Monday, February 9
The Salton Sea photos in this post were taken over a period of a few days. I chose to post the shots that best convey the atmosphere of this camp, regardless of quality. I hope you enjoy them!
Bridget and I arrive at Salt Creek Beach Primitive Campground along the Salton Sea in southeastern California.
At the self-pay kiosk I slide a check for $20 into a pay envelope and insert it in the receptacle. This campground is part of the state’s Salton Sea Recreation Area ($10, no hook-ups, portable toilet building, shared water spigot, picnic tables).
Two nights and then I’ll decide whether we want to stay longer.
I position the Best Little Trailer keeping shade in mind.
Placing the BLT’s door to face the Sea, one steps outside into harsh sun. Also, the BLT’s refrigerator is on that side. If one puts the other side facing the Sea, the door faces the camp road. Hmm . . . . Neither way is good.
I back in, facing the back window toward the Sea.
This positions the door and the refrigerator facing toward the sun also. I can fix that problem!
I unhitch the Perfect Tow Vehicle and drive her parallel to the BLT on the door/fridge side which creates a shady aisle between both. In fact, it’s so nicely shaded that I don’t bother to unroll the awning. I put down the blue mat, set out my lounger, Bridgie’s bed and her water dish.
We’re all set!
(If it weren’t for the long extension cord I bought at Starlight Solar, I wouldn’t be able to do this. It connects the plug at the BLT’s tongue with the plug on the PTV’s bumper.)
It’s a hot afternoon. We sit in the shade. I read. When the sun goes down, the air cools. Bridget and I take a walk on the beach.
Tuesday, February 10
Hmm . . . Several rigs pulled in last night. We’re sandwiched between two of them. No matter, we’re not hanging around camp today anyway. We need groceries!
Bridget is such a good, little traveler.
Even after yesterday’s journey here from Yuma, she’s game for another drive.
Off we go on Route 111 north which follows the shoreline of the Salton Sea. Road construction slows us several times. The road cuts through acres of date palms and orange trees, past dilapidated buildings that once attracted tourists, now attracting dust. One town blends into another . . . . North Side . . . Mecca . . . Coachella. We pass several detour signs. Traffic continues to build.
In Coachella a city atmosphere takes over.
Typical mall-type environment and the drivers to match. I catch a glimpse of a food store called “Food 4 Less.” That’ll work.
First Bridget has her much-anticipated walk-around.
She squiggles, squirms, and yips with excitement as I put her into her black suit with leash.
I grab a poop bag and lift her down to the pavement. We dash over to the closest median and from there Bridget explores each bush, finding the best one by which to leave her business.
All that careful decision-making and I deposit her pooper elsewhere . . .
“Okay, goober, you’ve had your walk. I’ll be back as quickly as I can!”
The store is huge with wide aisles stacked high.
The produce section is fantastic. A definite Hispanic flair here. Big on mangoes and papaya. Those funny-looking bananas. Avocados piled like ammunition. A large bin of scoop-your-own pinto beans that I’d love to run my hands through but resist. Spices galore. Three hundred varieties of peppers. An avalanche-about-to-happen of Mexican squash.
I grab a few from the top.
A Hispanic lady about my age and standing next to me grabs some, too. She gives me a big, warm smile which I return.
One side of an aisle is nothing but candles with religious pictures on them.
A few aisles over I come to the butcher department.
Good heavens! Excitement is in the air! Huge slabs of beef 6 inches thick! “I’ll have a side of cow please.” What the heck do you cook that in or on?
All kinds of meat and fish. The butcher case extends about four times longer than what one usually sees in a big store. I roll my cart by.
I reach the dairy case at the other end of the store.
I look around. It occurs to me that I’m the only Anglo in the store. That’s why I’m being smiled at so much!
Everyone is speaking Spanish. I don’t recognize half the stock and certainly wouldn’t have any idea what to do with it. Boy, Hispanic people sure know a lot of things to do with dairy . . . .
Okay, enough store talk, back to camp . . .
“Hey, Bridge. It looks like a few neighbors left today!”
Wednesday, February 11
After coffee, breakfast, and checking in with this blog, I walk outside with Bridget. It’s a gorgeous morning, breezy and bright. The gulls and pelicans float on air currents in lazy swirls like smoke rising.
“Oh my gosh, everyone on this side of us has left!”
I swing into action.
In a few minutes the BLT is hitched to the PTV and we’re moving camp to the very end. I position the BLT at the curve of the camping area, thus placing the door toward the north end of the Salton Sea.
Our view is sand, brush, beach, water, and mountains. And birds. Beautiful. No sign of people, just how I like it, and the shade is on the door and fridge side!
Later Bridget and I walk on the beach.
At sunset I take more photos of the birds.
Every camp has its own aura. This camp is all about the birds.
Gulls squawk and laugh throughout the day. Pelicans bob on the gentle waves.
I don’t want to leave. (I put another $20 check in the receptacle at the self-pay station.)
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
First again?
Just about made 1st…2nd is good I think…will read later..busy thinking..
CONGRATULATIONS, Jeff and Shirlene!
I love the pics !!!!!!
I’m glad! 🙂
Great pics! Bridget doesn’t mind the birds ? Beautiful area ! Enjoy !
Bridget ignores the birds. I don’t think she has any predator instinct, except for the occasional chipmunk.
Your pictures are beautiful!!! And Bridget looks like a happy camper!
Thanks, Liz… Bridget does like it here.
well, 6 aint too bad……:)
went online and read the history of the salt lake……amazing reading….
thanks Sue for putting me there to read….
chuck
You’re welcome, Chuck.
Here’s an article about the Salton Sea in case anyone’s interested:
http://www.10news.com/news/can-the-salton-sea-which-is-fast-disappearing-be-saved
Sonny Bono started a program to save the Salton Sea while he was a politician in nearby Palm Springs. It got off to a promising start until he died while SWS (skiing while stoned). The East Indian man is an internationally famous environmentalist in water conservation. If he can’t save the Salton Sea, it can’t be done. Still have my memories, though, and thanks RVSue for not trashing it. It’s easy to do.
You’re welcome, Gayle.
At this point I consider the Salton Sea a treasure. I’m fortunate to be able to camp next to the Sea, since it looks like it’s not going to last forever.
And now all California has to do is come up with one little personality plus you-know-what! And you’ll love us forever!
What a great life you both lead. Right now I have about ten quail outside my sliding door eating the bread I put out, that’s about the most wildlife I see around here, except for the occasional cayote. Enjoy the beautiful view, nature, and keep on enjoying your life, and thank you for sharing it.
You’re welcome, Willow,
I love watching quail. Keep the coyotes away! 🙂
Yes, this is a great life. I’m grateful for it.
Reminds me, Willow, of our 20 month sojourn beside the Lower Granite Dam in Washington…we loved all the wildlife and the quail especially were fun to watch!! We even had a pair of vixen who would come and sit just outside our fence to preen…enraging our dogs…heh, knew they were perfectly safe. Glad you have quail to watch…
Thank you, Elizabeth, they are outside right now, In the spring they bring their babies, they are so adorable, they look like little puff balls running around.
I am SOOOOO envious I can hardly stand it!!! I hope to be down in that area with you next fall/winter!
I had to laugh with all the fussing about keeping the refrigerator side in the shade… 🙂 🙂
Happy Trails Sue! Larry
I hope you do come here, Larry M. I don’t know for sure, but my guess is that fall and spring are the best times to see the birds.
You’re darn tootin’ I’m going to keep the fridge in the shade, whenever I can! Thanks again for all the information and help you gave all of us here. I’m assuming you approve of the service call…
Sue is there a way to attach a mini awning over the exterior of the refrigerator? Just large enough to make some shade over the vent? Hook it to the BLT and stake it with a couple of rocks like a tiny lean to and make sure there is plenty of air circulation. A snap for me to sew and mail to you, with your permission of course.
Ps: I have a bit of experience making and repairing outdoor gear so I have all the supplies and I would not have to purchase anything for such a project.
That’s very kind and thoughtful of you, wildflower!
It’s extremely rare for this situation to occur, i.e. a place where facing the refrigerator vent out of the sun is difficult. If I had to, I could bring out the awning and angle it sharply downward to do what your idea would do.
In the case of what I described in the post, I needed shade for myself and Bridget and the sun was in a position where it would shine under the awning and put the shade in a place where I didn’t want it. Hope that makes sense.
Thank you anyway. You have skills, supplies, and tools that would transfer well to projects for RVers!
If you change your mind, let me know! When I get my casita I might try this.
You probably will find lots of things that you can make to enhance your Casita.
Thanks again…
I think your service call went really GREAT Sue! I’m planning to make an appointment with SunBum RV when I get down there! I can’t wait! Just another GREAT piece of info from your wonderful Blog!! I learn so much from your blog!! 🙂 Thanks so much Sue!! 🙂 🙂
Happy Trails….!!
Your reply gave me a chuckle. You’re welcome, Larry.
That first picture of the gulls in flight is gorgeous!
Thanks, Dennis,
You like the first flying gulls pic? My favorite is the closer view of them flying, the one under Tuesday, February 10.
Sue and the Divine Miss B!
WwoowW! Beautiful pictures! I thought about you today as I clean out our junk-filled closet. You have motivated me to get rid of junk and start down-sizing. Sometimes I feel like we live in a kennel with 2 dogs and 3 cats, all spoiled rotten! I still love feeding our midwest birds, they are fat and sassy and spoiled too. Have a great and peaceful week-end.
Kay from KC!
Thanks, Kay,
I’m happy I’ve motivated you… Clearing out clutter is always good! You have a great weekend, too.
By any chance will you be in Quartzsite AZ. any time in the near future? I drive the Transit van through Quartzsite to Parker every Wednesday to take people shopping. Would love to meet you.
Hi, JoAnn,
I’m guessing you’re new to my blog. If so, welcome! Glad to see you here…
I appreciate you wanting to meet me but I don’t do meet-ups. I’ve never been one who seeks out socializing. And now that I have this blog with a large following, I avoid meeting readers as that’s something that would eventually overwhelm my life. It’s to the point that I don’t go to places like Quartzsite any more.
Neat that you take folks shopping!
Camped there once and enjoyed it.Took a half hour ride (cantremember where) and saw a sign on a house advertising Huevos Rancheros 4$. Pulled in and was fed breakfast and coffee by a nice Hispanic lady out of her kitchen on a shaded deck.One of my all time favorite breakfast experiences.
What a wonderful anecdote! Those “little” experiences that come as a surprise are the best of all…
Hug Juice for me!
What a peaceful post. I feel relaxed just reading and looking at your beautiful pictures. Thanks for making my day nicer. Hubby is today half way through radiation. Have a pleasant evening.
YAY! Half-way through! Soon hubby will be in the “home stretch.” 🙂
It’s my pleasure to bring relaxation to you, Velda.
Wow # 5 and you and the Bridge look happy at your new site ,,,,us
We are happy here, Rusty. I hope you are, too.
Yipee! You don’t have to love California, but it hurts when people hate us!
They’re probably jealous!
Vaya con Dios, ;>)
Enjoying your travels thru this area of AZ/CA. Used to spend every Xmas with my grandparents camping out on the desert here. That was long before it was a common thing to do. My grandmother was deathly afraid of water until she found she couldn’t sink when in the Salton Sea. I don’t remember there being many birds at that time but we could find plants/cactus encased in salt crystals everywhere.
Hi, CheryLyn (Oregon),
Christmas at the Salton Sea with grandparents! You must have many vivid and wonderful memories, including the plants in salt crystals. 🙂 I haven’t seen any of those.
The birds congregate in certain stretches of the shoreline, not all. I chose this campground because this is where a lot of them hang out.
Thanks for sharing your memories here.
The Salton Sea is notorious for its rotten-egg smell. Have you noticed such an odor at your lovely site?
Chris
Hi, Chris,
I’ve smelled it maybe two times when the breeze blew off the lake, but it was momentary and not bad. Right now, as I sit inside the BLT typing this, the windows and door are open and I don’t smell anything other than a faint by-the-sea smell. It’s not at all like it used to be.
We were here in 2012 and there were fish bones lying about. It smelled then although I didn’t find it bad enough to cut short our stay.
Sue, I wanted to ask you how is the cord from the PTV to the BLT holding up.?
It’s holding up well… like new!
You may recall all the trouble I had with the cord over a year ago. Someone “fixed” the plug incorrectly and subsequently the cord would come unplugged while we were on the road. It would scrape on the pavement and be ruined. Exasperated, I went to Starlight Solar and not only did they fix the plug at the end of the BLT’s cord, they also made me an extension cord. I think it’s 12 feet. It gives me many more options. One of my best purchases!
Wow! I love, love, love the photos!! I even saved them. I’m thinking about painting my bedroom and those colors are absolutely lovely….so I’ll take them to Lowes or Homedepot to match the colors. Hmmm I’ll even enlarge your photos, if you don’t mind, frame them and put them on my bedroom wall. People will wonder why I have water scene in my room when I live in the desert LOL. They will be surprised when I tell them the story behind the photo and that the body of water is in the desert! LOL Why don’t you sell your photos to Sunset Magazine? I love to read that magazine…it covers all of western USA. You posted another camping site I didn’t know existed….thank you 🙂
Hi, Rita,
You make me proud! My photos are fun to look at but they aren’t technically at the quality for a magazine. That’s okay. My readers like them and that’s all I care about. 🙂
Thank you for the compliment. Good luck with your decorating!
My favorite photo…the 4th up from the bottom…just struck me. Glad you’re having such a nice time. It’s going to go down below zero here tonight. And tomorrow night. And then it’s going to snow. Slow torture…that’s what life is like in MI in February! 🙂
Hi, Dawn,
Oh dear, you’re right about February… It can be awfully cold and although it’s the month with the least number of days, it can be awfully long, too. Keep warm!
The fourth photo up from the bottom… Hmm… I hoped that one would capture a mood. 🙂 Thanks for mentioning it.
Hello Sue. It’s been well over a year since I posted. Did not have internet until 3 months ago. Read everything to get up to date and following your adventure again. I’m no longer on the road but still in the Sierra Nevada. Glad you made it to the Salton Sea. Enjoy your photos very much. It’s been fun to watch you evolve in your retirement. The site looks great. Don’t know if you realize how much enjoyment and encouragement you have given to all of us but I want to thank you and the crew for keeping us entertained….JW
Welcome back, JW! Good to hear from you again. Thanks for reading the posts you missed. I take that as a fine compliment.
Re: “enjoyment and encouragement”… It’s nice to be appreciated!
Beautiful pictures today, Sue. Glad that Bridget was up to another road trip after a moving day. She is such a good girl and a good traveler. Nice to see you are having some peace and quiet.
Thank you, Lisa W.
Bridget, bless her, is happy as long as she’s with me. What more could I want from her? 🙂
Nice post. Love the pelican. Fourth from bottom. We saw two bald eagles, one mature, one immature on our way home from the VC today! We used to camp and water ski on the Salton Sea. A long, long time ago.
Gee, you two have had some fun along the way! Camping and water skiing on the Salton Sea….
How’s the volunteer position going? What’s the weather like there?
Hi, Sue,
I love this camp…your pictures really do give us a good feel for the area. Thank you for sharing! Looks like a birder’s paradise! Are the birds very vocal? The sunset pictures with the birds in shadow are my favorite…along with Miss Bridget next to the pretty purple flowers.
That produce section of that grocery sounds wonderful…almost makes it hard to choose what to bring home, having to consider how much will fit in the fridge. What is Mexican squash? Is it soft like zucchini or hard like acorn squash? What color is it? I have not heard of it, unless it may be called by a different name. Sliced and steamed with some sweet onion, and pepper and a pinch of salt makes for a perfect meal!
Speaking of birds, love is in the air in my yard! A pair of large red-headed woodpeckers were doing a courting dance yesterday evening, and a pair of chickadees have chosen a bird house in one of my lilac bushes for their nest this season. A Carolina wren has been singing his happy little head off all week, seeking a mate. All of the chatter and activity makes me smile! Seems like Spring might be around the corner, despite the frigid temps! 🙂
Bridget looks happy…and healthy – so sweet! Hope you all have a peaceful night! Hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂
Hi, Denise,
Yes, the gulls are squawking and squealing and making a sound much like laughter. In fact, I thought there was a group of people further up the beach, laughing and having a great time, until I realized it was the gulls.
Your birds do sound like they’re in a hurry for spring. I like that you are so attentive to their behaviors.
Peace be with you and Gracie….
🙂
Oh, I forgot to answer your question about Mexican squash. It looks like fat zucchini, only lighter green-and-cream colored and has a similar texture. It tastes much like zucchini, too. I’ve found it’s usually priced cheaper.
Sounds yummy! 🙂
I bought Mexican squash the other day….I sliced them long wise and grilled them in a foil wrap with basil olive oil along with carrots and asparagus. They were delicious. Had those veggies along side my brats.
🙂
Wondering what you do with Brigitte when you’re shopping? Do you leave your vehicle running /w a/c on? I’ll be facing this dilemma soon! Thanks, Sue
Hi, kris,
I leave Bridget in the PTV with a bowl of water. The walls and ceiling are upholstered and the windows are tinted which keeps the interior comfortable. Four windows are cracked open a bit. I do try to park in the shade whenever it’s available to extend the time I can shop. On hot days, I sprint through the store and get back to her before the PTV has time to heat up. Usually, when it’s warm, I shop early in the morning.
If the PTV were not insulated and if the windows were not tinted, I think we’d have a problem.
Quite often in this area, people bring small dogs in the store with them, putting them in the seat of the cart. But then this area is known as a very “doggie” area. I think if one had a quilt or something for the dog to sit on so it was not actually touching the cart, it really ought not to be too bad of a thing…but then you might not want to chance someone getting irritated.
Bring Bridget into a grocery store? No, that’s about the only time “mom” can get away from her! 🙂
No it’s true Elizabeth…and very common around here, too.
The “trick” is to carry them; have them in a knapsack/dog shoulder bag….or in the cart, so they are not “touching” the floor. That way they are not “contaminating” it 😉
No health violation…lol!
heehee…lol
Dear Sue & Bridget,
Fabulous pictures! What a beautiful place!
I have also found, like you, that Hispanic & Asian grocery stores have FANTASTIC PRODUCE!!
I shop at the ones near me often just for that reason!!! Great prices, too!!
Can’t wait to see more beautiful pix!
Hi, Lynn,
So that was typical of a Hispanic store…. It wasn’t only produce… the meat, the whole store… and you’re right, very reasonable prices.
When I came out of the store I was hungry for lunch. No typical fast food anywhere. I wanted a drive through because of the heat (not to leave Bridget waiting while I went inside to eat). The only drive-throughs were Mexican food.
I didn’t know what to order, most items being made with beef which I don’t eat often. I saw “chicken tostados” so that’s what I ordered, forgetting that it comes on a flat shell, impossible to eat while driving!
Boy, it was good!
Thanks for complimenting my photos.
Wow! Birds galore!
Watch them seagulls….they will poop bomb you!
Side of beef please! You made me snort my Pepsi!
What a peaceful place… Glad you found the “right” position! Enjoy!
Hi, Cinandjules,
The shoreline is far from where people camp, as the Sea has been evaporating. The shore birds don’t fly over us, which I now realize is a good thing.
Stoke the fire! I read you’re in more cold weather!
Growing up near ocean beach in SF…the gulls would sit on the roof of the school! During recess or lunch…they would caw and hundreds of them would fly over the yard!
Everyone would run toward the building…to get away!
Someone would always have poop in their hair!
Ahh… lovely schoolyard memories… now they run from shooters. 🙁
Shooters!!! exactly why I resigned from my last teaching position. 5 bullets at edge of schoolyard, one guy, not a student, died on sidewalk. 2:00 pm recess. My girls screamed and huddled around me. My boys ran to the classroom and turned their discipline cards back to green! Honor under fire?!!! Then out came the stories of their lives — “my uncle died from a stray bullet while taking a shower, etc.” Yet, they showed up every day ready to learn, filled with hope. They humbled me. MY bad day in childhood was not enough ice cream.
Crazy, twisted boys with guns…
Que bueno, chica!
Que campo preciosa!
Estoy muy cantada porque tu estas cantada!
Oh, so what can I say that my font won’t add the correct “enyas” and accentos.
From a former Spanish teacher.
Diann
You used to teach Spanish! I never would’ve guessed.
I can understand what you wrote except I’ll have to look up “cantada.”
Okay…
“I am singing because you are singing” ?
I think your reader might have meant ‘encantada’…enchanted.
Enchilada?? Hahhh
So glad that you chose a site where the birds go,it would have been a waste without that to me.You could post birds and water shots every day and I’d be happy.Really soothing post,made me smile,thanks!I’d load up on produce before I left the area were I there,healthy food,great camp,nice ,enjoy.
Hi, weather,
The produce is wonderful in stores stretching from Yuma through the Imperial Valley (east of Salton Sea) and up through Coachella Valley. I’ve had some delicious pink grapefruit and oranges lately. I should get a date shake before leaving the area. Dates are in abundance around here.
I’m happy this post made you smile…. That’s my goal! 🙂
Unless you up for more time there,if I read the post right,this may be moving day for you.Stay or go,I hope you get the chance to watch pelicans bob up and down in the waves again.The only things folks here in frozen NY State are watching go up and down is the mercury in thermometers .The wind chill now is 20 degrees below zero and getting a bit colder as the day progresses.
Thankfully this front hasn’t brought much snow with it.What did fall caused white outs on the highway and a lot of accidents before they closed it last night for a while.Staying inside is a blessing right now,boy,that’s something I’ve seldom said 🙂 Good morning Sue,your fresh fruit in a warm desert sounds delightful.A date shake not so much,Ha!Let’s see dates-a laxative-in ice cream /milk that someone else prepared,that’s a possible headache/stomach storm I can resist.At least through the one we’re having here I’m in comfort looking out at a beautiful white landscape instead of white porcelain.My lake is covered in pink light from the sunrise,hope yours,and your day,is beautiful,too.
Good morning, weather,
A wise plan to stay inside and especially to stay off the roads. You are into some major cold!
Date shakes are a popular item in this part of the world. The date farm between here and Mecca has a stand where they sell shakes. There were about twenty cars parked out front when we went by the other day.
I’m glad you’re comfortable in your home. You have pink light… This morning the Salton Sea is baby blue… 🙂
Enjoyed this entry too, Sue…but was fun to read about the grocery store!! One never knows where treasures are to be had…and for a good price too!! Some of the very best places we have eaten are often found in little “holes in the wall” too!!
I was on my way to … you know… starts with a W and ends with a t. This store was a welcome change!
Yes, no doubt you probably wished you could stay longer at this type of store!!
Now this looks like a very cool camp… love the water view and all the birds.
Always great photo’s that put us viewers right there with you.
Went to the doctor and got some antibiotics to kick this cough to the curb! I went to my new doctor and he put me on a plant based diet. So goodbye to dairy products and red meat. Also goodbye to fats… hope to go back in 4 weeks slimmer and feeling better. He said that I have a Ventral hernia and that is with all the coughing it started. So to get my health back it’s veggies, fruits, grains and nuts and legume’s for me,,,, hard to change but I have to.
Enjoy the beauty of your camp. I actually feel love for you and Bridget.
Such a tender ending to your comment, Deb. Thank you for the love.
I’m optimistic about your diet! I should go back to it because it is slimming. .. and healthy. I’m sure you’ll have good results with it.
If I understand you correctly, the coughing caused the hernia and now you have antibiotics to cure the cough. Do you have to do something for the hernia? I’m a very ignorant about medical stuff, so maybe that’s a dumb question.
The doctor said if I take weight off it can heal up. Hoping so otherwise I would have to have surgery which I don’t want.
Now you have a good reason to stick to your diet. You’ve shown determination on this blog. I’m confident you can handle this. Good luck!
I love the last picture with the two birds. Very quiet and serene.
Went back to hospital today for my second try at having my VQ scan. The PIC team met me in radiology to start my IV. Hahaha. After an hour and at least 6 tries they gave up. I have bruises all over my arms and no VQ scan. I guess my veins have no blood? Very weird experience.
Then I went to work. Made a mistake on a return. I keep realizing how much I have to learn; feel like a dummy sometimes.
Work again tomorrow. Work takes a lot of work. Too bad I’m so lazy!
Hi, Ginger,
Well, a needle-poking session. Doesn’t sound like fun. I had to look up “VQ scan.” (Like I wrote above… I’m ignorant of medical stuff.)
Here’s what I found:
“A ventilation/perfusion lung scan, also called a V/Q lung scan, is a type of medical imaging using scintigraphy and medical isotopes to evaluate the circulation of air and blood within a patient’s lungs, in order to determine the ventilation/perfusion ratio.”
Yeah, it’s easier to say VQ scan. 🙂
Have a good day at work tomorrow!
So sorry to hear you had a tough day Ginger. Hang in there.
Good Morning DG
Sorry you had that experience. You have sure been through a lot. Recently I had my annual check-up which including taking my blood for tests. 6 pricks…Nothing. The tech told me I was dehydrated. Went home and drank gallons of water and on the next needle poking session I was fine. Maybe drinking gallons of water would help?
Hang in there DG…you are an amazing women!
Krystina
DeGin,
Keep your head up …girlfriend!
We all make mistakes…and learn from them!
Tomorrow is another day!
Thank you
I love the photos of this area. I went to the link posted by Chuck. It is sad what is happening to the Salton Sea. I hope they politicians don’t delay too long and allow the area to go into total ruin. Sounds like a good idea to have the farms. My heart goes out to the couple who have two homes there and seem like they are stuck. (The couple I’m referring to is in the article. )
Wish we could find nice produce here in TN. Sometimes the stuff in the grocery doesn’t even look fit for human consumption. Especially on senior day. can’t wait for summer and the farmers markets & stands to open up.
Hi, Barbara,
It’s not funny, but I laughed when I read that the lousy produce shows up on senior day. Sure, pawn the limp lettuce and yellow broccoli off on the old folks!
The couple in the article are stuck. Home ownership can turn into a choke hold….
It’s fun taking photos here. I’m glad I have appreciative viewers like you, Barbara. You’re the reason it’s fun for me.
LOL!
I have to laugh because that’s the kind of produce both of my grandmothers used to cook.
Seriously, I think both of them preferred canned veggies, to fresh ones!
Sounds like a nice place and a supermarket I really like to see.
Nice story!
Thanks, Rob.
You have wonderful produce in Washington. Love the berries!
If one likes to cook Mexican cuisine, that store has everything required.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous pics, Sue!
Of course you know I DO love birds 😉
I also especially love the pic of Bridge with the teensy purple flowers behind her…OMD! (that’s Oh My Dog!) 🙂
And…..a Food For Less???? Haven’t seen those in awhile. They didn’t really make it very well here in AZ, believe it or not. Most likely because we have our own home-grown Mexican food store called Food City; actually owned by the AZ food company Bashas.
I have to state again….those bird/water pics are precious. Gotta get down there next Spring!
P.S. My Benchmarks arrived today…I can’t wait to dive into them and start planning a trip!
Thanks, Cindy, for letting me know you enjoyed the photos. Have fun with your new Benchmarks!
You must look at George’s site frequently too.
Yes, whenever he posts.
Beautiful pictures! You find the neatest places to camp.
I always enjoy hearing about your day, it
makes me feel like I ‘m right there.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
You’re welcome, Glinda. It’s my pleasure to share beautiful places with you.
Hi Sue Loved the lake pictures. What an unusual and special place to see. I googled it and read the interesting history of this man made opps. I guessed Coachella area might be in your plan awhile ago. Does Concho mean anything to you? waiting patiently for your updates on your adventure. Love your adventures and solitude with nature.
Hi, Kathleen,
If my memory is working today, Concho is 8 years old.
“man made opps?”
Sigh.
It took awhile but we are back to beachfront property. You do have a gift.
You didn’t mention it so I will assume that little Miss skinny butt continues on the mend. That makes my heart smile. Give her a squeeze for me.
I spent a good chunk of my night going back and forth looking at your amazing pictures of the shore birds with that gorgeous blue water and the mountain in the background. Just what I needed as we slip back into the deep freeze with single digit highs all week and overnight lows below zero. Thank you for making it just a little bit easier.
You’re welcome, Rick.
You, weather, Cinandjules, and others write about the cold and snow and it’s hard for me to imagine being there, even though I’ve lived through those extreme weather conditions. It seems unreal . . . . I do remember hating it though, so I enjoy sharing what it is like now in the Southwest.
Yes, Bridget is well and happy. She has a very comfortable life as befits royalty!
Your fourth picture down looks like it is a painting, just so beautiful with the contrasting blue of the sea with the gray of the birds and the mountains behind them. Did you mean to have the heading for this post all in Spanish, gave me a chance to dust off the brain and see how much I remembered. Got it all, but wasn’t too difficult. The Hispanic grocery stores here have quite an assortment of things to cook with as well and a good turn over so everything is always fresh. Nice picture of Bridget next to the pretty purple flowers. Nice to see flowers right about now. Her coat looks so shiny and healthy, do you think her new diet is a factor? Still ground chicken in the am, dry in pm?
Be Well,
JazzLover
Hi, JazzLover,
Yes, I meant the title to be in Spanish to connect it with the grocery store segment. I don’t like to be predictable all the time. 🙂
Thank you for the comment on the fourth photo looking like a painting. I was thinking recently (yes, I do that) about what I would do if I couldn’t live “on the road” anymore. I’d like to take my favorite photos and turn them into paintings. It would be fun to re-create memories with paint.
Bridget’s coat improved soon after I introduced meat to her diet. I stopped buying ground turkey because I frequently found it was pumped with water. Now I buy lean chicken in family packs and either cook it in water or in a non-stick fry pan with no oil. Also beef or calf liver. I always cut up the meat into small bites because she, being a dog, gobbles it up so fast!
You predictable? Um, please do not change your MO now. Sure, for taking care of Bridget & the BLT & PTV, you’re right on it as you need to be to continue with your lifestyle, but for the rest of your travels, where, when, why, only you know those answers which you so kindly share with us, in due time.
Turning some of your favorite pictures into paintings is a great idea, as is putting them in a book as some folks have previously mentioned. Add your thoughts from the different places you’ve been to the pictures and you’d have a great travel log for those just starting out rving. Worth thinking about. Give you a chance to paint.
Had forgotten about beef and liver in Bridgets’ diet. Thanks. Work calls…Grrr! Enjoy the warm weather and beautiful surroundings for those of us who are not there Yet!
Be Well,
JazzLover
🙂
Just fantastic photos. I too love the 4th one down. Glad you two are Happy Campers in you super spot. Have a super day everyone.
Thanks, Krystina. All ready for the Valentine Dance at the RV park? Surely there’s going to be one! 🙂
Catching the Sea at the right time of year is the key to its beauty, and you really captured it! From the explosion of gulls in the blue sky to the calm floaters at sunset……fabulous. We have several Food 4 Less stores in CA. I used to shop in the Sacramento one years ago and it also had a great variety of produce – and liquor 🙂 And we actually had a grill big enough for those big ol’ slabs of meat! Enjoy your beach.
Hi, Jodee,
That meat was so thick you’d need help getting it into your car, like bags of cement at Home Depot. Gollee…
I’ve picked up the rhythm of the sea birds. In the morning they are hunkered down, soaking up the sun, and although there are hundreds of them, many shoulder to shoulder, all is quiet. In an hour or so from now the aerial play will begin!
Beautiful pics.
Thanks, Wendy. Easy to do when the subject is beautiful.
The funny bananas you saw in the market might have been plantains. If you happen to be in an authentic Mexican restaurant and like bananas, try ordering ‘plátanos con crema’. They are fried plantain with a bit of sweet cream over the top. They are very sweet and make a nice dessert.
Oh, I wrote “those funny bananas” because it adds to the impression of me being a know-nothing in a strange environment. It’s a writing style/voice thing. I’ve been waiting for someone to mention plantains. 🙂
That dessert sounds good although I really don’t need to add anything fried or sweet to my list of cravings!
Beautiful post! Thank you for making Salton Sea pleasant for me again! We used to go to Salton Sea in the early 1960’s with our family to fish and swim and camp…even during the summer!!. We always had fun even with the aroma and “mud-stuff”. We now have desert property in Ocotillo Wells where we retreat from the zoom-zoom of our San Diego area home. Our last visit a couple of years ago to Salton Sea was not the pleasant time we remembered as kids. The aroma and “mud-stuff” offended our city noses. Your post has challenged us to GET OVER IT city idjit and enjoy the true nature of the lake and life. We are going to our desert hideout this weekend and will swing by the lake to enjoy the beauty you have captured and shared. Thank you again for your inspiring travels, tales and photos. Travel and write on, please!!
You’re welcome, Ida,
From what I gather, the Salton Sea goes through periodic die-offs and this creates the bad odor. Maybe also the agricultural activities. As I type this, odor is not an issue, not even for a “city idjit.” 🙂
Anyone reading this now or in the future …. I’m not saying it’s always pleasant here. I really don’t know. All I know is now.
Nice hearing from you, Ida!
I love the pictures!!! I could sit there all day and watch birds on the water…if it was cool enough. Looks like a lovely camp. I don’t eat much Mexican food. Don’t understand why people enjoy burning their mouths. My family says it make it taste good. HOT is not taste it is a feeling and sometimes it is torture. 🙂 HOWEVER, I could have made camp next to the Mangos and Papayas!
Hi, Pauline,
I think it’s a matter of acquiring a taste for it… Start out “mild” and work your way up the heat scale. 🙂
I know you prefer the water camps. I did watch the birds most of yesterday morning. It was fun picking out a pelican in flight and following him with my eyes to see how long he would float on air currents without flapping his wings. Amazing! And very relaxing, too. Pelicans may look silly and strange on the ground but they are very graceful in the air.
Love you!
Good Morning Sue, in reference to the White Pelicans, such a beautiful bird. They flock together making such a wonderful flight pattern in the sky…I noticed in one of you pictures a bump on the beak, looks like it is getting to be breeding season as male and female get these during breeding season…beautiful.
I did not know about the bump on the beak. Interesting! You’re right about pelicans in the sky. I remember seeing a flock of pelicans in flight when camped at the Madison River in Montana. I took photos of them. I don’t need photos though to remember such a beautiful sight.
Hi Sue, I have a few questions…so I know you won’t mind. Is it $20 a night to stay there?…how cold does it get at night?….any problems getting stuck in the sand? We always get up way before dawn to get there early in the morning, but just ONCE, I would like to take our trailer and be there to see that beautiful sunset, we always leave around noon to go home, I would love to see the sunset and also see the beautiful sunrise…at least before it starts getting too hot.. Does the wind come up at night which would drive us inside and/or bugs? Last year we had little nats all over the place when we would get out of the car, they followed us back into the car, but that was during the summer…We usually rush in, drive like mad women to all the birding sites and then drive the heck out of there…maybe its time to smell the roses, and slow the heck down, like you.
Hi, Shirlene,
It’s $10 a night (I wrote $20 for two nights). As for the weather, wunderground.com says Saturday’s high will be 88 degrees with an overnight low of 59 degrees. I sleep with the windows open with a light blanket.
I don’t hang around outside for long after dark. Within the hour after dark, no gnats… one mosquito so far. Breezes yes, but not wind that drives you inside. Breezes are good because they keep the air fresh and the bugs away.
Of course, I’ve only been here a few days and I can’t predict the future. You won’t get stuck in the sand unless you drive where you shouldn’t. The campsites are hardpack surface.
Beautiful sunrises and sunsets are created when there are clouds… Clear skies, not so much, just so you don’t have unrealistic expectations.
Salt Creek Primitive Area is where you’ll find the most birds.
READERS: I’ve decided to stay the weekend. Let me say this for anyone planning to come here this weekend… I am sticking to my “no visitors, no photos, no exceptions” rule. I love y’all but that’s the way it has to be. Thank you for understanding how important privacy is to me.
No problem Sue, hear you loud and clear..I don’t know if I can get it together fast enough to camp this weekend, but in the event I do…I love and respect you. I will probably have my eyes in my birding scope most of the time…Enjoy your weekend.
I know you are sensitive to my situation, Shirlene. I never know who might be reading who is new here and not aware of my feelings about visitors.
I hope you do get a chance to come here. Thank you for your sweet message. 🙂
Working on it, we have a pop-up so we don’t have to worry about the high winds in the mountains and passes that have been blowing here, at least until we set up camp…glad about no blowing sand.
Hi Sue,
Hope I haven’t mentioned this before, but…..if you enjoy watching the birds, you should get a little pair of binoculars and a bird book to be able to see and identify all the birds. I have a little pair of Nikon Travelite 9X35 that are excellent. “Real” birders will scoff at these binoculars, but I find them to be perfect. They are small, lightweight, adjustable width-wise, and adjustable for glasses or without. You can also adjust to your own vision. And you can find them for less than $100.
I also recommend the Peterson bird books. They are drawings, but they show the bird in great detail and point out details to help distinguish the birds. There is also a brief description and a map that shows the normal territory of each bird.
This is a very inexpensive, educational, and really fun way to pass time. Especially when you are in an area with lots of birds like you are now. They are fascinating to watch. We are in Florida right now and have a resident Sandhill Crane. So cool!
We visited Cape Canaveral and saw Roseate Spoonbills, among many others.
We are coming up with a loose plan for coming west. We are hoping to go to New Mexico and work our way to Colorado for a couple of summer months. Looking forward to what unfolds.
Love the colors in your photos! Looks like you are at another wonderful camp!
Hi Lolalo, wonderful the birds you saw..were you at Black’s Point? They have woodstorks and Spoonbills there, along with soooo many other, including Bald Eagles…Florida, fun place to bird…and if you are lucky at the preserve you can see a Painted Bunting. Have a great time there!
Yes, we were at Black Point Wildlife Drive. It is great! Love birding in FL!
Thank you for the suggestions, Lolalo. I have a monocular that I enjoy. I also use the 60X zoom on my camera to see things of interest in the distance. I take a photo and then can examine the bird, animal, whatever, at my leisure.
I’ve used Petersen bird books for about 40 years. They have been my favorites, although the Audubon guide to birds of the west holds a close second. One thing I can’t resist in thrift shops is a nature book. I have several “habitat” type books that explain the relationship between living things, weather, geography, and so forth.
As a former, longtime Florida resident I’ve seen the Spoonbills. Quite a sight! I’m glad you found them.
You’re right. Learning about the creatures one discovers while traveling or not is one of the best hobbies there is… Easy, go at your own pace, inexpensive, and available to everyone!
Thanks for “talking up” the hobby! You may have persuaded someone to start looking and identifying birds!
Have a great trip west… Keep to the high places in summer. 🙂
Ditto on everyone’s comments on the pictures. I’m really glad that you found a nice place to re-camp. At first it sounded like you’d be moving on quickly. I enjoyed your supermarket story today. Love all kinds of foods and cooking, so I would have loved to have seen that market.
As you mentioned, it’s bitter, bitter cold here in Upstate NY. But…… tomorrow we haul the Casita out of here and head to Florida for about a month. YEAH! Cell service and WiFi will be very sketchy, so I may have some catching up to do with your blog.
Take care everyone – especially you, Sue and Bridge – onward we go!
Have a fantastic time, Applegirl!
Have a safe trip Applegirl, enjoy the warmth..how much fun.
Bitter bitter doesn’t do it justice! This is by far the coldest…minus 3 all damn day! Had to get out the blow dryer to unfrost the window on the cat house! They like it when the sun shines thru and warms it up!
Have a great time! Drive safe and enjoy!
With these temps is the Casita winterized? If so… it will probably thaw by the time you get to Florida!
Hang in there CinandJules,
Our forecast is in just a few short weeks there may even be liquid water outside. Can you imagine? Liquid water! it’s supposed to be just flowin’ around in lakes and rivers and stuff. What will they think of next. 🙂
Applegirl, keep a keen eye on the weather more white stuff coming tomorrow late am. Stay safe, have a good trip.
JazzLover
Apple girl, sorry my reply ended up down below.
JazzLover
Thanks to everyone on your well wishes. We will keep an eye on the sky. Off we go!
Hi Sue,
I know you have been looking to ad another crew member. If you have been on the net or seen any news, you may have seen where San Bernadino County rescued 191 dogs of various breeds this past week. They will be up for adoption soon, if you want to check it out. You don’t seem to be to far away.
http://abc7.com/pets/191-dogs-rescued-from-san-bernardino-county-hoarder-up-for-adoption/514010
Wow, saw that on our local news, had no ideal it made it to Nashville.
Thank you, Barbara, for the link. I’ll look up Devore Animal Shelter. I’ve seen their website but will need to check their location. Those dogs may start appearing in the shelters of rescue orgs in the near future.
Devore is on the other side of San Bernadino…. too far to drive from this camp. I may end up that way soon though.
The rescue organizations will jump on this in a flash, which I hope is to my advantage. 🙂 Thanks again.
Food4Less is my go-to market when I can find one. I even have one of their reusable bags.
Hi, Al…
You know, then, why I was impressed! It’s like a Wal-Mart without the stuff we hate about Wal-Mart. 🙂
Hi Sue –
I just saw a post on Facebook done by Cora with New Rattitude. She has a 19 lb. younger female she’s looking to home. She’s located in Southern California. Just thought I’d give it a mention. Jilly is a cute girl!
Hi, Dyann,
New Rattitude is not doable for me. I have to move every 14 days when camped in places several hours drive from the population centers in southern California. To camp closer it costs $25 a night and up.
See New Rattitude’s adoption process page. It could take weeks to complete…. interviews, forms, contacting the foster home, waiting for them to check references, arranging a home check for safety at the foster person’s convenience, etc. … and it’s unlikely I would “pass” their requirements.
Thank you, Dyann. I know you wrote out of a sincere desire to help me find the next crew member.
Another put-it-in-a-bag-of-rice phenomenon comment as you politely described them.
I guess you will have to get another dog to make them stop. I shudder to contemplate what would happen if you were to decide that you would NOT get another dog.
🙂
🙂
Look how long it took to get the “no drop ins”
Suddenly a shaft of light reached through trees near me as I watched something I’d never seen here before.Moving until I could see clearly through the brightness, I watched as it flashed each of it’s colors on thick frost that now covered an entire window’s glass .It would take hundreds of prisms,crystals and diamonds to create the effect I saw for a few minutes before it was gone.According to the news we’re breaking records here ,of course they mean temperature,snowfall and such.I measure and count different things.
When inside-the order in which each of the troupe awakens,sings,plays or goes to sleep around me.When outside -more seasonal things-types,visits,views and personalities of… Water and woodland wildlife,lake,air,wind and sky conditions people trek across the earth to glimpse just once and are thrilled to see.Still on a regular basis since I’ve been here I’ve been asked “Can’t you leave,get away?It must be awful!Are you OK?”. Truthfully, all’s well,I can “endure” having and being in all this. 🙂
So I’ll spare you being asked how you’re faring in finding solutions to whatever issues life brings Sue.I am ,though, curious about stuff that outweighs that .Have your recent days given you something that made you catch your breath …or taken your soul to where it longs to be?Are some of the things you expect to experience as the time and changes coming exciting you?love and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and Bridget.
Good morning, Weather,
A beautiful light show…what a wonderful way to start your day! Thank you for sharing! Happy Valentine’s Day! 🙂
Good morning, weather,
On this day when diamonds are a popular gift to express love, you received your diamonds in the frost, all the more valuable than the diamonds cut into perfect angles by a machine, because they are fashioned by the ethereal tools of light, cold, and crystal and given with a love beyond measure.
The light of the sun rising behind me travels through the windows of the BLT, across the beach and water to tint the mountains in pink. What has caused me to catch my breath? Those things I photograph and share here… sunrise, sunset, birds at rest, birds exploding into flight, a canine pal wandering on the beach…
Happy Valentine’s Day, weather!
Love putting pink mountains as the hearts on the card sent to you this morning,how perfectly beautiful.And,wow,so is your first paragraph,thank you.
🙂
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!! 🙂
And to you and everyone else!! Today’s best gift? A relatively quiet morning!! YEA!! Hubby still asleep at past 10 AM…usually never happens in this place!!
Happy Valentine’s Day Sue and Bridgeeeee baby!
Happy Valentine’s Day to my fellow Blogorinos!
Thank you, Cinandjules… Same to you and everyone!
If you see someone on the beach with a camera..I told her the rules…No worries.
Ps….we are off birding until this afternoon..Can’t figure out our site number though…enjoy this lovely day.
Site numbers don’t exist and don’t matter. It’s a beautiful day. I’m glad you’re here to enjoy seeing all the birds!
Sue, I don’t have time to read all comments from your faithful blogorinos so if someone already mention this please dismiss my whole post. If you’re are still camping at Salton Sea at one of the state park primitive campground there is $2.00 discount for seniors. Regular price is $10.00. Hope you’re having a great weather. Happy Valentines to you and Bridget.
Yes, I see the discount sign at Corvina Beach. I didn’t see it at Salt Creek Beach.. Doesn’t mean it’s not there!
Hi..fun day…we will be back about 3 if you feel the need to stretch your legs just past the showers. ..