Monday, December 5 (continued)
Las Vegas Bay Campground, Lake Mead
This is the third time I’ve camped with my crew at Las Vegas Bay Campground.
Each of those times I’ve been curious about the boondocking area located on the north side of Las Vegas Bay (which is no longer a bay, but never mind that now).
“In you go, Reg. Today is a good day to check out Government Wash!”
Whether Reggie and I will stay in the Las Vegas area much longer, I’m not sure. I don’t want to continue paying $10 a night for a campsite. Government Wash may be an alternative!
The Perfect Tow Vehicle turns toward Overton.
A few miles past the turn for Lake Mead Drive that goes to North Vegas, we arrive at the paved road that takes one to Government Point. At the end of this road is a large parking lot, empty and without purpose, due to the boat ramp extending into dirt. Well, there is a rest room building and a few trash bins. No one is around.
Off to the right is a dirt road.
The sign says “4×4 recommended.” I look ahead at the road winding up and over low hills.
Huh? I wish they wouldn’t put up signs like that unless a 4-wheel drive is required. This road is fine . . . .
We keep going.
At the fork in the road, the PTV goes to the right. Pull-through parking spaces have been scraped along the sides of the road.
It’s nice that they did this . . . Sites are serviceable but not aesthetically pleasing.
You can see one these “campsites” in the foreground of the next photo (The road is on the right of the little pile of dirt).
We backtrack in order to follow the left fork of the road which, at one time, led to a beach. A sliver of Lake Mead water is visible. The lake is no longer easily accessed from Government Wash.
I drive by two tents — their owners not around at the moment — and, in another spot, a Lazy Daze Class C motor home. The covers on the wheels suggest they are here for longer than a day or two.
This camping is free, of course, and subject to a 14-day limit. Usually I’m enthusiastic about such a deal. A barren landscape doesn’t automatically turn me away from a boondock!
Scarcity of neighbors usually is a big attraction for me. However, I’m not interested in camping here. At least not now.
I can’t blame the washboard-y road for my lukewarm reaction.
Lord knows I’ve camped with my crew along some pretty horrible roads and been perfectly happy with our camp. I’ve also discovered that a potential camp location may not seem to have much going for it and then, after giving it a try, it turns out to be a camp we enjoy.
Well, maybe another time, a different season . . . . I’ll take this to mean I’m ready to move us further south . . . .
~ ~ ~
We return to camp and eat lunch.
Reggie plays on the blue mat with his new toy, Duck L’Orange.
Curious about the tree in our campsite, I rummage around in a cabinet inside the Best Little Trailer until I find my copy of A Field Guide to Western Trees: Western United States and Canada
I pick a leaf off the tree and sit in the sunshine at the picnic table comparing the leaf to the illustrations in the guide. I flip through the pages searching for a tree with a white trunk and branches.
Hmm . . . . I wonder if it could be a eucalyptus? It reminds me of the trees we saw at the arboretum in Arizona . . . . Oh, Bridge, I do miss you, honey . . . .
I crush a leaf and hold it to my nose.
Vicks Vapo-rub! Eucalyptus it is!
Several mature specimens grow throughout the campground.
They do add grace and charm to a campsite!
While walking the Reggie Man, I decide we will move camp tomorrow.
Just then, about fifteen Gambel quail scurry across the lane in front of us, making a variety of excited yips, chirps, and squawks as they go. They move so fast I can’t keep them in the camera frame. How delightful they are!
Further along . . . .
Oh my! A road runner! I hold up my camera. I’m not going to miss this!
Later I edit one of the photos to enlarge his face. What a fascinating creature!
I thought that was a roadrunner I heard outside our bedroom window last night . . . .
Another activity of the day is watching the numerous jets on their way to Vegas Airport.
While strolling with Reggie in anticipation of the sunset, I zoom in on one of the jets as it passes high above us.
“We had a good day today, didn’t we, Reg. There’s goes another jet! Let me see if I can catch it in the sunset . . . .”
In the next post:
Reggie and I move south to California!
rvsue
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hello!
HI THERE, KAT AND COOKIE DOG! FIRST AGAIN! 🙂
Oh no Sue I think maybe I am on the computer too much lately..LOL. I added a comment later on about today’s post.
Thanks.
First?
Almost, Dawn. SECOND PLACE TODAY!
Ya’ll stay warm!
HI, GUY! THIRD PLACE!
Reg and I found our new camp to be much warmer yesterday. This morning it’s windy and not as warm. Y’all stay warm, too!
Hello
Hello, Chris! Good to hear from you again… It’s been a while. Hope all is well with you and yours. 🙂
Hi Sue
My oncologist just told me to get a dog and go RVing😊
Whoever said doctors don’t know best!
Yay! Good for you, Ilse! Hit the road! Maybe our paths will cross and I can ignore you again.
BTW, I’m wearing my blue socks. 🙂
Ilse,
Sounds like you have a wonderful oncologist! You better follow his directions. Yesterday one of my specialist doctors again told me to keep hunting for an rv and go travel (South in the winter). I already have Cookie-Dog so he didn’t need to tell me that part. I think we both have a great doctor!
Smart man! Go for it!
Happy to say the smart man is a woman!
That sounds like really good news. I can’t wait til mine tells me that – mine is a she as well.
When that day comes, you won’t need any persuading! Hi, Kathy!
Good morning Sue and Reggie man
Love your stories,I look forward to them every week.
I travel full time but have not been brave enough to boon dock.
Maybe next year.
Geneva
Hi, Geneva!
I was pleased to see you appear here again recently. I looked up your old comments — You’ve camped in southern AZ, CA and along the Oregon coast. Still enjoying the full-time life?
Wow I can’t wait to see sites, even barren ones like Grandfather’s Wash. Not sure I would want to stay there. Love the beauty of twisted old eucalyptus trees. Perfect name for Reggie’s new toy! How do you think of all those great names? Thanks for another interesting post. Off to check out Amazon through you link….
Naming Reggie’s toys… Hmmm . . . The easiest one to name was Your Baby. Actually Reggie named that one…”Go get your baby” and that’s the one he gets.
Have fun shopping at Amazon (oh, happy me)!
One of our Chloe’s toys is a stuffed kitty. She has purple piggy, cowie, etc. last night my husband was playing with her & said “get the cat”. She ran over & jumped on the real one, much to his surprise. You can imagine a sleeping cat being awakened by a black lab wanting to play. I think we need to change the stuffed kitty’s name to something else 😋4
Hi rvsue, if you are ever in the san fernando valley and need a place to park your rig, let me know. No charge, it would be my pleasure to thank you for your posts. Big yard reg could run around in. Noone, including me, would intrude on you privacy
How very kind and thoughtful of you, Nancy. I decided a long time ago not to accept invitations to camp with readers. Thank you for the invitation. Your place does sound nice!
Usually by the time I see a post there’s so many comments I don’t bother. Today I’ll say Hi and I’m still enjoying reading even if I seldom comment.
Hi, Linda,
Oh, please don’t let the number of comments keep you from joining in. The more, the merrier! Thanks for letting me know you’re still reading my blog. Maybe next time you can stay longer and we blogorinos will chat for a while. 🙂
That bird outside your bedroom window, I have to ask this: did it go “meep meep”?
Hi, Pat…
No, it was a three-syllable call. I’m going to click on the link in this post and see if I can find a recording of what I heard. Meant to do that anyway…. I’ll be back…
LATER: Okay, I went to the site, clicked on the “sound” tab, and listened to the recordings (fun!). The closest one to what I heard is the “coo growl” at the bottom, although that one is 4-syllables. I’m not so sure what I heard was a roadrunner after hearing these recordings. I was quite certain it was a ground bird. This was at 3 in the morning.
BTW, I love the coo of a roadrunner… the way it fades…
Meep meep is what Wyle coyote’s nemisis says!
I know. 🙂
Hi sue….
Are there a lot of campgrounds that are free for seniors?
Have the card for 50 percent discount federally
Thank you
What number?
Hi, Ken Canada! Welcome!
There aren’t a lot of campgrounds that are free for seniors. ( I define a campground as a place for camping that has designated sites, usually numbered.) There are a lot of campgrounds that are inexpensive when you have that Golden Age pass, making the camp fee half-price. I’m talking ($5 – $10) range for seniors. Of course, fees are being raised as we speak, but there are still places with good deals. We recently camped at Ponderosa Grove in Utah where the regular fee is $5 so I paid $2.50 a night. Sweet.
There are vast areas of public lands where you can camp for free, usually with a 14-day limit. Grandfather Wash is such a place, as is Poverty Flats where we camped recently. Read my old posts (and future ones) and you will come across several free camps I’ve enjoyed with my crew.
I’m not sure what you’re asking with “What number?” Let me know and I’ll answer. 🙂
Hey girl. You are right, you can do better than the barren landscape you are in. If it gets windy it will turn into a dust storm, no fun in that.
Eucalyptus are nice but are prone to dropping limbs for no reason. So they are also referred to as widow makers. So watch out. 🙂
Getting close to going to El Paso. Weather here is a bit colder and windier than I was led to believe. Cold is not so bad but the wind just drives it thru you and makes it unbearable , even Scamper will only go out for a few minutes.
Well enjoy
Hi, Alan,
So true about wind. Cold air that is dry is tolerable, even enjoyable with plenty of sunshine, if there is no wind. Today we’re experiencing similar wind to yours and even Reggie would rather stay inside, like your Scamper. (“Pets as thermometers”).
We didn’t camp at Grandfather Wash. I don’t want to say it’s a bad place to camp. Another time I might have a more positive reaction. If someone wants to “do” Vegas without spending money for camping, Grandfather Wash fits. The casinos are only minutes away . . ..
I didn’t know that about eucalyptus trees. Good to know.
One of the great things about Las Vegas Bay Campground is how tidy it is kept. When they trim the poisonous oleander bushes, they don’t leave any branches lying around for dogs to chew on. The trees are trimmed regularly of any dead or dying branches. Everything is well-watered with an in-ground system so the plants are healthy and thriving.
I’ve heard that cottonwoods can be “widow-makers” also. A reader told me that a long time ago when I camped under one in Wyoming I think it was.
Yes, El Paso will be a welcome change after cold with wind…
Welcome to Califorina,Sue and Reggie,
I hope it’s warmer than Northern California. I’m watching big snowflakes fall.
Snowing where you are, eh? Nope, no snow here. Thanks for the welcome, Marilu.
Great photo of the roadrunner! And eucalyptus trees! Who would have thought!
Thanks, Pamela, re the roadrunner pic.
While walking around the campground I asked another camper if he knew what kind of trees they are (This was before I got out my field guide). He didn’t know for sure. He said they looked like an ash or possibly eucalyptus, although not the same as the many eucalyptus he’s seen in California…
THIS IS WEIRD. A message appeared on my computer notifying me that my blog has received 20 “likes.” I didn’t know there was a way to “like” my blog. Anyone know where/how this is happening? Thank you in advance for letting me know.
I did a FB search for “RVSue” and didn’t find anything terribly recent. However, I was truly amazed at how often people have mentioned you and your blog! You have touched a lot of people’s lives. <3
Thanks, Kristi, for checking that. Since I haven’t signed up to Facebook I’m not allowed entry and cannot check such things for myself.
Hi Sue, since you write your blog in WordPress, anyone that reads and follows blogs from their WordPress account has the option of “liking” your post. So it’s probably a WordPress thing, not a FB thing.
I see. I don’t like that people can “like” my posts. Most people are lazy about things such as this. If they can tap on a “like” button, they’re less likely to write a comment. Darn! I work hard to build comments! I want lots of blogorinos!
Thanks, Steve, for WRITING. 🙂
🙂
Another beautiful cover photo. 🙂 While reading, I know I have a little smile on my face–but as Reggie’s face comes into view on the last photo, then I know I’m grinning from ear to ear. That would make a perfect photo to pin up in trailer.
Thank you regarding the header photo. It’s the sunrise as seen from our door at Las Vegas Bay.
I’m glad that Reggie’s photo gave you a grin. 🙂
Nice post Missy. Some “right purty pictures too”. I looked earlier thinkin maybe I could make it to top ten but alas, not to be for ole tail end Jim. Doesn’t matter first or last I am here and will be. I had a health scare, it’s better now though. Three spots on my lung. I took a cat scan and two of the three are no problem and they want another scan in three months on the third. Probably it will be okay. Quit smoking in ’89 but smoked for 40 years. Anyhow you and Reggie keep ’em turning…
Hi, Jim,
Thank you for not telling us about your health scare right away! How awful for you and Detta! The doctors must not be too concerned about the third spot since they are waiting another three months for a scan. It’s probably mucus in your lung. My father had a similar scare and that’s what it turned out to be.
You’ll always be in The Top Ten with me, Jim. 🙂
First?
Well, not quite. Good try though, Vicky! 🙂
Hi sue….
Are there a lot of campgrounds that are free for seniors?
Have the card for 50 percent discount federally
Thank you
Do you live in your trailer all year?
Hi again, Ken Canada,
I replied to some of your comment above (scroll up). But I did not answer your last question.
Yes, I live in my trailer (the Best Little Trailer aka BLT) all year long. I’ve lived in it, traveling the western states, for over 5 years. I love it!
Here’s a link if you’d like to read my blog from the beginning:
https://rvsueandcrew.com/2011/04/21/a-sixty-something-woman-living-alone-fulltime-in-a-17-foot-fiberglass-egg-on-wheels-with-two-dogs/
I think that last pic of Reggie is one of your best. He is certainly a very lucky little guy! Our girls – Carly & Sadie – are 12 and showing their age. 🙁 Despite having a tub of toys, I happen to know that Santa Dog will be bringing them each a new toy. For those of you who may not know, Santa Dog rides along in Santa’s sleigh and gives toys/treats to good dogs, defined as those who don’t bark at Santa. At least that’s what I used to tell my kids – LOL!
As I pulled into the parking lot at work this morning, Karen Carpenter’s rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” came on the radio. I sat there and just listened. What a beautiful voice she had – sad that she was lost so young. At any rate, wherever you are on the 25th, it will be “Home for Christmas” – I hope you enjoy it!!
Well, Carly and Sadie…. Have you been naughty or nice? Santa Dog will know! 🙂
“I’ll Be Home for Christmas”…. such bittersweet lyrics… kind of like “Blue Christmas” which Elvis did so well.
Hi Sue
Hi, Chaunte!
Nice post Sue!
Thanks, Kevin!
Beep! Beep! Love the picture & close up.
Hi, Sandy! If you haven’t clicked the link to listen to the roadrunner recordings, I encourage you to do so…. 🙂
Some lovely photos, Sue! Wishing you well on your move south to California. We have snow here in MO today.
Thank you, Sharon…. Enjoy the first snowfalls of the season!
What a colorful Duck L’Orange and Reggie sure is enjoying it. That’s a favorite of ours, to get a new toy and watch Maggie and Mica enjoying it. They never tire of the fun. One thing that I noticed is that ours enjoy squeaky toys. Could be the predator part of them.
Same with Reggie…. I notice he ignored the one toy I gave him that didn’t have a squeaker. I gave it to Sadie, the german shepherd at Cedar Pocket, and she tried to give it to another dog who didn’t want it. Definitely a loser toy! Ha!
Mine like the squeaky toys, but only, I think, to see how fast they can dig the squeakys out. Then we lost a lovely 2 year old girl when she swallowed a squeaky and it got stuck. Long story. I still buy them, but I pick the squeaky up and trash it as soon as I see it. Another favorite is the toys with an empty pop bottle inside. They make lovely noise!
How terrible you lost a pup that way! I don’t think I’ve ever come across the empty pop bottle kind. I’ll look for it…
We use a water bottle in those toys – they’re a bit softer and thus creak and crackle more satisfyingly – ha!
I like the new look of your blog. At least I think it’s new. Great blog, as always.
Thanks for the positive feedback, Annette. I’ve been having fun changing the header photo. The rest is the same. 🙂
Great pictures Sue. I love the picture of the Road Runner, I spent some time living in Texas camping in New Mexico and I always loved seeing them they are totally fascinating. Hope you and the Reg stay warm, follow the Sun, safe travels.
Cheryl
They are fascinating! Every time one appears I smile or giggle. There’s something about them that makes me feel good.
Thanks, Cheryl, re the photos and for the wish for our warmth and safety. Same to you!
Incredible cover picture!!! All the pictures were great but Reggie with the orange duck are so cute. The eucalyptus tree is interesting and very pretty.
Looking forward to seeing the next camp
Love you!!!!!
I love you, too, Pauline. You and the entire Mississippi family….I hope everyone is well.
How do you manage to make a quiet day, in the middle of nowhere so interesting?!!! You have a gift 🙂 Love your new header photo and what a great catch of the roadrunner. Glad Reggie is keeping your spirits up with his antics.
Well, the BF and Juno ran into some issues after making the border and staying over night at the truck stop. Fortunately there are road angels – a nice man in a big RV got him back on the road and he headed back to Denver to have it looked at closer. Nothing too serious. Looks like that battery problem is a bad (or dirty) alternator diode (apparently that can drain the battery – and did the perfectly good new one) and he had a spark plug start misfiring on him. Puts the schedule back a little (I know, we are RVing now, right – what schedule?) but we’re thinking of it as a dry run to blow out and shake things out.
Thanks to the road angel if you follow RVSue’s blog!
Yes, a Big THANK YOU to RV road angels everywhere! I’m sorry you’ve had these problems with Juno, although it is good to find out now, rather than later. Thanks, Dawn, for the kind words about my posts and the header photo.
Eucalyptus also have shallow roots where the entire tree will go! The scrunching and smell.. Bridgee’s way of saying she’s with you! Ar bor ree tum! We all miss her too! Little things that make us remember our departed companions. I was wondering if you still had her chariot and how that would twang my heart!
DUck L Orange looks like he’s from the Haight Ashbury! The stuffingless toys sometimes are made to insert the empty water bottle! Crunches LOUD!
Stay warm and enjoy your evening!
Oh, now I get it… The toys without stuffing are for water bottles. And here I was picking them up and thinking, what a dumb toy.
Reminders of Bridget are everywhere. Thank you for missing her, too. I used to keep her car on the bench seat next to her, folded up, of course. The sight of it every time I opened the side door would give me a pang of sadness. That’s one of the reasons I unloaded the PTV while at Poverty Flats… so I could pack Bridget’s car behind the bench seat, out of view. Little things like that stir memories…
Like walking Reggie around Las Vegas Bay Campground. He stopped to poop by the dumpster. Something about Bridget that I had forgotten came rushing to my mind. When we first started full-timing, we didn’t have solar. You may remember how we camped at Elephant Butte for the hookups. Bridget noticed that I always scooped up her poop with a small bag meant for that purpose and I would dump that bag in the dumpster. From then on she always pooped by the dumpster, as if it were her own “vault toilet.” I don’t know if she did that to be helpful or if the sight of the dumpster had her bowels going “Time to move it on out!”
Anyway, I look at a dumpster and all that floods my mind. You describe the feeling well… a “twang” of the heart.
You enjoy your evening, too. Wishing you a spectacular Arizona sunset…
When I lost my Cerbie, many years ago now – I didn’t wash the insides of my car windows for months and months so I would still have his puppy smuutz with me. It hurt, but was good, too. Heartfelt hugs.
That’s so sad, Dawn, and poignant. It’s hard to let go.
Heard rumors today that the senior pass ( golden age) will be phased out this year and seniors will have to buy the America the beautiful pass instead and said price will be &80. Too bad
Hi, Joyce . . . . I hope it’s just a rumor. Do you remember where you heard it?
Nothing on the net. America The Beautiful pass is for non seniors and costs $80.00 a year. But there is nothing on any Federal site saying that the Senior Pass is being terminated
Yes, I confused the issue using the phrase America the Beautiful. I’ll remove that from my previous comment. Thanks, Alan.
Hi there Sue and Reg
Dry Lake Bed in Boulder City is free camping and out past Nelsons Landing there is free camping and out by the river also free camping.
I wished I’d known about that. Too late for me to check that out now. We moved out of the area yesterday. Thanks anyway, Tammie. Maybe a reader will take advantage of the information.
Welcome to California!! I don’t think I would have camped at Grandfather Wash either – nothing looked very inviting to me. The header photo was lovely and I loved that last photo of the Reginator. He looks like he’s thinking, “Don’t even think about trying to take this Duck L’Orange away from me!”
I get a kick out of the way Reggie gets so full of himself from beating up one of his toys. He gets that “look.” Thanks for the welcome, Cynthia!
I got out my Benchmark atlas to locate “Grandfather Wash” per your description, and could only find “Government Wash” in that location….Are they one and the same?
Loved the photos of the roadrunners, and the last one of Reggie is priceless!
Oh, for heaven’s sake… It IS Government Wash! Where the heck did I get Grandfather Wash? I’m losing my mind. Thanks, cc. I’ll change it.
Thanks, I had just written Grandfather Wash where I thought n should be in my Benchmark, LOL!
“Oh, Bridge, I do miss you, honey”
Sniff……………….sigh.
Love the new top photo, it’s like someone turned the lights on.
Someone did. 🙂
Your tenderness toward Bridget has always touched me, Rick.
Hi Sue,
We have been so incredibly busy it has been crazy. Great pictures and I love the journey. Looking forward to California! Take care!
Nice that you took the time to stop in, Jolene!
We spent a week at Government Wash last March. We loved it. There is a trail down to the water and we did some kayaking there. There were about 20 others there at that time. The restrooms and garbage in the empty parking lot are kind of creepy but handy to have.
Hi, Lorne,
I’m glad to see your comment about Government Wash because you make the point I tried to express. I meant for my post to indicate that although Government Wash doesn’t appeal to me now, it could at another time of year or at another time in my life.
Pretty pics as always. Good catch with the photo of the roadrunner. I tried that when I was in Texas for hours and never did get a good photo. My zoom lens wasn’t good enough and by gosh they are fast! New toy for Reggie-Yay!
They are a tough bird to photograph. This one in my photos was moving all the time, turning his head.
Your sweet thoughts of Bridget are wonderful! I ran across a photo yesterday of
DoogieBowser and it was so good to see him. I really miss him, but Tater is a sweet old man and happy to finally be home! But those dogs sure are missed and they were well loved!
DoogieBowsers favorite toy was one of those “empty” critters! We called it “Flat Rat” and Doogie carried it around everywhere! We bought it for him because every toy he had, he would tear all the stuffing out and I got tired of picking it up all over the the RV. He actually liked the flat rat better than the stuffed one.
Loved the road runner photo! I do miss the birds of the western states but we have so many birds here! Squadrons of pelicans, sometimes 7 or more passing overhead is always a treat. One day. Chuck and I actually saw 4 bald eagles! FOUR! So I will always have memories of the birds out west, I am enjoying the birds we have here also.
Sent you an email with a photo… does it eat up a lot of your allotment to open photos from your email?
Take care, keep warm and remember … two folks in Florida miss and love you!
Hi, Geri,
You and Chuck did love DoogieBowser very much. He was family. I know you must miss him terribly. “Flat Rat” is funny!
Isn’t it surprising how graceful pelicans look in flight? They make a v formation and seem to float in the sky. You make me want to go to the Salton Sea again!
Yes, I got the photos of Santa Claus Chuck. He really does look like Santa to me! Real beard! Real twinkle in his eyes! I meant to reply to your email and then it was lost in a bunch of others. Thanks for sending the photos. I don’t know if they take a lot of data or not. I don’t care if they do… The pics are worth it!
Aw… I miss you, too…. Love to y’all… Hugs to Radar and Tater…
Hi, y’all!! Love the new header pic. You’ve got a great eye for composition.
Thanks for bird and boy (Reg) pics, too. So neat.
You’re welcome, Virginia. It’s nice to have my photos enjoyed and appreciated. Thanks for the compliment. 🙂
Hi Sue snd Reggie. Loved Bridget! Must be so hard for you. She still makes me laugh when I think about old posts.The one when she rode in the front seat with man in golf cart ( camp host I think) and put her paw on his leg. She was such a sweet girl! Happy Holidays to you and Reggie!
Hi, Kelley,
Sweet of you to remember Bridget riding in the golf cart. That was a campground volunteer in Oregon. He specifically asked if Bridget could sit on the seat next to him. She seemed to understand that she had been chosen (and not Reggie).
Bridget loved riding… in the PTV, in the umbrella stroller, in her fancy car, and in that golf cart. I’m so glad I captured her feelings in a photo for the blog. Thanks for bringing that memory to mind.
Happy Holidays to you, too, Kelley.
Don’t forget about Telephone Cove just North of Laughlin. My brother stays there each winter for a couple weeks. Quiet weekdays. Families come in on weekends. Right on the water. Thanks for your blog. Have a Merry Christmas.
You’re welcome and Merry Christmas to you, too, Stan. Thanks for the suggestion. We didn’t go that way, but I’ve stored the information for the future. 🙂
Love your road runner photos. Every time I visit AZ, my goal is to see a roadrunner. All of the schools are closed in Oregon 12/8 due to a snow and ice forecast. Love to you and Reggie
Hi, Jo,
I’m late responding to some of the comments. I hope the snow and ice didn’t cause you any problems!
Thanks re the roadrunner pics. 🙂
Hi Sue and Blogerinos,
This week I was able to hook up with a friend of mine for lunch who works six months a year as a NP Ranger in the Olympic NP in Washington. During her off season she winters in Tucson with her sister. We usually manage to see each other several times while she’s in my neck of the woods.
The point of me sharing this with all of you is that during the course of our conversation she hinted at the strong possibility that the lifetime $10 senior pass available to US citizens age 62+ will no longer be sold, perhaps beginning as early as Jan 1, 2017. The pass will still be available for the normal fee of $80 annually but the deep senior discount will be history and the price may even be raised to $100 annually. This is the pass which grants the card holder free admission to all the national parks, national monuments, national wild life and conservation areas, and national recreation areas plus a 50% discount on federally managed campgrounds within these areas and our national forest campgrounds. The pass is also recognized by the BLM and COE.
Now, I have heard of this news before but the bill to make the changes was sitting in the wings of congress waiting for approval and it didn’t seem likely that any action would happen soon. Well, that is no longer the case. The bill has been passed by the House of Representatives and it has been presented to the Senate and is awaiting approval before congress breaks for the holidays. If approved, it could easily be signed by POTUS and in effect as we go forward into the new year.
If anyone has considered obtaining this pass and put it off, now would be a good time to reconsider the purchase. Purchases made before the new law comes into effect will continue to be a bonus for seniors. Just $10 for a lifetime benefit vs a rate of $80-$100 annually. More costly admissions and fees to use our public lands has already been seen and I guess the one outstanding benefit to enjoy these places at a reduced cost will be greater also. How sad.
The pass can be purchased at national parks, local offices of BLM , COE, USFS, and some of the wild life and recreation areas. It’s available on line also but it does cost more there and then there is the wait to have the application processed and the pass to be mailed. Proof of your residency and age is required no matter where you purchase the pass. Ask Google to help you find out more about the application process for the Senior Interagency National Parks and Federal Recreational Areas Pass and where you can secure one in your area. Many times the offices selling the passes are in urban areas so there may be one closer to you than you think.
I just wanted to get this news out there as I think it is a true bargain in today’s world. Why, I bet dinner at the Golden Arches would cost you more than this lifetime pass! It’s just too good to pass up if you are eligible.
This concludes my Public Service Announcement and I thank the management and its affiliates of this broadcasting platform for the opportunity to present the afore mentioned matter. I now return you to the regular agenda for your continued entertainment and pleasure.—Audrey
2 places online with articles about this said to purchase the senior pass within the week because after that the new legislation about it will likely be in effect.
USGS-the site for: America the Beautiful the Nations Parks and Federal Lands Pass
store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html
https://store.usgs.gov/senior.html
Ones 62 and older can purchase the senior pass there for $20, or use their site locations link, scroll down until your state and a location near you is shown, then buy the pass for $10 there soon.
Sue, feel free as always to edit or delete this for any reason, such as it may not be something you want started here or it’s repetitive.
P.S. the addresses I typed aren’t links. Those that have the Golden or Senior Pass already, like yours, Sue, unless things change in the future, will continue to get the life long free entrance day use or half off camping fees .
Arrgghh! I won’t be 62 until May, 2017! I have been planning to hit a nearby national park *on* my birthday to get the pass, but looks as though I’m going to miss out. 🙁
🙁
Hi Sue and Reggie!
Great header pic and REALLY GREAT RoadRunner pic! WOW, you’re quick with your camera!
There is a boat in our park named ‘Ms B’ and I think of Bridgett each time I walk by. We, like you, really miss those that have passed over the Rainbow Bridge.
Stay warm! Chuck
Hi, Chuck,
How sweet that you remember our Ms. B. on your walk. I know you ache, too, for your precious Doogie.
Loved the Santa Claus photos!
I’ve been reading your past blogs and am inspired by your adventures. I am hoping to be full timing by next June so I’m reading all I can that is written by full-timers. Yours is one of my favorites, so far.
Thank-you. I look forward to future posts. See you on the road.
You’re welcome, Janis, and thank you for naming my blog as one of your favorites. Congratulations on the decision to full-time! I hope my blog helps you plan and prepare for the new life…
Always such lovely stories and photos. I do enjoy the way you seem to know yourself and if you are scouting out other locations and they don’t appeal to you, you still pay attention to the fact that you were looking and that it might have some significance.
I’ve got to do some catching up on your blog. My sister nearly convinced me to ditch the nomad life in favor of living in Carson Valley. I do love the area but I want to travel. I may, however, delay my retirement by 2 months just so I can stealth camp and pocket all my earnings so that my savings gets some extra padding. Or I may do 1 week of that and say “to heck with this!” 🙂
Ooooo…stealth camping. You are quite brave. I like the idea of “extra padding”.
Whatever you decide to do, Lori, I wish you success and happiness. Of course, I’m a cheerleader for full-timing and travel!
Thank you for your kind words about me, my stories, and my photos.
GOOD AFTERNOON, BLOGORINOS!
The news about the cost of the Senior Discount Pass (Golden Age) increasing is disheartening. At least once you purchase the pass, the discount remains the same as explained in comments above. Thanks to Joyce for alerting us! Thanks also to Audrey (Nivrapa) and to weather for providing timely information and links regarding this issue.
Another reminder…. If you are 62 years old or older (or if your 62nd birthday is this week), make haste to a forest service office and buy the pass for $10, before the price goes up. Tell your eligible friends and family who may not be interested in the vagabond life but could be interested in visiting national parks sometime in the future.
Reggie and I broke camp and have been on the road again this morning. We have arrived at our new camp which pleases us both very much. I need to complete the setting up of our home. Please feel welcome to add your comments, ask and answer questions, and help keep conversations going. Thank you! Talk to ya’ later!
Sue
After a very time consuming search I found a site
nps.gov/subjects/centennial/nps-centennial-act.htm
Again, that’s not a link
with a transcript of the bill. Sec.602 Comparable Pass Cost for Seniors says they changed only the wording from $10 to National parks and Federal Lands pass , then added
Distribution of age discount fees for National Park Service-any amounts above $10 that are collected by the national park service for the purchase of lifetime pass by seniors 62 years of age or older shall be deposited in the National Park Service Second Century Fund.
To me it appears the wording was changed for clarity, and that the any amounts above $10 clause was included ONLY in case of future increases. I think the original intent of those proposing the bill was to have money from our pass purchases to be used for the Century Fund, that it’s just one of many ways they found to cover the expenses needed for the programs the bill would introduce to improve the parks and further education about them.
Obviously, I could be interpreting what I read wrong , or those alarmed read it wrong. They didn’t mention the source of their information. I hope to buy my own pass within a few days, road conditions here permitting. So clearly, I’m not entirely convinced that my take on this is correct. To be clear, though, my take at the moment is this may be much ado about nothing, and I don’t want to be responsible for dismaying folks unnecessarily.
Well, Weather…tis a good idea to be on the safe side…and with all the changes before us…even under this administration still…let’s see, aren’t those last minute things referred to as “lame Duck”…any rate, I feel like one of the goals has been to put as much as possible on the backs of those in our age group…those getting too old to work anymore. I have been looking for a better sewing machine…found one for almost $1k but it does occur to me I might HAVE to sew for extra money if things keep going up so much…or if a family member ends up needing much help…and one never knows. I know a lady in this area who makes GOBS of quilts…they are retired…and she even has a long arm machine and HER HUSBAND works that one!! I have considered such myself…with Hubby helping…don’t want him getting bored now do we? Ha…it is beastly cold here now. Our heat bill will be huge this month…but though we let it go quite cold once we are in bed…still you have to have it up some so as not to fall ill. Oh well…probably it will warm up again ere long. Snow has been predicted but not fallen yet. I like it when we can stay home!! Hope you are doing well…
Stay warm, Elizabeth!
It is amazing how costly the sewing machines that quilt, embroider, and such. They are mini computers. Several months ago I was shopping at Joann Fabrics, and stopped to admire one of the Cadillac machines, as it was working on an appliqué. The machine rep noticed, and gave me a mini overview of what the machine could do. At the end, she told me the price: $13,000! I was floored! I told her that was the price of a decent used car!
Good luck with your sewing machine search. I do not sew, but admire those who have the talent and patience to do so! My maternal grandma was a wonderful seamstress – so talented! My paternal grandma knitted beautifully – tiny sweaters and matching little caps with the most delicate, fine gauge yarns, for me and my sisters when we were babies. 🙂
Sending you a warm hug. 🙂
I am guilty of consuming sewing machines and can tell you there are better places to buy if you are careful. That $13000 would be half that at my dealer. Rep there told me they like volume do keep prices down. They give good support and service as well. I did sell lots of quilts and have bought several machines from him and even upgrade with tech from time to time. Just last month I bought 2. Gave my old Mach to my dau and bought her another as well when I upgraded my own. There are ways by buying multiple to get them even cheaper. Last quilt was appraised at $2000 so if you have a market …… looking for ways to get Mach in motor home Need power. My dealer has a treadle that zigzags and has some stitches also and am very tempted. It will be gone probably before I have courage to remove the bed I did remove the bathroom wall last month If GS doesn’t use bed I may next year. I removed the couch and put in a big recliner. The more expensive Mach are easier to run. Thinks for you. Lol
Thanks Denise and Joyce for your remarks!! I am not sure what to do yet…but I will keep your thoughts in mind!! I have spent $500 a few times for a used one…I am partial to Berninas, the older ones,..but this last one has never run like my others that are that exact type and style (830)…so I wonder if it was some copy made in some 3rd world country?? I had not heard that treadles can be bought with zigzag (what brand??) … wonderful…the one I have does not, but it will stitch backward so you can make machine knots…sitting in storage in NC right now…heh…if only we could decide to settle someplace. I absolutely LOVE how my treadle works…it is a Chinese copy of old ones like my Grandma had…it is even in a nice cabinet…we got it many years ago…maybe in the 1990s…and I have not used it a lot…kind of SAVING it for if/when we maybe live where electricity is not always available. I feel for sewing on quilts the stitches on it could not be had on any other. So smooth and so perfect…that is what I mainly used it for. Heh, takes some exercise to get the foot pedal learned and going…but how perfect for living off grid like Sue and others do…even for taking outside to sew in daylight…in good weather…wouldn’t that be fun?? (Heh so long as no birds flew over it!!)
You know both online and in shops and stores there are lovely classes to learn to sew, if one wanted to do so Denise. My favorite quilt patterns are so simple…squares and rectangles…I have not gotten into doing anything else really. All the quilts I made for grandkids were on a Irish Chain pattern…which is all squares. The largest one I ever made was a queen sized, extra long, jean quilt from mostly all the jeans I saved from my son’s childhood. Now 18 years later, it goes on their bed in winter (in NC) and it weighed 35 pounds when done. I tied that one…and just stitched the edges of it. I had SO MUCH fun making it. I was able by playing a long time on my basement floor, to get it made with many patterns in those squares, all by color of jeans…depending on how you look at it, in a basic 9 patch design. But no more jeans that size… nearly took out my shoulder making that one.
Lovely you had such talented grandmas…mine too. I cannot knit, no patience for that one, though I have a daughter who is magnificent at it. I can crochet however, making my own patterns up sometimes. I like that because it helps with my arthritis in my arms and hands if I do it a few times a week…and because you can catch your mistakes so quick. One grandson learned mostly on youtube…after I got him started with the basics….youtube is lovely!! And I read that knitting anyway helps to heal up the brain from emotionally traumatic events…I feel crochet does as well. And with some of the events of my life, I so need that. It is a such a lovely way to “get in the zone”…plus making useful things too. Have made and gave away many baby blankets. Think of it…this is a way to take something evil and make good of it!! I am always looking for ways to do that in my life.
You can’t take this out side lol. Janome made the zigzag treadle for a while but no longer. You yhave to find it used. This one was at go janome dealers. They sell them mainly to the Amish community. They are a head only no base and they put them on the old antique bases that the head is no longer available and maybe even the cabinet gone. But those old cast iron bases are still there with the treadle intact. This dealer took all those he could find and restores them base head etc. any piece. He won’t have this long. As soon as it warms up here in MO he will put it out on the sidewalk for view and it will be gone if an Amish lady doesn’t come in before then.
Good morning, Elizabeth!
Hope you are having a good day, Sue…snow has almost all melted now by midday, from last night. Because of awful drivers in this area, I am glad to see it go…but so nice seeing so much on mts on east and west!! LOVELY!! It has warmed up here…only 38 degrees!! ha…
So nice, always, to hear from you ,Elizabeth 🙂 ! I’ll respond to your comment another time. I need to do something else right now.
It’s difficult to know what is going on. I agree with you about buying a pass right away. Thanks for spending the time to search for news of this bill, weather.
Rather than possibly missing the chance to get the senior pass I did go buy one today. It was a nice four hour round trip because a friend that wanted a pass, too, drove.
Sue, I considered offering the time spent searching the web for info and time on the road as the reason I still haven’t commented on this post. Honestly, despite how much as I enjoyed it, I just find it hard to write when tears blur my vision.
….Oh, Bridge, I do miss you, honey….
hugs, friend, n’nite
Hugs to you, too, weather. Our sadness when missing those we love is stitched together in a quilt of friendship. I hope you slept well and woke refreshed.
Beautiful imagery and response, thanks, Sue-for those and for the hope.
Good morning, Sue, Reggie, and all the blogorinos!
I hope everyone has a good day! 🙂
Sending you and Reggie love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Good morning to you, too, Denise and Gracie pup! Thanks for the love and hugs!
Good morning everyone! I am so glad that it is FRIDAY! I plan on cleaning, going to the movies and sleeping late snuggled up to my kitties. What are ya’lls plans for the weekend?
Good morning, Dawn! Happy Weekend!
http://www.westernslopenofee.org/
HOUSE PASSES BILL TO RAISE SENIOR PASS PRICE FROM $10 TO $80. SENATE POISED TO FOLLOW.
December 6, 2016 – Today in the lame duck session of Congress, the House passed by unanimous consent a bill (HR 4680) that will eliminate the $10 lifetime Senior Pass (formerly Golden Age Pass) which has been available to citizens and permanent residents age 62 and older since 1965.
Instead, the lifetime pass will be set to track with the price of the annual America the Beautiful Pass. That price is currently $80 but can be changed at any time by the federal land management agencies, without further legislation.
A companion bill in the Senate (S 2257) contains the same provision. Both bills have bipartisan support so they are likely to be enacted, and quickly. This legislation could be on the President’s desk by the end of the week, where it will probably be signed and would take effect immediately.
While there have been a multitude of bills introduced (and programs authorized) aimed at giving new groups free or reduced-cost access to the public lands – 4th Graders, military families, those with disabilities, veterans, volunteers – it is difficult to understand why Congress has taken this opportunity to reduce a long-standing benefit to seniors. It is being done in the guise of celebrating the centennial of the National Park Service. Why making the Parks more expensive to visit constitutes a “celebration” is a mystery. All of the increase in revenue will flow to the National Park Service. Although these are billed as “interagency” passes, the Forest Service, BLM, Fish & Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers, which are required to sell and honor the passes, will see none of the increase.
BENEFITS
The benefits of the Senior Pass include entrance to all National Parks and Wildlife Refuges that charge entrance fees, for the passholder and everyone accompanying them in the same vehicle. Where an NPS unit or a Refuge charges a per-person fee, the passholder can bring in three companions age 16 or older. (Those under age 16 are free anyway.) The Senior Pass also covers Standard Amenity Fees at most Forest Service, BLM, Bureau of Reclamation, and Army Corps of Engineers sites, among them the Red Rock Pass in Sedona, the White Mountain National Forest parking pass in New Hampshire, the Northwest Forest Pass in Washington/Oregon, and the Adventure Pass in southern California. In addition, Senior passholders are entitled to a 50% discount on campground fees for the site they occupy, including any younger friends and family members who accompany them.
These benefits are grandfathered- (and grandmothered-) in for existing passholders. So if you have attained the age of 62 and have not yet purchased your lifetime Senior Pass, you should do it THIS WEEK. Passes are sold at National Parks, Forest Service, BLM and Bureau of Reclamation offices, National Wildlife Refuges, and Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites. Your pass is good for the rest of your life unless lost or stolen. Many people buy an extra to keep in a safe place. Doing so at this time is something to consider because buying a replacement in the future could cost you much more.
Thank you very much, Marilyn!
I also advise memorizing your pass number (and writing it down somewhere) in case you lose your card.
You are welcome Sue.
Your suggestion to memorize the card number and obtain, secure and safely store an additional card is good $10 investment. I just took a photo (a selfie holding mine) it’s almost like a mug shot. Ha!
Hope you are warmer in CA than we are here in Northern AZ…burr.
Thanks again, Marilyn, for helping us understand the card situation.
Senior Pass:
What if my pass is lost, stolen, or damaged?
If a pass is lost or stolen, you will need to buy another one.
If a pass is damaged, it can be replaced as long as a portion of the pass is identifiable and you show proper identification.
Good to know, David. Thank you!
Nancy S. Indiana 5
Your story about your lab getting ‘Kitty’ is one of the best ever. I had a belly laugh on that one and trusting he wasn’t injured from the encounter.
Hi Sue, Reggie & Fellow Blogorinos,
I did it! Just bought the senior discount pass online. Cost was $20.00. I have been meaning to buy it for the longest time so whether the increase happens or not, I’m all set. Fairly straight forward application. Give them a debit or credit card and upload a photograph of your drivers license or passport. Not as easy as buying on Amazon but not terribly difficult. Hope your doing Great Sue, love your blog, looking forward to your California adventures! Whats Next???
Thank you, Scott, for explaining what’s involved when ordering the pass online. . . helpful for anyone who isn’t near a location that issues them. I’m happy that you were able to get a card under the deadline. What a shame the best bargain ever will soon be gone…
I hope you’re doing great, too. Keep loving my blog… which reminds me, I have a post to write! Have a wonderful day!
So grateful for the heads up here! I have my pass on order! Thank you!
Cool and rainy tonight in northern California!
I’m glad you made it under the deadline, Velda!
Husband kept saying, we have my Disabled pass, you don’t need one. I finally said, you do realize if you die first the pass dies with you! He then offered to help me get it done when the iPad balked.
Just placed Amazon order, Amazon Fire TV Stick. 😉
Yippee! I see the TV Stick on today’s orders report. Thanks a bunch, Virginia! I hope you enjoy it very much.
Sorry for the negative comment Sue. Sometimes I just get overwhelmed! Love the header photo and the roadrunner photo!
I understand, Terri. It happens to me, too. I’m relieved to see you here again!
I love Duck L’Orange! And the pics of it with Reggie are cute! Now don’t go leaving Duck out in the sun to fade those wild colors!
I’ll try to remember to put sunblock on Duck L’Orange. 🙂