Friday, December 11
Our day begins with a pink-and-purple sunrise!
Sunrise seen from Midland Long Term Visitor Area, southeastern California
The sun makes her brilliant entrance, then like a beautiful woman leaving a room, she slips behind the cover of clouds.
“Gosh, it’s too drab to hang around camp today. We should go somewhere.”
By the time Bridget and Reggie are in their crew positions in the Perfect Tow Vehicle, I have an idea what we can do.
The night before last a Class A motorhome entered what I’ve dubbed Loners’ Acres, the section of Midland that is mostly unoccupied, save for us and one other camper. We’re camped far apart from each other.
I didn’t hear the motorhome’s arrival.
It isn’t until morning when I first peek out the window over our bed that I see it. Whoever it is, they are courteous enough to park well away from anyone else, and, to my relief, they are quiet all day long.
Their arrival sets me thinking about what I will do if this area of Midland becomes more populated than I prefer.
After a brief stop at the trash dumpsters on the way out, I drive us to the other side of the road.
Most RVers settle into a camp on the north side of Midland Road. However, Midland LTVA reaches over to the south side, too.
Maybe we can find another good campsite over here. We might want to move soon or maybe, some time in the future, we’ll return to Midland and find too many campers on the north side.
“Here we are! A new place for our morning walk!”
Bridget and Reggie are enthusiastic for a chance to explore new territory.
“I need your help finding good campsites, okay?”
This one has a palo verde. Tidy it up, put down the blue mat . . . It would work.
“Reggie, you’d better get your nose out of there.”
“C’mon. Let’s see what else we can find.”
“You like this one, Bridge? Well, it sure is an easy pull-through!”
Together we find several campsites.
The ground is hard and flat which is good. Sites are clean and easy to get to. Not many rodent holes. More coyote scat than where we’re camped now. We’d be visible from the road. There’s some road noise, although it’s slight. Not much traffic going toward ghost town Midland.
“Well, it’s nice to know we have this option.”
“I bet you two would like a drink. Bridge, how ’bout you show us the way back to the PTV.”
“You did a great job finding campsites! I know what we should do next. Go into town. You can take a snooze on the way in. You both have sleepy eyes.”
And when we’re in Blythe, I’ll pick up the mail at the post office and, after that, we’ll go to Carl’s, Jr. and I’ll buy you a burger. A treat to take to Miller Park.
Lunch at the park with my best friends makes a grey day bright!
rvsue
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Hi Sue,
Greetings from cold San Diego!
Norman
CONGRATULATIONS, NORMAN!
Cold San Diego? That’s an oxymoron!
Yesterday we had wind and rain. Now that the storm has passed it is sunny and only 60 degrees. We are so spoiled here in Paradise.
60 degrees…. Brrrr! Get out the down jacket and ear muffs! Oh wait, you don’t have down jackets and ear muffs in San Diego. You probably don’t even have a jacket. Ha!
I spent 45 years in San Diego, I am a California native (Born in Los Angeles circa ’36), if Norman has been in San Diego long, he has a jacket….
Oh, I thought every day was short-sleeves and sunshine.
Most are Missy…..:)
Hi Sue! Hi Crew! Congratulations Norman! You beat me by a minute, I think.
Hi, Sealarkesmiles! I’m so glad you keep showing up here. 🙂
Wow…almost made it
Hi, chuck! Always good to see you here, no matter where…
Hi Sue:
I am in trailer today because it is blustery outside. I even saw snowflakes falling a few minutes ago near Tombstone, AZ.
I believe you meant “Friday December 11” instead of “Friday November 11.” Time certainly gets away from us, doesn’t it?
Thanks, Jack… I fixed the date.
You’re in Tombstone. Last I knew you were in Utah. It’s a great life, isn’t it! 🙂
Blustery here, too . . .
Yes, we last saw each other at Minersville Reservoir near Beaver, UT. You have a good memory! I moved southward about a month ago, but not without a stop east of Phoenix in Ft. McDowell.
I was setting up my email account on the new kindle fire and saw your post….?
I hope you like your new Fire…. Thanks again for thinking of me when you placed the order.
Snow in Prescott last night. Currently 36F. Sue, you and the crew stay warm.
Hi, wildflower…
Snow! You’re at a higher elevation… Not that cold here… yet! You keep warm, too.
Alane from Colorado
I started reading this blog from the beginning last spring. Like eating an elephant, I’ve accomplished it a few bites at a time. I’ve just recently caught up to real time and here I am today, making my first electronic appearance. Hi.
Like many blogorinos, reading rvsue is a way for me to cope with being cooped up in a sedentary life during these last few years of working. Within 3 years, I’ll be outta here. I’m just waiting to turn 59 ½ so I can withdraw money from my retirement accounts without penalty. Plus, I recently took on my first choir-directing position (very part time) and I want to put in a couple of years and learn all I can from the experience.
Full-timing has been on my “possible futures” list for over 20 years. I’ve realized other dreams during that time, though. I did some home exchanging to Europe, released 2 albums, taught some interesting courses, and oh yeah, raised and launched a daughter. More recently, I went into the Peace Corps at age 53, did a full 2+ year tour in Peru and have been back for a little over a year now. I’m a college teacher—they held my job while I did my service. I was happy to come home, but not happy to be lapped by the rising waves of American-style stress. I have taken out my full-time rving dreams and dusted them off, with the support of this blog.
I have had a pop-up camper, a 24’ MH, and 2 TTs at various times, but never lived more than 10 days in them. I’ve dreamed about it though, through all these years. While I was abroad, some of my close friends full-timed for a year. I could so easily picture myself in their shoes (and RV!) I envied them, and that wise emotion is a signal worth paying attention to. I would love to wander the country, attending music festivals and geocaching in all kinds of landscapes. And I would finally have time to practice (flute, keyboard, guitar, voice) and write songs as much as I please.
A friend of a friend is offering a 3-year-old 13’ Scamp that I will go look at next week. I had been thinking of choosing a 16 or 17 foot fiberglass egg of some kind; this is smaller. Still, living in a small Scamp would be luxurious compared to my living conditions during my recent Peace Corps years, and I was content there. I have no doubt I could be happy in 13 footer. I am a small human and expect to travel alone. A wee 13 foot trailer would be easier & cheaper to tow, can nip into small campsites, and the asking price is 10K, which is doable. Any opinions?
Now I will go back to grading papers so I can make more progress toward the finish line of fall semester. Regards from Durango, Colorado.
-Alane
Hi, Alane and welcome to Blogorino Land! Great to have you join us!
I enjoyed reading your introduction — Such an interesting and adventurous life! You sound like a person gifted with many talents. I’ve always thought that those with musical talent and skill are very fortunate.
BTW, thank you for reading my entire blog. I take that as one of the best compliments!
I don’t want to hijack your question, so I’ll repeat it here:
BLOGORINOS: Any opinions on a 3-year-old, 13′ Scamp for 10K . . . for full-time vagabonding?
Thanks for making me feel welcome! This blog is such a friendly community.
That Scamp is calling my name, but I know part of that is the desire to BEGIN NOW. Once I have my vagabonding vehicle, I can start my test runs. I know some readers have tiny trailers and others roomy rigs, so I know there will be varied opinions. Still, what might be the pros and cons of a 13-footer compared to a 16/17 footer? And is 10k a fair price for a 3-year-old? Scamp, that is.
The condition will have a lot to do with its value, of course.
They are asking $8,900
Thanks so much for getting that information for me. Of course, as Sue said, the condition is important also, but it may be that 10K is a bit high and some bargaining might be in order.
Yeah. Maybe even $1,000 high! I am no good at haggling over a price unless I have another trailer with a price to talk about. You might even consider calling and asking some questions about the condition of the trailer in Florida.
I forgot to mention the website for “egg” campers has a classified section and many forum folks who would help you out.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/
Wow, I looked there and there are several 13′ Scamps there. Some are older ads and have likely sold, but the price information is helpful still. Thanks for the good advice!
Fiberglass rv for sale is another website.
2012 13 scamp deluxe with shower and solar 12K. Visalia CA which is near Fresno.
Your welcome. Notice that the fiberglassrv forum also has a major thread titled, “Fulltiming in a Molded Fiberglass Trailer”
There is a lady who recently started full timing in her 13 ft Casita that does a vlog (video blog) of her adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Her post are under the name “Bex the Cat Herder”.
She is tall and I think she has a bit of a problem with her unit being a bit short for her.
I have a 13′ Boler, of which the Scamp is a copy. If they are asking 10k that trailer should be in mint condition and loaded. Check the frame, axle and brakes if it has them. Check out fiberglass rv.com for more info. There’s a great checklist there by a poster named Ian about buying a Boler. All of it will apply to your Scamp You can also search the site if you don’t find it. IMHO 10 k is a bit steep for used, unless it was used once or twice. If it’s owned by a friend, consider asking for a trial run, hopefully in the rain. Even if you camp in their driveway, you can get some idea of your comfort level living in 65 sqft. I find mine to be more than enough for myself, my large dog and geriatric cat. Storing and using your instruments, esp your keyboard might be a problem, but you could use the front bunk bed. Towing is easy, just take wide turns. Backing and parking can be a challenge, but you can do it with a little practice. The beauty of a tiny fiberglass rv is you can use a small tow vehicle if you want to do it. I tow mine with a Chevy s10 and have power to spare. Enjoy the journey.!
Here is a link to a 13′ 2012 Scamp for sale in FL. I texted the phone number to request a price, but have not heard back yet. If I get a price I will post it.
http://www.rvtrader.com/dealers/RV-World-of-Lakeland-2890098/listing/2012-Scamp-13-Deluxe-116332004
Hi Alane, and welcome.
I have been following egg prices pretty close for the past couple of years. A 3 yr old scamp for that price sounds about right. You can check fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/ and look in the sold section to give you a pretty good idea of the market.
I too have been debating between a 13ft and a 17ft. You list most of the advantages, some of the disadvantages of a 13ft that I can think of are that you will need to take down the table/bed every day. For me I think this would get old pretty quick, but I have read of folks that make it work. Also generally you will not have a bath in a smaller egg and of course more limited storage. But only you know what you need and what will work for you. Good luck, it’s great to have you here and thank you for your work with the Peace Corps. Your service is appreciated.
That “take down the table/bed every day” is something to consider. I ask myself, “Is this something I want to deal with when sick?” We tend to imagine life when we’re feeling fine. Thinking as a solo traveler, of course.
Currently, when I camp (at present 2-10 days), I leave the bed set up all the time. Instead of ever setting up the camper table, I set up a portable table outside. But I guess that might not work in extended bad weather.
Welcome Alane,
Everyone’s comfort level is different..whether it be storage, bathroom, bed, tow vehicle etc. Whatever works out the best for your situation.
Best of luck.
Hi Alane,
Welcome to being a blogorino. It was enjoyable to read your story. You sound like someone who would be really fun to sit down to coffee with (which is basically what we do here :D).
I have a 13′ Scamp clone. I am not in it now because I ended up lighting out in a Class B camper van. However, if I had it to do over, I very well might have brought the 13-footer (and I may switch back to it in future). I also lived in it for two years, stationarily. Had no hookups or water on site, but did have an electrical hookup (jobsite with no other housing). I loved it! Being solo it always felt huge to me. I know some people would prefer the dedicated bathroom, but I actually preferred what I had because instead of a cramped tiny bathroom, I had the whole roomy trailer (porta potti slid out from under bench). Even now that I have a shower in my current rig, I still take sponge baths out in the “big space,” so maybe it’s just me 😀
The other thing I really liked about it was how I could “rearrange” the functions depending on what I was doing. Basically, the kitchen and closet stay put (barring major remodeling), but the front and rear are “changeable.” Some of the ways I had the front:
Single bed, bunks (upper bunk was storage), couch, small dinette table with one or two seats, or large desk the width of the trailer with window over it.
And the rear:
Double bed with counter over foot, Single bed with more open space, “four person sized” dinette/table, or huge U-shaped “office” with real desk chair.
I enjoyed the versatility. Other things I really liked: Windows on all four sides (in my case four of them were jalousie windows which you can open in the rain), enough storage for daily items, close enough to the ground to just “step outdoors,” An EZ-Up fits over it with a ~4′ x 10′ covered space to the side (if in rainy area).
I would full time in it in a heartbeat (and may yet), but what I would want would be a tow vehicle with some storage space for bulk/heavy items and tubs. The trailer needs to be kept fairly light. No problem for daily things, but examples of what I might keep in the tow vehicle: Extra clothing (cold weather) or shoes, extra staple food items, laundry bag and supplies (going to drive to laundromat anyway), camp chair and mat, Oils solvents and tools, larger battery bank maybe (that depends on setup), water jugs. Plus bicycle, dive gear, etc. You get the idea.
This is not to “dis” the larger Scamps (and their brethren), but just to say I really enjoyed living in my 13-er. I just loved the four sides of big windows!
Welcome aboard 🙂
PS: I never took down the table/bed every day. I either kept the back made up as a 3/4 size bed (with a counter across the foot end which could be like a little table). In that case I had a permanent dinette or table/desk in the front end.
When I had the rear made up as a larger table or U-shaped “office,” I slept on the front bed (which is decently wide – something like 29″ amidships. Hence no need to “convert” on a regular basis.
PS: By “3/4 size bed” I mean a slightly small double bed. I probably had it set at something like 44″ x 78″. Kinda luxurious for me as I’m used to sleeping on 26″ wide beds.
Boy, 26 inches is awfully narrow. Believe me, I know. I fell out of bed a few nights ago. I was getting out of bed in my dream and apparently I acted it out! At least the comforter broke my fall. haha!
Oh my, actually fell out? What did the crew think?! Sounds like your bunk in the Liberty is similar (my favorite larger FG trailer layout, btw). I got used to it on boats, where I only had 24″! Hey, now I have an extra two inches, will luxuries never cease 😀
The Scamp beds were like a palace in comparison: Rear being around 42″-48″ wide (bellies out in middle due to trailer shape) and the front being around 29″ (middle, but hey, I’m widest in the middle too). The biggest difference, to me, of having a “big” bed is being able to fling off extra covers on a warm night and have someplace (besides the floor) for them to go. And you can get them back easily if it cools down. Oh well, the floor isn’t that far away.
I had the BLT configured with a big bed in the back. That was in 2011. It didn’t allow for a table (I could’ve had one in the aisle but that didn’t work, especially with the crew).
Bridget slept through my fall to the floor. Reggie jumped up. It was dark. He went back to sleep.
Bridgee watched you fall off the lounge chair….startled her for a second because you yipped…then realized when you started laughing….it’s just something YOU do to amuse the crew!
Parker, AZ Walmart (Riverside Drive phone #928 669 2161) has a friendly staff 🙂 I called to ask about things because with the crew in the PTV I know you don’t like to pointlessly meander while shopping. Their sporting goods dept. has self inflating air mattresses. As even a twin may be too wide to fit on your narrow bed I asked about foam bed toppers. Those are in home goods and can be cut to size. Maybe the left over part could cushion Bridget’s bed or outer quilt. Just in case your body and mind might have been dreaming of comfort…
How sweet of you, weather! You take better care of me than I do. 🙂 Probably the next Wal-Mart we pass will be the one on the east side of Yuma. Wal-Marts are very similar so this is helpful. Thanks for the reminder. I saw a memory foam topper in K-Mart, here in Blythe. I have a feeling I won’t like memory foam so I passed on it. That’s all they had for toppers.
Wishing you a lovely day…. I’m going to work on a blog post this morning!
On the topic, if you order a self-inflating mattress from REI, you can call them (or just order by phone in the first place, they are friendly folks) and request that they specifically ship by UPS. No problem they are happy to do it. Also free shipping over $50. I have to admit the gear person in me wonders about the quality/longevity of a self-inflating pad from WalMart. Not that they are rocket science, but I started with a cheap one and it developed leaks at the valve almost right away. Very frustrating! They are under a lot of pressure when you are on them (not you specifically!).
Alane,
Welcome Home!
I also joined the Peace Corps at age 53 and spent my 2+ years in Bulgaria. I have also been a Teardrop owner and towed a couple of them through all the lower 48. Clicking on my name will take you to my web site where you can read all about it – if you so desire.
Sue, If this is too much of a blog hijack you can delete it – I don’t mind.
No problem, Ed. 🙂
Welcome Alane & Hi Sue & Crew…..
How wonderful to have another musician in the group! Mostly
it is the keyboard that interests me. Which one do you play &
what “era” of music do you most enjoy?
Way back in the Spring of 1984 I began my RV Life…. do not
travel anymore…. In Dec of 1985 or 86 I joined the Escapees RV Club…. been a Life Member for many years… I live now at
the “SKP Ranch” in S.E. NM.
At age 13 while living in So-Cal I began spending my Saturday’s
in Hollywood going to radio shows that presented “Big Band’s”
and popular singers of the day…. from about 1944…. My focus
was on learning the words to the songs along with the tunes.
In the beginning of my RV life there were many musicians also
who often spent winters in Quartzsite, AZ, who gathered together to jam….. What fun! I suspect that is still happening!
My keyboards have all been Technics, except for the first one…
Currently I have 2 Technics KN7000’s…. One in my rig and the
other in the Ranch House where we have happy hour every day
between 4 and 5 p.m. I play the music….. except on Mon & Tues. which are my weekend days…..
Sue…. If possible, will you send Alane my email and hers to me
if she will agree? There is so much to share with her and I do
not want to bore everyone…. just Alane ; )….. That is if she is
interested in communicating with another musician…..
I love your blog and you and your fur kids…. It is always very
interesting reading….
My RV life began in a VW van…… more another time should
Alane be interested…. I have told my story more than once here.
Can hardly wait to hear from you Alane! Welcoming Hugs to you! From Elizabeth aka E2/etwo and Clyde Cat….
yes, email contact would be fun. One of my fantasies is to join those jam sessions in Quartzite. I’m currently learning bluegrass guitar, should be fun.
My keyboard is a Yamaha, nothing special. I’m not a terrific pianist but use the keyboard more for songwriting. Getting some kind of keyboard into a small trailer could be a challenge…did you travel with one?
I don’t usually send email addresses to readers in order to keep my own address private. I made an exception in your case, E2! Alane has your email address.
Please continue to comment here. I’m sure there are other musicians who read my blog and who would enjoy what both of you have to say.
THANK YOU SO MUCH SUE!!!!!
Time for me to go play for our Happy Hour!
Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Elizabeth aka E2…..
Suggestion:
To keep your email private….have the person submit their email in their post…once the other person acknowledges it…delete it like how you correct our oopsies!
Well, too late now. I trust Alane won’t use my email. And I really hate posting readers emails, even if only for a few minutes. . .
I’ve put my email as my name before! Yikes….but you have a quick eraser! Phew!
I’ve written to E2 via that email and deleted the email address the info came in from. Gotta respect privacy!
🙂
Reading “gotta respect privacy” is just great. I guess I’ve heard a few too many of the “Oh, so you have something to hide?” type comments recently (I like my privacy too).
My thought: No, I have nothing to hide. Do you have a door on your bathroom? Curtains on the bedroom? Well wait, do you have something to HIDE? No? Oh, so maybe just wanting privacy *doesn’t* mean a person is doing anything wrong.
Hmm, mini rant popped out there 😀 Anyway, glad to read your last line 🙂
Hey there, fellow Returned PC Volunteer! In Peru, I was one of only 3 over-50 Volunteers out of over 200 of using working in Peru. How about Bulgaria, did you have a lot of us ‘mature’ types? I was an environment volunteer, did ecotourism, wetlands conservation, environmental ed in the schools and planted a lot of trees. What unit were you in?
I think Peace Corps service is great training for fulltime rving. Builds adaptability and lowers one’s expectations for how often it’s really necessary to take a shower.
I don’t want to turn Sue’s blog into a RPCV site, but I don’t want to be rude to you either. I was a business volunteer and served with a number of mature types one being the oldest (70) in the PC at that time. Go to Site Map and Bulgaria for more details and you are right about the training!
Alane,
You can start distributions without penalty before 59.5 using the IRS code 72t. That is if your fianances allow. Google the code and there are many excellent explanations on it. Theyou have to be substantially equal periodic payments for the greater of 5 years or until one turns 59.5.
Google: Bogleheads 72t worksheet
Good luck, Marilyn
By golly, Marilyn, you’re right! I didn’t know that. The site you gave the link to explains it well. This is great to know, in case I get to the %$#! stage and decide I just have to leave before than age 59.5. Thanks!
Welcome! What an interesting post. Sounds like you’ve done quite a bit and are up for another adventure. Good for you!
I know nothing about the price of Scamps. We bought a new to us, and practically perfect used 17″ Casita. There are two of us, and it is perfect. I wouldn’t give up the bathroom, for anything, especially if I was considering full-timing (remember bad weather and illness can really change what is perceived as a luxury and make it more of a necessity). Also, late night pit-stops are wonderful when you don’t need to go outside or someplace else. Some fiberglass companies have a 16′ with a bathroom, so you wouldn’t be sacrificing living space for the bathroom, and they can also be towed by a smaller vehicle. As someone else mentioned, height may also be a consideration for you. But, everyone has different needs and wants, and this is just my opinion.
Whatever you decide, remember it’s for you, and you can always change down the road. Nothing has to be permanent. Sometimes we think once we make a decision we have to stay with it forever. Can’t hurt to start small and see how it works out. Let us know what you decide. We’re all very excited for you.
Welcome, Alane! 🙂
So, now we know your secret to finding good boondocks! It’s not YOU it’s Bridget and Reggie who find them! 😉 Of course, the promise of a hamburger for all the hard work is certainly an incentive. Maybe if I try giving myself an incentive, like an ice cream cone, I will do better at finding good boondocks. Hmmm, may have to try that.
Hope it doesn’t get too cold down your way. We are supposed to get pretty cold this next week in LHC. Not looking forward to it. Enjoy your warm buddies and don’t forget about the awesome Geminids meteor shower this Sun – Tues. It is one of the best.
Hi, Jordan,
Finding great boondocks comes with practice and time. You’ll get there. 🙂
Yes, I’m seeing 58’/31′ for Blythe for next Tuesday. For Lake Havasu City, much the same at 54’/35′. (wunderground.com).
I’ll try to remember the meteor shower. I usually watch for falling stars before falling asleep.
Whoa — The wind is rocking the BLT!
I know, it’s so windy! And bringing cold weather on its heels. Brrr. But I see temps rising again after about four days; I’m already looking forward to that (western AZ).
I have been inspired by all the tales of hummingbird feeders (and seeing some “live” at a friend’s feeder) and so just got my own. Hopefully it is not one that will need to be run over to “repair” it 😀
I was all excited to put it up today but decided it was too windy. So I’m being (sort of) patient. I made sugar/water so I’m all ready! Tomorrow, I hope.
Just wanted to say that it dawned sunny and calm this morning (if a bit chilly). I put the feeder out for the first time and had a hummingbird! Just the one so far, but how fun 🙂
Good for you! They are fun.
Flaming Gorge, utah?
Yes…. Flaming Gorge is big. Do you remember the location more specifically?
Hint: Two words, rhymes with Cantelope Hat. 🙂
How about Antelope Flat??
That’s right, cc and canine…. John K. guessed it, too.
Well, actually Flaming Gorge, Wyoming, right over the border from Utah.
Oh I forgot to guess! That’s what I was going to say too. I remembered the “tongue” of sand with the BLT on it right “in” the lake. Sweet spot!
(I didn’t remember the Antelope Flat name though.)
I was going to sing Fa La La La First …. but I’m not!!
Not first and not singing…. well, darn.
Hi, Cynthia! Better luck next time!
Sue: Is there something different about the site? Usually when I post it automatically posts my location – this time it didn’t.
Not that I know of…. I did an update, something I do quite often. Maybe you cleared your cookies? Could you not add the location again when you enter?
Yes, I will. Maybe I’m gettng senile, but I thought I only typed my location in one time and thereafter, it automatically defaulted to that “identity.”
25th! Antelope Flat. We will boondock that next year.
Dang, 26th…
🙂
That’s it! The peninsula is opposite a mighty red rock jutting out of the water. Pronghorns and cows, loons and merganzers. . .
And no neighganzers!
Or Loons of the human kind. 🙂
Very windy this spot also. Just east of the river few miles from Flying J. Windy holy cow!! Gas at flying j is 2.25. Didn’t get propane price. I think it is called that. First station after ca border into Az. On 10.
But have a very very good loner spot. Can see the lights of Blythe far off.
Good day to clean and organize the inside camper van.
That spot at antelope flats looks so nice.
Don’t let the dog beds blow away!
Ha! Do you remember the blog post when I chased a dog bed across the desert? Gosh, that was a long time ago. I forgot about that until I read your comment.
Yeah, the wind is really picking up. I put the dog beds and quilt inside the PTV. There’s a hummingbird out in the wind having a drink at the feeder which is tilting. Amazing little things…
I may not post often, but I do look forward to and scan my e-mail for updates from your blog! You help me plan for my future, I hope I can do the same as you are doing now when it is my time to retire…which may be sooner than I am ready for! Thank you so much for sharing so much of your life with others! I know it is helping me think of what I am going to do!
HUGGLES!
Laura
P.S. I also want to encourage others to use Sue’s link for amazon whenever you shop on amazon, every little bit helps! (And it is sooo easy to do!)
Thank you, Laura. Whatever happens, by choice or not, change is good.
If I truly wanted, to keep my house when I retire, I am sure that I could rent out a room to help pay bills and just barely keep my head above water… but instead of worrying about that kind of option, I would rather do as you are doing and also many others are doing! Live independently and not be a burden on others. Have a fur baby or two to care for and who will care for me! Also be able to have experiences such as you have… life could be very boring, just living in the same place, walking the same route, seeing the same walls…every day in and out! While I am able, I would rather see a new place now and then and see new people and experience new things… good or bad…still they are new!
That’s the way I looked at it, Laura, — I’ll do this for better or for worse, at least it’ll be different — and then I found out that living this way is far better than I imagined!
? welcome Alane! Good luck on your home on Wheels search! One thing in favor of the fiberglass TT is the value holds! This is especially true of the Casita and Oliver TT! So even if you play house with the Scamp for a year or two and decide you really want a 17′ TT, you should be able to get a fair trade in with the Scamp!
Just finished drilling the holes in the first pieces of recycled and tumbled glass for wind chimes! I have been tumbling the glass with beach sand to get the sea glass effect! Finally got enough glass tumbled that I am ready to drill and assemble !! Tomorrow I will get them hung on driftwood! Finally! This is a pretty fun project for me and I am enjoying it!
Sue, I loved the photo of sleepy eyes Reggie and Bridget! That is me now, heavy lids and ready for a nap! Hahahahaha!
Nice to see all y’all blogerino’s! Take care Sue and remember, you are loved!
You’re so sweet, Geri. I hope you have a wonderful nap.
Wow, your hobby sounds so cool, but how do you drill holes in glass?
Hi! I use a Dremel tool and diamond coated drill bits! I get a metal jar lid and just enough water to barely cover the glass, then I use my fingers to sorta wedge the glass against the edge of the metal to keep the piece of glass from slipping! It took a LOT of practice to NOT try and push the drill bit thru the glass! All that does is break your glass and bend the drill bit! I have learned to just hold the Dremel and let the drill do the job! Keep water on the place you are drilling because the glass will get hot and break! I have ordered all my drill bits thru Amazon! Fun hobby!
You tube has many videos available for showing you how to drill glass! Many variations!
Yes I do! That last photo is at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
Not only do you know where it is, you camped there!
Geri, are the wind chimes a hobby you do in an RV? Did you collect the glass and driftwood yourself? I always love picking up treasures on the beach but then don’t have a way to put them to use. Seems like you found a way to do that while expressing your creativity.
I like your suggestion. If eggs keep their value, I can set aside the fear of not choosing The Absolutely Perfect Trailer For All Time, and just GET one, knowing I could sell it without a big loss.
Gosh, people here are welcoming. I’m happy to be here!
Alane, I recycle glass bottles by putting them in a rock tumbler and a week later they come out looking like sea glass! This is a new project for me, to keep me busy and I love crafting things! I used to be a photographer, but fell a year ago, skated on a lint roller, and hurt my back pretty bad! I can’t run around taking pictures anymore, but this is something I can do seated and its fun! Now I know what kinds of booze all my neighbors drink too! Hahahahaha! I will get a few together and see if I can sell them locally at the monthly farmers market here!
And to answer your question, Alane… Yes, Geri and Chuck live in an RV with their two dogs. Presently they’re staying at an RV park in East Point, FL. (I know they don’t mind me writing that as Geri has talked about their location previously.)
Thank you!
Welcome Alane! Nice to have you aboard!
Just thought I’d throw out a few thoughts about a Scamp 13er. I own one–for 27 years. Yep, I’m the original owner and if someone would ask me to “trade up” to a larger FG RV, I would have to seriously think about it. I see its length as an advantage in several areas. I initially towed mine with a small 4cylinder and towing was a dream. I now have a mid size 6cylinder truck and it’s even a better dream! I’m a boondocker and I can slip that puppy into some mighty small sites that are usually appealing to tenters and not hard sided RV’s. It conveniently fits in my garage so it’s not out in the weather being stored. It’s small size is more conducive to using national forest campgrounds and the NPS campgrounds. I can fit anywhere a 30′ will fit but it doesn’t work the other way around!
I retired this year and while I do not full time with it, I split my time between my desert home in the winter and exploring high country in the West during the summer. I’m living with my Scamp 5-6 months of the year and having a ball living out my dream. I travel solo and have no problems living in the Scamp for extended periods. I’ve made very few mods to the original model and find it has everything I need but nothing more. I took out the front upper bunk (really, really easy mod and opens up the interior) and sleep on the lower one thus allowing me to leave my table up full-time. I also converted the hanging closet to shelves to increase my storage. I don’t have A/C or a bath and get along just fine without either. There’s a porta-potti that stores out of site under the front bunk. I also do not have a water heater or grey tank, but I didn’t have those items when I was a tent camper so the adjustment was an easy one.
No fridge either, just an ice box that I use for storage. My old steel belted Coleman cooler has been “Yeti-fied” and does a better job than the built in Scamp icebox–6 t0 8 days vs 2 or 3. I have a heater, although I hate the thing and an awning which I wouldn’t want to be without. A small portable solar unit provides me with the energy I need for my 12volt needs (which is minimal). For me, the Scamp 13er is just about perfect but I understand it wouldn’t be the choice for a lot of folks.
As for the price of $10K for a three year old Scamp, well, I think that depends on the features it has, plus the condition. If it has the upgrades and is in good condition then I’d say that it was a steal. If it is very basic but is still in good condition than I’d say you could do better. If it’s in poor shape either way, I’d pass it by. I once was in Kanab, UT where I had stopped for gas when a middle aged couple came up to me and asked if they could peek inside such a cute camper. I actually had to pull away from the gas pumps to a better place to continue our conversation. They ultimately offered me three times what I paid for it if I would sell it on the spot! I didn’t even hesitate before I said I wasn’t interested in selling it. I love my Scamp too much let it go! These FG trailers hold their value and never last long the market. Even now 27 years after I bought it new, I can turn around and sell it for more than I paid–wa-a-ay more. They are a good long term investment, if nothing more.
I wish you well in your decisions and if you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer them. I check in with RV Sue and the Crew on a pretty regular basis, as in daily. This is a great community for learning, sharing, and just all around fun. Glad you decided to join us!
I love the tempo of this post…relaxed, take-it-as-it-comes. Just the way life ought to be lived. It sounds as if some of you may getting the storm we had earlier this week–windy, cold, rainy. It’s been a heck of a winter. Western Washington is no longer designated as drought territory…now, if California can just get some rain.
Bridget & Reg sure seem to have a nose for good campsites.! You’ve trained them well, Sue. Miss Ari also says she will work for her but it’s those Costco meatballs that she loves. Yup. The Costco-size bag of meatballs that we didn’t like but she very fortunately adores! Stay warm, everyone!
Hi, Dawn,
What a bonanza for Miss Ari — meatballs from Costco!
Thanks for letting me know you liked the tempo of this post. My blog is mostly about my days with the crew. Some days there isn’t much material to work into a post.
Yes, you’ve had your share of rain, now it’s California’s turn. 🙂
Another fun and interesting post, Sue. Love the photo of the drooping eyelids of the pups. So cute. That pink sunrise is spectacular. Another good reason to get in bed earlier. I am noticing quite a bit of wind, too, here in Houston today. Sold a piece of furniture today! Yippee. Once less item to find a home for before I go full-time in my Casita.
Thank you for the links for the fleet vans. I looked at them all, but nothing jumped out at me, but I am checking them regularly. Very helpful. I love all the room in the back.
I will speak with Jeane at Casita in Rice on Monday and get more info on ordering.
Take care and enjoy.
Pamela
You’re welcome on the links, Pamelab.
Um. . . Mention me (or whoever else influenced you to choose a Casita) and I or they will receive a check for $200.
Do you know what options you will order?
What an enthralling sunrise, and lovely description of it! I so enjoy the artist in you ,Sue.
Once I read that Bridget and Reggie were enthusiastic the story took me with you with such enjoyment that I’d forgotten it was a grey day. Your closing line was perfect. I felt the brightness from here 🙂
How exciting and fun it is to see new commenters and hear about their lives and plans. You must be feeling very pleased with that. I feel I should congratulate you as I would seeing someone’s orchard filled with fruit. Rest well and satisfied when you do. Extra snuggles to the crew.
Hi, weather! I am thrilled to see new people and then I’m doubly thrilled when blogorinos respond with welcomes and helpful information.
Walking with the crew had me, too, forgetting it was a grey day. I’m glad you felt some of that brightness, too.
Your comment gives me an opportunity . . . .
I wonder if there’s anyone reading the comments today who feels like they weren’t given a very good welcome when they introduced themselves on a previous day. In case there is, I want to say this… Sometimes the timing of a new person’s appearance — the time of day or the position of their comment among all the others — can influence the level of response given by the blogorinos. All new people are welcome and appreciated! 🙂
This “orchard” grows and bears fruit with very little pruning . . . just needs lots of sunshine and some watering!
Isn’t that so true. I try to welcome new people (and I know many others do too), but sometimes I’ll see a post and I’m in the middle of doing something else (but peeking in on the blog) or for some other mundane reason I don’t reply. I could see where someone might feel left out if they only got a minimal welcome, and then see that others get a “big one.” But you’re right in that sometimes it’s just timing.
I like how you make everyone* welcome 🙂
*everyone who is nice/respectful anyway; I also like how you don’t allow trolls or unwarranted negativity.
Another consideration is how you introduce yourself. Alane gave blogorinos excellent ways to connect with her on a variety of levels.Many of us are more timid about putting personal details out there in such a public format.As you give, shall ye receive. 🙂
Good point, Sue.
That’s very true, Sue. Good point. I’m fairly private and I know that it sometimes limits my getting to know people because — as you say — being more forthcoming encourages others to respond in kind and gives them something to respond to.
With what I have contributed to your blog, I appreciate what I’ve received. I’m usually not a wordy person and this blog is a helpful avenue to express what’s going on in my life. Thank you, Sue and all blogorino’s.
I actually signed for a different TT yesterday and trading in mine. I finally got tired of not having a table and switching out the bed after 5 years. I’ll be picking it up this Saturday. It’s a 2012 15′ Jayco Swift. It has 2 bunk beds, which I’m thinking of either removing the top bunk or use it as storage. We’ll see. lol I’ll keep reading to get more ideas.
Hi Sue!
I see a new business opportunity for you and the crew. You could lease out Bridge and Reggie to rookie boondockers and help them learn the ways of locating good boondocks! On the other hand, travel distance could be a major deterrent in providing such a service. Well, I thought it was a good idea–briefly.
Are you using your heater? I’m running mine in the house (gasp)! It’s cold and damp. I actually heard a weather forecaster last night use the term “brutally cold” when he advised a high temp of “only” 50 decrees for the day here in southern AZ. He probably is one of those who in in his puffer jacket, trapper hat and mittens when the thermometer reads 65.
Stay warm and enjoy those magnificent sunsets. They have been outstanding lately. Hugs to the crew.
Audrey
“Brutally cold”… Our northern blogorinos will scoff at that!
No, I haven’t had reason to use my heater yet this season. When it dips down into the 30s, it usually does that an hour or so before sunrise. We stay in bed and keep warm. Even Reggie has figured out that this is a good idea on cold mornings. It isn’t long before sun through the windows and the stove turned on for coffee and breakfast takes the chill out. If it’s really bad, we can always go into the PTV. The PTV’s heater is powerful! Or, I could get the Wave 3 heater in the BLT fixed. I can be so lazy, it’s ridiculous.
Oh well, hunker down. You’re in Arizona. Cold weather won’t last. 🙂
Too funny!
I FaceTimed my sister and she was dressed like nanook of the north! I laughed! She told me not to get rid of our winter attire…and that we’ll be freezing!
I’m like sistah Lou …freezing is minus 28! 50 is a heatwave!
Changed my moniker. Boy, isn’t everyone nice to the Newby! RVSue people are Good People! Hey I’ll pay Bridge & Reggie a hamburger for finding me some good boondocking sites too! Working my way over there; I’m at Rock Hound State Park in Deming NM tonight. Incredible winds!!! Free air conditioning inside the camper but I’m not appreciating it much.
I like your new name! It sounds like the winds are all over the Southwest today. For some reason I don’t understand, wind tends to stop around sunset after a windy day and then the wind returns in the night. We’re in that calm period right now. The crew went out for a potty break and now they’re tucked in for the night. They go to bed so early!
It’s too bad your stay at Rock Hound is windy. That’s an interesting area to explore. Be careful, stay off the interstate if it’s really windy!
Here in Sacramento area of CA, I’m lounging in bed reading, while listening to it bluster, blow, and rain in fits and spurts. Very dark in the house considering time of day but I like to snuggle and read when it’s like that, ESP when a new RVSue and crew pops up when I open the iPad! Welcome Alane and all the other new members I may have missed. I’m in and out here due to hubby’s ongoing radiation treatment. We have a 10 yr old Sprinter based 22 ft Leisure Travel van we love to travel in though only leaving cats and son ( adult, disabled) at the sticks and stone ( yep ours has stone facing not brick-LOL). I have had thoughts of getting a bigger class A ( maybe 30 to 34 ft) to accommodate all of us, but love my van so much I will keep it, after all it is paid in full ( took a while as we bought it spanking new in 2005). Have had thoughts of its 5000 lb tow capacity and towing a small trailer as a second bedroom but not going there yet.
Have a good day all and stay warm and snug wherever you are.
I love those Leisure Travel Vans. Did you know they stopped making them this year? If you want one now, you have to go to the B+ class/or Class C. I’m not sure how their larger vans are classified. The Libero was my favorite, but then decided a set up like Sue has would be better financially.
I’ve always admired the Leisure Travel Class B’s. Nice cabinetry.
Not to sound all “bookish” here, but there is often confusion between Class B and Class C. In a nutshell, Class B is where the RV builder gets a whole factory van, and then makes an RV inside it (maybe changing just the top to a pop top or raised top). But the body and doors are a van, which is how it was delivered to them from Ford, Chevy, or whomever.
Class C is a “cutaway.” That means that the RV company got a vehicle that had a van front (or rarely a truck front), but everything behind the driver and passenger seat was “cut away.” In other words, likely it was delivered to the RV company with just an open back behind the front seats with plastic taped over it, and just a bare frame out back. Then the RV company puts on their own body aft of the van cab.
The misconceptions come in because there is this idea that “all class C’s have a cab over bed.” Not so. Quite a few Class C don’t have a cab over bed, although they often have a little streamlined bit over the Ford cab that may have storage or etc. in it. But it doesn’t have to have this.
I think that RV sales people who wanted to differentiate the (then new) smaller Class C’s from the bigger ones with the cabover bed coined the term “B+.” But that is sort of a marketing term. A “B+” is still a Class C as it was delivered as a cutaway chassis, nothing behind the cab in the way of a body.
So a Libero would be a Class C. A small one, that many people might call a B+, but technically it is simply a small Class C.
(Then Class A is where the whole body, including the driver/passenger area is made by the RV builder. All they get delivered to them is something like a huge frame with a steering wheel sticking up in the front. That’s why you see the whole thing looks like an RV – there is no van or other type of front – it’s all made by the RV builder.)
Leisure Travel vans is still in business. I visit their site all the time. The Free Spirit like mine is still being sold and built. I have no idea why you think Leisure Travel vans are no longer in business. I still communicate with them time to time. Look up Leisure Travel Vans and peruse their site, they have exciting stuff coming out all the time.
Wow they just changed their site and Free Spirit is gone, within past few weeks. However I think that’s a good thing as making the two foot longer van really makes a big difference. We love ours but imagine two people living in a B! We have done it up to six weeks at a time and it isn’t easy. If I did not love my van and have it paid in full I’d trade up in a heartbeat. Progress!! It’s a good thing!
hi there Sue,, I read all both posts I missed this week and I must say, your photos are great, the Hummmer’s at the feeder and the sunrise too. have a great day ,,,,,,
Hi, Rusty! I’m happy you liked the photos. Hope all is well with you and Piper. Hang on.. . I’m sure you have your rig pointed into the wind!
hello alane! i wanted to tell you a bit about the length of trailers and things to consider in buying a used trailer. the experiences i will tell you about are by non-fulltimers.
first is how much weight can your vehicle tow? once that is considered, here are some ideas that i have learned from pulling my 1955 vintage trailer, weighs 2,100 packed, behind my 2010 Subaru Outback.
my trailer is listed as 15 feet but has only 12 feet of living space. this is the way trailers are listed by counting the tongue as part of the total feet.
it has no toilet. it has a “double bed” that is a narrow bed of 47″ that is made up all the time. my husband and i have had to learn to synchronize turning over. the first night out, i hit him in the head with my elbow! so measure the bed. i like a bed to stretch out in when we are travelling and stop for lunch. a short 15 minutes is very refreshing before hitting the road again.
i have 2 friends whose 1957 trailer has a bed that the restorer built as only 39 inches wide so they can’t share the bed to sleep. every night they have to lower the table for her bed. or they leave the table/bed made up and use a table outside with a screen room.
i love my dinette! it is so handy to play cards, do sudoku, read and eat at that the table is my favorite part of the trailer. it is the perfect distance for 2 people to sit and chat. and when it is raining i keep dry!
i would love to have the extra living space offered by a 17 footer. my trailer has almost too much storage. but i would like just a bit more walking space for the 2 of us to get around each other when we are dressing or fixing meals or whatever. we do a little dance to sidestep each other. i have about 5 feet of space in front of the sink and stove.
if you need the shower/toilet, other blogerinos can tell you about the pros and cons of that. we have a port-a-potty and usually camp in or near campgrounds so far in our adventures. i can wash my hair standing at the picnic table, and do a “spit bath” whenever i feel like it. i do like a shower after about 5 days. some people have portable solar hot water showers.
so i suggest you shop around and go to dealers and go inside as many types as you can. even though you won’t be buying a new one, you can educate yourself. watch for head clearance in the ceilings, window placement, counter space, & storage. don’t be rushed by the salespeople.
you have time to find a trailer that you love and time to check out the floor plans that will be comfortable to you. pretend that you are living in it, sit on the bed and at the table: do you like the windows? are there things protruding that you might hit your head on? this is your time to educate yourself so that you pick well.
i was in a brand new “retro” trailer and there were NO windows by the bed. that was a deal breaker for me because i like the fresh breezes at night.
i have noticed reading this blog that some people start with one type of trailer and then move up or down in size as they progress in their travels. selling you first trailer for a different one later is always an option.
never buy a used trailer that has a musty/moldy smell when you first enter it unless it is a real bargain and you are willing to be a detective to clean it up. it may mean a leak somewhere or that the people haven’t maintained it. you may have to spend a lot of money to fix the problem.
ask the seller lots of questions: why they are selling, have they ever had problems, did they ever update any systems, how old are the tires, where was it stored, how old is the battery? there are probably more questions.
taking a “trailer knowledgeable friend” with you while you are shopping for used trailers is very good. the more eyes looking at everything the better. and shopping on craigslist is where i found my trailer but i did lots of e-mailing back-and-forth before meeting the seller in person. i didn’t go alone for the meeting and i didn’t take cash. i worked all the details out beforehand and found that very wise.
you will be able to do this and you are blessed to have the time to spend searching out your trailer. i have friends that have both a Scamp and a Casita. they love them. theirs are all 17 feet deluxe, which is what i think RVSue has. best wishes, bess
What state? What mountain? I’m near the border of AZ and CA. Google maps gives me Arlington Road in Redwood City, CA or an Arlington Road in British Columbia or an Arlington Road in Virginia. Sheesh… Help me out here. Did you mean Midland Road? There are several mines on it.
BTW, I disagree with your advice of “when in doubt, gun it.” That may get you in, but a few OHVs later tearing up the sand, you might not get out. I prefer “when in doubt, get out.”
I missed this post yesterday! Our dogs are good boondock site checkers too. We go on long walks to check close by areas “just in case”. You have a lot of options there which is good. As winter progresses, you may need to move with others coming in.
Good morning, Renee…. Not many more RVs here since when we first arrived. Maybe there will be more after Christmas…
“Red sky in morning…” glad you made the best of the gloomy day, that followed that gorgeous sunrise.
Looking at your campsite options, I noticed that the ground seems sandy topped with pebbles, is the whole area like that? It reminds me of a Maine beach without the water. I have no knowledge of desert landscapes.
Just got back from a long walk though the woods and fields with my critters, I was wearing a light fleece jacket. I’m loving this weather!!!!
I’m not where Sue is, but the ground can be similar all over this general part of AZ/Mohave. The ground looks like sand, but it’s really hard and dense (get out your mallet and strong stakes to stake things down). Then there are pebbles or rocks of varying sizes over the top of it (or not) depending on where you are. The sand does have a layer that can blow around in the wind, but is basically sort of like hard pan in many places. There are some soft sandy places, but from what I have seen not much of like “miles deep beach with pebbles on top.”
Maine is wonderful! I need to figure out a way to get there without driving to the east coast, LOL
Well described, Pen. Loose sand can be found in washes, otherwise it’s mostly “desert pavement.”
Very interesting. Not what I would have expected. Learning things every day,
Whoo-Hoo!! 114!!! ?
What a beautiful sunrise!!
Sue, hope you and the Crew have a another enjoyable day! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hugs to you, too, Denise and Gracie pup! Make the most of your day. 🙂
Thanks, Sue! 🙂
this is a question for Nivrapa in AZ, or anyone else that might know:
i saw in you post to Alana in the above comment section that you mentioned you “yeti-fied” your cooler and it lasts 5-8 days. how did you do that?
also, what brand is your small solar battery charger that works for your minimal 12 volt needs?
i have a 15 foot trailer and no furnace, refrig, gray water tank, or toilet/shower. i also have the original 1955 icebox that i also use for storage of pots and pans because it doesn’t hold the ice well. i use a new Coleman 5-day extreme cooler that is kept in the back of our car which is supposed to last at least 5 days. i want to extend that so yetifying it would be great. thanks for the information!
Hi Bess !
I’m glad to share how I extend the ice in my Coleman cooler. It’s not a difficult project at all and it’s inexpensive to do. One can “Yeti-fy” any cooler but you do loose a lot valuable space within the cooler because you’re building up the interior with added insulation. My 55QT cooler became a 35QT cooler. The biggest difference between the big bucks coolers and your common coolers in the amount of insulation they contain.
My old Coleman steel belted cooler (circa 198o’s) really does pretty well on it’s own but I wanted to make it even better. I used a sheet of construction polyfoam board(comes in4’x8′ pink or sometimes blue sheets) that is about 1″thick), silicon gel caulk that is 100% food safe, a roll of 2″ wide aluminum foil tape-NOT duct tape. Total cost for these things is around $20. Everything else you need you probably already have at home.
Essentially what you’re going to do is build a box out of styrofoam that fits inside your existing cooler. I made a template from cardboard after I took the dimensions from the inside of my cooler. You’ll need a floor and don’t forget about the lid also. The silicon is the glue that holds it together. I used the aluminum foil tape where ever two pieces of Styrofoam came together–both flooring and sides on the inside of the box, pressing it into the corner. Mine fits tight but I can lift it out to clean out the cooler after use. I did cut to make a drainage hole in the foamboard. Make sure the sides don’t come up too high or you won’t have a good seal for the lid but you do want a snug fit. I also insulated my lid since that was an escape for the cold air. This is an easy afternoon project. So now you have a “Yeti-fied” cooler!
I went one step further. Using retroflex (the same stuff the auto shades are made of) I made a cozy to fit over the cooler. I used the aluminum foil tape
to hold it together. The cooler bottom sits on a piece of astroturf that I glued an old closed cell foam sleeping mat to and that further insulates the bottom from the hot surface it sits on, be it the truck bed or the ground.
My results have exceeded any expectations I had. I have actually gone 10 days without needing to buy ice but that is an exception. I rarely camp where the daytime temps are above 90 so that factors in too. My cooler never sits in the sun or a tightly enclosed space such as a trunk. I start out at home with a small amount of dry ice plus frozen bottles of saline (simple salt water) and if I can find dry ice on the road I’ll use it and supplement with blocks or cubes–whatever is available. This concludes Maximizing Your Cooler’s Efficiency 101. Attendees with further questions may address them in the comments section of RV Sue’s blog.
My solar needs are met by using a Renogy 100watt portable solar “suitcase” which I recommend highly (available on Amazon). It’s very user friendly and Renogy is great to work with if you have questions. I probably could have done fine with the 50watt size but I was thinking ahead to when I need more from my battery (techy gadgets don’t have forever batteries). Not sorry I got I went bigger initially. Knowing what I know now, I will build my own system IF I ever decide I need more power. The suitcase sure is convenient but, of course, your pay for convenience. I hope all this info is helpful and let me know if I can help further.
Audrey
thanks so much Audrey for the tips. they are great and i will look into them. thanks sue too and hugs to you both! love!
Thanks for the ideas. I have a couple of 2in. styrofoam containers for shipping meat. They seal tight which makes it work. In Baja a salt water soaked wool coat cover makes an evaporative cooler that keeps the cervezas and pescados perfecto. (That idea came from Camo Man Rusty on this blog!) Setting a $300-500 Yeti out on the beach/camp anywhere is a big temptation. (At a favorite desert camp there was sticky fingered meat eater that would search out the best cuts of steak leaving hotdogs in exchange!
I received this from a Grandson and thought it worth sharing with my fellow Blogorinos.
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid.
I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: “There is no Santa Claus,” she jeered. “Even dummies know that!”
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her “world-famous” cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. “No Santa Claus?” she snorted….”Ridiculous! Don’t believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let’s go.”
“Go? Go where, Grandma?” I asked. I hadn’t even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. “Where” turned out to be Kerby’s General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. “Take this money,” she said, “and buy something for someone who needs it. I’ll wait for you in the car.” Then she turned and walked out of Kerby’s.
I was only eight years old. I’d often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping.
For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.
I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church.
I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock’s grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn’t have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn’t have a cough; he didn’t have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.
“Is this a Christmas present for someone?” the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. “Yes, ma’am,” I replied shyly. “It’s for Bobby.”
The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn’t get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, “To Bobby, From Santa Claus” on it.
Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker’s house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa’s helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby’s house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. “All right, Santa Claus,” she whispered, “get going.”
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma.
Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven’t dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker’s bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were — ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $29.95.
May you always have LOVE to share,
HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care…
And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!
And that is why one of my shirts for this time of year has a picture of the jolly old elf and the words “I Believe”…. Thanks that’s a good reminder.
Aw, Jim….thank you for sharing such a sweet story. Brought happy tears to my eyes. Thank you! 🙂
Oh my gosh, thank you for sharing that story. I am sitting here with tears running down my cheeks. My youngest grandson (11) is at the age where he is starting to wonder about Santa – he doesn’t want to stop believing, but all the kids his age are telling him Santa isn’t real. I’m going to steal your grandma’s idea and take him shopping. She must have been a really wonderful woman!
az jim thats quite a story…thanks for sharing it with us……..
that is the main reason I love the Christmas season…..
people sharing…….
chuck
What a wonderful Christmas story. Thanks so much for sharing it.
I just watched another version of A Christmas Carole with Patrick Stewart. Really good.
We all have the ability to be a blessing to someone if we choose to take the opportunity.
Thanks so much for a wonderful story.
A lovely story, Jim! You saved the day. I couldn’t put myself into blog-writing. Some days are like that. And then you appear with a story that rivals any blog post I’ve ever seen and certainly any that I’ve written. Thank you for carrying my blog! No doubt that story entertained and touch the hearts of many readers, including this one.
“May you always have love to share, health to spare and friends that care . . . and may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!” A wish to all the blogorinos and visitors to this blog from the incomparable AZ Jim and his dear wife, Detta!
You are too kind Missy. Thank you….
Az Jim, tears of happy! Merry Christmas Santa!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story AZ Jim! ?
such a wonderful story. thank you!
DONE !!!!
Whoo-Hoo!! I finally found the last, perfect Christmas gift for one of my nephews. He came to visit yesterday and lend me a hand with some chores. Over lunch we talked about everything….his trying to find a decent girlfriend (I assured him that she is out there, waiting for him, too), what music he listens to (and I thought I kept pretty current with music…), and his plans after graduating college next year. After lunch, we went to Barnes and Noble so he could help me pick out some age appropriate comic books for my youngest nephew. While there, we were looking at a table of classic books. He picked up a copy of “Alice in Wonderland” and exclaimed….”Oh! One of my favorites!” Wow – I never knew! This nephew and his older brother are two of my treasures….always happy to spend time together and lend a hand when needed. I am so blessed! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sue, look for a credit for the book “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Other Tales”. This copy has other stories in it, is unabridged, and has the original drawings as well.
Blogorinos: Amazon is running a promotion…25% off a book. E-books are not included. Go thru Sue’s link and use the promo code 25OFFBOOK. Happy Shopping! 🙂
Good morning, Denise and Gracie pup!
Don’t you love it when you find the perfect gift? That will be a special keepsake for your nephew, as well as a reminder of the day spent with his sweet auntie.
That Alice book hasn’t shown up yet in orders report. I find at this time of year there often is a longer than usual delay. Thank you for thinking of me and also for alerting all of us of the book promotion. I was unaware of it which is weird because Amazon has been good about alerting Associates of sales. Thanks again, Denise!
Could those two faces get any cuter?! I’m glad you are graced with two best friends to brighten your day :-). We’ve finally made it all the way to CA. We’re a short distance from you in Needles. I promise no stalking or bothering you at camp. But it is neat thinking of one of my RV inspirations so close by. We’re heading north towards Vegas soon. Happy travels Sue and crew!
Congratulations, Debbie from VA… You’ve covered a lot of miles. Good to hear from you again. I hope you don’t encounter the kind of wind we went through on the interstate near Needles.
Thank you for the kind note and have fun in Vegas!
I loved AZ Jims story about the coat! We just watched the original Miracle on 34th Street last night-probably my all time favorite Christmas movie! Really put me in the mood. Merry Christmas Everybody!
Same to you, Terri from Texas!