Friday, October 16 – Monday, October 19
Baker Dam Reservoir, north of St. George, Utah
Storm clouds roll in!
Our campsite receives rain, on and off, for three days. Bridget and I enjoy the change. We snuggle in bed to the soothing sound of rain pelting the roof of the Best Little Trailer. Bridget knows that the best thing to do in a situation such as this is to take another nap or two or three. She realizes this is a time for lolling around inside, rather than running around in the rain.
Reggie, on the other hand, does not know how to loll.
And he has no interest in learning how! I try my best to keep him amused. We play several games of Bite the Hand that Feeds You until my hands are sore from teeth punctures. We play Throw the Blue Monkey Against the Wall and Catch Him on the Rebound, and that old standby, Tug of War, using whatever is handy, like my sleeve.
He’s crazed! After several rounds of Back-Hoe the Comforter While Whining, and its variation, Tear Up the Comforter with Clenched Teeth While Growling, he returns to strategy #367 . . .
You’ll Do What I Want Because I’m So Cute
I sing to him. I rock him. I scratch his belly. I hold him up so he can look out the window. I trap him under the covers hoping the dark will cue him to take a nap. I pretend to be asleep. He licks my face and pulls my hair.
Reggie is at the end of his rope with all this rain!
Grrrrrr! Grrrrr!
“Okay! Okay! We’re going OUT!”
Together we run around Baker Dam Reservoir Campground.
I cheer him on as he flies in circles around me, his pent-up energy propelling him around and around. The rain catches us and sends us back inside.
Then the rain stops and we’re out again.
This is rinse and repeat . . . literally!
Tuesday, October 20
The rain is gone. “Sunshine! We need to go somewhere!”
One of the great things about camping at Baker Dam Reservoir Campground is the proximity to a variety of interesting places. It’s a great base for exploring the St. George area.
Pine Valley, Snow Canyon, St. George, and Gunlock . . . All these places are less than an hour’s drive from the campground. You have the choice of piney woods, juniper and sage, red rock cliffs, and different reservoirs.
The drive to Gunlock State Park includes a very steep, downhill grade with a switchback at the bottom. You can see it on a Benchmark map, if you’d like to take a look.
See where Gunlock Road is shaped like a bobby pin? That’s it!
(Click on photos to enlarge.)
As one would expect these days, the water level of the reservoir is way down.
The next photo shows mud flats along the Santa Clara River.
The crew and I take a short walk, just enough to make them happy.
I didn’t drive past the campsites. I could see one in the distance (photo below). For $13 a night and the water’s edge being very far from campsites, I’m not interested in camping here this time through Utah.
Maybe in the future the reservoir will be full when we come this way. Wouldn’t that be wonderful!
Wednesday, October 21
We’ll leave Baker Dam Reservoir Campground soon. In preparation for breaking camp, I bury dog poop piles I find all over the campground. I also pick up trash and throw it in the dumpster. I should order one of those picker-upper thingies because some trash is too icky to pick up by hand, even with gloves!
I’ve painted a glowing picture of this campground.
Speaking of glowing… The mountains glow during “the golden hour” at sunset.
I need to add a dose of reality.
Baker Dam is showing wear. It could use some tender, loving care. Maybe that will happen come spring. As it is now, bushes have been smashed, rock barriers moved, even a camp sign knocked down, toilet paper where people don’t bother to walk over to the vault toilet, juniper trees with limbs hanging from people trying to break them for firewood, and tire tracks where rigs have cut corners.
Campsites enlarge as people drive and camp on their perimeters.
If I were a bigger, stronger person, I would enjoy staying and making the place fresh and pretty again. I have an affection for Baker Dam. It’s been a good camp for the crew and me!
Mostly the big rocks need to be moved to define the sites better, to block people from driving where they shouldn’t, and to protect trees, cacti, and bushes from damage by vehicles. I made a few, small improvements.
Maybe you could, too, when you camp at Baker Dam?
Or anywhere you camp!
Let’s all pledge to leave our camps better than we find them.
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
“What are we going to do next, RVSue?”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Ha!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Oh its a Reggie Day… Am I #1 again?
Is he not the cutest thing… I would take him home in a minute…keep a good eye on him… 🙂
Whew! Good for you Janis, I think I got you one time before. Congratulations.
Cannot believe I am first hugs GrandJan
So close, Janis! 🙂
Well I’m not first but I am early, for me! Now to go back and read. Cute pics of the 4 footed family members!
Velda
such a wonderful idea, leaving our camps better than we find them. should be done in every venture….thank you rvsue!
I really really like your final request re leaving campsites nicer than we found them. Imagine if even half the campers did that……
Maybe a sprinkle in northern California Wednesday, otherwise cloudy but nice.
Have you given thought to how much you appreciate all this online stuff? I am getting reacquainted with a gal whose Mom and mine knew each other in 1948 when they were both pregnant. We were born a month apart. We were friends until 4th grade when they moved away. We saw each other a few times, then came high school, college, the Navy for me, and marriages. Last I saw her was when my new husband and I stopped at her home in 76. Recently I found her via Facebook. Now we are emailing almost daily. As she said thus morning, we spend half a century apart, and now she worries if I don’t write for two days. We have challenged each other to post each new green smoothie we make for breakfast. I LOVE the Internet for the blessings it gives me.
Velda I have had that same experience! Three (and growing due to connections) people I was in pre-elementary with and then elementary (different sides of country!) have reconnected… It is amazing!
Have a great day and enjoy your smoothie!
We “camp” alot at the sand dunes in California. We always pick up what we bring and more, it’s only right. IMO
I hope that more people do, especially the dog poop since if that is not done maybe we won’t be able to bring our pets camping in future
Thanks for reminding us all that we need to do our part in cleaning up and preserving our wild places.
We do this all the time. Having our favorite spots, it’s sad to come upon them when they have been abused, but it sure feels good to look back at the site when we leave and see it is better that we had been there.
Great games that Reggie knows how to play and you didn’t even have to teach him! Smart boy. One can only imagine what Bridget was thinking. And that last picture wins the cutest ever photo for the year! Oh Reggie, you heartbreaker, you!
I see why you like the area, it is beautiful country. That little baby of yours is a cutie and he looks just as full of mischief. Gotta love the spunk. Yes, leaving an area better than when you found it is a great idea. Stay safe.
We always tidy up campsites, picnic areas and beaches too. It’s amazing what folks leave behind – especially when one thinks that people who are in these places should appreciate the great out of doors.
I love the crazed look in Reggie’s eyes. It’s the same look my pups get, especially during tug-of-war. It must be universal for dogs. It’s almost like their eyes are rolling around in their heads. So funny.
Rainy days every now and then can be a nice little break. It gives us “permission” for a down day. Nice to just hang out sometimes without feeling the need to be busy. Of course, when the sun reappears, I’m very happy.
Sue, sorry to hear of the rubber-neckers in the last post. You’re so good to us all, I hate to think you pay the price.
LOVE all those games, they gave me a chuckle. What a happy guy lil’ Reggie is!
Well closer to the top. Baker Dam Reservoir is beautiful. The last picture of Reggie looks like Angel. When she is ready, it’s like will you hurry up? She is like Bridgett in that she likes to just take naps on these gloomy rainy days, which she is doing right now, snuggled in her bed on the couch under her fleece throw. Thanks Sue for the lovely pictures. I have to go back & read the comments now.
OMGoodness Ms. Sue, I laughed almost all the way through this blog post, the comments about Reggie Man were so funny…..I really needed that today! Reggie Man is adorable, so much like our little puppy and I so relate to the sore fingers, etc. The pics are great, as usual, Baker Dam looks beautiful! We will definitely help keep the campgrounds looking good and hoping other’s do also. They may close them up if we don’t take care of them so other’s can enjoy them too. Rainy days are for catching up, on reading, rest and preparing for what’s next. Take care, be safe!
Afternoon Sue,
We decided months ago that we would follow your fantastic example and leave sites, especially boondocking ones, better than we found them. When packing up for full timing we made sure to include a collapsible rake and other items to help leave sites better.
Poor Reggie is just to young and full of energy to enjoy those rainy days. Good that you taught him a lot of games, and took him out when possible.
We carry all our accumulated supermarket plastic bags and use them for poop bags and then dump appropriately.Juice and Eddie seem to know that when I put bags in my back pocket there are expectations.
Juice’s little brother Eddie is almost 3 and he has finally learned that rain means napping inside.It took him until now to learn it though.Juice is an old girl now and has always listened to what you tell her.I believe getting Eddie has kept her going after her jaw operation.She plugs along trying to keep up with Eddie and is a happy camper.They are adjusting to the Class C after being used to the 34 foot travel trailer.
I went back and read the post of the Nosey folks driving around and snooping your campsite. I just can’t believe how disrespectful some can be. It would never do for them to live here. The Country Music folks pop up everywhere in town. They are seen out and about so much that the locals don’t bother with them, just smile & say Hello, and move along with what you were doing. Besides, if they are fans of this blog, they know your policy and have read your discussions on these events from the past. LEAVE SUE ALONE AND MIND YOUR MANNERS.
Alright !!! I’m not first…but am 20.
I learned to leave a campsite better than when you found it, way back in my Girl Scout days. I can’t believe how people think they aren’t responsible for their own trash! Maybe if parents taught them to clean up after themselves when they were younger they would be in the habit now. I never could get over people trying to break live limbs off of trees and shrubs to start a fire. Any good camper knows you can’t start a fire with green wood!
Sue,
You have even out-done your own self with this post! The landscape photos are like those beautiful photo covers on those 5,000 piece puzzles. All the fine details in the long shots, like having each detail a puzzle part to piece together.
Than there’s The Reggie Man…
Can anyone say, “Best Seller Book!” Travels with The Reggie Man, now featured at the story-time at your local library 🙂 No doubt the poor library would have to bring in a ton of extra chairs! Parents and Children alike would flock to hear and see The Reggie Man adventures!
Reggie cute? Why he has redefined the word *CUTE*. HA! He simply leaves us speechless…and always wanting more!!! 🙂
Golly, I LOVE that pup!
And he can even go on a book tour to “pawtograph” his book!
#24—now to go back and read!!!
That little Reggie does have the sweetest face! Who could say ‘no’ to that?
Enjoying your blog, so much.
If we all pick up trash and leave our campsites better than we found them, what an improvement that would be. It saddens me that people don’t take better care of their natural resources. The Earth is our home and just like any other home, she suffers when we don’t pay attention and fix things up as we go along. This is a disposable society but what happens when we use up or destroy our natural resources? We don’t get another planet.
Such cute photos of Reggie snarking around! I love them.
I’ll join you in your pledge. I had previously been picking up trash (gloves/bag), but then you inspired me with your raking of sites to eliminate tracks and other evidence of people. I don’t really have room to carry a rake (need that PTV!), but I have found that a small bundle of sticks works reasonably well. I can’t rake a large area, but I can selectively “erase” tire tracks or etc.
Great idea to “take the pledge” and encourage us to do so as well.
I made a mistake, I opened this blog during a break at The Bosque training today. I thought I was gonna need another break… laughing so hard.. Reggie Man… you are the man and at some point when the star aline it would be so cool to see you and Corky meet and play… Having been in “training” my poor pooch has to be “carried” out of bed to go pee before I head out for class. He has been such a trooper but him and Reggie are just so the same, when I get back, doesn’t mater when, I HAVE to take him out, play, hug, just the craziness of being stuck inside… poor babies…
We both get to sleep in tomorrow, no class for 2 days… but must get out on the refuge to see what’s happening… I didn’t know I could be this happy learning so much about birds, refuges, meeting new people yet having my own time. I am blessed.
Thanks Sue, again I book mark another location and camping info. Looking forward to the wonderful help you pass on to the blogerinos.
Happy travels Sue and Crew.
Hey, Carlene. The Bosque holds sacred memories for my husband and me. Are you camping in San Antonio? Always dreamed of camping for the winter there. Best Tex Mex l food in the world in Socorro!
Diann, I’m fortunate enough to be a volunteer here at Bosque del Apache thru Feb 2016. I’m looking forward to visiting so much in the area but for the time being I’m working on learning birds… and surprising enough not doing so bad. I work 3 days (F/S/S) / 4 days (M/T/W/Th) off. getting my rv site for working. There are about 18 volunteers here for the winter.
I’m going to be working on getting a blog going on my days off next week.
Safe and Happy Travels!!
Oh, Carlene from Bosque del Apache, you are living my bucket list dream! Tel me all about it! Do you have a blog?
Carlene,
Have you met Lynne? She has a Winnebago View and is a volunteer at Bosque del Apache WR I know she opens up the welcome center some days and I also think she is a guide since she is a certified naturalist. She writes the Winnie Views.com blog. She seems like a terrific person.
Barbara, Yes I have met Lynne, what a sweet person. And very helpful since she is a returning volunteer. I’ve followed her blog also.
And yes she’ working in the VC, I will be out in the fee booth… after a few weeks of on the job training.
I’m still settling in, learning all about birds, and getting to meet some wonderful people very dedicated to nature.
Safe and Happy Travels!
Dawn I’m going to try to get a blog started next week on my days off… Mon – Thurs, 4 days should get me going.
This place is magical.
I look forward to re
Dang it! I look forward to reading your blog–just caught up with Winnie View. Hope to make it to the Bosque this spring…
SW Pen,
You mentioned a bag of Rice on the prior page…
Did you see my reply about my Rice Story?
LOL, I have never looked at a bag of rice the same way since that day!
I did? I don’t remember that. Maybe it was another blogorino? Or I’m losing it.
I will go back and read your rice story though.
It was your comment to me about the techno stuff and something simple like a bag of rice…
nope, not losing it. my bad. it was Denise who commented to me…
i think my mind is jello, i’m going to rest now. sounds like it could be a night of high winds and maybe storms coming through again later.
I saw it, Pamela. I just posted a reply. 🙂
WOW! And WOW again! We just had a mini-twister pass by us!!!
It had been raining on and off all day. Stopped about an hour or so ago. So I’m reading the latest comments and…Twisting Winds come up hitting the Airstream and shaking it. That sound of swirling winds was pretty loud. Came up without warning and the tornato sirens didn’t even go off, must have been less than 25 MPH winds or they should have sounded off. The winds sure felt and sounded like they were faster than 25 MPH! Anyway, didn’t hear anything fly off, that’s good. Now it is quiet as a mouse again. Oooops, another smaller one. And now it is calm again!
Coffee! I NEED coffee…
Yikes! Stay safe, Pamela!
Thanks 🙂
It is morning now, whatever it was passed through and didn’t come back again. Glad it moved on.
SW Pen,
My bad. It was Denise that commented to me about the bag of rice…
Anyway, hope you are having a fine evening and the temps are treating you good. 🙂
🙂
Yes, a lovely evening after a pretty paddle today. Watched the big ‘ol moon rise, which is always a treat. I hope the wind/storms calm down so you can sleep well. (Florida can be scary that way!)
Pen,
Sorry I didn’t even ask about your paddle…I was really tired last night. Glad your paddle day went swell. What kind of *paddle* do you have?
I launched in a slow moving stream around 1-2 miles above a mountain lake. Had a leisurely paddle down the stream (I like river paddling because of the “something new around every bend” characteristic). It was a beautiful day – relatively calm, sunny, and 60º (which was warm since the sun was out). Snow capped mountains in the distance, and golden leaves along shore (plus a pretty little line of fallen leaves on the water, heading downstream).
Saw a heron, lots of coots, and a few mergansers. Eddied out many times to just sit and soak up the sun, the grassy banks at my elbow, etc.
The water is so clear that you can see everything just as if you were snorkeling. No tropical fish, of course, but it’s still fun to look.
The lake was a bit windy, but I stayed at one end and nosed around some islands, just enjoying the “twittering” aspen leaves and (even) the sight of folks on shore enjoying the day (they were far enough away to enjoy, LOL).
I knew this would likely be my last Sierra paddle for this season (was the last sunny/warmish day, at least for now), so I savored it.
Took out and walked back to the starting point (kayak is light, and it’s a short walk on land vs. the winding stream). Then feasted on a ProBar – you know how it is, after exercise you can “virtuously” stuff your face (whereas I feel a little less so when I’m eating just ’cause I’m bored, not that that stops me).
Today is a bit cloudy and glum looking, so I’m doing inside chores. Still fun though 🙂
Thanks for asking, and I’m glad your storm went on through without any problems. (Oh man, I remember when I lived in a very lightning/storm prone place on the east coast, the nights lying awake and counting the [mere] seconds between lightning and thunder…)
Hi Pen, where are you in the sierras, I love it there, hope to go there in the spring. I was very jealous reading your description….it sounds so wonderful. Happy times for you.
Yes, you guessed it! I’m along 395 in the eastern Sierras. I noticed you are planning to bring your new rig over – being a Californian you probably discovered it years ago (only the third year for me).
Starting to get a bit nippy now, so I’m easing my way down (south and lower in altitude).
Hi Pen, I do not know where you are along the 395, but my favorite town is Independence. We go several times a year to Big Pine on the 395, before you hit Independence of Lone Pine…There is a BBQ restaurant right along 395 in Big Pine that was listed as the best BBQ place in the U.S. Truly, try it out for me, we always just turn left between the 2 gas stations in town and head up the hill to camp, so never stopped there…But we will this year. Have a safe trip to lower elevations, but once you get past Olancha, not much going on unless you go to Death Valley. If you need anything, let me know…I live at the beach if you come down this far…
Hi Shirlene,
Thanks for the invite! I was actually in Huntington Beach last winter for a day (tried out a SUP), but that’s before I “knew” you.
I’m near Bishop right now, but was up near Lee Vining before I decided I had had enough 27º mornings (INSIDE). I came up through Lone Pine (Alabama Hills) but may cut over to Las Vegas on the way back. A friend has an errand to do there and doesn’t like driving in the city, so I may mosey over there as well and do toad driving duty for that (friend’s toad; I don’t have one). Either way, all roads lead to Arizona for me in the relatively near future, as that’s going to be my winter state. (But hey, it’s not that far to Huntington Beach from AZ; maybe we could have a boating/driving day later on sometime :D)
Oh, duh, you said “what kind of paddle DO you have” (noun) not “what kind of paddle did you have.” (verb).
I have to admit to being a kayak and paddle snob from my formative years of whitewater kayaking. Only hand-crafted wooden paddles for me! And lightweight/strong hand-made fiberglass kayaks. Well that was then…
Now I have an RV, and zero desire to load a kayak on and off the roof, so it’s an inflatable for me. I may no longer qualify for the elite group (LOL) but the kayak weighs four pounds and stows in a file box, and the paddle takes apart into four pieces and makes a ~24″ long bundle. For me it’s perfect as it stows small, inflates and deflates easily and quickly, I can hike it a distance with no problem if I want to, and… voila, I’m on the water!
Does it track well? Heck no. Is it supremely seaworthy? Ha ha, no. Load capacity? Erm, no. Gets me out there though, and mostly these days I like to just do little lakes, or calm parts of big lakes, or gentle streams. If it’s work or takes more than five minutes to get ready…. I might not go.
Now that said, if I had a toad, I might get a light/fancy/streamlined kayak and carry it on the roof, but I don’t have a toad. And I might still keep this boat just for the sheer fun:weight:$ ratio.
The kayak is an Advanced Elements Packlite and the paddle is the four-piece Packlite paddle by the same company. When I bought it was around $250 for the kayak and I think around $60 for the paddle. Available on Amazon!
Kayak, search “Advanced Elements PackLite Kayak” on Amazon
Paddle, search “Advanced Elements PackLite 4 Part Paddle” on Amazon
If one is seriously into this sort of “backpackable” kayak, there are better ones made by Packraft, and they also don’t require a hard foot pump (no big for me, but if truly backpacking it makes a difference) but instead use a sort of fabric envelope to inflate. The Packraft also has different sized models for much higher potential load capacity.
I’m happy with the kayak for what I paid and what I do with it, although I could see myself possibly going for a nicer paddle, maybe something like an Eddyline Mid-Swift, but that’s just cause I’m a paddle snob. The one I have now is fine. I would consider a Packraft for more “serious” pack kayaking or if I weighted a lot more, etc.
PS: One more note, in case someone is trying to get an idea of how much work it is to inflate/deflate. Using the typical pump (it’s not a foot pump; I misspoke above, but rather a hand pump that you put your feet on to hold down) (picture the road runner ACME dynamite activator).
The main body of the kayak has two valves; each one takes 23 pumps. The floor takes another 5 or so pumps.
Just to be clear, this is no “seaworthy” craft, and I do have long time past kayak/boating experience. It’s a step up from a cheesy pool toy, but still not something you’re going to take out on a big, windy lake. For that I’d recommend a Packraft, a better (heavier) inflatable by Advanced Elements or another brand, or a “real” hard shell kayak. On the other hand, within its limitations it’s provided me with many, many wonderful days on the water and fits in a tiny RV storage compartment (I don’t have any of those big, droolworthy Class A underbins, either).. Priceless!
PPS: There are also “SOF” kayaks (skin-on-frame) and other variations. So I have not exhaustively covered the options. Just to be clear. Basically, I just wanted to answer Pam about my current kayak/paddle, but also give a slightly wider view.
And for the thousandth PS…. I should have said Alpacka Raft is the company that makes more “serious” pack rafts/kayaks.
Great thorough description of what one can expect from the model you have Pen,answered the questions that come to mind.I won’t be taking any of the watercraft I own on the road.I will,however,make room in a cupboard of the T@B for this one 🙂
Hi weather,
(couldn’t reply under your reply as I ran out of room)
Glad this was useful to you! And thanks for letting me know as it’s always hard to decide how much to say/not say/confuse/simplify/etc.
Maybe we can take a paddle together sometime 🙂
Fun!let’s plan to when I get out west 🙂
Pen….lessons please!
That Reggie Boy! He is some kind of character! Ari is equally pesky when she wants to go outside. She’s older now (nearly 9) & sometimes Jim lets her outside by herself. She goes out to the backyard & watches the birds eating at the feeder. She also loves to sit below one of the trees & look up–she’s seen owls & eagles mostly. She finds so much to see out there that Jim has to go out & tell her it’s time to come in. That will be Reggie one of these days, Sue. Really! Just give him a big ole kiss from us–he certainly brings smiles to our faces.
We just bought a collapsible rake for cleaning up campgrounds. I love the Parks Project T-shirt “Leave It Better Than You Found It.” They don’t have a size of people of our ‘fluffiness’ though. Since I told my darling husband just how much I love that sentiment, he’s been much better about putting his dirty dishes in the dishwasher.
This has been a week of sighs, decisions & lots of emails & phone calls. My Mom is becoming quite forgetful…quite forgetful…& I’m discussing future plans with her & my siblings. I’m extremely grateful that Mom has been very clear about wanting to paint rather than pay her bills. How wonderful to feel that passionate about your heart’s desire at 86! I’m also very grateful that I have 4 amazing siblings & my wonderful (bordering on saint) husband so that none of us has to walk this journey without love & support.
Take good care, Miss Sue. You are a wonder.
Hi, Sue,
Don’t you just love how overcast, rainy weather just saturates all the colors? Photos just pop…no filter or Photoshop magic needed. You are in a very pretty area – enjoy the beauty!
That little whipersnapper Reggie is a hoot! I know Bridget is grateful when you play with him on rainy days…keeps him occupied so he does not bother her!
I purchased a lightweight pooper scooper through your blog about six months ago. It is made by Arm & Hammer. What I really like about it is that you can recycle your Wallyworld bags to line the little bucket. You rake in the poop, then take the bag off the bucket portion and pitch. Clean hands and a happier back. I am very pleased with it.
Sending you wishes for a peaceful night, and hugs to you and the Crew from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
P.S. – Don’t let anyone steal your joy. **hug**
P.S. – Don’t let anyone steal your joy…
No truer words were ever spoken, AMEN!
Always a hard life-lesson to learn but the rewards are without measure! 🙂
Of course the cranky part of me says “Well it would be a lot easier if other people would mind their manner and not actively grab my joy and try to wrest it out of my hands!”
I do get what you meant though 🙂
🙂
woke up at 2:30 this morning and find I missed your post from
yesterday……..grrrrrrrrrr
seems like the low water in our resevoirs are pretty much low
everywhere across the country…..not sure what the answer
is but I guess all we can do is pray….
when its raining I do the same with Lulu with the rain
hitting our tin roof……..Pokey is like Reggie and dont like
to snuggle but sure wants his belly rub….
chuck
Good pledge. Katie (the dog) and I always clean up our campsite twice. Once when we move in and again when we move out. Though I have to say I don’t clean outside my site. Maybe I will next spring when we camp again.
I finally started doing that too, after I found myself repeatedly looking at the same cigarette butts, pieces of plastic, melted beer cans, etc. Took me a while to figure it out (duh!), but now I clean them up when I first decide to stay so that I can stop looking at them for the rest of my visit.
Too bad everyone doesn’t do it for themselves (so there would be nothing to clean up upon arrival), but since we can’t seem to control others (yet, I’m working on it 😉 😉 😉 ), “the pledge” is a great way to handle it!
Great opening photo,your having zoomed in to the dark clouds part of the scene captured the feeling of an approaching storm really well.Great composition in the one below “…We’re going out!”. The straight lines of the dark cloud forming a shelf and the flat small plateau amid the shapes made by mountain and sky is brilliant.Being able to photograph equally well large distant scenes like that and close ups of Reggie shows the spectrum of your and your camera’s abilities.
It’s fun to see how you let Bridget enjoy lolling and help that sweet boy cope with his pent up energy.Good thing skin heals quickly and comforters are easy to replace after play shreds them 🙂 Maybe you could duct tape a long nail or anything that is sharp enough to your walking stick to use as a picker up thingy.I know you keep all sorts of handy odds and ends in the PTV.Once on Earth Day a co-worker said in honor of it she had stopped throwing her food wrappers out the car window.Any level of improvement efforts to educate folks brings makes doing so worth it.
P.S.Earlier I left a reply to you on the back page.I hope your coffee is good and your day is even better!
Ha, I would love to have seen your “inner face” when the co-worker proudly announced her Earth Day resolution.
(I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not perfect and, as you say, improvements rock, and everyone starts somewhere; but still, sort of funny I have to admit “Hey, great news, I’m going to stop throwing trash out the window now!” )
Exactly!It was hilarious,and I didn’t let on that I thought so.She’d actually been littering until then assuming public servants were hired to clean up after everyone,and was proud to now being doing her own part 🙂 !
Well they are called public “servants” you know. Hee.
Hiya SUE and CREW!
This was such a fun posting! Wow that Reggie is a pip!
Yesterday was such a great time… A couple of years ago I had shared with friends at TBI camp my wee trailer… they thought ‘how fun’ and they put it in the back of their heads. Well, they did a class we have called Moving On and travel kept coming up as a life goal for them… well….. you know what happened! They bought a POD this summer. As of September they have been full time—they spent a couple of months part – timing it. They are not boondocking. They have purchased a camp ground membership–and can go from place to place around the state (mainly though it is good nationwide). They run a non-profit from this moving home… and are able to come and visit people like ME that they have not had the opportunity to engage with other than when I would come to them and meetings! They LOVE it. The POD has a kitchen inside, and an outdoor kitchen in the back (like a tear drop). They have set it up very well with the expanded tent option. I think they have been reading your blog, I am sure of it… I shared with them your page and how you budgeted. They were able to justify this easily–the purchase of the membership is basically 3 mos rent on their house. I have NEVER seen them more relaxed! So! Sue and Crew did it again!!! 🙂
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
Good Morning Sue, I was just thinking the same as the above poster Barb. Yesterday I drove my Class A home…going to have to develop arm muscles, but if not for you and your sharing your life, women like me would not even think there was a possibility of doing such a thing without a “man” around. Two women on the road alone in a Class A or smaller, who would have heard of such a thing. You have touched many lives, and encouraged many women and some men I am sure to get out there and live their lives the best they know how. My plans have been 4 years in the making and the time to unplug and get out there draws near for me. I hope Weather and I pass on the road sometime next fall..as that will be my retirement date for me..in the meantime, I will be taking “Stella” to the beach for day trips and out to Palm Springs and maybe even up the 395 to the high sierras for short vacations trips. You have started and continue to encourage an RVSue Nation. You are awesome! Let the people stare all they want, you are worth it!
Hi,Shirlene,congratulations for driving your RV home!Next autumn is sounding more wonderful all the time 🙂 None of us would enjoy people of unknown character staring at us while we were at home or out running errands.Let’s keep encouraging folks to get out there and enjoy looking at the beauty in nature instead- as your success so far is doing!Whoo-hoo,I’m so excited for and with you!!!hugs,hope your coffee’s good
Hi Weather, my coffee is SOOO good that I think I will get another cup. Please join me! 🙂 Thanks for the encouragement and for encouraging our fellow blogorinos. I hope that I get to meet many of them when I am out on the road.
🙂 🙂 🙂
You know one thing that I am going to like about being mobile, is if my neighbor or neighborhood is noisy or bothersome, I have wheels!….try that in a sticks and bricks house.
Ha! Or moving it when swimming with manatees is what you feel like doing next.My friend told me she’d have liked to volunteer at a park in Florida that has them.What’s the name of the place you go there?
We go to a small town called Crystal River…lots of RV parks there. But the State Park for volunteering is Blue Springs State Park..in Blue Springs Florida. They have volunteers there at the State Park. Many of the State Preserves have volunteer positios also, which is where I will be when we are there for manatee season, which is from November until April. Don’t ask me the name of that Preserve, I can hardly pronounce it, let alone spell it.
My sister lived in Crystal River for years. We loved it there. Many happy times on the Crystal River and the Homossasa (I probably didn’t spell that correctly).
Yes..we will be wintering there next year.
Happy, proud, excited, over-joyed. Take your pick I’m feeling all of this for you Shirlene. I have no doubt at all that after a bit of adjustment you and Stella will bond as one.
BTW, LOVE the name Stella.
Gee…thanks Rick for that sweet message. Yeah Stella and I are getting to know each other, I bought her new clothes for the bedroom. She has a nice new mattress, two nice new flat screen TV’s, new carpet…she is all dressed up and ready to go somewhere… When I left her at the RV dealer last evening, it was like…well you paid for her, now what!. Well, I am the only one who can drive her right now and I am still employed, I guess I have to share custody with her. I get her on weekends for now. But boy I am excited and happy to bond with her. By the way, she is a 35 foot Itasca Suncruiser…big bones, don’t call her fat! ha!
Oh goodie, now I can look up that model.
Not to say arm muscles are not required at all, but I bet once you gain (even more) confidence and thus can relax a bit more, you’ll find it less demanding of muscles.
Yay, Shirlene!!!
You’re gonna have so much fun!! Happy for you!
I looked up your Stella. She is a beauty, Shirlene! Looks like you and your partner will have plenty of room to be comfortable. Sweet, sweet, sweet! 🙂
🙂 …. we are spoiled to be sure.
Enjoy it…you earned it! 🙂
Congratulations Shirlene!!!!! Wow!! Now you can go have fun. Get that baby rollin out on the road and steering will be a breeze. Now I am officially jealous.
Thank you Jim…. 🙂
Congratulations, Shirlene! You have a wonderful adventure ahead.
Stella!!!!! (Streetcar)
Great minds….I thought the same thing! 🙂
Great shots today Sue! I loved your comments about others to help make the campgrounds better. Doesn’t take much to give back. Respectful. I try to do that also in my little ways. I follow your blogs but do not respond as much as I used to. Seems other bloggerinos do it for me and don’t want to be repetitive. Love all the doggy stories…Little Reggie Rouster is something, and all the adventures. Take Care Sue and Crew.
Glad to see Reggie keeping you busy, active and entertained during inclement weather – you’re so lucky :-))))) He’s quite the character and you captured him so well in the photos! We usually pick up trash, especially wire, string, glass and other dangerous-to-wildlife things that inconsiderate people leave behind. It always dampens an otherwise lovely visit – that people not only leave that stuff, but that others walk over it and “leave it” all over again. Your pledge is an important one – we are all responsible for this planet.
Wow Jodie, Sidewinder Pen is in your area, all you travelers are making your way south I guess, out of the cold. Safe travels.
I had noticed that too, a bit earlier (further north). Well, you know if you are on wheels and they aren’t “super winterized” (or the driver isn’t!), then there are basically three areas in the continental US with “pleasant” winter weather: southern Florida, southern Texas, or southern AZ/CA. And it’s hard to beat the latter for wide-open spaces, boondocking opportunities, etc.
OTOH, in spring/summer/fall “the world’s your oyster,” climate-wise, so mobile folks tend to go all over the place.
Of course you wouldn’t know about these things, living where you do, with the “perfect” climate 😀 😀
Hey, Sue. I’ve been missing in action a bit lately. It was really nice to check back in and see this lovely post. My sister lived in St. George for a little while. I’m so sorry I didn’t make it out to visit her while she was there. Such a beautiful area. And switching gears…let me say “thank you” for doing your part to pick up after others. I am not camping these days, but I have done the same thing. It’s amazing to me how people can go out and enjoy nature and then leave a mess so that the rest of us can’t do the same. Most days I don’t like people very much. Then, someone comes along and does something responsible and nice and restores my faith in humanity a bit.
Feisty Mr. Reg just makes my day. What a cutie pie! I know you enjoy him every day.
I laughed out loud (and scared the cat) at the idea of Reggie not knowing how to loll. I’m sure Bridget is good at it. Our two oldsters are VERY good at it (and are lolling now, despite sunshine just outside the doorway). But Reggie is young and also a terrier and lolling is far in his future.
We were told that our two Jack Russell Terriers would stop jumping at 7 or 8 years of age. That was an untruth! Ripley is 14 or 15 and he still jumps. Teka passed away last year at about 16 (both rescues so we don’t know exactly) and she jumped right up to the end.
Reggie is cute, though. And how can you resist a game of bite-the-hand-that-feeds-you? 😀
WDR
Not to be beating this subject to death..but..good grief…..the type of person that would stalk you is truly scary to contemplate.
If I had someone pull up outside my house, live in the country, it would make me very suspicious and I sure understand your feelings about folks that do that.
Blast them with your huge bear tooter! Send them over, I’ll let my little ankle biters bark at them!
I sure don’t think it indicates a reluctance on your part to socialize, but when I want company I get ready for them, make some tea and get out the cookies. It doesn’t mean I will welcome some weirdo into my personal space just because they showed up…
Well, I got that off my mind I guess, lol.
I actually could use some company right now, it is different being away from home with no wheels…I may have to rethink that and bring one of my trucks up here….
Granddaughter is doing well with her crown, Portland school district actually has classes for her in hospital . She is always honor roll and loves learning, so good for the schools up there!
Here’s a goal: Everyday, Every Place, Every Person, Every Interaction.
Let’s all try to leave them better than we found them. 🙂
Well said, as usual.
“rinse, repeat … literally!” one of your best lines yet! Thanks to you, I (the no pet ever girl) can see dog expressions. Last one of Reggie, priceless. (“I didn’t get rescued just to sit around.”
“RVSue, I respectfully request (thump, thump) to be (crash, thump, thump) renamed “BLACK and Blue Monkey.” Thank you (boom, crash) for your consideration; and, BTW, I really do hate the rain.
Ha ha, on the monkey dialog. Good thing that thing can’t talk (or groan/cry/feel anything at all).
Sue, love the cooped up crazy man Reggie stories!! My girl Chaquita is 13 1/2 now, so her run back and forth like crazy game only lasts like 5 mins, then she is ready for a nap on the couch (unless there is food action in the kitchen, she will sit there waiting for anything to fall!)
Your pics in this post were amazing…love the moody weather pics, and the BLUE, blue sky with the clouds. Must have been so beautiful live!
So, my husband and I sat down with our California Benchmark map on Sunday looking for some “kinda close to us” BLM or boondocking locations for future trips. I can’t tell you how many times I said “RVSue says we have to look for….” or “RVSue says we should….” I felt like you were the teacher I was your student repeating all your lessons on boondocking! And you thought you were retired! 🙂 Ha!
Hope you’re having a good one!!
Oh I love reading about your episodes with keeping Reggie happy and
ridding him of some energy. It’s that cute young age!
It will either keep you in shape or encourage patience, maybe both. Lol
What a character that Reg Man is! His upside down facial expression is hilarious. Your description of his playful antics makes me laugh!
In a household of many pets…it is normal for “members” to be in the backdrop of one….simply watching and taking notes….waiting their “turn”. It’s a cycle not always realized at the time.
Thought of you and the crew as we cruised at 35K feet above and past the beautiful formations of Southern Utah. Witnessed the drought of Lake Mead evident by the whitish color stained waterline. WOW!
The pledge is serious…so much disrespect …people need to wake up now cuz when it’s gone it’s gone!
Nice of you Jetsetters to look down on the Peons.
Ummm…let’s just say…we were scoping out the route from the air.
Jules’ birthday is always spent in Vegas!
Hey you are only an hour away from Pahrump
Thought about you also…we flew in for the weekend….a quick getaway.
We are home now…
I’m home gang! Got here Saturday night. The next morning my son arrived. Still haven’t unpacked my car, believe it or not. And boy was I sore! My back and shoulders were all stiff and achey. Seeing chiropractor tomorrow. It was a good summer but glad to be home! I hope that by next year I have a van so I can travel more slowly. And stay more cheaply in NY.
Good to know you are back. Sounds like life is good at home in AZ 🙂
Gosh girl! You don’t mess around….
Glad you and Chloe made it back safe and in time to meet up with your son.
So happy you made it home safe. Be gentle with yourself.
The path I walk each morning has a thick carpet of leaves on it now.At sunrise all but the freshly fallen ones were wet.Rain and cloud cover for several hours here had dampened a lot ,looking toward the bright spots I saw the kittens scampering and said hello to the adult cat.Of course,I’ve grown to love the little ones,yet she’s the one I care most about and try to help.
The local news had said to expect much of the season’s beauty to be taken by the wind.It’s wonderful to see that’s not true.Though the bright sunlight isn’t here,it’s warmth can still be felt,and everything it’s produced is still thriving.The waves in the lake have more force than usual and their sound adds to the life in the air,always does.Folks here often worry that waves will damage things ,really they feed and keep everything dynamic.
The oak whose acorns became a grove of trees hasn’t changed it’s colors,thank God.Every year it’s like that,rests less than the other ones do as the seasons change.That’s the one covering the hill with it’s far reaching strong branches.The kittens play near it.Yesterday I tried to herd them to keep them playing in the sunlight. The mother was preoccupied dealing with what debris had unsettled where they nest,still she kept a watchful eye on her family.What an amazing creature she is.
A rainfall so light it’s drops can barely be seen is here now.What can be seen carried in the wind are gorgeous leaves twirling as they blow by.The sound,smell and feel of it all is glorious,you’d love it Sue,Good morning.I hope you and crew rested warm and well,and that your connections are working the way that you need them to.Mine’s strong despite the conditions outside,I love when that happens 🙂 !
Nice morning reflection Weather, thank you for that. 🙂
Love the photos of the adorable Reggie, and I am glad Bridget got some cozy naps in. I so agree with leaving campsites better than before. We should all be mindful of the footprints we leave.
What a difference! Gil & I enjoy spending half the year in the southwest (winter months). The rest of the year we love tinkering around our home in central WA. Over the past several years we have wintered in our 17′ Casita (like Sue’s but different model). This year we have a big change. We now have a 21′ trailer; just 4’bigger but quite a difference. Dual wheels, an oven, self-contained shower, queen walk around bed, a slide with reclining loveseat. We are adjusting to the new luxury of space; much better for 2 fluffy seniors. We loved our Casita.; was really hard to part with it. But this is nice.
We left home later than usual & we can feel the difference. We are southbound on 93 through eastern NV. Moving steadily keeping an eye on the weather. We do not like to travel more than 2-3 hrs./day. Suspect we will be doing more hookup camping over boondocking as before because Gil is now attached to CPAP at night due to the episode of atrial flutter experienced on the way home last Spring. We are blessed in still being able to do what we like.
Hi kgdan. Look into this for a short stay or more if you like it.
http://www.nevadatreasurervresort.com/
About a hours west of Las Vegas.
Hi Alan, I looked it up, looks like a nice spot for a rig like mine…is that where you are?
Yes, I plan on staying the winter here and day tripping to Death Valley and maybe some other nearby spots on occasion. We got a Wal-mart, Home Depot and a couple grocery stores. Just about everything but a lot of people.
Did you say there are a lot of people? I would like it to be quiet and not a lot of people..lol.
No, not a lot of people out here. Very quiet. But if you want excitement there are several casinos in town. We are about 6.5 miles north of town center.
Alan is this place just for RV’s or can campers camp there too?
sure looks inviting…
chuck
Hi Sue.
I rarely comment but just wanted to say I’m reading and enjoying your posts. I hope you have many more to come. Also, Reggie is the cutest!
Take care and have a great day!
Ray
Good Morning Sue, I hope your day is going well. Wonderful walks to the pups!
Hello, everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful day!
I read every comment and appreciated each one. Thank you for your kind messages to me and the crew and for contributing to the life of my blog.
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