Monday, March 13
Hole-in-the-Wall Campground, Mojave Preserve, California
Reggie is outfitted in his orange fleece vest for our early morning walk around the campground.
It’s chilly! All the time I’ve traveled the Southwest with my canine crew, I’m still surprised by the fresh coolness of morning, regardless of the heat during the afternoons.
People are stirring, in and around their RVs.
Tenters and van dwellers scurry to the vault toilets. They prepare their breakfasts at picnic tables while RVers mostly stay inside.
The campground filled up late in the day yesterday . . . three fiberglass trailers, two teardrop trailers, a Class B, a van or two, a Class C, a fifth wheel, and loads of tenters.
I try to be discreet while taking photos.
Here’s a teardrop trailer, photographed while the occupants are gone . . . on an early morning drive perhaps?
Reggie briefly meets a dog, part chihuahua and part terrier, according to the owner.
Reggie marks his territory in several places. Word is out to all canine campers: The Reggie Man is here!
“Yee-haaa!”
Often the tent campsites are the nicest ones of all.
Reg and I walk the path to one very private site.
I notice a wide, wavy line in the gravel.
Uh-oh, that’s no rodent tail . . . . It looks like a . . .
“C-mon, Reg. Let’s get out of here.”
See the BLT in the next photo? No neighbors!
By the time we return to our campsite, we’re both hungry for breakfast.
In order to keep cool, we spend the day in the shade of the BLT or inside in the breeze of our fan. I wash a bin full of dirty dishes I’ve been saving for this special occasion.
Another walk at dusk . . . .
Many campers leave Hole-in-the-Wall while more are coming in.
Before dark I pack up everything not needed in the morning. The BLT is still hitched to the Perfect Tow Vehicle. We should be able to make an early start tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 14
Reggie and I awake at daybreak. I give him a short walk near our campsite and then we have a light breakfast.
As soon as tenters come out of their tents, Reg and I ride the Perfect Tow Vehicle across the campground and out onto Black Canyon Road. I take a few parting shots of the campground.
Then we ride slowly through the Mojave Preserve and head northward to our next camp!
rvsue
NOTE: I’m aware that the email notifications did not go out for this post. I hope to have it fixed soon. — Sue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
I appreciate every order, large or small. Here are a few items readers recently ordered from Amazon:
Telescopic Folding Rake
1000 Blue Pet Poop Bags
Moose and Bear Metal Wall Art
KEEN Women’s UNEEK Sandal
Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Bracelet
50W 18V 12V Solar Panel for irregular surface
It’s odd for me to be up at this hour. Yet since I am , and was thinking about you, I checked the blog and WooHoo,new post!
WooHoo! Weather is first! 🙂
In the morning I’ll comment on this post, just about to tuck in now. ’til then, n’nite
N’nite!
Ordinarily by now more comments are here. I checked my email, no message about a new post there yet. They usually arrive about a minute after you post .Do you think there’s a problem regarding that?
Yes, there is or was a problem. I did a system restore and now we will see if that fixed it. Sorry to keep you up, weather…
My being up is alright, in part it’s Polly’s antics keeping me awake. I just checked my email, no notice there. Apparently that didn’t fix .
Well, I’ve tried several things without success. This will be something for me to work on tomorrow. I’m not going to fuss any more with it tonight. Thanks for standing by. 🙂
Anytime 🙂 Catch up with you in the morning.
Yet another difficult to solve problem I’m sorry that you have to resolve. Another example of how much work you put into keeping dreams alive for many, and making days so much nicer for other readers. It may appear that you post and reply to comments with little effort to some folks. In reality, you spend hours on every post, constantly hone all of your skills involved with blogging, and adjust your whole life in many ways in order to keep all of this going as well as it does.
“Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety nine percent perspiration.”, Einstein’s statement comes to mind as I watch what you’re going through. I wish , of course, that you weren’t confronted with this issue, and hope you soon and easily find the solution. I just popped in to thank you for all that you do. I hope, too, that your and Reggie’s trip into town and day so far have been a pleasant get away into your own oh-so-nice world .
Thank you, weather. You are very kind and, as always, insightful. 🙂
Reg and I are back from our early trip to town. We were in the bank parking lot 15 minutes before it opened. From there we made a quick dash for groceries. I found a shady place to park. When I came out to the PTV, it was still very comfortable and Reggie was happy.
Having accomplished these real tasks makes facing the unreal and, for me, often frustrating world of technology a little easier.
Wishing you a pleasant day…
Hi Sue and Reggie! Thanks for another great post! Love reading about your travels❤
You’re welcome, Kelley. Second place!
A new post? I’m usually a couple days behind in my reading. Yes… I read all your posts even if don’t have time to read all the comments and respond. I have a question for you, Sue… do you get credit for Prime orders on Amazon? I nearly always remember to pass through here before ordering, but don’t know if Prime works or not. I gave up and went Prime when Amazon started getting creative with how they “arranged” orders so that you didn’t qualify for free shipping.
Mugsy and I are doing fine here in AZ for the winter. But dang it’s hot for March this year. LOL
Hi, Connie & Mugsy,
What a pleasant surprise to hear from you again! I’m happy to learn that you and Mugsy are fine, and I do agree, it is hot!
Thank you for the Amazon orders. Yes, I do get a commission on Prime orders. 🙂
Congratulations! Third place!
Oh good… I was worried that you wouldn’t.
🙂
Hey you!
How is the roadtrek doing?
Hey Cinandjules… the Roadtrek has its pros and cons just like every RV. When I bought it, I really wanted a Promaster based rig, but felt that I should wait a couple years until a few of the bugs were worked out. Since the German company Hymer bought Roadtrek, they have been bringing in some new and interesting European designs… so I just might have to get a new Activ model. LOL They are also bringing out a new model which is even shorter than my 170… called the Sonne. Check out gohymer.com.
Wow both are sweet! I like the Aktiv model.
Did you see their motto? Live on less enjoy life more! I’ve heard that somewhere before! 😉
Well, I didn’t copy it from anyone!
We know that!
🙂
I suspect that many have said it. I doubt that the German company is reading your blog LOL (as much as it is beloved by your readers…)
I do like the front seating area of the Activ as my vision is giving me difficulties when I tire… and as I age, I seem to be pooping out more quickly. Such a surprise (not). More comfortable than sitting on the bed… AND… it gives space for Mugsy’s little travel kennel that doesn’t fit in my 170.
Hah! It looks like I get to be third because I never get a notice you posted something. I just wander in whenever.
OK fourth. Connie got her’s written before I did.
LOL… Sorry about that. How are you Linda?
Hi, Linda! Fourth place! 🙂
Oh surprise! Just came back in to go shopping n found this new post😃BONUS!
“BONUS!” Thanks for the chuckle, Ronda. I really needed one right now.
Apparently in trying to fix a problem with this dang blog, I messed up the email notification feature and heaven knows what else. I’m sick of tech stuff!
So glad I could give you a chuckle😃. You do so much for me. Love you n your blog. Sorry the techy stuff is putting a bump in your road. You’ll smooth it out I’m sure.
Aww…. You’re a sweetie.
Woo hoo! Silver!
You silly thang!
Quiet morning here, sitting by the wood-stove and looking out my windows through the bare trees to the mountains beyond. The mountains have that rosy glow they can get some mornings. The snow on the ground really makes for a nice contrast against the dark tree trunks. Although it is has it’s own beauty, I still yearn for spring. Too many hours indoors for me, and the poor dogs can’t get through the deep snow, so they’re limited to shoveled paths and the plowed driveway. The snow should settle and melt enough in the next few days to get them out into the woods again.
So, Sue, you’re desert stories bring all of us along with you to where the skies are fair and the sun is shining. Looking forward, as usual to your next camp. Hope your technical glitches are behind you, too.
Good morning, Applegirl,
Thank you regarding the tech issues. I’m up against a tangled mess that is way above my knowledge level and every bit of time it’s not cleaned up my blog circles the drain faster and faster. This morning I have to take care of some business in town before it’s too hot to leave Reggie in the PTV, so I’ll have to work on it later.
You write very well. I was in your home, feeling the heat of the wood stove, looking out a frosty window at the dogs in the plowed driveway.
Thanks for stopping in here. I think I would have crumpled into a heap of sadness if I opened this blog and found no new comments. It’s like seeing a friendly face when in a strange place, the strange place being infinite cyberspace and the friendly face being yours.
So what was that critter tail you and Reggie man high tailed it away from?
Well, Pam…. Imagine a groove in the sand, one that curves one way and then the other like the letter S. What do you think would make such a mark in the desert?
In the top ten, whoopee
Yay for Lisa! 🙂
Oh I just smiled huge at the “Yee haaaaa” photo of Reggie because it sure looked like he was saying just that!
Loved the saving the dirty dishes for the special occasion comment. I laughed at that one. I think I ‘ll use that line next time!
Good morning, Renee! Ha! I wondered if anyone picked up that line about the special occasion. I have a new technique for handling dirty dishes and, at the same time, using less water. I bought a large plastic bin (on the picnic table in photo). I put my dirty dishes in it and keep it outside, out of the way, with the lid shut down tight so no critters can get in. Then when I’m running out of dishes, I add soap and water and wash the dishes in that bin outside.
I’m always happy to learn someone got a laugh out of a post. Have a great day, Renee. Thank you.
Oh yeah, dishes get me every time!
Yeah, that was funny. I might steal that line too😃
Nice pictures! Glad you only saw the wavy grooves instead of the creature that made them!
Thanks, Sarvi. When the weather warms at the end of winter I read the sand in the washes and in places like this trail. Usually the rodent tail marks have little footprints on both sides and show scurrying movement, whereas the snakes are smooth curves with no other marks.
Yep! Warm weather and the snakes come out of hibernation. Apparently you shared a walkway path with one. Also now is the time when scorpions are active. Hi Missy and Reggie.
Hi, Jim and Detta… I think the snake probably crossed that tent site during the evening when out hunting. He went under the picnic table and off into the bushes. Of course, he could be hanging around nearby.
I knew there should be a post and then I saw the comments about a tech. problem. No fear.. I stop by quite often while shopping Amazon. Good luck with the fix.
Thanks, Teri. I’m working on it. I’m glad you found your way here. Do have fun shopping Amazon! 🙂
Tech problems, BLECH!! Yea, Sue, all you who can figure it out are admired by me…I depend on hubby…have told him if he dies first, I will no longer mess with a computer. I HATE it when things do not work properly…no matter what a person does!! Our computers seem to have problems just about every month…keeps my hubby busy working on them. Somehow I doubt it is our fault!!
Am recovering from a nasty respiratory bug…or maybe it is an allergy as I seem to get this every Feb/Mar in this region. However, I see others out and about coughing like me. It has rained almost everyday this year so far here…that is quite a lot!! I woke up today feeling I am finally on the other side and going towards wellness again. You would think all the vitamins, herbs, minerals, etc I take would have more effect. Sunday is supposed to finally be sun all day!!! YEA!! Hope you are staying well…always get a laugh from photos of Reggie…he is quite the entertainer isn’t he? Was missing my Ebbie a lot last night again…guess I always will…
Hi, Elizabeth,
I’m sorry you’ve been uncomfortable with a respiratory ailment. Good to hear you feel better today! I’d love to send some of this sunshine your way. 🙂
I understand about missing Ebbie. Our canine family members do remain in our hearts forever. I was aching about Spike and Bridget last night, after all this time! I have to force myself to think about other things. I’m sure you know what I mean.
Keep getting better, Elizabeth. Thanks for writing.
Oh hugs to you, dear Sue…yes, I do understand. I thought I was past crying over Ebbie…but guess not. I read a touching story about someone and their dog…that did it!! But I am reasonable too…having a dog may not ever work out for me again…and that is ok too. At least I can go over and play with daughter’s hairless dog (I DO MISS the hair however…heh!)
Oh Miss Sue I hate computer stuff too… I do not envy you! Another thing you are remarkable for… you didn’t toss it in the sand and call it ‘good’. 😛
We have rain. More rain. Yup yup yup…
Finally feeling like ourselves again (icky cold) and were going to meet up with grandkids this weekend but NO. One has pneumonia and another is working on something… fevers all around 🙁 WE NEED SUNSHINE!
Sending you and the ReggieMan hugs.
From Hoquiam!
Barb
Hi, Barb . . . .Not again! More sickness? Yes, you do need sunshine to dry out your lungs and make you feel good again. It will come. I’m sorry you missed out on a weekend with your grandkids. Hugs to you and your sickie-poo.
Sounds like you are headed a little further north, not to far yet? Could still be some cold weather sneaking in. Have to have sharp eyes to see those S shaped lines in the road sometimes. Saw a big one in Tucson last week. A truck had stopped to let the “S” cross the road, he waved us to a stop. Then proceeded to lecture us about the dangers of going into the scrub after it. As if! I’m not a 20 something with a few beers in me. Always let them go one way while we go the other.
Hi, Lisa…. I’ve talked with a few RVers and we agree that this Spring is challenging. If we move to escape the heat, not only will the drive be through heat, by the time we arrive at the cooler place the heat wave will be over and then we’re in a place too far north or too high up. That’s why we’re sliding our rigs into the shade and lying low til this passes. From the comments I read from those in the PNW where it rains every day I realize how good we have it here. 🙂
This winter has been brutal for rain! It started exactly Oct 1 (the day my son got married in what was supposed to be an outdoor wedding…) and hasn’t stopped!
Just checking in to say hi and thanks for another fun update on your travels. Love Reggie’s orange vest.
You’re welcome, Karen. Nice to hear from you!
It’s nice that you’re still surprised by morning’s coolness after all this time. That means sometimes upon greeting a day you have an unexpected pleasure, and relief from the heat felt the day before. You’d think by now I be used to how beautiful I find deserts, yet I’m still fascinated by their natural vegetation, diversity and landscapes. In your first photo, for example, the way the palms tower above the rest of the plants, with little winding paths one can choose to walk between everything-a professional merely human gardener couldn’t plan better placement of it all to make such a gorgeous scene.
One photo I’m especially grateful for in this post is your third one with the T@B in it. If you camp somewhere that I think I may want to see and stay in because I find it’s setting and views to be wonderful, I use my imagination to see myself being there. To actually see a home like my own there makes picturing it much easier and even more fun, thank you 🙂 !
It’s kind of the planners to give the tent campers the nicest sites when they can. I really do enjoy tent camping, yet find an rv is much more comfortable to be and sleep in. If they don’t have the convenience of their own toilet and other touches of luxury, they at least get extra privacy and the best sites in a place to choose from, sweet!
Have a great evening, Sue. I hope and adorable snuggle-butt Reggie took time to enjoy each other and where you are during some breaks from the tech issues. We had a completely sunny day here, perfect for driving around getting errands done. When you were at the store did you get any green veggies to celebrate St.Patrick’s day? I usually have green beans with supper and call that enough of a holiday treat.
Hi, weather,
I apologize to you and others for not responding until today. I had to give up trying to fix the post notification and turned the problem over to the entity involved (jetpack). I’m waiting to receive a reply which I was promised would be forthcoming within 24 hours.
I’m glad you had a sunny day for your errands. I admit I didn’t think of St. Patrick’s Day when shopping, but I did have a green salad for supper. 🙂
You and your T@B came to mind when I took that photo. I figured all the T@B owners would appreciate help with their visions of camping in the future.
Busy morning again today. I’ll write about it soon. Have a wonderful day!
Handing them the problem seems as though it would be less stressful for you than trying to figure out how to fix it by yourself. If so, I’m glad that option was available and that you’re using it.
It’s always great to hear from you, you’ve no reason to apologize for delayed responses. I am glad you replied because now I know at least today hasn’t been one filled with your sitting at the laptop being frustrated. Just as I read your wishing me a wonderful day a perfectly lovely snowfall began outside my window…that and the note from you are gifts that add to it’s being wonderful, thank you 🙂 !
Well I have had a couple weeks of driving school bus. I still think I’m going to like it. I’ve only had 3 solo drives. The others the bus monitor has been with me. We only have 1 bus monitor for the whole district so she can’t be with me everyday. Also I’ve done several van runs. Washington has a law giving homeless children the right to stay in their original school. Both districts work together to get the child back and forth between school and their temporary “home”.
I’m glad you’re liking the job, Ronda.
Thank you 😃
You have computer issues, I have new trailer issues. Pump wasn’t pumping water but running. Worked w escape owner on troubleshooting. Replaced pump by MYSELF! Even spiced wires! Never have done anything like that. Proud of myself but even new pump did same thing. Reece had me do some “sucking” on various tubes in case of air lock. Finally the solution was the tvalve w lots of plastic debris inside. Let’s just say I am now very intimate with “Pearl” & may have to rename her but I know this is a pg blog so won’t say. Anyway now have running water including hot. Hope I don’t find any more glitches. Want to head that way soon, Mohave then anzo. Happy trails to you.
Hi, Julie,
Good for you, acquiring those skills! I hope you don’t find anymore glitches, too. It’s too hot for the Mojave right now. Not to worry… Word is that cooler temperatures will arrive on Wednesday. Yay!
Being in Florida I always look for tracks of alligators/turtles leading from one little canal in the campground to the next. You can tell I haven’t figured out how to tell which creature made the tail drag marks in the sand. Some have footprints on each side of the tail mark, some don’t. Yes, computer problems are the pits for me; I usually have to contact my son & ask dumb questions. Like-this year my hotspot on my phone seldom lets me get on my computer; last year, same place, no problem. After 2 one hour trips to the Apple Store & no resolution, I just live with it & use only the phone most of the time. I’ll be moving along early next month but not in a hurry to get home where they recently got 18″ of snow, & more is expected soon. Being here in Florida, I really enjoy the warm weather (in spite of a cold snap last week) & having more daylight in January. My trailer is behaving pretty well though the kitchen faucet seems to have problems deciding whether to produce hot water or cold–mostly I get hot.I can live with it until I get home & can take the faucet out to replace it. I must tell you how much I admire your stick-to-it-ness still writing your blog; finding interesting things about life to remark on & beautiful things to photograph. Or should I say things to photograph beautifully?
Thank you, Maryanne, for the kind words about me, my blogging and photography.
Technology… You can waste hours and hours trying to get something fixed. Often I do what you did… I give up!
Wow, from Florida warmth to Connecticut snow. That’ll be a shocker. Fortunately spring will arrive, even in Connecticut. Ha!
Good evening! Thought about you two when I was out with Stevie this morning. It was cloudy but still beautiful on the banks of the river. I didn’t get to see the herd of deer or hear the turkeys but red headed woodpeckers were flying around, from tree to tree as if in competition with each other. Fly fishermen were hard at work trying to catch the big trout. Squirrels were driving Stevie crazy, running around with nuts in their mouths, always two steps ahead of her. I wonder what she would do if she ever caught one! She isn’t much bigger than they are. Spring is definitely here. I am sure nature is unfurling her buds where you are at as well. Happy St. Patrick’s day to you and Reggie
Spring in Arkansas sounds lovely, Lisa. Have a happy day, Lisa!
We bought a few things from Amazon. Hoping you get the commission. A skylight come and sealer.
I saw those items! Thank you very much, Lisa.
Great post and photos too,,, Sue I didn’t get the email notification for this post yet,, I got to this one by seeing at the top, under the haed photo of the last post that there is a new one, no worries, I’ll be patient and see if it shows up,,, Piper n’ Rusty 😎🐾
Okay. Thanks, Rusty.
I read that Amazon is reducing its commissions paid to affiliates. If that hurts your commissions very much, perhaps you could add a Paypal link. I’ve seen a couple other blogs with “cup of coffee” type links for viewer contributions. Or it could be a “rotisserie chicken” link. 🙂
Sweet of you, Lisa, to think of me and my Amazon earnings. Lately sales have been down. 🙁 I haven’t seen much change in commission though.
I’ve noticed other blogs have a Paypal link. I don’t fault them for doing that, but it’s not something I want to do. I wouldn’t feel comfortable with it.
Another reason… There are people who think that sending a gift or money gives them some “ownership.” Say something they don’t like and it’s “You’re always begging for money” or “I’m sorry I gave you money.” I just don’t want to go there.
The way it is now, I earn the commission from Amazon sales without it costing people anything extra when they shop.
“Rotisserie chicken link” — I gotta’ admit, that is funny! 🙂
An absolutely beautiful spot! Love the mountains and rock formations surrounding you there. Safe travels down the road.
Thanks, Jodee. Same to you!
Hi Sue and Crew, past and present! Just checking in. Since moving to a beautiful quiet RV park in Hutchinson, Kansas (Applewood Meadows) , we have been more focused on Jobs and Less on RVing…..it was fun to figure out how to winter here, since our previous home in Las Vegas didn’t present the same challenges of rain or snow!! My husband Mark has begun in earnest to build bicycle powered rickshaws, and just for fun, Oreo the dog is training daily to pull me around on a small bicycle!! What fun we are having!! I’m so glad to see your photos and read your descriptions of those who awaken close to nature , get up and live their routines in the crisp desert morning, feel the temps spike and then cool again as the peace of dusk settles in…Sue…thanks always for hosting this little internet oasis where one can always find some humor and tranquility. Peace!!
Hey there Sue and The Reg. I love your morning walks and I always feel like I’m out sniffing the morning air with you two, and exploring the campsites because that’s what I do; walk in the early morning. I love the first “air” of the day the best. I was enjoying the walk until we saw the wavy line on the path. Did you notice that I beat you guys back to the BLT?
You all ready for this? I’ve never seen the dessert in all of my years. I came from a tropical beach, and landed in the forested mountains. Even in college it was always the mountains. So I have to admit, I’m sucking up every piece of sand you walk through trying to get a feel of how my first trip into the dessert is going to feel, and look like to me. I’m drawn to its absolute desolate and stark beauty. Thank you for the walks and the window into the unknown. I’m going to love it there when I finally land. 😊
You’re welcome, Suzi,
Yes, I agree — You are going to love it here in the desert. I can say that because you display a desire to see something different from what you’re accustomed and a willingness to recognize the particular kind of beauty of the desert. I think some people decide they don’t like the desert because of what it isn’t, instead of what it is. The desert doesn’t fit their idea of beautiful. We can become set in our ways and in our thinking!
How wonderful for me to know you’re walking with us as you read my posts. And you beat us back to the BLT! That’s amazing! 🙂
I got the notification today at 11:35AM this morning, so I think that you fixed it.
Does Reggie do a “victory dance” after he marks his territory? On occasion, Diego gets so carried away with his dance that it looks like he has springs in his back legs.
I can’t get over how green the deserts are. Anza Borrego looked like farming land from afar.
Hi, Chris and Diego,
I know what you mean. Even the desert around Blythe turned green.
A victory dance…. hilarious! No, not really. He does do a high-speed back-kick of which I’ve shown in photographs. One time he was in sand and did such an energetic “backhoe” that he started to drop down into the hole he made. I go “Reggie! Stop! You’re digging your way to China!”