Sunday, February 4
Boondock in Sonoran Desert south of Why, Arizona
As I begin writing today, blogorinos continue to add comments under the previous post. Mostly the conversation is comprised of personal thoughts about the vagabond life and how one copes with the challenges that occur.
Some share where they are in their journey toward retirement, toward travel while camping, and toward better appreciating and living fully while domiciled in a sticks-and-bricks. A few give their philosophy on life in general.
Go take a look!
One of several varieties of cholla the crew and I pass while walking
I try to keep this blog interesting by connecting with my readers in the comment section. Turns out there are many benefits to encouraging interaction between blogger and readers and also between readers, both for me and for those who read comments.
You know, the stuff we learn from each other, the support we give and receive during times of sickness or loss, the fun of talking with like-minded people, etc.
Sometimes I keep myself out of the conversation.
When I do, I hope that blogorinos are encouraged to fill in the gap and talk with each other. If that happens, richness and depth are added. Plus it gives us all a break from me blathering on and on about me, me, me. I don’t know about you, but all my narcissistic drivel gives me a headache. Haha!
Thank you to everyone who participates!
~ ~ ~
Blooms on an ocotillo give hope that it will survive this very dry period
I spoke too soon regarding coyotes.
I said they moved away from our camp. Well, that was a premature statement, let me tell you.
I’m outside with the crew yesterday. The boys are on the blue pillow, lolling in the sunshine, while I’m sweeping the mat.
For the first time since we set up our home in this boondock south of Why, Arizona, birds sing in the mesquite tree behind the Best Little Trailer.
I think that saguaro lost its top since we camped here previously.
Anyway . . . I’m sweeping the mat.
All of a sudden Roger and Reggie go ballistic! They leap from the blue pillow in a frenzy of barking and charge full-out on their tether to the wash behind the BLT.
Reggie, in particular, has a special bark he reserves for exceedingly alarming times.
I chase after them, around the BLT.
I’m just in time to get a glimpse of the furry, hind-end and tail of a coyote as it climbs out of the wash on the opposite side. Before disappearing into the desert scrub, it hesitates for a moment to look back over its shoulder at us and then it’s gone.
“Well done, guys. Well done.”
Old fire rings are here and there, marking campsites.
Then last night . . .
The coyote pack howls far off somewhere and Roger barks through the open back window in response. That Roger is one fine watch dog!
As for Reggie, he’s no fool. He stays under the covers and lets Roger take care of it.
~ ~ ~
Today is our last full day at our Sonoran boondock.
Reggie and Roger on the way home from a late-morning walk
Later today we will go into town to fill up the second propane tank. Then we’ll have two full tanks for our next camp. I’ll pack up the outdoor room and kitchen before we go inside for the night.
rvsue
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If nothing else, I’ll surely remember the sunsets.
~ ~ ~
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first?
YES! CONGRATULATIONS, SHERRI!
I doubt I will be the first to comment, but thought I would give it a try!
See what trying can do? CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, TOO, LIZW! FIRST!
Yippee! So enjoy your blog and it is NEVER narcissistic!
🙂
Looks like LizW and I tied for first. lol My first of the year too! HI SUE and CREW!!! Now I am off to actually READ the blog. 🙂
Hi, Sherri!
I know I owe you an email and the blogorinos a post, but for now please let me just claim my place in the top ten and let you know, I’m alive and reading!
Cheers,
Ilse
Thank you, Ilse! Cheers to you, too!
Well, is it cold here., Some areas are minus 40 C. We had another 12 inchs of snow.
The piles beside the drive way are way higher than the vehicles.
Oh well, spring is coming.
The geese always come back April 30 each year….how do they know?
Hi Sue. Hi Pauline. Love your warm country. Love your pups.
Ken Canada
Oh, Ken…. What a scene you paint with your words! So realistic I’m about to shiver! 🙂
I guess I need to go back and read some of the comments on the previous post!
Good job you guys scaring that coyote away! But I’ll feel better when you’re safe at your new camp.
Hi, Dawn…. Don’t worry. The boys are safely snoozing beside me. 🙂
Sue I have a question about your outdoor mat……you said awhile ago that you cut yours in half…….wondering how you keep it from un-raveling or fraying really bad. I struggle with the 9×12 mat I have. Thanks for the info and your blog! You have always been my inspiration.
Hi, Sharron,
The mat I cut in half is the first mat I bought and it had a seam across the middle. The seam was separating so that’s where I made the cut. My new mat doesn’t have a seam and seems to be less sturdy than my original mat. Even so the weave is tight which may keep it from fraying after I cut it someday.
I remember those days, full propane, full water, empty black and grey water tanks. Good to go. Fun ahead. I still enjoy that outdoor life but now I do it through you, Missy. Say Hi to the furry little guys from me…PS you know we enjoy your every post so keep ’em coming.
Hey! Top 10!!!
Hi, Jim,
You collected a bunch of wonderful memories. I remember you telling us about your camp on the shore of Lake Mead, back in the day before it dried up. *sigh*
Glad you ride with me and the crew! Hugs to you and Detta…
I hope you bring a sturdy long stick or something like that with you on walks.
While I do like coyotes and think some people needlessly panic at the sight of them, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared to save the little guys.
Hi, Lisa,
Well, with handling two leashes and a camera, my hands are occupied. I do carry a big, bad attitude though. 🙂
Seriously…. The way Reg and Rog bark and snarl and jump and kick up the dirt, a coyote would be wise to back off!
🙂 🙂
Hi Sue,
I searched this page top to bottom and I can’t see any indication of what website you use to post your blog. What’s the name of your host? And did you shop around? If so do you remember why you chose this one?
Thanks bunches!,
Lauri
Hi, Lauri,
At the very bottom of the page, below comments, in the righthand corner, it says (on my page) “Proudly powered by WordPress.”
I’m not sure why I chose WordPress. Maybe because it was the first one I looked at and I immediately became involved in setting up my blog following the instructions. I do remember considering Blogger. Confession here: If I see a lot of people going in one direction, I tend to go in the other. Most of the blogs were Blogger blogs, so…..
When I became an Amazon Affiliate the WordPress rules made it necessary for me to self-host if I wanted to monetize my blog. I’m with HostGator. I have mixed feelings about HostGator but I won’t deter anyone from signing up with them because admittedly I don’t have the experience to know if HostGator is better or worse than any other.
BTW I’m very happy with WordPress.
Hi Sue, I hope you’re doing well, but I shouldn’t have to say as living the life you do, how can you be anything but?!
Is it common for the coyotes to be so curious or is that the point, they are unpredictable? We’ve watched coyotes hunting from afar in a field in Yellowstone and have heard them here while either camping out at Bruneau Dunes State Park or for a stopover at Three Island Crossing State Park, both in Idaho, but have not seen them at either. Yet, as I type, I remember that we’ve seen them here out in the suburbs that was once open farmlands. Anyway, quite the excitement you have!
Hi, Renee,
You’re right about “doing well.” I was thinking about that a short while ago. I haven’t been inside a grocery store in 13 days and only once to run inside Family Dollar. One benefit of this griddle is the ingredients I use to make Mexican dishes are items I can stock up on…. salsa, refried beans, turkey sausage (frozen), blocks of cheese, etc.
About coyotes…. I don’t know if they come around out of curiosity or to hunt for food or simply because the wash behind the BLT is a natural highway for wildlife, as evidenced by the many tracks.
I suspect that the aromas coming off the griddle are luring them over here. I think that because of the experience I had when here previously of throwing out an apple core. It wasn’t long before a coyote was munching on it in broad daylight.
The coyotes coming into populated areas are probably lured there by easy pickings, I think.
Thanks, Sue. I forgot about the grill so you’re probably right. We keep our grill in the basement of our FW and I often worry about it attracting bears. When we plan on boondocking in bear country, we don’t use our grill at all the entire trip until we’ve moved to different country.
I’ll do the same, Renee. Even cooking indoors, the bears are drawn to the aroma.
Thank you, Sue. Yes, you are correct, so I try to cook less odiferous our salivating meals! (but delicious)
When I first started reading Sue’s blog, three years ago, my husband and I were both working full time. He has now retired, and I am working part-time.
We are getting rid of lots of things we have accumulated but not used, and planning to get a small Class B or trailer and travel part time. I would do it full time, at least for a couple of years, but he does not want that and needs to visit his doctor a few times a year.
So we renovated our home and spend a lot of time in our garden. But I am getting antsy and will likely stop working later this year, so we can get a move on. Sue’s blog has been inspirational, and just plain old fun.
Thank you, eliza, for continuing the topic from the previous post. I hope others will join in. 🙂
Thanks also for the kind words.
Time for me to go offline…. 🙂
As for me, I am still stuck and my DH may have to go on dialysis to make me even less likely to achieve my dream of being a full-time
RV’r. It is really depressing, but I did vow to sickness & health when we got married 46 years ago, so I will just have to make the best of it. He sees doctors every 6 months, so we usually have someone every month.
I still keep dreaming and planning should the opportunity occur. For now I will just enjoy traveling through Sue’s adventures, plus a few others occasionally.
A person doesn’t have to be on the road to be welcome and appreciated here. Thank you, Barbara, for being a part of my blog. Hang in there….
I know what you mean Barbara. I am not married but I do have an elderly uncle who (realistically) has no one else to care for him. Right now, he does most things for himself but some things are getting very difficult. He has diabetes and a weak heart. And we just found that his kidneys are now at 29%. Soooo…..dialysis is in his (our) future too. I didn’t make any vows but I do care about him. And I wouldn’t have much fun knowing that he is fending for himself. So, I’ll make it work here for awhile.
I am trying to figure out how to get us out to Arizona/Utah this summer though. He loves the red rock country and I’d like to get him out there one more time before he goes on dialysis. We’ll see………..
Hang in there!
MB from VA
Thank you both for sharing and caring. MB, maybe you could rent an RV. DH was at 32% for 8 years before it dropped to 21. I have been going to classes and found out that a lot can be controlled with dietary changes. After we see his doctor in a couple of weeks, he will likely recommend a dietician who specializes in kidney/heart diet to see if we can get his numbers back up.
Good afternoon on an unusually dry Oregon day. It’s wonderful! Went back and read all the comments from the last post. They were very thoughtful and heartfelt. What a treat to get to know people in this way and have a welcoming forum where we can be honest about our feelings. I found you thru a google search when I was researching a full time RV lifestyle. And then your writing skills kept me reading. Since I’ve decided not to full time, I actually considered unsubscribing but gosh, would miss your adventures, hearing about the boys and keeping up with my fellow blogorinos. No place I’d rather be on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. For those of us who can get lonely your blog is a valuable connection. So thank you, your pups and all your readers. Steph
You’re welcome, Steph. I’m glad you decided to stick with us!
Steph, hang on in here with us. All of us are definitely not on the road and enjoy the fellowship.
Hi Sue,
Finally warming up here in Alabama. Today was close to a perfect day. Had a nice long walk on the beach. My Dilla loves running free on the beach and has lost some excess weight from the exercise.
Don’t have coyotes here on the island, only foxes, but we did have a lot of them in Texas. They used to go by my house about 11PM headed north and about 4 AM headed south. Guess they had a regular hunting route.
I’m curious from fellow blogorinos: What in Alabama gets rid of the roadkill?
There don’t seem to be any vultures. Texas was full of them. Just wondered if anyone else ever thought about those things.
Looking forward to your next stop.
Hi, Nora,
I don’t know what gets rid of Alabama roadkill. I hope the job doesn’t fall to the highway patrol.
Your beach walk with Dilla running free sounds wonderful…
Hi Sue and everyone, what a great group of folks! I too found RVSue (and the Bayfield Bunch and some other blogs) before I dove into RV-ing. All have been and continue to be inspirational and informative. I’ve learned so much! Now that I’ve been part-time RVing in a trailer and loving it, I’ve started a little blog with WordPress and BlueHost (love WordPress) and hope my experiences tempt and teach others too.
But I have a question that I can’t find an answer to online. When one fills their propane tanks, there’s info online that says don’t over-fill them … what does that mean? The tanks are sealed so how can they be over-filled? By pressure? If so, how do you know how much is enough, or too much? Any other tips and tricks to filling propane tanks?
Love the coyote story. Love all the stories! Thank you, Sue. And please do just keep on writing about wherever your mind wanders. It’s delightful. 🙂
Hi, Ann,
You don’t have to worry about overfilling your propane tanks. When you purchase the propane, the person who pumps the propane knows not to overfill. In fact I believe some stations are set up to stop the flow when the tank reaches the point where it shouldn’t be filled with any more propane. Watch the meter while the propane is being pumped. You will learn what the right amount is. But, like I said, you don’t have to concern yourself with it.
I think they are to be filled at 85% of their capacity to allow for expansion from fumes. Not sure that is the exact reason, but pretty sure of the capacity.
Thank you Sue and Barbara!
I was mystified while in British Columbia to find the propane pumps on the fuel island. I hoped I wouldn’t need any before return and I didn’t but I guess someone would have assisted me if I hAd requested it.
Ann, unless you have a really old rig, you have nothing to worry over.
Newer tanks have a mandated Ovefill Prevention Device.
As of April 1, 2002, OPDs are required on all propane cylinders between 4 and 40 pounds propane capacity, per the 1998 edition of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Cylinders of this size manufactured after September 30, 1998, were required to have an OPD. A typical gas grill cylinder holds about 20 pounds of propane.
(https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Safety-in-the-home/Gasoline-and-propane/Propane-safety/Propane-cylinder-overfilling-prevention-devices)
Most propane places will refuse to fill older tanks and for good reason. It’s the Law.
Some older tanks, like the one on my 1997 VW Eurovan camper are exempt from the Law mandating an OPD be installed. OTOH, the way the VW tank is installed (fill valve position) it cannot be over filled.
(The 2001 edition of NFPA 58 modified requirements to exempt horizontal cylinders manufactured before October 1, 1998, from requiring OPDs. Also exempt are cylinders used for industrial trucks, industrial welding and cutting gases (these cylinders must be labeled with their use).
I applaud your concern and wanting to learn more. RVs should also have a propane detector / smoke alarm / CO detector set as well.
Older tanks can have the valve replaced with a new, compliant, value assembly with a OFD. Most propane service places will do this for a small fee – should you own a vintage rig.
However, retro-fitting an older tank may invovle pressure testing
http://www.comparepropane.com/tank-recertification/ This link explains what this is all about – consumer safety.
Best of luck on your RVing, we love out time outdoors.
DA
Thanks for taking the time to write all this information.
Thank you, Don. That explains a great deal. I always like to know “why” and “how”, even if someone else is doing the work. Even tho my rig is new-ish, I’ll take a look at the links in your comments and learn from them. Who knows, I may be able to pass on the info to someone else some day. Excellent info and descriptions. Very much appreciate your sharing your knowledge!
Lovely photo of the BLT and the cactus.
Great that Rog is so attentive and protective.
Ya know there is a leash attachment that looks like a Y and attaches to one lead.
Enjoy the peace!
I have that leash attachment. I don’t use it because there are times when Reg and Rog start playing when we’re on a walk and, in order for us to move along, I have to hold them far apart (picture my arms straight out from my sides). Also when one needs to be pulled back (such as when sniffing a cholla), I don’t need to pull them both back.
Peace to you, too, friend.
Interesting roundup. Nice pictures, a little philosophy, a little botany, some helpful hints on preparing to move.
Hi, Calvin. 🙂
Beautifull pictures, cute dogs and strong person.
Thank you. 🙂
Roger at the open back window and Reggie under the covers, reminds me of my cousin and I. One hot summer night in Lausanne we made the mistake of leaving our window open. We were awoken when a guy tried to climb in our window. I was immediately up and trying to slam the window on the guy’s arm. He got his arm out, jumped on the back of his buddy’s moto and sped off. I locked the window. I looked over to my cousin’s bed and she had the covers pulled up over her head. The rest of the summer we never slept with our window open no matter how hot it was. 🌇 I guess my fight or flight instinct tends towards fight. Push come to shove I’m with Roger, don’t mess with my family. However, if given time to think about it I usually avoid conflict.
I’ve often wondered if the guys knew our hostess was a 80+ widow usually living alone.
Wow, Ronda. Good thing you both didn’t hide in the covers! Roger and Ronda rock! 🙂
😃
Hi Sue, I think I saw that coyote when we camped there in mid-January. Or, maybe one from his ‘crew’. I was out walking along the wash, taking photos, and he stepped out of the brush and took a seat. He watched me, and I took a couple photos of him. I was not walking with my telephoto lens, rarely do, but I can see him in my pictures.
I hope you travel safe and enjoy your desert camps and walks. Cheers!
Ooh, you got photos of the coyote! It does seem that the coyote claims this territory.
Thanks for the wish for our safe travel. We leave first thing in the morning (Monday). Best wishes to you…
Coyotes come to town here in Phoenix to prey on cats and dogs (I always think of Johnny Cash song Don’t Take Your Guns to Town…don’t know why). I even heard a coyote howling in the wee hours of the morning not too long ago. I live about a mile and half north of Salt River and Gila River Indian Reservation which is sparsely populated. I think coyotes wander in from the Gila Rez into Salt River bed.
Hi, Sue,
I am glad that Roger and Reggie sounded the alarm! That coyote is brave to approach your camp again, considering the boys chased him off once before. I am glad that Roger is so protective of his family. He must have gained much toughness when living on his own. If our pets could talk, oh, the stories they could tell! 🙂
Picture #4 looks like you A/C unit sprouted a saguaro cactus! 🙂
Sending you wishes for safe travel tomorrow, and ease in finding a new camp. I hope you have a peaceful, coyote-free night. Sending you, Reggie, and Roger love and hugs from me and Gracie pup! My little Miss is quite the watchdog, too. N’nite!! 🙂
…your A/C…
I know right? I saw that immediately and was going to comment; “Your Casita has a nice hat today!” : ) : )
Great minds think alike!! 🙂
Gosh, I like this first photo in this post, Sue! Though this year the plants struggled due to dry conditions they are still all beautiful in their own way. How nice that birds finally arrived to sing from the mesquite, a sweet good bye and send off for you before you leave.
Like you do, I really enjoy the comment section when folks share part of themselves with us all. Though I seldom reply to them, I do care and often pray that each receive joy on their journey, whatever it entails. Wishing everyone a good day ahead, I plan to stay home snug and warm with my 2 kitties, it’s 16 degrees here in central NY state.
Hi Sue,
I enjoy all of your posts, although I may not have time to read and join in the comments.
I went through downsizing a couple years ago, anticipating the time when my parents would need my help. I had a studio apartment, but still had lots of stuff to get rid of when I left there for my 65 sq ft trailer. I towed with a pickup which was STUFFED! 2 years later I am here with my Dad as we downsize, preparing to leave his home of 45 years and relocate to FL. I am once again downsizing. We are determined to take only what will fit in my full size pickup and a PT Cruiser.
A lot of what I had in my small trailer isn’t needed anymore, since I have moved up to a self contained 17 foot Escape. So I am prioritizing again as we go through the house in preparation for an estate sale. I have scanned hundreds of photos, and packed negatives and slides to deal with later. I am piecing a couple of quilt tops before I downsize my clothes. After that a few small pieces that are irreplaceable (like my Mom’s pickle crock) will go in the truck. I will pack breakable items in the vehicles and if needed ship some things. I have used UPS or USPS many times before to move cross country, but I hope to avoid that with this move.
As for full-timing, that lifestyle will be put on hold for me until my Father goes to be with Mom in heaven. Until then he and I will travel with my trailer as much as he wishes. Some would think this is a hindrance to my plans, but since before my older brother passed away, I knew I would be caring for my parents. I am thankful they accept this and that I have these precious days with them. The last months of my Mother’s life was hard for us, but I treasure the time we had. I am blessed to be free to choose to be with my Dad now. Actually, I tease him about making him into a beach bum with Bermuda shorts, a straw hat and a metal detector! At 86 he still smiles about that image.
Thanks for the chance to share Sue. I look forward to the next beautiful place you choose.
How fun to read your “story.” Thank you for sharing all those details. I’m sure you will always cherish these times.
Lisa, I love your attitude. You are a blessing to your father, and I’m sure an encouragement as well.
Good boys letting the coyote know there was nothing for them there! We had howling and yipping of a dozen or so in the hills behind us here in Corona. Less than 1/2 mile from the Interstate, it still throws me to hear them in the urban sprawl of SoCal! Safe travels to your next piece of heaven!
UPDATE:
Our travel went smoothly today. 🙂
We arrived safe and sound at a delightful camp! I’m very pleased with our site. Reggie and Roger are happy with it, too. I took them exploring and now they’re curled up on the bed, having eaten supper and played themselves out.
Thank you for commenting. A special thank you to those who offer helpful information and to those who share your lives –the highs and lows — with us. We learn from each other. 🙂
Y’all have a good evening!
Sue
Thanks for the update, you have a good evening, too!
Happy Landing! Looking forward to the new camp stories….
Sue, Loved the post about how grateful you are to be full timing. I find your ups and downs and realistic blog so interesting. Also, some of your bumps in the road give us all a chance to be back seat drivers and offer unwanted opinions. LOL! Glad you’ve settled in to your new boondock. Can’t wait to hear about i.t