The baby herons learn to fly!
I sit at my back window with a cup of coffee and watch their first efforts out of the nest. Mother heron flies over to a palo verde at the top of the cliff. One by one her offspring follow her. She makes small flying loops out over the river and back. In only about fifteen minutes I see five herons flying together! I don’t know if I’m seeing the mother and four youngsters or both parents and three youngsters. They’re all about the same size. What a beautiful sight to cap off our stay at Burro Creek Campground. Bridget, Spike and I enjoyed our time here from Friday until today, Tuesday.
This morning we move out of the river canyon to a BLM turn-out up the road from the campground.
I want to catch up on emailing, blog posting, and replying to comments. I haven’t had a news fix in five days!
On the way out of the campground, I stop at the dump station. There’s a hose for fresh water and a hose for cleaning out tanks. After dumping, I make sure the black water tank valve is closed.
This is a good time to flush the tank.
I open the bathroom window and push the tank-cleaning hose through it. Then I go inside and insert the hose into the toilet, letting the flush door at the bottom of the toilet bowl hold the hose in place (I hope!). I go back outside and around the BLT to the hose faucet, turn it on, and then run like a fool around the BLT and into the bathroom. Whew! The hose stayed in the toilet. This is definitely a two-person job, but I’ll get it done.
When the tank is about three-fourths full, I pull out the hose (that has no nozzle), throw it out the window splashing water around, run out and around the BLT, and turn off the faucet. Then I open the black tank valve and let the water flush out the tank!
After cleaning up, I move the BLT forward so I can fill the fresh water tank.
The fresh water intake is in the back next to the spare tire. I notice that when I try to put water from a hose into the fresh water tank, the water tends to go in and splash right back out. It’s particularly hard today to stop this from happening. I try different angles with the hose with no luck. It’s like there’s an air lock inside.
This baffles me because there’s an overflow vent where air can escape, and the hose does not completely block the intake opening. I even open up the interior faucets which doesn’t help. Oh well, maybe blog readers will know what causes this. (Note: Reader Bob Giddings suggested a “water tank filler.” See Resources page. Thanks, Bob!)
Five minutes after leaving Burro Creek Campground, we’re parked in our new site.
It’s a wide turn-out where other people have camped before. I jump out and look at the bubble levels on the BLT. Fantastic! Level on the first park in both directions! The road is far enough away that vehicles won’t be heard. There’s very little traffic on it, anyway. Our door opens to an expanse of desert spreading out to mountains, not a house, vehicle or person in sight. I need to cocoon with my book and laptop and this will work fine.
The crew needs to investigate their new yard.
We walk up the road, Bridget and Spike sniffing along while I take photos of the flowers along the edge of the blacktop. Some are growing out of the blacktop! I look back and smile at the PTV and BLT snuggled alongside the road against a desert and mountain backdrop. What a good feeling to always be home no matter where we go.[slideshow]
rvsue
Aww!! The desert flowers are starting to bloom !!! Nice. And back to the free camping. Nice !!! Life looks good Sue .
Life IS good, Susan. Solar power has spoiled me . . . love that free camping!
I can just see you running around in, throwing the hose and running around out. Great description. Sounds like a fine site. Looks like a beautiful spot. Meanwhile, I’m 25 miles from Tampa, Florida and Verizon can’t get me a decent signal that doesn’t drop me 5 or 6 times a day and there you are happily ensconced in the desert with a fine signal. SIGH………………..
It’s not all chocolates and roses. I have a Verizon signal yet it took me most of the afternoon to put that slideshow together. I read half a novel waiting for the photos to load.
We appreciate the work and time it takes you to post the pictures. The flowers are beautiful!! So colorful! Glad you got your free site. I guess you can stay there for 2 weeks?? I remember doing the flush tank thing by myself. lol. What fun! Reminders of whats to come! Wonder what is wrong with your water inlet. Were you able to ever get it filled??? Enjoy your new site. Say hello to the crew for me. Another late night for me. Trying to get my Jewelry Inventory done and ready to have my taxes done. I have over 200 handmade pieces I am selling. Lots of work, but I love it! I will continue to do this when I am living out of my rv… soon I hope. Sharon give the crew a pat for me.
Hey Sue, I started a blog. Mostly photos. And I am trying to learn how to blog !!! Anyways, I love camping, hiking, etc… and take a lot of photos. When you get a chance take a look.
sierrasusieq-mylifeinphotography.blogspot.com
I need to figure out how to do the slide show like you do !!
Susan,
I have no experience using Blogger. My blog is WordPress. I think someone commented that Blogger doesn’t have a slideshow feature. I suppose you could make the slideshow somewhere else and try to import it into Blogger. I really don’t know.
Good luck with your blogging and photos!
I just joined Word Press myself. I will start my blog on it as soon as I buy my rv….. can’t wait!
I hope you like WordPress. You’ll have a lot to write about when you bring your rv home!
Hey, Sue, Glad you found your solitude. I liked being by myself when I traveled. I met some friends for a week or so in NM, and two of my kids came out to Oregon-each for a week, but I liked the solitude, too.
I tried Verizon, but it wasn’t reliable for internet-what a ripoff it was. Many times I’d look for an out of the way rustic campground just to get the wifi and a shower.
Blogger has a slide show gadget, but I’ve yet to get it to work. I’ve wondered how difficult it would be to migrate over to WordPress. Blogger can be a pain at times.
I can tell you from experience–you were lucky flushing your tank. When disaster hits with that thing, it hits! I got pretty confident with it only I don’t have a window in the bathroom so I had to run it in through the trailer door. Oh, what fun that was! Definitely a two person job. I’m surprised to hear about herons in the desert though pelicans roost in Wyoming and Montana–so I don’t know why I’m surprised.
Well, enjoy your new home. Any signs of burros up there?
Go to the WordPress site and click on Tutorials. I’m pretty sure there’s one to show you how to make the switch.
I haven’t seen any burros. Someday . . . . and you can bet I’ll blog about it!
Just switched from blogger to WordPress and it’s painless. Just a few clicks.
Thanks. Did it pull over your formatting, too?
Not completely, and did miss just a few posts.
You probably just need to get the hose further down the inlet. Get one of these:
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/product/water-tank-fillers/594
While you are at it, get the one with a cut-off. Makes things simpler.
That’s exactly what I need! I didn’t realize there is a name for what happens when I try to fill the tank . . . “bubble back.” I put the link on the Readers’ RVing Resources page.
Thanks, Bob. As soon as I’m settled for a few days, I’ll order one.
No need to order it. Every RV joint on earth sells them. They may even be at Walmart.
Oh, and look for a “water thief”. Lots of forest campgrounds don’t use threaded nozzles on the water supply. This thing lets you use your hose instead of carrying buckets.
http://www.campingworld.com/search/index.cfm?Ntt=water+thief&N=0&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=primary&Nty=1&Ntpc=1
You just push it on, and the ridged rubber seals against pretty good pressure.
thanks Bob,. I am going to Walmart and get these two item Friday. I really appreicate your advice.
Hello again, Bob!
Another great suggestion . . . I have one of those water thiefs. I’ll put it on the Resources page also.
Good to know the water filler is at Wal-Mart. Thank you.
I have a water thief. It’s good when you come across a fresh water spigot that has no threading. I didn’t realize it is why I wasn’t having the back up/spill problem.
Beautiful story about the Herons, Sue. Thanks! Can’t wait to someday camp there myself. We’ve actually purchased a great Travel Trailer–I’m so happy!! Enjoy your cocooning!!
Congratulations! I hope you have many fun adventures and safe travels to new places.
Hi Sue!!!
We’re in Springerville, AZ. Finally got loaded and gone!
Sounds like you’ve got a plugged vent hole. When you’re filling, can you feel air coming out of the vent hole? If not, it’s clogged. The little round plastic screen should pry up and insert a thin ‘something’ down in the hole. Sometimes a blast of water will clear it out.
Agree with Bob Giddings, get the hose extender with the cut off. Chuck
No the vent screen was not plugged, as water was sometimes squirting out of it.
Glad you’re well on your way to Zion…. Safe travel tomorrow.
Sue, As soon as your wrote “I need to cocoon with my book and laptop and this will work fine”, I knew what the BLT reminded me of. A silk worm’s cocoon! I tried to insert a picture of one here, but couldn’t get it to work.
I can see it! The BLT does feel like a cocoon, especially when the weather is bad or it’s cold out and cozy in.
Hi Sue.. glad you are finding the great places to be.. being a hot spring fan i looked up Kaiser Hot Spring… its north,the west turn off after the next bridge.
. http://www.rei.com/guidepost/detail/arizona/hot-springs/kaiser-hot-springs/32032
google earth shows some interesting terrain there, mossy looking cliffs further down river..
aint this amazing traveling thru space and sharing our discovery..
Rand
Lol. Can you really call it a “hot” spring at 99 degrees?:o)
Hi, rand!
Yes, David did call it Kaiser Hot Spring. I couldn’t recall the name. I’m going to go back to the blog entry and put the name in.
Both my directions and your directions are correct (Mine driving south from Wikieup; yours driving north from Wickenburg and Nothing.) I love having this kind of information in my blog for readers. Thank you.
I’d love to see the mossy canyon. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to try it alone with the crew. It’ll have to be a Google experience for me!
Which, is, yes, amazing . ..
I remember doing the hose through the window dance. Now my RV has an outside backflush.
The spring flowers are looking good your way. Like the new diggs.
Ooh, aren’t you fancy with an outside backflush! I’m sorry I didn’t get to see your home. I was in solitude-mode with cattle and horses . . . . Now I regret it! Happens to me all the time.
We will cross paths again.
And it took 17 years of living on the road to get my fancy backflush. 😉
Love the words you ended your blog with…”What a good feeling to always be home no matter where we go.” ….that really is what life is all about! Thanks for reminding me/us!
Hi, Reine,
Before we began living “on the road,” I wondered if I’d feel like I was never at home. I’m happy it’s the opposite. This huge desert and mountains are my home … today, at least!
You made me smile at how you flushed your tank. Yeah, Bob is right, there is a ‘thingie’ meant to slip past the crook in your fresh water filler opening. I got a lot of “cold showers” before some kind camper told me why the fresh water kept ‘burping’ back into my feet! Live and learn. What a thrill to see the desert in bloom. Love reading your adventures.
Hello, Pam!
Well, maybe this blog will prevent others from having to go through the “bubble-back” bath!
One thing I’ve come to love about the West is the way flowers line the roads. I tried to get a photo showing the many colors up and down both sides of this road, but my little digital can’t capture the true effect. It certainly makes dog-walking more interesting.
I love walking off-road in the desert and finding a delicate flower growing in the rocky, tough places.
I’m glad you are reading our “adventures,” and enjoying it.
“bubble back’ bath!!!!!! Love it. This is why we log on at least twice a day! The flowers were great. In case we haven’t said it lately, WE APPRECIATE the work you put into the blog! Woofs and barks from the herd to Bridget and Spike
Chuck n Geri
You’re welcome, Chuck. Thanks for telling me.
The crew and I are on the road today also! As I write this, I’m eating lunch in Seligman, AZ. Gee, if we’d known, could’ve crossed paths with you guys.
We’ll catch up with you eventually… We’ll have a Canine Crew – Hound Herd Reunion.
I
Geri can’t get on wordpress. we’re in Flagstaff tonite aiming for Lees Ferry manana.
This could be a solution to running in and out of the camper. Do it all from the outside
http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-Flush-King/dp/B001FCE7KQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1333718942&sr=8-5
Jim
Thanks,, Jim. Another item for my wish list. I checked the link and the item is no longer in stock at Amazon (at least today it isn’t) and they don’t know when they’ll get more in.
I posted a Camco version on the Resources Page.
I just checked out the Camco version. It looks to be very similar. I used to use a wand to clean the tank, then I found the Flush King and that made life a lot easier. My new camper has a sprayer built in to the tank so I just use the Flush King as a clear fitting to know when my tank is clean.
Jim
Good to know, Jim. Thank you.
The desert flowers are absolutely gorgeous. How do they grow and flourish in such harsh conditions? I think that gives us all hope. Glad that Bob was able to help with the water inlet problem. Give your crew hugs. Stay safe and enjoy every day.
Hi, Karen!
The flowers are a delight. The contrast with the desert environment makes them all the more beautiful. The crew and I walked a stretch of road yesterday evening that was lined with orange flowers on both sides. (Globe mallow, I think they are.) Wish I could have taken a good photo of that.
Bob Giddings has a lot of experience. I knew he, or someone, would have the answer to my water tank fill problem!
You enjoy your days, too!
Your descriptions and pictures are wonderful. I’ve been reading your blog for about a month now and I love it. Since I’m at least 5-6 years away from taking off (have to get the kids out of the house first), I’m living vicariously through your adventures, taking notes of the beautiful locations and great ideas. I hope my cats adapt as well to the life as your crew seems to have. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Hello, Kelly,
I never tire of hearing how someone loves my blog. That gives me a lot of motivation to keep writing!
I wouldn’t worry too much about your cats living as rv vagabonds. There was a time I would’ve thought cats wouldn’t adapt, but I’ve heard and seen so many people travelling successfully with them. And they let them loose and the cats come back! You’ll do fine . . . hang in there, keep your goal in mind and you’ll be there someday! I wish you many happy days ahead, with the kids and after they fly the nest.
I could never trust Spike to come back. He’d hitch a ride with someone with better accomodations and menu!
Spike would never do that!
You have more faith in his loyalty than I do!
Quit picking on Spikey!!!!
I found your web site last night and spent over a hour reading and a couple more today. I love it! The funny thing is I have been looking at Casitas and I found one close to my home which appears to have the same floor plan as yours. I really like these little trailers, but when I started looking for these I thought I would prefer the side dinette opposed to the full rear bed. How did you decide the model you have?
Jeff
Hi, Jeff!
There are several reasons why I chose the Liberty over the Spirit or Freedom.
I eliminated the Freedom because I hate swivel chairs and I certainly don’t need two.
I eliminated the Spirit because I didn’t like the dinette. I don’t need a seat opposite me when eating. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, the Spirit does not feel as “open” as the Liberty. The Spirit has a partition coming out from the wall between the dinette and bed. I didn’t like that. I don’t like a bed being next to a stove.
The Liberty is more flexible in its configurations. You can have a regular, king size or twin bed arrangement. There are no partitions. The stove is up against the front wall.
I saw a Liberty and a Spirit for the first time a few minutes apart. My first reaction upon entering the Liberty was a feeling of openess that I didn’t feel in the Spirit.
Now Spirit owners are going to be mad at me! You asked why I chose a Liberty, and I gave you my honest answer as completely as I can. I’m sure there are Spirit owners who can give a convincing argument for the desirability of the Spirit floor plan!
Good luck figuring out what suits you best!
Thank you so much for your reply, I never thought of the bed situation or traveling solo with a seat that is of no use 99% of the time, great points. Love this blog!
Anothing thing, Jeff — and this is strictly personal behavior — I eat outside most of the time. I try to park in pleasant temps. If I don’t eat at a picnic table, I have my meal or snack sitting in a camp chair enjoying the view! Otherwise I sit at the little “dinette” I have set up at the back of the BLT.
You didn’t say if you’ll be fulltiming or if the Casita is for vacation travel. Utilizing every inch of space is extremely important if fulltiming.
I’ll be posting more interior photos soon which may be helpful.
HI Sue- WX is perfect at Lake…a little wind but 80,s. It settled down and this evening is quite pleasant. Lake is still high because most of the irrigation water is leaving Caballo Lake.
Let me say HI to C&G! Kathy and I screwed up our schedule and didn’t touch base with them…oh well. Wanted to tell Chuck we plan to use IRONMAN to weld an aluminum boat we found on our trip to AZ. The boat must have blown out of someones trailer or truck or something! Anyway, It’s 12′, in almost perfect condition (5″ cut under seat strut), and the MVD/boat dept in AZ said the bow numbers were too old to locate owner! (Yep, rolled through many a town with a boat sticking out 4′ from the bed of the Ranger!) I just happen to have a 4hp Johnson which will fit nicely….life is good!.
Like the day you found your propane tank cover Sue!! LIFE IS GOOD! (You better tell the story again for your new friends on the line.. you could even offer a blog on ‘lost and found’ or what you ‘lose or gain’ on your journeys!). Thanks for the AIR TIME! Cheers, BR and the rest Bye!