We danced around some pretty cold weather in the Redmond/Bend, OR, area on our return. Nightime temperatures in the upper teens and daytimes in the 50s and 60s – brrr. We headed for Maryhill St. Pk. on the Columbia River where we lounged around in much warmer weather for a few days before heading north. Now we are catching up on the mowing, gardening, housekeeping, and all those other tasks that you leave behind when you have a sticks and bricks home. There is something wonderful about living in a 17ft. space with just the basics – it is so freeing. We are looking forward to getting off again soon.
Enjoy!
Kitt
Hi, Kitt,
Temps in the teens? Our weather at Bluewater was balmy compared to that! I’m glad you had a great time at the rally. Thanks for writing a report on it here.
Interesting about the Lady Long Rider. I’m flattered you put me in her category — riding coast to coast? That takes more gumption than I have!
Fun!! My Peanut LOVES to play Special Ops!? Maggie would soak up the sun ☀️probably wouldn’t even roust enough interest to watch unless food was involved.
Although food is never involved in playtime at our home. Maggie is food aggressive to dogs. She was VERY VERY skinny when we adopted her. I’m happy to report she’s a healthy weight now. We can feel her spine & ribs when we pet her but we can’t see them anymore
Peanut is good at reconnaissance, seek and destroy missions. He’s off the team for stealth victim extraction missions. He gets confused between destroying the enemy and saving the victims. Based on the history of Limey and Sock Monkey I’m guessing Peanut & Reggie would be on the same team. ?
Cute!
It’s easy to understand why Maggie doesn’t want to risk another dog taking her food. Poor thing. Anyone who has dieted knows how difficult it is. I can’t imagine what it is like to be starved down to skin and bones. Bless you for giving her a good life . . . with food!
There is a Gallup city park named Red Rock East of Gallup(so far out of town it seems strange to be called a city park) off the 40. Nice spot to camp. We stayed there last summer when we took a uhaul trailer full of our oldest boys and his new brides belongings to Chapel Hill North Carolina. We liked it so much we stayed there on the way back as well. I know you’re long gone but may be useful to someone.
Hi, Stan,
I remember passing Red Rock as we approached Gallup. I’m glad you had an enjoyable stay there.
Good morning Sue and crew! Every time I think of Gallup, NM I laugh. My grandmother and mother are the ones who passed me their vagabond genes….and Grandma gave me my love for reading. Though they both stayed near the place they were born and raised families…..they were always “ready to go”! My grandmother grew up reading of wonderful places and promised herself to see them someday. Soooo…..when I was about 8 we started going on vacations every summer. My mom and uncle drove. My grandmother had the map. I was the “trouble” and my grandfather was the “trouble shooter”. 🙂 No shooting necessary though….I LOVED the open road even as a child. We spent the night once in Gallup, NW….ate breakfast…..and left. But, when we opened the trunk to take out our picnic things for lunch, we realized that we had left something behind. Soooo….we had to go back and get it. From then on we always laughed and said that we “galluped out and then galluped back in”! My grandmother got me to all but around 7 of the 48 states. I have added all but Alaska and Hawaii. Good memories….and more to be made! Have a great day! I’ve been working double time this week. Someone is coming to video the farm. It will have it’s own website. I am hoping it will sell by fall….I would dearly love to spend the winter in AZ! Wish us luck! 😉
Good morning, MB from VA,
Wonderful memories of travel with your family! Funny story about Gallup!
I do wish you luck with the sale of your farm. It sounds like you are doing what it takes to make it sell.
Glad you’re warm again!
We’ve been on the road too..for the past 2 weeks, headed home now. We also saw WILD HORSES! But ours were on the eastern shore of Maryland. Here’s my post about that day: https://dawnkinster.wordpress.com/2016/05/10/assateague-national-park/
We were much further away from the horses than you were though. My pictures are cropped to within an inch of their lives!
Wow, Dawn! Great photo of the herd! I enjoyed reading about your visit to Assateague. All the years I lived in the east and I never went there! I’m glad you did.
http://www.wimp.com/zookeepers-saved-hundreds-of-lives-in-warsaw-during-wwii/
Hi RV Sue!
Posting about the horses got me thinking of a web article (link above) I recently read. Its about the “P” Horse and a couple who were zoo keepers in Poland during W.W. II. It was very interesting and led me to look up more info about the horse itself. This link http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/przewalskis-horse/ will tell you more about the horse.
Terri
Lovely spot to camp and lovely horse photo!! Glad things are well. Things here are ok. Recovering from a recent fall…but it was not a bad one fortunately. And our grandson who last year was found to only have 5 adult teeth buds behind the baby teeth was this week found to have all but 4 of them now!! YEA!! So there is yet hope that the other 4 will eventually show up too!! I say it never hurts to pray…sometimes things happen!!
Now we only have to worry his parents will stay married!! Never easy in this day and age…but maybe it never was necessarily in the past either. Hubby and I are doing ALL we physically can to help out to maybe cut back on some stresses anyway. Just living in the city is to me a big stress…we are not exactly in the city ourselves, but sorta. We know change is ahead…the question is what will we do, where will we relocate…
Best wishes for your happy travels…
Really? No one wants to comment since noon today? Is it because it’s Friday the 13th?
I hope folks are just out having some kind of jollies or on a big mission gettin’ ‘er done. Are all we blogerinos waiting for those horse shots in a new post?
It’s just past 9 pm and I’m laying on my garden swing providing many meals for the mosquitoes. I’m going to be in bad shape tomorrow . Pass the Caladryl, please.
Aren’t tortillas just the bees knees? You can use them for most anything. Wrap up instead of bread. They keep so very long and take up a tiny space. Schmear with a tad of butter then sprinkle cinnamon & sugar then broil or panheat. Leftovers? Just reheat and slap some on a warm, flat, edible treat. Melty cheese with/without a jalapeno or two on a corn disc….. mmmmm
Ok I need a snack now.
kbye