Monday, August 15
Early this morning the crew and I leave camp at Beaver Creek on a mission. We’re going to drive through two national forest campgrounds located nearby on Route 160 south of South Fork, Colorado, to see if we want to move to one of them.
I have my Verizon jetpack with me in order to check what kind of internet signal is available.
Our first stop is Highway Springs Campground.
Right away I know this isn’t for us. There are a few primo sites, one with a lovely view of South Fork of the Rio Grande. The best sites are occupied. The campground is nearly full and today it looks like “shantytown” to me.
Of course, at another time, this campground might have a different atmosphere and I’d be happy to camp here. Timing is everything. Camping fee is $7 a night with senior discount ($14 regular).
Right now, on this particular day, Highway Springs doesn’t impress me. I don’t bother to take photos or check if there’s internet signal.
Next stop is Park Creek Campground, a few miles further south.
“This is more like it!” I exclaim to the crew. “Pretty campsites right by the creek!”
I jump out of the PTV, grab the crew, and together we scope out this campsite.
“I like this! There’s even a little beach. It’s kind of dark now, but in an hour or so there will be plenty of sunshine .”
I turn on the jetpack and pick up a signal. Great! With the antenna it will be stronger.
Hmm . . . It‘s Monday morning, a popular day for RVers to move camp. I don’t want to bring the BLT over here and find that someone has grabbed this campsite.
At the pay station I write a check for $9, the fee with senior discount (regular fee is $18). I deposit the pay envelope in the iron ranger, drive back to the site, and put the pay stub on the campsite post.
I throw a tablecloth on the picnic table and set out my cheap camping chair before leaving.
There! We’ve staked our claim!
We return to Beaver Creek where I hitch up the Best Little Trailer.
We zip over to Park Creek Campground — It’s only a few miles — and I set up camp.
The next photo shows our home from across the campground lane. I think this is the first time I’ve positioned the Perfect Tow Vehicle like this, in relation to the Best Little Trailer.
I do this in order for the solar panel to catch the early rays of the sun as they reach through the evergreens and hit that spot. Having Starlight Solar in Yuma make an extension cord a few years ago to connect the PTV and BLT was a good decision. I use it a lot!
I put out the blue mats.
They look kind of funny, like a grand promenade from our front door!
There’s a reason for this mat madness.
The pines here — I don’t know, maybe they’re spruce or fir, whatever — have short needles about an inch long. I know from experience that these little needles easily find their way inside our home. Another reason for Big Outdoor Room is Bridget tends to pick up pine sap when she lies down in areas such as this and that stuff is the devil to remove.
Well, okay . . . That’s not the ENTIRE reason.
To be totally honest here — It was fun setting it up like this, kind of like playing house. I never had a Barbie dream house and one tends to compensate for deprivation experienced during childhood.
Here’s Her Royal Highness holding court . . . .
Okay, so I’m distracted while playing house with the mats.
Reggie is on 50 feet of tether which enables him to go out into the campground lane. (Don’t be alarmed. Speed limit is 5 mph and a vehicle hardly ever comes down to this end of the campground.)
Well, all of a sudden there’s a commotion on the other side of the BLT. I hear Reggie barking and a woman laughing.
I run around to see what is going on.
Here’s a woman standing in the lane with her feet together and with Reggie’s tether wound snugly around her ankles three times!
“I can’t move!” she exclaims, laughing. “He’s tied me up!”
Reggie is at the end of his tether next to her feet, excitedly hopping up and down, eager for attention from the new friend he’s captured.
Bridget comes out to join in the fun.
I share a good laugh with the woman as I pick up Reg and carry him around her three times, unwinding the tether.
I find out she and her husband are from Kerrville, Texas. They’ve been coming to this area for forty summers in order to escape the Texas heat. I ask about Kerrville and she explains it’s in the hill country in the general area of San Antonio. They have a manufactured home in a retirement park next to the Guadalupe River.
We enjoy a nice chat with the crew wandering around nearby.
“It’s like Paradise here,” I remark about the campground. “I love it.”
“It is like Paradise!” she agrees. “There’s road noise, but you get used to it because there’s so much that’s nice about this place.”
Tuesday, August 16
Here’s he comes, zoomin’ ’round the bend . . . .
We’re in a weather pattern — cold at dawn, followed by a sunny morning, then a rainy afternoon and a cool late afternoon. This pattern is broken by . . . .
Hail! Lots of hail! For a long time!
The longest hailstorm I’ve ever experienced!
From the open doorway of the BLT I zoom in on the creek and take the photo below.
When it’s over I notice the PTV and BLT are gleaming.
Clean after all these months of rolling around dirty! Even the bugs are gone from the hood! There’s something to be said for procrastinating . . . .
South Fork is only about five miles up Route 160.
We go into town for groceries. While at Rainbow Grocery I notice they have an RV supplies section. I buy a solar shower. You know, one of those bags you fill with water and let the sun warm up the water and it has a tube coming out with a nozzle on the end.
I’m in a habit of using basins for sponge baths.
This works okay. However, this method is hard on the back and neck when washing my hair because I have to stick my head in the basin. I’m hoping the solar shower will make wetting my hair and rinsing it easier.
I want replacement shelves for my refrigerator door but they don’t have any. I’ve managed to smash all three of them while hauling the BLT over rough roads.
Wednesday, August 17
I’m not sure what we did on what day. Maybe it hailed on Wednesday, not Tuesday, and what happened on Thursday shows here on Wednesday. I guess I should take notes, but that sounds too much like school.
For a little change, after the daily rain, the crew and I go to Coller State Wildlife Area for a late afternoon walk.
Here’s the Rio Grande as seen from the bridge. The river is well-named, dontcha’ think?
Bridget and Reggie have a great time poking their noses here and there, walking in the mud.
A man goes by with a fishing rod and tackle box. Otherwise, no one is around. There’s so much water in Colorado, I imagine it’s rare to be crowded while fishing in your favorite spot.
rvsue
THANKS FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Follow any of the links or ads you see on my blog and your Amazon purchases will send a commission to “RVSue and her canine crew.”
“The sun feels good, doesn’t it, Reg.”
CLICK LINK TO SHOP AMAZON NOW!
1st ?
IT’S A THREE-WAY TIE FOR FIRST! CONGRATULATIONS, JEFF!
1st?
CONGRATULATIONS, DANIEL! YOU’RE A WINNER!
OK I am going to read later and shoot for top 5!
HOORAY FOR BARB FROM HOQUIAM! ANOTHER FIRST PLACE WINNER!
Hey Barb …. you’re a winner!!! I know you’re a faithful follower of the blog, congratulations!
RV Sue …. have you ever used butter to get the sap out of Bridget’s hair? When I get pitch on my hands I take a little dip of butter & rub it on my hands like soap … works the best for getting rid of sap or pitch!!!
No, I’ve never used butter for that. What is ROVT? Rolling over Vermont?
I googled and I’m betting Rollin’ Oldies Vintage Trailers.
Although it might be the 2nd google hit. Alex Rovt “The fertilizer baron of Manhattan. 🙂
“fertilizer baron?”… don’t see those two words together often.
Especially followed by Manhattan. I didn’t take the time to read the story but I bet there is one.
Badger Rick is correct …. it’s Rollin’ Oldies Vintage Trailers … a “club” of us who have … surprise … vintage travel trailers. We get together & rally several times a year where we can socialize & drool over each other’s awesome vintage trailers.
In fact last weekend there were about 50 of us in Astoria/Warrenton. We had a good time & Saturday night we grooved to a live band – yes, after a glass of wine or two I even got my husband out on the dance floor!
It’s a great group – my hubs & I tend to be a little introverted, so we get out & meet others this way – we even host a rally every year in October.
BTW … our trailer is a 1967 Streamline Prince (19 ft.) which looks a lot like an Airstream.
What a lovely creek. Looks like fun. 🙂
JENNY COMES IN AT SECOND! WOW!
The photos don’t show the sandy beach. Bridget likes to lie down on the sand… in the shade when she wants a cool belly and in the sun when she wants to warm it up. 🙂
I did good! I can see why Bridget would enjoy the beach. I think I would, too. 🙂
I’m here
AND RUSTY AND PIPER ARE IN THIRD PLACE TODAY! YAY!
Beautiful post and pictures of the area, especially the Reggie Man who tied up the lady and the Bridge setting on your carpets, they’re so cute,,,,, have a great week and stay safe and give them babies of yours a huge hug from us okay,,,,, Rusty n Piper
Thanks, Rusty. You and Piper have a great, safe week, too!
Just call that Reggie-Man Snidely Whip-lash! And Sue is Dudley Do-Right! 🙂
Sure is perty there! Glad the hail didn’t do any damage!
Been busy here trying to garden. Blah. My get-up-n-go done got-up-n-went…
Hugs from Hoquiam
Barb
Yeah, tending to a garden in August can be tough. The enthusiasm of spring tends to fade away among the bug battles and zucchini that grows a foot longer overnight. Ha!
Take it easy, Barb. Time for an iced tea in the shade. 🙂
WooHoo!! I get the blog through the RSS feed so I have never been anywhere close to being first. Beautiful river scenery too.
It’s quite a thrill! No wonder you’re cheering… 🙂
Nice spot to camp! We use those solar showers all the time when boondocking. I even use them for hot water for dishes
Hi, Sandra . . . .I was thinking about using it for dishes, too. It holds 5 gallons of water which will make it over 40 lbs. when full. I need to find a place to hang it where it will be in the sun. It’s quite shady here.
Just because it can hold 5 gallons doesn’t mean you need to fill it. You might wind up dumping good water when you pack to move if you do that.
Right!
Maybe you can lay the bag on a chair or the picnic table, or any item that’s in the sun, as opposed to hanging it while it heats. When ready to take a shower, maybe you can move it to an overhead spot.
Someone mentioned (can’t find the comment right now) to put the solar bag on the roof of the van over the door and use the door with towels as a privacy shield.
Great suggestion! I have a potty tent but have only set it up twice. I don’t recall if it’s the type that will hold a solar bag or not. Some use a hand, chemical sprayer, a never-used one of course.
That is a great looking site. Enjoy your stay
Thanks, Val R. It is a lovely campsite. I wish we would have a day warm enough for me to sit in that pool of water. It needs to be in the 80s or more for me to get in there.
Hi?
Hi, Ronda! 🙂
This looks like a wonderful campground! Have fun, Sue and crew.
Thanks, Sharon. We will do our best!
“…fun setting up like this, kinda like playing house…” – I’m grinning at those sentences. I finally got my vintage “just right”, and tonight is my first night in it. How fun to find this post and share that and a bit of this evening here with you 🙂
Oh, I’m tickled by your news, weather! A night to remember always… your first night in your trailer. Isn’t it fun? I hope you have clear sky to view the stars and, hey, is it still full moon? That’s icing on the cake!
Enjoy your coffee in the morning at your “first” camp!
Yep, it’s a clear star and moonlit night , the sunset on the lake a while ago was gorgeous and my kitty is just relaxing after her adventure riding in the car…it IS fun, and a wonderful first night 🙂 ! My coffee is all set up for first light in the morning .
I’m so happy for you!
thanks ever so much, n’ nite
What a Wonderful campsite! Love the pictures! Puppies look Happy!
Would love to someday be able to camp there!
Have a Wonderful Stay!
Thanks, Gail. I’d like for you to camp in Colorado. Such a beautiful state… although Arizona is beautiful, too. 🙂
Another winner! What a great campsite. I’m dying to learn how the solar shower worked for you. In my fantasy world of RVing, I see myself taking leisurely showers with a solar shower. Maybe a couple of them hung together for a REALLY leisurely shower. Enquiring minds want to know….how well does it work?
Hi, Suzette,
I haven’t tried the solar shower yet. It’s been cold and rainy and this campsite is shady. I suppose I’ll be purchasing one of those shower tents for privacy in a campground. Good thing I have the PTV to store all my stuff!
Actually it would be nice when we slow down our travels in winter to have a shower room next to the BLT.
I promise to give a report on the solar shower when I get around to trying it.
Maybe blogorinos will share their experiences with a solar shower? (hint, hint)
Those privacy tents are mostly intended to house port-a-pots. Sometimes they aren’t strong enough to hold up a solar shower. Check carefully before you buy.
Good advice, Linda… I did see on Amazon that there are tents specifically made for showering, complete with changing room!
Sue I was using our porta potty tent at the Sou Wester in Sea View WA, at one of the first vintage trailer rallies we went to… it is pretty crowded, but I am up early. 🙂
Well, being just off the beach, even staked down, the tent blew over in a swift breeze… Thankfully it was EARLY (and no one was around) and my pants were up by then! Yeah, weigh that puppy DOWN! LOL
Hugs!
Oh, Barb… I guess the lesson of that story is “Never poo at the beach in the wind!” Ha…
great campsite, sue…if I was there Iwould have to get my pan out
and pan for some gold………that looks like a good gold stream….
chuck
It does? What a kick that would be, to find some gold!
Hi Sue, I wanted to tell you that we live under the pines also and have to English Bulldogs. The vet told us to use rubbing alcohol for pine sap. A bit on a paper towel and a few swipes and it’s gone. No harm to the bullies. You didn’t have a Barbie because you were 12 when they came out as was I. I didn’t play with dolls at that age so maybe you didn’t either, lol. Love reading the blog. Keep up the good work.
You’re pretty sharp, Marieta. You’re right. I was past Barbie age when they came onto the market. Even so I was jealous that my younger sister had them, including the Barbie car and the Barbie dream house!
Thanks for the tip on removing pine sap…
WD-40 works on the pine sap too. But, I’m not sure if it’s okay for the dogs. Doesn’t seem to hurt me when I get a little on my skin. Just another idea.
It looks like a good time was had by all! Pretty area. I wonder what kind of fish are in the pretty river-probably pretty fish:) I find fishing relaxing and am going to get a new fishing pole for my rv. Still looking..went from looking for a B+ or C to vehicle and trailer. Better fit I think and I won’t miss so much. After all I have a good teacher(get it?) Have a great day!
Trout is what folks fish for in these streams. Oh, BTW, if you want to sound like you know what you’re doing around people who fish, call it a rod, not a pole. Unless you’re going to fish with a cane pole down in the bayou … Ha! I can joke because I was sternly corrected once for calling it a pole…
Yep! That’s what they say at both the North and South rods… 🙂
Howdy do! RVSue!!
I do great, Lauri C!
Hi Sue, What a great story and a beautiful spot to write from. It’s a good thing that Reggie’s “catch” had a great sense of humor!
You’re right about that, Renee. I think her laughter encouraged Reg to keep circling her. It was a funny sight!
Beautiful camping area.
Yes, it is. That’s why I made sure to claim it for us before leaving to get the BLT.
I know you don’t usually include photographs of strangers in your posts, but I would have loved to see Reggie lassoing that lady’s ankles … and then I laughed out loud at the mental image of you walking in circles around her to un-lassoing her!!!
I have to share a funny family story about a sun shower. Before we got our RV, we used to tent camp with our son and his wife. We were camping up at Rock Creek in the Eastern Sierras once, and hung the sun shower from a nearby sturdy tree limb. After a long, hot day of hiking, my son went to take a shower and hung a big beach towel between the sun shower and our camp, thinking he had complete privacy as there was nothing on the other side of him but endless forest. He stripped down to nothing and soaped up with biodegradable soap. A minute later we all heard the whinnies and nickers of horses and turned to see a group of about 12 trail riders riding right past our camp, with my naked son (about 32 years old at the time) in full view. Some of the riders laughed so hard they nearly fell off their horses. So, the moral of the story is that you might want wear a little something when you go out to wash your hair 🙂
That must have been hilarious, Cynthia! I bet the story is told over and over, both by you and the people taking a trail ride.
That reminds me of something similar. The BLT is very small, as you know, and its bathroom is tiny. I’m in the habit of leaving the bathroom door open when I use the facility because, well, I’m the only person here. The other day I was sitting on the john with the bathroom door open. I also had the door to the BLT open so Bridget could see me and not throw a fit about being outside without me.
You can guess what happened…. I look beyond Bridget to the creek and there’s a man in waders fly-fishing! Boy, did I pull that bathroom door shut in a hurry! I’m so glad he was concentrating on his fishing and not looking around!
40 1st?? ? What a surprise. Need to go back and read post now.
Desert Ginger, I would like some info on how you handle your oxygen use when you travel in a plane. Any info would be appreciated. ☺
Love this post & pics. We had a sun shower in my prior life 25+ years ago for our sailboat. Filled it up, laid on deck of boat in sun, and wonderful warm fresh water shower at the end of the day. Wowee.
Haha. I had to change my math problem. Multiplication not my cup of tea.
Ha! I thought I set it up so you’d only face addition and subtraction problems. Sorry about that!
It was. A random X shows up in the box after we enter the missing number for some reason which adds to the confusion.
As I just went to area, it is now showing multiplication.
[ ] x one = 1
I am still laughing thinking of Reg wrapped around that nice ladies legs three times. So glad she is obviously a dog lover! We have had multiple hail storms this summer, way more than we normally have. Sure glad it was enough to clean off the PTV and BLT but didn’t dent everything like a hail storm we had years ago did. Not only were thousands of vehicles covered with huge dents and smashed windshields, but homes with plastic siding looked like someone with a gun shot them full of huge holes every few inches. I hadn’t thought about that bad hail storm in years until I saw your picture of the creek. Really glad your vehicles are safe!
Thanks, Kat. Are you talking about Colorado?
Nope, New York State is where we have been having so many hail storms this year. But none terrible like that one years ago.
I love your posts and hearing all about Reggie and Bridget. My dog Cookie is jealous I think, he loves to go camping but only went once this year.
Thanks for the reply, Kat. In the future, maybe you would put (NY) after your name to help us remember.
Cookie… what a cute name for a dog!
Colorado has had some wild hailstorms. I remember at least two that had golf ball or larger sized hailstones. When we were kids, my brother got his fingers smashed as he was holding a cover over his head to go grab a few. We kept them in the freeze for awhile. Another time, while out on a service call, I had to wait inside with the customer. We watched out his window as my service truck got it’s windshield bashed in many places and the side mirrors were shattered. The metal body looked like it had ‘the pox’. The roads were dangerous to drive on so it was an all-around ‘adventure’ to finish the day’s calls and make it back to the service center. But as Colorado does, the storm passed shortly and the sun melted the ‘evidence’. Interestingly, after a few days in the hot sun, the dents in the vehicles could barely be seen.
Gee, you kept your brother’s fingers in the freezer for a while. Kind of ghoulish, I’d say. Haha!
Sorry. I couldn’t resist that.
Interesting account of monster hail and the disappearing dents. I hope never to run into hail like that. This hail was pea-sized or smaller, depending upon what kind of peas you’re imagining. 🙂
Solar showers rock! We have ours still from eons ago, they last a long time. The best place to put it was on hood of our truck resting on a piece of black plastic. Boy that heated up the hood and it made hot water fast. I used it for washing up my kid in a big galvanized tub, he loved it, bathing outdoors! I soon bought a second, ten gallons of pure luxury.
I used a privacy tent for my ablutions. That way I didn’t scare away the critters, lol.
Hi, Lee J.,
Kids get enjoyment out of the simplest things — a bath outdoors — WOW! 🙂
I like the hood of the truck/van for heating the solar shower water — The box it came in suggested the picnic table, but the metal hood seems better.
If you set up the solar shower as quick as you can immediately after driving you can make use of the excess heat from the engine. (have it in the van; filled and ready to go) Or, while driving, if there is a ‘hot spot’ in the van on the floor over the exhaust system or under a heater vent when in use.
They are heavy to lift when fully filled. (hoisting a sloshing 40# bag overhead could be a good workout) Perhaps you could put it on the roof of the van (BLT may be too high for operation ?) and then fill it with your water jugs using your ladder. Or use an ‘S’ hook (mine came with one) and hang it from the small gutter track on the van or the rack that holds the solar panel.
Bob @ cheaper rv has a section that shows how he uses the back of his van as an enclosure.
The simple pop-up outdoor shower/loo that I got through (your) Amazon will do the job in a pinch. I would and have made ‘adjustments’ to it. I can go into more detail if anyone would like. It will NOT hold up a solar shower. If that enclosure with the change area proves to be strong enough to hold the solar shower, I will probably order one. I need to re-read the reviews/comments about it. It seem to be roomy enough to move around in while inside. It could be anchored to the BLT or PTV with clamps or a rope from the roof. I’ve been trying to design some mounted arms that swing out/fold up to a side of a rig. Do you still have that in-ground ‘shepherd-hook’ for your hummer feeder? That can hold the solar shower ok if you get it deep and tight in the ground. Or affix a permanent cord/rope that hangs down from the roof rack and within reach that has a loop on the end. Or just toss a rope over the van, (or BLT?) side to side, and anchor to the door handle on the opposite side. (will the crew lend you their lead with the clip on the end?)
For an enclosure, you can get creative with a hula-hoop, a shower curtain and hooks and a way to hang the contraption. I also recommend soap in a sock on a rope, soap/shampoo in a squeeze bottle (like a dish soap bottle) on a rope and a way (hooks) to keep them easily reachable and off the ground. And a sturdy pair of ‘shower shoes’/flip flops.
Oh, the possibilities! Thinking up stuff is how I ‘play house’. I use to build forts. Did you? I never had Barbies. My folks didn’t allow them. Don’t know why, maybe they thought they were money pits. But I had troll dolls!
That was fun! Thanks for stirring up the brain juice, Sue.
Interesting input to the discussion, MV gal. Oh, did I build forts! I made fantastic forts in the woods. I used sticks for the frame and pine needles/dirt off the forest floor for “mortar.” Moss was transplanted for the carpet. After a winter, the fort would be solid and strong! What fun!
🙂
“I want replacement shelves for my refrigerator door but they don’t have any. I’ve managed to smash all three of them while hauling the BLT over rough roads.”
I would think that the Casita Factory should be only to happy to replace those shelves for you Sue, just as a way to say thanks for all the free advertising you do for them!
I love your new campsite! HAIL! YIKES! When I was solo camping back in the early 1980’s. I had a solar shower like you described! I loved it. I was always boondocking out in the middle of nowhere, but I was a bit shy about being naked in front of all the deer, raccoons and such! I rigged up something that worked out really well. Consider a hula hoop, a shower curtain and a rope to tie it all together from a tree limb! Grin! I would put the shower bag on the hood of my GMC pickup and in 10 minutes it was HOT! I had a “S” hook that hung from the rope where I hung the shower bag. It all worked really well!
Enjoy your beach! LOL! Belly rubs yo the crew and hugs to you!
Creative solution for privacy, Geri!
As for the shelves for the fridge, I could probably find them at Amazon or maybe the Casita factory would let me know where to order them. That’s not the issue. It’s the mailing problem that prohibits me from ordering. I have to be near a UPS Customer Center and plan to be in that location long enough to receive the order.
privacy shower tent.. you pretty much already have one…just roll out the awning and hang up a tarp for the three sides of the shower room. The Casita is the fourth side. Spring clamps to suspend the tarp.
Hi, KC…. I don’t care much for tarps. Appearances are important to me and a tarp gives that shantytown look. Don’t mean to be offensive, it’s just my preference. To each his own… On the other hand I have seen rooms that attach to one’s trailer. Another consideration is sunlight. I do like the sun to hit the door side of the BLT in the morning… See how fussy I am? 🙂
Hey RVSue and Crew! Just checking in! I love the camping spot by the stream! Shady with sunspots for the crew! It’s been so hot and humid here so it’s refreshing to read about cool mornings! Looking forward to the next campground or boondock!
Hi, Laurie…. It is cool here in the mornings… As for the next camp, I haven’t figured that out yet. We’ve only been here a week.
Good morning Sue and Crew! For what it’s worth…..I think what you have is much better than a Barbie Dream House! LOL! I could sit by that creek and play with the rocks happily alllllll day…..except during the hail storm! WOW! I notice Reggie has his sweater on. I love the days near summer’s end when the mornings and evenings are cool and the sun feels soooo good. I’ll bet that hail storm brought out the pine scent too. Mummmmm…..I can almost smell it from here. Have a wonderful day. Love from VA, MB, Wyndy and Bella. I lost my 16 year old cat, Sissy on Sat. Such a sweet spirit. Never bit or scratched me in 16 years. I miss her but had worried how she would do with a mobile lifestyle. We had started working on leash walking and she had been on short truck rides. She took it all in stride. But, I still worried. Now she is safely with Hazel….and now we are “three”.
Good morning . . . I’m sorry about your Sissy, MB. Apparently you gave her a good life, lasting 16 years. I know you must miss her.
Yes, I’m blessed to live in a REAL dream house. 🙂
Love the new camp.
Saw a tip about using a pump sprayer as a shower. Hot water from a pan with cool water to get it to the right temp and you have a warm shower with some pressure. Looks like it would work.
It could also be used for washing dishes and lots of other things.
Hi, Tom,
Those things do look like they’d work. My primary interest in the solar shower is to provide warm to hot water without using propane, a passive way to heat up water (and for hair washing). I don’t like water that trickles on me, no matter what the temperature, so how this nozzle works will determine whether I use it for a total shower, or just for hair washing and other tasks.
Good to see you here again.
Solar showers are one of those simple things that just work. After it’s warmed up I like to put mine on top of the car, open the door, and hang a towel over the window for privacy. Sometimes I open 2 doors if more privacy is needed.
Now that I’ve read all the archives, I’m enjoying camping with you through Colorado this summer. Reggie seems to have settled into the routine nicely. Lucky dog.
I like that car door suggestion. It’s a quick, easy, temporary arrangement (no ropes!) that would work well in secluded locations, like when we camp in the desert or off in the sagebrush by ourselves.
I’m proud that you read all my old posts. 🙂 Yeah, Reggie is a full-fledged crew member. He travels well (very quietly, no disturbances, doesn’t bother me while I’m driving, etc.) and always is excited when we stop to investigate a possible camp. He knows the potty-break-on-the-road routine — Does his business, has a drink, and gets back into his co-pilot position.
Your solar shower purchase has brought lots of comments & I’ll add one as well. When I lived on my sailboat in the ’80s, the solar shower was a mainstay. I laid it on the foredeck all day to heat, & showered in the evening by hanging it from the boom in the cockpit. As I anchored out, privacy wasn’t a problem until one day, planning to go ashore while in a public anchorage, I showered in the late afternoon. I thought I’d arranged everything but the boat swung & a little girl yelled to her mother “That lady is naked!” All heads swung my way & I crouched down but then couldn’t reach the shower head to rinse off. A sponge bath with cold water inside the boat was the only solution..Brrr!
Too funny! Leave it to a child to make an announcement for everyone to hear!
I know you have been told this before and already know it … but you have a really nice set up with the van and Casita. Over the years I’ve read your blog there have been very few times where some kind of repair is needed. Both very dependable. I could “hear” the creek as I viewed your photos.
That Reggie story reminded me of my first stop at a Rest Area with two basset hounds and the bloodhound … all on 6′ leashes. Winston and Heidi wrapped their leashes around my legs the same way. I am sure we were the highlight of the large Rest Area on I-64.
I think I remember you admiring my PTV/BLT set up in the past. Thank you, Steve. It has turned out that those decisions were good ones.
As big as your dogs are, they could’ve toppled you over. Must have been a funny sight…
Hi Sue and Crew:
Haven’t dropped you a line in awhile, but I read each one of your adventures every time they are posted! The pictures of your Colorado travels are just beautiful.
Perhaps you have mentioned this previously, although I have read ALL your posts going back to the start . . . but you keep some type of log or record of where you have camped, with perhaps “ratings” so you know to come back in the furture; or to NOT come back!
You stay at so many places you must have a way of referencing back knowing where to go and where you have been. You are building a huge library of camping locations; you could probably write a book.
Perhaps you could mention your method of keeping track in some future posting.
Be safe; pat the crew for me!
Speed Gray
Grand Rapids, MI
Hi, Speed Gray,
Nice to hear from you again. And you have a question! I love questions!
How do I keep track of former camps so I know where to go, etc.? The only record I have is this blog. Honestly, it isn’t difficult for me to remember every single camp, including the road to them.
When one camps in a place and experiences it fully as I do (as opposed to dropping the trailer and taking off for other places, returning after dark, sleeping, then off again), it becomes embedded in memory. Then I write a post about the camp and edit the photos of the camp, which is like a memorization technique, although not intended as one. Also the Benchmark atlas, which I study until it’s frayed, triggers memory, too.
I may not remember where I put down my glasses, but I remember every single camp as if I’m standing in it, looking around.
As for writing a book of camping locations, I never considered doing that because it would quickly be out of date…. Camp fees go up, roads deteriorate and aren’t maintained or repaired, boondocks are ruined, and so forth.
Thank you for the compliment on my photos. Keep in touch, okay?
What a great site! I love the creek and the trees. I’m sure you enjoyed (maybe still enjoying) it! I’ve been camping quite a bit with my tent and my dog…but never more than 4 nights in a row before we come home and dry everything out. She loves it, but she also loves sleeping on the air conditioning vent at home. It’s rained just about every trip. I’m starting to feel like it would be nice to be sleeping slightly above ground!
Gee, I’m sorry your camping has been in rain, Dawn. I don’t know how people tent for long periods of time, especially when there’s a lot of rain. I guess they know ways to keep things dry. I’d have a struggle keeping my spirits up. Yeah, 4 nights would be the limit…
Found yourselves a very pretty spot along the creek! It does look like paradise. You know it’s a good place when you want to play house – at least that’s a very big factor for me. Too funny that Mr Reggie went and rounded up a new friend 🙂
The Reggie Round-Up! Ha!
You find the most beautiful spots to stop, Sue. I’ve read your blog since I found it a few years back and I think I already told you that reading your blog is what inspired me to buy a neighbor’s RV (without telling my husband first – remember that story?) He still tells people about it – after getting over the initial shock he was kind of proud of me for doing it. Or, at least that’s his story and he’s sticking to it! Not much he can do with a 26-foot RV parked in the driveway!
Anyway I wanted to tell you that I really admire your style of RVing, Sue. I do the same thing you’re doing, in terms of following the weather, when I travel in that I spend winter here in Georgia/Florida (but still in a sticks and bricks) and then in summer try to use the RV to get up to Michigan and Wisconsin as much as possible. And I don’t carry a lot of water in the rig since it’s so easily accessible where I am and because I like to cut down on weight on the road. My point is that I don’t hook up to city water except in a campground, which is a rare occurrence, so I rely somewhat on my tank but supplement it with other means.
When I shower I use a 3-gallon Igloo spigoted countertop container; I get it filled at a restaurant kitchen or heat the water on the stove, depending on where I am. I put it on the counter with the spigot over the side of the counter, with a basin below, (I just use one of those plastic ones you get from the hospital) and fill it with hot water. Then I add cold water to get the temp right. I take it into the bathroom, sit on a seat in the shower, and, using a large spouted water bottle, scoop or fill the bottle and use it to take a shower that way. I only use a gallon per shower, it’s nice and hot, and best of all, it’s all done inside my camper. The water stays warm enough for other uses during the day, washing or soaking dishes, and whatever water is left when it cools down for flushing the toilet. I use excess water to flush and save on my water pump.
I’ve done this parked in a WalMart or restaurant parking lot where I then spend the night. I’ve also used this method the entire month or so I spend parked at a friend’s or family member’s house, in their backyard, rather than come inside and use their shower. I learned this out of necessity because when I first bought the camper, the water heater tank had been ruptured (previous owner didn’t drain it for the winter season – duh) and so it was never usable, and it never bothered me. This fall I’m finally going to get around to getting that fixed in anticipation of husband’s retirement and as a result using the RV much more. But up until now it was just me using the RV so I did it my way and have never once felt hampered or restricted.
Of course, right now my RVing is limited to short amounts of time, and this method I mentioned is just when I’m en route, which can be 3-4 days at a time because I like to take my sweet time. I only drive 300 miles per day and then I’m done. It takes me 3-4 days to get from Michigan to Georgia, more if I decide I like an area. I use my Class C as my vehicle to explore the town or area and then find a place like I described to spend the night. I’ve never had any problems or felt unsafe in the past 3 years. I’ve spent the night in an apple orchard, behind a motel, in WalMart, Cracker Barrel parking lots, and truck stops (some of them now have an RV section – you wake up at 6 AM to walk the dog and there are a dozen other RVers doing the same thing.)
Too bad we don’t have a whole lot of boondocking choices (not scenic, legal ones, anyway) East of the Mississippi due to there simply being too much development, so we have the State Parks and private and/or membership campground thing. State Parks are better than the private ones, to me – at this point in my life – simply because there seems to be a little bit less schmaltzy-touristy environment with them.
I can’t recall right offhand but have you made it up to Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, and if not, do you plan to? My mother made a trip from Michigan to Washington state about ten years ago with some of our relatives. She is a Georgia girl to the bone but she came home quite impressed with the trip, I think they took Hwy 2 across the top of Wisconsin through Minnesota, the Dakotas, etc. She was actually quite wistful about it and I believe if she hadn’t been so much a creature of habit might have actually entertained another trip there. So she just took photos and showed me, so that’s been on my bucket list for awhile now.
Well, I am just rambling, Sue, but wanted to tell you how beautiful your photos are, and of course, it goes without saying and I’ve told you this a million times, your pups are just the most precious babies. They love their mama and those are two very lucky, happy dogs! Glad to see Bridget is getting more spry and enjoying her walks. Speaking of Bridget, as we’ve seen she doesn’t care for the camera, and you’ve said she’s sometimes a little hard to read and loves men. My adopted senior lab mix is the same way! She is camera shy, but she is very loving, rests her huge head on my knee when she wants to be loved. She is my shadow and she is very sweet with me during the day, but when my husband comes home from work she is overjoyed to see him. He’s a very gentle, soft-spoken, patient man and she took to him right away. I believe she was a man’s dog (heartbreaking thing about rescues is we don’t know anything about their pasts and they cannot tell us), probably a hunting aide or just a beloved pet, but she loves men, and she loves riding in the truck!
Hi, Nancy,
I enjoyed your comment very much. So often I only get little snippets from readers. They add up over time but it’s hard for me to put them all together for one reader in my head. With your comment I feel like you sat on the couch to talk, rather than standing for a few minutes in passing. Nice!
Your method of washing/bathing is similar to mine, although I heat the water on the stove. I don’t bother using my water heater.
We have camped in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and South Dakota, but not in the northern reaches of those states. I hope to do that within a year or two. I’m happy that your mother had that experience. Yeah, it’s a different RVing situation in the East as opposed to the West. I love having all this public land and BLM and NF campgrounds from which to choose…
Interesting about your “senior lab mix” being similar to Bridget…
Thanks for writing, Nancy…. You enhanced my blog with more entertainment and things to think about for me and my readers. Have a great week!
I so enjoy reading your posts. The least I can do is let you know how much I look forward to a new post and reading all the comments. I’m loving seeing all the recent water photos. As I mentioned before I always check the maps when reading your directions. It looks to me like you are getting temptingly close to Wolf Creek Pass again. I don’t mean to be critical but I could not find “Collier SWA” turns out it’s a typo and it is Coller. What a great place with the Rio Grande running so full.
I’m one step closer to traveling. I bought a used van. Got the hitch on with no problem, but the brake controller was another story. Turns out the first place wired it wrong and I ended up having to get another one installed somewhere else.
I’ve been watching for used Casitas. There have been a few within a days drive, but without an adequately equipped tow vehicle, I didn’t feel it was fair to say “yes I’m interested but I can’t tow it”. I’m ready now. If I don’t find something soon, I will have to place an order. It amazes me that a used Casita is not that much cheaper than a new one, especially with the limited options I need.
So I have a couple of questions, well, actually a lot of questions. Do you run your refrigerator on propane or 12v when you are driving? If I buy a used Casita I’ll be responsible for hooking it up. I have fairly good idea of what’s involved with the safety chains and I guess the hitch actually locks down on the ball. I think you use an antisway bar. Does that have to be adjusted before use? Do you back up with it still attached? I have questions about how your solar power gets to the trailer but I’ll wait on those questions. I know it’s not a pretty picture, but I would be interested to see what your hitch area looks like when you are ready to tow.
One final comment. It looks like Reggie has run off Froggy only to have an armadillo move in.
Hi, Pat,
I’m sorry I caused confusion over Coller SWA. It wasn’t a typo. During the past few weeks I’ve become aware that I need new glasses. It’s not an urgent need. I see fine with them until I look at tiny print. Lately I’ve had to use a magnifying glass to read the elevations of places. Apparently I saw the letter i where there were two “els.” I wondered why Propane Man kept calling it Coller!
That’s neat that you follow our travels on your map. I’ll continue to include roads and turns in my posts.
Yes, Casitas do hold their value and price. I gave up on trying to find used. Then I got it in my head, “Hey, this is my home for a long time. I want new!”
The coupler has a lever that pushes down once you have the coupler seated over the hitch ball. Then, with the lever down, two holes line up for you to insert the lock. If the coupler isn’t properly placed over the hitch ball, the lever won’t close all the way. BTW, if you’re ever in the situation that the lever won’t close all the way, no matter how much you try, do this… Remove the front chocks only. Then get in your tow vehicle, put it in drive and go forward a bit, then hit the brake. This will cause the coupler to jerk into place (you’ll feel it.) As the BLT got older, I’ve had to do this more often.
I use an antisway bar, easy to put on and take off with two pins. Then I swing the arm to the right tension. I was told don’t back up with it on, but I always do and haven’t had a problem.
The solar power gets to the house battery in the BLT from the two storage batteries inside the PTV by means of a cord that I plug into an outlet under the PTV’s back bumper.
As for Froggy, he’s in ICU awaiting surgery. Prognosis is good. Armadillo has taken over his position. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your travels. I recently discovered you blog. Love your clean way of describing areas and what your do. Making notes for our travels to boondocking sites. Enjoy and thanks.
Deb
Welcome, Debra! I’m very glad you discovered my blog and happy you’ve become a blogorino! Feel free to stop by often if you wish, ask questions, or just hang out. 🙂
Hi Sue and crew,
What a pretty spot right on the water, does the babbling brook sing your lullaby? Mine was cicadas, so loud and so many that I think if they worked cooperatively they could carry off my old cat! We are continueing to enjoy the beauties of Tennessee. A couple of sunny days and cool nights have been a lovely break from hot, rain and humid. I chuckled at Reggie’s approach to a captivating new friend, but I love the picture of HRH Bridgette awaiting her court.
So some questions for you, did you have the van retuned for the altitude in CO? I have heard the thinner air can cause troubles with vehicles. I look forward to hearing how your solar shower works. I have thought of the hula hoop and shower curtain arrangement as well. You could probably rest the hoop on top of two open van doors, shower, let the curtain dry and fold it up until the next use. That was quite a hail storm you had, were your solar panels alright?
Hi, Lisa,
Nice that you’ve had a few breaks from hot and humid. No, the hail storm didn’t do any damage. When I first had the solar panel I was concerned about hail. Then I realized, gee, it’s meant to go on the roof of a house. Since then, I don’t give it any thought when the hail comes along. If it were smashed today, I feel I’ve received my money’s worth from it.
No, I didn’t have the van retuned for the altitude. I guess the PTV became acclimated like me and the crew! 🙂 Not burning any oil either, after that one-time loss. A mystery!
I don’t know about the hula hoop contraption. Not convinced it would work for me. I can picture me getting tangled up in the dang thing while naked… a real predicament worthy of a Luci and Desi episode!
Tuning for altitude has not been necessary for ‘normal’ driving since ECUs become standard equipment on virtually all vehicles in the 1980s.
An engine control unit (ECU) is a type of electronic control unit that controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal engine performance. It does this by reading values from a multitude of sensors within the engine bay, interpreting the data using multidimensional performance maps (called lookup tables), and adjusting the engine actuators accordingly.
Before ECUs, air-fuel mixture, ignition timing, and idle speed were mechanically set and dynamically controlled by mechanical and pneumatic means.
Yeah! Exactly what I was going to say!
You did say it when you said ” I guess the PTV became acclimated”, just not as technical as Wikipedia said it.
One of the sensors checks for barometric pressure (i.e. altitude) and makes an adjustment/tuning as you drive.
Hi Sue, I love reading your blog but have never commented until now. When I had my van I used a solar shower. I purchased about 10′ of plastic tubing and attached it to the shower bag. On the other end I could slip the tube over my faucet and use my water pump to fill the bag laying on the van’s roof. I would route the tube inside for hot water or use it outside as a shower. The tube, a couple shutoff valves, and a way to connect to your plumbing is all you need. This worked great for me because I couldn’t lift 5 gallons of water high enough to do any good.
Welcome to blogorinoland, Dale! Thank you for reading my blog and loving it. 🙂
Your 10 feet of plastic tubing intrigues me. I’ll have to see how difficult (or not) it is for me to heft the bag up onto the roof of the PTV. Good to know about a solution if that is (or becomes) a problem for me. Thanks for explaining it. You just illustrated how one shouldn’t give up on something without taking the time to think of ways to overcome a difficulty.
I hope you will keep in touch, Dale. I have a feeling you could share some more great ideas!
Wow, Dale, that’s ingenious!! I know I couldn’t lift five gallons onto a table, mush less the roof.
Hello Sue, Crew, and Blogorinos,
I loved the story of Reggie and the tether! He has such a playful, fun way about him. The lady was such a good sport about that little adventure. Beautiful pictures as always, Sue. And a wonderful commentary to go along with them.
Sue, I am anxious to hear more about your solar water bag. It seems perfect for washing hair if you use an older folding chair and lay your head back. Anyway you choose to use it, I am so curious about it. I can remember making solar iced tea using a jar, tea bags, and sunlight. Leave it in the sun for most of the day, remove tea bags, add ice, and voila! It really had a better flavor than making it the boiled water way.
FYI, I heard from Beth over the weekend. Her mom has passed away. I think it won’t be long before she is back with her trailer and on the road again. I believe it will help with her grief knowing her mom supported her on her vagabonde decision. Please keep her in your prayers.
Take care. Safe travels. Belly rubs, hugs, and prayers for all.
Mom used to make tea outside in a large jar. She always called it “sun tea”. I know on a hot summer day you could make the tea and later enjoy sweetened ice tea on the porch in shade.
Hi, retiredcajunlady,
Sun tea is good! Used to make it all the time when I lived in Florida. Have since gotten out of the habit…
I don’t know why I didn’t think of using the solar shower while sitting in a chair with my head back. That’s how it’s done at the beauty shop! I will use my blue camp chair, the one I bought at a supermarket for under $8. It will work, I’m sure, as I can slouch back in it.
At the moment I’m low on water so I’m not experimenting with the solar shower yet. I’ll be sure to write how it works for me.
Thanks for the update on Bess and her mother. It’s a good thing she went to be with her mother and family. Bess is a dear person. I’ve missed her comments.
Thanks for the prayers and all… Same to you, rcl. I hope and pray you and your neighbors are recovering from the devastation.
I’m tellin ya Missy, keep a close watch on Reggie or someone (looking innocent here) might steal him when you are out here this winter…Nice pics and a great site there.
I know Reggie has stolen your heart, Jim. He’s your kind of boy — adventuresome, cheerful, energetic, smart, loving, and playful. I wonder if that describes you as a youngster! 🙂
Looks like heaven to me.Thanks again for sharing.
You’re welcome, vickie. Thanks for stopping by…
Hi, Sue, do you have a rough idea of how long one 20 gallon propane lasts for you? Between cooking chicken for the crew and a few meals and coffee for yourself I’m guessing you use the stove maybe twenty times a week, the fridge likely uses a bit and you seldom heat the BLT….? Just trying to decide a couple of things that involve propane use as one alternative, and thought my use will tend to be the same as yours.
Oh, gosh, weather, I’m not very good at monitoring my propane usage. As you know I had tanks filled when we went through Del Norte which was Aug. 11. I am still using the first tank. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a gauge to help me estimate how long it will last. I expect it to last another two weeks at least. I’m thinking a tank lasts a few days short of a month, when I don’t use the propane heater and rarely cooking a meal for myself, it being summer.
One thing that influences my propane usage is the way I park the BLT. If afternoon sun hits the refrigerator side (the door side), I use a lot more propane. So sometimes a tank doesn’t last as long. Having two tanks is the way to go…. Sorry I’m not more sure of my usage.
Hi Sue,
I used my solar shower for the first time in five years a few months ago. Problem was that the water weighed too much for me to lift after it. Lifting all that weight over my head was too much. I had to put it at such a low height hanging off my RV ladder that I had to bend over. I guess I could have used a separate container to fill it after I hung it but that would require another jug. I doubt I’ll use it again unless I’m desperate.
Hi, Andrea,
I’m happy to see you here again! What you describe with your solar shower is probably the biggest reason why they aren’t used more. Filling the bag after putting it up high seems like a solution (See Dale’s comment) to the weight problem.
Another idea is to sling a rope over a sturdy branch higher than your head, tie the end securely to the solar bag, pull the rope to lift the bag of water up to the branch, and tie the end to something that won’t rip out of the ground.
Good ideas Sue. I was at Horton creek in CA near Bishop. Only choice for hanging on my Class C Lazydaze was the ladder or a hook over a concrete table. In any case, I did get a kind of bath and cleanish hair. I’d have to figure something out to raise the water overhead next time. I did read Dale’s suggestions. I was there 16 days and so was low on water in my tank. Thanks for the welcome back. I’ve been fulltiming for 5+ years and have been following your blog on and off. Mostly on for the last 6 months.
Congratulations on over 5 years of full-timing. I guess I started right after you.
My rope over a tree branch doesn’t work too well in the desert. 🙂 I wonder if there is a pole with a tripod bottom, specifically made for this purpose. Okay, I’m going to Amazon to look!
This is all I found. It looks like the same thing I have for hanging a hummingbird feeder. It’s only 4 feet tall.
. Shepherd Hook, 48 Inch, Black, 2/5 Inch Thick, Super Strong
Hi Sue,
I forgot to mention that when the horses got pine pitch in their fur, we would smear peanut butter on it and let it sit awhile. The resin would soften and comb right out. Of course keeping HRH from licking off the PB might be a problem, Reggie could be eager to help too!
Also I was wondering what type of tablecloth you use and how do you keep it from blowing away?
I don’t often put out a tablecloth on the picnic table because I usually eat my meals while sitting in the lounger or my “better” camp chair, both of which have a side table.
This time I set a gallon of water on one end and a block of wood on the other (the wood being something I use to level the BLT.) I like to keep things classy. 🙂
?
Lot’s to love in this post but my favorite has to be that shot of HRH in her throne. She really seems to be enjoying the mountain air. It’s so good to see her doing so well. I can just imagine you sitting in you recliner reading a good book as she sits beside you, Reggie on his tether and your heart filled with contentment. Precious, precious days, Sue. But you knew that.
Afternoon showers and hail are very common in that part of the state in August and early September. I remember you could almost set your watch by the afternoon rain. Funny thing is you get a few miles on the other side of the divide and it’s completely different.
Pretty smart to scout a new camp and claim it with the tablecloth and chair while you went to move the trailer. I don’t remember you ever doing something like that before. Although I guess it would only work when you are already camped pretty close to your new camp.
I hope your new shower Solar shower works out for you. I bought one years ago but found I very rarely used it and finally it went to the thrift store in a rare fit of camping gear downsizing. I know you don’t use your shower in the BLT but if it was just a quick rinse of your hair couldn’t you just use the shower head in the wet bath? Not the same as being out au naturel but I’m curious why that isn’t a simpler solution. Perhaps you have stuff stored in there, I don’t remember.
And Reggie Man,
Come on Dude. As cute as you are you really shouldn’t need to have to tie them up. Just bat those eyes and wiggle your little butt and any woman you see will stop and love you up. 🙂
As always, I loved your comment, Rick! Such a treat to read your writing….
About using my shower for washing my hair. You guessed it. I have stuff in there. Also it’s a tight space, things fall, it has to be wiped down afterward. I knew right away that I didn’t want to use the bathroom-as-shower so when the hose with wand kept falling off the wall hook and being in the way, I removed it.
Hello, Sue and crew –
So happy for you that you found this lovely camp site. Love your pictures and all the comments. That’s why it takes so long to read through all your posts – reading all the comments, too. Not complaining. I have been so busy lately moving from my apt. to my Casita, etc. that I have not finished reading all of your posts, but I made notes and plan to continue where I left off.
Regarding the sway bar – I noticed that several people said it was OK to back up with it attached, as long as you didn’t perform one of those jackknife, sharp turns when backing up. Because I’m new to all this, I am pretty slow at backing up.
I haven’t used all my systems yet, but will continue to learn. Coming up to dumping time, and I haven’t done that yet. Also, haven’t filled the hot water tank – showering at the rv park’s bathroom.
I may not have a chance to boondock until January and February. I don’t have solar yet. Trying to be very frugal with my water, too. Haven’t cooked anything yet. I do have yogurt and fruit and nuts in the fridge and a few protein bars. When it cools off, I may want to cook something.
Thanks for you great blog. I always enjoy it.
Pamelab in Lubbock TX for now.
Hi, Pamelab,
I enjoyed your report! You’re doing great!
“Because I’m new to all this, I’m pretty slow at backing up.” Well, that’s the way it’s done well! Always back up slowly to avoid a jackknife or to keep from hitting something.
You mention being frugal with water. I assume you mean the water in your tank. It’s handy to have potable water in jugs, too — I use one-gallon jugs so they won’t be too heavy.
You’re finding your way, the way YOU like to camp! 🙂