Saturday, February 3
Every morning upon waking I pull back the curtain above our bed. These days the view out our window is a disappointing, dull grey. Unlike previous camps in this part of the Sonoran Desert, the vegetation is dry and tired-looking. Bushes are grey mounds of sticks and thorns. The creosote is bronze. Even the ground looks worn, probably from cattle hooves and the sweeping of wind.
There is some green.
It is displayed by the scattered palo verde and ironwood trees, as well as the saguaros. In a certain light, even some cholla show a green tint.
Overall, the landscape is not as bright as before.
In contrast, yesterday’s sunset . . . Wow!
I think the coyotes moved away from our camp.
Reggie, Roger and I sleep better. Last night Roger did sound one alarm at the hooting of an owl. The owl was close, probably perched on one of the bare branches of the mesquite tree behind the Best Little Trailer. That would make a good vantage point from which to scan the area for rodents and lizards.
Recently a few readers expressed interest in boondocking here.
Before setting out for boondocking near Why, Arizona, do be aware that this is an area crossed by illegal immigrants and drug mules. (A mule is a person who transports drugs across international borders.)
There are signs.
They say “Illegal immigration and smuggling may be encountered in this area” and they aren’t lying. The truth of that message is verified when one finds discarded shoes and backpacks, or, as in the case of me and the crew on yesterday’s walk, when one comes across a pile of human excrement and soiled paper.
Not something that happens often. In fact, this is the first time for THAT discovery!
The times Roger barks during the night and I hear no coyotes or owl, I suspect someone is running through the creosote and saguaros in order to skirt around the nearby Border Patrol checkpoint. This is part of boondocking at this location. Thought you should know.
If you’ve read a few of my posts, you’re aware that I tend to write about the beauty of nature, the happy antics of my canine crew, and the usually pleasant unfolding of our days as full-time vagabonders.
Once in a while I feel I should balance all that happy-happy-happy with a few realities . . . such as a battery gone dead in the tow vehicle, an obnoxious behavior of someone, a once-lovely campsite that has lost its appeal, a nasty discovery while out walking, and so on.
Stuff happens. That’s life.
Should you be discouraged?
No! Not at all!
Just because one is retired and full-timing doesn’t mean one is exempt from problems and unpleasantness. However, I can attest that overwhelmingly the life of an RVing nomad is full of wonderful experiences. If you don’t believe me, well, I bet you haven’t read this blog from its beginning in 2011!
I treasure these precious days, these glorious sunsets.
This truly is the best time of my entire life.
When I chose this life for my retirement, I had moments of doubt. These were swept away by one, great truth: Whatever the new life brings, whether joy or calamity or something in between, it will be NEW.
This new life was my dream and it turned out better than I imagined.
For one thing, I didn’t imagine the sunsets!
However long the journey, however troublesome the obstacles and detours along the way, for me, it’s all worth it to be here, now.
rvsue
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Beautiful sky!
JOY IS FIRST AGAIN! CONGRATULATIONS!
I love your sunset photos. Wonderful
Never get this close to #1
Thank you for the heartfelt insight, Sue. It is always good to understand the realities that come along with the beautiful experiences!
Top Ten???????
Went back and read the post. VERY GOOD!!! You need to tell all sides of your experience if you want others to learn. HOWEVER…..it scares me to death that you are that close to aliens running through the desert!!! I know you feel safe enough and can protect yourself but it still concerns me!!
The pictures are beautiful!…What lovely sunsets!
Hugs to you and the crew
We are headed for Organ Pipe soon.Any advice on camping there anyone???
If you have a trailer less than 32 ft you could camp in the campground inside the monument or there are a couple of RV parks in Why AZ too, which is between the monument and Ajo. Or there is BLM land outside of Why on the way to the monument.
Thanks.
The campground in the park is very beautiful and well vegetated.
Good.My Class C is 32 feet and I plan to stay in the park campground.
Reminds me of why I love to house sit on the shore of Lake Michigan…the sunsets!
Good morning Dawn,
A trip to the UP is on my bucket list. I have been to Michigan but only to Troy to visit a friend when I was very young. I have seen the lake but in a city setting. I want to sit on one of those big rocks I’ve seen in pictures and watch the sunset.
Have a great day!
MB from VA
The Town of Munising near Picture Rocks has a municipal RV park and built some newer sites beachside on Lake Superior.Well worth grabbing one of these.Stayed in Munising which is a good central spot for much of the UP stuff.The Kewadin casino in Christmas near Munising has free RV hookups as does the Marquette casino.The UP was one of my favorite RV trips.
Thanks for the info Chas!
Also, on the way there do not miss Mackinac Island.No cars allowed there but a great day trip on the ferry.The Kewadin Casino in Ignace allows boondocking and is close to the ferry.Take your bikes on the ferry.The island is a bike paradise, especially the island loop.
Dawn, where are you from in Michigan? I am in Berkley!
Sue, I agree with Pauline. I think I would be nervous to stay out there by myself. What do u do forprotection and anytime you boondock, do u have a plan in case a person comes along that u feel threatened by? This keeps me from starting this life but I also want to experience all these great places and your sunsets are awesome! Thank you for sharing!
I will be ordering some things from your Amazon!
Happy Travels! Pam
Pam, RVSue has been on the road full time for what, six years and has not had any serious problems. She is smart enough to have plans in place for most if not any eventuality, and has used few if any. Remember Pam, nothing ventured, nothing gained! You want to experience all these great places, start with little trips then longer ones until you feel comfortable. There are a lot of helpful folks out there that will help if need be. Go For It!
Ha….caught you while sitting down for lunch….
We have been wintering in Ajo for many years and have spent countless hours in the desert around here and in Organ Pipe. Yes, you see tons of evidence that people are crossing the desert but we have never had an encounter. They do not want a face to face with anyone. No problems.
We had an ‘alien encounter’ in the Sonoran Desert a couple of years back. It was early in the morning, so we helped the first person that appeared from the surrounding hills, then the second (both were clearly suffering from the freezing outside temp), but it was when the third and then the fourth appeared that we started to feel uncomfortable.
Needless to say, we left the area in a flurry, with dust flying and the curtains blowing in the breeze. Lesson learned. Don’t camp too far from civilization and be ready for any chance encounters. Also, always have a cell signal when camping in that area.
Hi Sue-those are some gorgeous sunsets! They do help balance the sometimes tedious or unfortunate moments.
I also thought long and hard before I set out on my journey. 2-3 years in fact. After the death of my husband, I didn’t know what I wanted. I lived in a remote area of NC, loved my little house, landscaped my yard beautifully but without him there, it wasn’t as much fun anymore.
I knew that I needed a change. A change to heal and that fact that life is just too short not to fully enjoy what is out here in this big country of ours. Having left my home state at the age of 19 and traveling with my husband, I think it is in my DNA-to explore. You never know what is around the corner and to me that is intriguing.
Since full-timing, I have had some set backs with this rig but am getting through them and I am going to continue for as long as it makes me happy. I know that I will never get to see all of what this country has to offer, but am going to try my best. I would regret not having done this when I had a chance to.
One of my favorite poets is Robert Frost and the poem “The Road Not Taken” . I can turn left or I can turn right anytime that I want to and there is great satisfaction in that!
Have a wonderful day and thanks for the beautiful photos. Glorious!
I hope you take the precaution of locking your doors – truck and BLT – at night! I don’t think anyone would try to get in the BLT when they hear dogs barking, but they might try the trucks doors.
I am camping near Parker in my Spirit Casita. My sunset last night was pretty but not as nice as yours. And how about that moon the last few nights. It is so bright there are bound to be illegals creeping around. I have camped and hiked in that area many times and can relate to seeing all kinds of personal belongings left behind. Take care and enjoy.
” …,it’s all worth it to be here now.” Of course, it is! That place , that desert, became your friend during times when it was at it’s best. Like any friend, it is at times tired looking, or has people nearby you wouldn’t choose to be close to ordinarily… still, at the end of the day the warmth and beauty you feel as a rich blessing is there – shared by the sky and your heart.
All lives have obstacles and detours along the way. I can’t tell you how happy I am for you that your becoming a Rving nomad, your dream, the wonderful experiences in it, turned out better than you imagined . Thank you ever so much for all you do to share it with us, great post, Sue !
Hi Sue, it was a beautiful sunset yesterday, and you have great pictures of it. Haven’t put my photos on the computer to check them out yet. Hope they are nearly as good as yours. Darby Well Road is nice snd quiet. Though there are a lot more rigs out here than last Friday when we arrived. We have one week left here. Looking at the forecast we need to be heading for higher elevations and lower temperatures.
We lived in SE AZ for many years before starting our full time journey, and agree that it is browner and drier than normal. We need some rain!
Yes, do we know what you mean. Two days ago our day started out nicely. We’d been boondocking at American Girl Mine for 12 days and we were leaving that morning for Borrego Springs and more boondocking. Weather was lovely but whilst we were passing through El Centro a car changed lanes and crashed into the side of our motorhome and then sped off! A hit and run, I guess they didn’t realize that from high up in the rv we could see them weaving through a car park onto another street.
Air horns honking I followed them in the rv whilst my wife phoned the police. In the distance I could see the car pull into another parking lot that I found on arriving outside, was for an apartment complex. The offending vehicle with the driver apparently still inside was sitting there in a covered parking slot.
I guess the adrenaline rush got the better of me because I foolishly approached the vehicle before I could see who was driving. With the phone in my hand and still trying to let the police know the address of the apartment complex, I finally saw the hit and run driver, thankfully it wasn’t a gun toting gangster bad boy but it was a scary looking old lady with jet black dyed hair who got out of the car but avoided looking at or speaking to me. She went around to the passenger side and to my surprise removed an oxygen cylinder from her vehicle then hurriedly scurried into the complex.
I waited outside for the police to arrive, in the meantime a lovely family who’d witnessed the accident drive up and offered to wait until the police arrived to confirm who’d been at fault, guess they followed me!. When the police arrived they quickly traced the lady using the car’s license plate number to locate her apartment and then apprehended her. They said she’d committed a felony and ‘did I want to press charges’, meaning I’d have to return to El Centro for a court case at future date. Nothing that a full timer really wants to do as we may be many 100’s of miles away on that unknown future date.
So luckily for her we didn’t press charges, by the way she was 78 years old. So the rest of our lovely day had taken a 180 degree turn, we didn’t arrive at our planned boondock until dark not something we relish but now two days later things feel much better.
The weather is very warm but bearable and the damage to the motorhome doesn’t look quite as bad as it did at first sight plus fortunately no one got hurt. RV life is never a vacation but it’s certainly much more exciting and full filling than being stuck in a stocks and bricks life, at least to us it is…
I have read the blog from the beginning, more than once. Your sense of adventure, as well as actual adventure, is what (I think) makes this life so wonderful for you. And makes the blog so wonderful for the rest of us.
I feel for the souls crossing the desert on foot, trying for a better life. Not so much for those carrying drugs, although many of them are desperate as well. Anyhow, I remember the story you told of the man who gave them sandwiches. For the most part, you don’t need to fear. I know that you are careful and know how to take care of yourself. I’m glad you do not let this interfere with your enjoyment of this country.
LOVE those Sunsets!
Oh Sue, beautiful sunsets and even more beautiful perspective on your life and how being a vagabond is ever NEW! I have followed your blog since the very beginning, with Spike and Bridget and Reggie and now Roger. You have had wonderful companions on this journey you’ve been on. I love hearing about the antics of the crew and every now and then (like this blog) there are true nuggets of wisdom and perspective that stick with me for a long time. Thank you.
You do get some beautiful sunsets in the desert!
Oh how I love this post and pics!! Hugs!!
Hi
Having Gypsy Feet is a fun way to live! I am so glad I had the opportunity to do it solo, then with Chuck and now vicariously through you and your wonderful writing and photographs taking me along. Thank you for that!
Your sunset photographs are wonderful! We had amazing sunsets while we were camped at Darby Wells with you and some of the Quartzite friends.
As for folks posing possible problems I think if I had Sues bear horn….that would be my first line of defense! Ha. Somebody up to no good certainly doesn’t want any attention! That horn would scare the beejeebers out of any intruder, bear or human!
Loved this post and all the sunsets! Hug the boys from us! 💕💝💕
Great post Sue! Even though I’ve only been full time a few months now, I really identify with what you have written. Although our life is different in that we get to travel from place to place with our home, we still have the day to day things of life – although more simplified. I love this life as much as I hoped I would. I have always enjoyed traveling by vehicle and seeing the backroads. Every time I pull out to head to a new location I get this giddy feeling 😀. I love the travel as well as the arrival at a new camp. Hopefully when I reach 7 years on the road I will still be excited about it!
That was indeed a beautiful sunset you had. Luv your pics.
Forecast is looking pretty hot for the next two weeks. I’m wondering if it will cool down again, or if it’s time to start heading north?
The same God who gave you wisdom, gave the desert vagabonds the same.
Anonymity is important to you both.
Thanks, Sue, for the information, insights and experience. Love the photos.
The memories will be with you forever. Lucky you!
Hi Gal, and guys!
I loved the reality of this post. It is a good reminder for me, that although we will be living on the road full-time, without a sticks and bricks anymore, that “life” still happens. Really, that is good, essentially.
I can’t just “sit”. I need things to do, problems to solve, mud puddles to wade through, sickness to make me appreciate feeling awesome, and breakdowns to keep me on my toes. Still, with all the sunset photos, doggy stories, cooking (on that nifty new grill) photos, we can forget “life ” happens, and even you break down, or get a dead battery to figure out. Yes, I like taking the bad with the good, so to speak.
About the last post; I have to wonder if I’ve mentioned recently how hard it is downsizing the personal items, and treasured mementos? Or if I’ve just been going through it, thinking it, and yet, someone else asked the question? However it went, or goes, it’s timely for me.
I have piles all over the condo; “keep”, “donate”, “sell”, “toss”, “give”, etc. I do pretty well by keeping things moving, and keeping the donate pile moving on out. I make trips to our Humane Society almost weekly. (I volunteer there, and there is an awesome, large, off-site thrift store). I have given MUCH away for this cause. I have also sold quite a bit since we started this quest last year. Selling is a slow process, but we had the time. The pay-off is not huge by any means, but it’s money in hand, rather than “stuff in closets”.
My clothing is giving me a hard time, as I’m not your normal clothes horse, but I do own quite of bit of technical clothing for being out in the elements, and they are expensive garments! I’ve sold some; duplicates of things I can now live without, but I still have too much to bring with me, and some don’t apply to the on-the-road-life. For instance, a Patagonia down jacket. I will need that again, just not for awhile. On retired income, I can’t justify selling it for $40, then in 3 years, replacing it for $300.
I have sold all my motorcycle gear (and my Harley : ( ) because I’ve decided that thanks to cell phones, I’m not going to ride anymore. I will have to store some of my good clothing, (because outdoor gear will always be in-style, too expensive to replace, and I will want it again one day.) My dilemma is, I have no family to help me out, offering to keep a few totes of things.
I have a few women friends who are hedging about keeping a few things for me; saying they are downsizing too, and might move in the next few years. I won’t ask twice – I don’t want to be a bother. I’m not for storing things in a Storage facility due to expense. The few pieces of true art I have hanging, I want to keep also. I had hoped a friend would just stand them (3 paintings) upright behind her extra clothes in her spare (unused office bedroom). I’m not getting warm fuzzy feelings regarding that. Then obviously there are a few trinkets, some photos, and a few pieces of Mom’s china I do want to keep.
I envision having a “tiny home” somewhere down the road – a place to get off the road into, hole up in case of medical procedures, or just take a break from traveling. Just a home base, so to speak, but not much. Tiny as in 400sq ft or less. A park model, perhaps. But this won’t be for a few years as far as we can tell. So, yes, I have a couple of totes of things, and 3 family paintings I want to keep. But where? Yes, it’s a dilemma that I’m working on daily. All the rest will be gone soon.
Our mattress is already on the floor, and our friend is jonseing daily to come pick up our table and chairs that I’ve promised her. Things are moving along. However, I can see I’m not the only one trying to figure out how to make it all work. We have NO idea where we will end up; what State, let alone city. The whole storage locker thing just seems like a waste of money for so few items. Maybe I should approach a couple different friends? Or perhaps, that’s too much of an imposition to put on a good friend?
Anyway, these are my thoughts on the topic. Long winded, but I’m sure I’m not alone. Surely I’m not the only one with no Sister to leave things with, or kids? Guaranteed, I will work through this, and it won’t become a true hangup. Just a bit of a puzzle for now.
Hope you all are having the best day ever! Thanks for listening!
Suzi
You may think it was long-winded, but very inspirational for me! I am just entering this phase! It’s funny, I live in a space of 250 s’ and I have accumulated sooooo much! Most of my accumulation is art supplies!
I was a bit of a minimalist before I allowed my creativity to bloom. About five years ago I began to explore my “other” side – having been in the medical field all my life. And when I say explore, I DOVE into all areas! So here I sit with a sea of potential masterpieces-in-the-making.
This is specifically why I got a toy-hauler trailer, for all the extra room to create an art studio…..but I can’t take ALL OF IT!
I loved your description of the process. I, too, have more technical clothing than regular clothes. When in the medical field, I wore scrubs everyday removing the need to say “what am I going to wear today?” So I am definitely a minimalist in the clothing area.
I’m envious that you are at the point where your bed is on the floor…. it’s mind-boggling to decide where to begin! I’ve been doing some donating, but it doesn’t seem to make a dent! I, also have a Harley to (first clean up) then sell….and all the gear to go with it!
Thank you for you post, it helps me know at least one more person out there has accomplished that which I am approaching!
Good luck, and I’ll be “drafting” behind you!! Lol.
Hi Lauri,
Good luck to you! I call it “a process”. Every now and again, I walk by the pile that says “keep”, and I look, then I remove an item to the “give” or “donate” pile. It’s a process of letting go. You’ll be fine in the end, as I will. I’m glad I’ve had this time, though, to take my time doing this. It’s helped me make connections, touch and use an item a few more times – sort of making peace with passing it on. Learning to let go is the hardest part, but when you allow yourself to do that, it feels super! I can honestly say I’ve made quite a few people really stoked to get a few of my things they’ve really liked and can use. Also, donating to your favorite cause (Humane Society in my case) feels very gratifying. You can do this!! And I will find somewhere to stash a few last items I want “for later”. Cheers!
I’m also in that clearing stage. I’m putting my house up for sale in about a month (!!!) so I am very motivated to get stuff moved out so the house looks roomier. They say that helps with the sale. My 20-something daughter is going to hold a yard sale in a few weeks and I’m giving her all the salable things and the money therefrom as a grubstake for starting her own new life as she is moving to expensive California when I hit the road fulltime. So, I too am making it easier to let go of things because it will go to a good cause–my kid. It sure is emotionally exhausting to get through the sorting process, though.
Hi Sue & fellow blogorinos,
I’ve been reading this religiously for about four years…. I know what attracts me to this blog, adventure, writing style, dogs but especially because I’m always searching for a new perspective of my potential future. I plan on living my life very much like Sue does…. with of course my own life inserted 🙃.
I was wondering, what attracts everybody else to this blog? Particularly the ones who have no intention of leaving the safety & security of their homes! AND, if you remember, how did you find her!
I can imagine the lure of her presentation, the beautiful images conjured up by her visual descriptions certainly have something to do with it – not to mention the true-to-life photos (especially of the exuberant life of her boys!) being a story in themselves!
But, I was just curious what others might have to say!
Thanks! To Sue & to all!
Lauri
Hi Lauri,
I read Sue’s blog because I love the adventures she shares with us and the photos too. Not to mention that my husband and I love to travel in our RV, but we both work full time still and enjoy “traveling” with her since we can’t travel as often as we like.
Bob Wells recommended Sue and crew on his blog. Back then she had a monthly expense summary which I really loved. It helped me figure out how much I needed to retire. I like to see where she camps. I’ve tried out several of them over the years. Never disappointed. Plus love those sunsets
Oh.. can’t forget the crews. They are very entertaining.😊
I found Sue’s blog via hitchitch.com, which had been recommended by a local couple whose full-time RV lifestyle was written about in the newspaper. Her van and cute little Casita living intrigued me. I went back and read from the beginning and fell in love her her writing and the the everyday antics of her life and that of the crew(s.)
I have enjoyed every minute of the blog and the photos.
Feels like a good friendship, but never met.
I stumbled across RVSues blog while browsing for Casita trailers. Fell absolutely in love with Spike and Bridgee baby, Sue’s writing style, her lifestyle, her “no ones gonna tell me I can’t” attitude, respect for others/Mother Earth, her unselfishness toward strangers and the bond with Blogorinos …a virtual Friendship with strangers from all parts of the world.
I stumbled across Sue’s blog while I was researching Casita eggs, too. Finding Sue and her Crew(s) has been a wonderful discovery and blessing. “Meeting” and chatting with her wonderful blogorino family is a bonus! 🙂
Cinandjules, you captured all of the things that make this blog unique, inspiring and fun. Beautifully said……
Good morning Lauri!
I too love reading this blog. I found it when I first began seriously considering full or part-timing. Then I stayed because of her writing style, her photos that take me somewhere else in my mind’s eye for a few minutes….and for her honesty. As she said….it’s not all “pretty sunsets”. I followed a few others but have gradually let them go on their way…….
Right now, I am choosing to stay put and care for a family member for awhile. And at the same time, I am making changes that will allow for an easy transition to the nomad lifestyle in the future.
Good luck with your plans for the future!
MB from VA
I read Sue’s blog because I love the photos and antics of the crew, because of the beautiful photography, and because of the information provided about places I’d like to visit someday. In seeing how Sue handles emergencies and challenges, I’ve also gained strength and confidence in my own abilities to survive on my own someday (if that’s how it goes). Finally, I guess I’ve become attached to the merry band of blogorinos and the slightly-curmudgeonly nomad who binds us all together.
Hi Lauri, What attracted me to this blog was at first the dogs! I have three of my own and oh the stories they can tell. Also I love it when the comments come in and everyone participates with their own individual stories and thoughts. Of course the pictures I like to save them in my picture folder to put up on my screen saver because every picture tells a story. I am currently living in the backyard of my big old house. We built a 500 sq ft casita, moved my Son and Daughter in law into the big house. So now when I need help in any way they are there for me! Thanks to you and Sue of course for giving me this outlet!
Thank you to everybody that replied! It’s obvious many of us have a common theme!! It’s nice to have a place with like-minded folk!
Beautiful sunset!
Sue, what a wonderful blog and exquisite photos. I grew up in Arizona and am currently living in Illinois, your sunsets photos, well, the tears are flowing. Once again thank you for sharing this journey.
Hi Sue,
Great pictures as usual, thanks so much.
I loved this post because it describes RV Living so well. I’m not a full-timer, but we’re on the road for long stretches and know full well that there can be challenges. Nevertheless, the joy of the journey outweighs them all.
I’ve traveled a lot in my life, both here and abroad, even lived in Europe for three years, but until we began RVing, I had traveled by automobile very little. Believe me, there is little that can compare with life on the road less traveled. I agree Sue, there is always something new!
Regardless of the life you lead there are risks, that’s life. Sue was pointing out, in a clearly brilliant way, that while beautiful sunsets are wonderful to behold, situational awareness is very important. Good job lady!
Hi Sue,
Thanks for sharing another day’s (or week’s) adventures with us and the reality of life on the road. Always enlightening.
I enjoyed all the sunsets and saguaros, especially the fourth sunset, which has both.
I may become one of those people who leave water out for those coming over the border seeking a better life. I wouldn’t worry too much about encounters. They are bound for places they can try to start new lives, and they just want past anything else. The drug mules don’t seek a new life, but they are making more money leaving you alone than they ever would by causing you harm.
My day is proof that “life happens” where ever we are. I took an hour and a half bus ride (including waits in below-freezing temperatures) to pursue a good deal on a minivan that I could camp/live in for a long time. I almost got it, too, but it was a cash, check, or money order deal and my bank apparently limits my buying, as well as my cash, that I can use my debit card to get. I don’t want an explanation; I want my money. The transit ride home ran even longer than the first one. I will not be able to go back some other day. It’s just too much stress on my asthma.
I will say that I don’t regret having had many adventures, planned and otherwise. At the very least, I have good stories to tell. As of this moment, the arc of my life is turning toward living in Tucson rather than taking to the road. I’ve had enough adventures for now. If I get my energy back, the plan is to have enough resources (e.g., minivan, camping gear) to spend time on the road after that.
I have been following your adventures for years. I love reading your blog but don’t usually comment. You are a wonderful story teller, photographer and writer. Thanks, Carol
I camped on Darby Well rd in Ajo 2 years ago. During the 1st week, an rv neighbor was awoken in the middle of the night by men asking for water, another neighbor had a man from Honduras collapse in a chair and asked to be turned in to border patrol. Another neighbor was chased off Black mountain by a group when he went hiking. I was on an emotional rollercoaster, wavering between fear, anger and compassion. Fortunately the 2nd week was very quiet. I left water and snacks outside at night on the chance someone might come by. If they had knocked on my door, they would have been met with a cacophony of barking dogs!
The sunset photos are superb, made me feel like I was sitting there enjoying them myself.
I’ve been reading Sue’s blog on and off for 5 years or so. She was the biggest inspiration for me in my plans to quit my job, sell my house and get rid of everything I owned and travel from Boston to the southwest in a teardrop trailer. I felt like I was very much like her and I learned so much from her. Thank you Sue!
“…’Illegal immigration and smuggling may be encountered in this area’…” However, there’s also a large Border Patrol station in Why.
Gorgeous sunsets!!!
Good morning, Sue!
The love, contentment, and joy you have for your vagabond life shines through on this post! Anyone who thinks that full-timing is a way to run away from responsibilities and problems is kidding themselves. Life still happens whether you are in a sticks and bricks home or on the road, changing your address at will. In the end, hopefully the good will outweigh the challenging experiences. I am so happy for you, Sue, that this chapter has been so very good for you! I am also very thankful that you take the time and effort to share your journey with us! Love those sunset pictures! 🙂
Yesterday, nephew #1 came to visit and help me with yard cleanup. Nothing hard or cumbersome, just things that I can no longer do. I am so grateful for his help! It was not until we were sharing a pizza dinner while watching the evening news, that we realized that we had been working (he working, me directing and holding tools…) in a sunny, breezy 36 degrees! It felt good to get a few items crossed off my “to-do”list. He also helped me sort through the shed. Pitched some items, and decided which tools are no longer needed. The tools will be in the yard sale I am plannning to have next month. 🙂
Sending you wishes for a wonderful Sunday, Sue! I hope you are in a nice, remote spot where your peace and quiet is not disturbed by others watching the SuperBowl today! I have visions of a Class A with a huge, flat screen tv that flips out of a side panel…along with a speaker system to blast every play and call across the desert! 🙂 We are expecting some snow or sleet showers this morning, but not any accumulation. Other than running out to buy a newspaper and catching laundry up, it will be a nice, quiet day. Gracie pup and I will watch the game and cheer for the underdog Eagles. Sending lots of love and hugs to you, Reggie, and Roger from me and Gracie pup! Have a great day! 🙂
Good morning Denise!
It does feel good to get things crossed off your list! It’s fun to work on a cool, sunny day. Way better than in the heat, humidity and gnats! LOL! And pizza is a bonus! 🙂
Sleeting here this morning. (I’m in Lynchburg) I’m making lunch in the crockpot for my uncle and myself. He likes to watch a movie together on Sunday afternoon…..so, that’s what we’ll do.
Have a great day!
MB
Hi, MB! Lynchburg is just “down the road” from Richmond!
You are so right! Working in the heat and humidity takes so much longer, due to having to take so many breaks to rest and rehydrate. It is now mostly raining here, with some occasional sleet pellets mixed in.
Enjoy your movie day and delicious crockpot meal with your uncle! I know your home smells heavenly from the slow simmer of the crockpot! 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful day as well! 🙂
Amen. May you always have safe travels and beautiful sunrises/sunsets.
Hi Sue! I have read from the first day when you were prepping for the nomad life! What an adventure you’re having! Thank goodness for your honesty in posting your trials as well as perfect days. I wouldn’t want your blog to be like Facebook where everyone’s life looks like a bowl of cherries! I like your “box of chocolates” approach (as Forest Gump’s Mama says).
“Whatever the new life brings…..at least it will be NEW.” I love it!
I’m trying to make a “new life” in the same place. It’s a challenge but I’m thinking of ways in which to do it. As with you….some days are wonderful…..some days not. The challenge for me is to greet each day as a new adventure with new things to learn though the scenery remains the same.
Have a wonderful day Sue!
MB from VA
PS
Have you heard anything from Rusty? I think of him and Lady Piper every day.
No, I haven’t MB. Not since he told us he was having breathing problems. His appointments are in a few days. He will give us an update.
Are you ever frightened camping in the middle of nowhere alone?
JazzLover is correct. I’ve never been frightened, never had to “run away,” never had reason to do that.
Oh, Sue! Don’t you just wish sometimes you could hit the “Pause” button and savor such beauty just a little while longer? You are so fortunate to have access to such beauty.
On a slightly different note…last night I was on my ipad, which I don’t use much, and decided to make an Amazon order. The screens were so totally different, I’m not sure it registered to you. If you could check to see if some crazy person ordered a whole pile of cotton swabs with wooden sticks, I’d appreciate it. If they’re not there, I will refrain from using my ipad for such things in the future.
Thanks!
Thank you, Suzette! I see those items! 🙂
Wow, so much to think about reading this post! As a native of San Antonio, Tx., I have known people over the course of my life who were here illegally. Back when I was younger, it didn’t seem like it was that big of a problem. It is the drug cartels who really messed things up. The bad guys don’t want to be seen. But I would report anyone I saw- until things change, if ever, it is the law. As for why I read Sue’s blog IT IS THE BEST!!! Great writing, great stories, and great photos!
To those of you who are worried about Sue being alone in the desert, I seem to remember her saying in the past that she takes precautions. And remember, she has that obnoxiously loud bear horn – that would scare anyone away!!
Great Post as usual Sue! I was first introduced to Sue by a post at the Casita Forum. We had wanted a Casita for 20 years and were finally ready to travel around. We bought our 2012 Liberty Casita from an elderly couple who were retiring from traveling in Surprise, Az. two and a half years ago. It was their third Casita. We just about have all the customizing done to ours we wanted and will be leaving on another adventure next week. Sue has been an encouragement to learn all the set-up etc. myself but so far I haven’t with my husband so able. It’s my vacation time. I have no doubt I will be able to learn it when the need arrives though as I have never been one to run from a challenge.
I keep reading Sue’s blog because there are a lot of minimalists here where I fit in with. Have asked myself “Do I need this?” all my life before anything I have purchased. Trouble is I have taken in too much stuff I never paid for. Of course it makes it a lot easier to unload when the time comes for that.
Cheers to all the Minimalists here!
Indeed. Life presents problems to be solved no matter where you are or what you do. There is virtue in being easily pleased and finding beauty in many landscapes. That way you are pleased often. Beautiful sunsets.
Being content, even blissful, with our here, now is a blessed life indeed. Sunsets are definitely a special gift. I think getting to see them through different “frames” in our travels is one of the great surprises – and delights – of this life.
When I first started reading Sue’s blog, three years ago, my husband and I were both working full time. He has now retired, and I am working part-time. We are getting rid of lots of things we have accumulated but not used, and planning to get a small Class B or trailer and travel part time. I would do it full time, at least for a couple of years, but he does not want that and needs to visit his doctor a few times a year. So we renovated our home and spend a lot of time in our garden. But I am getting antsy and will likely stop working later this year, so we can get a move on. Sue’s blog has been inspirational, and just plain old fun.
Eliza… Since your comment came in after I published the next post, I’m moving it under the new post so it will be read by a larger number. Also it may encourage others to share as you have done. 🙂