Saturday, August 1
Digit Campground, Miller Lake, Oregon
Quiet weekend here at the campground . . .
This is remarkable because Digit Campground has over sixty sites and most of them are occupied for the weekend. I step out of the Best Little Trailer. Gee, it’s as quiet as a weekday when only three or four campers are here.
People come to Miller Lake to relax in beautiful surroundings, rather than to make noise. Many are here to fish or to paddle the lake.
Digit Campground is situated above the lake.
In other words, you go down a bank to reach the lakeside trail that we walk each morning. This makes it nice. When you’re in your campsite you aren’t bothered by people strolling along the lake.
Also, dogs that are leashed in the campground (according to the rule) can go off-leash when walking the shoreline.
The next photo, which shows one of my reading spots, gives you an idea of how the sites are above the lake. (Bridget and Reggie wouldn’t sit in their beds for this photo!)
In front of every campsite, down the bank, is a place to moor one’s boat.
You can walk down the slope and climb into your boat.
Today, being Saturday, there’s an assortment of kayaks, inflatables, and fishing boats.
The crew and I walk past the floating dock.
A man and woman are setting up their chairs and cooler out at the end. The woman tosses out her line, sets down her rod, and resumes fussing around, arranging her chair and other stuff.
The man accompanying her approaches the crew and me as he walks down the dock toward shore, probably to retrieve something from their vehicle.
The woman turns around and reels in a trout about 12 inches.
They haven’t been on the dock five minutes!
“I got one!” she calls to the man.
“Already?” he replies. He turns to look at the fish she’s holding up. The man shakes his head as if to say, “I don’t believe it.” I get the feeling she’s out-fished him before!
I hear a splash.
What was that? A fish jumping? Oh, there’s a guy with a chocolate lab.
I ask the man if I can take pictures and he says, “Go ahead.”
Reggie and Bridget wait expectantly for the lab to return to land. The man tells me the dog’s name is Bud. Bridget gives Bud a sniff on the nose and that’s enough for her.
Reggie is excited!
He doesn’t bark or jump around on his back legs at the sight of a big dog like he did the first few months with us. He trots right up to the big dogs with a friendly “Howdy!”
Apparently all the dog-to-dog socializing has taught Reggie there’s no need to be defensive.
I’m proud of Reggie. He’s turning into a super, full-time RVer!
Saturday afternoon the crew and I take a ride into town.
How to describe Chemult, Oregon? Hmm . . . . .
Well, the town center is not a plaza or a church or a courthouse.
Pilot Travel Center sits smack dab in the middle of Chemult.
Route 97 bisects the town and Pilot dominates the center. I run in and buy milk and bread. Man, this place is busy!
Adjacent to Pilot is a Subway. I order a foot-long turkey sandwich. That takes care of lunch and supper!
Sunday, August 2
Today is our last full day at Miller Lake. It’s been a wonderful camp.
On Monday we will move. Again, I’m not sure where we’re going. As long as we stay away from crowds and make our camp surrounded by nature, we’ll be happy with our new home.
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
I appreciate every order. Here’s a sample of items recently purchased by readers:
Air Hammer
Fleece Small Dog and Cat Vest
4-Wheeler Tote Tank – 42 Gallon
Coleman Outdoor Compact Table
Masterpiece: Downton Abbey Season 5
Just Another Day In Paradise Outdoor Mat
“C’mon, Bud! You can do it!”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
First!
CONGRATULATIONS, DAWN! And you’re all the way over in North Carolina, too! 🙂
First?
Great pics and content!
Nope, second. But you’re still good. 🙂
Thanks… I had a tough time with this post. A certain someone would not stop pestering me!
Ahhhhhh, that reading spot above the lake looks just perfect. The very best of summer lounging…
I thought so too.
Two Dawns! 🙂
It’s very important to place the lounger in the best location possible! 🙂
It was definitely the perfect place. Just day dreaming about it made me want to read and take a nap.
Well, you found the exact spot I would have chosen! Grin! Great reading room! This has been a nice quiet campground and Reggie acting all grown up now around bigger dogs! Wonderful!
Reggie is a new man with lots of confidence. You should see the way he trots around the campground like he owns the place. Funny!
Thanks for the informaton on what seems like another ideal campsite to go check out!
You’re welcome, Chris.
Oh well second is good too! Love Buds pic at the end.
Look in the photo that includes Bud’s person and you can see how far out he throws that orange thing. Bud really worked to get out there and back… several times.
I fall in love with so many of your camps…and I feel sad when you leave and then I fall in love with the next one. Vicarious camping.
I do that same thing, Dawn. Love the one we leave, love the one we find.
That’s enough to make a person want a kayak or something to take along.
It does! I look at the photos and want to climb in and take off around the lake. Boats are inviting.
Hi Sue!
Looks like another beautiful camp! I am jealous and hope next summer to be out that way. At the moment I’m at this RV park and it’s been raining for days! Lately we’ve had gusty winds and I feel the trailer move a lot! Do you feel wind in the BLT? Man if something like a twig or acorn hits the roof I hear and feel it. But this wind is kind of scary. Tell me that is normal.
hugs Deb i’m going stir crazy too!
Hi, Deb,
Yes, I feel wind in the BLT. It can rock like a cradle at times.
Is your wind normal? Probably is… for Florida. And your trailer’s going to rock in the wind, especially gusty wind. You’ll get used to it. I like it, as long as we don’t roll!
roll? lol OMG! so much to get used to.
Of course, if there’s a hurricane on its way, there’s no getting used to that. It’s time to get out of Dodge!
I missed the part where you say you’re going stir crazy. I totally understand. I’m not at a point where I could commit to staying anywhere for a month. We are leaving Miller Lake before we reach the 14-day limit, just because… well, because we can! Moving to different camps becomes addictive!
Deb, if you get too stir crazy, book a site at St George Island State Park and visit up here for a bit !
or we have a nice campground right next to us, Coastal RV Resort! Or better prices at their budget CG just down the road and just as nice! St George was voted the third most beautiful beach in the USA !!!
Hi there Sue! LOVE that parting shot of Bud. What a perfect name. Guess what I’m working on? Lesson plans! grrrr We go back on the 7th. Oh well–I’ll be one year closer!
That’s the spirit, DeAnne! “One year closer!” 🙂
==========
We have two inflatable catarafts (one is 8′ — the other 9′) which we’ll be taking with us . . . and the long oars . . . and the lifejackets . . . and the Minnkota 30 electric trolling motor which is quiet and awesome. If it works out, we hope to re-extend our back bumper to have a small deck at the back end — a place to haul our 156# genset, the boats and Gato knows what else. We’ve just left them inflated for so long that the prospect of DEflating and INflating them seems like such a hassle! Guess we may have to invest in one of those 12-volt air pumps, eh? (Already have a quality hand pump that we keep with us while using the boats.)
==========
I’d like to build an enclosure on that rear deck to keep everything clean while rolling down dirt roads, etc. Perhaps one end of the enclosure can double as a ramp for loading/unloading? (The genset has four wheels on it and a towing handle.) We don’t plan on using the genset much but *definitely* want to roll it away from where we are to minimize the stink and the noise. I really hate the *^&% things when I’m camping but there will be times when we’re seriously offgrid — nobody else around — and I’ll be able to run a few power tools for building stuff (kinda’ my thing :o).
==========
JIM & ANNIE ~ 11 weeks & 4 days to go!
==========
Hi, Jim and Annie,
I can tell you’re having a grand time with plans, making things work for you, being creative with your rig and its attachments. Interesting! Thanks for sharing your ideas here.
I thought you said you have two inflatable CARAFES! Wow, imagine floating around while drinking wine!
Sounds like my kind of floating!
==========
Oh we do plenty of that! :o) The larger cataraft has a basket behind the seat = room for the trolling motor and a small cooler . . . we fill it with ice, toss on a box of Chillable Red and with our insulated ‘sippy cups’ we’re good to go. We don’t always wear our life jackets but we keep them close at hand at all times. Annie’s boat (the smaller one) doesn’t have a seat cushion so she sits on a 2nd flotation device for comfort. They are a blast and we always have a good time with our catarafts.
==========
JIM & ANNIE — 10 weeks and 5 days to go!
==========
The lake ,unless being roiled by watercraft,looked placid and quiet,it must have been a fair and almost windless day.It’s nice to have folks enjoy a lake and let everyone else still enjoy nature .Reggie has had relatively few instances of encountering larger dogs to be so well socialized with them.You and Bridget having calm demeanors and your long term experience with dogs is a winning combination,the change in that little guy so quickly really is impressive.Handy being close the Pilot,nice to have someone else “make” lunch and dinner sometimes,isn’t it?I hope finding and being at your new camp is fun.
Hi, weather,
Staying in campgrounds has helped Reggie a lot. He’s met several large dogs (I don’t always include the crew’s encounters in posts) since joining us in March. Whenever there’s an opportunity to meet another dog, we’re right there. It’s good for all involved. Sweet of you to give me and Bridget the credit!
Reggie still barks more than I’d like. We’re working on that. 🙂
BTW, weather, thank you for stepping up in response to a comment regarding a link (under the previous post). I backed away from the posts about Timber and Piper, not wanting the comments to focus on me, for a change.
You’re welcome,turning your blog’s two posts recently over to be for and about him,his current story and so many that have come to care about him since you two met says a lot,about your values,character and esteem of a friend,and I’m sure meant a lot to Rusty.
All laudable,yet it’s just nice when you’re here 🙂
Hi Sue,
Looks like a must visit place…I will add to my list. We are up in North Cascades NP until tomorrow when we will head to the coast where it is a lot cooler. We are having a blast but are looking to do more real boondocking. We have been staying in USFS campgrounds for $5 a night with water in the campground. We hope to be in Oregon in a few weeks.
John
Hi, John K.,
Great hearing from you again! Sounds like your first year as a full-timer is shaping up nicely!
I like campgrounds when in bear country. When they’re only a few bucks a night, gee, why not? I’m surprised that you aren’t cool in North Cascades NP. How are the skeeters?
Love that you’re “having a blast.” 🙂
Skeeters come out right around dusk but aren’t bad at all. It is very hot here during the day…94 or so. Nights are right around 60. Over on the coast it is in the 70s and nights in the 50s. We have seen quite a few Casitas, there was one here yesterday. It is quite beautiful here, I just wish it was cooler!
That’s the way it goes… If the weather isn’t perfect, move to where it is. 🙂 Enjoy the coast… School is starting up. That tourist intensity of summer should lessen.
Hi there I’m day 6 on the road. Gold beach. Oregon. Just had thunder and a bit of hail roll thru. Sitting in the van catching up on the Crew. Heading NB tomorrow. I’ll look for both places after the coast route. Loving it so far. Good luck to us newbies out there. Thanks Sue and the crew!
Hi, Carlene,
Good for you! Gold Beach… What a fabulous beginning!
“Heading NB tomorrow”… Sorry I’m dense, where is NB?
I’m very happy that your are loving living on wheels. A bit of thunder and hail adds to the excitement. 🙂
I’m thinking NB means northbound.
Thanks, Ladybug.
Yes Ladybug is right. Should be in Astoria Or in about 3 weeks, but I’m learning that I’ll get there some day so why worry about a date… LOL. Loving the road and learning from the experienced. Corky is also learning from Reggie, becoming a more socially acceptable pooch by being out and about in the campgrounds. Thanks again Sue and Crew.
Looks like you’ve enjoyed nice weather at Digit campground. 80F day/ 47 eve… Wed forecast predicts 34F overnight; so, good to move camp I’m hoping to follow the weather when I begin full timing in Oct/Nov. Thanks Sue, for the post about Rusty and Lady Piper. The first time I heard about Timber I was stunned. When Rusty signed on as; ‘n me, I blubbered blowing snot bubbles. When I learned of Lady Piper’s new home and Rusty’s recovery, the tears flowed sensibly.
Hi, Chey,
The blog has generated a lot of emotion lately! A post showing boats sitting on the shoreline should calm us all down. Ha! Seriously… You are a tender-hearted, compassionate person to feel as deeply as you do. Your descriptions are quite vivid. 🙂
Yes, we have been blessed with nice weather while at Miller Lake, somewhat cooler than what the weather widget in the sidebar says for Chemult. I’m grateful that we haven’t been bothered by many mosquitoes this summer, considering that we’ve camped several times near water.
I always stop at the Pilot in Chemult for a shower. Mmmmm, hot water, plenty of water pressure. A treat for a vandweller like me.
Also, I like that some lakes in Oregon prohibit boats with internal combustion engines. Much quieter and fewer pollutants. And the folks with human and wind powered craft seem to be mellower, quieter.
Hi, Al,
I left out one incident regarding noise. Overall Digit Campground and the lake have been very quiet. At night the air is still. Looking out a window I see the lake doesn’t have a ripple and the boughs of the trees are motionless. Not a sound. Well, Friday night, around 2 in the morning someone with a humongous outboard motor roars up the lake. I sat up thinking a plane was about to skim the tree tops! About an hour later, after I’m asleep again, that boat roars to the other end of the lake. Around 4 in the morning, I’m jolted awake again! Not a sound the next night, on Saturday night. Maybe someone had a little talk with him…
Saturday morning I’m walking with the crew and pass a site where a young woman with a tent is at a picnic table. We smile at each other and I ask, “How’d you sleep last night?” She knew what I was referring to. One person wakes up an entire campground three times in one night! I saw him drive by with his boat trailer (too fast). The motor was huge. Good thing I didn’t have a basket of rotten tomatoes at hand.
Love all photos of the boats and kayaks. I do so want a kayak. The blue rainbow one sure is calling my name. I think this little campground will go on my list to visit. Thank you for sharing it!
You’re welcome, Kristi & Daisie. Yes, the “blue rainbow” is sweet.
Yet another beautiful camp. I really liked the 2nd picture. So peaceful. Congrats to Reggie on his good behavior. He is really learning.
As is everyone else, anxious to see where you take us next.
Sending Big Hugs and Lots of Love
Same to you, Pauline. I’m glad you had another good trip to New York!
I want a kayak so MUCH so this was like candy to my eyes! I just read a post on Facebook (which depending on the people you have on your list can be very useful) That all dogs can NOT swim or have a very hard time trying! I didn’t ever consider this, the sort list is: basset hounds, bulldogs, dachshunds, pugs, Corgis, Scottish and Boston terriers, and greyhounds! Since my Casey is a mix of dachshund I was happy to know this! Hope you get a fine new camp!
Hi, Sondra,
I never gave it much thought either. Now that you mention it I don’t see a pug being an efficient swimmer! Or a dachshund…
It was fun taking photos of the boats on the shore. I wondered if they would make any readers drool. 🙂
You can purchase life jackets for dogs which I feel is a good idea on a boat trip anyway!
That’s right. Bridget has a very smart-looking red one.
Nice dog!
Hi, Frank. Yes, he is.
Oh my goodness me..you have done it again. What a wonderful post…I was transported to the lake…ahhhh…
We are in the middle of a refrigerator crisis, our compressor quit, husband is a sparktrician, diagnosis..dead, so we had to go buy a new refrigerator, .talk about sticker shock! It was as much as our first car!
So now is the cleaning up the spot we moved the old one from, so the new one can go in a clean spot, which means you have to move first one thing then another, find dust bunnies that need cleaning, wipe down the wall behind the refrigerator, oh my the valence over the window need laundering…well clean off that shelf.. Might as well clean the front of that upper cupboard…and mop the floor because the ice maker hook up peed…..all because the refrigerator croaked!
Had to drag out ice chests, go buy ice, eat lots of fresh veggies so they don’t spoil.
I really really needed your post today…ahhhhh…….
Hi all! especially Mick…
We’re thinking of doing the Wilson antenna thing like Sue, but have a question for Mick. Just left it on Sue’s antenna page…
I hope you see this Mick!
Sue—loved the photos of all the kayaks. There are so many different kinds.
The last photo of Bud was priceless…he looked sooo happy!
See Antenna page.
Thanks for your response, Mick….
See antenna page
Hi, Lee J. . . .
Ah yes, the projects that keep growing and growing… Sorry your fridge conked out. I dread that happening, not only for the expense, but also for the inconvenience. I hope you can get back to enjoying summer soon!
Hi Sue and Crw!
We just left Diamond lake which is near Miller lake. I have to say that Oregon has very courteous campers, all of the campgrounds I have stayed in are quiet even though they are full. Love Oregon so far! Am camping in Waldport area now.
I guess the guy who called me the f-word for an hour or so went home and you missed having him for a neighbor. 🙂
I really like Waldport. Have fun!
This has been another beautiful, restful campground! Love that you have been near water so often all summer! I am a water baby for sure! Radar and DoogieBowser seem to have no interest in getting feet wet! Oh well! Looking forward to seeing the new campground! Drive safe! Love you!
Love you, too, Geri. Miss you and Chuck and the boys.
“He doesn’t bark or jump around on his back legs at the sight of a big dog like he did the first few months with us. He trots right up to the big dogs with a friendly “Howdy!”
Apparently all the dog-to-dog socializing has taught Reggie there’s no need to be defensive.”
Yea, and a ton of unconditional love from you and the wise, knowing presence of HRH hasn’t hurt any either!
You have done well with him. Who knows what his life was like on the rough and tumble streets of Santa Fe? He may have needed to look big and be defensive. Now all he knows is love……..
Hi, Rick,
Yeah, Reggie gets a lotta’ love every day. And if I slack off, he’s in my face demanding more!
I realize now how nervous he was when he first came to live with Bridget and me. Whenever he woke up he would lick my face and pester me, wanting reassurance, I guess. He’s become a lot more mellow. He still licks, but I can make him quit. Without intending to, I taught him the word “stop!” 🙂
Your comment under the previous post touched me … “God I love this place.” I’m glad. 🙂
Hi, Sue,
I think I have enjoyed Miller Lake almost as much as you all! Despite at least a dozen fellow campers, (based on the kayaks and boats pictured on the shore), everyone was able to enjoy the peace and beauty of the area. That is really special….a place where like-minded souls can commune with nature. About the yahoo with the speed boat tearing around the lake in the wee hours: alcohol must have been involved. Safe boating on lakes and rivers means being on the lookout for stumps, rocks, and other hazards sticking up out of the water. Running into/over such a hazard could prove deadly. Glad he left after one rowdy morning, and did not spoil everyone’s whole weekend.
Bridget and Reggie sound like they have been loving your walks around the lake! Reggie has grown up quite a bit in a short amount of time. Good job, Miss Bridge and Sue! Your reading room at this camp was perfect! The butterfly picture on your last post was exquisite! Was it along the shore? I thought I saw the lake’s water in the background. Hope you enjoyed your foot long sub. It is great to pick up something that lasts for a couple meals. I picked up a 2 for 1 deal at Cafe Rio Friday on the way home from work. Two huge burritos will yield me six meals. I tried one chicken, one steak. No cooking all weekend, and lunch for tomorrow, too!
Hope you all enjoy the final evening at Didge-It campground! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Bud looked like he was having the time of his life! I wonder if his owner hunts and was training him to retrieve fowl?
I think he was preparing Bug to help him hunt. I try not to think about that. I despise the methods I’ve seen duck hunters use.
I agree. If people shoot for food, I still don’t like it, but can understand. Taking a life for sport….I don’t get it.
All that’s spent in hunting gear…. gun, ammo, camo outfits, bird calls, boat, gas for the boat, beer for the boat, etc…. That would buy a lot of food.
I agree with you 100 percent, Denise. Taking a life for sport is despicable. And duck hunting tactics make me sick.
Hi, Denise,
Yes, I think Didge-It Campground is one of the crew’s favorites. Each morning, earlier and earlier, Reggie has begged me to get going on the lakeside walk. And Bridget has seemed eager, too. She prefers walks where we follow a path and that’s what we have here. This morning I noticed there is a trail leaving the campground. It goes to another lake in the Mt. Thiessen Wilderness. Pets aren’t allowed on it… Just as well. It’s too far for us to hike.
The butterfly was on a plant leaning over the water.
Six meals out of two burritos. Let me see… doing the math I come up with three meals out of one burrito. You must eat like a bird! Of course that remark comes from a person who ate three chile rellenos in one sitting….
Hugs to you and Gracie pup!
The burritos were enormous! I was satisfied by eating a third or less. A neighbor weighed her burrito and said it was four pounds! I try to eat healthy, but do have weight to lose. The majority of it was put on with medications….a necessary evil. At a dr appt last week, I just about did a happy dance, being down 6.9 lbs….the nurse thought I was nuts when exclaimed, “Oh! that’s good!” I had to explain the I recently had gained 8.9 lbs from a round of prednisone and was thrilled that I almost had gotten it off. No…my weight is not “good”, but was better than it was several weeks ago! I cheer for small victories! Working on keeping this losing streak going! 🙂
Thanks for the hugs! N’nite!
“Cheer for small victories”… I join you, Denise. Every pound lost is an accomplishment!
Sue and Crew! It looks like a beautiful place to stay a few days and the lake is beautiful. I have only kayaked once and I was a little nervous. I have a little fear of water if I can’t see the bottom so I am always afraid of a big fish eating me or snakes wrapping themselves around my feet and pulling me under or a snapping turtle snipping at me. I love a good clean pool though! I would be the one sitting, sipping a glass of wine and reading while everyone else is out having fun on the lake. However saying that, I don’t mind a good boat ride as long as I stay in the boat. Enjoy!
Kay from KC!
Gee, Kay… If I had those thoughts, I’d stay out of the water, too! A big fish eating you? Snakes wrapping around your feet? Snapping turtles? Eeegaaddss!!
Well, a good book and a glass of wine are a nice alternative. 🙂
Looks like a city of kayaks! Floatble devices of all sorts!
Very peaceful. Great to hear Reg man is acclimating to the lifestyle quite nicely.
Have a great evening!
You have a great evening, too!
We wanna go where you are!!!!. Our renter of ten years moved and as predicted most of August will be dedicated to yucky stuff. I have spent 5 hours on the kitchen stove so far. A brief respite this week as we finally get to take a very short inaugural trip with the new rig to my 50th HS reunion. Keeping our minds on the fall departure. It will be especially sweet this year. Your photos and words keep us forward thinking and motivated.
Oh, boy, what fun… baked on kitchen grease. Yuck.
I hope you have a problem-free trip with your new rig. Wow! 50th HS reunion! Have a wonderful time.
My 50th HS reunions is in September, also. Sometimes it seems like yesterday and other it seems like 150.
You’ll have to tow east in ’16; are you going to Camb. or Bing.?
Ha! I didn’t realize my 50th is next year. It would be Cambridge or Walden and I won’t be going to either.
Do you think Taylor Swift would disappoint her fans in such a manner?
Who’s Taylor Swift? ,,, Never mind, that’s the Lady who owns Swift Trucking,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Sue
My weekend was the antithesis of yours. Went with my scamp & friends to mountain home country music fest as a volunteer. It was crowded, dusty, noisy & hot. Was nice to see Blake Shelton but overall not something I will repeat. Much more like boondocking in solitude in beautiful places rather than a cow’ out pasture. One more life experience!
Hi, Julie,
Live and learn, eh? As time goes by I find “manmade” fun is not really. 🙂
I know where Mountain Home is… We almost went through there from our stay at Salton Sea. Instead we headed toward Las Vegas and found the Reggie Man!
Thanks for responding Sue. The venue was actually 35 miles outside of Mt Home off Hwy 20 towards Fairfield. Nice view of the Trinity Mountains. Noted below that you were thinking of the Sawtooths. Let me know if you need info on that region but here are some ideas. Lola Creek is a FS CG near a trailhead that goes into the Frank Church Wilderness. About 5 miles hike to Big Hole, a confluence of Marsh creek & Bear Creek. Fir Creek CG is near there (Bear Valley/Bruce Meadows turnoff) along a Creek. Also the entire Bear Valley area is beautiful with several cg’s but also boondocking. Must see is Redfish Lake. Best, Julie
Hi Sue,
What a wonderful summer you are having in Oregon. I just spent a week in Yuma AZ and it was at least 108 degrees everyday with no crowds. Sure didn’t see anyone camping out in the sand dunes like in January.
Hope all is going well and enjoying your blog and pictures.
Norman
Hi, Norman,
Yuma must be deserted (as in “empty”) at this time of year. Camping in the desert would be challenging, that’s for sure! Thanks for stopping by and letting me know you are still with us, and still enjoying my blog. Stay cool!
lol we’re at the top of 97 at Rufus (Biggs) on our way home tomorrow from Coos Bay and Winchester Bay Dunefest (something you shouldn’t miss 😉 😉 😉 TONS of people and quads hehe just kidding Sue 🙂 it’s reeeeaaaaly hot here (97) and I miss the Oregon Coast already sigh is it hot where you are? I am sure learning different camping areas and cities thanks to your travels 🙂
Hi, Barb…
Okay, are you a different Barb than “Barb from Hoquiam,”? I’m getting confused. I remember you commenting before… both Barbs are moving around. Help! 🙂
The temperatures have been pleasant here. We had one afternoon that was hot. Right now wind is whipping the waves on the lake which makes a nice change…
LATER>>> I did a little research and now I have you straight in my mind. There’s you, Barb from Hoquiam who just returned home from Pullayup and Barbara from Nashville who just adopted Angel. It doesn’t take much to confuse me.
Hi Sue,
Long time reader of blog, but hardly comment. Met you Spike and Bridget at Peg Leg in Anza Borrego. Gave you a few books and we took pictures of Spike and Bridget in my dog stroller with Bella a few years ago.
I was at the Chemult Pilot gas station yesterday! It was crazy busy. I spent the previous two nights on Hwy 62 at Natural Bridge campground in Prospect . It was beautiful just like two years ago when I went there for the first time after you blogged about it. You never mentioned going to the day use area for the short trail to the Natural Bridge overlook area. Where the water is wild and loud and the lava tubes and caves are that the water goes through. It was only a 15 minute walk from our site. Hope you saw them and just didn’t blog about it.
From there went to Crater Lake then onto 58 in Chemult to I-5 to Corvallis. Go west on Hwy 20 tomorrow to the coast then heading south along the coast as far as San Francisco.
I set up a blog to document my trip, but they are so much work, I wasn’t able to get online, transfer photos, etc on the road. I really want to thank you for having the patience and work it takes!! I do have the picture of your dogs with mine in the stroller on my blog. 🙂
Thanks again!
I remember that funny photo!
http://rvsueandcrew.net/bopping-around-borrego/
*sigh*
Oh my…you might best check if Hwy 20 is open, I am watching the Sacramento news KCRA, and it is closed because of the huge forest fire. This is the section between Williams on I 5 and 101 at Ukiah.
The whole length isn’t closed but it isn’t possible to get across to the coast right now.
Thanks for the info. I did take the 20 in CA on my last trip. The 20 I’m taking tomorrow is from Corvallis, OR to Newport, OR. Not sure where I will cut back over to get to southern CA where I live. Maybe cut over someplace before San Francisco, but I think there are fires in that area too. Lots of fires in CA right now.
If you go to cdfdata.fire.ca.gov You will be able to see where the fires are and which roads are closed. Look at the map, click on a flame icon in the area in question and it will tell you which fire that is, then look at that fires data in the list on left click its name and get more details including road closures. There are a whole complex of fires up further north as well, though thankfully most of those are being brought under control. And yes 20 and 16 between Clear Lake and Arbuckle are closed at this time. The fire has in 5 days chewed through 54,000 plus acres of brush and trees and homes. They are trying to keep it from jumping 16 and 20. The early morning run of tankers which take off one after another go near my house and for the past few days I hear them with their distinctive low to the ground roar, plus the DC 10 which is jet. After first run out they come in one at a time so are taking off a different direction to go back the Rocky Fire, which is this ones moniker, is about 90 or so miles west and slightly north of my city. To contrast in 47 days a year ago September the King fire burned 90000 acres while in just 5 days, with another year do drought, the Rocky fire has chewed through more than half that at 54000 acres. And no sign of it stopping any time soon. If it jumps 20 it will roar into several small communities. Over 6000 homes evacuated right now.
Of course I remember you, Patty! How nice to hear from you again. I also remember Bella, how graciously she allowed Spike and Bridget to hitch-hike a ride in her pretty green stroller.
Yes, I did see that day use area! I also liked the one up the road from Natural Brige… The Rogue River day use area. I blogged about it. Fun place to take photos.
I wonder if you were at the Chemult Pilot station when we were there. It wa packed with people.
You are on an interesting and fun itinerary. I appreciate you acknowledging the patience and work required to keep a blog going while moving camps. 🙂 My reward is hearing from folks like you. Enjoy your travels!
Sue, I’m surprised you remember me, with as many people you run into on your journey. I did get a bigger RV since then. I’m sure if we were at Pilot at the same time, I would have spotted you!
I went to that Gorge overlook too, after going to Beckies Cafe for pie. 🙂
Reggie looks a lot like my two yr old Chihuahua I also have to keep Bella company. I’ve actually bought two more dog strollers since that green one. One of them has 12″ wheels for off road rides in gravel or bumpy trails. Both dogs LOVE there strollers. We walked along the Riverwalk today with the stroller going in stores and eating at an outdoor cafe in Corvallis.
Your everyone’s inspiration and favorite blogger. 🙂
If your taking hwy 20 near Clear Lake, CA, then be aware of road closure due to the massive fire in that area.
great blog and great pictures as usual Sue…..
I like the kayaks since I do kayak a few times a year….
I see you had lunch and supper on a subway sandwich!
you must stay slim and trim eating like a bird…..as for
me I have to have my spaghetti, hamburgers, sausage,
fried fish, potatoes and other such goodies not good for
my cholesterol …HA…All homemade of course since I am
the cook of the house…
stay safe and keep up the good blogging.
chuck
Thanks, Chuck. Oh, I’m no bird when it comes to food. I love to eat. Most of my adult life I’ve restrained myself. The past few years I go through phases where I think, what the heck am I depriving myself for at this stage of the game! Bring on the Tillamook ice cream!
Beautiful!!!
🙂
Dang! The wind has blown smoke over the lake, forest, and campground! Now all is calm and we are blanketed in smoke. The opposite side of the lake is barely visible. Eyes watering. Crew seems fine, sleeping peacefully.
There’s a fire about 100 miles south of the Oregon border and two others west of us, one near Glide. Looks like I chose a good day to leave Miller Lake. The nighthawks are flying around catching insects, as usual.
That’s not good! I wonder if putting a wet cloth over your nose and eyes might help…. Sending you wishes for a nice strong breeze to blow the smoke away from the lake. N’nite.
Thanks, Denise. Your wish came true… The smoke is much less this morning.
Wow,Sue,I was sorry and surprised to find this note from you.If I understand it correctly you had not moved by last evening(Sunday night) and intended to this morning(Monday).I pray you are alright,got some sleep and can easily relocate to a place out of harms way.I hope you can pop in here with an update for us ,to let us know that everything is OK.Take good care of you three until then.
Good morning, weather,
Forgive me if my comment about smoke alarmed you. I’m sorry. It was insensitive of me. Smoke can drift over great distances from large fires far away. It was very thick last night before bed. Most of it is gone this morning.
Rain! Nature to the rescue! 🙂 I hope it’s also raining on the fires to help the firefighters.
You’re right. We’re still at Miller Lake. Bridget and Reggie have had their chicken breakfast, a potty run in the rain, and are now curled up beside me sleeping as rain patters the roof.
We’ll stay at least another day. I love being inside the BLT when it rains. I know you have plenty to love at your home this morning, too. Hugs to the troupe, air kisses to the finches. . .
What good news,all of it sounds actually delightful.This morning has been among the nicest ones this summer here with freshening warm winds blowing through preceding a thunderstorm they say to expect.My original day’s plan had involved a lot of driving,three hours or more with the wipers on made staying closer to home the new plan.Sounds like we’ve both been given a different idea on how to best enjoy our day ,happy sigh.
Do you have an idea of which direction you’d like to head during August ,such as northeast,yet?Or will you for now just choose the next campsite to enjoy?Thanks on behalf of my fur and feather family,they each have been having a contented morning.The pups and kitty asleep as I type to the rhythm of bird serenade…
Where are we going? Good question. The move to Madras for repairs followed by a move further south has put me in a quandary, as for where to go next. I don’t want to go any further south due to fire in California and other reasons. I’d like to visit the Sawtooth Mtns in Idaho. Fires in Idaho forests, too, plus there’s that desert to cross. 🙂 So I guess my answer is “just choose the next campsite to enjoy.”
Good idea to change your plans to suit the weather…
The beauty amidst the Sawtooth Mtns.is incomparable from the scenes I’ve seen on the web.I’m sure,at some point,you’ll live within it for a while.With your love of naming places and 300 unnamed lakes -fodder for story so fun to imagine…Have a great travel/discovery time where ever this day takes you.
Thanks… Same to you!
Oh, I loved the three-rainbow kayak photo until I saw the two kayak photo! Glad I’m not a photo judge someplace … Reggie, I must say you’re coming along nicely!
I had the most fun, Gayle, walking along with the crew looking for boats to photograph. I’m glad you enjoyed the pics.
Hi sue, I’m a day behind so i hope this gets to you. I started reading your post about a year ago and when i caught up i went back and read it again. I love this blog! My husband and I live full time in a motor home but we still work full time as truck drivers so we get to see the country but not at our pace and only from the interstates. We have learned so much from your post and look forward to the day we can retire. I love that you’ve been full time for this long and you still love it. We still have a while before we can retire but when we go home we park our semi truck and get in our rv and go. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful life with us:)
You’re welcome, Tammie.
A double read! Wow! Thank you for that wonderful compliment. I enjoyed reading your comment very much. You gave a glimpse into the life you share with your husband and that’s interesting.
Yes, I still love the full-time vagabond life! I realize now that living in a permanent location in a stationary home is “unnatural” for me. In other words, I’m better suited –I’m more ME — living the way I am now.
Best wishes to you and your husband for safety on the roads and happiness in your hearts.
It’s kinda like watching a movie twice, you already know whats going to happen so you can pay more attention to details! Like the plexiglass on the screen door and the leveler that you gave away. We plan to downsize to a small bumper pull because the class a wont go to a lot of the places we want to see and this blog has been very informative.
Good plan to downsize… Less is more. Less rig = more camping opportunities.
The biggest treat when out by a lake is to very early in the morning get out there and catch a couple of fat rainbows, clean ’em, wrap ’em in bacon and cook ’em in a pan over an outside fire. MMMMmmmmmmmmm Missy you prefer my camp locations, by water, but you don’t fish………………????? Hi Bridget and Reggie!!
I know, I know, it doesn’t seem right! Giving up fishing wasn’t a conscious choice. It just happened and there’s no fixin’ it. I identify too much with the fish (and the bacon). Haha!
You need to view it as I always did. The fish is out hunting something to kill and eat or just eat, so was I, I win.
Mmmmmmm is right!
I love rainbow trout….but never had it wrapped in bacon.
Fantastic taste. I’ve done it many times in Idaho, Oregon, South Dakota…..
You guys are making me hungry. Rainbow trout wrapped in bacon. Can it get any better?????
Yes Sue, I’m starting to feel the ‘pull’ of the road again. I wish I could get this place rented! I love being with friends but I love rolling down the road, too. Once I start earning money with the Knife I will be in an even better situation for traveling. And I signed up to write for BlogMutt as well. Maybe that will bring in some money. I think I want to just buy a van. Have someone install a fan in roof. Put in a bed, a Coleman stove and a good ice chest. A porta-potty. A folding table and chair I can put out. Maybe get some sort of umbrella or something. That’s about all I need. Except electricity. Have to plug in my cpap. Maybe eventually get a solar setup. Aahhh…dreams.
Hi DG, I must have missed something. What is Knife?
The Knife of Aristotle is an online media analysis company. I’m an apprentice analyst right now, working to make the publishing team.
Ginger,
You have just described my set up. And you can get a solar generator, the Goal Zero 400 that will run your cpap, and some parking lots (cafes, 24 hr stores, etc.) will let you connect to their shore-power for the night if it is for medical reasons while traveling. Always ask the cafe or store manager if it is OK but most will…for that reason. I love all the advantages a van offers while blending in to most environments. For a sun shade… I put a very nice roof rake on my van and connect a fly-shade tarp to that. It works great. Look for some different styles on line at the big box camping and sporting goods stores…then go and get it at Amazon from Sue 🙂 I really like my set-up. Very functional and versatile as well as stylish.
About the vent. I don’t have a roof vent but I’m thinking of having a sunroof/moonroof put in. Nice for star gazing from inside and would be useful for more urban stealth camping, i like to visit museums and local town events too. Van camping is great for that!
Those sound like great dreams Ginger, may they ALL come true. Again so proud of you and all you have overcome in the past year. You inspire!!!
You are so kind Rick. Thank you.
Aahhh … reality!
Hi Sue,
I have certainly enjoyed this campground. i”m sure the next one will be equally great. Please stay safe, The wildfires out west are just plain scary.
Hope you don’t mind, I just wanted to give you an the others an update on Angel. She is the perfect dog for us. There is nothing like coming home to her, as she wears herself out with excitement, if we have to leave her here, which we did this morning. She is well behaved and she sleeps with us also. She evidently knows she is cute, and when someone is outside, she gets all excited. If they don’t acknowledge her, she just stares at them indignantly, like “Hey” you forgot to pet me. LOL. She is too funny!
Your Angel updates are always welcome, Barbara, and much enjoyed. 🙂
Such a nice post, and we will all miss this campground.
You have such a great way of taking us along with you, and really capturing your locations. I knew I would enjoy your adventures in the PNW as much as your desert travels.
Safe travels….. waiting for your next camp!
Hi, Applegirl,
Thanks for the kind words. I feel like I’ve “dropped the ball” on the PNW by not going to Washington. Oh well, that means we’ll have to come back this way another year!
If I were going “home” to a stationary house, I’d miss this campground, too. … Miller Lake, that is. When going “home” to another camp, the missing doesn’t happen. 🙂
Sue,
Loved seeing that fishermen’s playground! All those kinds of boats! I wonder if Reggie Man has ever been on a boat, or even inside of one? Bet he would love it, he loves adventures and always is scanning things with his eyes. He would have such fun seeing everything from that kind of perch – right up front at the bow. Do you ever use your kayak anymore?
Hi, Pamela,
I doubt very much that Reggie has been in a boat. He probably would like it after he became used to it. He’s that way. Things frighten him and then when he realizes there’s no need to be scared, he’s full of gusto and gumption! I think the terrier in him takes over. 🙂
A couple years ago we were at Virginia lakes in the High Sierra’s and watched a chocolate Lab chase a beaver across one of the lakes. The dogs master kept frantically calling him to come in. We commented on what a strong swimmer his dog was and he replied that the dog had never been in the water before and was afraid he’d drown. The dog made it back but he sure was pooped. Never came close to that beaver. The year before on the same lake we saw a pair of beavers cow a very big black bear away from the lake just by smacking the water with their tails.
Hi, Stan,
Enjoyed your animal stories this morning! I wonder what the lab would’ve done if he caught up to the beaver. Maybe he was operating entirely on instinct/breeding… something moving away in the water, gotta’ go get it!
When I see folks throwing things into the water for their retriever to retrieve, I can’t help but wonder if they’re overdoing it. How do they know when the lab has had enough? The dog is gonna’ go for it, even if exhausted, right?
I remember the sound of a beaver slapping its tail on water from when I was a kid… It’s LOUD.
Getting caught up after a week without internet in La Push, WA. A beautiful campsite at the beach, we didn’t suffer too much being without connection 🙂 So thrilled to see Rusty and Lady Piper together and happy. I have thought of Rusty often over the last week and am delighted he is not grieving alone. That little lake really gets its share of watercraft – nice they are mostly quiet ones 🙂 Reggie is sure getting the hang of this life!
WOW Sue, ,,,,,Those are some nice looking Kayaks, if one had put them together right , you’d have a Rainbow of boats.,,,,,, Looks like The Reggie man is doing good with big dogs,,,,,,,, Stay dry n’ safe and give your babies a big Hug from Lady Piper n’ me,,,,,,,,,,,
Hi Rusty, can we see more pictures of Lady Piper…she is a beauty. I hope she gets to meet Sue and crew soon.
Well,,, I have a problem with keeping the camera steady and if it doesn’t come out right, (clear), Sue is unable to fix them for a post,, sorry.,,, but I have a lot of photos of my girl, that I could email you to your business site,,, or to you?,,,,,,,rusty
Awesome, my business site will be fine, and then I hope to be able to get some of them cloths to you….my treat.
Ok,,, But We wont be near our mailing address till the end of October this year,,, can you wait till then? By that time, I should have a lot more of photos of Piper,,, me
LOL…I can wait, I am not going anywhere…Travel safe and keep us updated on everything. It will be October before we know it! You can just write for the heck of it.
Sue, a friend just sent me this article and those who are out in the woods and such places ought especially to know about it…I had never heard of it before…but the flowers are pretty and I would think someone might pick it even to put in a vase:
ww.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/08/05/blinding-plant-michigan/31125003/ Of course, the states it is in, are ones our little grandkids are in too…so I hope their parents will educate the children NOT to pick such to bring into Mommy!!