Hello, everybody!
We’re up to 200 comments under the previous post. I’ve been working on a new post today and it isn’t ready yet. Some posts don’t want to be written!
To make a fresh page for comments, I’ll quickly put up a few photos with off-the-cuff narrative. A mishmash. It’ll have to do.
We drive to Chromo and Reggie sees some horses!
I wait for Mr. Photo Bomb to get out of the way!
“Hi, there!”
It rains at Kenney Flats over 4th of July weekend.
I look out the window and . . . . Wow! The colors!
I run outside with my camera.
On Tuesday the crew and I motor into town.
It’s the day after the holiday weekend. I figure the tourist throng will be gone.
Un-uh.
A two-mile line of bumper-to-bumper traffic inches its way into town from the west. I figure it will be gone by the time I come out of Wal-Mart (where, incidentally, I buy two pairs of shorts. The pharmacy was all out of oxygen in a can.).
The line of traffic is still there, still moving! Pagosa Springs is packed!
It’s so nice to come home to our peaceful camp.
Well, that’s my post, put together in a half-hour.
I turn the comments over to you.
Maybe sometime tomorrow I’ll have the other post finished. This is a good time for you to write about yourself and to “talk” with fellow blogorinos about what you’re doing this summer, your plans, your pets, your bunions, whatever.
If you’re not a blogorino, get yourself into comments and automatically you will be transformed into one! It’s quite miraculous how that happens!
Well, there is that little math problem to do…
Bye for now,
rvsue
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
A squirrel
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
Love the squirrel!
Congratulations, denimlady…you made #1! Whoo- Hoo!! 🙂
Hi Sue,
I’ve been following your blog for sometime and enjoy reading about the campgrounds and looking at the beautiful mountain pictures (my first comment here). You are living my retirement dreams, but unfortunately, short of hitting the lottery, my full time rving is 12 years away. In the meantime I look forward to your blog.
A belated welcome to my blog, Tony! Congratulations on becoming a blogorino! We love it when new people join us…
It’s tough having to wait. Use the 12 years to learn and to save. I encourage you to continue visiting with like-minded people at my blog to keep your dream alive. 🙂
Yay, # 1
Almost, that’s okay, I’m sure close enough tho, Nice tiny post Sue, ya bumper to bumper in some places when we were coming from Utah to this camp on Tuesday too, oh well some must get home to WORK,,,, have a great evening you 3,,,,,,,,, Rusty n Piper 🙂
Woo hoo; I think I made it! Lucky timing; and I needed some Reggie & Bridget pics tonight; just in time to make my day!
The #2 spot goes to Rusty!! Who-Hoo! 🙂
I am so thankful that you are feeling better! Keep taking good care of yourself. Hugs to you and Miss Piper from me and Gracie pup!
Thank you Denise, ,,,, 🙂
Hi Sue. Best photos ever! Love horses and squirrel killed me. Carry on!6
“Does this tree branch make me look fat?” said Squirrel Girl.
Hahhhh! What a chunk!
Gayle, Squirrel Girl could be growing a small family in there, or maybe she’s a business owner and that’s her Squirrel Motel. You never know what a squirrel will do to make ends meet if acorns are scarce.
First of all–that first picture. Reggie. OMG, it’s like the previous picture of the back of his head, only here. Like, I don’t know, a meme that has the back of Reggie’s head showing up here, there and everywhere. Maybe like Flat Freddie? [I hope I have that right. LOL]
Since you opened it up in such a way, I am going to aske the blogorinos for help. I think it’s a lost cause, but it’s worth asking. Do any of you know of beautiful campsites in New Mexico or Colorado, but not in the upper altitudes because we don’t have the right vehicle for that yet, that have electricity? I know some BLM sites do. But my husband and I were planning a trip, but his requirements are that it has electricity and is cool. I am not sure if such a thing is possible!
I am at your mercy, Blogorinos!
Well, you could camp in a RV park or get some sort of power to carry on the trip,,, like some of us has Solar, I have 200 watts on top of my truck cabover camper and it dose real well, but I don’t have a microwave or air conditioning, ,,, I am up behind Flagstaff, 17 miles and it’s been great weather, ,,,,,, Rusty n Piper
We have a Honda generator that has never been out of the box. It wouldn’t be used much. I think the ‘idea’ of it makes him feel threatened. I have learned so much from reading about Sue, and you, and other Blogorinos, that I now feel excited about the prospect. I think once he gets out there and does it, he’ll feel better about it, too. It’s just getting over the first hump.
Unless somebody can give me an RV park that is particularly beautiful, that idea just leaves me limp. We have only camped in state parks and national parks where you are surrounded by trees and nature, and reading through Sue’s eyes, I understand why they feel like the zoo to her, but they are infinitely better than a parking lot with RVs. LOL
Thank you, Rusty. I really appreciate your advice.
Sorry, I meant, ‘the idea of not having electricity.’ Which is so weird, because we tent camped for decades without it!
==========
We took a genset with us when we went fulltime in Oct ’15 — have only started it a few times; nowhere near enough to justify the expense OR the space it takes up. We’ll likely sell it used, take the hit, and be done with it. We paid $1,550 for a 420 watt panel, an MPPT charge controller, and a 300 watt pure sine wave inverter — all installed. We live as if we’re plugged in 24/7 but we almost never are.
One of our very favorite RV parks, Hidden Valley Ranch, is about 38 miles north of Deming. Quite a bit of gravel road to get there but well worth it. Full hookups, WiFi, laundry. Very friendly owners (a working ranch family). Lots of trails to explore. Lots of clubhouse activity if desired, but not required. Loaner library of books, magazines, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles. Wonderful desert atmosphere. Senior park.
Everything that kgan has said about Hidden Valley Ranch is accurate but I don’t think it would suit you, kisstab-chick in Dallas, very well. Lots of ‘nature’ but VERY few trees. You do not indicate what time of the year you are planning to be at a selected spot but right now, and until about October, Hidden Valley Ranch will NOT be cool, it is also not so high – around 4,000′.
A word about the “quite a bit of gravel road”. When I drove it there was some of worse washboard that I have been on. I flew past a tow vehicle and trailer doing less than 10 mph and talked to the fellow in it when he finally reached the Ranch. He said that the road was shaking him and his rig so bad he could not get up to much over 5 mph and it took him forever to make it to the Ranch. You could get lucky and find that the road has been recently graded!
Thanks for the update. I am worried about how the weather will effect us. I am going to have to convince him to take the generator with us ‘just in case.’ He thinks we don’t have room for it. I say I’ll find room for it.
Our TV probably isn’t going to handle the higher elevations. We need to get a new one but being relatively new at this retirement gig, we’re trying to figure out expenses before we commit to a car payment!
Again, thank you!
Thank you for this information. It sounds like so much more than just another RV park that I’m printing out your information to include with my research, whether we use it this summer or later!
Thank you so much for your advice! It’s good to know that the weather is fine in Flagstaff. What kind of temps, day and night?
The ghost town of Chloride NM is a wonderful place to visit! Only 5 sites and about $15 a night! Sue, EmilyO and Chuck and I met there for a couple of days! No wifi or cell phone service but you get full hook-ups and a real piece of the American west, real history hot made up in Hollywood! The road is paved all the way in. A couple of folks have taken over the job of keeping the town alive! Bring all food and necessaries as there is no place there to buy them! We all loved Chloride and I think you would too! Just west of Truth or Consequences off I-25, I am pretty sure Sure blogged about it!
That sounds wonderful, so different! I have been itching to finally hit the road and see some of these fabulous places. Thank you!
ANOTHER great NM campground a bit N-NE of Deming is City of Rocks State Park. There you hae a choice of camping with full hook-ups or going to beautiful sites amid the humongus and beautiful rocks to nestle in without hook-ups! One of my faorite NM state parks!
I just added it to the list after checking out the website. Awesome!
I think it was “Flat Stanley”.
YES! I knew it was flat somebody. LOL!
Wine & cheese for dinner cannot be beat…. Happy
Trails y’all….
That is one well fed squirrel!
Top 10..pretty good !!!!! Love to you all…more later. ?
Love the photos!
I love the mirror picture. I’ve done that with Peanut but we don’t have a mirror in a mirror.
We ordered our solar panels today! Woohoo! He went through your site. Next paycheck the inverter and whatever. Lucky for me my husband is very mechanical. He’s done all the research. Our new to us ’97 Bigfoot is actually in very good shape. We’re just upgrading it. Very exciting but slow process. We don’t have much time to spend with it yet Her…we named her Trixie. “One who brings happiness.”
Thank you very much, Rover Ronda! Solar is the way to go! And a Bigfoot.. Lucky you!
Love the new banner photo! My summer, my plans? We are going nowhere! However, it looks like we will be replacing about 1500 square feet of flooring downstairs with hardwood, getting the kitchen and family room cabinets painted, new countertops, and whatever other little projects need to be done as a result – you know how those remodeling things go – one thing leads to another. So, we’ll probably be staying in the RV for a few weeks while all this is going on, but it will be at a very local campground (if we can get in) so that we can drive home and check on the progress of the work.
Cynthia you’re summer plans sound wonderful to me. You’re going to have so much fun doing all the remodeling. You’re going to love the hardwood. Keep us posted as it goes along.
Nancy S
That half of the Reggie face – I can’t be bothered to stand up, because I am not a happy camper.
I like the campsite.
Boy I’m glad these math problems are easy. I’d probably never get to comment again ? I like sue’s idea of our summer plans. So here’s mine. My heart cath is next Monday so depending what we find out we’re off to New England with a grandson, then bring him back to Indiana. Stay here a bit then a trip to the upper peninsula in Michigan, before turning south to Florida for the winter. Seems like summer is flying by. The older I get (65) the faster time goes. What has everyone else planned?
Fairly close to the top for a change. Love the new headliner. At least, Mr. photobomb moved his noggin so we could see the horses. How nice of him!. Just love this new camp of yours.
It is too hot and humid here to make many plans right now. It is just stifling.
My great niece is getting married in October, so I guess I will make a trip to Cincinnati. Have to get a plan for Angel, though. I really do not want to board her. Since none of the family have seen her, I want to take her with us, but then what?
Oh my gosh, what great photos! That squirrel is looking like he is thinking, “Go ahead. Take my picture. But I ain’t gonna smile!” And Reggie so intently watching the horses. Love, love, love his reflection in the side mirror. Only a pet-parent can know the joys being owned by a pup….or two.
As for summer…well, I am trying to get my psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis in check. On Enbrel (injection), Instilar (topical), and mobic as usual, but lately the flares have been really bad. Being so good and doing exactly what the doctors say to the letter. I swear, if they said,”Take pill standing on one foot, facing east, and drink only in a purple glass,” I would do it! But at least I don’t have a bunion too!
Thank you again for such a wonderful picture walk through your days, Sue. The site is gorgeous. Enjoy the new shorts from WalMart…and the rotisserie chicken that I am betting you also got to share with the Crew. Take care care.
My husband has been on Enbrel for years and it has been a miracle drug for his psoriasis.
I have been on since 2004. Whereas it has helped greatly, I tend to still get flares especially during the heat of summer. He is right, though, it has been a wonderful drug.
retiredcajunlady,
I wish you the best in your fight against psoriasis. I was diagnosed in 1996 as having it although it was misdiagnosed earlier than that. I was told at that time I could look forward to developing psoriatic arthritis also and that has been coming on gradually. I now hope I live long enough for that to become a problem. HA
Question about Instilar (topical). I can not find any information about it on the Internet. How does it compare to Clobetasol Propionate? I used that for many years but it looses its effectiveness with long term use and that is what has happened. I have been using it VERY sparingly for the past 1-2 years but do need to find something else.
LOL Well, it is probably because I misspelled the name…duh. I am so sorry. I was on Taclonex for years, but my dermatologist recently switched me to Enstilar. Here is the site:
http://www.enstilar.com/hcp/
As a former ELA teacher, I am so red faced on this one! Take care and I hope the information helps.
My summer will be spent developing land in anticipation of placement of a new double wide manufactured home, since I sold my other home. If I could, I would chuck the whole thing and just buy a nice RV and take off traveling full time. But with six cats, (all special needs rescues), it is an impossible dream….thanks, Sue, for letting folks such as me live vicariously
Geez…you sure have blogging down pat. I only post about once a month, but it takes me about all day long. I think it is mostly due to sorting through hundreds and hundreds of photos.
We are going to wrap up our volunteer gig toward the end of the month and then move on toward Washington state. My granddaughter is coming for a visit later this month and next month, my daughter is coming for a visit. So looking forward to seeing them.
I’m with you, Lolalo in OR! I started a blog, but only entered my first month’s of posts of three months of traveling in the RV. Then I got home and got hit with all things home: yard, Yard, and then there was the yard. Oh and my toilet flush valves needed replacing, and some paint was peeling…. I need to sell and go full time! Meanwhile I’m not doing too well trying to plan my next trip up to Canada and then west to Washington and Oregon. People tell me that I should wait until school is back in session because things are so hot and so crowded. Itching to get back out there!
That is funny, I’ve never know when the electricity is out being on solar and the only maintenance I do is on our old pick up that the camper is on, I do the daily chores in the camper which is really small and simple and Piper n’ I go for walks and we have the rest of the day to ourselves, yes my little home on wheels is small, but we have everything we need and the most beautiful endless yards are all around us ,, what more would one want besides all the necessities that God provides, ,,,,, Freedom to roll and to spread the word, ,,,,, Rusty n Piper 🙂
RV in Colo is changing constantly, Forest Svc has taken out a lot of old campgrounds,(mtce cost). State Parks are a rip-off, with their daily “entry” fee PLUS camping fees. Other item is reservation system contracted with vendors “who knows where” with fee charge per reservation. I argued with vendor several years ago about a rV site on tel. told me it was tent only and I had been there before and tried to explain it was RV + tent, nope and if I put a RV in there I would be fined. Hung up and called next day and no problem with what I wanted, found that call center was in New Jersey.
If you have the time do what “Sue” is doing, get the books, maps, and stay out busy areas on weekends/holidays.
Good luck!!!
I agree with all you’ve written. Remember the beautiful riverside camp we had? The folks who made reservations were stuck side-by-side like cordwood. Another time I saw a party with two tents who found their reservation site was next to the main road. Like you say, the people on the phone don’t know what the campground looks like.
Before I make reservations anywhere I use Google Maps or Google Earth to locate an aerial of the campground to scope it out and really determine the length of the site. Now granted, sometimes this method does not work especially if it is a heavily wooded area. So many times though, the reservation site says the spur is for a 30′ RV. Using Google Maps, I determine that not only is it longer, but will probably fit both RV and TV together and I’m right.
Thanks for that comment–I need to do that more. I did get several Benchmark maps on Sue’s recommendation. I love to boondock, and yet, traveling alone in a 35′ vehicle with a tow car, I worry that I’ll arrive and all spots will be taken, or I won’t be able to turn around, and it will be too late to scope out other places. This somewhat subconscious fear has kept me from really plunging in and actually planning the trip. I realize that the fear is probably worse than the reality, but nonetheless, it has been a road block–figuratively speaking! I’m sure I’ll eventually get off home base and head out, but so far I have my head in the sand.
Your “fear” is rooted in the knowledge that you are not set up for boondocking without prior exploration.
You got it. Not sure how exactly I’d do the exploration while in route. Perhaps book a campground or find a WalMart and explore the next day. Thanks for your reply. Obviously I haven’t shaken off the “Let’s hurry and GET there” mentality.
Try freecampsites.com and also Wheeling It blog. Nina and Paul sometimes find dispersed camping which is suitable for their large Class A.
Rhonda, are you getting out and taking some short trips in the meantime? You have such an advantage because living where you do, you could scout out a place or two [or follow some of RV Sue’s leads, since she often gives information that reveals where there is room for the longer RVs] and spend a couple of nights, or longer. You don’t have to make it permanent.
At least, that’s what I’d do. I’d hit the road, drive into an area I think might work, and start looking for a place around noon. If I didn’t find one by three or four, I’d have an RV park ready that I could go to. [Sounds good, anyway!]
Good luck, whatever you do!
The sites I’ve seen on the reservation site have pictures of the various Texas State Park campsites, which is very helpful. Also, the national parks I’ve investigated have pictures. Maybe Colorado will start that, as well.
I understand how ridiculous it is to have daily fees on top of camping fees. In Texas, our legislature stripped so much from our parks departments, I try not let it get to me, but I also realize that the state park system is really set up for peoples occasional use, not to be inexpensive for fulltimers. Fortunately our annual pass will let us get in free to any parks, even though the discounts on actual campsites are limited.
Love the visual echoes of Reggie in the side mirror. Three times the Reggie, three times the fun! The mishmash post was fun, as always. Glad you’re enjoying the site–hope no one invades your privacy.
Just a note here RVSue …. when I picked up my oxygen bottles at Walmart they were in the sports department, not the pharmacy.
Thanks, Steve. The ladies in the pharmacy went to show me where on the shelf I could find the oxygen in a can and then they remembered they were all out. . . . unless it is stocked in two places in the store. . . .
Colorado apparnetly has a “high” demand for o2 in a can!
Hey there everyone!
I really wanted to hear about the oxygen in a can thing and find out if it works! More cliffhangers due to sell out! agh!
Hugs from Hoquiam,
Barb
I have read the posts from my fellow blogorinos and send greetings. We all live such varied lives, deal with so many issues..but I wish you all the best resolving the negatives and hope for many positives to each of you.
My latest issue is dogs..specifically my neighbor’s mastiff cross dogs. They keep escaping their yard and coming to my house to harass my three small terriers, 8, 9 and 11 pounds. Being terriers they are convinced they are actually Rottweilers and show fight to the intruders. Yesterday I was out feeding my horse, probably 400 feet from the front fence when I hear all heck break loose. By the time I got through several gates my dogs were injured by the big dogs pushing my gate enough to make a slot to grab my terriers. They were bloodied, punctured, missing teeth, bruised and traumatized. They are on pain killers and antibiotics and expected to be fine.
The big dog’s owner was contrite but it wears thin since these dogs have been escaping practically daily for months. Nothing changes, excuses are offered, fences are repaired and made higher and they continue to show up. This is the second injury causing incident.. My fences are four foot high chain link so how long until the bad dogs figure out they can come over My fence. It chapped my hienie when the owner said he had no idea his dogs hurt mine as they loved cats. It took him actually seeing my blood drenched for him to take this seriously. I guess last time my word was not enough.
My male Arlo launched himself at the gate when the owner showed up, I guess he smelled like his marauders. I had no idea Arlo would do that. An eleven pound missle.
Animal control has been out, owner fined, instructions issued. Nothing changes. Excuses, apologies given, but my dogs are hurt yet again. So count your blessings folks, you don’t live down the road from the monsters. Maybe the owner will actually pay my vet bill this time…right….
I know my problems pale in comparison to many of yours, so sorry to whine…
I am so very sorry to read about your sweet pups. I can tell from your writing you are upset…and rightly so! I am so glad your little terriers are expected to make a recovery. Since this has happened more than once, I am surprised Animal Control didn’t take the dogs from their owner. I know different states have different laws, but with ongoing issues usually more than giving a fine is done to keep things from escalating.
Have you thought of contacting the DA in your county? Or small claims court to recoup funds you have spent at the vet? Sadly, many people don’t “sit up and take notice” until their pocket books are involved.
Down here in Louisiana those mean dogs would have been shot for doing what they did to your small dogs or caught and taken to a swamp to become “gator bait”. At the least, they would have been taken by animal control. I don’t agree with how many people choose to handle issues with their animals, I am just stating a fact.
Again, I am so very sorry for both you and your little dogs. I will pray this situation doesn’t happen again. Take care.
I’m so sorry, Lee, that you and your dogs have suffered this trauma and live in fear of it happening again. May your loved ones heal well and this situation be corrected. Awfully dumb and inconsiderate people in the world… but you know that. 🙁
If you ever have a chance to see the rottweiler approaching and can give him a blast of petsafe spray (like bear spray), it may train him to stay away.
Oh my gosh! I’m so, so, sorry! I agree with both retiredcajunlady and rvsue on both counts. Send your vet bill to the neighbor. Taking them to small claims court if you have to would be a choice you may need to make. As for the bear spray, I’d use it first thing I see them coming around, even heading to your fence if you can get to them. I bet they are not as fond of cats as their owner claims. Sometimes big dogs see little ones as prey and being the owner of a terrier, they are little fighters too. I still can’t get over this happening you your little guys. I would be livid, and I’m sure you are. This is why, when we’re out and about walking our dogs and we encounter big dogs, I’m extra cautious and ready to pick up my little Mica. Our lab has grown up with little dogs and truly loves them. The only thing she is guilty of is not realizing her size. We had friends over recently with a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian and they got along really well with our lab and terrier. Maggie, our lab, is learning and she laid down in the grass while the little ones ran around her! Keep us posted on your little guys.
I can imagine how awful it is to live with that tension and fear. I wish you the best with all of it.
If the Owner of those mean dogs had real compassion in his heart the problem would be solved, Lee,,, sorry for your pups,, I truly hope this uncaring neighbor gets his responsibilities in order for his sake and the safety of others ,,,,,, Rusty
Lee, sorry to here about your terriers being traumatized & terrorized by the big dogs. Angel, a Jack Russell, has the same problem. Thankfully, 2 of the three neighbors have moved within the last month. They were renters, but the 3rd is an owner, but they have been better about keeping the dogs leashed, as is required here. Glad the terriers are going to recover from the injuries, but who knows about the trauma?
my thats so sad for a big dog to bully a little dog…
and its worse that the owner wont take care of the problem.
I had that happen several years ago…called the sheriffs
dept and the officer that came out advised me next time
they come on my property to shoot them and then bury
them….and thats what I did….2 dogs dead, drug them to
the back of my property and buried them and had no more
trouble…..the owner couldnt figure out what happened to them.
but then again I live in Texas……
I love living in the country…
I would try small claims court, local media, anything I could to attract attention or shame the people into paying. That is outrageous.
Frankly, hell hath no fury like me if somebody repeatedly allowed their dogs to maul mine. I really am without words on this situation and trying to come up with legal means for justice.
Hi all,
Rick and Brock the dog here. Camped up in the mountains outside of Seattle over the 4th of July weekend. Nice and quiet so took the time to work through my build list for my Escape 17B trailer for next March delivery. Can’t wait. Meanwhile Brock and I are making due with a pop-up truck camper for backcountry exploring. Save travels to everyone.
Love the Header picture of the Crew and then there is the three head shot of Reggie, OMG, you are truly an artist. Have a great week.
After 3 weeks on the road and 3000 miles under my belt I am still not feeling quite like a full timer yet. The problem has been this crazy travel schedule that I’ve been on.
Who knocks down a thousand miles a week?!?
On top of the constant driving, I’ve been visiting with family, staying in gravel parking lots (Elks clubs) and not really living the life I pictured. My fault entirely. My family is so excited for me that the welcome mat is out and I can’t resist showing off my new-to-me mini motorhome.
I’ll get more National Park experience beginning this weekend. My sister is coming with me to trek from southern California on up to Portland. We’ll take a couple of weeks to do it and booked a salmon fishing excursion on the Columbia to cap off her part of the trip before she flies back home.
Once my sister’s gone then I’ll be alone with my dogs and the real adventure begins. I’ll have no more family visits planned until Thanksgiving when I get back into Nevada again. Once I leave Portland though, I’ll just wander. Hopefully, living like I first imagined I would.
It’s been fun; it’s been expensive; and, yes, it’s a classic newbie mistake to run around like this in the first year of RVing – but I’m having a ball! I’m learning so much about my rig, about fulltiming and about myself.
Can’t wait to see what’s around the next bend!
Yay, wa hoo, Biz crate, ,, your on your way and now can say FREEDOM at last,,,,, Rusty n Piper 😉
Thanks Rusty!
Like Rhonda in New Mexico’s comment earlier, I also worry about this next step of exploring without reservations or finding boondocking locations. I’m out, but quite “out and about” since I am relying on campground hookups in published locations.
I’ll be fine. I’ve just got to put myself out there to move past my nervousness.
After that I’ll be able to decide if solar will be my next investment or not …
Freedom, ,, for one is poor only because one desires much And true security lies in not what one has, but what one can do without. ,,,, this was told to me a long time ago and I lost the fears of being out and free, all are different in many ways and it sometimes takes a little more time to get past the fear, to be free,,, take your time and effort and you’ll be able to make it, 🙂 ,,,, Rusty
I’m sorry if I sound so, ,,,, Biz crate, , sometimes it just flows out, , I truly have been living by those words of wisdom that was said to me from my Grandfather, Bless his soul,,,, he taught me a lot and it stuck, ,,,,, Rusty
Let it flow Amigo. We always enjoy your posts. Hi Piper….
Hi Jim, when my human is typing he is talking to the tablet and I turn and tilt my head to listen to him, ,,,,Miss Lady Piper
Hi Rusty, I am so glad I read the comments today or I would have missed your grandfather’s wise words. Thank you for sharing them.
Your welcome, I like passing wisdom to all, it helps with life,,,,,,
Hi, Sue!
I have been enjoying this camp almost as much as you. Your pictures and descriptions paint a delightful, restful place. Thank you for sharing! It warms my heart to hear that Bridget is feeling so well to join you and Reggie for a long walk. I do believe the Reginator is giving those horses the stink eye in the first picture! 🙂
Sending you wishes for a wonderful Thursday! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi all, I hope everyone is doing ok? Having my 6 months in Australia visiting with family. So feeling a bit cooler here then when in Thailand. Love the pics Sue.
Take care,
You get around. I would love to go to Australia, Thailand would be nice too. Is it hot all year round in Thailand?
Busy summer here. I just arrived home yesterday from a 7 day solo trip (first one in years!) to visit relatives (great nephew’s wedding) & Linda in Oregon & hubby. Made a giant loop along Columbia Gorge to Wilsonville; then to Albany & over Hwy 20 to Sisters. Road construction caused major traffic backup westbound but I missed it. Then up 97 all the way home. Hubs was worried about me but I did great!
Today is his first heart checkup this year— crossed fingers and a bone density scan for me. Then tomorrow its off to Moses Lake again for camping and to search for those elusive walleyes. Lots of weeds in the garden right now but there’s camping to be done!!! Summer flying by.
Where exactly did you camp? I am looking for good places in Washington.
Hello from Indiana! We’re 3-5 years out from traveling around, hopefully in a small class A. We currently vacation in our 5th wheel. I just have to tell you that I enjoy your blog so much that I’ve gone back to the very beginning and am reading them all. You are a wonderful writer and I’m keeping notes of some of the beautiful camping spots you’ve found. Thanks for all the work you put into your blog!
Finishing up on repairs and replacements in TN. Love this beautiful area, but can’t wait to get to the cooler heights in NM- maybe Ruidoso or Gallup.
Thanks for the horses!
I love that fat squirrel. When looking at your camp it would seem that there wasn’t anyone else in the area. Thanks for the new post and the pictures of horses and woods. Beautiful mishmash.
By the way, Sue, I love the new math equation “feature” required to post. It helps keep my mind sharp. I’ll be in trouble though if starts requiring algebra, trig, or calculus!
Good Thursday morning! I read all the other comments and enjoyed so much learning about what everyone is up to. Loved the pictures, too – especially the big, fat squirrel! 🙂 I am going back to work today for the first time since July 1. I took advantage of the holiday to take a mini-vacation. And, for once, we didn’t go anywhere. That was a true gift! I just hung around the house, worked on my latest quilt and other craft projects, cooked, baked, pulled maybe six weeds and read a lot. It was heaven! We did go to our kids’ house for steaks one night. They just moved to a new place at the edge of town with a huge lot big enough to explore. The guys next door have horses. They’re so pretty. Couldn’t resist talking sweet to them and rubbing their noses and ears. One of the colts, however, decided to take a hunk out of my upper arm! I was so surprised. It hurt like bejeebers, and I’ll have a bruise for a while. I think in the future I’ll follow your lead and just take pictures! We went to the nearest town over for the fireworks display, and it was stupendous. We decided that next year we’re going to Washington, DC on the Fourth. I lived there for five years and always did the fireworks on The Mall. It’s one of the things I miss. For this summer, we’re taking a more subdued vacation. We’re touring nearby Kentucky. There’s so much to do! The quilt museum, the Corvette museum, Mammoth Cave and Churchill Downs, for starters! So, this summer is laid out and ready to be lived! I think the last few days have been a good summer kick-off!
Hi Suzette,
Your summer sounds fun. What part of TN are you in? I hope to get back to quilting sometime in the near future. Also, need to make some new drapes for the house, but have to paint again first. Seems like the house always needs something.
Barbara – We’re in Cordova, near Memphis. We are doing the house thing, too. Had a really, really bad experience with new doors and that has kind of put a damper on my enthusiasm for home improvement. But, we need new countertops, new flooring and some rotting trim replaced. Plus the entire interior needs painting. After sprucing up our rental house for selling…I said I’m DONE with painting. And I am! Once those big items are done I can really start talking about retirement. And then maybe some time on the road. Maybe. 🙂
Jenny J here in TN — Love the photos — just checkin in
Hi Sue
Drove by your spot before I left West Fork and have to say you found a great one. I even took advantage of your Verizon signal there and did a post from just up the road from where you are. If you want a good laugh, check it out, the July 1st post, hilarious chipmunk battles from just one site and two days from where you were at West Fork.
As I told you, I spent the better part of a day searching for boondocks spots all around the area where you are staying, yet never drove up that road you are on. Just how do you find these great spots?
Bob
Why didn’t you stop, Bob? I was expecting you. 🙂
(To clarify for readers: I do not like drop-in visitors. However, Bob and I met a few years ago and we had talked while I was at West Fork about him coming over to see Kenney Flats. Please do not interpret this as an invitation for visits or drive-bys. Thank you.)
Bob …I don’t know why I find beautiful camps and others miss them. It seems easy to me. Like I wrote in a recent post’s title, quite possible I am “led.” 🙂
Chipmunk photos are delightful, Bob!
I’m healing up. I had my follow up with the surgeon but there is one spot on my tongue from the surgery that is driving me crazy. He said he could fix it on an outpatient surgery but I declined for right now.
I am house sitting again. This time my niece is in Greece with her two sisters to celebrate the youngest’s birthday. The pictures they are sharing are straight out of a dream. Absolutely beautiful is the island of Mykonos.
I came down to Connecticut on the 14th of June for the medical appointment and stayed for a graduation party on the 20th. During my stay I was told my car needed a wheel bearing so it’s been in the shop. I’m leaving Saturday come hell or high water. I was just getting used to my new place and wasn’t expecting to be gone this long. I’m exhausted. In this house I have twin 11 year old boys, 2 dogs and 2 cats, one of which needed a vet visit and now medication. Then I have to go to my other niece’s place (not too far) twice a day for her two cats and plant watering. The boys have day camp all day so I do get some rest in between. At least there was no bear sighting this time!
Hello, again!
A sincere thank you for kind comments directed to me and the crew! I feel rude not acknowledging each one individually. I’m trying to stay in the background in order to let y’all talk together.
Please add something of yourself to this page. Every comment is valued. I’m enjoying each one.
Okay, I’ll go behind the curtain again. 🙂
Sue
snicker under my breath…
dont know what happened to the previous post.
I typed snicker with arrows left and right and
it didnt show so I learned another thing at
my old age….
chuck
Those horses are gorgeous! I’m just working in my yard taking care of projects that have been put off for years because of working 2 jobs. I taught during the day and did technology training for my district at night. And then there were always special projects for the summer. That’s when the new equipment would come in. The last thing I worked with was video conferencing and I really enjoyed introducing that to teachers.
not sure I like having to confirm every post….used to I could do
it once and it was done for the whole posting…
also having to use my brain adding and subtracting to do a post.
not sure why we cant leave things they way they were…its sorta
like window 10…….Im still missing windows 98
chuck
I’m sorry for the inconvenience, Chuck. Without the math problem, I received over 70,000 false sign-ups and my blog shut down. I don’t like having the math problem either. I fought against it until I could see no acceptable alternative. I’m sure you understand that I have to protect my blog.
It’s better than trying to figure out what letters/characters are. Those things should be abolished.
I understand, Sue…..not a problem……
you know we would jump thru hoops just
to read your blog….:)
chuck
Sue,
Did you get credit for my smart phone accessories, dog drink bottle and cane handle? Just checking.
Yes, I did, Barbara. Thank you! I saw the items this morning… 🙂
Sue
Across from the little store in Chromo is a gravel road that goes to NF and Navajo peak. Beautiful country .
When you get into the NF you are about 8500 ft if you keep going it will climb to 10000 ft in 5 miles. Plenty of places to turn around if you need to.
Ron
Thanks, Ron. Bob McQuade went up there (He was at Wolf Creek Campground when we camped there, too) … Price Lakes Road. He said it’s very pretty also. No point in my trying to climb 1,500 feet in 5 miles. 🙂
Love all the photos in this post, Sue. The one of the squirrel is terrific. The way rain changes the world and it’s colors is so wonderful, I’m glad you didn’t miss seeing and photographing that. The only news here is bittersweet. I have a way to get homes for most of the cats and kitties falling into place. It’s been a long precious gift being near them , sharing part of our journeys… and will be knowing they’re cared for by others.
Hi weather
I understand the bitter part of removing your kitties. A few years ago I was in transition and could not take my cats where I was going. Thankfully some friends stepped up and they all went to wonderful homes for the rest of their days. I wish the same for you and yours.
Re homing, grrrrr that autocorrect
Thanks for your understanding note and nice wish, Lisa. Gee, it must have been tough parting with your cats. I’m happy for your story with them having a sweet next chapter. These cats aren’t really mine, we’re just friends . Some are feral, others strays
Question for you all. I’m at least 6 years away from retiring depending on if I can afford to go at 59-1/2 or wait until 62. I love the thought of boondocking and absolutely plan on having a solar. I love to quilt and want to bring my sewing machine, etc along to continue with my quilting hobby/obsession. Anyway, would I be able to run my sewing machine while boondocking using solar power? I’m just beginning to read about solar setups and confess I’m not quite sure that I completely understand about the inverters, etc, etc.
I don’t know much about sewing machines and solar. I will address you wanting to boondock and bring your hobby along. Do NOT buy a big rig and expect to boondock like I do. Keep your rig as small as you can and figure out how to store your machine/supplies.
Blogorinos? Barb wants to know if she can run her sewing machine on solar. What do you think?
Hi Barb, You should look at the name plate on your sewing machine and find the volts, amps and/or watts. For instance my Brother PS-2500 takes 68 watts. It would be good to have a solar panel at least twice the power required so a 200 watt panel would be fine in this case. You have to be smart with solar and reduce your usage if rainy weather is coming but on a sunny day you should be able to sew for the sunny hours. If you have a newer sewing machine with a lot of electronics you would be better off with a pure sine wave inverter. The inverter should also be at least twice the sewing machine watts. FYI volts x amps = watts Don’t forget about your other appliances.
And you sew?
Naw, just bought it to impress the Ladies. Got 106 spools of thread also, to answer your next question. 🙂
Have you considered an old-time pump machine? Build those muscles! Get that cardio going! My mom was a champion quilter whose art quilts were featured in magazines and one was on the cover of an art calendar. She did all of hers by hand–every stitch. It is longer that way, but you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
I say all this knowing I wouldn’t. But then, I have ten thumbs and didn’t inherit my mother’s quilting or sewing artistry.
Whatever you do, I hope you get yourself a small RV soon and are able to take some short trips with it in the meantime over the coming years. Experience is the best teacher. Good luck!
Just joining and new to this, but interested.
Welcome, Barbara! I’m very glad you are here and that you decided to become a blogorino! You can learn a lot here. Do feel free to ask questions or respond to comments or be silly or share your dream… whatever!
Welcome Barbara! You are now a blogorino! Nice group of folks here! Where are you from?
Hi y’all,
We are still in NH, boomeranging back after two attempts to leave. We came back for unfinished business with our mechanic, which today was thankfully finished, whew! Even though I love Safe Haven Campground, I will be ready to move on. Broken trucks are the negative, on the plus side I have had wonderful visits with old friends and made many renovations to my tiny house. The list includes a folding staircase to my high bed, a linoleum floor, new supports for my kitchen cupboards, repaired door hinges, and soon, a box on the tongue to cover my AC and hold outdoor stuff. So…. I ‘ve been busy, what have you been up to?
Hi – where is Safe Haven Campground?
I love the photo bomber! So far I am bunion free, fingers crossed it stays that way lol. I rarely wear heels, maybe that’s the secret. Anyway, great post and congrats on the shorts. Looks like even Colorado is hot this summer.
Sue I’m been going back to the previous post and just getting a lot laughter looking at Reggie’s photos of him with his toys, he’s a bundle of joy to see him play and I also like your photos of the area’s you’ve been in, ,,, have a great week and give them babies of yours a huge hug, ,,,,,,,, Rusty n Piper
I was interested in the sewing machine as well. I have generator but don’t want to run it long term. Just when I need it
The math gizmo stated that 7-5=2 was not a valid entry and stedfastly stayed with it. I had to refresh the browser. Geech
Oh, no. A mathematically-challenged captcha. 🙁
Hi, Sue, I’m so glad I can read your blog again. Your new home is so peaceful looking and beautiful. The heat index here in North Texas has been over 100 degrees the past week or so, and the views of your area make me feel cooler 🙂 And I love the pictures of the horses.
I do have a question, and if you’ve answered it before I apologize. How do you know when a spot is a legitimate campsite or camping area? You said you were driving down a state highway and turned off onto a small side road before you found your current campsite. So how did you know it might lead to a camping area or spot? Or did you? I guess I’m just curious as to the difference between just a ‘wide spot’ on the side of the road and a legitimate authorized camping spot.
I’m happy to answer questions, Cari, and you’ve asked an important one. I use these methods….
If I come upon a road and it has a brown post with a number on it, the kind that the forest service puts up, I know it’s public land. Another way is to read my Benchmark map which shows public lands and their roads.
Once I determine that I’m on a road going through public land, I look for established campsites (fire ring, cleared ground where you park). Always be alert for signs indicating private property. Sometimes there are pockets of private land within a public land area. I don’t come across that often but it’s always good to respect private property.
Also, when you go down a regular, main highway (paved) like Route 84 south of Pagosa Springs or wherever, as the road enters public land there usually is a big sign like “Entering San Juan National Forest” and when the road exits the public land, often there will be a big sign, “Leaving San Juan National Forest.” You may have seen signs like these. When you’re between those two signs, look for the dirt or gravel roads going off the main road which will have a brown post with number like I mentioned above.
How did I know the road would lead to a camping spot? I didn’t know for sure. I noticed vehicle tracks which encouraged me to check it out.
Thanks so much for the explanation, Sue, I’m adding it to my ‘someday’ file for future reference. I’ve seen the Entering and Leaving signs and now I know that means free camping lies ahead 🙂
Thank you, RV Sue!
Big squirrel ?
I saw some canned oxygen in a sporting goods store.
🙂
Love the fat squirrel. Hi to the crew from Xander Spaniel, Willow Beagle and Toby Von Dachshund in Appleton, WI. Highlight of our holiday was a visit to the dog swimming pool.
Missy, Whew! I had to try 4 times to get in today. Finally the problem was 1+1= and I knew the answer. *wink*….Enjoy the day friend.
Good math, AZ Jim. Sue must have taught you well.
Hi Sue and all…..I haven’t posted in a while but have been following all the posts and comments. What a beautiful summer you are having. Fantastic photos and of course my favs as always are those of Reggie and Bridget…you are gifted in being able to show their character in your photos. It often feels like I know them personally.
I have had …well let’s say…interesting couple of months. I had my eye on an RV in NJ that I was going to go check out in May. About 2 weeks before my planned trip to NJ, my 89-year-old mother called me and asked if we could do a cruise together. Now I’m not really a cruise person but thought it would be great to take my mom and spend the time together (and as she likes to remind me, she may not be around much longer )…ha, she’ll probably outlive me. Anyhow, even though I’m not a cruise person, I had heard the best cruise was the Alaskan. Mom didn’t want to wait until next summer so I scrambled to find a cruise for the 1st week of July this year. I accepted that the new RV might have to wait until next year, did my cruise research, booked the cruise and two weeks after booking (2 days after her 89th birthday), Mom fell and broke her hip. Well, life happens so I cancelled the trip, headed out to Tucson AZ to spend a week with mom in the hospital (family is taking turns spending time with her through recovery). Mom is a very spry 89-year-old and she has never broken a bone in her body until this. It was a little scary at first due to the pain meds she was on making her very loopy but 4 weeks later, she is in an SNF, motivated to get home and recovering nicely. She lives alone in a house so we (the family) still have some details to sort out during her full recover but her motivation to work hard at OT and PT is to be in her home again. Of course I told her she broke the cardinal rule by having this accident in the summer ()…. Jan does not normally go to AZ between May to September because she does not like the heat and wouldn’t you know it the week I was there it hit 121 in Tucson the day before I headed home. Keep in mind, it was in the 60’s in NH when I left the week before. When I got home it was in the 80’s and although that is hot for me, it felt pretty comfy after being in AZ. Anyhow, I’ll be heading back out later this month for a couple of weeks (my boss has been awesome about letting me work from out there). I was going to drive out so I could take my Max with me but to justify 4 or 5 days of driving I would want to stay for 3 or 4 weeks and need to be back in Boston for training the beginning of August…….so maybe after I’ll head out for longer……..wouldn’t it be great to have my travel trailer to travel cross-country with Max! I checked and the RV I was looking at is still available so who knows!
Anyhow, just wanted to say hi and loving your posts as always even though I haven’t commented recently. I especially loved the runaway Bridget episode You are so gifted in your writing with photos and able to make your day to day excursions so much fun for us to ride along with.
Sue,
We’ve been on the road just noodling around in Eastern Washington enjoying their nice weather. Home again to many chores that will take up the rest of the summer, which is just fine since we will head off in the fall for an extended trip.
I have to confess, the pictures of Reggie looking out the window give me pause. In April we were in a campground and I was in the truck with Riley on my lap, and all of a sudden, he jumped out the window! Of course he decided to explore the whole campground playing catch me if you can, totally ignoring our calls and treats. We were beside ourselves trying to keep him in sight yet not run after him. Finally he made a turn into an interpretive area that was all fenced, only then did he decide to come to us. In all the years we have had him he has never done that before. It didn’t occur to us that he might jump out the window since he is fairly small and it’s a long way down. Now that he knows he can, we are super careful to have control of him when the windows are down. The campground was in the middle of sagebrush – how far might he have gone? It still makes my heart leap when I think about it!
I’m so glad you found such a beautiful place to enjoy during the 4th. I envied your days and nights of nature sounds. It was non-stop fireworks from early evening until the wee hours. Riley, in his Thunder Shirt, rode it out in a cozy corner of the master closet. He was not a happy dog.
Enjoy,
Kitt
Well, no bunions for this 71 yo, but I do have a Morton’s neuroma (sp) on my left foot from wearing heels during my 37-yr career as a freelance court reporter. When I retired in ’08, no more heels for me. I had discovered Keen shoes during a trip to Glacier Natl in ’07, so I now have 5 pair of Keen shoes, my Mary Janes, the Rose Sandle in black and 3 pair of what I call my hiking/wading sandle. They are wide toed shoes and comfortable. Y’all take care now. 🙂