Sunday, July 26
Fourteen days passed quickly! Haystack Reservoir and Mt. Jefferson, Oregon
No matter how wonderful a camp, it’s a good feeling to be on the road again!
Bridget stretches across the bench seat and Reggie curls up in the doggie bed beside the driver’s seat. As we head out, I review and stow away special memories of Camp Haystack.
Our last day at Haystack comes to an end
The Perfect Tow Vehicle pulls the Best Little Trailer as effortlessly as a toddler with her favorite teddy bear.
Where the heck are we going?
I park at the stop sign at Route 97 and look again at the worn page of my atlas, the page that shows central Oregon with the town of Madras near the middle. Again I browse the campground symbols strewn across Oregon like M & Ms on the top of a child’s birthday cake.
Hmmm . . . This one might be right. Situated on a lake. Higher elevation but not too high. Not an obvious tourist destination, which is good.
Uh-oh. An OHV playground not far away. Twelve miles of gravel road from the highway. That might keep people away.
I wonder if there are mosquitoes up there. No indication of swamp or marsh around the lake. “Sixty-three sites”. . . That’s kind of large, could be a noisy place or might be spread out nicely.
Well, there’s one way to find out and we can’t sit at this stop sign forever.
I turn the PTV’s nose southward and we’re on our way!
The campground I’ve chosen has a dump station. However, it may be an arduous road from Route 97 across Winema National Forest to the campground. I don’t want to risk getting there to find the dump station closed (the black tank is completely full!), so I play it safe and pull into Gordy’s Travel Center in La Pine. A fill-up of gas waives the dump station fee of $8 and grants me a free cup of coffee, too.
It’s a beautiful day!
At Chemult, we turn onto Forest Road 9772 and head west. Slowly the PTV rumbles over washboard gravel, the kind that makes poofs of dust float like talcum powder. I look in the side mirror frequently. The BLT is jouncing around quite a lot and, dang! The outside shower door has come open and the shower hose is bumping along on the road!
I get out, jam it into the compartment, and turn the key in the lock.
This happens four times on the way to the campground. I’m hardly annoyed. It reminds me: The worse the drive into a camp, the better it is for us . . . fewer people! At last a swath of blue appears through the wall of green . . .
There’s Miller Lake!
Past the boat ramp and dock we enter Digit Point Campground. At the self-pay station across from the camp host’s site, I read that the fee is $12 regular/$6 with a senior discount pass. It isn’t long before we’re settled in a campsite along the lake.
“Let’s explore!”
The mountain air, cool and fresh, energizes Bridget. Reggie needs no assistance in that department! The two of them dart around, sniffing here and there, while I stroll along the shore.
Well, this is very nice! Very few campers, no mosquitoes, sandy beaches, tall conifers — mostly firs –, a beautiful lake of clear water, and, oh, this air!
It seems that I drove from July to October in one day.
More about Digit Point Campground and Miller Lake in the next post!
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
“You like it here, dontcha’, Bridge!”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Hi Sue, Bridget, and Reggie!
This looks like the type of campground Maya and I would like to try, great for Kayaking. Hey, Bridge – when are you going to be guest blogger again? I wanted to mention that I went through the painted hills area of Oregon a few weeks ago and that part of the state is amazing!
CONGRATULATIONS, PAM AND MAYA! First and you wrote a paragraph!
cool air and beautiful scenery makes me wish I was ready to go…. looks like you picked a good spot. Great pictures
Thanks, Alice. The open grasslands were a welcome break from dense forest. Now we’re in a fir forest with no understory plants… over 5,000 feet. Still open and yet very different.
Looks fantastic!!!
Can’t wait to see & hear more about it!
I’ll post again tomorrow, if the signal cooperates!
Yay Me First,,, great camp Sue, I almost camped there back in May,,,,,,, Star Trekies Remember the Klingon Word for beam me up? “Chemult”!!,,,,,,,,,,,,,, me
oh well,, almost 1st…… Chemult!!!,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,me
Hi Rusty. Good to have you back!
I’m glad to be Bach,, Wildflower,,,,,,,,,,,
🙂
Hi, Rusty,
Sending you a BIG hug! 🙂
Hahh, That was a Big Hug,, I felt it way over here!!! Thanks Denise ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Good! 🙂
I’m also glad you’re back, Rusty. We all have been thinking about you and praying for you.
Thank you, Applegirl, the lord has been helping a great deal too! glad to be Bach,,,,,,,,,,,, me
What a peaceful and comfortable site at Digit Campground. You are truly blessed in your lifestyle. Hope it happens for me someday soon.
Oh Barbara…me too! Its hard to wait. I’m refreshed just looking at this lake, tho.
🙂 CateW
Barbara and Cate… Yes! I wish you both lakeside strolls from your own campsites. 🙂
Barbara! I didn’t have the signal strength before to look at the facebook link to Angel. I do now. I found the link under the previous post and scrolled down through all the adorable Jack Russells until I found Angel… ADORABLE ANGEL! No wonder you fell in love. …
I have not seen Miss Angel yet, poo! When last I read, they didn’t have her info up because her listing was so new. So it’s there under adopted now? Could you or Barb post the link again please? I love putting a face to the funny antics they do later 🙂
Here is the link, you will probably have to cut & paste it.
https://www.facebook.com/russellrescuetn
Then scroll down the right side under the comments section. You will have to go pretty far down. Her caption is:
7/25/15 Angel’s trial went well. Happy life, sweet girl!
Barb,
Oh COOL! Yes will visit there later today. I know she must be adorable, she has captured your heart 🙂
Hey Barb!
Just went and visited Miss Angel’s photo. She is a CUTIE! Can’t wait to hear about all her cute antics as she settles in. Guess all her toys and bedding has come in by now from Amazon too 🙂 No doubt she is being well spoiled!
So when does Miss Angel get to come home to you as her forever home? How long is the trial period? Waiting must be hard…
I just took a peek at your little girl, Barbara. She’s adorable! My granddog is a JR, so I understand the challenges. But, when a JR loves you, there’s no love to compare! Here’s wishing you many long and happy years together.
Angel’s trial period was for only 1 week, but I officially adopted her on Saturday the 25th. She is my little Angel now. We found out yesterday that she likes to run around in the rain. It was just misting, when I took her out, but started raining harder, so I was trying to get her to take care of business, which she did, but then just wanted to stand out there, while I was trying to get her to head home. We finally got home, I dried her, took her inside and she was just running & jumping like a crazy dog. Looked like Reggie on the beach as soon as I took her harness off. Too funny!!
Hi Pamela,, go back to last post,,, Yesterday’s,, I gave you a good answer,,,,,,,,,me
Mercy buckets (fractured French don’t ya know)!, Sue.
🙂 CAte
You reminded me of a funny BBC tv series called “The Buckets.” The wife is a snob and insists that their name be pronounced “bouquet.” It really is hilarious. A friend loaned me her VCR tapes of the show, years ago.
LATER: Here it is on DVD! I had the name wrong. It would make a wonderful gift for a person who is hard to buy for. I still think of some of the situations and chuckle.
Keeping Up Appearances: The Full Bouquet – Special Edition DVD
Gee, kinda’ pricey though…
I love that show! Hyacinth is such a pill! Always putting on airs! PBS has this series as part of their Saturday night line up.
Hyacinth! And her sister, Rose… I couldn’t remember the names. 🙂
I love it too. It’s still on our PBS station every Saturday night. They make me laugh. I love Onslo, the brother-in-law. Too funny. “The (Bucket) Bouquet residence, lady of the house speaking.”
Hahaha! That actress is so funny! I forgot about the way she answers the phone. I’m chuckling! The episode with the neighbor lady made so nervous by Mrs. Bucket that she rattles her tea cup every time she reaches for a cookie or cream or something. Great sight gag! Classic!
I say there, sounds the likes of myself, I shake trying to write the grocery list then shake when I spend the money or pay for it , Cherri o, ta ta,,,,,,,,,,
I’ve seen that show when I was livin’ in Chino Valley, in the bad molded home,,,, What a show, it cracked me up,,,, LOL,; ~O,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
You might have Essential Tremors. Why it’s called essential…I don’t know, but it is caused by a mutant gene. One has a 50/50 chance of inheriting this gene if it runs in their family gene pool. Sometimes people confuse ET with Parkinson’s when they see someone shaking.
I used to watch that show Sue…what a howl those characters were. And that poor henpecked husband “Riiicharrrd!” Remember how the vicar and the neighbors would try to run and hide when they saw her coming?
My current passion is Downton Abbey so I can’t wait for season 6 to begin in January 1016.
Keep laughing,
Catew
Hi Monica-CA,,, rusty here,,,, Well my grand ma shook in her 90s and my VA doctor first said my Blood presser was caused by my Thyroid, but I proved him wrong,, then He said my tremors in my hands were by my thyroid and I told him nope, that I was in a real bad car wreck where my neck almost broke, twisted my spine from tailbone to the neck, broke my pelvic bone in 6 place’s, broke ribs, left arm and so on, I used to drink Whisky , homemade, bout 160 proof and it would take me a year to smoke my own joint, I haven’t done drugs or booze since August 31st, 2007, at 8pm,,,, so the Doc at the VA sends me to Phoenix VAMC and the Nero doc gives Promidone 50mgs and wanted me to build it up to 3 pills a day,,, I went on line and for some folks 8mg is enough,, so I cut this pill to a 1/4, I couldn’t get it any smaller, and the next day I was on the floor , higher than a kite, all day, I didn’t take any more and the next day felt like I had been drinking, the next day I called that Doctor and told him to take them pills and hide them where the sun don’t shine and he called me a light weight… I wont Take anything that keeps me from driven or blocks my communication with GOD and I wont be visiting you nether, I canceled all my appointments with the VAMC in Phoenix,,, my hand just shake when I try to do precise things, and I can live with it,,, ET,? sounds like outer space to me,,, I’ll check it out online and Thanks Monica,,,,,,,,,,,,,, rusty
Oh ,, my Shakes started in 2009,,,,,,,,,,,,,,rusty
Hi Rusty,
Wow!! Sorry to hear that you had so many fractures. That must have been a very difficult time for you. Good to hear you told the doctor no thanks for those drugs. I know about Essential Tremors since I have them. It runs on my fathers side. Sadly, all of my siblings have it too. I don’t take any meds for my ET. I’m hoping that there will be medical advancements to correct it in the future without taking any meds. I have been reading about such research going on now. My shakes started in my early 30s and have gotten more pronounced with age. I don’t drink or take any drugs either. I stopped drinking 10 years ago. Some folks think that having a drink will relax them enough to stop the tremors, but that isn’t so. The shakes ares noticeable when using your hands- a sign of ET. In Parkinson, it is at rest when the shakes occur.
Since your Grandma had tremors, most likely she had the mutant gene that got passed to you…sorry for that bit of news.
Children will always ask me why are my hands shaking. I always tell them I inherited a mutant gene, ET. 🙂
I like it when Hycinth and Richard are in car and she is telling him to watch out for the pedestrian on the sidewalk. I think the funniest one was when they rented a blue and white boat for her to have one of her suppers on. So funny.
Great looking place to camp! Can ‘t wait to hear more about it.
Give Bridget and Reggie a hug for me.
Glinda
Hi, Glinda… Bridget and Reggie finally settled into an afternoon nap. Very active crew this morning. They didn’t want me to blog!
great looking campsite…wish I was there!
chuck
Hi, Chuck,
I can’t recall if you said you fish or not… Miller Lake draws people who fish. It’s known for its lunker browns.
OOOOOOO! Put in a line for me!
Once again, that angel on your shoulder has led you to a gorgeous lakeside campsite! Just beautiful! We sure could use a bit of autumnal temperatures here on the forgotten coast! Whew stifling heat and humidity you could cut with a knife! But we will survive!
So…. Do you have a good WiFi signal there ???
Chuck and the boys say Howdy !!!
Hi, Geri,
At first the signal was terrible…. 1X with 1 bar. I put up the Wilson and it still wasn’t very good. After trying different directions with it, the signal now is 3G with 2 bars. Much better!
Howdy to you, Chuck and “the boys!” Hope Florida cools down for ya!
YAY!!!
Gee,Sue,I love the whimsy in how you make choices at times,and the whimsical language in your narration today 🙂 What a sweet light-hearted post,and filled with such good news.Lakeside beautiful campsite,cooler temps,you and crew with the pleasures of all that,ah-h…Thanks for the lovely pictures,literally and figuratively,I’m guessing this wasn’t easy to publish as you likely still are dealing with 1 bar intermittent signal/ connection.What is abundant in the air there-it’s energizing happy-sigh smile-causing freshness seemed to come through the screen !
Hi, weather,
What a difference elevation makes, plus lots of oxygen-giving trees!
Not long ago we were in 100+ degree temperatures and now it’s the 70s in the shade. Nights are cool. I dug out my in-between jammies… long sleeves and long legs and lightweight. We sleep well under the comforter with the windows closed.
Brisk mornings make for spirited walks along the lake with mist rising. Very few neighbors allows the faint sounds of the forest to be enjoyed. I thought of you and your lake as I saw what might have been an eagle on a snag across the lake.
Have a whimsical day!
Sounds like a priceless experience,day and night,I’m so very glad for you,and pleased that you thought of me 🙂 mist and eagle -spirited walk-wow…thanks,my whimsical day just floated higher
How are the finches?
They sing pre-sunrise,rather than wait for it,I can’t tell you how much,as a very early riser, I appreciate that.The newer one has slightly expanded her repertoire of notes in the melody now that she calmed enough to relax and listen for what she enjoys instead of being on guard.The one here the longest still has her beautiful song.We’ve passed the “danger” period of seeing if she’d fare well despite losing her previous companion,thank God ,she remains,now with her new feathered friend,a constant source of joy 🙂
That’s wonderful, weather.
I wanta walk that shoreline with Reggie and Bridget. Cool or not, I want to put my feet into the lake and feel that soft, sandy bottom. Sue, I’m with you…breeze blowing in my hair, taking deep breaths of fresh, crisp air…sun warming my face. How lovely for you.
Sigh,
CateW
It is lovely, Cate. I remember the yearning for cool, clear water, back in Georgia where the streams flow muddy, at least around where I lived.
The firs give off a wonderful aroma. I put my face in a bough and inhale deeply. Love that!
Hang on, get ready, and, your time will come to go!
Ummm..love that firtree perfume. I can smell it Sue!
Yes…I believe my day will come.
This weekend I made a serious start on additional debt reduction (filling out paperwork for student loan forgiveness program offered to those who work in public health and/or education for 10 yrs), increased savings, decreased expenditures, and increased income (offering workshops at area colleges). I had been working on all of these for several months, and now I am really digging in!
I BELIEVE…CateW
Good for you, Cate!
:):):) Thanks Sue
OMG! I just noticed…Bridgee baby in a great out-in-the open photo. Good for you, Bridge. Have fun at your new camp, sweetie.
CateW
That’s one way I measure Bridget’s enjoyment level. In these photos she was too involved with having fun to care about the camera.
Its the Bridge-a-meter fun indicator. She looks great.
I think that lake (from your photo) has a sandy bottom might just get in a swim if it turns hot Sue. I like it already. I’m like you I sit at stop signs and make life making decisions…you done good by the looks of this one. will enjoy seeing more in your next post.
It has been too cool for swimming since we’ve been here. Starting tomorrow temps are predicted to rise. We might do some wading.
It looks nice there. Did you say you put 65# of air in your TT tires? Normally 50# is the Max
Yes, 65 psi is the max (cold) recommended for these tires. The psi was brought up to 65 psi with the tires warm.
Not to be a …. well, okay, I can’t help it. And likely you have it all under control. But just to clarify. The max air pressure in the tires is the right amount if you are maxxed out on weight for your tires. In other words, your size tires will have a certain weight limit that they can carry. Let’s say it’s 2,500# each. And let’s say your axle weight (as in, you pull the trailer onto a scale, leaving it hitched up so as not to count tongue weight) is 5,000#. Then, your tires are running at their max capacity, and you would want to inflate them to the maximum pressure they are rated for.
On the other hand, if your axle weighed, say 4,000# on those same tires (i.e. 2,000# per wheel), then you would be over-inflated. This could cause more wear in the center of the tire, and very likely WOULD cause a bouncy, harsh ride (not that you are in it when driving, but it would put more wear on connections and bounce your stuff around more than necessary).
If you would like, post your tire size/type/brand (or even just the size), and I can see if I can find an inflation chart and give you a link. Then you can maintain your tires’ inflation according to actual load.
SP
(Or maybe you already are, if you are at max rated load – I realize that’s possible.)
Oh wait, I’m a moron! My reading comprehension FINALLY kicked in and I see you inflated the tires to 65# warm. I don’t know what that would correspond to “cold,” but obviously it would be less than 65#. Please accept my embarrassed apologies!
:slinks off:
At 7:30 this morning I went outside to take a reading of the tires when cold. After four years of carrying around a tire gauge, always returning it to its place in the PTV, it has disappeared. I hate it when I don’t put things back where they belong!
Thanks for all the info, Pen. I’d rather the tires be over-inflated, rather than under-inflated.
Pretty lake! I wish I were there sitting in a chair positioned at that shallow clear water’s edge reading a book and soaking my feet. It’s hot here, ~ 100, and tomorrow will be even hotter. Enjoy!
My cheap put-it-in-the-water-and-don’t-worry-about-it chair disintegrated a while back. I’ve been looking for another one… You know, the kind sold in supermarkets for under ten bucks.
My regular camp chairs with attached trays are too special for sitting in a lake. 🙂
Yeah, I see another blast of heat is on its way!
That’s the chair that I would be using too. 🙂
Many times cheap is best. It frees you up!
Sue, All those cheap chairs are on sale for about $5 at grocery stores & drug stores, with the summer season supposedly ending. LOL, as we swelter with high heat & high humidity.
Hi Sue and crew!!
I love this new camp Sue. All the conifer trees and that lake, oh my that lake. Beautiful!! I am looking forward to more pictures in your future posts. I hope you all are doing well.
Thanks, Jolene. I hope you are well, too.
I am collecting photos. The light and shadows here are very challenging. The light is harsh off the lake and the incredibly tall trees cast very dark shadows, no matter what part of the day. Bridget and Reggie walk in and out of the light and shade… drives me crazy trying to edit photos to something presentable.
This is a special camp. Such fun to discover it!
Sue,
Take along a piece of plain white paper, no lines. Hold it up to your lens and snap the first shot. It will white-balance the lens and help take away the harsh white light in your following photos. It should make later edits very easy 🙂
That’s surprising. I’ll try it!
Think that’s the first photo I’ve seen of Reggie not tethered or leashed! Good for him for graduating.
Oh, I wish that were the case, Nora. I’ve tried twice to let him go free and both times he took off and wouldn’t stop — man, he’s fast! — and I had a devil of a time catching him, so scary that I didn’t blog about it.
He’s on a tether in the photos. It’s 20 feet long, blue vinyl-coated wire.
Hi Sue&Crew: Maybe?? this wireless system would work for Reggie??
PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System, PIF-300
That’s one of my links… Sue
I don’t know, Mick. Some of the customer reviews put me off… Reggie is such a little tyke.
They have a new, and more expensive model, that has a smaller dog collar rated for dogs to 5 pounds.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055L8RRC?redirect=true&ref_=s9_simh_gw_p199_d0_i3
Amazon has a hold on sales for some reason and the reviews are not good. I read many of the reviews and agree it is iffy.
I see that. I’m not going to make it one of my links, since it might not be good.
19% 1 star … ugh!
In fairness to Reg Man…he is still learning the ropes! I believe, in time he will be fine.
IMHO-a wireless containment would be unfair since your surrounding constantly changes. He would have to learn the white flag are his boundaries.
I truly feel what you are currently doing is the best….at this stage of his comfort zone.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the flags. I also would send him confusing messages because we often wander beyond the boundaries of our campsite. For instance, right now at Digit Campground no one is camped in the adjacent 6 or 7 campsites on one side (and the sites are huge!) and no one in 3 or 4 campsites adjacent on the other side. Walking across these campsites is enjoyable because they extend a long way to a bank that goes down to the lake and the tall trees make pleasant shade.
Wireless systems,in general,involve training that’s too much stress on the person and dog,so I agree with Cindy that tethering works and is best.It’s become a natural part of Reggie’s daily life,much nicer than monitoring and constant corrections that go with beginning and maintaining the electronic collars,etc.I’ve known folks that have had what to me would be scary escape episodes using those.Like a parent relying too heavily on a pool cover to keep their toddler safe,they’d become lax with the normal vigilance one should maintain with a “runner” in their care.Ten plus campsites for the cost of one,score,Sue,good for you!
Excellent points, weather. I’m turned off those things simply because they use shock. 🙁
I did score with this campsite, in fact, with this campground. It is absolutely quiet of human noise. Out of 63 campsites I think only 3 or 4 are occupied and one of those is ours! I like walking the crew through different campsites. Almost every one is appealing, even those that aren’t lake-access sites. Someone knew what they were doing when they designed Digit Campground.
You’ve a good heart to be unwilling to submit a creature to that ,Sue.I was dancing around the issue with my words so as not to offend anyone in favor of such methods.May your blessed quiet there grant you a sweet night’s sleep,n’nite
As with any type of “training” tools…everyone has their own methods, beliefs, success and failures. What works for one …may not work for others.
What’s great about this blog..many ideas are “put out on the table” which broadens the information….what one chooses to do with it…is an individual choice.
I agree, sounds too much like something the nazis would come up with.
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If you want to keep your hatch closed, this is what I did to keep a small door closed on my catio — no way I want that thing coming open on its own! I used a small sliding bolt latch like this one — the all silver ones are only about $2:
http://www.emtcompany.com/brainerd-31973-3-in-white-barrel-bolt-door-latch/101325952.html
But I installed it vertically, so the weight of the sliding bolt keeps it down/locked at all times — whether the little handle is turned into its recess or not. To open the door, I simply slide the bolt up and swing the little handle into its recess. When I’m done, I just release the bolt down again . . . it has *never* come open by itself. If your panels hinge at the top, a good location for this is at the bottom of the door.
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JIM & ANNIE ~ 12 weeks and 2 days to go!
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Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Plated-Brainerd-Cabinet-Latches-022788319853/dp/B000KL0I60/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1438117486&sr=8-6&keywords=Brainerd+bolt+latch
Well, that’s a nice latch and all, but for one thing… It’s not white. I’d be horrified to have a latch that doesn’t match! 😉
Thank you, Mick.
Couldn’t find a white one on Amazon.
What? Amazon doesn’t have it? How can that be!
White…. Not a sue link
http://www.amazon.com/National-Hardware-V833-Window-White/dp/B000BO795E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1438124621&sr=8-3&keywords=White+barrel+bolt
Gosh, they couldn’t take a photo of it in white?
Thanks, Cindy.
Yup — that’s the one!
Yes! That’s exactly what that outdoor shower door needs. I’ll put that on my list of winter projects. I’ll order the latch from Amazon, of course. 🙂
Thanks for the help, Jim. It’s a little thing like that, all I need is a push in the right direction… otherwise, I shrug my shoulders and forget about it until the hose is dragging on the ground again!
To tell the truth… I didn’t need to choose the outdoor shower option when ordering the BLT. I never use it anymore. It’s the only option that I don’t use and wouldn’t miss.
The countdown continues… Thanks again for the idea, link, and instructions…
We’ve been surprised to learn (two months into our fulltiming adventure) that we’re using items in our fifth wheel which I *never* used before — thought they were worthless and dumb. One is four double-hook thingies mounted on the walls (both sides — a total of eight double-hooks!) near the foot of the bed . . . never used ’em before when we were camping. But now that we’re living in there, we both load up the hooks on our side with clothes we’ve just taken off — or I keep my shorts there waiting for the weekends, etc. The other is this little hinge-up table (one of three!) right by the door (actually blocks about half of the door opening). It always just seemed in the way and a stupid place for a table. Now it stays up all the time & we call it our GO table — a place to put things which need to GO the next morning. It’s also convenient to set things on while standing outside.
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I did remove one of the hinge-up tables which was on the wall (for a TV?) at the foot of our bed. That thing really was *always* in the way (up or down) & had to go! We still have one on the reefer wall at one end of our sofa which converts to a bed . . . that’s our little cuddle nest for watching TV. I still haven’t figured out what *that* table is for but I’m reluctant to remove it now. :o)
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JIM & ANNIE
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It’s fun making your camper into a convenient home. I have a few hooks on the wall and, I agree, they are very handy. Hmm…. hinged tables. I could use one across my bed to use as a lap table…
Absolutely beautiful! That water looks so inviting!
Have a great evening,
You have a great evening, too, CinandJules. I hope your lake water is inviting, too!
Gawd, if our lake was THAT crystal clear….I’d be in it all the time. Not sure if it’s the pine needles or what……
Jules tried to get AO in it today….well let’s just say she is all clawed up! Who ever heard of a golden NOT liking the water?
Then again it took SA about two years…and we couldn’t keep her out!
And what’s for dinner? Haven’t seen any dinner photos lately!
I’m wondering the same thing. I didn’t do a thorough job stocking up for this camp.
What a gem of a campground!! Isn’t that part of Oregon wonderful?? The forest without and understory (and poison ivy) is my kind of place.
We’re back home going through our stuff to downsize and move to Oregon…our son (and grandgirl ) have moved to the Portland area. We have so much stuff to unload that we probably won’t move until next spring.
Can’t wait to get there and explore some of these places….Thanks for letting us ride along with you. We’ve read all of your posts from the beginning, and all the comments for the last year. Keep up the great work!
Hi, cc,
You’re gonna’ have a great time once you get to Portland. There is so much to enjoy in that area . . .
Wow! You read the comments, too? That’s a major accomplishment. Thank you for your interest in my blog and in what the blogorinos share…
Last night I went on your site to order a 12V charger for my laptop….We don’t have an inverter on our rig….our electrician son informs us we would have a lot of drop converting 12V to 110, and then turning around and using the 110 charger to charge the laptop to 18.5V….so I was so happy to find exactly what we needed on Amazon!!! Some of your other readers may be interested in this. Did it show up on your report???
Hi, cc and canine,
I looked at the orders report and I see three chargers were ordered. I don’t think any of them are yours though because usually orders show up on my reports 2-3 days after the order was placed. Maybe that’s to allow people to change their mind. I don’t know. You can be quite confident I’ll get credit for your purchase. Amazon’s system works very well.
A big thank you for choosing to shop through my blog! I’ll continue to look for the charger to appear… 🙂
cc,
I can vouch for using a “native” 12-volt charger for a laptop. I’ve been doing this since 2001, and haven’t had any problems. This works even if your laptop uses “more” than 12 volts . For example, I think my current laptop uses 19 volts but I still happily use a native 12-volt charger and it handles it just fine.
A friend was using a small inverter and wanted me to “prove” that this way was more efficient. So I took my laptop and 12-volt cord over to his rig since he has an inverter (and a battery monitor to watch the usage). My computer takes around 3.5 amps to charge if I’m also using it. So with my DC cord plugged into a DC cigarette lighter outlet: 3.5 amps.
However, when I used the AC cord and plugged it into the inverter, it was more like 5-6 amps (been awhile so I don’t remember the exact fraction). Some of this can be “not counted” if you already have the inverter on for something else (part of the 5-6 amps is just the “cost” of running the inverter at all), but even with the inverter already on, so not counting that, it still took another 1.5 amps or so to charge the computer that way.
In past days I used a Targus brand DC cord that had various interchangeable tips. I used one on my Mac, and my buddy used a different one on his Windows laptop (Toshiba, IIRC).
Now I use one by WE charger (available on Amazon!). The reason I switched is that my current Mac has a proprietary magnetic cord attachment, and WE charger has that “end” on it so it works. I’ve been using this for about a year and a half – no problems at all. I have two – one lives in my backpack as a spare and “going visiting” charger.
I have seen one case where this type of cord wouldn’t work: A friend had a majorly souped up (gamer) type laptop. It used SO MUCH power that it couldn’t be powered from a cigarette lighter socket, so instead he had to use an inverter. But this was a special, semi-custom laptop, not a “normal” one.
The 12V charger I bought from Amazon through Sue’s website was a “Pwr+ 65W Laptop Car Charger for HP….” I looked on the black box on my HP 110V charger and it said the output was 18.5V, 3.5A,and 65 Watts, so I think I found just what I needed… They also had them for other makes and models. I’m quite excited that little old me figured out what to buy on Amazon!
We do mostly dry camping in small USFS campgrounds, and are trying to stay just with 12V and propane. I’m trying to talk the hubby into solar on the roof, but he insists on no new holes—for wiring or mounting, so nothing has been accomplished yet. (Also don’t think the folks in Missouri know enough to do a good job.)
Right now, we camp in our Winnebago Rialta (with no toad), and rarely stay anywhere longer than 3 nights, so battery drain is not an issue…
I have one of those inverters that plugs directly into the charge port on my dashboard…If I plug my laptop in while Im driving it is charged for the night’s use of downloading photos etc…so IF I dry camp for a few days I will need to come up with an alternative method for charging devices. Would a solar power outlet work for that?
Sue,
Now THAT is a campground I would love to stay at! Depending on your experiences while you are there, I’ll decide to put it on my must go-to list for this time next year. Looks perfect for my peddle boat and a full day of fishing. Cooler temps and lots of shade trees AND A SHORELINE, perfect!
Sue you stopping at the stop sign and checking your atlas in detail… Remember the older couple who stopped and had their lunch at the stop sign, in the middle of the road? LOL, they must have been channeling you, HA!
Glad Bridget is feeling good there, cooler temps always seem to help her get her groove back. Of course Reggie Man is a light switch! Always ON or OFF (sleeping) after his adventuring.
Well, can’t wait to hear more about that wonderful looking camp! Enjoy! 🙂
Haha… That couple were parked on an off-ramp of the interstate! I was parked at the end of a country road… I had forgotten all about those folks. They were having a picnic, absolutely unconcerned that I’d pulled up behind them. 🙂
Yes, Miller Lake draws people who fish, whether they fish from boats or from the shoreline. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lake shore more suited for casting a line. There are stumps to sit on and not a lot of growth overhead to snag your line.
Digit Campground is on a peninsula which means several of the campsites are lake-access sites…. and each one with a sandy beach.
Perfect! Just entered it into my book of camps I want to visit. Even put a 4- star rating to it. Will await your completed posts about it before giving it a 5-star 🙂 5-stars are the ones that are MUST SEE.
LOL, thought you would get a kick out of remembering that couple, hehehe, they were pretty funny!
“I’m hungry, dear. Let’s stop and eat our sandwiches.”
“Okay. I’m hungry, too. This looks like a good place to stop. It even has a sign that says “stop.”
“Which do you want? Egg salad or ham and cheese?”
:snort:
That reminds me of a story I heard from an RV-ing friend. A friend of his had an incident on the way down a steep pass in an RV involving the brakes going out. (Gah, nightmare.) But luckily, a sign showed that there was a runaway truck ramp coming up. After hanging on for dear life they got to the runaway truck ramp and there was a family picknicking right in the middle of it! Can you believe some people?
Oh my god! That MUST have been a total nightmare! Hope it ended up OK! Since he lived to tell about it I’m guessing so…
Makes ya wonder if the view was really THAT GREAT, huh?! The mind has a way of seeing things that aren’t really there sometimes… Oh My! Well, hope they got where they were going…full bellies and all, lol!
Sue,
LOL, makes ya wonder where they stopped-over to spend the night. YIKES!
Did you mention October Sue? I wish! Even though we are up in Az high country its still warm, ugh. Come on fall. Is Reggie off the leash its hard to tell? Such happy campers they are Enjoy the
weather there.
Thanks, Karen. We are enjoying the change to cool weather. I wish I could send you some!
No, Reggie is still on a 20-foot line. I rarely use the regular, red, short leash with him. Bridget and I cannot keep up with the energetic Power Dog when we go on walks. The long tether allows Reggie to run back and forth in front of us, behind us, zig-zagging, running, jumping…. I bet he logs 4 times the distance of our walks, and I don’t feel any pulling using the tether.
Sue,
remember when I told you about the 20 ft leads and how they would be great for Reggie man? Well, next time you go to the Pet Smart stores, look for a training loop. It’s like the wrist loop handle on a leash but it has its own snap closure on it. Put the snap closure on the 20 ft lead and use the loop handle to hold on to. You can even put it around your wrist for added strength and control. Really helps if you need two hands free to get either one of the dogs quickly. The handle loop part is regular size, the lead part is not there at all, instead there is just the latch. Works great as a handle for the long lead and saves your hands from any stress or leash burns!
Something like this sold at Amazon? There’s probably one for small dogs, too.
Lupine Training Tab/Leash for Larger Dogs, 1-Inch Wide, Black
Yep, that’s it. But put it on the long 20 ft lead and use it like a handle when you have both dogs on the one lead 🙂
The one I use is the one for larger dogs. It has the super heavy duty clasp attached. Great to yank on if an emergency calls for quick thinking and a firm hand 🙂 I walk my cat on a lead with it. I am forever looking out for larger cats or dogs that might come her way, so it helps to control the lead a lot!
OMG I am so jealous. Please go outside and blow some of that cool dry mountain air down to North Florida. We are having a real stinker of a summer this year. Love to Bridget and Reggie and of course you.
Thank you, Marieta and Kevin…
It is cool here. I had to dig out my puffy, quilted vest to wear over a long-sleeved shirt. Sorry… I’m making you more jealous! 🙂
Me too, jealous! While I love summer. Fall is my most fav time of the year. Cozy, comfy clothes and great temps to travel, hike and fish. Puffy quilted vest, PERFECT! My puffy vest looks sooo bad, I need a new one. It’s years old and I have plum worn it out but it still holds together so there’s still life in it for this coming Fall 🙂
I know I have said it before, but Oregon is simply the most beautiful state. I would never tire of its mountains, lakes, forests. Thanks for sharing all of this with us Sue. You know I have been to Oregon…………the very top part when visiting Vancouver and British Columbia. So wish I’d been able to see so much more.
Hi, Glinda,
I’ve never seen Vancouver or British Columbia, and certainly not OZ!
Oregon is an incredibly varied state… the landscapes and water, I mean. I haven’t shown half of the state on this blog and still, wow, look at all the wonderful camps!
Gawd Missy, I love this site. You guys are living my dream. I know how it smells there, how the breeze feels, and even the breathtaking first exposure to that cold water, alas, but that was then, not now. Still, I have you guys to relive it through. I am so thankful for you and for the adventure and sweet memories you bring. I don’t know the answer to the “let Reggie go” question. The odds say he’d be okay and come home but it means taking a chance I don’t think I could take. He is a frisky little guy, and so many potential problems that you protect him from lurk out there. I would probably do as you are doing and keep him safe on his “long line”. I really love where you are and I would give a lot to be there too. Detta says Hi (she thinks the reg man is adorable).
Oh, Jim, I wish you and Detta could be here. You’d love it! I’m glad you have memories of places like this for my blog to remind you.
I don’t like leashes. Even so, the fact that Reggie is very happy on his tether, both when we walk or when we’re at the campsite, has me thinking it might be a form of security for him. He knows its distance very well. Sometimes he gets in a crazy mood and he’ll run the circumference around me, then he’ll bisect the circle, scooting past me, a length of 40 feet… turn around and run back 40 feet, and then’round and ’round he goes. I love to see him do that. It means he doesn’t resist bedtime!
Hi, Detta! I agree. Reggie Man is adorable. You should see him when he wakes up in the morning, all warm and fluffy and sleepy-eyed, nuzzling my neck, body squirming, tail wagging.. Oh my.
Hi, Sue,
Well, you hit the jackpot again with a beautiful waterside site! Bridget and Reggie look like they are enjoying themselves. Your post is brimming with happiness and joy! 🙂
Send some of that cool weather East, please. Hot and humid in my neck of the woods. It is hard to believe that August is just a couple days away…Fall will be here before we know it!
Enjoy exploring Miller Lake! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Always a pleasure to hear from you Denise and to receive hugs from you and Gracie pup. I hope your week is off to a great start! (Even if it is hot and humid in Virginia)…
Sue and Crew! I was impressed with your photography of the blue and green! Beautiful! Kay from KC!
Thanks, Kay!
That lake does look crystal clear. How pretty. Glad the destination was worth the jiggly trip.
We’ll be floating in our little lake to keep cool this weekend. Last week hubby and I had the entire place to ourselves. So wonderful, and rare on a weekend. During the week, we’re almost always the only ones in the lake, but like others, it’s hard to get up there mid week. The smell of the lake and the pines. Oh how I love the mountains. Our dogs love to swim. They would go for hours. So much fun to watch them. After all these years, they are still under the impression that they can catch a duck or loon – it will never happen!
Sue, do you ever do campfires? I didn’t know that since you live on the road, if it was worth the effort, or perhaps not something you particularly enjoy. Of course dealing with firewood would be a hassle, too I suppose. Just wondering.
Hi, Applegirl,
Your lake sounds divine, and to have dogs that appreciate it with you, how nice!
No, I don’t do campfires. The main reason is the possibility of starting a forest/grass fire. It’s so dry everywhere. I’m not really interested in campfires anyway. They only make sense to me after dark and that’s when bugs come out. The crew and I go inside.
Then there’s the concern… Did I put that fire out? Several times I’ve set up camp and had a campfire appear in the fire ring from someone who had camped there previously and thought they had put it out. It’s weird to wake up in the middle of the night… Hey, what’s that glow?… and see a campfire going strong out by the picnic table!
Campfires are better when there are more than one person to enjoy it.
I agree ,not even a camp fire since I moved into the house and into the new camper my fires were in a wood stove that weighed only 8 lbs., and it was in the old camper,,, remember Sue? the camo truck/camper was always smoken, even goin’ down a HI way, had to stop n’ put it out a lot,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, me
Good to see you Rusty! ((((Rusty)))))) hugs to you!
WOW,,,, that felt good,,, Thanks,,,,,,, Here comes one, Back at cha>>>>>>> Geri,,, Should get there sooon,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, me
Just got here, a great hug! Thanks Rusty!
Hi Sue
Your new camp looks great. I laughed when reading the part about the hose bouncing on the washboard road. When I still had the RV I hit on one of those roads in northern Nevada. I got to camp and turned on the stove to make a pot of coffee and the stove would not light. I was sure I had propane because I just filled up the 15 gal tank underneath the RV. Went outside to check it out and found the pipe fittings had come lose and all the propane had leaked out. I cooked on a campfire for two weeks. lol Another time I was in Owl Canyon, which I believe you have visited and when I left, the washboard bounced my engine battery out of it’s compartment and it was dragging on the ground and was a total loss. The bad thing was it was less than a month old. The good thing was the parts house replaced it for free. Gotta love washboard roads. lol
Whoa, JW! You have attacked those washboards! Funny stories, not so funny for you at the time . . . I do remember that road to and from Owl Canyon.
If everyone drove slow on dirt n’ gravel roads there would not be the washboard problem…. wash boarding comes from those who are greedy and want the best site first, by drivin’ faster than 15 /20 mph,,,,,, come on Jake , I want ta get to fishin’,,,,,, Ok Gus, Ah’mm a going as fast as I can,,,, WHEEEE,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
LOL Rusty, you are right!
Without a doubt you are correct Rusty. Just wanted to say that I always drive 10 mph or less on dirt roads, even to the point folks behind me have been verbally abusive. By the way, I’m glad to see you are back commenting
Thanks Shirlene of HB and JW,,,, I learned that bit of information from my Gran Dad back in the 50s.,,,,,,,,,,, Yep I’m Bach,, sayin’ hi to all n’ thanks,,,,,,,,,,,,, me
Your pictures are beautiful. In fact I’m taking a watercolor class and used one from your last post for one of my assignments. Thanks for sharing!
Hi, NV Teacher. . . I don’t think I’ve seen you here before (of course, my memory isn’t foolproof!)… Welcome to my blog!
I hope you’re pleased with your painting!
When you were going south on 97 Sunday did you pass a big grey four door truck,pulling a car trailer with a white car on it? My son had to go rescue an older lady friend, her transmission died. The fatal event happened in La Pine..small world!
I just told him about your current campground, he wants to visit it soon. There are so many beautiful camps in that area, and you sure have a knack for finding them!
Pet the furries for me, can’t wait for the next installment.
Hi, Lee J,
I may have passed that truck. I didn’t notice it though. Hmm . . . There was a grey pick-up at Gordy’s…
Hey there! We have been all over Oregon the past couple of weeks and thought for sure we would pass you somewhere! We have enjoyed our time in the cooler areas so I hope you do, too!
Hi, Cheryl,
You know slow-poke me… There’s no way the crew and I would manage to be “all over Oregon the past couple of weeks.” I’m glad you enjoyed Oregon. It is a wonderful place to explore and experience.
Another prime spot for you and the pups. It looks so beautiful there. I aven’t commented much lately but I’m here and following the program ☺️
Good to see you, Marcia… I missed you! Sometimes I sit and think about readers and a list will form of those I haven’t heard from lately. Of course, I wonder if I’ve lost them forever from my blog. Thanks for staying with us and for letting me know.
I am still out here too. Just nothing to say from my end. Glad Rusty is commenting and seems to be doing ok. He has been in my prayers everyday. All looks good on your end. Even the Brid got in a picture. How did you manage that?
Hey Sue just read the blog. You ought to swing thru Bent NM some time. I want to live there!!! It’s high desert, but a small river runs thru it and there are old orchards evrywhere. There is no town but they have a post office. There are deer and elk and wildlife everywhere. There is a campground on a long dirt road that horse people use close to Tularosa. It’s like in the 50s at nite right now there and highs in the 70s. Bet it snows s bunch in the winter!!!
Hi, Bill,
Some places grab our heart and don’t let go. Sounds like Bent NM is one of those places for you. I’ve discovered a few myself and then I think, do I want to be here when the snow piles up? 🙂
The last time we were in NM was early winter of 2011. I’ll look up Bent on my map.
Wow Bill,, That place called Bent in New Mexico is east of White Sands Missile Range and just west of Mescalero Indian Res. Yepperey that spot must jump alright at night,,,, oooohhh look at the lights in the sky,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Good morning,Sue,it’s been beautiful out here-last night with a pale pink sunset reflecting on the lake and a nearly full moon doing the same,sunrise came with a few small clouds making picture stories overhead-I hope it’s been equally wonderful at your lake!Did you find anything nice enough for dinner in your larder or will you be shopping/moving/posting today?I’m sure you didn’t let yourself run out of coffee,that and your great campsite and crew are surely enough to enjoy the morning 🙂 everything else can wait.
Good afternoon, weather,
The crew and I went for a walk before I saw your good morning message. We made it all around the peninsula and then looped back through the campground. Your sunset and sunrise do sound wonderful.
We have plenty of food, standard fare, wholesome and good, just not interesting enough for photos. 🙂 I had egg salad for lunch yesterday and soup with crackers for supper. This morning, English muffins and coffee. Lunch will be the last of the egg salad, greens and cucumber in a salad with dried cranberries and cheese. Supper will probably be boiled taters, carrots, broccoli, and onions. I think I have some chicken sausage, too. Might have that with it. So, you see, I’m doing fine! I could stay here two weeks but I’d be scraping the barrel, so to speak.
Now the crew is fast asleep. That hike did them good.
Good menu,good hike,good news-thanks 🙂
Later,inspired by your choices,yet not wanting to add heat to our home, I made toasted tuna sandwiches .In the mid-nineties,our warmest day this year,it’s still comfortable to be out for a wee bit and cooler inside.We are both blessed that we and our fur pals had a refreshing morning with the chance to really get out there,I feel for those suffering with heat throughout this season.Without the immediate need to buy groceries ,I imagine that you have really been enjoying the cool with a book,nap and/or what you have to see there,have you had more success photographing it despite the tall trees’ shadows?I believe I recall your giving away your radio system,do you have a way to listen to music ,or isn’t that something you enjoy on occasion?
I had chicken sausage, too, one day a few summers ago. By the next day at our campsite, I DID NOT have chicken sausage (or eggs, bread, lunchmeat and fruit). Ah, raccoons! !No wonder they look like bandits!
Hi, Sue,
Your lakeside camp looks idyllic! Love the clear blue water and sandy shores. Your photos always manage to capture the beauty of wherever you are. Cool nights and pleasantly warm days are perfect. No doubt the coolness is a relief for Bridget and Reggie.
We are headed into a hot spell again – high 80’s possibly touching 90. Tomorrow our Senior Trailblazer hiking group is headed to Heliotrope Ridge near Mt. Baker. Part of the hike is in shade but there will be plenty of sun too. Lots of water and sunscreen needed. We will have spectacular views of Mt. Baker and glaciers Coleman and Roosevelt. (Benchmark pg.42, FR 39, C6). We are looking forward to it.
Enjoy!
Kitt
It could be over the next hill
Maybe around that bend,
The road might be steep or full
Of ruts, but it goes somewhere
And that is where we want to go
With Bridget beside me, eyes
Getting tired yet looking ahead too
With our kid, Reggie, full of life
And love, eager to embrace the
Next special place, special scent
How can I, Missy Sue not move
On and let my little family see
What lies beyond, but me as well?
We have others too who tag along
Consigned to live through our words
Life on the road with RVSue and of
Course the Canine Crew….
great picture Jim,and with just the right rhythm to the words,thanks,I enjoyed that 🙂 !
Well done, Jim! Bravo!! 🙂
“Life on the road”… Sweet… Thanks, Jim.
You are in my territory, Sue. I did the soil survey on the Winema, and dug a bunch of soil pits in the vicinity of Miller Lake. Swore I would never camp there because of the mosquitoes. Your Angel is definitely with you. We camped at Waldo Lake last night, THE most beautiful lake in Oregon, and often with empty campgrounds because of mosquitoes. Not one in sight anywhere. No clue why unless the cold snap last week knocked them back. It was the most beautiful camp ever for us I think. Good thing you are no longer in the Willamette Valley. At the moment it is a record breaking 106 degrees here in Coburg. Cant wait to get back home to Rocky Point tomorrow!
Hi, Sue . . . .How wonderful for you to camp in the most beautiful lake in Oregon! I’m happy for you. 🙂
Maybe a flock of insect-eating birds moved into the area of the lake… Also, as summer progresses, often the number of mosquitoes diminishes… Whatever the cause, it’s good to have them gone.
It was only 36 degrees here yesterday morning here in Sunriver. Maybe the cold killed them off. We will have to head up the hill to do some kayaking.
So very true, Sue, it makes camping in the Cascades wonderful. I have never known them to be gone this early. I am so glad that you enjoyed Miller Lake. We just returned down 97, and stopped at Chemult for gas, ended up speaking with a man with a VERY dirty rig who was thoroughly enjoying Miller Lake. Said he did see two, just two mosquitoes. Of course, with our luck, they are still here at home in Rocky Point
Wow, that looks great. Beautiful Oregon. I too cast a vote for Bridget as guest blogger.
Wonderful poetry AZ Jim!
So beautiful, your latest homesite. The water is so clear with a soft, sandy bottom. It sure is wonderful learning about different parts of the country from you. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!
You’re welcome, Beverly… It’s my pleasure. 🙂
Good mornin’ Sue n’ crew,, how’s the weather up there at the lake camp to day?,,,, I know we need it all over the west and yes it’s been rainin’ where I’m camped,,,, hope it’s lightly rainin’ in SW Colorado , to where I’m headin’ this weekend,,,,, have a great day and give them babies a big hug from me,, will ya,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,rusty
Good morning, Rusty! Cool here unless you stand in the sun, clear blue, cloudless sky, no wind. Have a good trip to Colorado! If you don’t have internet, well, check in with us when you do . . .
Safe travels Rusty..I am in Sedona..raining here also…
luv Sedona…wish I was there…we’ve had 4 days of over 100 temps….here
chuck
75 to 80 here and still beautiful!
Hi Sue and doggies. I always enjoy your posts. How often do you have to dump and fill your fresh water tank?
Hi, Jim,
I estimate between 2 and 3 weeks. I don’t always let them go that long though. When traveling to a new camp and passing a dump station or when leaving a camp like a state park that has the dump included in the camping fee, I go ahead and dump the tanks for convenience. Then I have a “fresh start” for my next camp.
I used to fill the fresh water tank whenever I dumped tanks. Lately I’ve kept the fresh water tank supplied with water by using campground spigots. I fill up my water jugs and pour the water in the tank using a funnel. I started doing that when my fresh water hose sprung a leak and found that I prefer the funnel method. Of course, when I get back to boondocking a lot, I won’t have a water spigot handy.